cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diversity and evolution of ectomycorrhizal host associations in the Sclerodermatineae (Boletales, Basidiomycota)

Summary • This study uses phylogenetic analysis of the Sclerodermatineae to reconstruct the evolution of ectomycorrhizal host associations in the group using divergence dating, ancestral range and ancestral state reconstructions. • Supermatrix and supertree analysis were used to create the most inclusive phylogeny for the Sclerodermatineae. Divergence dates were estimated in BEAST. Lagrange was used to reconstruct ancestral ranges. BayesTraits was used to reconstruct ectomycorrhizal host associations using extant host associations with data derived from literature sources. • The supermatrix data set was combined with internal transcribed spacer (ITS) data sets for Astraeus, Calostoma, and Pisolithus to produce a 168 operational taxonomic unit (OTU) supertree. The ensuing analysis estimated that basal Sclerodermatineae originated in the late Cretaceous while major genera diversified near the mid Cenozoic. Asia and North America are the most probable ancestral areas for all Sclerodermatineae, and angiosperms, primarily rosids, are the most probable ancestral hosts. • Evolution in the Sclerodermatineae follows the biogeographic history of disjunct plant communities associated with early Cenozoic mesophytic forests and a boreotropical history. Broad geographic distributions are observed in the most promiscuous Sclerodermatineae (those with broad host ranges), while those with relatively limited distribution have fewer documented ectomycorrhizal associations. This suggests that ectomycorrhizal generalists have greater dispersal capabilities than specialists.
The Pathway Regulating MDM2 Protein Degradation Can Be Altered in Human Leukemic Cells

The MDM2 protein regulates the functional activity of the p53 tumor suppressor through direct physical association. Signals that control MDM2 expression are poorly understood but are likely to play an important role in the regulation of p53 activity. We show here that the half-life of MDM2 protein is shorter in proliferating than in quiescent peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We also demonstrate that MDM2 protein half-life is extended in some, but not all, p53 mutant human leukemic cell lines. In at least one of these p53 mutant lines, increased MDM2 protein stability is associated with higher amounts of MDM2 protein. Moreover, we demonstrate that MDM2 protein accumulates to a much greater extent in proteasome inhibitor-treated cells containing unstable MDM2 than in cells possessing stable MDM2. These results demonstrate that MDM2 expression is regulated by events that control the stability of the protein and suggest that the normal regulation of MDM2 turnover can be altered in tumor cell lines.
SOCIAL CAPITAL, DOUBLE EMBEDDEDNESS, AND MECHANISMS OF STABILITY AND CHANGE*

The authors coin the term double embeddedness to denote the two-sided nature of communities, markets, and organizations—where social, political, and economic actions are embedded in social structure and culture. Structural embeddedness and cultural embeddedness and their interactions are variable, dynamic, and complex. The authors develop a typology based on these two forms of embeddedness, illustrating four ideal-types with examples from the United States and Europe. Two paths of stability and change in the United States are analyzed. The first is the observed decline of social capital coupled with the observed stability of shared values. The second is the hypothesized geographical polarization of values and networks, such as red versus blue states. Applying Coleman’s macro–micro–macro model, it is shown that these two paths are the first and second cycles of a two-cycle model of social change. Also analyzed are some of the social mechanisms (situational, action formation, and transformational) that underlie this two-cycle model.
Administrative and artificial censoring in censored regression models

Administrative censoring, in which potential censoring times are known even for subjects who fail, is common in clinical and epidemiologic studies. Nonetheless, most statistical methods for failure-time data do not use the information contained in these potential censoring times. Robins has proposed two approaches for using this information to estimate parameters in an accelerated failure-time model; the methods generally require the analyst to treat as censored some subjects whose failure time is observed. This paper provides a rationale for this "artificial censoring", discusses some of its consequences, and illustrates some of these points with data from a randomized trial of breast cancer screening.
From the Most Fleeting of Glimpses: On the Time Course for the Extraction of Distance Information

An observer's visual perception of the absolute distance between his or her position and an object is based on multiple sources of information that must be extracted during scene viewing. Research has not yet discovered the viewing duration observers need to fully extract distance information, particularly in navigable real-world environments. In a visually directed walking task, participants showed a sensitive response to distance when they were given 9-ms glimpses of floor- and eye-level targets. However, sensitivity to distance decreased markedly when targets were presented at eye level and angular size was rendered uninformative. Performance after brief viewing durations was characterized by underestimation of distance, unless the brief-viewing trials were preceded by a block of extended-viewing trials. The results indicate that experience plays a role in the extraction of information during brief glimpses. Even without prior experience, the extraction of useful information is virtually immediate when the cues of angular size or angular declination are informative for the observer.
On the diameter of Eulerian orientations of graphs

