cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Saliva soluble HLA as a potential marker of response to interferon-β1a in multiple sclerosis: A preliminary study

Potential surrogate markers of disease activity, including response to therapy, are particularly important in a neurological disorder such as multiple sclerosis (MS) which often has a fluctuating course. Based upon previous studies in our laboratory, we hypothesized that measurement of soluble HLA (sHLA) molecules class II in saliva of MS patients can serve as marker of therapeutic response to high dose interferon beta-1a. We measured the expression patterns of sHLA-II in saliva in 17 patients with relapsing/remitting MS and compared the results to clinical course and brain MRI. For comparison purposes we also assayed the saliva sHLA-II levels in 53 normal control subjects. Solid phase ELISA was used for measurement of sHLA-I and sHLA-II concentrations at baseline and after three and six months of treatment with high dose interferon beta-1a (IFN β-1a). The mean saliva sHLA-ll levels in MS patients was significantly higher than normal controls (354 ± 42 unit/mL vs. 222 ± 18 unit/mL, t= 8.16, p < 0.003). Comparison of saliva sHLA-II values before and after treatment with IFN β-1a revealed a consistent increase in mean concentration. The increase in saliva sHLA-II values (354 ± 42 unit/mL at baseline versus 821 ± 86 unit/mL at 3 months and 776 ± 63 unit/mL at 6 months, in unit/mL, p < 0.001 for both comparisons) was associated with a stable clinical course and a decline of the number of contrast-enhancing lesions on brain MRI. Comparison of the volume of T2-weighted lesions and the number of black holes on T1-weighted images did not reveal any significant changes (during pre-treatment versus post-treatment month 6) or any correlations with saliva sHLA-II levels. Saliva sHLA-I levels were not detectable. Serial measurement of saliva sHLA-II may serve as a potential marker of therapeutic response to IFN β-1a. Larger clinical studies involving more RRMS patients over longer periods of time are needed to further test the significance and value of saliva sHLA-II as an accurate marker of therapeutic response to beta-interferons.
On the need for quality assurance in superficial kilovoltage radiotherapy.

External auditing of beam output and energy qualities of four therapeutic X-ray machines were performed in three radiation oncology centres in northeastern Brazil. The output and half-value layers (HVLs) were determined using a parallel-plate ionisation chamber and high-purity aluminium foils, respectively. The obtained values of absorbed dose to water and energy qualities were compared with those obtained by the respective institutions. The impact on the prescribed dose was analysed by determining the half-value depth (D 1/2 ). The beam outputs presented percent differences ranging from −13 to +25%. The ratio between the HVL in use by the institution and the measurements obtained in this study ranged from 0.75 to 2.33. Such deviations in HVL result in percent differences in dose at D 1/2 ranging from −52 to +8%. It was concluded that dosimetric quality audit programmes in radiation therapy should be expanded to include dermatological radiation therapy and such audits should include HVL verification.
Sticking Probability and Step Coverage Studies of SiO2 and Polymerized Siloxane Thin Films Deposited by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition

This paper describes a method for estimating the effective sticking probability for plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) using SiO2 and polymerized siloxanes deposited on specially prepared trench structures. Comparison of the data with direct Monte-Carlo simulation curves provides information about the incorporation probability relative to film growth. It is shown that besides variation in gas chemistry, the choice of trench and film dimensions influences the step coverage. The sticking probability is shown to increase with oxygen flow rate by about 30%, from 0:1 to 10:1 02:HMDSO flow ratio. This flow rate dependence is found to be consistent with work performed on tetraethoxysilane.
Basic research for assessment of geologic nuclear waste repositories: What solubility and speciation studies of transuranium elements can tell us

Solubility and speciation data are important in understanding aqueous radionuclide transport through the geosphere. They define the source term for transport retardation processes such as sorption and colloid formation. Solubility and speciation data are useful in verifying the validity of geochemical codes that are part of predictive transport models. Results from solubility and speciation experiments of {sup 237}NpO{sub 2} {sup +}, {sup 239}Pu{sup 4+}, and {sup 241}Am{sup 3+}/Nd{sup 3+} in J-13 groundwater (from the Yucca Mountain region, Nevada, which is being investigated as a candidate high-level nuclear waste disposal site) at three different temperatures (25{degrees}, 60{degrees}, and 90{degrees}C) and pH values (6, 7, and 8.5) are presented and compared with published modeling calculations. The comparison results indicate that there is a great need for experimental data on the solubility and speciation of transuranium elements under a wide range of conditions, for example, pH, Eh, temperature, and composition of groundwaters. Additionally, the influence of alpha radiation and the radiolysis of the secondary transuranium solids on solubility and speciation should be studies. Solubility studies and model calculations should be extended to other important long-lived nuclear waste radionuclides such as nickel, zirconium, cadmium, radium, and thorium. 14 refs., 13 figs., 5 tabs.
A comparison of two iterative equalization-and-decoding techniques in frequency-hop spread-spectrum communications using Reed-Solomon coding

