cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Origins and Evolutionary Relationships Between the Innate and Adaptive Arms of Immune Systems

SYNOPSIS. Long before vertebrates first appeared, protists, plants and animals had evolved diverse, effective systems of innate immunity. Ancestors of the vertebrates utilized components of the complement system, protease-inhibitors, metal-binding proteins, carbohydrate-binding proteins and other plasma-born molecules as humoral agents of defense. In these same animals, immunocytes endowed with a repertoire of defensive behaviors expressed Toll-like receptors. They made NADPH oxidase, superoxide dismutase and other respiratory burst enzymes to produce toxic oxygen radicals, and nitric oxide synthase to produce nitric oxide. Antimicrobial peptides and lytic enzymes were in their armory. Immune responses were orchestrated by cytokines. Furthermore, genes within the immunoglobulin superfamily were expressed to meet a variety of needs possibly including defense. However, recombination activating genes played no role. With the acquisition of one or more transposases and the resulting capacity to generate diverse receptors from immunoglobulin gene fragments, the adaptive (lymphoid) arm of the immune system was born. This may have coincided with the elaboration of the neural crest. Naturally, the role of the adaptive arm was initially subservient to the defensive functions of the pre-existing innate arm. The strong selective advantages that stemmed from having ‘‘sharp-shooters’’ (cells making antigen-specific receptors) on the defense team ensured their retention. Refined through evolution, adaptive immunity, even in mammals, remains dependent upon cells of the innate series (e.g., dendritic cells) for signals driving their functional maturation. This paper calls for some fresh thinking leading to a clearer vision of the origins and co-evolution of the two arms of modern immune systems, and suggests a possible neural origin for the adaptive immune system.
Competitive Actions and Dynamics in the Digital Age: An Empirical Investigation of Social Networking Firms

This paper examines two important questions in the context of the social networking services (SNS) firms: what kind of competitive moves do SNS firms undertake and to what extent do the competitive moves impact firm performance? We blend the literature streams on information systems (IS) and strategic management and argue that given the unique characteristics of this nascent industry, SNS firms' competitive moves are likely to focus on value cocreation, as well as enhancement of the repertoire of their moves. We propose a conceptual model by blending value cocreation perspectives from the IS literature and repertoire of competitive actions from the competitive dynamics literature, and test our hypotheses using archival data. Results show that firms that emphasize value cocreation actions through the engagement of codevelopers in their technology platform and formation of strategic alliances enhance their performance. Furthermore, firms that undertake complex action repertoires achieve better performance. This study provides unique insights about the ways in which firms compete in the industry and has several implications for future research.
Developmental nicotine exposure enhances inhibitory synaptic transmission in motor neurons and interneurons critical for normal breathing.

Nicotine exposure in utero negatively affects neuronal growth, differentiation, and synaptogenesis. We used rhythmic brainstems slices and immunohistochemistry to determine how developmental nicotine exposure (DNE) alters inhibitory neurotransmission in two regions essential to normal breathing, the hypoglossal motor nucleus (XIIn), and preBotzinger complex (preBotC). We microinjected glycine or muscimol (GABAA agonist) into the XIIn or preBotC of rhythmic brainstem slices from neonatal rats while recording from XII nerve roots to obtain XII motoneuron population activity. Injection of glycine or muscimol into the XIIn reduced XII nerve burst amplitude, while injection into the preBotC altered nerve burst frequency. These responses were exaggerated in preparations from DNE animals. Quantitative immunohistochemistry revealed a significantly higher GABAA receptor density on XII motoneurons from DNE pups. There were no differences in GABAA receptor density in the preBotC, and there were no differences in glycine receptor expression in either region. Nicotine, in the absence of other chemicals in tobacco smoke, alters normal development of brainstem circuits that are critical for normal breathing. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2015
Why Straus’s “Reanalysis” of Physical Tactics Used by Female Partners Is Wrong A Response to “Addressing Violence by Female Partners Is Vital to Prevent or Stop Violence Against Women: Evidence From the Multisite Batterer Intervention Evaluation,” by Murray Straus, Violence Against Women, 20, 889-899

This article refutes Straus's reinterpretation of our study, "Physical Tactics of Female Partners Against Male Batterer Program Participants," drawing on our extended follow-up of batterer program participants and their partners in four cities (Gondolf, 2002). Straus claims that the rate of women's violence in the sample is "high" and asserts the need to address women's violence to reduce the men's violence, which is the opposite of our findings and interpretation. We contend that our focus on the men and women who both used tactics in the total sample addresses the research question. We elaborate why our regression analyses to "explain" the women's violence are sound, despite Straus's unsubstantiated speculations. We argue further that the evidence points to women's "violent resistance" against severe, repeated violence, and that those cases do not fit the "both victim" dyad type that Straus promotes. Moreover, they are inappropriate for couples counseling. Finally, we revisit the limitations of the Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS) as a sufficient measure of the women's experience of male violence and raise concern about the implications of Straus's claims.
Tetrathiomolybdate sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to anticancer drugs doxorubicin, fenretinide, 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C