We compare the diameter of a graph with the directed diameter of its Eulerian orientations. We obtain positive results under certain symmetry conditions.An Eulerian orientation of a graph is an orientation such that each vertex has the same indegree and outdegree. A graph is vertex-transitive if its vertices are equivalent under automorphisms.We show that the directed diameter of an Eulerian orientation of a finite vertex-transitive graph cannot be much larger than the undirected diameter; our bound on the directed diameter is O (dΔ ln n) where d is the undirected diameter, Δ is the (out)degree of the vertices, and n is the number of vertices. This implies that for Eulerian orientations of vertex-transitive graphs-of bounded degree, the gap between the two diameters is at most quadratic.As a consequence, we are able to compare the word length and the positive word length of elements of a finite group in terms of a given set of generators; we show that the gap is at most nearly quadratic, where the term "nearly" refers to a factor, polylogarithmic in the order of the group.It follows that recent polynomial bounds on the diameter of certain large classes of Cayley graphs of the symmetric group and certain linear groups automatically extend to directed Cayley graphs. The result also shows that the directed and undirected versions of long standing conjectures regarding the diameter of Cayley graphs of various classes of groups, including transitive permutation groups and finite simple groups, are equivalent.We also show that for edge-transitive digraphs, the directed diameter is O(d ln n).On the other hand, if we weaken the condition of vertex-transitivity to regularity (all vertices have the same degree), then the directed diameter is no longer polynomially bounded in terms of the undirected diameter and the maximum degree (and In n = O(d ln Δ)).Our upper bounds on the diameter raise the algorithmic challenge to find paths of the length guaranteed by these results. While for undirected graphs, most (but not all) relevant proofs are algorithmic, our bounds for the directed diameter are obtained via a pigeon-hole argument based on expansion and yield existence only.
Clinically recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis following liver transplantation: A time course

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This study sought to chronicle the natural history of PSC recurrence following OLT and identify clinical variables that may contribute to disease reemergence. From 1988 to 2006, 1102 OLTs were performed in 1032 adults at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Of these, 130 patients (12.6%) with PSC received 146 allografts. Recurrence was defined by a clinically worsening examination and radiographic evidence. A total of 9 potential predictors were considered, using both bivariate log rank and multivariate Cox analysis, including: age > 55, gender, surgical technique (piggyback technique), presence of inflammatory bowel disease, intact colon before transplant, or cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), cold ischemia time, sirolimus-based immunosuppression, and graft type. The 1, 5, and 10-year recurrence-free survival was 91%, 76%, and 61%, respectively. The crude incidence of disease recurrence was 22 of 130 patients or 16.9%. Patients' risk of recurrent PSC at 1, 5, and 10 years was 2%, 12%, and 20%, respectively (mortality censored). Of the 22 patients that developed recurrent disease, 7 received a second transplant. Of the 9 factors considered, the presence of CCA prior to OLT is significantly predictive of disease recurrence [risk ratio (RR) = 3.77; P = 0.0038]. Once a patient was diagnosed with recurrent disease, the median survival without receiving a second transplant was 39.1 months (95% confidence interval: 27.6-50.6 months). In conclusion, recurrent PSC following OLT is a formidable but protracted problem following OLT. Patients may require a second transplant following reemergent disease with reasonable survival benefit.
Analog I/O nets for syllable timing

Abstract Back-propagation has been used to train a small network for the prediction of syllable-level duration in a text-to-speech system. Both input and output are in the form of analog values, and the net performs a multiple regression function.
Specific Locations of Hydrophilic Amino Acids in Constructed Transmembrane Ligands of the Platelet-Derived Growth Factor β Receptor

The 44 amino acid E5 transmembrane protein is the primary oncogene product of bovine papillomavirus. Homodimers of the E5 protein activate the cellular PDGF β receptor tyrosine kinase by binding to its transmembrane domain and inducing receptor dimerization, resulting in cellular transformation. To investigate the role of transmembrane hydrophilic amino acids in receptor activation, we constructed a library of dimeric small transmembrane proteins in which 16 transmembrane amino acids of the E5 protein were replaced with random, predominantly hydrophobic amino acids. A low level of hydrophilic amino acids was encoded at each of the randomized positions, including position 17, which is an essential glutamine in the wild-type E5 protein. Library proteins that induced transformation in mouse C127 cells stably bound and activated the PDGF β receptor. Strikingly, 35% of the transforming clones had a hydrophilic amino acid at position 17, highlighting the importance of this position in activation of the PDGF β receptor. Hydrophilic amino acids in other transforming proteins were found adjacent to position 17 or at position 14 or 21, which are in the E5 homodimer interface. Approximately 22% of the transforming proteins lacked hydrophilic amino acids. The hydrophilic amino acids in the transforming clones appear to be important for driving homodimerization, binding to the PDGF β receptor, or both. Interestingly, several of the library proteins bound and activated PDGF β receptor transmembrane mutants that were not activated by the wild-type E5 protein. These experiments identified transmembrane proteins that activate the PDGF β receptor and revealed the importance of hydrophilic amino acids at specific positions in the transmembrane sequence. Our identification of transformation-competent transmembrane proteins with altered specificity suggests that this approach may allow the creation and identification of transmembrane proteins that modulate the activity of a variety of receptor tyrosine kinases.
The Fermi Gases and Superfluids: Experiment and Theory