Two methods of packet-level iterative equalization-and-decoding are evaluated for SFH (slow-frequency-hop) spread-spectrum communication with Reed-Solomon coding. During; each iteration of the first technique, the receiver uses MLSE equalization with priors, and code-symbol erasures for bounded-distance errors-and-erasures decoding are generated by the parity-bit method. During each iteration of the second technique, the receiver uses MAP equalization with priors, and the soft equalizer outputs are used for bounded distance successive-erasures decoding. Successful decoding of some of the packet's code words in earlier iterations is used to update the equalizer's priors for the next iteration. The performance and decoding complexity of the two techniques are compared for several multipath channels.
Synthesis of ranitidine (Zantac) from cellulose-derived 5-(chloromethyl)furfural

The biomass-derived platform chemical 5-(chloromethyl)furfural is converted into the blockbuster antiulcer drug ranitidine (Zantac) in four steps with an overall 68% isolated yield.
Population-level impact of white-nose syndrome on the endangered Indiana bat

Establishing status and trend for an endangered species is critical to recovery, especially when it is faced with a nascent extinction agent. We calculated, with hierarchical log-linear change-point models, hibernaculum-level population trends between 1983 and 2009 for the endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) now subjected to the fast-spreading fungal disease white-nose syndrome. We combined trends from 222 wintering populations before and after onset of the disease to determine trend for clusters of interacting wintering populations, recovery units, and the species. Before onset of the disease, a west-to-east gradient in trends existed, with westernmost populations declining and easternmost populations increasing in abundance. The species as a whole, however, was stationary between 1983 and 2005 (� 0.5% mean annual change; 95% confidence interval [CI] ¼� 2.8, þ1.8%). Estimated mean population size in 2009 was 377,124 bats (195,398–957,348), with large variance apparently caused by white-nose syndrome. With the onset of white-nose syndrome (2006–2009), the species exhibited a 10.3% annual decline (95% CI ¼� 21.1, þ2.0%). White-nose syndrome is having an appreciable influence on the status and trends of Indiana bat populations, stalling and in some cases reversing population gains made in recent years.
Genetic relatedness in open-pollinated families of two leguminous tree species, Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Gleditsia triacanthos L.

When conducting tree breeding experiments, geneticists often assume that individuals from open-pollinated families are halfsibs. The reliability of this assumption was tested using data from enzyme electrophoresis to estimate the genetic relatedness among progeny within 22 open-pollinated families of Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust) and 34 open-pollinated families of Gleditsia triacanthos L. (honey locust) from natural stands. An algorithm employing population estimates of fixation indices, pollen allele frequencies, and selfing rates was used to calculate the mean expected number of alleles in common across loci under assumptions of either full-sib (i.e., a single pollen parent) or half-sib (i.e., random mating) relationships. For each open-pollinated family, the average coefficient of relationship among progeny was calculated by linear interpolation from the observed number of alleles in common. For most families of both species, coefficients were significantly higher than 0.25 (half-sib relation), but were significantly lower than 0.50 (full-sib relation). These results suggest that the assumption of a half-sib relationship among progeny of open-pollinated families is violated for these tree species. More critical to the estimation of heritabilities and the prediction of genetic gains was the observation that estimates of the coefficient of relationship varied widely among open-pollinated families (for R. pseudoacacia r0=0.20–0.43, mean=0.34; for G. triacanthos r0=0.29–0.55, mean=0.36).
DETERMINING REFERENCE CONDITIONS FOR ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT OF SOUTHWESTERN PONDEROSA PINE FORESTS

The fire disturbance regime and forest structure prior to Euro-American settlement (AD 1883) of a southwestern ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) landscape were quantified in order to establish reference conditions as a baseline for ecosystem management. The mean presettlement fire interval between 1637 and 1883 was 3.7 yr for all fires and 6.5 yr for widespread fires, but fire has been excluded from the study area since 1883. Forest density increased under fire exclusion from an average of 148 trees/ha in 1883 (65 pines, 80 oaks, three other species), an open forest dominated by relatively large ponderosa pines, to 1265 trees/ha in 1994/1995 (720 pines, 471 oaks, 74 others), a dense forest characterized by relatively small and young trees. Species composition has shifted toward greater dominance by Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) and conifers less adapted to frequent fires: white fir (Abies concolor) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). The reference presettlement conditions can be applied to management of this ecosystem in two ways. First, reference conditions are a benchmark against which to evaluate contemporary conditions and future alternatives. The comparison shows that the contemporary forest is well above the range of presettlement variability in forest density, and both live and dead fuel structures have developed that can support high-intensity wildfire. Second, reference conditions can serve as a goal for ecological restoration treatments.
Industry shakeouts and technological change