Our recent study showed that tetrathiomolybdate (TM), a drug to treat copper overload disorders, can sensitize drug-resistant endometrial cancer cells to reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating anticancer drug doxorubicin. To expand these findings in the present study we explore TM efficacy in combination with a spectrum of ROS-generating anticancer drugs including mitomycin C, fenretinide, 5-fluorouracil and doxorubicin in ovarian cancer cells as a model system. The effects of TM alone or in combination with doxorubicin, mitomycin C, fenretinide, or 5-fluorouracil were evaluated using a sulforhodamine B assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect the induction of apoptosis and ROS generation. Immunoblot analysis was carried out to investigate changes in signaling pathways. TM potentiated doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity and modulated key regulators of apoptosis (PARP, caspases, JNK and p38 MAPK) in SKOV-3 and A2780 ovarian cancer cell lines. These effects were linked to the increased production of ROS, as shown in SKOV-3 cells. ROS scavenging by ascorbic acid blocked the sensitization of cells by TM. TM also sensitized SKOV-3 to mitomycin C, fenretinide, and 5-fluorouracil. The increased cytotoxicity of these drugs in combination with TM was correlated with the activity of ROS, loss of a pro-survival factor (e.g. XIAP) and the appearance of a pro-apoptotic marker (e.g. PARP cleavage). Our data show that TM increases the efficacy of various anticancer drugs in ovarian cancer cells in a ROS-dependent manner.
Absence of Wolbachia Endobacteria in Chandlerella quiscali, an Avian Filarial Parasite

Abstract: Chandlerella quiscali is a filarial nematode parasite of the common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), a widespread bird species found throughout most of North America. Worms collected from wild-caught birds were morphologically identified as C. quiscali and tested for the presence of Wolbachia, an alphaproteobacterial endosymbiont required for reproduction and maturation by many filarial species. Although various methods, including polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization, and immunohistology, were used, we were unable to detect evidence of colonization with Wolbachia. Due to the widespread distribution of the grackle host, localization within the host, and high prevalence, C. quiscali may be among the most easily obtainable of Wolbachia-free filarial species. Further studies of C. quiscali and other Wolbachia-free filarial species may help to clarify the reason(s) that some filarial species require Wolbachia but others do not.
Schmaus’s Functionalist Approach to the Explanation of Social Facts: An Assessment and Critique

In this paper, I provide a critical examination of Warren Schmaus’s recently systematized “functionalist” approach to the study of collective representations. I examine both the logical and the conceptual viability of Schmaus’s brand of “functionalism” and the relation between his rational reconstruction and philosophical critique of Durkheim and the latter’s original set of proposals. I conclude that, due to its reliance on certain problematic philosophical theses, Schmaus’s functionalism ultimately falls short of providing a coherent alternative to the Durkhemian position or serving as a useful starting point from which to understand the origins of abstract categories in concrete experience.
White space networking with wi-fi like connectivity

Networking over UHF white spaces is fundamentally different from conventional Wi-Fi along three axes: spatial variation, temporal variation, and fragmentation of the UHF spectrum. Each of these differences gives rise to new challenges for implementing a wireless network in this band. We present the design and implementation of Net7, the first Wi-Fi like system constructed on top of UHF white spaces. Net7 incorporates a new adaptive spectrum assignment algorithm to handle spectrum variation and fragmentation, and proposes a low overhead protocol to handle temporal variation. builds on a simple technique, called SIFT, that reduces the time to detect transmissions in variable channel width systems by analyzing raw signals in the time domain. We provide an extensive evaluation of the system in terms of a prototype implementation and detailed experimental and simulation results.
Real time user context modeling for information retrieval agents

The success of personal information agents depends on their ability to provide task-relevant information. This paper presents WordSieve, a new algorithm that generates context descriptions to guide document indexing and retrieval. WordSieve exploits information about the sequence of accessed documents to identify words which indicate a shift in context. We have tested WordSieve in a personal information agent, Calvin, which monitors a user's document access, generates a representation of the user's task context, indexes the resources consulted, and presents recommendations for other resources that were consulted in similar prior contexts. In initial experiments, WordSieve outperforms term frequency/inverse document frequency at matching documents to hand-coded vector representations of the task contexts in which they were originally consulted, where the task context representations are term vectors representing a specific search task given to the user.
High-energy femtosecond stretched-pulse fiber laser with a nonlinear optical loop mirror

Summary form only given. Fiber lasers have two primary drawbacks: environmental stability is not sufficient for operation outside the laboratory owing to uncontrolled birefringence and pulse energy is limited by excessive nonlinear phase shifts. Stretched-pulse lasers utilizing nonlinear polarization evolution (NPE-SPL) currently offer the best performance. Environmentally-stable lasers could be built with polarization maintaining (PM) fiber, but then NPE cannot be used. Nonlinearity limits pulse energy through soliton dynamics and by saturation of NPE. We consider the use of a nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM) to address the latter issue. We present the highest-energy femtosecond pulses obtained to date with a laser that uses NOLM (NOLM-SPL). The main benefits are two-fold: NOLM can function with PM fiber, and saturation of NOLM can be prevented through the choice of proper fiber length. NOLM operation derives from the nonlinear loop only, whereas the entire cavity contributes in the case of NPE.
Funktionelle und morphologische Ergebnisse nach Pankreas-Allotransplantationen ohne Duodenum

