cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MOLECULAR APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF PARENTAGE, RELATEDNESS, AND FITNESS: PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS FOR WILD ANIMALS

Abstract Historically, novel molecular techniques have been developed by the human genetics community, adapted for nonhuman organisms by evolutionary biologists, and gradually adopted by the wildlife and fisheries communities. Today, evolutionary biologists routinely rely on molecules to assess mate choice, dispersal, parentage, sex ratios, and other population parameters. All in all, the use of molecular genetic markers has revolutionized population biology—human and otherwise. Prescient wildlife and fisheries biologists have recognized the importance of this revolution and are now using molecular genetic tools to evaluate captive or supplemental breeding programs, population dynamics, stocking strategies, and taxonomic issues. Herein, I explore the use of molecular genetic markers to address questions in wildlife biology and management. Specifically, I review how—among other topics—cannibalism, sex-ratios, dispersal, enumeration, genotoxicology, hybridization, and genetically modified organisms can be e...
Purification and characterization of mammalian adenine phosphoribosyltransferases.

In mammals, the enzyme adenine phosphoribosyl transferase (APRT; AMP: pyrophosphate phosphoribosyl transferase; E.C. 2·42·7) is the only known mechanism by which dietary adenine can be utilized1. In humans with reduced or absent APRT activity, renal stones containing substantial amounts of 2,8-dioxyadenine can occur1. However, other APRT deficient individuals do not suffer urolithiasis and appear to be asymptomatic. Thus, the role of APRT, and, indeed, the role of adenine, in the metabolism of mammals is unclear.
Regulated MIP-3α/CCL20 production by human intestinal epithelium: mechanism for modulating mucosal immunity

Human intestinal epithelial cells secrete an array of chemokines known to signal the trafficking of neutrophils and monocytes important in innate mucosal immunity. We hypothesized that intestinal e...
Institutional Ownership Concentration and Stock Price Informativeness

Using a broad panel of NYSE-, AMEX-, or NASDAQ-listed stocks, this paper studies the relation between institutional ownership concentration and stock price informativeness. One channel through which ownership concentration affects price informativeness is competition among institutional investors that trade on their private information. Stocks with less concentrated ownership are priced more efficiently, even after controlling for variation in institutional holdings, liquidity, and analyst coverage. The price adjustment is also faster for firms with lower ownership concentration.The higher informativeness cannot be explained by insider ownerships that tend to be more concentrated.
Regulated and unregulated emissions from modern 2010 emissions-compliant heavy-duty on-highway diesel engines

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established strict regulations for highway diesel engine exhaust emissions of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) to aid in meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The emission standards were phased in with stringent standards for 2007 model year (MY) heavy-duty engines (HDEs), and even more stringent NOX standards for 2010 and later model years. The Health Effects Institute, in cooperation with the Coordinating Research Council, funded by government and the private sector, designed and conducted a research program, the Advanced Collaborative Emission Study (ACES), with multiple objectives, including detailed characterization of the emissions from both 2007- and 2010-compliant engines. The results from emission testing of 2007-compliant engines have already been reported in a previous publication. This paper reports the emissions testing results for three heavy-duty 2010-compliant engines intended for on-highway use. These engines we...
An Econometric Analysis of Demographic, Computer Knowledge and Experience Factors Affecting Online Education Success: The Case of Online AIS/EDP Auditing

With the increase in online courses and programs and constant changes in the online learning environment, it is important for distance learning administrators and academic advisors to be aware of the factors affecting student success and enrollment in online classes, especially as they uniquely relate to specific disciplines. This study uses a survey of students enrolled in online Accounting Information Systems (AIS) and EDP Auditing classes to analyze the factors affecting student success, paying special attention to the role of computer knowledge, previous online experience and demographic variables as determinants of these results. The results show that previous online experience and computer knowledge do not affect student success; however, age and race are important factors in determining student success.
Abstract 5218: γ-secretase inhibitor PF-03084014 impairs Notch signaling and induces antiangiogenic and antitumor effects in breast cancer models

