cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-Control as an Executive Function: Reformulating Gottfredson and Hirschi's Parental Socialization Thesis

According to Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990), levels of self-control are determined by parental management techniques, not by biological and genetic influences. Recent behavioral genetic and neurosc...
Complete Sequence of the cap Locus of Haemophilus influenzae Serotype b and Nonencapsulated b Capsule-Negative Variants

ABSTRACT The complete capsule (cap) loci from three Haemophilus influenzae strains, one serotype b (Hib) and two nonencapsulated b capsule-negative variants, were sequenced. Two new open reading frames, hcsA and hcsB, were identified in region III and thought to be involved in postpolymerization modification of the capsule. The location of the cap locus in the Haemophilus influenzae chromosome was identified within section 97 of the Rd genome (chromosomal coordinates 1074542 to 1086327) and found to be the same for the Hib and two Hib− strains as well as some other encapsulated division I H. influenzae strains.
Analysis of linear induction machines with discrete windings and finite iron length

A formulation for the airgap field distribution due to a single slot current has been found, allowing the construction of arbitrary windings by the superposition of these solutions. A novel technique has been devised for simulating the finite length of the stator iron by reactive sheets lining the iron beyond the stator ends such that the currents induced in these sheets shield the excess iron. This model reveals the presence of synchronous (i.e. reluctance) forces in linear machines which have not been previously discussed. The results are compared with published experimental data.
BP1 transcriptionally activates bcl-2 and inhibits TNFα-induced cell death in MCF7 breast cancer cells

Introduction We have previously shown that the Beta Protein 1 (BP1) homeodomain protein is expressed in 81% of invasive ductal breast carcinomas, and that increased BP1 expression correlates with tumor progression. The purpose of our current investigation was to determine whether elevated levels of BP1 in breast cancer cells are associated with increased cell survival.
HapCUT: an efficient and accurate algorithm for the haplotype assembly problem

Motivation: The goal of the haplotype assembly problem is to reconstruct the two haplotypes (chromosomes) for an individual using a mix of sequenced fragments from the two chromosomes. This problem has been shown to be computationally intractable for various optimization criteria. Polynomial time algorithms have been proposed for restricted versions of the problem. In this article, we consider the haplotype assembly problem in the most general setting, i.e. fragments of any length and with an arbitrary number of gaps. Results: We describe a novel combinatorial approach for the haplotype assembly problem based on computing max-cuts in certain graphs derived from the sequenced fragments. Levy et al. have sequenced the complete genome of a human individual and used a greedy heuristic to assemble the haplotypes for this individual. We have applied our method HapCUTto infer haplotypes from this data and demonstrate that the haplotypes inferred using HapCUT are significantly more accurate (20–25% lower maximum error correction scores for all chromosomes) than the greedy heuristic and a previously published method, Fast Hare. We also describe a maximum likelihood based estimator of the absolute accuracy of the sequence-based haplotypes using population haplotypes from the International HapMap project. Availability: A program implementing HapCUT is available on
Calcitonin Gene–Related Peptide Is a Depressor of Deoxycorticosterone-Salt Hypertension in the Rat

Abstract Calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) is a potent vasodilator neuropeptide. We previously demonstrated that neuronal CGRP expression is significantly increased in deoxycorticosterone (DOC)–salt hypertensive rats. To determine the hemodynamic role of CGRP in this setting, we used CGRP 8-37 , a specific CGRP receptor antagonist. DOC-salt hypertension was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats. To control for DOC pellet implantation, left nephrectomy, and/or saline drinking water, we also studied four normotensive groups. Four weeks after the initiation of each protocol, all rats had intravenous (for drug administration) and arterial (for continuous mean arterial pressure monitoring) catheters surgically placed and were studied in the conscious, unrestrained state. Baseline mean arterial pressure was higher in the DOC-salt than normotensive rats (175±5 versus 119±4 mm Hg, P 8-37 administration (bolus doses of 3.2×10 4 or 6.4×10 4 pmol/L) did not change mean arterial pressure in the four normotensive groups. However, CGRP 8-37 administration to the DOC-salt rats rapidly and significantly increased mean arterial pressure at both the lower dose (9±1 mm Hg, P P 8-37 doses was also significant ( P
nuID: a universal naming scheme of oligonucleotides for Illumina, Affymetrix, and other microarrays

Background Oligonucleotide probes that are sequence identical may have different identifiers between manufacturers and even between different versions of the same company's microarray; and sometimes the same identifier is reused and represents a completely different oligonucleotide, resulting in ambiguity and potentially mis-identification of the genes hybridizing to that probe.
Synthesis-View: visualization and interpretation of SNP association results for multi-cohort, multi-phenotype data and meta-analysis