Die Transplantation, Preservation und Perfusion des Pankreas ist inzwischen ein standardisiertes Experiment im chirurgischen Tierlabor geworden. Die bisher geubten Verfahren konnen in 2 Gruppen unterteilt werden: Transplantation des ganzen Organes mit Duodenum oder teilweise Transplantation von Pankreaskopf oder Pankreasschwanz.
The establishment of a therapeutic community within a women's correctional facility.

This paper describes a dynamic and evolving program that was implemented less than three years ago at the Women's Division of the Federal Correctional Institution in Terminal Island, San Pedro, California.
Differential effects of expression of the CD45 tyrosine protein phosphatase on the tyrosine phosphorylation of the lck, fyn, and c-src tyrosine protein kinases.

Abstract Expression of the CD45 tyrosine protein phosphatase is required for the response of functional lymphocytes to stimulation through the antigen receptor. One or more of its substrates may therefore be essential for signal transduction during lymphocyte activation. We have studied the phosphorylation of the closely related lck, fyn, and c-src tyrosine protein kinases in leukemic murine T-cell lines that have lost the expression of CD45. The phosphorylation of the lck kinase at an inhibitory site of tyrosine phosphorylation, Tyr-505, was increased by two-, six-, and eightfold in three different cell lines. Phosphorylation of the fyn kinase at the homologous site, Tyr-531, was unaltered in one of these cell lines, but increased by 2.5-fold in the two others. The phosphorylation of p60c-src at the homologous tyrosine was essentially unchanged in the one CD45-negative cell line in which it was examined. The expression of CD45 therefore regulates the phosphorylation and potentially the activity of the lck and fyn tyrosine protein kinases, but the effect on the lck kinase is much greater than on the fyn kinase. This finding and the observation that CD45 had no effect on the phosphorylation of p60c-src suggest that CD45 exhibits polypeptide substrate specificity in vivo. Additionally, these findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the unresponsiveness of CD45-negative lymphoid cells to antigenic stimulation is due largely to hyperphosphorylation of the lck kinase.
Activation of the E1 UHP propulsion test facility at Stennis Space Center

After a decade of construction and a year of activation the El Ultra High Pressure Propulsion Test Facility at NASA's Stennis Space Center is fully operational. The El UHP Propulsion Test Facility is a multi-cell, multi-purpose component and engine test facility. The facility is capable of delivering cryogenic propellants at low, high, and ultra high pressures with flow rates ranging from a few pounds per second up to two thousand pounds per second. Facility activation is defined as a series of tasks required to transition between completion of construction and facility operational readiness. Activating the El UHP Propulsion Test Facility involved independent system checkouts, propellant system leak checks, fluid and gas sampling, gaseous system blow downs, pressurization and vent systems checkouts, valve stability testing, valve tuning cryogenic cold flows, and functional readiness tests.
The Liberals, Truman, and FDR as Symbol and Myth

\kTITH these words, spoken twenty-one months after Franklin D. Roosevelt's death, Fiorello La Guardia eloquently demonstrated a sense of loss and aimlessness which many liberals felt. The liberals, those middleclass reformers often described as "intellectuals," were held together by a body of well-articulated principles-equal opportunity, economic security, racial equality, international economic development, and the support of democratic forces abroad-but their sense of identity, as is the case with any social movement, depended also upon a mythology which gave inner inspiration, provided symbols for outer persuasion, and did much to determine their perceptions of reality. In the years immediately after World War 11, the liberal mythology was built around the memory of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal. His death left the liberal movement in a state of crisis. His personality had given the liberals unity as well as inspiration; Harry S. Truman could provide neither. Moreover, the ambiguity of FDR's legacy in foreign affairs left no sure guidelines in a chaotic and swiftly changing international situation. What followed was a period of demoralization and division among liberals, which is entirely understandable only if one grasps the importance of the myths and symbols that developed out of the memory of FDR.
The opacity of reduction: nutritional black-boxing and the meanings of nourishment

AbstractThis article explores the process of consolidating technical and historically contingent ideas about nourishment into seemingly straightforward terms such as vitamins and minerals. I study the adoption of scientific principles of abstraction and reduction as a strategy of nutrition education in three Guatemalan highland sites: an elementary school classroom, a rural clinic, and the obesity outpatient center of Guatemala's third-largest public hospital. I show that despite its pretense of simplicity, the reductionism of nutritional black-boxing produces confusion. Moreover, dietary education not dependent upon simplified and fixed rules and standards may be more intelligible to people seeking nourishment in their lives.
The Occurrence and Characteristics of Certain Yeasts Found in Fermented Honey