PF-03084014, a small molecule γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI), has previously been shown to inhibit Notch signaling and demonstrated antitumor efficacy. The aim of this report is to gain insights into the mechanism PF-03084014-induced activity. The cell-based evaluation of PF-03084014 across 30 breast cancer (BC) cell lines indicated significant growth inhibition in only a subset of cell lines (3/30). In contrast, PF-03084014 demonstrated cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis by FACS analysis across the majority of a panel of T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cell lines. In vivo BrdU uptake of tumor and [ 18 F]FLT-PET imaging studies demonstrated that PF-03084014 at an efficacious dose (120 mg/kg) caused cell cycle arrest in Sup T1 tumors but not in MDA-MB-231 xenografts, although PF-03084014 suppressed the expression of Notch target genes and tumor growth in both models. These results suggest that the primary mechanism(s) for PF-03084014-induced efficacy in T-ALL and BC models may be different, possibly because the tumor-host microenvironment in the BC model plays an important role during Notch signaling activation. IHC analysis in a panel of solid tumors demonstrated that Notch ligands including jagged 1, 2 and Dll4 were predominately expressed in the host vasculature and stromal cells. To investigate the potential antiangiogenic activity of PF-03084014, an in vitro endothelial cell/fibroblast co-culture tube formation assay was utilized. PF-03084014 disrupted the multicellular lumen-like structures at 100 nM, indicating defective differentiation of endothelial cells in early stage angiogenesis. Ultrasound imaging was utilized to further investigate the antiangiogenic properties of PF-03084014 including both the quantitative measurement of the total tumor vessel volume using 3-D scanning methods and an assessment tumor blood vessel function by measuring blood flow after iv injection of microbubble contrast agents. When MDA-MB-231 tumor bearing mice were administered with an efficacious dose of PF-03084014 consecutively for 4 days, ultrasound imaging revealed a significant (p Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5218.
Presenting Results of Tests Involving Biologically Active Materials

In recent years there has been a great deal of research aimed at finding techniques for the control of insects which would ease our long-standing dependence on the use of insecticides. As a result we find many publications dealing with the detection, extraction, and characterization of materials (mostly from plants) which elicit behavioral responses from insects. Terms commonly used to categorize the types of materials thus isolated are “attractant,” “stimulant,” or “arrestant.”
Comprehensive Design Space Exploration of Silicon Photonic Interconnects

The paper presents a comprehensive physical layer design and modeling platform for silicon photonic interconnects. The platform is based on explicit closed-form expressions for optical power penalties, derived for both signal-dependent and signal-independent noise contexts. Our models agree well with reported experimental measurements. We show how the modeling approach is used for the design space exploration of silicon photonic links and can be leveraged to optimize the wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) capacity, evaluate the scalability, and study the sensitivity of the system to key device parameters. We apply the methodology to the design of microring-based silicon photonic links, including an evaluation of the impairments associated with cascaded ring modulators, as well as the spectral distortion and crosstalk effects of demultiplexer ring arrays for nonreturn-to-zero (NRZ) ON–OFF keying (OOK) modulated WDM signals. We show that the total capacity of a chip-to-chip microring-based WDM silicon photonic link designed with recently reported interconnect device parameters can approach 2 Tb/s realized with NRZ-OOK data modulation and 45 wavelengths each modulated at 45 Gb/s.
Sulfur, Selenium, and Tellurium

Sulfur, S 8 , is found uncombined below the earth’s surface and in many minerals. Selenium and tellurium are usually found with sulfur compounds. Chemically, Se and Te are more metallic in character than is sulfur, but they form oxides and halides in reactions with oxygen and halogens. Although SF 6 is almost inert, SF 4 is a reactive fluorinating agent. Except for SF 6 , the halogens of S, Se, and Te undergo hydrolysis reactions. Sulfur, selenium, and tellurium form binary compounds in reactions with metals. Compounds with hydrogen include H 2 X, but sulfur also forms some sulfanes, H 2 S n , that contain chains of sulfur atoms with hydrogen atoms in terminal positions. The oxides of the elements are acidic with the most important being SO 3 , the anhydride of sulfuric acid, the chemical that is produced in largest quantity. The major use of H 2 SO 4 is in the production of fertilizers, but there are many other important uses.
Short-Stem Total Hip Replacement

Short-stem total hip replacement, first developed over three decades ago, has experienced a surge in attention in recent years. These conservative prostheses were initially created with the intention of improving loading of the proximal femur while preserving the patient’s natural bone stock. Used in conjunction with smaller incisions and less invasive surgical approaches, short stems have become increasingly popular options for total hip replacement in both young and old patients alike. A number of short-stem prostheses exist on the market today, and many have demonstrated promising short- and medium-term outcomes. The senior author’s early experience with a short tapered stem has demonstrated excellent results at an average follow-up of 14 months, with a 0.9 % rate of stem revision for any reason. Longer follow-up is necessary to determine if the favorable early results seen with short-stem hip replacement are to be maintained for long term.
[alpha]-Synuclein promotes dilation of the exocytotic fusion pore