Initial genome-wide association study (GWAS) discoveries are being further explored through the use of large cohorts across multiple and diverse populations involving meta-analyses within large consortia and networks. Many of the additional studies characterize less than 100 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), often include multiple and correlated phenotypic measurements, and can include data from multiple-sites, multiple-studies, as well as multiple race/ethnicities. New approaches for visualizing resultant data are necessary in order to fully interpret results and obtain a broad view of the trends between DNA variation and phenotypes, as well as provide information on specific SNP and phenotype relationships. The Synthesis-View software tool was designed to visually synthesize the results of the aforementioned types of studies. Presented herein are multiple examples of the ways Synthesis-View can be used to report results from association studies of DNA variation and phenotypes, including the visual integration of p-values or other metrics of significance, allele frequencies, sample sizes, effect size, and direction of effect. To truly allow a user to visually integrate multiple pieces of information typical of a genetic association study, innovative views are needed to integrate multiple pieces of information. As a result, we have created "Synthesis-View" software for the visualization of genotype-phenotype association data in multiple cohorts. Synthesis-View is freely available for non-commercial research institutions, for full details see https://chgr.mc.vanderbilt.edu/synthesisview .
Physiological Development Time and Zero Development Temperature of the Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The physiological development time was determined for the immature stages of summer form codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), when reared at both constant and field-simulated temperatures. The phenological data thus obtained was used to examine the zero temperature threshold to model codling moth development. Two procedures were used to determine the base or zero development temperature for codling moth. They were the x-intercept, i.e., an extrapolation of the best-fit linear approximation of the reciprocal of time for development (days or hours) at each of a series of constant temperatures; and second using thermal units, i.e., physiological development time (degree-hours). The thermal unit was a constant at any logical rearing temperature when using the correct base (zero development) temperature. Physiological development time became increasingly curvilinear as the base temperature deviated from the correct value. Errors in base temperature, particularly at lower temperatures, introduce large errors into phenology models, reducing their reliability when used to time pest management procedures. Thermal units may be used to directly determine the base temperature or to validate the precision of the x-intercept. When reared at constant temperature, mean development time was 2,100, 6,100, and 5,800 degree-hours, but when reared under field-simulated (variable) temperatures the mean development time was reduced by 0, 500, and 1,100 degree-hours for eggs, larvae, and pupae, respectively. Development was retarded at 35°C when reared at constant temperature, but not when reared at field-simulated temperatures that were as high as 35°C for a few hours each day. There was no evidence for an upper temperature threshold using field-simulated temperatures. Modeling codling moth development in the field using field-simulated temperature data more accurately represents true development time. Fifteen percent of the larvae reared under long-daylength at 14.8°C entered diapause; whereas, there was no diapause at higher temperatures. Diapause induction at low temperature under long-daylength has not been previously reported.
Vector Competence of Ixodes muris (Acari: Ixodidae) for Borrelia burgdorferi

The vector competence of Ixodes muris (Bishopp & Smith) was determined for Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiologic agent of Lyme disease. Larval I. muris were fed on ICR outbred mice infected with the B-31 laboratory strain of B. burgdorferi. Replete larvae, at 5 d after feeding, were assayed for infection by culture in Barbour-Stoner-Kelly (BSK-H) media. Infection frequency in I. muris replete larvae was 66%. Resultant nymphs were fed on naive ICR outbred mice to determine the ability of I. muris to transmit infection. Infection frequency in fed nymphs declined to 38% and only 1/5 mice was positive for B. burgdorferi on ear biopsy culture. We demonstrated that I. muris is capable of acquiring and transmitting B. burgdorferi but is a relatively poor vector compared with I. scapularis (Say).
Performance of 5 × 5 arrays of Al/Al 2 O 3 microcavity plasma jet devices: Spatially resolved optical emission profiles in He flow

Arrays of microplasma jets have been fabricated in microcavities having cylindrical or double parabolic cross-section. The typical diameter of these microcavities is 250–300 µm and the depth of the entire device is ∼250 µm. Fabricated by micromachining of nanoporous alumina grown on Al foil1, the plasma jet devices were operated with a feedstock gas having a flow rate of 1∼7 standard L/min. Arrays as large as 5 × 5 jets have been demonstrated for which the jet length and array pitch are up to 3 mm and 100 µm, respectively. Images of the visible fluorescence produced by the expansion of He microplasma jets in laboratory air provide a vivid picture of the extent of the He (23S)+ → N 2 + Penning ionization reaction zone.
Dinitro-sylbis[tris-(4-methyl-phen-yl)phosphane]iron.