The fermentation of extracted honey after canning is a cause of much worry on the part of Wisconsin beekeepers, when a part of the crop has to be held over from one year to another. It was formerly believed that only unripened honey would ferment and sour. Thoroughly ripened honeys with a moisture content between 14 and 20% have been found which contain the potential elements for souring. Upon storage and with subsequent granulation of the honey, fermentation may begin. Several yeasts in the group zygosaccharomyces have been isolated and determined as new to science. Of the three known species, only one has so far been found.
Comparative Studies of Thirteen Species of Sarcosaprophagous Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae (Diptera) II. Digestive Enzymology

Distribution of maltase, sucrase, lactase, butyrase, and trypsin in the larval alimentary tracts was determined. No amylase or pepsin activity was found in any of the species studied. Tissues of midgut A and C showed the highest activity and greatest number of digestive enzymes. Definite reduction in enzyme types and distribution was found in Protocalliphora avium, an obligate parasite of nestling birds, and in the facultatively parasitic larvae of Phormia regina and Protophormia terraenovae. Positive butyrase activity is reported from the salivary glands of P. avium and Wohlfartia opaca; such activity was less definite in the salivary glands of Calliphora spp. and the esophagus of P. regina, P. terraenovae, and Phaenicia sericata. This is in harmony with the known tendency to facultative parasitism in this group, and suggests that parasitic forms may evolve from such stems. The hindgut of P. avium and W. opaca showed complete absence of enzyme activity. Bacteriological studies showed Gram-negative rods to be most abundant, followed by Gram-positive cocci, both in the larval intestinal tracts and in the rearing media. Activity of carbohydrases in nonsterile larvae was due to bacterial action, as no such enzymes were reported from sterile individuals, though the latter do secrete proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes necessary for their normal growth. Autoclaved liver infusion did not support larval growth, but sterile larvae of P. regina, P. terrae-novae, and Eucalliphora lilaea were reared successfully through two generations on sterile blood agar. Individuals reared on this medium had their larval development retarded 5 to 7 days, but no effect was noted on the duration of the pupal stage which seems fixed and without correlation with that of the larval stages.
Nitrogen accumulation and nitrate reductase activity in MM. 106 apple trees as affected by nitrate supply

The effect of nitrate supply in the nutrient solution on N accumulation was investigated in various organs of MM.106 apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.). Increasing nitrate supply increased the concentration and amount of total N in leaves and stems, but there was a saturation point of total N accumulation in response to the nitrate supply. The increased accumulation of total N in leaves and stems with increasing nitrate supply were due to increases in reduced N, since nitrate N remained relatively constant. Reduced N contents of trunk bark and trunk wood were significantly decreased when low nitrate was supplied, whereas that of roots was changed insignificantly. Most organs contained only a small portion of their total N as nitrate. The activities of nitrate reductase (NR) were measured using an in vivo assay either with or without nitrate for estimating reduced N accumulation. The in vivo —N03- NR assay may be a better way to estimate the accumulation of reduced N than the in vivo +N03- NR assay since...
Hunger and Behavioral Risk Factors for Noncommunicable Diseases in School-Going Adolescents in Bolivia, 2012

Hunger may play a role in noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk. This study used the 2012 Global School-based Student Health Survey from Bolivia to determine the association between hunger and risk factors for NCDs among adolescents. Hunger was associated with increased odds of nondaily fruit and vegetable consumption (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.21; P < .001), inadequate physical activity (AOR = 1.21; P = .001), and current tobacco use (hunger sometimes [AOR = 1.83; P < .001] or most of the time/always [AOR = 2.12; P < .001]). Interventions to reduce the burden of NCDs in Bolivia should address hunger, in addition to traditional behavioral risk factors.
Epidemiologic Characteristics of Hand-foot-mouth Disease in Heping District of Tianjin City during 2008-2010

[Objective]To understand the characteristics of Hand-foot-mouth Disease(HFMD) in Heping District of Tianjin City during 2008-2010. [Methods]A descriptive epidemiologic approach was employed to analyze the HFMD epidemic,case investigation and etiological data from 2008 to 2010. [Results]The incidence rate of HFMD in Heping District increased annually during 2008 to 2010.The incidence peak was observed in summer.Kindergarten and scattered children were mostly affected.All cases symptom was lighter with favorable prognosis.In 2010,of 43 stool specimens,the positive rate of virus was 55.81%,Coxsackie virus A 16(CoxA16) accounted for 66.67%. [Conclusion]The incidence of HFMD varies obviously with sex,age and seasons.To further master the epidemiologic characters of HFMD,monitoring of the child-care institutions and pathogenic surveillance should be strengthened.
Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes on frankfurters by monocaprylin alone or in combination with acetic acid