Abstract We analyze the evolution of four new products that experienced an initial rise and then extreme shakeout in their number of manufacturers: automobiles, tires, televisions, and penicillin. Data on entry, exit, and innovation are collected for each product to test theories of industry shakeouts. Hazard analyses indicate that earlier entrants had persistently lower hazards during the shakeouts, which was related to their greater rates of innovation. Our findings suggest shakeouts are not triggered by particular technological or other events but are part of a competitive process in which the most able early entrants achieve dominant market positions through innovation.
Complex Febrile Seizures A Practical Guide to Evaluation and Treatment

Febrile seizures are the most common type of childhood seizures, affecting 2% to 5% of children. A complex febrile seizure is one with focal onset, one that occurs more than once during a febrile illness, or one that lasts more than 10 to 15 minutes. Confusion still exists on the proper evaluation of a child presenting with a complex febrile seizure. There are ongoing research attempts to determine the link between complex febrile seizures and epilepsy. Further clarification and understanding of this disorder would be of great benefit to primary care providers and child neurologists.
Efficient resource allocation in Hybrid Wireless Networks

In this paper, we study an emerging type of wireless network - Hybrid Wireless Networks (HWNs). A HWN consists of an infrastructure wireless network (e.g., a cellular network) and several ad hoc nodes (such as a Mobile ad hoc network). Forming a HWN is a very cost-effective way to improve wireless coverage and the available bandwidth to users. Specifically, in this work we investigate the issue of bandwidth allocation in multi-hop HWNs. We propose three efficient bandwidth allocation schemes for HWNs: top-down, bottom-up, and auction-based allocation schemes. In order to evaluate the bandwidth allocation schemes, we develop a simulated HWN environment. Our simulation results show that the proposed schemes achieve good performance: the schemes can achieve maximum revenue/utility in many cases, while also providing fairness. We also show that each of the schemes has merit in different application scenarios.
Recognition and Treatment of Intrapartal Fetal Distress

This article discusses current methods for recognizing intrauterine fetal distress and outlines advantages and disadvantages of various approaches to fetal monitoring. Interpretation of fetal monitor data, treatment for fetal heart deceleration patterns and nursing considerations for the patient on a fetal monitor are discussed. Nursing measures which may effect fetal rescue, such as changing maternal position, increasing intravenous flow rate, or administering oxygen by mask, are described.
Data smashing: uncovering lurking order in data

From automatic speech recognition to discovering unusual stars, underlying almost all automated discovery tasks is the ability to compare and contrast data streams with each other, to identify connections and spot outliers. Despite the prevalence of data, however, automated methods are not keeping pace. A key bottleneck is that most data comparison algorithms today rely on a human expert to specify what ‘features' of the data are relevant for comparison. Here, we propose a new principle for estimating the similarity between the sources of arbitrary data streams, using neither domain knowledge nor learning. We demonstrate the application of this principle to the analysis of data from a number of real-world challenging problems, including the disambiguation of electro-encephalograph patterns pertaining to epileptic seizures, detection of anomalous cardiac activity from heart sound recordings and classification of astronomical objects from raw photometry. In all these cases and without access to any domain knowledge, we demonstrate performance on a par with the accuracy achieved by specialized algorithms and heuristics devised by domain experts. We suggest that data smashing principles may open the door to understanding increasingly complex observations, especially when experts do not know what to look for.
Structure of the Correspondence Principle at an Extremum Point

One of the most powerful principles of microeconomics is that comparative static properties of a given behavioural equation can often be derived from the postulate that it is a solution function of some extremum problem. Applying this principle, economists have individually analyzed a wide variety of specific economic models-usually through complicated derivations involving bordered Hessians. The main purpose of the present article is to derive general formulae of comparative statics for the extremum problem with many constraint functions, where the same shift parameters appear in both target and constraint functions and all of the constraint and target functions are non-linear. This problem contains most of the models whose comparative statics have been studied so far. Our method of comparative statics is related to those proposed by Houthakker (1951-52), Samuelson (1960, 1965), Diamond and McFadden (1974), Silberberg (1974) and Gorman (1976). Threefeatures distinguish the present approach from those ofthis literature. First, our method yields satisfactory comparative static conditions when constraints contain parameters. In particular, they contain the theorems of recent applied economic models whose shift parameters appear in both target and constraint functions.' Second, only unconstrained extremum conditions are used in our derivation of comparative statics for constrained extremum problems; the Lagrangean multiplier method is dispensed with as an analytical tool. Third, the present framework yields heuristic proofs of both the Lagrangean method and the Kuhn-Tucker conditions. The method may be outlined as follows. We transform the original constrained extremum problem into an unconstrained extremum problem of the associated gain function. This function contains as the variables vectors of both decision variables and parameters of the original problem. The unconstrained extremum conditions of the gain function with respect to the decision variables establish the Lagrangean method, while those with respect to the parameter vector yield the comnparative static formulae. Our method of derivation may be called the gain function method. In the present paper we will nowhere assume convexity, nor will we employ theories on convex sets and functions. The next section illustrates the gain function approach in the simplest possible situation by proving the Lagrangean method. Comparative static results are derived in Section 2. The Le Chatelier-Samuelson Principle is generalized in Section 3. The gain function method is applied to maximization problems with inequality constraints in Section 4. The final section presents economic applications of the results.
Subjectivity Word Sense Disambiguation