The protein α-synuclein has a central role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Like that of other proteins that accumulate in neurodegenerative disease, however, the function of α-synuclein remains unknown. Localization to the nerve terminal suggests a role in neurotransmitter release, and overexpression inhibits regulated exocytosis, but previous work has failed to identify a clear physiological defect in mice lacking all three synuclein isoforms. Using adrenal chromaffin cells and neurons, we now find that both overexpressed and endogenous synuclein accelerate the kinetics of individual exocytotic events, promoting cargo discharge and reducing pore closure ('kiss-and-run'). Thus, synuclein exerts dose-dependent effects on dilation of the exocytotic fusion pore. Remarkably, mutations that cause Parkinson's disease abrogate this property of α-synuclein without impairing its ability to inhibit exocytosis when overexpressed, indicating a selective defect in normal function.
Actin-Based Motility and Cell-to-Cell Spread of Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes has evolved the ability to exploit its host’s actin cytoskeleton to power movement within and between cells without exiting from the cell, enabling it to evade the immune response. This remarkable adaptation requires the expression of a single bacterial surface protein, called ActA, that performs two key functions. It activates the host Arp2/3 complex, which promotes the nucleation of actin filaments at the bacterial surface and the organization of filaments into branched networks. Moreover, it recruits host Ena/VASP proteins and profilin, which stimulate actin filament elongation. Together these cellular factors promote the assembly of actin comet tails that recruit additional host cytoskeletal proteins that control filament bundling, terminate polymerization, and promote depolymerization. The assembly of the comet tail is essential for coupling actin polymerization to the force that drives bacterial propulsion. The process of bacterial motility can be reconstituted in vitro, facilitating a relatively complete understanding of the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms of actin polymerization and force generation. This chapter presents a review of the experiments that have led to our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of L. monocytogenes’ motility and spread.
A microphysical parameterization of aqSOA and sulfate formation in clouds

Sulfate and secondary organic aerosol (cloud aqSOA) can be chemically formed in cloud water. Model implementation of these processes represents a computational burden due to the large number of microphysical and chemical parameters. Chemical mechanisms have been condensed by reducing the number of chemical parameters. Here, an alternative is presented to reduce the number of microphysical parameters (number of cloud-droplet-size classes). In-cloud mass formation is surface- and volume-dependent due to surface-limited oxidant uptake and/or size-dependent pH. Box and parcel model simulations show that using the effective cloud droplet diameter (proportional to total volume-to-surface ratio) reproduces sulfate and aqSOA formation rates within ≤ 30% as compared to full droplet distributions; other single diameters lead to much greater deviations. This single-class approach reduces computing time significantly and can be included in models when total liquid water content and effective diameter are available.
VocalIDE: An IDE for Programming via Speech Recognition

We believe that developing tools using a publicly available speech recognition API can provide a basis for keyboard free programming. We set out to develop a specialized voice-based IDE for this purpose. Early research revealed the strengths and limitations of current vocal text editors and environments. We report on a Wizard of Oz (WOz) experiment we conducted asking participants to edit code using vocal instructions given to a "human computer." Following the study, we developed a prototype, VocalIDE, which implements specialized editing mechanisms to better facilitate vocal programming.
Revisit a cautionary classic

The tale of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation has become a universal touchstone that encapsu­lates our visceral fears regarding the promises, perils, and pitfalls of count­less diverse areas of science and tech­nology. A new annotated volume of Mary Shelley9s original work is an effort to reintroduce the story to new generations of research­ers who, like many before them, ought to take its lessons to heart.
Transdermal estradiol for the management of refractory uremic bleeding

