cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aspergillus parasiticus SU-1 Genome Sequence, Predicted Chromosome Structure, and Comparative Gene Expression under Aflatoxin-Inducing Conditions: Evidence that Differential Expression Contributes to Species Phenotype

The filamentous fungi Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus produce the carcinogenic secondary metabolite aflatoxin on susceptible crops. These species differ in the quantity of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 produced in culture, in the ability to produce the mycotoxin cyclopiazonic acid, and in morphology of mycelia and conidiospores. To understand the genetic basis for differences in biochemistry and morphology, we conducted next-generation sequence (NGS) analysis of the A. parasiticus strain SU-1 genome and comparative gene expression (RNA sequence analysis [RNA Seq]) analysis of A. parasiticus SU-1 and A. flavus strain NRRL 3357 (3357) grown under aflatoxin-inducing and -noninducing culture conditions. Although A. parasiticus SU-1 and A. flavus 3357 are highly similar in genome structure and gene organization, we observed differences in the presence of specific mycotoxin gene clusters and differential expression of specific mycotoxin genes and gene clusters that help explain differences in the type and quantity of mycotoxins synthesized. Using computer-aided analysis of secondary metabolite clusters (antiSMASH), we demonstrated that A. parasiticus SU-1 and A. flavus 3357 may carry up to 93 secondary metabolite gene clusters, and surprisingly, up to 10% of the genome appears to be dedicated to secondary metabolite synthesis. The data also suggest that fungus-specific zinc binuclear cluster (C6) transcription factors play an important role in regulation of secondary metabolite cluster expression. Finally, we identified uniquely expressed genes in A. parasiticus SU-1 that encode C6 transcription factors and genes involved in secondary metabolism and stress response/cellular defense. Future work will focus on these differentially expressed A. parasiticus SU-1 loci to reveal their role in determining distinct species characteristics.
Imaging-based thermal modelling and reverse engineering of as-built automotive components: A case study

Virtual prototyping of objects with thermal characteristic requirements depends on several aspects such as the geometry of the component, material properties, ambient environmental conditions and most importantly temperature curves/heat patterns of the component when functional. In this case study, we present the data acquisition methodology towards thermal modeling of as-built automotive parts into their virtual prototypes. We explain the imaging-based reverse engineering pipeline suitable for our application towards recovering 3D geometry and identify tools for measuring temperature curves in the data collection process. Further, we show results of immersing the reverseengineered mesh in the thermal simulation environment and verify the finite-element based simulation results to agree with the thermal image sequences. Our experimental results based on automobiles are able to address the issue of thermal modeling and verification of virtual vehicle components even when the computer aided design (CAD) models are not available. Finally, we conclude our investigation with the experimental achievability and limitations of imaging-based thermal modeling of vehicle components.
Cytochrome P-450 Interaction with Arachidonic Acid Hydroperoxides: Role in Lipid Peroxidation

The addition of the methyl ester of 15-hydroperoxyeicosa-5,8,11,13-tetraenoic acid, an arachidonic acid hydroperoxide, to rat liver microsomes results in the uptake of molecular oxygen and the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive products, indicative of lipid peroxidation. Addition of the hydroperoxide to boiled microsomes does not lead to lipid peroxidation. Metyrapone and imidazole anti-mycotic agents, inhibitors of cytochrome P-450-dependent reactions, inhibit the initial rates of lipid peroxidation. The antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole inhibits lipid peroxidation at a sub-stoichiometric concentration relative to the hydroperoxide, suggesting that the reaction is an autocatalytic free-radical process. The results indicate that microsomal cytochrome P-450 may play a role in the transformation of lipid hydroperoxides (such as those produced by the irradiation of membranes) to products of lipid peroxidation.
Lightweight meter class optics for deployable optical arrays

Next generation space-based imaging systems (>4 meters) will require high resolution, timely imagery without substantially adding to system mass or cost. Locating tactical targets from high orbits that provide synoptic coverage requires large aperture imaging. The need for large aperture imaging systems pushes fairing volumetric constraints and launch mass constraints. To satisfy this need for large aperture optics, deployable lightweight optical arrays are required. The Space Vehicles Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/VS) has pooled its resources in an effort to enable space-based imaging systems at a reduced payload mass. Currently, AFRL/VS is working on a ground demonstration of lightweight meter class optics (UltraLITE program). The ground demonstration test bed includes a full scale deployable precision structure integrated with an optical-mechanical control system. A lightweight optical array flight experiment is being proposed as a follow-on. To support this initiative, AFRL is investing in two high payoff structures technologies: lightweight support structure for deployed optics and ultralight composite mirrors. The goal of the composite mirror program is to develop subscale lightweight (area densities: 5-8 kg/m/sup 2/) mirrors with residual figure errors of /spl lambda//40 r.m.s. and wavefront errors of /spl lambda//20 r.m.s. These subscale ground demonstration mirrors are to operate in the visible spectrum (650 nm). A composite fixed third surface mirror and a Continuous Fiber Reinforced Ceramic (CFRC) Silicon Carbide (SiC) mirror are being considered as possible candidates for future ground and flight demonstrations of lightweight mirrors.
Matrix Gla protein regulates calcification of the aortic valve.