Many approaches to opinion and sentiment analysis rely on lexicons of words that may be used to express subjectivity. These are compiled as lists of keywords, rather than word meanings (senses). However, many keywords have both subjective and objective senses. False hits -- subjectivity clues used with objective senses -- are a significant source of error in subjectivity and sentiment analysis. This talk will focus on sense-level opinion and sentiment analysis. First, I will give the results of a study showing that even words judged in previous work to be reliable opinion clues have significant degrees of subjectivity sense ambiguity. Then, we will consider the task of distinguishing between the subjective and objective senses of words in a dictionary, and the related task of creating "usage inventories" of opinion clues. Given such distinctions, the next step is to automatically determine which word instances in a corpus are being used with subjective senses, and which are being used with objective senses (we call this task "SWSD"). We will see evidence that SWSD is more feasible than full word sense disambiguation, because it is more coarse grained -- often, the exact sense need not be pinpointed, and that SWSD can be exploited to improve the performance of opinion and sentiment analysis systems via sense-aware classification. Finally, I will discuss experiments in acquiring SWSD data, via token-based context discrimination where the context vector representation is adapted to distinguish between subjective and objective contexts, and the clustering process is enriched by pair-wise constraints, making it semi-supervised.
Professional and Consumer Insecticides for Management of Adult Japanese Beetle on Hybrid Tea Rose

Abstract In many states, Japanese beetle,Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabeidae), is no longer quarantined, and management is left to professional applicators and consumers. Adult management in hybrid tea rose,Rosa L., was compared among biorational insecticides, novel imidacloprid applications (tablet, gel, and root dip), and conventional insecticides. Efficacy of biorational insecticides used by consumers varied widely and may not offer predictable management: mortality was 3.0% with Garlic Barrier, 5.0% with Monterey Neem Oil, 15.1% with Pygenic (1.4% pyrethrins), and 27.3% with Orange Guard (d–limonene). Only JB Killer (0.02% pyrethrins plus 0.2% piperonyl butoxide) had mortality of 90.9%, probably due to piperonyl butoxide. Professional biorationals did not show significant mortality: 7.7% with Azatin XL (azadirachtin) and 3.7% Conserve (spinosad). In contrast, conventional insecticides demonstrated significant mortality; 88.4% with Decathlon 20 WP (cyfluthrin) and 83.3% with Discus SC (im...
Approaches to the Biochemistry of Protein Secretion in Bacteria

Studies in this laboratory on the mechanism of protein secretion in bacteria are reviewed. In Bacillus subtilis the membrane complexed with ribosomes and the free membrane were found to differ extensively in protein composition. A 64 Kd protein in the former is almost certainly involved in secretion, since it is protected by the ribosomes from interacting with protease or with antibody. This protein is also present in the cytoplasm as a complex with three additional proteins, which sediments with the 70S ribosome fraction; its relation to the ribosomes, and to the initiation of protein secretion, is under investigation. In addition, the membrane fraction associated with polysomes contains a 38 Kd protein that appears to be involved in secretion, since it remains with the polysomes after solubilization of the membrane with Triton.
Complexity matching effects in bimanual and interpersonal syncopated finger tapping

The current study was designed to investigate complexity matching during syncopated behavioral coordination. Participants either tapped in (bimanual) syncopation using their two hands, or tapped in (interpersonal) syncopation with a partner, with each participant using one of their hands. The time series of inter-tap intervals (ITI) from each hand were submitted to fractal analysis, as well as to short-term and multi-timescale cross-correlation analyses. The results demonstrated that the fractal scaling of one hand's ITI was strongly correlated to that of the other hand, and this complexity matching effect was stronger in the bimanual condition than in the interpersonal condition. Moreover, the degree of complexity matching was predicted by the strength of short-term cross-correlation and the stability of the asynchrony between the two tapping series. These results suggest that complexity matching is not specific to the inphase synchronization tasks used in past research, but is a general result of coordination between complex systems.
Talking Up and Talking Down: The Power of Positive Speaking