The title compound, [Fe(NO)2(C21H21P)2], belongs to the family of metal dinitrosyl compounds with the general formula Fe(NO)2(L)x, referred to collectively as `dinitrosyl iron compounds' (DNICs). Herein we report the structure of a dinitrosyl iron diphosphane complex, [Fe(NO)2L2], with L = P(C6H4-p-CH3)3. There are two crystallographically independent but chemically equal mol­ecules per asymmetric unit. The iron atom in each mol­ecule is tetra­hedrally coordinated by two phosphane ligands and two NO groups, with Fe—N—O angles in the range 173.84 (15)–179.31 (16)°.
The Court Does Not Know 'What a Labor Union is': How State Structures and Judicial (Mis)Constructions Deformed Public Sector Labor Law

This article examines why public sector labor law evolved as it did - separate from and more restrictive than private sector law. The sheer impact of public sector law shows its importance. Up to the 1960s, public workers generally could not legally bargain or strike, and courts routinely upheld bans on union membership itself. Since the 1960s, public sector unions have grown phenomenally in size and power (about 40% of the public sector is now organized) because the law finally loosened. Yet no one has explained why public sector law was so limiting for so long. This article explains the stunted development of public sector labor law by synthesizing insights of three schools of legal historiography. First, as legal realists argue, courts were often simply hostile to unions. But this does not explain the different treatment of the public and private sectors after the New Deal. Second, as new institutionalists argue, state structure was crucial. A federal public sector law faced obvious constitutional problems. Moreover, at the local level, judges promoted a conception of the powers of different arms of state governments that crippled labor. Courts chose to defer automatically to anti-union rules county and city employers made. Simultaneously, courts held that local government bodies could not "delegate" public power to unions through bargaining or arbitration. Third, consistent with some discourse theory, judicial construction of the term "union" was crucial. Although public sector labor renounced strikes and traditional collective bargaining, courts "knew" that "union" could only mean groups that struck and bargained as in the private sector. In sum, given the type of organization they perceived unions to be, courts would at minimum not interfere with government officials who refused to deal with labor.
Pour-on treatments of DDT or toxaphene for horn fly control.

Cattle naturally infested with horn flies, Haematobia irritans (L.), were treated by the pour-on technique with 100 ml. of aqueous emulsions of DDT or toxaphene. Treatments with either material at 12 g . per animal provided effective control in excess of 3 weeks. Treatments with either material at 6 g. per animal provided effective control for a period of 1 to 2 weeks. No practical differences in effectiveness were noted between DDT and toxaphene. No evidence of insecticide resistance was noted.
Scopes: an architecture to support coordination across heterogeneous information systems

The problem of semantic cooperation across Heterogeneous Information Systems is examined. An architecture has been developed to support dynamic integration of heterogeneous databases, thereby allowing the meaningful exchange of information between systems in a dynamic environment. This architecture is named SCOPES: Semantic Coordinator Over Parallel Exploration Spaces. The purpose of SCOPES is to build a context dynamically within which dialogue between heterogeneous systems can be understood. To achieve this, a classification of semantic conflicts has been developed, in order to identify the semantic conflicts as they occur. This classification has been shown to be sound, minimal and complete, with respect to known semantic conflicts. A dynamic context builder has been built. The context builder uses the Dempster-Shafer theory of probability to evaluate newly-acquired evidence within all possible contexts. A context-coordination algorithm has been developed. This algorithm is used to coordinate the dialogue between communicating systems, as well as the knowledge acquisition from internal knowledge sources. In this dissertation, SCOPES has been shown to be useful to several applications domains, including integrated manufacturing and food technology.
Dumpster Diving in the Gut: Bacterial Microcompartments as Part of a Host-Associated Lifestyle.

Upon arriving in the host gut, enteric pathogens face a daunting challenge: to proliferate in an environment already rich in commensal microbes and poor in available nutrients. Recent evidence suggests that Salmonella and other enteric bacteria conduct a coordinated assault employing two complimentary systems: bacterial microcompartments and the type III secretion system. While a portion of invading bacteria construct subcellular metabolic organelles designed to utilize unique nutrients, the remaining invading cells induce intestinal inflammation, remodeling the chemical environment of the gut to render it more favorable to Salmonella proliferation (Fig 1). Fig 1 Bacterial microcompartment function and the coordinated invasion of the host gut by Salmonella enterica.
Insulin increases Na(+)-H+ exchange activity in proximal tubules from normotensive and hypertensive rats.