Abstract Background The aortic valve interstitial cell (AVIC) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of aortic stenosis. In response to proinflammatory stimulation, the AVIC undergoes a phenotypic change from that of a myofibroblast phenotype to that of osteoblast-like cell. Matrix Gla-protein (MGP) has been identified as an important inhibitor of vascular calcification. We therefore hypothesized that MGP expression is reduced in diseased AVICs, and loss of this protective protein contributes to calcification of the aortic valve. Our purpose was to compare MGP expression in normal versus diseased AVICs. Materials and methods Human AVICs were isolated from normal aortic valves from explanted hearts ( n = 6) at the time of heart transplantation. AVICs were also isolated from calcified, diseased valves of patients ( n = 6) undergoing aortic valve replacement. AVICs were grown in culture until they reached passages 2–6 before experimentation. Immunofluorescent staining, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to compare levels of MGP in normal and diseased AVICs. Statistics were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test ( P Results MGP expression was significantly decreased in diseased AVICs relative to normal AVICs by immunofluorescent staining, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Conclusions An important anti–calcification defense mechanism is deficient in calcified aortic valves. MGP expression is significantly lower in diseased relative to normal AVICs. Lack of this important “anti-calcification” protein may contribute to calcification of the aortic valve.
In Situ Examination of moving Crack Tips in Ordered Intermetallics

Recent studies have shown that high stress concentrations at moving crack tips in the intermetallic compound NiTi can induce a crystalline-to-amorphous (C-A) transformation of the crack tip region. This stress-induced C-A transformation has a temperature dependence and crystallization behavior similar to those of ion irradiation-induced C-A transformation of NiTi. The present study examines if these similarities between stress- and irradiation-induced amorphization hold true for two other intermetallic compounds, CuTi and Ni{sub 3}Ti. In situ straining was performed in an intermediate-voltage transmission electron microscope. The presence or absence of an amorphous phase was determined by dark field imaging and selected area diffraction of crack tip regions. Crack tips in both CuTi and Ni{sub 3}Ti were found to remain crystalline upon fracture. The observed absence of stress-induced amorphization in Ni{sub 3}Ti is consistent with its known absence during irradiation, but the absence in CuTi differs from its known irradiation-induced amorphization behavior. Reasons for the similarity and difference are discussed.
Range Identification in the Presence of Unknown Motion Parameters for Perspective Vision Systems

This paper presents a nonlinear observer for the range identification problem for a moving object, whose motion is described by a known linear system with unknown coefficients. Convergent estimates of the unknown motion parameters can be guaranteed under certain observability conditions.
The Transnational Turn: Rediscovering American Studies in a Wider World

Few American writers have been so rooted in a single place as Henry David Thoreau. Born in Concord, Massachusetts, sixteen miles west of Boston, Thoreau spent nearly all his short life, some forty-four years, in the vicinity of his native town – “the most estimable place in all the world” he deemed it – with only brief sojourns beyond New England. Like many of his contemporaries, he did try out the big city, living close to Manhattan in 1843, an aspiring writer, age twenty-six, with hopes of a literary career. But he quickly recoiled from the urban scene. “I don't like the city better, the more I see it, but worse,” he wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson. “I am ashamed of my eyes that behold it. It is a thousand times meaner than I could have imagined. … The pigs in the street are the most respectable part of the population.” Homesick, he was back in Concord within six months. Only once did he stray outside the United States, for a week-long excursion to Montreal and Quebec. To this “Yankee in Canada,” it was a disappointing jaunt. “What I got by going to Canada was a cold.” Thoreau was simply happiest in his hometown, where he “traveled a good deal,” exploring the ponds, woods, and fields, observing and provoking the neighbors, and transforming his chosen ground, in Walden and in his journals, into a sacred site on the American literary landscape. Concord, he declared, is “my Rome, and its people … my Romans.”
Probing the phosphopeptide specificities of protein tyrosine phosphatases, SH2 and PTB domains with combinatorial library methods.

Protein tyrosine phosphatases, SH2 and PTB domains are crucial elements for cellular signal transduction and regulation. Much effort has been directed towards elucidating their specificity in the past decade using a variety of approaches. Combinatorial library methods have contributed significantly to the understanding of substrate and ligand specificity of phosphoprotein recognizing domains. This review gives a brief overview of the structural characteristics of protein tyrosine phosphatases, SH2 and PTB domains and their binding to phosphopeptides. The chemical synthesis of peptides containing phosphotyrosine or phosphotyrosi ne mimics and the various formats of synthesis and deconvolution of combinatorial libraries are explained in detail. Examples are given as how different combinatorial libraries have been used to study the interaction of phosphopeptides with SH2 domains and phosphatases. The intrinsic advantages and difficulties of library synthesis, screening and deconvolution are pointed out. Finally, some experimental results on the substrate specificity of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and the SH2 domain of the adaptor protein Grb-2 are summarized and discussed.
A Comparison of Two Mental Workload Instruments in Multimedia Instruction