Consistent with Lewin's legacy and SPSSI's traditions, out work has focused on inequality and power dynamics between people. Drawing on interpersonal positivity biases, stereotype content emphasizing perceived warmth and competence, and on the compensation effect (trading off warmth and competence), we study how people communicate, understand, and present themselves and others, especially across status divides. First, polite communicators omit negativity in describing individuals, especially stereotyped ones. Negativity omission creates innuendo (its absence implies the negative information), which allows stereotype to stagnate. Listeners understand the innuendo and infer the negativity from its omission. Impression-managers understand this dynamic and use positive innuendo: They downplay one aspect (e.g., warmth or competence) to convey the other. Status determines which strategy people use: High-status speakers talk down (warmly), and low-status speakers talk up (competently). Cross-race interactions also show this dynamic. This creates dysfunctional inter-status interactions, the two people operating at crossed purposes.
Looking at diabetic ketoacidosis through electrocardiogram window

Abstract Background Initial serum potassium (K+) in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) often does not reflect the true amount of total body K+ storage, and it is not a good predictor of subsequent hypokalemia. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that a deficiency of the total body K+ storage can be detected initially on surface electrocardiography (ECG). Method Medical records of 350 patients with a diagnosis of DKA were reviewed. Data regarding serial basic metabolic panels, arterial blood gases, serum ketones, and total K+ replacement that patient received during admission were collected. We compared biochemical findings for patients with and without QTU corrected (QTUc) prolongation by using the t test. Patients who were taking medications known to affect QTUc or cause ST-T changes were excluded. Results After exclusion criteria, 61 patients were enrolled in this study. In 38 patients (62.9%), QTUc was more than or equal to 450 milliseconds. Patients with prolonged QTc received statistically more K+ supplementation during admission ( P = .014). They also had lower serum K+ level during their hospital course ( P = .002) compared to patients with normal QTUc intervals. No significant difference was found between initial serum K+, calcium, glucose, anion gap, acidosis, age, or heart rate between these 2 groups. Conclusion The significant relationship between K+ depletion and the ECG changes observed in this study deserves further consideration. Our findings confirm the concept that the ECG is an easy and reliable tool for early diagnosis of hypokalemia in patients with DKA.
A Qualitative Study of Older Adults and Staff at an Adult Day Center in a Cambodian Community in the United States.

Purpose: Adult day care programs in the United States are seeing an increase in culturally diverse patients. The purpose of this study was to better understand the subjective experiences of staff and Cambodian refugees attending an adult day center in the United States that provides services focused on the cultural needs of the older adults, such as Cambodian food, activities, and Cambodian staff. Design: This is a qualitative study using grounded theory to analyze 10 individual interviews from staff members and 80 individual interviews from participants who attend an adult day care program for Cambodians in a city in the northeast United States. Findings: Three primary themes emerged: The participants felt respected, there was a generational tension between the young staff and the participants, and the center acted as a cultural liaison between the medical providers and the participants.
Toroidal networks

The essential features of the toroidal network topology are examined, and its performance is evaluated. Some of the proposed applications of toroidal networks are described. Included in the discussion are metropolitan area network communication and multiprocessor interconnection, as well as the use of VLSI technology. >
Regulation of Itch and Nedd4 E3 Ligase Activity and Degradation by LRAD3.

Itch and Nedd4 are members of the Nedd4 family of E3 ubiquitin ligases that are important in a number of biological processes. Precise regulation of their enzymatic activity is required for normal physiological function. Nedd4-like E3 ligases exist in an inactive form resulting from intramolecular interactions of their catalytic HECT domain with their WW domains. We identified the low-density-lipoprotein receptor class A domain containing 3 (LRAD3), a member of the LDL receptor family, as a potent activator of Itch and Nedd4 as evidenced by their increased auto-ubiquitination when bound to LRAD3. LRAD3 contains two PPxY motifs within its intracellular domain, both of which can bind to the WW domains on Itch and other Nedd4 family members with high affinity. Mutational analysis revealed that binding of Itch to the terminal LRAD3 PPxY motif is required to promote its auto-ubiquitination. We also determined that association of Itch and Nedd4 with LRAD3 leads to increased auto-ubiquitination and subsequent de...
Characterization of Fibrin Matrix Incorporated Electrospun Polycaprolactone Scaffold

CHARACTERIZATION OF FIBRIN MATRIX INCORPORATED ELECTROSPUN POLYCAPROLACTONE SCAFFOLD By: Cho Yi Wong, DDS A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University 2016 Thesis director: Parthasarathy A. Madurantakam D.D.S., M.D.S., Ph.D Assistant Professor, Department of General Practice Specific objective: Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) aims to regenerate the lost attachment apparatus caused by periodontal disease through the use of a barrier membrane. For the GTR procedures to be successful, barrier membranes are required to be present at the surgical site for an extended period of time (weeks to months). Synthetic membranes have the advantage of prolonged presence in a wound site; however, they do not actively contribute to wound healing. Biologic membranes are recognized by the host tissue and participate in wound healing but have the disadvantage of early resorption. Therefore, the goal of this study is to create and characterize a hybrid barrier membrane that contains biologically active fibrin matrix within a synthetic polymeric electrospun
Surveillance and epidemiologic analysis of a vaccine-derived poliovirus case imported from Myanmar to Yunnan province of China