The effects of insulin on Na(+)-H+ exchange were examined in isolated proximal segments from normotensive Sprague-Dawley (SD) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), ...
Constitutive Representation of Mothers: How Conservative Women Shape Maternal Interests

How activists make claims about gender roles, motherhood and politics has significance for understanding women’s social and political standing and public policy outcomes. In disputes between conservative and feminist women, clashes over motherhood reflect wider ideas about women’s familial, political and economic status (Schreiber 2012b; Burack and Josephson 2002; Mansbridge 1986; Luker 1984). And, as these activists make representative claims as and for mothers, they are constituting, and generating debate over, the meaning of mothers’ interests. This paper hones in on one side of these debates to examine contemporary interpretations of motherhood by conservative women leaders. The research is part of a larger, multi-method book-length project that examines how recent political activities, as well as social and economic shifts, are shaping conservative construction of mothers’ interests. For contrast, and because these leaders tend to be antifeminist, I include insights from feminist women leaders.
Guided acoustic wave Brillouin scattering in optical fibers

Optical fibers are generally considered passive devices; the light transmitted through them at reasonable power levels may be attenuated but is not expected to be modulated. It has long been known, however, that thermally excited vibrational and diffusional fluctuations cause light scattering in glass.1 This process is responsible for the fundamental limit on the attenuation of light in a fiber but has not been expected to modulate the transmitted beam for the same reason that a laser beam passing through a glass window is not modulated; scattering in the exact forward direction is possible only at zero frequency shift. We have, however, detected modulation of the transmitted wave in a single-mode fiber due to thermally excited vibrations.
Gain and Noise Analysis of Non-Foster Matched Antennas

Non-Foster matching networks can overcome the gain-bandwidth limitations of passive small antennas, but at the cost of increased noise generated by the active matching circuit. Gain and noise measurements of a non-Foster matched small loop antenna were compared with those of the passive loop antenna to quantify the improvement in received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) with non-Foster matching. The average gain improvement of 7 dB from 30–135 MHz was accompanied by an average added noise of 8.9 dB, indicating that the non-Foster matched antenna did not provide any improvement in the received SNR compared with the passive antenna. These results led to a study of the various noise sources in a non-Foster receiving system. Noise models were developed for the balanced and unbalanced Linvill negative impedance convertor circuits and verified with simulations. Simulations were then done to analyze the noise figure (NF) of a non-Foster receiving system for various small antennas, different biasing conditions, and receiver noise levels. These were then compared with NF simulations of small antennas attached to an amplifier and a noisy receiver. The results indicate that for receivers with low-noise floor levels, a receiving system consisting of a passive small antenna and an amplifier can provide better SNRs compared with a receiving system with a non-Foster matched small antenna.
Accurate modeling of GaAs MESFET sidegating effects by trapping simulation

In this paper, GaAs MESFET sidegating effects are studied by experiment and analysis of carrier trapping process in semi-insulating (SI) GaAs substrates using a trapping model. Two mechanisms responsible for sidegating are revealed. One is the formation of a stationary Gunn domain at the channel-substrate interface. The other is the substrate conduction between a parasitic Schottky contact and the sidegate due to carrier injection. >
Predicting forage intake in extensive grazing systems

Voluntary intake by cattle and other ruminants is controlled by a complex mix of physical and physiological factors that interact with a variety of environmental, geo-spatial, and experiential influences external to the animal. These factors are intensified in grazing ruminants, where selective grazing and potential variability in dietary options also affect eating decisions. As a result of the complexity of intake control and associated interacting factors, developing methods that yield accurate and precise predictions of voluntary intake by grazing cattle has been a long-standing challenge for animal scientists. Nonetheless, reliable estimates of intake are necessary to make informed management decisions related to sustainable management of grazing lands and to provide economically sustainable quantities of supplemental nutrients to maintain desired production levels. Currently available empirical regression equations to predict intake include independent variables like BW and energy concentration (or digestibility). Adding production variables (e.g., ADG for growing cattle or calf ADG/weaning weight for cows) seems to improve the accuracy and precision of these regression models, but to be applied in practice, these production variables must be estimated from historical data, which adds another source of variation and could decrease the predictive ability of these equations. Similarly, intake can be predicted from estimates of energy requirements and energy concentration of the diet selected (the DMI required approach), but this method also involves forecasting of requirements. For all empirical methods, estimates of forage digestibility or energy concentration are essential, but obtaining accurate estimates is difficult with grazing livestock. More complex mechanistic or quasi-mechanistic models have been developed, but the application of these models has been too limited to determine whether they offer significant advantages over traditional empirical models. Because our knowledge base of how, in a quantitative sense, both intake control mechanisms and external factors influence voluntary intake by grazing ruminants is limited, development of tools for predicting intake is likely to be a long-term process.
Octave-spanning dual-comb spectroscopy with a free-running bidirectional mode-locked femtosecond fiber laser

We demonstrate an octave-spanning laser source for dual-comb spectroscopy (DCS). Two optical frequency combs (OFCs) are generated from a single laser cavity and frequency broadened to cover over an octave for broadband single shot DCS.
The Ancient Graffiti Project: Geo-Spatial Visualization and Search Tools for Ancient Handwritten Inscriptions