Abstract The study of ultracold atomic Fermi gases is a rapidly exploding subject, which is defining new directions in condensed matter and atomic physics. Quite generally what makes these gases so important is their remarkable tunability and controllability. Using a Feshbach resonance, one can tune the attractive two-body interactions from weak to strong and thereby make a smooth crossover from a BCS superfluid of Cooper pairs to a Bose–Einstein condensed superfluid. Furthermore, one can tune the population of the two spin states, allowing observation of exotic spin-polarized superfluids, such as the Fulde Ferrell Larkin Ovchinnikov (FFLO) phase. A wide array of powerful characterization tools, which often have direct condensed matter analogs, are available to the experimenter. In this chapter, we present a general review of the status of these Fermi gases with the aim of communicating the excitement and great potential of the field.
Abstract 546: Systemic Transcriptional Alterations of Innate-Adaptive Immune Signaling Pathways in Atherosclerosis, Ischemic Stroke and Myocardial Infarction

Objective: The immune system regulates inflammation associated with chronic cardiovascular disease. The primary aim of this study was to compare gene expression profiles of three innate and adaptive immune signaling pathways --the toll-like receptor (TLR), T-cell receptor (TCR), and B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathways in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis, acute ischemic stroke (IS), and myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: Peripheral blood gene expression profiles from human atherosclerotic diseases were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO): Atherosclerosis (GSE20129: 48 patients, 71 controls), IS (GSE16561: 39 patients - samples within 24 hours from symptom onset, 24 controls), and MI (GSE29111, 18 MI patients (7 and 30 days) samples after experiencing MI). Genes in the TLR (106 genes), TCR (104 genes), and BCR (72 genes) pathways were retrieved from the NCBI BioSystems database. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to evaluate the statistical significance of gene enrichment in eac...
Identification of members of the Culex pipiens complex by immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis.

.4bsd~uct. Selected members of the Cirlex /i)wcrc therefore examined as potential techniques to aid in the identification of closely related mosquitc)os not readi]). separable by morpholo p(J)-typic species including 3 subspecies, ! ‘. /,. p+bzs Linnaeus: C’. p. fatni.j. \‘arietal forms include a physic)loc;(ic:al \,ariarzt, C’. p. pipiens var. VEenr to selected members of the gt’nt’ra A.&s and Anophies, (2) to establish reproducible patterns of precipitin-in-gel reactions for all the members of the C. pipiens complex under investigation. to compare the standardized reactions of these subspecific taxa, and (4) especially to note discriminatory reactions between parent and hybrid forms. ~\ntigenic analyses of (1) related mosquito species
Measurement of the Coupling Efficiency for Surface Plasmon Modes Generated by Nanogrooves

We present a simple far-field experiment to validate the theoretical predicted functional dependence of the SPP coupling efficiency on groove width, in good agreement with the SPP picture proposed by Lalanne’s group.
Experimental Research for Safe Gap Distance of Helicopter Live Working with Platform Method on UHV AC Transmission Line

In order to provide data basis for helicopter live working in ultra-high voltage AC(UHVAC) transmission line maintenance, and to ensure the safety of live working by the platform method, we set up the typical working conditions of full-scale simulative helicopter and conducted tests. On the basis of a number of discharge tests with a live-working gap on an 1 000 k V transmission line, we obtained the discharge characteristics of the gap under several typical live working conditions, and found the lowest discharge position during the equipotential approaching process. According to the calculation method of live working safety distance for AC transmission lines, on the premise of keeping live work risk below 10-5, the minimum safety gaps of helicopter live working on UHVAC transmission lines at the altitude no more than 1 000 m were calculated. The result show that the minimum phase-ground safety distance and complex gap are 6.8 m and 7.3 m, respectively; the minimum phase-phase safety distance and complex gap are 9.2 m and 9.5 m, respectively.
Prostaglandins do not mediate impaired autoregulation or increased renin secretion in remnant rat kidneys.