Objective To survey and analyze the epidemiologic data collected from the first case of vaccine-de- rived poliovirus(VDPV)imported from Myanmar to the border area of Yunnan province of China.Methods RT-PCR was used to quickly test the specimens of an acute flaccid paralysis(AFP)cases immigrated from Myanmar bordering with China.Poliovirus and enteroviruses were monitored in stool specimens from people who live in the border areas of China where the Myanmar VDPV case once stayed and passed through during his traveling to the border hospital of China for treatment.Stool samples from healthy children were collected at area of China bordering to Myanmar.Poliovirus was also monitored continuously in sewage water samples from Lincang city and Zhenkang county of Yunnan province for six months after the VDPV case left China.Polio neutralizing antibody levels in health children from border areas of China and Myanmar were tested to evaluate the risk of new import again.Results Laboratory analysis indicated that the VDPV case imported from Myan- mar was the first case in Yunnan since the polio was eradicated in China from 2000.The virus was polio typeⅠand there were 21nucleotide(2.3%)difference comparing to the poliovirus reference sequence of Chi- na.The same virus was not detectable among children who might have close contact with the imported case, healthy children and sewage water.Thirteen non-polioviruses were detected in healthy children,5in sewage water,andⅠ polio typeⅢin environment.Positive rates of neutralization antibodies against polio typeⅠ, typeⅡand typeⅢin Chinese children were 100.00%,100.00%and 98.00%,respectively,and in Myanmar children 94.34%,100.00%and 84.91%,respectively.Conclusions The polio laboratory in Yunnan province of China monitored the imported polio case immediately and effective monitoring measures were taken to identi- fy the virus.Immune barriers had been built up in border areas to prevent the disease transmission in the border areas between Myanmar and China.
William F. House Lecture. Neurotologic manifestations of microvascular hypoperfusion.

Some forms of dizziness, imbalance, and hearing change have been suspected to result from a vertebral basilar artery circulatory deficit. Microvascular hypoperfusion of the central nervous system (CNS) is proposed as a more likely mechanism than thromboembolic phenomena of the parent arteries. Symptoms of end-organ pathology must be differentiated from CNS causes to assure implementation of an appropriate treatment strategy. Guidelines for the evaluation of these patients are provided. Changes in platelet and red and white blood cell morphology are proposed as more significantly influencing blood flow than blood pressure or vessel caliber. Medications that alter blood rheology, have been found to alleviate the acute symptoms of microvascular hypoperfusion. Residual balance deficits from presumed long-term CNS ischemia have then been relieved by balance rehabilitation training. With the recognition of this disease entity there appears another means of aiding patients with dizziness and balance problems who have previously experienced long-term disability. The results of a preliminary study of 378 patients merits further investigation of the proposed pathophysiology and treatment measures
Modulation of the E. coli rpoH Temperature Sensor with Triptycene-Based Small Molecules.

Regulation of the heat shock response (HSR) is essential in all living systems. In E. coli, the HSR is regulated by an alternative σ factor, σ32, which is encoded by the rpoH gene. The mRNA of rpoH adopts a complex secondary structure that is critical for the proper translation of the σ32 protein. At low temperatures, the rpoH gene transcript forms a highly structured mRNA containing several three-way junctions, including a rare perfectly paired three-way junction (3WJ). This complex secondary structure serves as a primitive but highly effective strategy for the thermal control of gene expression. In this work, the first small-molecule modulators of the E. coli σ32 mRNA temperature sensor are reported.
Still Convicting the Innocent

In 1932, Edwin Borchard's Convicting the Innocent offered the first systematic attempt to document and describe the existence of Judge Hand‘s "ghost" of the innocent prisoner wrongly convicted. Three quarters of a century later, Professor Brandon Garrett has published a book of the same title with similar goals - but in the context of the game-changing phenomenon of DNA exonerations. Garrett's volume summarizes the vast data collected and analyzed in his study of the first 250 DNA exonerations in the United States, and in so doing offers the most empirically rich and conceptually nuanced descriptive account to date of the machinery of wrongful conviction. Moreover, to ongoing debates over the direction of criminal justice reform, it offers a persuasive and sustained critique of the tenaciously resilient notion that the unparalleled procedural protections of the American jury system are effective checks on substantive accuracy as well. And yet, Convicting the Innocent does not offer quite as powerful an explanatory lens as Garrett sometimes claims, and does not advance the ball of criminal justice policy reform as far as it might. Part II of this Review suggests that the project is hampered in fulfillment of its descriptive and prescriptive agendas by constraints intrinsic to the data at Garrett‘s disposal, and by limitations that Garrett‘s own framing and methodology impose. Part II further offers that modest but important qualifiers and additions to Garrett‘s agenda could enhance the prospect that his worthy contribution to criminal-justice-reform conversations will translate into positive and much-needed change.
Screening of Microorganisms Producing D-p-Hydroxyphenylglycine from DL-5-(p-Hydroxyphenyl)hydantoin