The antilisterial activity of monocaprylin (MC) and its combination with acetic acid (AA) on frankfurters was investigated. Each frankfurter was surface inoculated with a three-strain mixture of Listeria monocytogenes to obtain an inoculation level of 4.0 log CFU per frankfurter, and then dipped for 35 s in sterile deionized water (45 or 50 degrees C) containing 1% ethanol (control), 50 mM MC plus 1% ethanol, 1% AA plus 1% ethanol, or 50 mM MC plus 1% AA plus 1% ethanol. Samples were vacuum packaged, stored at 4 degrees C for 77 days, and analyzed for L. monocytogenes. Sensory odor and color of frankfurters were evaluated using a 9-point hedonic scale. Color was also objectively measured using the Minolta Chroma Meter. From day 0 to day 77, population counts of L. monocytogenes on frankfurters dipped in antimicrobial solutions at 50 degrees C were consistently lower than the control counts. Similar results were observed for samples treated at 45 degrees C. However, L. monocytogenes grew readily on control samples at both temperatures. Dipping of frankfurters in antimicrobial solutions (45 or 50 degrees C) significantly reduced (P 0.05). Overall, results indicated that dipping of frankfurters with MC reduced L. monocytogenes, and inclusion of AA further enhanced MC antilisterial activity, without any negative effect on odor or color.
Colquirite doped with Cr3+: a new solid-state laser

We have investigated the spectroscopic and laser properties of LiCaAlF6, or colquirite, doped with Cr3+ ions. The crystal seems quite promising as a laser host, as the material has been observed to crystallize well and to lase with a rather low threshold of 50 mW of pump power when utilizing 1 % output coupling. We have conducted preliminary measurements of the slope efficiency with 5% output coupling and have found the values to be comparable with those reported for alexandrite, which is currently recognized to be the most efficient Cr3+ solid-state laser.
Therapeutic manipulation of the microbiota: past, present, and considerations for the future.

Abstract Background The growing appreciation of the potential role of indigenous microbiota in disease has resulted in a concomitant interest in manipulating the microbiome for therapeutic effect. The most successful example of microbiota manipulation for treatment of a disease is in recurrent infection with the bacterial pathogen Clostridium difficile . Aims This review provides historic perspectives on development of microbiota transplantation and reviews evidence for its use in recurrent C. difficile infection. Sources A PubMed search of the terms ([fecal transplant OR fecal transplantation] AND difficile) to 9 June 2016 yielded 415 articles. Content Recent work has pointed to potential mechanisms by which microbiota restoration in the form of faecal transplantation has been efficacious. This includes studies of microorganisms associated with successful faecal transplantation in human and animal studies and a focus on bacterial bile acid metabolism as a mechanism that mediates colonization resistance against the pathogen. The potential use of microbiota manipulation for other diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases and metabolic disorders will be discussed. The case will be made that the lessons learned from treatment of recurrent C. difficile infection may not necessarily translate to use of faecal transplantation or other methods to alter the microbiome for the treatment of other diseases. Implications A key conclusion that can be drawn is that understanding of the precise role of the microbiota in the pathogenesis of a specific disease is necessary prior to determining if microbiota manipulation represents a novel treatment therapy.
REFLECTIONS ON UNLIMITED LABOR

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the clarification and expansion of the model whose purpose was to provide a mechanism explaining the rapid growth of the proportion of domestic savings in the national income in the early stages of an economy whose growth is because of the expansion of capitalist forms of production. If capitalists offer additional employment at the existing wage, there will be far more candidates than they require: the supply curve of labor is infinitely elastic at the ruling wage. Marginal analysis applies to the means by which individuals attain their goals and it is not correct to assume that the goals will be altered just because they become marginally more costly or easier to attain. If agricultural productivity is rising very fast, the terms of trade will move in favor of industry, which can then pay a lower product-wage and expand faster. In model three, a rapidly growing industrial sector faced by a too slow agricultural sector is forced to import and to pay for its imports by exporting.
From Rousettus aegyptiacus (bat) landing to robotic landing: Regulation of CG-CP distance using a nonlinear closed-loop feedback

Bats are unique in that they can achieve unrivaled agile maneuvers due to their functionally versatile wing conformations. Among these maneuvers, roosting (landing) has captured attentions because bats perform this acrobatic maneuver with a great composure. This work attempts to reconstruct bat landing maneuvers with a Micro Aerial Vehicle (MAV) called Allice. Allice is capable of adjusting the position of its Center of Gravity (CG) with respect to the Center of Pressure (CP) using a nonlinear closed-loop feedback. This nonlinear control law, which is based on the method of input-output feedback linearization, enables attitude regulations through variations in CG-CP distance. To design the model-based nonlinear controller, the Newton-Euler dynamic model of the robot is considered, in which the aerodynamic coefficients of lift and drag are obtained experimentally. The performance of the proposed control architecture is validated by conducting several experiments.
Testing the “Defensive Effect”