This paper discusses how the Ancient Graffiti Project publishes the digital content of ancient epigraphic material and makes handwritten inscriptions from the first century AD more accessible through the use of geo-referenced, spatial interfaces, interlinked and expanded reference data, and innovative tools that enhance searching. Ancient graffiti are texts, but they are texts that exist within a physical environment. We have designed the Ancient Graffiti Project (AGP) to provide a richer understanding of these handwritten inscriptions from the first century AD in their archaeological context. Interactive maps allow a user to retrieve and analyze all the graffiti in a particular location. These and other tools, from filters that refine searches to brief descriptions and translations to explain the content of these writings, have been designed to reach multiple audiences, including scholars, students, and interested members of the public. We discuss how we have designed AGP from its inception to be integrated within and interoperable with the Epigraphic Database Roma. The spatial and physical context of graffiti also allows us to link with other spatially oriented digital projects on the ancient world, including the ancient gazetteer Pleiades.
Currency Manipulations and Bilateral Trade Between China and the USA: A Fourier Gravity Approach

The US trade deficit with China has existed for a long time, and its dollar value has been on the rise recently. It is widely believed that the main culprit is the manipulated value of Renminbi rel...
Embodied Discourse: Revisiting Plato’s Stance on the Connection(s) between Rhetoric and Medicine

This essay examines several of Plato’s philosophical texts to show how in the process of trying to differentiate rhetoric and medicine—to prove that medicine is an art or science like philosophy, and that rhetoric, in comparison, is just a knack or skill—Plato indirectly and unwittingly reveals just how similar the two practices may be. As such, this essay seeks a fuller interpretation of Plato’s attitude toward rhetoric, supplementing the work of scholars who claim the only evidence Plato gives us about an ideal rhetoric is through its relationship to philosophy. This essay shows instead that Plato captures the potential of rhetoric as a true art precisely through its intricate relationship to medicine.
Toward Data-Driven Tutorial Question Answering with Deep Learning Conversational Models

There has been an increase in popularity of data-driven question answering systems given their recent success. This pa-per explores the possibility of building a tutorial question answering system for Java programming from data sampled from a community-based question answering forum. This paper reports on the creation of a dataset that could support building such a tutorial question answering system and discusses the methodology to create the 106,386 question strong dataset. We investigate how retrieval-based and generative models perform on the given dataset. The work also investigates the usefulness of using hybrid approaches such as combining retrieval-based and generative models. The results indicate that building data-driven tutorial systems using community-based question answering forums holds significant promise.
Epigenetic variations of stem cell markers in cancer

Epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in the regulation of gene expression and are critical for the function of normal physiological processes like cell proliferation, differentiation and morphogenesis. Alterations in epigenetic mechanisms contribute to the initiation and progression of various pathological conditions like genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, aging and cancer. In this chapter, we discuss the different types of epigenetic mechanisms and how dysregulation of these mechanisms can lead to the initiation and development of various cancers. In addition, we highlight the importance of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers that serve as putative biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, and epigenetic variations of these markers in cancer. Given the importance of microRNAs in gene regulation and cancer, we discuss the regulation of various tumor suppressor microRNAs by CSC markers and vice versa. A thorough knowledge on these aspects is critical in the development of therapeutics that can target cancer stem cells.
End-user computing at BRECI: the ordeals of a one-person IS department