Cognitive Load Theory focuses on several assessment techniques to assess overall cognitive load, including its three-subclasses, and its relationship to learning. Methods include psychophysical and secondary task techniques, along with task performance and self-report. The current study looks to review two popular self-report measures (NASA Task Load indeX, and a short subjective instrument) and identify not only if they are consistent with one another, but also to discover whether both are equally sensitive across changes in levels of cognitive load subclasses. The two subclasses looked at in this study are intrinsic load, which is related to element interactivity, and extraneous load, which is influenced by the instructional design itself. Results from this study indicate that the NASA-Task Load index, as a weighted multi-dimensional rating scale, differs in measurement of the demands faced by learners in a PC-based, multimedia-learning environment from the more traditional, single-questions short subje...
Nonequilibrium Phase Formation in Oxides Prepared at Low Temperature: Fergusonite‐Related Phases

Sol-gel methods have been developed to prepare YNbO{sub 4}, YTaO{sub 4}, and other rare-earth niobates and tantalates with fergusonite-related crystal structures. At low temperatures, all of the fergusonites, with the exception of SmTaO{sub 4}, crystallize in a metastable tetragonal (T{prime}) structure similar to that of tetragonal zirconia. Although all of the equilibrium forms of these oxides adopt a crystal structure containing an ordered distribution of the trivalent and pentavalent cations, a random cation distribution is obtained in the metastable T{prime} phase. Metastable phase formation is often ascribed solely to kinetically limited topotactic crystallization. However, the changes in the grain size and unit-cell volumes that accompany the metastable-to-equilibrium fergusonite conversions imply that other physical phenomena induced by small-particle synthesis, namely the Gibbs-Thompson pressure effect and the increased contribution of surface energy, cannot be ignored.
The Abrasion Mechanism of a Diamond Grinding Wheel with Resin Cured by Ultraviolet Light

Ultraviolet-cured resin bond, abrasive tools have been studied and have proven to have substantial advantages over conventional abrasive tools, not only in low energy cost and high efficiency when manufacturing the tool itself, but also in better performance when machining some materials [1,2]. However, very little research has been done to study the mechanism of UV cured abrasive tools. Nevertheless, many researchers have investigated the performances of such tools compared with some conventional tools. A mechanism of UV cured, resin bond, diamond wheel was proposed as the hybrid of grinding and lapping, which is called as grind/lap (G/L) process [3]. In the paper, the proposed mechanism was verified by comparing the experimental results of three processes. Three wheels were used to simulate grinding, lapping and grind/lapping operation separately under the same experimental setting. The results showed that the RA obtained by G/L wheel decreased to a value between those gained by grinding and lapping operations after 10 minutes and it became the lowest of the three as time increases. The RA and MRR of three processes indicated that at the beginning of operation, the abrasives in G/L wheel are fixed by the cured resin, and as machining time increases, the small grains get released from the wheel and act as loose abrasives. Therefore, the mechanism of the UV cured resin bond diamond wheel is verified as the dominant grinding at the beginning and lapping at the end, which was also illustrated by the surface profile of machined part.
Barriers to psychological care among primary caregivers of children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

This substudy of an intervention trial aimed to describe barriers to participation in psychological care among primary caregivers of children who were about to undergo a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), including demographic and medical correlates. Three hundred and twelve primary caregivers of children undergoing HSCT who were approached to participate in a psychological intervention trial (n = 218 enrollees and 94 decliners) completed a measure of barriers to psychological care. The most frequently endorsed barriers to care were focusing on the child as priority, not wanting to leave the child’s bedside, and already having adequate psychosocial support. The least frequently endorsed barriers were location, wait times, and stigma around seeking psychological care. Results suggest that explaining how psychological care for a primary caregiver can positively affect their ill child may reduce barriers to seeking needed support services. Certain practical barriers to care may be irrelevant in inpatient settings where psychological support is offered.
Counterterrorism Cooperation and the Silver Bullet: A Game Theory Illustration

This article uses game theory analysis to address bilateral counterterrorism cooperation and the sharing of intelligence, national security areas where there is a tendency to oversimplify the issues at stake. Contrary to widespread belief, the sharing of terrorism-related intelligence between allied nations is not simply a matter of having the political will that leads to make a decision to cooperate. Instead, a refusal to share sensitive intelligence often reflects a rational decision, one based on accurate assessments and the legitimate need to protect national sovereignty. This article illustrates this dilemma, using the tools of game theory to show how the rational equilibrium will be joint non-cooperation. From there, it offers some institutional changes designed to alter the players' calculus and lead to a cooperative equilibrium. These changes are realistic, and similar to the negotiations that occurred between the United States and Canada in an important terrorist financing case that was successfully prosecuted in Charlotte, North Carolina. The article concludes with a discussion of how these lessons can be institutionalized to maximize bilateral cooperation and intelligence sharing between countries.
Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Military-Connected Students