The rat remnant kidney model, produced by approximately five-sixths reduction in functional renal mass, is characterized by renal vasodilation, impaired autoregulation, and increased activity of th...
Analysis of tricarboxylic acid-cycle metabolism of hepatoma cells by comparison of 14CO2 ratios

The CO2-ratios method is applied to the analysis of abnormalities of TCA (tricarboxylic acid)-cycle metabolism in AS-30D rat ascites-hepatoma cells. This method utilizes steady-state 14CO2-production rates from pairs of tracers of the same compound to evaluate TCA-cycle flux patterns. Equations are presented that quantitatively convert CO2 ratios into estimates of probability of flux through TCA-cycle-related pathways. Results of this study indicated that the ratio of 14CO2 produced from [1,4-14C]succinate to 14CO2 produced from [2,3-14C]succinate was increased by the addition of glutamine (5 mM) to the medium. An increase in the succinate CO2 ratio is quantitatively related to an increased flux of unlabelled carbon into the TCA-cycle-intermediate pools. Analysis of 14C distribution in [14C]citrate derived from [2,3-14C]succinate indicated that flux from the TCA cycle to the acetyl-CoA-derived carbons of citrate was insignificant. Thus the increased succinate CO2 ratio observed in the presence of glutamine could only result from an increased flux of carbon into the span of the TCA cycle from citrate to oxaloacetate. This result is consistent with increased flux of glutamine to alpha-oxoglutarate in the incubation medium containing exogenous glutamine. Comparison of the pyruvate CO2 ratio, steady-state 14CO2 production from [2-14C]pyruvate versus [3-14C]pyruvate, with the succinate 14CO2 ratio detected flux of pyruvate to C4 TCA-cycle intermediates in the medium containing glutamine. This result was consistent with the observation that [14C]aspartate derived from [2-14C]pyruvate was labelled in C-2 and C-3. 14C analysis also produced evidence for flux of TCA-cycle carbon to alanine. This study demonstrates that the CO2-ratios method is applicable in the analysis of the metabolic properties of AS-30D cells. This methodology has verified that the atypical TCA-cycle metabolism previously described for AS-30D-cell mitochondria occurs in intact AS-30D rat hepatoma cells.
Tunneled Indwelling Pleural Catheters for Refractory Pleural Effusions after Solid Organ Transplant. A Case-Control Study

Rationale: The use of tunneled indwelling pleural catheters for management of refractory pleural effusions continues to increase. Pleural space infections are among the most common and serious complication of the procedure. The risk may be higher in patients receiving immunosuppressive medications.Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the risk of infections complicating placement of a tunneled indwelling pleural catheter in patients who have received a solid organ transplant.Methods: Electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with prior solid organ transplant who subsequently underwent placement of a tunneled intrapleural catheter. We selected a matched sample of comparison patients without solid organ transplant who underwent the same procedure during the study period. Detailed chart abstraction was performed to compare baseline clinical information with procedure outcomes in both groups.Measurements and Main Results: Nineteen study patients underwent kidney, ...
A comparison of the crystal structures of (dabcoH2)CuCl4 and (dabcoH2)CuCl4.H2O

The crystal structures of the anhydrous and monohydrated (dabcoH2)CuCl4⋅nH2O salts (n = 0,1) have been determined and a comparison of their crystal structures has been reported. The anhydrous salt is monoclinic P21/c with a = 9.045(2) A, b = 6.9270(10) A, c = 18.767(4) A and β = 90.07(3)° with V = 1175.8(4) A3. The hydrated salt is also monoclinic P21/c with a = 9.266(2) A, b = 9.395(2) A, c = 14.386(3) A and β = 93.32(3)° with V = 1250.3(5) A3. The structures of the two salts are closely related. Both compounds contain isolated distorted (compressed) tetrahedral CuCl4 2− anions, diprotonated dabco cations, and in the case of the hydrated salt, lattice H2O molecules. In the anhydrous salt, each of the two N–H+ groups of the dabcoH2 2+ dications form bifurcated hydrogen bonds to chloride ions on adjacent CuCl4 2− anions along the c axis, thus forming chains running parallel to the c axis. In the hydrated salt, a water molecule is inserted into one of the pair of bifurcated hydrogen bonds, forming instead N–H ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ O–H ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ CuCl4 2− linkages. The chains thus formed are cross-linked by O–H ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Cl hydrogen bonds between the chains. Because of this additional hydrogen bonding, the CuCl4 2− anions in the hydrated salt are distorted further from tetrahedral geometry.
Intraductal Tubulopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas: An Update From a Pathologist's Perspective