Small business is frequently touted as the fastest growing part of our economy. In the 1990s, a small business can easily use technology to its advantage. This has been made possible by the rapid and significant drop in the cost of hardware and networking, the availability of a wide-range of costeffective software packages, and the escalating computer and information literacy seen in executives and the general workforce. In spite of this, and contrary to what is reported in the general and computer press, the application and understanding of technology is lacking in many small businesses that could benefit greatly from its use. In contrast to the success stories seen in the press, the intention of the case study presented here is to show a less than successful attempt at the introduction and use of information technology in a small business. The business was a multi-state consulting firm with a highly educated workforce, geographically-dispersed projects, and demanding customers. Information technology offered the promise of significantly reduced administrative and communication costs; improved document production, distribution and management; and improved internal communication. The benefits stalled just as they were beginning to be realized, because executive management lacked the necessary understanding and failed to provide the support that was needed to fully realize the benefits. In addition, end-users failed to understand their role in supporting the introduction and implementation of information technology, and thus sealed the fate of the overall implementation. IS staff hiring and transition planning, training, software selection and piracy, ergonomics, managerial support, and end-user involvement are examined in this case. While the details have been disguised to conceal the identity of the company and individuals involved, the case is an accurate depiction of end-user computing at “BRECI” and many other small businesses. Kathleen Moffitt is a professor of information systems at California State University, Fresno. She received her Ph.D. in Computer Information Systems from Arizona State University, M.A. from the University of Arizona, and B.A. from the University of Colorado. She has published in IEEE Expert, Decision Sciences, Transportation Research and Human Factors in Information Systems. Her current research interests include, end-user computing, global information systems, Internet application and strategy, IS/IT management and innovative education. IDEA GROUP PUBLISHING
Abstract 3095: Promotion of pancreatic cancer by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths and one of the most lethal forms of cancer diagnosed in the United States. While the exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown, established risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, alcohol consumption and pancreatitis; all of which share the ability to generate oxidative stress - a condition known to promote cancer progression. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical widely used in consumer and industrial applications, has been shown to induce pancreatic acinar cell tumors in rodents through a yet to be determined mechanism. In humans, epidemiologic studies have linked PFOA exposure to adverse chronic health effects including several types of cancer. PFOA has been detected in essentially all of the American population, with mean serum levels close to 4 ng/ml and a predicted half-life of ~ 4 yrs. We have previously shown that exposure of mice to PFOA for 7 days triggered oxidative stress in the pancreas, which was associated with focal ductal hyperplasia and inflammation. The purpose of this study was to determine if PFOA exposure promotes the progression of pancreatic cancer in a well-characterized mouse model of pancreatic cancer, the LSL-KRasG12D;Pdx-1 Cre model. For our studies, LSL-KRasG12D;Pdx-1Cre mice received either tap water or tap water supplemented with 5 ppm PFOA, starting at 2 months of age. Mice were sacrificed at 6 and 9 months of age, corresponding to 4 and 7 months of PFOA treatment, at which time serum and tissues were collected. Pancreata were processed for histologic examination (HEPdx-1 Cre mice. In addition, exposure to PFOA increased the CK19+ lesion area in LSL-KRasG12D;Pdx-1 Cre mice indicating an acceleration of pancreatic cancer progression. qPCR analysis of pancreata verified increased expression of both CK19 and the early lesion marker Sox9 in PFOA-treated mice. Analysis of mRNA expression in the pancreas revealed an increase in oxidative stress, evidenced by elevated Sod1 expression, and an increase in inflammatory markers (Tnfα and IL1α). Together, these results demonstrate that PFOA leads to expansion of the pancreatic lesion area in the LSL-KRasG12D;Pdx-1 Cre mouse model which is accompanied by oxidative stress and an inflammatory response. These results, coupled with the widespread human exposure to PFOA and its biological persistence, suggest that it could be a prominent agent promoting pancreatic cancer progession. Citation Format: Barbara A. Hocevar, Lisa M. Kamendulis. Promotion of pancreatic cancer by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3095.
The intestinal metal transporter ZIP14 maintains systemic manganese homeostasis

ZIP14 (encoded by the solute carrier 39 family member 14 (SLC39A14) gene) is a manganese transporter that is abundantly expressed in the liver and small intestine. Loss-of-function mutations in SLC39A14 cause severe hypermanganesemia. Because the liver is regarded as the main regulatory organ involved in manganese homeostasis, impaired hepatic manganese uptake for subsequent biliary excretion has been proposed as the underlying disease mechanism. However, liver-specific Zip14 KO mice exhibit decreased manganese only in the liver and do not develop manganese accumulation in other tissues under normal conditions. This suggests that impaired hepatobiliary excretion is not the primary cause for manganese overload observed in individuals lacking functional ZIP14. We therefore hypothesized that increased intestinal manganese absorption could induce manganese hyperaccumulation when ZIP14 is inactivated. To elucidate the role of ZIP14 in manganese absorption, here we used CaCo-2 Transwell cultures as a model system for intestinal epithelia. The generation of a ZIP14-deficient CaCo-2 cell line enabled the identification of ZIP14 as the major transporter mediating basolateral manganese uptake in enterocytes. Lack of ZIP14 severely impaired basolateral-to-apical (secretory) manganese transport and strongly enhanced manganese transport in the apical-to-basolateral (absorptive) direction. Mechanistic studies provided evidence that ZIP14 restricts manganese transport in the absorptive direction via direct basolateral reuptake of freshly absorbed manganese. In support of such function of intestinal ZIP14 in vivo, manganese levels in the livers and brains of intestine-specific Zip14 KO mice were significantly elevated. Our findings highlight the importance of intestinal ZIP14 in regulating systemic manganese homeostasis.
Effective Theory of Superfluid Quark Matter

We provide a brief introduction to the high density effective theory of QCD. As an application, we consider the instanton correction to the perturbatively generated gap in the color superconducting phase. We show that the instanton correction becomes large for mu = 1.25 GeV in N_f=2 QCD, and for mu = 750 MeV in N_f=3 QCD with a massive strange quark. We also study some other numerical issues related to the magnitude of the gap. We find, in particular, that a renormalization group improved gap equation does not give results that are substantially different from a gap equation with a fixed coupling.
Making seismic monitoring work in a complex desert environment — 4D processing