Purpose The efficacy and thrombogenicity of transdermal estradiol in the management of refractory uremic bleeding in adults are examined. Summary Platelet dysfunction from chronic kidney disease may induce uremic bleeding. This type of bleeding may involve the skin, oral and nasal mucosa, gingivae, respiratory system, and gastrointestinal or urinary tract. While the mainstay of treatment for uremic bleeding primarily involves dialysis and use of prohemostatic agents such as desmopressin and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, certain patients may experience bleeding refractory to these interventions. In this clinical scenario, a weak conditional recommendation (grade 2C) supporting transdermal estradiol as a therapy of last resort exists. Limited data suggest that transdermal estradiol may reduce bleeding time and transfusion requirements in dialysis patients with recurrent episodes of hematochezia, gastrointestinal telangiectasia, and hematomas. The management of uremic bleeding will require long-term therapy, and case reports have documented the safe use of transdermal estradiol for up to 25 months. Oral conjugated estrogens increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis in women; however, the transdermal route of administration has been associated with a lower incidence of venous thromboembolism and stroke relative to oral estrogen and, in some studies, its associated risk of thrombosis is not significantly different when compared with placebo. Conclusion Patients who are refractory to routine interventions for uremic bleeding may benefit from transdermal estrogen despite the limited data. Extended therapy with low-dose transdermal estrogen (≤50 μg daily) may provide a hemostatic benefit that outweighs thrombotic risk.
Common and Rare Coding Genetic Variation Underlying the Electrocardiographic PR Interval

Background: Electrical conduction from the cardiac sinoatrial node to the ventricles is critical for normal heart function. Genome-wide association studies have identified more than a dozen common genetic loci that are associated with PR interval. However, it is unclear whether rare and low-frequency variants also contribute to PR interval heritability. Methods: We performed large-scale meta-analyses of the PR interval that included 83 367 participants of European ancestry and 9436 of African ancestry. We examined both common and rare variants associated with the PR interval. Results: We identified 31 genetic loci that were significantly associated with PR interval after Bonferroni correction (P<1.2×10−6), including 11 novel loci that have not been reported previously. Many of these loci are involved in heart morphogenesis. In gene-based analysis, we found that multiple rare variants at MYH6 (P=5.9×10−11) and SCN5A (P=1.1×10−7) were associated with PR interval. SCN5A locus also was implicated in the common variant analysis, whereas MYH6 was a novel locus. Conclusions: We identified common variants at 11 novel loci and rare variants within 2 gene regions that were significantly associated with PR interval. Our findings provide novel insights to the current understanding of atrioventricular conduction, which is critical for cardiac activity and an important determinant of health.
Mobile multimedia health applications and their potential impact on the human population

Mobile applications have become prevalent in every facet of human life from communication through social media and email to entertainment by watching videos and playing games. It is without a doubt that the majority of people, especially those from the Western world, have access to a smartphone. The aforementioned statement is supported by statistics from the Pew Research Center which indicated that in the year 2018, a whopping 95% of Americans possessed a cellphone and 77% of Americans owned a smartphone [1]. In regard to just smartphone statistics, the percentage of users has more than doubled in the last five years [1]. In this paper we have conducted a survey that included 10 questions and involved 91 survey participants where 85.4% own a smartphone. More than half, 56.7%, of the survey participants responded that they have previously used or are using a health application and 57.8% own a wearable device that possesses health related functionality. The survey revealed uncertainties concerning health related applications and wearable technology revealed. Based on these results, the paper provides suggestions for the mobile health applications to reach their full, wide-spread potential and be able to positively impact the well-being of the entirety of the human population.
Decision analysis for an experimental robot with unreliable sensors

This paper reports on the continuing design of and experimentation with Jason, the Berkeley Robot. Progress has been made in various aspects of the hardware (including the chassis, communications controller, and onboard microprocessor) and software (including problem-solving programs and world models). A particular experiment, analogous to the classical "Monkey and Bananas" Problem, is described. A major feature of the reformulation of this problem is the use of Decision Analysis in coping with uncertainty. Based on the accimulated expected costs of executing the steps of various hypothetical plans, Jason can evaluate the relative merits of direct action versus prior information-gathering using potentially unreliable sensors.
Justice at War: Military Tribunals and Article III

The interaction of Article III and military tribunals has inspired debate since the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Ex Parte Milligan. Today, debate swirls around whether Article III bars military commissions from trying suspected terrorists on charges of inchoate conspiracy. That debate rages against the backdrop of the thorny jurisprudence on non-Article III tribunals generally, which Chief Justice Roberts recently acknowledged has failed to provide “sufficient guidance.” The military commission debate and a related conversation about courts-martial and Article III pit a protective camp against a functional approach. The protective camp, driven by classic opinions by Justices Brennan and Black, sees any step away from Article III’s safeguards of judicial independence as a long slide down a slippery slope. In contrast, the functionalist camp, exemplified by Justices Harlan and O’Connor, stresses the practicalities of adjudication and the need to defer to Congress’s Article I power. The functional arguments are more persuasive, in part because protective theorists, despite their salutary concern for judicial independence, fail to recognize the structural arguments for non-Article III tribunals. For example, English history well-known to the Framers demonstrates that courts-martial kept the military in check, thus preserving civilian control. Both courts-martial and military commissions can serve a similar structural function today, if their creation is governed by a limiting principle. A limiting principle for military commissions would require that any charge be reasonably related to violations of international law. Court-martial jurisdiction should be limited to service-members and contractors who purposefully affiliate with the armed forces. These limiting principles will enable Congress to exercise its Article I war powers while preserving the core value of judicial independence.
Single-session percutaneous embolization with onyx and coils of sinus pericranii.