Context.—Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) is a rare intraductal epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas recently recognized as a distinct entity by the World Health Organization classification in 2010. It is defined as an intraductal, grossly visible, tubule-forming epithelial neoplasm with high-grade dysplasia and ductal differentiation without overt production of mucin. The diagnosis can be challenging owing to morphologic overlap with other intraductal lesions and its rarity. While recent advances in molecular genetic studies of ITPN have provided new tools to facilitate clinical diagnosis, the limited number of cases has yielded limited follow-up data to guide management. Objective.—To provide a clinical, pathologic, and molecular update on ITPN with respect to clinical presentation, imaging findings, histopathologic features, differential diagnosis, biological behavior, molecular characteristics, and treatment options. Data Sources.—Analysis of the pertinent literature (PubMed) and authors' re...
Minimally Invasive Surgery Survey: A Survey of Surgical Team Members' Perceptions for Successful Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Abstract Study Objective To develop a valid and reliable survey to measure surgical team members' perceptions regarding their institution's requirements for successful minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Design Questionnaire development and validation study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting Three hospital types: rural, urban/academic, and community/academic. Participants Minimally invasive staff (team members). Intervention Development and validation of a minimally invasive surgery survey (MISS). Measurement and Main Results Using the Safety Attitudes questionnaire as a guide, we developed questions assessing study participants' attitudes regarding the requirements for successful MIS. The questions were closed-ended and responses based on a 5-point Likert scale. The large pool of questions was then given to 4 focus groups made up of 3 to 6 individuals. Each focus group consisted of individuals from a specific profession (e.g., surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and surgical technicians). Questions were revised based on focus group recommendations, resulting in a final 52-question set. The question set was then distributed to MIS team members. Individuals were included if they had participated in >10 MIS cases and worked in the MIS setting in the past 3 months. Participants in the trial population were asked to repeat the questionnaire 4 weeks later to evaluate internal consistency. Participants' demographics, including age, gender, specialty, profession, and years of experience, were captured in the questionnaire. Factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed to determine domains (questions evaluating similar themes). For internal consistency and reliability, domains were tested using interitem correlations and Cronbach's α. Cronbach's α > .6 was considered internally consistent. Kendall's correlation coefficient τ closer to 1 and with p Conclusion The MISS is a reliable and valid tool that can be used to measure how surgical team members conceptualize the requirements for successful MIS. The MISS revealed that participants identified 6 important domains of a successful workenvironment: collaboration, error reporting, job proficiency/efficiency, problem-solving, job satisfaction, and situational awareness. The questionnaire can be used to understand and align various surgical team members' goals and expectations and may help improve quality of care in the MIS setting.
Environmental tobacco smoke exposure and periodontitis prevalence among nonsmokers in the hispanic community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Objective To describe self-reported exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and its association with periodontitis prevalence in a diverse group of Hispanics/Latinos. Methods Data came from 8675 lifetime nonsmokers in the 2008–2011 Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Exposure to ETS was self-reported, while periodontitis was defined using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-American Academy of Periodontology criteria and the proportion of sites affected by clinical attachment level of ≥3 mm or pocket depth of ≥4 mm. Survey logistic regression estimated prevalence odds ratios (POR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). In addition, we assessed whether greater hours of exposure to ETS in the past year was associated with greater periodontitis prevalence, and lastly, we conducted a simple sensitivity analysis of ETS misclassification. Results Age-standardized prevalence estimates (95% CI) for ETS exposure and periodontitis were 57.6% (55.9, 59.4) and 39.8% (38.1, 41.4), respectively. After adjusting for confounders and periodontitis risk factors, we estimated an overall adjusted POR (95% CI) for the ETS–periodontitis association as 1.09 (0.95–1.26) with a confidence limit ratio (CLR) of 1.34. This association varied in magnitude by Hispanic/Latino background, ranging from 1.04 (0.75, 1.43 with a CLR = 1.91) among Central Americans to 1.76 (1.16, 2.66 with a CLR = 2.29) in Puerto Ricans. Conclusions Previously reported associations between ETS and periodontitis appear weak in this study. However, the magnitude of the association differs according to Hispanic/Latino background.
Dietary Sodium in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial disease that is heavily influenced by environmental risk factors, such as vitamin D3 insufficiency, sunlight exposure, Epstein–Barr virus infection, and cigarette smoking. Studies from 2013 onward have a novel putative risk factor for MS: high dietary intake of sodium (table salt), which has long been associated with adverse health outcomes in other diseases. In this chapter, I review the evidence from animal models and human studies supporting the role of dietary sodium as a risk factor for MS, and discuss potential cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms involved.
Temperature-dependent frictional properties of ultra-thin boron nitride nanosheets

We investigate the temperature-dependent frictional properties of mono- and few-layer hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) by using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The measurements reveal that a modest increase in sample temperature results in a substantial decrease of the frictional force between a silicon AFM tip and a BNNS, and the frictional force change is modulated by the scan velocity of the AFM tip and the number of layers in the BNNS. The activation energy of the contact rupture for the examined BNNSs is found to be around 0.35 eV, which is substantially higher than the reported values for graphene. The observed high activation energy for the BNNS is ascribed to its electronically and topographically corrugated surface, which originates from the polarized nature of B-N bonds and the size difference of B and N atoms. The findings are useful to better understand the physical properties of hexagonal BNNS materials and in the pursuit of their applications, such as substrate materials in nano ele...
Dendritic cell-targeted lentiviral vector immunization uses pseudotransduction and DNA-mediated STING and cGAS activation.