Today’s military families may face increased risks due to changing features of the military experience, which in turn may exacerbate the impact of military service deployment on the school-aged youth in these families. Yet, the research on military-connected students has been mixed, with some studies highlighting their struggles with the military lifestyle and others emphasizing characteristics of military-connected students that may serve as unique protective factors. In this chapter, we consider the mental health and support needs of military-connected students. We explore some of the challenges they and their families face as well as the special strengths which may be built upon when providing services to address their unique situation. We conclude with a summary of promising school-based programs and strategies that can support this population of young people and reduce their risk for behavioral and mental health problems.
Using Miscible Polymer Blends To Control Depletion–Attraction Forces between Au Nanorods in Nanocomposite Films

To fully utilize their optical absorption and polarizing abilities, the dispersion of Au nanorods (NRs) in a matrix, such as a polymer film, must be controlled. By functionalizing NRs with a polyme...
The Methods of Regional Risk Assessment of Investment Projects Based on IOWA Operator and CCR Model by Multi-granularity

It is a key step to assessing regional risk of investment projects for each region suitable for the project investment.On the basis of building attributes system and for the problem of risk assessment,multi-granularity is first transferred to basic linguistic term set when each decision maker gives importance to risk elements.With IOWA operator,importance of risk factor is determined for all decision makers.Weight of regional risk order in different regions is calculated considering risk factors' state value by CCR model.
Unsymmetrical α,ω-end-functionalized oligo(cyclohexylidenes): efficient synthesis and conformational analysis

The title compounds were efficiently synthesized by decarboxylative dehydration of β-hydroxy acids. This iterative process allowed to obtain bis- and ter-cyclohexylidenes with good yield. The conformations of trans and cis isomers of an unsymmetrical α,ω-end-functionalized biscyclohexylidene were studied by NMR and DFT methods.
Effect of LiF Coating on the Thermal Oxidation Characteristics for Boron Powder

In order to investigate the effect of LiF coating on the thermal oxidation characteristics for amorphous boron powder,the thermal analysis experiment of boron coated with LiF(BLiF) was conducted by DSC-TG.Propellant samples containing BLiF were prepared.The heat of detonation and heat of combustion were determined by an oxygen bomb calorimeter.The effects of BLiF on the energy release features in primary combustion and after-burning processes of the propellant were discussed.The results indicate that in comparison with amorphous boron,BLiF shows a fast oxidation reaction at 599 ℃,and a 39.9% higher percentage of boron participated in B/O reaction.The propellant containing BLiF makes primary combustion and after-burning energy release efficiencies(ηc1 and ηc2) increased and combustion efficiencies of B enhanced significantly from 65.48% to 81.57%.This is due to the consumption of B2O3 layer on the boron particle surface via endothermic reaction of LiF and B2O3 at high temperature and the acceleration of B/O reaction.
Analysis of malaria epidemic in Hubei Province(2009-2011)

Objective The malaria incidence of the residents in Hubei Province from 2009 to 2011 was analyzed to understand the situation of malaria epidemic.Methods Cross-sectional study method was applied.Statistical analysis was done by the software of SPSS 13.0 and Excel 2003.The data were analyzed by the following indexes: incidence,constituent ratio,distribution of malaria etc.Results There were 1 308 cases of malaria,the annual incidence was 0.03-0.12/10 000.It decreased by 45.15% per year.Among them,55 cases were vivax,100 cases,falciparum,2 cases,ovale and 1 case quartan malaria 158 cases were imported malaria.The epidemic season was from June to September,altogether 649 cases(occupying 49.62% of the annual incidence).The age group of higher incidence was from 40 to 60 years old,676cases(51.68%).Conclusions The incidence of malaria had the trend of decrease,while the number of imported malaria was increasing from 2009 to 2011,therefore,the infection source should be under control and the surveillance should be promoted.
Woodland Price and It's Formation

A piece of completely natural woodland like a piece of woodland which contains human's labour, they both have price. The price of the woodland is determined by the total value of the woodland.The equivalent value of the woodland determines the price of the woodland material. The labour value of the woodland determines the price of the woodland capital. Furthermore, the price of the Woodland is influenced by some factors, such as the relation bforeen supply and demand, scarce and use, etc of the woodland.
Breast MR imaging for equivocal mammographic findings: Help or hindrance?