Background Sinus pericranii (SP) is a rare vascular malformation consisting of an abnormal communication between the extra- and the intracranial venous system. It occurs due to the adhesion of vessels without a muscular layer or a hemangioma on the outer surface of the skull through diploic vessels, communicating with an intracranial venous sinus. Case Description A 10-month-old female presented with a pulsatile mass on the posterior parietal region. Investigation with brain vascular examinations showed a venous malformation communicating with the superior sagittal sinus under the scalp, without arterial feeder or nidus. An endovascular embolization with coils and a percutaneous embolization with Onyx ® were performed. The final venography showed complete exclusion of the lesion, which was gradually being absorbed. Conclusion This is the first case of an SP successfully treated in a single session by embolization with coils and onyx.
Deep learning models for bankruptcy prediction using textual disclosures

Abstract This study introduces deep learning models for corporate bankruptcy forecasting using textual disclosures. Although textual data are common, it is rarely considered in the financial decision support models. Deep learning uses layers of neural networks to extract features from textual data for prediction. We construct a comprehensive bankruptcy database of 11,827 U.S. public companies and show that deep learning models yield superior prediction performance in forecasting bankruptcy using textual disclosures. When textual data are used in conjunction with traditional accounting-based ratio and market-based variables, deep learning models can further improve the prediction accuracy. We also investigate the effectiveness of two deep learning architectures. Interestingly, our empirical results show that simpler models such as averaging embedding are more effective than convolutional neural networks. Our results provide the first large-sample evidence for the predictive power of textual disclosures.
Role of pancreatoscopy in management of pancreatic disease: A systematic review.

Background Per-oral pancreatoscopy (POP) plays a role in the diagnosis and therapy of pancreatic diseases. With recent technological advances, there has been renewed interest in this modality. Aim To evaluate the efficacy and safety of POP in management of pancreatic stone disease and pancreatic ductal neoplasia. Methods To determine the safety and efficacy of POP in the management of pancreatic diseases, a systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Ovid. Articles in languages other than English and case reports were excluded. All published case series were eligible. Data specific to POP were extracted from studies, which combined cholangiopancreatoscopy. Ten studies were included in the analysis of POP therapy for pancreatic stone disease, and 15 case series satisfied the criteria for inclusion for the role of POP in the management of pancreatic ductal neoplasia. The examined data were subcategorized according to adjunctive modalities, such as direct tissue sampling, cytology, the role of intraoperative POP, intraductal ultrasound (IDUS) and POP combined with image-enhancing technology. Results The success rate for complete ductal stone clearance ranged from 37.5%-100%. Factors associated with failure included the presence of strictures, multiple stones and the inability to visualize the target area. Although direct visualization can identify malignant and premalignant conditions, there is significant overlap with benign diseases. Visually-directed biopsies provide a high degree of accuracy, and represent a unique approach for tissue acquisition in patients with ductal abnormalities. Addition of pancreatic fluid cytology increases diagnostic yield for indeterminate lesions. Protrusions larger than 3 mm noted on IDUS are significantly more likely to be associated with malignancy. The rate of adverse events associated with POP ranged from 0%-35%. Conclusion Current evidence supports wider adoption of pancreatoscopy, as it is safe and effective. Improved patient selection and utilization of novel technologies may further enhance its role in managing pancreatic disease.
Depression during perimenopause: the role of the obstetrician-gynecologist

Depression in women is more common during perimenopause (the transition to menopause) than at other times in the life cycle. Symptoms of depression may be different in perimenopausal women compared to younger or older women, and are often dismissed as part of normal menopause. This is an expert narrative review. There are several evidence-based screening modalities which can be integrated into routine women's health visits, and can facilitate distinguishing between depression and normal perimenopausal symptoms. There is emerging evidence regarding the effect of hormonal changes on the development of perimenopausal depression and its optimal treatment, though critical research gaps remain. Obstetrician-gynecologists and other primary care providers play a vital role in the detection and management of depression in women. Providers caring for women during perimenopause have a unique opportunity to diagnose depression in their patients and identify appropriate treatment options.
A Community Service Organization Focused on the Arts to Develop Empathy in Pharmacy Students