Dendritic cell (DC) activation and antigen presentation are critical for efficient priming of T cell responses. Here, we study how lentiviral vectors (LVs) deliver antigen and activate DCs to generate T cell immunization in vivo. We report that antigenic proteins delivered in vector particles via pseudotransduction were sufficient to stimulate an antigen-specific immune response. The delivery of the viral genome encoding the antigen increased the magnitude of this response in vivo but was irrelevant in vitro. Activation of DCs by LVs was independent of MyD88, TRIF, and MAVS, ruling out an involvement of Toll-like receptor or RIG-I–like receptor signaling. Cellular DNA packaged in LV preparations induced DC activation by the host STING (stimulator of interferon genes) and cGAS (cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate synthase) pathway. Envelope-mediated viral fusion also activated DCs in a phosphoinositide 3-kinase–dependent but STING-independent process. Pseudotransduction, transduction, viral fusion, and delivery of cellular DNA collaborate to make the DC-targeted LV preparation an effective immunogen.
Manufacturing growth and local employment multipliers in China

Abstract We study the impact of employment growth in manufacturing on job creation in the non-tradable sector for prefecture-level cities in China. Using the 2000 and 2010 Censuses of Population, we apply the shift-share approach to isolate the exogenous change of employment growth in manufacturing. For every hundred new manufacturing jobs, we find that 34 additional jobs are created in the non-tradable sector. We also show that the effect is heterogeneous along a number of dimensions. More specifically, one new job in high-technology manufacturing creates more jobs in the non-tradable sector while low-technology manufacturing employment growth has no significant multiplier effect. Among the non-tradable industries, the multiplier is the largest for wholesale, retail, and catering. Finally, the effect is also geographically heterogeneous, with the multiplier being greater for inland regions.
Aura Garden: Collective and Collaborative Aesthetics of Light Sculpting in Virtual Reality

Aura Garden is a Virtual Reality environment where participants can create their own light sculptures using a physical wand and customizable tools. They can also create light sculptures by themselves or with a person in a networked virtual environment using various visual/temporal effects. In the Aura Garden, participants can experience light sculptures from different perspectives, in static or animation, and with different surface effects. Each sculpture will remain in the space and be part of the Aura Garden unless a participant decides to remove it. The real journey starts when a participant navigates around the space and discovers other participants' creations. We use consumer virtual reality product, HTC VIVE: a head-mounted display, a controller, and a motion tracker.
Putting a finger on the problem: Finger stick blood draw and immunization at the well-child exam elicit a cortisol response to stress among one-year-old children.

Abstract Research examining stress reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis in young children has historically been hampered by a lack of reliable methods to invoke a cortisol stress response. This report details an effective method of eliciting a cortisol rise in one-year-old children (N = 83) by modifying and combining two naturalistic stressors previously used with infants and children. Salivary cortisol levels were collected from children before and after a finger stick blood draw and immunizations performed during their one year well-child checkup at their pediatrician’s office. Results indicated that the stressor was successful at eliciting a significant cortisol response. An extensive set of potential demographic and clinical confounds were also assessed in order to identify methodological considerations important in studies of infant cortisol. The stress paradigm presented here provides a promising alternative for studies of infant HPA activity to enable investigators to more effectively evaluate early functioning of the biological stress system during this developmentally important life stage.
Multi-Feature Collective Decision Making in Robot Swarms

Collective decision making has been studied extensively in the fields of multi-agent systems and swarm robotics, inspired by its pervasiveness in biological systems such as honeybee and ant colonies. However, most previous research has focused on collective decision making on a single feature. In this work, we introduce and investigate the multi-feature collective decision making problem, where a collective must decide on multiple binary features simultaneously, given no a priori information about their relative difficulties. Each agent may only estimate one feature at any given time, but the agents can locally communicate their noisy estimates to arrive at a decision. We demonstrate a decentralized algorithm for single-feature decision making and a dynamic task allocation strategy that allows the agents to lock in decisions on multiple features in finite time. We validate our approach using simulated and physical Kilobot robots. Our results show that a collective can correctly classify a multi-feature environment, even if presented with pathological initial agent-to-feature allocations.
Design of a highly parallel visual recognition system

Relaxation in a conceptual hierarchy is proposed as a useful principle in the design of a visual recognition system. The domain of the implementation is Kanade's Origami world. The hierarchy is described along with the connection patterns that define the complete network. Advantages of this system are a uniform approach to intermediate and low level vision, inherent parallel approach and sharing of partial results to dynamically cut down the search for a correct match.
Computational study of acetylene hydration by bio-inspired group six catalyst models