Breast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, because of its extremely high sensitivity in detecting invasive breast cancers, is sometimes used as a diagnostic tool to evaluate equivocal mammographic findings. However, breast MR imaging should never substitute for a complete diagnostic evaluation or for biopsy of suspected, localizable suspicious mammographic lesions, whenever possible. The modality's high cost, in addition to only moderate specificity, mandate that radiologists use it sparingly and with discrimination for problematic mammographic findings. It is rare that the reality or significance of a noncalcified mammographic finding remains equivocal or problematic at diagnostic mammography evaluation, which usually includes targeted ultrasonography (US). There are several reasons for this infrequent occurrence: (a) an asymmetry may persist on diagnostic views but be visible only on craniocaudal or mediolateral oblique projections, precluding three-dimensional localization for US or biopsy, or a lesion may persist on some diagnostic spot views but dissipate or efface on others; (b) uncertainty may exist as to whether apparent change is clinically important or owing to technical factors such as compression or positioning differences; or (c) a lesion may be suspected but biopsy options are limited owing to lack of a US correlate and lesion inaccessibility for stereotactic biopsy, or biopsy of a vague or questionably real lesion has been attempted unsuccessfully. This article will discuss the indications for problem-solving MR imaging for equivocal mammographic findings, present cases illustrating appropriate and inappropriate uses of problem-solving MR imaging, and present false-positive and false-negative cases affecting the specificity of breast MR imaging. (©)RSNA, 2016.
Down's syndrome and strabismus

(1974). Down's Syndrome and Strabismus. American Orthoptic Journal: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 63-68.
Information Structure Features and Syntax-prosody Mapping of Bangla Embedded Clauses: Implications for Match Theory

In both the Alignment (Selkirk 1986, 1996) and Match (Selkirk 2009, 2011) theories of syntax-prosody correspondence, prosodic structure is formed by mapping syntactic constituent structure to a corresponding prosodic representation. Under standard assumptions that mapping constraints reference only syntactic phrasehood or category, these parameters do not account for certain cases where the same syntactic category is prosodified differently in different syntactic contexts. This paper presents data on clausal prosody in Bangla (a.k.a. Bengali), where the prosodic status of embedded clauses varies depending on their positions within the main clause, which in turn correlate with different discourse interpretations. I argue that these patterns are the result of restrictions on the inventory of syntax-prosody mapping constraints. Contra the view of Focus Prominence Theory (Truckenbrodt 1995, 1999; Selkirk 2005, 2007), I propose that Match constraints that reference the intonational phrase level do not reference syntactic category alone, and must additionally be associated with information structure features on clauses (i.e. focus, topic ).
Can US Metropolitan Areas Use Large Commercial Airports as Tools to Bolster Regional Economic Growth

Local governments own and operate most large US commercial airports. They have long considered air traffic development and airport expansions as essential tools to support regional economic growth. This literature review investigates the validity of this claim. Recent econometric studies estimated airports’ economic benefits, while geographers cautioned that airport expansions cannot trump macroeconomic trends. The burgeoning knowledge on the economic and environmental risks of airports and air service sheds critical light on airport-based economic development strategies. Planning scholarship should investigate airport planning practices, analyze the variations of airports’ economic effects between metropolitan areas, and measure the impacts of airport expansions.
Compelling evidence: an influence on middle school students’ accounts that may impact decision-making about socioscientific issues

AbstractThis study investigates how middle school students make hypothetical purchasing, consuming, and voting decisions about environmental and science-related issues – a key component of environmental literacy. Fifty-three female students were given a packet containing multiple excerpts of information from conflicting positions from stakeholders and interviewed about how they would make decisions about environmental and science-related issues. We first investigated whether and how information presented as evidence influenced students’ accounts that may impact their decision-making (i.e. to make or change decisions). We then investigated how evidence type affected students’ decision-making. Findings indicated that most students did not change their stance after reading additional contrasting information presented as evidence. Implications for science teaching and learning are discussed.
Core-shell microparticles for protein sequestration and controlled release of a protein-laden core☆

Abstract Development of multifunctional biomaterials that sequester, isolate, and redeliver cell-secreted proteins at a specific timepoint may be required to achieve the level of temporal control needed to more fully regulate tissue regeneration and repair. In response, we fabricated core-shell heparin-poly(ethylene-glycol) (PEG) microparticles (MPs) with a degradable PEG-based shell that can temporally control delivery of protein-laden heparin MPs. Core-shell MPs were fabricated via a re-emulsification technique and the number of heparin MPs per PEG-based shell could be tuned by varying the mass of heparin MPs in the precursor PEG phase. When heparin MPs were loaded with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and then encapsulated into core-shell MPs, degradable core-shell MPs initiated similar C2C12 cell alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity as the soluble control, while non-degradable core-shell MPs initiated a significantly lower response (85 + 19% vs. 9.0 + 4.8% of the soluble control, respectively). Similarly, when degradable core-shell MPs were formed and then loaded with BMP-2, they induced a ∼7-fold higher C2C12 ALP activity than the soluble control. As C2C12 ALP activity was enhanced by BMP-2, these studies indicated that degradable core-shell MPs were able to deliver a bioactive, BMP-2-laden heparin MP core. Overall, these dynamic core-shell MPs have the potential to sequester, isolate, and then redeliver proteins attached to a heparin core to initiate a cell response, which could be of great benefit to tissue regeneration applications requiring tight temporal control over protein presentation. Statement of Significance Tissue repair requires temporally controlled presentation of potent proteins. Recently, biomaterial-mediated binding (sequestration) of cell-secreted proteins has emerged as a strategy to harness the regenerative potential of naturally produced proteins, but this strategy currently only allows immediate amplification and re-delivery of these signals. The multifunctional, dynamic core-shell heparin-PEG microparticles presented here overcome this limitation by sequestering proteins through a PEG-based shell onto a protein-protective heparin core, temporarily isolating bound proteins from the cellular microenvironment, and re-delivering proteins only after degradation of the PEG-based shell. Thus, these core-shell microparticles have potential to be a novel tool to harness and isolate proteins produced in the cellular environment and then control when proteins are re-introduced for the most effective tissue regeneration and repair.
Cross Talk Between Serine/Threonine Protein Phosphatase 2A and Tyrosine Kinase Src Regulates αIIbβ3 Function