Microorganisms that asymmetrically produce D-p-hydroxyphenylglycine (D-HPG) from DL-5-(p-hydroxyphenyl)hydantoin (DL-HPH), an intermediate in the chemical synthesis of DL-HPG, were screened from stock cultures and soil samples. Of the 430 strains of bacteria, yeasts and actinomycetes obtained from our stock cultures, only two, Achromobacter delicatulus AJ-2446 and Achromobacter delicatulus AJ-2447, were capable of producing D-HPG from DL-HPH, but the yields were rather low. A bacterium with high productivity was isolated from a soil sample. It was classified as a bacterium belonging to the genus, Pseudomonas. In the presence of intact cells of Pseudomonas sp. AJ-11220 isolated from soil, which was selected as the best strain, D-HPG was produced from D-, L- and DL-HPH at a molar yield of more than 90%. This suggests that racemization and asymmetric hydrolysis occurred simultaneously in this reaction system.
DNA-Catalyzed Introduction of Azide at Tyrosine for Peptide Modification.

We show that DNA enzymes (deoxyribozymes) can introduce azide functional groups at tyrosine residues in peptide substrates. Using in vitro selection, we identified deoxyribozymes that transfer the 2′-azido-2′-deoxyadenosine 5′-monophosphoryl group (2′-Az-dAMP) from the analogous 5′-triphosphate (2′-Az-dATP) onto the tyrosine hydroxyl group of a peptide, which is either tethered to a DNA anchor or free. Some of the new deoxyribozymes are general with regard to the amino acid residues surrounding the tyrosine, while other DNA enzymes are sequence-selective. We use one of the new deoxyribozymes to modify free peptide substrates by attaching PEG moieties and fluorescent labels.
Tropes as Divine Acts: The Nature of Creaturely Properties in a World Sustained by God

I aim to synthesize two issues within theistic metaphysics. The first concerns the metaphysics of creaturely properties and, more specifically, the nature of unshareable properties, or tropes. The second concerns the metaphysics of providence and, more specifically, the way in which God sustains creatures, or sustenance. I propose that creaturely properties, understood as what I call modifier tropes, are identical with divine acts of sustenance, understood as acts of property-conferral. I argue that this theistic conferralism is attractive because it integrates trope theory and the doctrine of sustenance in a mutually enhancing way. Taking modifier tropes to be divine acts mitigates certain weaknesses of trope theory and safeguards divine sustenance from the threat of both deism and occasionalism.
α-Synuclein Oligomers Induce a Unique Toxic Tau Strain.

Abstract Background The coexistence of α-synuclein and tau aggregates in several neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, raises the possibility that a seeding mechanism is involved in disease progression. Methods To further investigate the role of α-synuclein in the tau aggregation pathway, we performed a set of experiments using both recombinant and brain-derived tau and α-synuclein oligomers to seed monomeric tau aggregation in vitro and in vivo. Brain-derived tau oligomers were isolated from well-characterized cases of progressive supranuclear palsy (n = 4) and complexes of brain-derived α-synuclein/tau oligomers isolated from patients with Parkinson’s disease (n = 4). The isolated structures were purified and characterized by standard biochemical methods, then injected into Htau mice (n = 24) to assess their toxicity and role in tau aggregation. Results We found that α-synuclein induced a distinct toxic tau oligomeric strain that avoids fibril formation. In vivo, Parkinson’s disease brain–derived α-synuclein/tau oligomers administered into Htau mouse brains accelerated endogenous tau oligomer formation concurrent with increasing cell loss. Conclusions Our findings provide evidence, for the first time, that α-synuclein enhances the harmful effects of tau, thus contributing to disease progression.
Static plane-strain deformation of transversely isotropic magneto-electro-elastic and layered cylinders to general surface loads