Abstract A combination of density functional theory and natural bond orbital analysis was employed to study two bio-inspired catalyst models that mimic the acetylene hydratase active site. The Group 6 metals (Cr, Mo, W) and substituents (CN, H, CH3) on the dithiolate supporting ligands were used to evaluate the effect of metal identity and supporting ligand on free energy barriers and the thermodynamics of the reaction. In catalyst model 1, a metal-bound hydroxo ligand (MIV-OH) acts as a general base, while in catalyst model 2, a propionate plays the role of general base. The calculations showed that in both chromium complexes 1 and 2, acetylene does not bind to the metal in the reactant catalysts, suggesting that Cr is not a soft enough acid in the 4+ formal oxidation state to bind acetylene. The comparison of calculated free energies for molybdenum and tungsten complexes reveals that for models 1 and 2, Mo complexes have lower free energy barriers and are more exergonic as compared to the W variant. Comparing the energy profiles of complexes 1 and 2 indicates that on average, complex 2 has lower barrier energies in comparison to 1, while model 1 has a more exergonic ΔGrxn for acetylene hydration. NBO analysis suggests a metallocyclopropene constitutes the more faithful representation of the Mo and W reactants rather than a π-acetylene. Furthermore, calculations indicate that for both complexes 1 and 2, using electron withdrawing substituents such as CN on dithiolate supporting ligands lowers the activation free energies compared to CH3 and H substituents. Analysis of the impact of polarity through use of different continuum solvents on the reaction coordinate suggest that a less polar active site is more favorable for acetylene hydration.
Cortical Perfusion and Tubular Function as Evaluated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Correlates with Annual Loss in Renal Function in Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND Chronic hypoxia is a well-recognized factor in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Loss of microcirculation is thought to lead to enhanced renal hypoxia, which in turn results in the development of fibrosis, a hallmark of progressive CKD. To evaluate the role of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we performed perfusion, oxygenation, and diffusion MRI measurements in individuals with diabetes and stage 3 CKD. METHODS Fifty-four subjects (41 individuals with diabetes and stage 3 CKD and 13 healthy controls) participated in this study. Data with blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD), arterial spin labeling perfusion and diffusion MRI were acquired using a 3T scanner. RESULTS Renal cortical perfusion was reduced in CKD compared to the controls (109.54 ± 25.38 vs. 203.17 ± 27.47 mL/min/100 g; p < 0.001). Cortical apparent diffusion coefficient showed no significant reduction in CKD compared to controls (1,596.10 ± 196.64 vs. 1,668.72 ± 77.29 × 10-6 mm2/s; p = 0.45) but was significantly associated with perfusion. Cortical R2* values were modestly increased in CKD (20.76 ± 4.08 vs. 18.74 ± 2.37 s-1; p = 0.12). Within the CKD group, R2*_Medulla and R2*_Kidney were moderately and negatively associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate. There was a significant association between cortical perfusion and medullary response to furosemide with annual loss of renal function, used as an estimate of CKD progression. CONCLUSIONS Subjects with a moderate degree of CKD had significantly lower renal perfusion. Diffusion and BOLD MRI showed more modest differences between the groups. Individuals with progressive CKD had lower perfusion and response to furosemide.
Lumbar disc herniation: what has the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial taught us?

Intervertebral disc herniation (IDH) can cause back pain and/or radiculopathy and accounts for a significant portion of patients having spinal surgery in the USA. One of the most impactful and well-executed randomized trials to study diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes in patients with three commonly treated spinal conditions was the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT). This study and the subsequent data analyses have resulted in numerous publications related to IDH. The purpose of this review is to summarize SPORT publications with IDH results to better understand what we have learned from this important landmark trial. Publications utilizing SPORT data that reported findings related to IDH patients were identified from Medline, PubMed, and PubMed Central. The primary findings pertaining to IDH were summarized. There were 25 studies identified reporting findings related to IDH from the SPORT data published between 2004 and 2017. Publications in the following areas were summarized: epidemiology and baseline patient characteristics (1), treatment preferences and expectations (2), radiological and MRI (3), primary study objectives at two years (2), four years (1) and eight years (1), subgroup analyses (13), cost-effectiveness (1), and reherniation (1). This report reviewed the current state of SPORT publications related to IDH to identify and summarize what we have learned about diagnosis, patient characteristics, treatments, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness in patients with lumbar disc herniations. Many important findings are now published from this robust trial’s data. Clinicians should incorporate these results into their clinical decision-making and during counseling patients presenting with lumbar disc herniations.
Sensor Networks in Healthcare: Ensuring Confidentiality and User Anonymity in WBAN