Abstract Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine phosphatase that regulates a variety of cellular functions. In the context of the platelets, we have previously shown that a pool of the catalytic subunit of PP2A (PP2Ac) associates constitutively with the resting αIIbβ3 and negatively regulates αIIbβ3 signaling. However, the mechanism by which PP2Ac controls αIIbβ3 adhesive function is incompletely understood. In this study, we demonstrated that PP2Ac expressed as a GST fusion protein interacts with the tyrosine kinase Src. Activation of Src is essential to initiate αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling. Small interference RNA mediated knockdown of endogenous PP2Acα expression in 293 cells overexpressing αIIbβ3 (293-αIIbβ3) and murine megakaryocytes, resulted in the activation of Src, as evidenced by the dephosphorylation of Src Tyr-529 and phosphorylation of Src Tyr-418. In contrast to PP2Acα, knockdown of the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1cα) did not activate Src, indicating that the regulation of Src activity by PP2Ac is specific. Dephosphorylation of Src Tyr-529 was not observed in PP2Aca depleted 293 cells treated with sulfanamido-benzbromarone compound, a selective protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (PTP-1) inhibitor. These results suggest that inhibition of PP2Ac may activate a tyrosine phosphatase, capable of dephosphorylating Src Tyr-529. Activation of Src in PP2Ac depleted 293-αIIbβ3 cells had functional consequences for integrin αIIbβ3. PP2Ac depleted 293-αIIbβ3 cells exhibited ~2 fold increased adhesion to immobilized fibrinogen. Inhibition of Src kinase with a pharmacological agent PP2 but not by PP3 an inactive analogue of PP2, abolished the increased adhesiveness of PP2Acα–depleted 293 cells to fibrinogen. Finally, the increased activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) in PP2Acα-depleted cells that we previously demonstrated was also blocked by Src inhibitor PP2 but not by PP3. These results indicate that both Src and ERK1/2 are activated in response to PP2Ac inhibition, with activation of Src being upstream of ERK1/2. These studies illustrate that inhibition of PP2Ac promotes αIIbβ3 adhesiveness by activating Src, and imply that the control of αIIbβ3 adhesive function can be further fine-tuned by a cross talk between the serine/threonine phosphatase PP2A and the tyrosine kinase Src.
David Oliver: From acute ward to care home-a journey fewer should take?

NHS hospitals increasingly treat, in acute or subacute crisis, our oldest citizens, often those with multimorbidity, frailty, and dementia.12 Some are serially readmitted when it’s too challenging to assess them at home, each crisis damaging our confidence, and theirs, about staying at home. Others have life changing events such as stroke or hip fracture, bringing new disability. Some will transition straight from that acute admission into a new care home placement, waving their former home goodbye.3 It’s pointless being rigidly proscriptive or prescriptive about this unfortunate scenario. It …
Microwave Signatures of Snow Cover Using Numerical Maxwell Equations Based on Discrete Dipole Approximation in Bicontinuous Media and Half-Space Dyadic Green's Function

A three-dimensional snowpack scattering and emission model is developed by numerically solving Maxwell's equations (NMM3D) over the entire snowpack on an underlying half-space. The solutions are crucial to microwave remote sensing that requires the preservation of coherent phase information. The heterogeneous snowpack is represented as a bicontinuous medium. Effects of the underlying half-space are included through a half-space Green's function in a volume integral equation formulation. The volume integral equation is then solved using the discrete dipole approximation. The fast Fourier transform is effectuated for all three dimensions with half-space Green's function rather than the conventional free space Green's function. To overcome the snow volume truncation in the finite numerical calculations, periodic boundary conditions are applied in the lateral extent. Thus, in NMM3D, the physical microwave scattering and emission problem is solved without using any radiative transfer equations. In this formulation, the scattering matrix of the snowpack accounts for both the magnitude and phase. The NMM3D simulations are demonstrated at Ku -band frequency for a snow cover up to 25-cm thick. The results are applicable to remote sensing of snow over sea ice, and thin layers of terrestrial snow. Quantitative values of backscattering and bistatic scattering coefficients are derived for active microwave remote sensing, and brightness temperatures for passive microwave remote sensing. The full wave simulation results are compared with those of the partially coherent approach of the dense media radiative transfer (DMRT). The NMM3D results capture effects of backscattering enhancement and coherent layering that are missed in DMRT. The full wave solution to Maxwell equations is important to advance radar polarimetry, interferometry, and tomography that require the preservation of the full phase information and all interface interactions for applications to radar remote sensing of snow cover on land and on sea ice.
A “Universal” Spectroscopic Map for the OH Stretching Mode in Alcohols