Abstract Anisotropic and layered cylinders are important composite structures; however, their system of governing equations is usually solved numerically due to the complicated geometry and material anisotropy involved. In this paper, we analytically solve the plane-strain equations for general static deformation of a cylindrically anisotropic, layered magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) cylinder. We assume that the layers are perfectly bonded at the interfaces. We solve the equations through separation of variables and eigenfunction expansion. Results for each mode shape (2π periodic) are solved independently. Because the eigenspace of the mode shapes is the set of all continuous functions on the interval, any continuous loading can be applied and the corresponding solution can be found analytically through superposition of the mode-shape results. To check our formulation, we consider a cylinder with two isotropic-elastic layers under simple radial loading and reproduce the known, exact results. Then, we compare our formulation to an FEA solution for a layered piezo-electric (PE) cylinder. Finally, we apply a radial stress to three comparable MEE cylinders (one uniform MEE cylinder and two layered cylinders made of alternating piezo-electric (PE) and piezo-magnetic (PM) materials). Deformation and stress amplitudes are plotted for the first six mode shapes of each cylinder as benchmarks for further reference.
Iron and Harmful Algae Blooms: Potential Algal-Bacterial Mutualism Between Lingulodinium polyedrum and Marinobacter algicola

Phytoplankton blooms can cause acute effects on marine ecosystems either due to their production of endogenous toxins or due to their enormous biomass leading to major impacts on local economies and public health. Despite years of effort, the causes of harmful algal blooms (HAB) are still not fully understood. Our hypothesis is that bacteria that produce photoactive siderophores may provide a bioavailable form of iron to commensally associated phytoplankton, which could in turn affect algal growth and bloom dynamics. Here we report a laboratory-based study of binary cultures of the dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedrum, a major HAB species, with Marinobacter algicola DG893, a phytoplankton-associated bacterium that produces the photoactive siderophore vibrioferrin. Comparing binary cultures of L. polyedrum with both the wild type and the vibrioferrin minus mutant of M. algicola shows that bacteria are necessary to promote dinoflagellate growth and that this growth promotion effect is at least partially related to the ability of the bacterium to supply bioavailable iron via the siderophore vibrioferrin. These results support the notion of a carbon for iron mutualism in some bacterial-algal interactions.
Assessing UO2 sample quality with μ-Raman spectroscopy

Abstract μ-Raman spectroscopy of UO2 has demonstrated its value as a tool in nuclear forensics and for analyzing nuclear fuels, but its ability to evaluate UO2 sample quality has been relatively unexplored. To investigate this potential, a three-pronged study that uses Raman spectroscopy to analyze 1) three distinct qualities of UO2 single crystals with two different excitation lasers, 2) a high quality single crystal UO2 sample that is progressively damaged with a laser, and 3) a single crystal of UO2 grown on top of a ThO2 substrate was undertaken. The results demonstrate that the peak height ratio between the second order longitudinal optical phonon signal near 1145 cm−1 and the T2g peak located near 450 cm−1 is directly correlated with crystal quality when a 532 nm excitation source is used. Furthermore, this observed pattern relies upon the two most intense peaks that are present in the Raman spectra, making it more robust to lower signal-to-noise ratios than similar trends present in the peak height ratio between the first order longitudinal optical phonon signal near 565 cm−1 and the T2g peak. Both peak height ratios are more sensitive indicators of the crystal quality than the width ratios of the same signals or the associated wavenumber shift in the T2g peak location. The correlation between the 2LO and T2g peak heights and the overall crystal quality offers the potential to directly assess and compare the quality of different samples of single crystal UO2.
Advances in Measurement in School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports:

In recent years, there has been an increased research focus on developing tools to support the design, installation, and evaluation of tiered systems of support. In this special issue, we focus on ...
Experimental Observations of Micro-Doppler Signatures With Passive Radar

Passive radar's ability to observe micro-Doppler phenomena from helicopters, fixed-wing propeller aircraft, and jet engine modulation is examined. Experimental results from a digital television based passive radar demonstrate its potential to observe characteristic signatures of multiple types of air targets and estimate helicopters’ primary rotor parameters.
Abstract P358: Association of Antidepressant Medication Type With the Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background: Although antidepressant medications (ADM) are effective in treating depression, a well-established cardiovascular risk factor, they are associated with autonomic dysfunction, also linke...
The Promise of a “Network of Networks” Strategy to Scale Change: Lessons From the AAU STEM Initiative

Now, I can say—I know some people across the country who are working on improving teaching in STEM. I can pay attention to what they are doing. I know if I see an article in Science or a position p...
A Case for a Critical Information Ethics: Lessons Learned from Research Justice

Information ethics as taught in academic information literacy treats students as consumers, largely ignores the broader sociopolitical context of academic knowledge creation and, through a lack of critical analysis, reproduces Eurocentrism and colonialism in the information literacy classroom and literature. We propose applying a critical information ethics inspired by research justice that emphasizes solidarity with marginalized people and communities, respect for community knowledge, and moral integrity related to situated knowledge versus capitalist notions of information as a commodity. Pre-print first published online 01/20/2019
A Schutzian Theory of Cultural Anthropology

Late in his career Schutz showed some interest in cultural anthropology, but did not begin to develop a theory of it. Nevertheless, such a theory can be begun through comparison with other social sciences and drawing on texts for ethnography and ethnology where disciplinary definition, basic concepts, and distinctive methods are concerned.