Wireless body area network(WBAN) is becoming more popular in recent years. Security and privacy of this network is the major concern for the researchers. Most of the WBAN sensors currently available in the market uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol for connection. But the BLE protocol has an inherent security flaw due to its weak pairing protocol which can be easily be exploited by an attacker. In this paper, a different pairing protocol based on Lightweight Anonymous Authentication Protocol (LWAA) is proposed. Proposed protocol has a 3.8% power overhead over traditional BLE. But this is a very small price to pay if we consider all the benefits it brings to the system.
Insolation, moisture balance and climate change on the South American Altiplano since the Last Glacial Maximum

Sediment cores from Lake Titicaca contain proxy records of past lake level and hydrologic change on the South American Altiplano. Large downcore shifts in the isotopic composition of organic carbon, C/N, wt.%Corg, %CaCO3, and % biogenicsilica illustrate the dynamic changes in lake level that occurred during the past 20,000 years. The first cores taken from water depths greater than 50 meters in the northern subbasin of the lake are used to develop and extend the paleolake-level record back to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Quantitative estimates of lake level are developed using transfer functions based on the δ 13C of modern lacustrine organic sources and the δ 13C of modern sedimented organic matter from core-tops. Lake level was slightly higher than modern during much of the post-LGM (20,000–13,500 yr BP) and lake water was freshunder the associated outflow conditions. The Pleistocene/Holocene transition (13,500–7,500 yr BP) was a period of gradual regression, punctuated by minor trangressions. Following a brief highstand at about 7250 yr BP, lake level dropped rapidly to 85 m below the modern level, reaching maximum lowstand conditions by 6250 yr BP. Lake level increased rapidly between 5000yr BP and 4000 yr BP, and less rapidly between 4000 yr BP and 1500 yr BP.Lake level remained relatively high throughout the latest Holocene with only minor fluctuations (<12 meters). Orbitally induced changes in solar insolation, coupled with long-term changes in El Nino-Southern Oscillation variability, are the most likely driving forces behind millennial-scale shifts in lake level that reflect regional-scale changes in the moisture balance of the Atlantic-Amazon-Altiplano hydrologic system.
Distributed Framework for Political Event Coding in Real-Time

Studying political activities and interaction between different entities gradually becoming a prominent field of research for both the social science and computer science researchers. Research is being carried out at local (limited to a particular region) and global scale, often divided in temporal manner. It is also useful to have a most recent dataset to have an up-to-date analysis. For these purposes, we need timestamped, structured information about political interactions. Keeping this in mind, we develop a distributed framework that works in real-time with Apache Kafka and SPARK for processing a global collection of news data in different languages (i.e., Spanish, Arabic) and generate those structured data. We also provide a API for easy access to the data. In this paper, we will describe how the system works, how to access the data and possible analytical problems that can be addressed by building a model on the dataset.
Quadratus lumborum block for elective cesarean section: simpler approach may gain more acceptance.

To the Editor Dr Hansen and colleagues provide convincing evidence of the benefit of ultrasound-guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum (QL) block, in conjunction with spinal anesthesia, in reducing postoperative opioid requirement in elective cesarean section.[1][1] However, the authors admit that
Availability of Safety-net Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinical Services in the U.S., 2018.

Introduction Safety-net sexually transmitted disease services can prevent transmission of sexually transmitted disease. This study assesses the availability of safety-net sexually transmitted disease clinical services across the U.S. Methods A 2018 survey of U.S. local health departments examined the availability of safety-net providers and the availability of specific sexually transmitted disease clinical services, including point-of-care testing and treatment. In 2019, Rao–Scott chi-square tests were used to compare service availability by clinic type (sexually transmitted disease clinic versus other clinics). Results A total of 326 local health departments completed the survey (49% response rate). Of respondents, 64.4% reported that a clinic in their jurisdiction provided safety-net sexually transmitted disease services. Having a safety-net clinic that provided sexually transmitted disease services was more common in medium and large jurisdictions. Sexually transmitted disease clinics were the primary provider in 40.5% of jurisdictions. A wide range of specific sexually transmitted disease services was offered at the primary safety-net clinic for sexually transmitted diseases. Most clinics offered human papillomavirus vaccination and appropriate point-of-care treatment for gonorrhea and syphilis. Fewer than one-quarter of clinics offered point-of-care rapid plasma reagin or darkfield microscopy syphilis testing. Compared with other clinics, services more commonly offered at sexually transmitted disease clinics included same-day services, hepatitis B vaccination, rapid plasma reagin testing (syphilis), any point-of-care testing for gonorrhea, point-of-care trichomonas testing, and extragenital chlamydia or gonorrhea testing. Conclusions One-third of local health departments reported no safety-net sexually transmitted disease services or were not aware of the services, and availability of specific services varied. Without an expansion of resources, local health departments might explore collaborations with healthcare systems and innovations in testing to expand sexually transmitted disease services.
Theorizing the time-dynamics of violence:

Violence depends not only on long-standing background conditions but on time-patterns that determine when and if it breaks out, how long it lasts and how severe it is. Advances in recording technol...