Abstract Seismic monitoring of an onshore carbonate reservoir in a desert environment has been achieved for the first time. Optimizing data repeatability was key to detecting the weak 4D (time-laps...
Who Is Ordering MRIs in Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients

The role of MRI in the workup of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients remains controversial. Breast MRI detects additional disease, but this has not translated into improved outcomes. In light of a dramatic rise in MRI use, we investigated patterns of MRI ordering for newly diagnosed breast cancer. All newly diagnosed breast cancer cases presenting for surgical management to a specialized breast center from 2011 to 2013 were reviewed. Patients who had an MRI ordered by their operating surgeon were compared with those who had an MRI completed previously. Of 1037 patients, 504 (49%) with newly diagnosed breast cancer underwent MRI as part of their preoperative evaluation. Variables associated with MRI use included commercial insurance, increased breast density, genetic testing, mamographically occult disease, and lobular pathology. Of women who presented to our center with an MRI already completed, 63 per cent were ordered by a primary care provider. Of the 504 patients, 233 (44%) who had an MRI underwent an additional biopsy, and 166 (33%) had a resultant change in management. There was no significant difference in MRI-directed change in patient care depending on ordering provider. Further research is needed to develop evidence-based guidelines for preoperative MRI evaluation to optimize patient outcomes.
“Hero-Worship” or “Manipulative and Oversimplifying”: How America’s Current and Former Military Service Members Perceive Military-Related News Reporting

Military-related journalism serves an important purpose, and has a special relevance in the modern era of nearly continuous American military involvement. Yet, conflicting goals have long made relations between journalists and the military difficult, and both institutions have faced abundant criticism regarding the role each plays in providing information to the public. This study seeks to provide additional perspective on the topic, and involves a consideration of the views held by individual military service members and veterans regarding military-related news. Data gathered from interviews suggests that, while a diversity of perspectives exist, widespread frustration with military-related reporting is very common among the military population.
Is Mutual Fund Family Retirement Money Smart

Using data on investments of fund family employees in their 401(k) plans, I show that employee flows predict fund performance up to two years. Moreover, employee flows lead flows of other investors, but not vice versa, further indicating that employee flows are smart. The predictive power of employee flows is stronger when fund family employees are located close to fund managers, pointing to employees exploiting their proximity to managers to learn about the managers’ skill or effort. The results do not appear to be driven by ownership changes of portfolio managers themselves, family cross-subsidization efforts, plan design, or employee sophistication.
The Prognostic Value of Lactate in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients With Cardiac Arrest and Shock.

BACKGROUND Lactate is a prognostic marker in critically ill patients, although currently available illness severity scores do not include lactate as a predictive parameter. We sought to describe the association between lactate and hospital mortality in patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) with cardiac arrest (CA) and shock. METHODS Retrospective observational analysis of Mayo Clinic CICU patients admitted from 2007 to 2018 with measured lactate on admission, including patients with and without CA or shock. We examined hospital mortality as a function of admission lactate in patients. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of hospital mortality. RESULTS We included 3,042 patients with a median age of 70 years (IQR 60-80), including 41% females, 26% with CA, and 39% with shock. The median APACHE-IV predicted mortality was 24% (IQR 11-51%), and the median admission lactate was 1.8 mmol/L (IQR 1.1-3.0). Hospital mortality occurred in 23% of patients and rose progressively with higher admission lactate, including in patients with and without CA or shock. After multivariable adjustment for clinical characteristics, therapies, and illness severity, a higher lactate remained associated with increased hospital mortality (adjusted OR 1.13 per mmol/L, 95% CI 1.06-1.20, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Admission lactate levels are strongly associated with increased hospital mortality among CICU patients, including those with and without CA or shock. The prognostic value of lactate levels is independent of established ICU prognostic scores and dependent on admission diagnosis, which may help inform clinicians caring for CICU patients.
Hamman-Rich Syndrome: A Diagnosis of Exclusion in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Hamman-Rich syndrome is a rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease with acute respiratory distress syndrome physiology. It carries a grave prognosis and a high early mortality rate. It is often distinguished from other similar pulmonary pathologies based on the clinical course, laboratory findings, bronchoalveolar lavage testing, and pathology report. We detail a 77-year-old lady with no prior pulmonary disease, smoking history, or occupational and environmental exposures present to the emergency department found to be in acute hypoxic respiratory failure with impressive progressive radiographic findings. The presumptive diagnosis of Hamman-Rich syndrome was made based on a combination of factors after ruling out other similar clinical entities, especially in the setting of an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
A study of antioxidant and antibacterial activity using honey mediated Chromium oxide nanoparticles and its characterization