An experiment with 953 participants shows robust support for the “defensive effect,” which predicts that uncivil disagreement can jumpstart a chain reaction that leads to greater political participation. Results show that when people were confronted with news story comments that disagreed with their own views in a nasty way, this led first to negative emotions and then to great intention to get politically involved. Civil disagreement did not provoke this effect. Results suggest emotional responses to incivility have the potential to engage the electorate in positive ways if properly channeled.
Personalized predictive modeling for patients with Alzheimer's disease using an extension of Sullivan's life table model.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression varies substantially among patients, hindering calculation of residual total life expectancy (TLE) and its decomposition into disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) and disabled life expectancy (DLE) for individual patients with AD. The objective of the present study was to assess the accuracy of a new synthesis of Sullivan’s life table (SLT) and longitudinal Grade of Membership (L-GoM) models that estimates individualized TLEs, DFLEs, and DLEs for patients with AD. If sufficiently accurate, such information could enhance the quality of important decisions in AD treatment and patient care. We estimated a new SLT/L-GoM model of the natural history of AD over 10 years in the Predictors 2 Study cohort: N = 229 with 6 fixed and 73 time-varying covariates over 21 examinations covering 11 measurement domains including cognitive, functional, behavioral, psychiatric, and other symptoms/signs. Total remaining life expectancy was censored at 10 years. Disability was defined as need for full-time care (FTC), the outcome most strongly associated with AD progression. All parameters were estimated via weighted maximum likelihood using data-dependent weights designed to ensure that the estimates of the prognostic subtypes were of high quality. Goodness of fit was tested/confirmed for survival and FTC disability for five relatively homogeneous subgroups defined to cover the range of patient outcomes over the 21 examinations. The substantial heterogeneity in initial patient presentation and AD progression was captured using three clinically meaningful prognostic subtypes and one terminal subtype exhibiting highly differentiated symptom severity on 7 of the 11 measurement domains. Comparisons of the observed and estimated survival and FTC disability probabilities demonstrated that the estimates were accurate for all five subgroups, supporting their use in AD life expectancy calculations. Mean 10-year TLE differed widely across subgroups: range 3.6–8.0 years, average 6.1 years. Mean 10-year DFLE differed relatively even more widely across subgroups: range 1.2–6.5 years, average 4.0 years. Mean 10-year DLE was relatively much closer: range 1.5–2.3 years, average 2.1 years. The SLT/L-GoM model yields accurate maximum likelihood estimates of TLE, DFLE, and DLE for patients with AD; it provides a realistic, comprehensive modeling framework for endpoint and resource use/cost calculations.
Radiation-Induced Vascular Injury and Its Relation to Late Effects in Normal Tissues

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses radiation-induced vascular injury and its relation to late effects in normal tissues. It presents a summarization of the threshold doses and times of onset for detectable changes in vascular function. Vascular lesions have been observed in all tissues after radiation doses in the therapeutic range. There may be several phases of response depending on the tissue being investigated. In rapidly proliferating tissues such as the skin, early increases in vascular permeability and blood flow that are probably at least in part an inflammatory response to epithelial cell death are followed by a gradual decrease in vascular function. In slowly dividing tissues, early vascular changes may occur in the absence of marked parenchymal cell death, but the main response is a gradual reduction in vascular perfusion. Morphological studies have shown that the earliest vascular lesions occur in endothelial cells, especially those of capillaries. Marked changes in the larger vessels are not apparent until the later phases. Late changes are typically thickening of the vessel walls by localized areas of endothelial cell proliferation and, in larger vessels, increased amounts of acellular material in the intima and media. The chapter also discusses the mechanisms underlying changes in vascular function and the role of vascular damage in late effects. After doses of radiation in the therapeutic range, progressive morphological changes occur in all elements of the vasculature such that at late times after exposure vascular function is reduced.
Abstract 16035: Impairment of Endothelial Function by Inhalation of Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Aerosol

Introduction: “Heat-not-burn” (HNB) tobacco devices heat tobacco at temperatures that avoid combustion but cause the nicotine to aerosolize, leaving the leaf material intact but depleted of volatil...
The essential role of WD repeat domain 77 in prostate tumor initiation induced by Pten loss

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy among men, but few genetic factors that drive prostate cancer initiation have been identified. The WD repeat domain 77 (Wdr77) protein is essential for cellular proliferation when localizes in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells at the early stage of prostate development. In the adult prostate, it is transported into the nucleus and functions as a co-regulator of the androgen receptor to promote cellular differentiation and prostate function. This developmental process is reversed during prostate tumorigenesis, i.e., Wdr77 is translocated from the nucleus into the cytoplasm to drive proliferation of prostate cancer cells. In this study, we used in vivo genetic studies to further investigate the role of Wdr77 in prostate tumorigenesis. We found that prostate-specific deletion of Wdr77 abolished prostate tumor initiation induced by loss of the tumor suppressor Pten. Mechanistically, Wdr77 ablation inhibited E2F3 activation and enhanced TGFβ signaling, leading to attenuated cellular proliferation induced by loss of Pten. These findings establish a critical role of Wdr77 for prostate tumor initiation.
Integral Transport Theory of Thermal Utilization Factor in Infinite Slab Geometry

Using transport theory in the cylindrical fuel region of a heterogenous reactor, Amouyal and Benoist proposed new formulas to compute the disadvantage factors used in the determination of the thermal utilization factor The same method when applied to an infinite slab geometry gives simple expressions for the fuel and moderator disadvantage factors. (auth)
rpoE, the gene encoding the second heat-shock sigma factor, sigma E, in Escherichia coli.