Empirical maps are presented for the OH stretching vibrations in neat alcohols in which the relevant spectroscopic quantities are expressed in terms of the electric field exerted on the hydrogen atom by the surrounding liquid. It is found, by examination of the four lowest linear alcohols, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and n-butanol, that a single map can be used for alcohols with different alkyl groups. This "universal" map is in very good agreement with maps optimized for the individual alcohols, but differs from those previously developed for water. This suggests that one map can be used for all alcohols, perhaps even those not examined in the present study. The universal map gives IR lineshapes in good agreement with measured spectra for isotopically dilute methanol and ethanol, while the 2D-IR photon echo spectra give results that differ from experiments. The role of non-Condon effects, reorientation dynamics, hydrogen bonding, and spectral diffusion are discussed.
Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining: Overdose-Death Donors in Organ Transplantation.

In this issue, Durand and colleagues reviewed the use of overdose-death donor (ODD) organ transplants involving deceased donors and solid organ transplant recipients from 2000 to 2017. The editoria...
Expertise Redundancy, Transactive Memory, and Team Performance in Interdisciplinary Care Teams

OBJECTIVE To examine how expertise redundancy and transactive memory (TM) in interdisciplinary care teams (ICTs) are related to team performance. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Survey and administrative data were collected from 26 interdisciplinary mental health teams. STUDY DESIGN The study used a longitudinal, observational design. Independent variables were measured at baseline, 6, and 12 months: expertise redundancy (the extent to which team members possess highly overlapping knowledge), TM accuracy (the extent to which team members accurately recognize experts in relevant knowledge domains), and TM consensus (the extent to which team members agree on who is expert in which knowledge domain). Team performance was measured as risk-adjusted average number of client hospitalization for the 6 months following each survey. DATA COLLECTION METHODS Survey data were collected by the authors. Administrative data were collected by the state's administrative agency. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Expertise redundancy had a negative effect on performance. TM accuracy had a positive effect on performance, and such effect was stronger when expertise redundancy was higher. No significant effect was found on TM consensus. CONCLUSIONS Transactive memory could serve as a cognitive coordination mechanism for mitigating the negative effect of complex knowledge structure in ICTs.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Related Disorders

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is one of the classic diseases in neurology with an easily recognized clinical pattern of acral paresthesias, ascending generalized weakness, and areflexia. This syndrome has typical presentations and several variants, as well as variable electrodiagnostic features, and treatment modalities including the selection of immunomodulating agents. This chapter reviews the current views of the pathogenesis and clinical presentations of GBS, its electrodiagnostic features, differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. A review of GBS variants follows the discussions of classical GBS.
Projected Volume of Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty in the U.S., 2014 to 2030.

Background:The volume of primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA) procedures has risen in recent decades. However, recent procedure growth has not been at previously projected exponential rates. To anticipate the future expense of TJA, updated models are necessary to predict TJA volume in the U.S.Meth
Surrogacy as Resistance?: The Misplaced Focus on Choice in the Surrogacy and Abortion Funding Contexts

discourse with which contemporary legal doctrine deals with many social issues. They thereby obscure the unspoken (and perhaps unconscious) factual assumptions and value choices that generate judicial outcomes. Once one succeeds in piercing the veil of choice ideology, it becomes far easier to identify the other factors contributing to legal decisions. Therefore, in addition to critiquing the analytics of Shalev's book and the Rust opinion, I will also draw attention to the subtle assumptions about women, especially low-income women and women of color, that are obscured by the discourse of choice that frames both works. In Part 11, I briefly outline the two formal and substantive equality positions and identify their strengths and weaknesses. In Part II, I use Shalev's book to illustrate how those approaches are in irresolvable conflict. In short, I argue that, while her defense of surrogacy can be criticized as unresponsive to important substantive equality concerns, she nevertheless raises problems with the invalidation of parenthood contracts that cannot be easily dismissed. The flaw in her analysis is not, therefore, in her preference for one set of concerns over another but rather in her initial conceptualization of the problem. By accepting the traditional liberal dichotomy between a "free" private world and a regulatable public one, she consigns herself to an analysis that is driven by the question of whether individuals' choices are freely made. I propose an alternative approach, one that recognizes that such questions merely obscure exercises of power, and calls instead for an explicit consideration of the structuring of, and distribution of resources within, the reproductive realm. In Part IV, I illustrate how formal equality reasoning of the type employed by Shalev in her analysis of contract parenthood was used to justify disastrous results for women in Rust v. Sullivan. I argue that Rust is not only another illustration of how the concept of "choice" is indeterminate, but also that it demonstrates, as does Shalev's analysis, the extent to which the entire notion of choice is incoherent. In short, both Shalev and the Rust Court employ a framework that ignores the extent to which private choices are themselves constructed and constrained by governmental power. Rust illustrates how continuing to frame our arguments around the question of choice leaves us open to uses of those same frameworks in ways that clearly harm women. 19921 1371
Retrospective Analysis of Taxane‐Based Therapy in Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma

Currently, treatment of small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) mirrors that of colorectal cancer (CRC). Recent genomic data have demonstrated SBA to be a genetically unique entity, suggesting that therapies not traditionally utilized in CRC should be explored. In order to further characterize the activity of taxanes in this rare cancer, we completed a single-center retrospective study. Twenty patients were found to have been treated with taxane-based regimens (monotherapy in 3, combination therapy in 17). Median time to progression was 3.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.9-4.6), and median overall survival was 10.7 months (95% CI: 3.1-18.3). The results of this study demonstrate clinical activity from taxane-based therapy in advanced SBA and support further clinical trial investigation.
Correction: Baucum II, Anthony J. et al. Proteomic Analysis of the Spinophilin Interactome in Rodent Striatum Following Psychostimulant Sensitization. Proteomes 2018, 6, 53

The author wishes to make the following corrections to the methods section of their paper [...].
P2RX7 Deletion in T Cells Promotes Autoimmune Arthritis by Unleashing the Tfh Cell Response

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects approximately 1% of the world’s population. B cells and autoantibodies play an important role in the pathogenesis of RA. The P2RX7 receptor is an ATP-gated cation channel and its activation results in the release of pro-inflammatory molecules. Thus, antagonists of P2RX7 have been considered to have potential as novel anti-inflammatory therapies. Although originally identified for its role in innate immunity, P2RX7 has recently been found to negatively control Peyer’s patches (PP) T follicular helper cells, which specialize in helping B cells, under homeostatic conditions. We have previously demonstrated that PP Tfh cells are required for the augmentation of autoimmune arthritis mediated by gut commensal segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB). Thus, we hypothesized that P2RX7 is required to control autoimmune disease by keeping the Tfh cell response in check. To test our hypothesis, we analyzed the impact of P2RX7 deficiency in vivo using both the original K/BxN autoimmune arthritis model and T cell transfers in the K/BxN system. We also examined the impact of P2RX7 ablation on autoimmune development in the presence of the gut microbiota SFB. Our data illustrate that contrary to exerting an anti-inflammatory effect, P2RX7 deficiency actually enhances autoimmune arthritis. Interestingly, SFB colonization can negate the difference in disease severity between WT and P2RX7-deficient mice. We further demonstrated that P2RX7 ablation in the absence of SFB caused reduced apoptotic Tfh cells and enhanced the Tfh response, leading to an increase in autoantibody production. It has been shown that activation of TIGIT, a well-known T cell exhaustion marker, up-regulates anti-apoptotic molecules and promotes T cell survival. We demonstrated that the reduced apoptotic phenotype of P2rx7-/- Tfh cells is associated with their increased expression of TIGIT. This suggested that while P2RX7 was regulating the Tfh population by promoting cell death, TIGIT may have been opposing P2RX7 by inhibiting cell death. Together, these results demonstrated that systemic administration of general P2RX7 antagonists may have detrimental effects in autoimmune therapies, especially in Tfh cell-dependent autoimmune diseases, and cell-specific targeting of P2RX7 should be considered in order to achieve efficacy for P2RX7-related therapy.
Adsorption and Ionic Crosslinking of Polyelectrolytes

Materials formed by polymers containing ionic or ionizable groups in their chemical repeating units (polyelectrolytes) have been of interest in the area of biomaterials over the past two decades. Presently, two largely polyelectrolytic compositions are utilized as dental cements or as restorative materials for hard oral tissues. These two types of dental biomaterials are the zinc polycarboxylate cements (1) and the glass ionomer cements and restoratives (2). Dental impression materials, known as alginates (3), represent an additional example, as they are partly based on an ionizable polysaccharide, alginic acid. Polyelectrolyte-based materials have been tested for other biomedical applications, such as the formulation of cardiovascular elastomers (4), dialysis membranes (5), drug delivery systems (6), or surgical adhesives (7). As a consequence of past and current research activity, it is possible that polyelectrolytes will find application in some of these areas in the near future. It is interesting to consider that biological tissues themselves contain considerable amounts of polyelectrolytic material. This fact alone does not, of course, guarantee that synthetic polyelectrolytes should lead to the successful development of nearly ideal biomaterials from a mechanical, chemical or biocompatibility standpoint. Nonetheless, a strong interest in these materials, and their potential advantages can be justified on the basis of some of their characteristic features, depending on the specific application involved. Some of these characteristic features, and their relevance in the formulation of biomaterials, have been described below.