Abstract Honey is authenticated as the world’s prehistoric food source with incomparable therapeutic, biochemical, physical, and curative values. Chromium oxide nanoparticles were precipitously generated by reduction of potassium dichromate solution in collaboration with natural honey holding carbohydrates as a chief component which perform as reducing agent. The outcome suggests that water soluble carbohydrates have aldehyde group cause the formation of Cr2O3 nanoparticles. The properties of the prepared Cr2O3 nanoparticles were characterized using several techniques such as UV–Visible, FT-IR, SEM, EDAX, XRD and AFM. The FT-IR studies reveals that the broad band of low intensity at 1165.00 cm−1 can be found to be the surface Cr-O stretching vibrations. The SEM image illustrates the rocky structure of the prepared nanoparticle. The AFM image exhibits the topography of Cr2O3nanoparticles in 3.13 µm resolution for 2D and 3D view with current passing over the probe with the scanning area of 9.842 pm2. The XRD result concludes the average size of Cr2O3 nanoparticles as 24.7205 nm. The antioxidant study shows the fluctuation in percentage of antioxidant activity as the concentration varies. The antibacterial activity explains clearly that the prepared sample has zone inhibition with the 3 pathogens studied. Thus the honey medicated nanoparticle synthesis provides a simple, cost effective, reproducible, rapid, and safe method with numerous applications.
Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Have Altered Levels of Four Cytokines Associated with Cardiovascular and Kidney Disease, but Near Normal Levels with Airways Therapy

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) results in chronic intermittent hypoxia leading to systemic inflammation, increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-Alpha and IL-6, and increased risk for a number of life threatening medical disorders such as cardiovascular and kidney disease. Methods A BioPlex Array was used to examined the serum levels of four cytokines also expressed in endothelial cells and/or macrophages and associated with cardiovascular and kidney disease risk. Results Relative to untreated OSA patients, airways treated OSA patients had a 5.4-fold higher median level of MMP2 (p = 9.1x10-11), a 1.4-fold higher level of TWEAK (p = 1.8x10-7), a 1.7-fold higher level of CD163 (p = 1.4x10-6), but a 2.0-fold lower level of MMP3 (p = 7.9x10-7). Airway treatment resulted in levels more similar to or indistinguishable from control subjects. Both t-SNE or UMAP analysis of the global structure of these multi-dimensional data revealed two data clusters, one populated primarily with data for controls and most airways treated OSA patients and a second populated primarily with data for OSA patients. Discussion We discuss a concept in which the aberrant levels of these cytokines in untreated OSA patients may represent a chronic response after years of experiencing intermittent nightly hypoxia, which attenuated the acute response to hypoxia. A balanced therapeutic correction of the aberrant levels of these cytokines may limit the progression of CVD and kidney disease in OSA patients.
Conflict Escalation: The Sharpening of Sectarian Identity

This chapter describes the ways in which conflicts escalate through increases in the intensity of conflict and severity of tactics used to wage it. Escalation is driven by and reinforces three enduring changes: in people’s psychological states, in the way groups function—both internally and vis-a-vis each other—and in the structure and function of the larger, heterogeneous community. This chapter integrates first-hand accounts by Iraqi residents with the rich empirical literature on conflict escalation dynamics to map the trajectory of violence of Baghdad’s neighborhoods. It lays the conceptual groundwork for understanding conflict resilience as a process of managing conflict escalation, thus limiting the formation of sectarian militants within bounded areas, and preventing violent sectarian attacks from militant groups outside those areas.
Healthcare-associated infections in the pediatric intensive care unit

Healthcare-associated infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients. Critically ill children frequently require the placement of invasive devices, such as central venous catheters, urinary catheters, and endotracheal tubes. Each device increases a patient's risk of acquiring infection. In this review, the diagnosis and management of common healthcare-associated infections in the PICU is discussed. This review also examines several infection prevention strategies used in the PICU.
Multi-Fidelity Robotic Behaviors: Acting with Variable State Information

Our work is driven by one of the core purposes of artificial intelligence: to develop real r obotic agents that achieve complex high-level goals in real-time environments. Robotic behaviors select actions as a function of the state of the robot and of the world. Designing robust and appropriate robotic behaviors is a difficult because of noise, uncertainty and the cost of acquiring the necessary state information. We addressed this challenge within the concrete domain of robotic soccer with fully autonomous legged robots provided by Sony. In this paper, we present one of the outcomes of this research: the introduction of multi-fidelity behaviors to explicitly adapt to different levels of state information accuracy. The paper motivates and introduces our general approach and then reports on our concrete work with the Sony robots. The multi-fidelity behaviors we developed allow the r obots to successfully achieve their goals in a dynamic and adversarial environment. A robot acts according to a set of behaviors that aggressively balance the cost of acquiring state information with the value of that information to the robot’s ab ility to achieve its high-level goals. The paper includes empirical experiments which support our method of balancing the cost and benefit of the incrementally-accurate state information.