Abstract In Escherichia coli, the heat shock response is under the control of two alternative sigma factors: sigma 32 and sigma E. The sigma 32-regulated response is well understood, whereas little is known about that of sigma E, except that it responds to extracytoplasmic immature outer membrane proteins. To further understand this response, we located the rpoE gene at 55.5' and analyzed the role of sigma E. sigma E is required at high temperature, and controls the transcription of at least 10 genes. Some of these might contribute to the integrity of the cell since delta rpoE cells are more sensitive to SDS plus EDTA and crystal violet. sigma E controls its own transcription from a sigma E-dependent promoter, indicating that rpoE transcription plays a role in the regulation of E sigma E activity. Indeed, under steady-state conditions, the transcription from this promoter mirrors the levels of E sigma E activity in the cell. However, it is unlikely that the rapid increase in E sigma E activity following induction can be accounted for solely by increased transcription of rpoE. Based upon homology arguments, we suggest that a gene encoding a negative regulator of sigma E activity is located immediately downstream of rpoE and may function as the target of the E sigma E inducing signal.
Hollow Piezoelectric Ceramic Fibers for Energy Harvesting Fabrics

In the past few years, the growing need for alternative power sources has generated considerable interest in the field of energy harvesting. A particularly exciting possibility within that field is...
Calibrating Student Perceptions of Punishment: a Specific Test of General Deterrence

General deterrence theory assumes objective risks of punishment and citizens’ perceptions of punishment risks are closely calibrated. Yet little empirical attention has been devoted to testing this assumption. Of the few studies that exist, most have tested the calibration with county-level indicators of objective punishment risk. This strategy has been criticized for being too far removed from the individual citizen: why should we expect citizens to know the punishment risks in such a large geographic unit? We estimated the calibration between objective punishment levels and individuals’ perceptions of those punishment levels by analyzing data drawn from a large sample of students (n = 11,085) from 44 schools in Ohio. Multi-level models found the calibration between objective punishment and students’ perceptions is weak and not statistically significant. More than half of our calibration estimates were in the wrong direction (i.e., they were negative) and results from interaction tests did not indicate that the calibration is any stronger among those with the highest levels of self-reported offending. We discuss the implications of these findings for policies rooted in general deterrence theory.
Distributed impedance control of latency-prone robotic systems with series elastic actuation

Abstract Robotic systems are increasingly relying on distributed feedback controllers to tackle complex and latency-prone sensing and decision problems. These demands come at the cost of a growing computational burden, and as a result, larger controller latencies. To maximize robustness to mechanical disturbances and achieve high control performance, we emphasize the necessity for executing damping feedback in close proximity to the control plant while allocating stiffness feedback in a latency-prone centralized control process. Additionally, series elastic actuators (SEAs) are becoming prevalent in torque-controlled robots during recent years to achieve compliant interactions with environments and humans. However, designing optimal impedance controllers and characterizing impedance performance for SEAs with time delays and filtering are still under-explored problems. The presented study addresses the optimal controller design problem by devising a critically damped gain design method for a class of SEA cascaded control architectures, which is composed of outer-impedance and innertorque feedback loops. Via the proposed controller design criterion, we adopt frequency-domain methods to thoroughly analyze the effects of time delays, filtering, and load inertia on SEA impedance performance. These results are further validated through the analysis, simulation, and experimental testing on high-performance actuators and on an omnidirectional mobile base.
Impact of Reduced Fluoroquinolone Use on Clostridioides difficile Infections Resulting From the Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Ribotype 027 Strain in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Background: Fluoroquinolone restriction has been proposed as a control measure for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) outbreaks associated with fluoroquinolone-resistant ribotype 027 strains. However, relatively few reports of fluoroquinolone restriction interventions have evaluated the impact on C. difficile strain types and fluoroquinolone resistance. Methods: In a hospital and affiliated long-term care facility (LTCF), antimicrobial stewardship and environmental cleaning interventions were implemented between 2009 and 2018, and C. difficile isolates during this period (~20 per year) were ribotyped and tested for fluoroquinolone resistance by moxifloxacin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to assess the association between use of fluoroquinolones and the percentage of CDI cases due to the 027 strain over time. Results: Between 2009 and 2018, prescribing of fluoroquinolones to inpatients decreased by 43%, coinciding with significant reductions in the healthcare-associated CDI rates in the hospital and LTCF and a decline in the percentage of C. difficile isolates that were ribotype 027 from 70% to 10%. Ninety-five percent of ribotype 027 and 6% of non-027 isolates were moxifloxacin resistant. Hospital fluoroquinolone use was strongly correlated with the incidence of hospital-associated CDI (r = 0.79, 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.95), but LTCF fluoroquinolone use was not correlated with LTCF-associated CDI (r = 0.29, 95% confidence interval, -0.43-0.77). During the study period, there were statistically significant downward trends in the use of penicillins, intravenous vancomycin, carbapenems, and clindamycin. Conclusion: Our results provide support for fluoroquinolone restriction as a control measure for CDI outbreaks due to fluoroquinolone-resistant 027 strains, but also highlight the need for randomized trials as factors such as reduction in other antibiotic classes and improved cleaning may also impact CDI rates.
Patients undergoing recurrent CT exams: assessment of patients with non-malignant diseases, reasons for imaging and imaging appropriateness.

To determine percent of patients without malignancy and ≤ 40 years of age with high cumulative radiation doses through recurrent CT exams and assess imaging appropriateness. From the cohort of patients who received cumulative effective dose (CED) of ≥ 100 mSv over a 5-year period, a sub-set was identified with non-malignant disease. The top 50 clinical indications leading to multiple CTs were determined. Clinical decision support (CDS) system scores were analyzed using a widely adopted standard of 1–3 (red) as “not usually appropriate,” 4–6 (yellow) “may or may not be appropriate,” and 7–9 (green) “usually appropriate.” Clinicians reviewed patient records to assess compliance with appropriate use criteria (AUC). 9.6% of patients in our series were with non-malignant conditions and 1.4% with age ≤ 40 years. CDS scores (rounded) were 2% red, 38% yellow, 27% green, and 33% unscored CTs. Clinical society guidelines for CT exams, wherever available, were followed in 87.5 to 100% of cases. AUCs were not available for several clinical indications as also referral guidelines for serial CT imaging. More than half of CT exams were unrelated to follow-up of a primary chronic disease. We are faced with a situation wherein patients in age ≤ 40 years require or are thought to require many CT exams over the course of a few years but the radiation risk creates concern. There is a fair number of conditions for which AUC are not available. Suggested solutions include development of CT scanners with lesser radiation dose and further development of appropriateness criteria.
New Efficient Caching Strategy based on Clustering in Named Data Networking

The Named Data Networking NDN is one of the most proposed architecture for the new model of Internet communications based on contents distribution, called Information-Centric Network ICN. It is widely accepted by the research community since it has become dominant in ICN design that resolves TCP-IP based Internet problems such as bandwidth, delay, location dependent and congestion. Based on location host IP addresses, TCP-IP designed for Peer-to-Peer communication P2P. NDN architecture is oriented Content Centric Networking CCN, where the data is stored on routers and distributed to users from the nearest router. Cache capacities of routers are limited compared to forwarded contents. To move from TCP-IP model to CCN model, many papers propose several new contents distribution based architecture ICN. In this paper, we propose a novel strategy to optimize the use of network resources inspired from Network clustering and cluster head selection in MANETs. Specifically, the improved K-medoids cluster algorithm is used to divide the global network in clusters, where for each cluster; three routers are selected as content routers. The first is the main caching router as well as the second and the third are the secondary caching router. The caching router selection process relies on three relevant criteria consisting of the distance between a node and its cluster centroid, the number of neighbors, and the congestion level. Two Multi Attribute Decision–Making methods MADM are applied, namely TOPSIS and AHP. Performance analysis of our proposed strategy with the established criteria showed � its effectiveness and strong potential.
Left ventricular (LV) pacing in newborns and infants: Echo assessment of LV systolic function and synchrony at 5-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND Small retrospective studies reported that left ventricular (LV) pacing is likely to preserve LV function in children with isolated congenital complete atrioventricular block (CCAVB). The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate LV contractility and synchrony in a cohort of neonates/infants at pacemaker implantation and follow-up. METHODS Patients with CCAVB who underwent LV pacing were evaluated with electrocardiogram and echocardiogram in a single-center, prospective study. Data were collected at implantation, at 1-month and every year of follow-up, up to 5 years. LV ventricular dimensions (diameters and volumes), systolic function (ejection fraction [EF] and global longitudinal strain [GLS]), and synchrony were evaluated. Data are reported as median (25th-75th centiles). RESULTS Twenty consecutive patients with CCAVB underwent pacemaker implantation (12 single-chamber pacemaker [VVIR] and eight dual-chamber pacemaker [DDD]) with epicardial leads: 17 on the LV apex and three on the free wall. Age at implantation was 0.3 months (1 day-4.5 months). Patients showed good clinical status, normal LV dimensions, preserved systolic function, and synchrony at 60 (30-60) months follow-up. EF increased to normal values in patients with preimplantation EF <50%. Presence of antibodies and pacing mode (DDD vs VVIR) had no impact on the outcome. CONCLUSIONS LV pacing preserved LV systolic function and synchrony in neonates and infants with CCAVB at 5-year follow-up. LV EF improved in patients with low preimplantation EF. Pacing mode or the presence of autoantibodies did not demonstrated an impact on LV contractility and synchrony.