Objective. To implement and assess pharmacy students’ opinions of a new student organization that uses visual, linguistic, and performing arts to bring emotional support, joy, and healing to patients. Methods. Pro Me, an on-campus, community-service organization was formed at the Appalachian College of Pharmacy for students with talent or background in the arts. Members organized performances and art events at local assisted living facilities, long-term care facilities, hospitals, mobile medical clinics, schools, etc. The group also promoted various public health care initiatives. A survey was conducted to assess the impact of participation in the organization on members. Results. Pro Me began in March 2018 with 27 initial members. Approximately one year later, the organization had grown to 66 members and become the largest student organization on campus. During its first year, members participated in a wide array of community service events. On the survey, students reported having increased empathy and that participation in Pro Me had enhanced their overall pharmacy school experience. Conclusion. Establishing a performing arts organization like Pro Me at other pharmacy schools could provide students with a creative outlet, leadership opportunities, and patient contact experiences that can increase their compassion and empathy and thereby better prepare them to be practicing clinicians.
Asynchronous circuits for radiation hardness

Asynchronous circuits are inherently suitable for radiation-exposed environments due to their quasidelay insensitivity (QDI) and multirail logic systems. If an ionizing -radiation event is detected, the QDI property provides the ability to delay the current operation within the circuit until the effect has subsided. The dual -rail design provides additional support in this area because in many cases both rails must be affected in order for an SEU to occur. In addition to mitigating SEEs through asynchronous circuit -level architectures, radiation hardening techniques can be applied to transistor -level layout designs and circuit components, such as the DFF, for increased reliability.
Toxoplasma gondii Parasitophorous Vacuole Membrane-Associated Dense Granule Proteins Regulate Maturation of the Cyst Wall

ABSTRACT After differentiation is triggered, the tachyzoite-stage Toxoplasma gondii parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) has been hypothesized to transition into the cyst membrane that surrounds the cyst wall and encloses bradyzoites. Here, we tracked the localization of two PVM dense granule (GRA) proteins (GRA5 and GRA7) after in vitro differentiation of the tachyzoite stage parasitophorous vacuole into the mature cyst. GRA5 and GRA7 were visible at the cyst periphery at 6 h and at all later times after differentiation, suggesting that the PVM remained intact as it transitioned into the cyst membrane. By day 3 postdifferentiation, GRA5 and GRA7 were visible in a continuous pattern at the cyst periphery. In mature 7- and 10-day-old cysts permeabilized with a saponin pulse, GRA5 and GRA7 were localized to the cyst membrane and the cyst wall regions. Cysts at different stages of cyst development exhibited differential susceptibility to saponin permeabilization, and, correspondingly, saponin selectively removed GRA5 from the cyst membrane and cyst wall region in 10-day-old cysts. GRA5 and GRA7 were localized at the cyst membrane and cyst wall region at all times after differentiation of the parasitophorous vacuole, which supports a previous model proposing that the PVM develops into the cyst membrane. In addition, evaluation of Δgra3, Δgra5, Δgra7, Δgra8, and Δgra14 mutants revealed that PVM-localized GRAs were crucial to support the normal rate of accumulation of cyst wall proteins at the cyst periphery. IMPORTANCEToxoplasma gondii establishes chronic infection in humans by forming thick-walled cysts that persist in the brain. Once host immunity wanes, cysts reactivate to cause severe, and often lethal, toxoplasmic encephalitis. There is no available therapy to eliminate cysts or to prevent their reactivation. Furthermore, how the cyst membrane and cyst wall structures develop is poorly understood. Here, we visualized and tracked the localization of Toxoplasma parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) dense granules (GRA) proteins during cyst development in vitro. PVM-localized GRA5 and GRA7 were found at the cyst membrane and cyst wall region throughout cyst development, suggesting that the PVM remains intact and develops into the cyst membrane. In addition, our results show that genetic deletion of PVM GRAs reduced the rate of accumulation of cyst wall cargo at the cyst periphery and suggest that PVM-localized GRAs mediate the development and maturation of the cyst wall and cyst membrane.
Analysis of parameter uncertainty in model simulations of irrigated and rainfed agroecosystems

Abstract Crop water production functions (quantifying crop yield as a function of irrigation rate) can help in the design of management systems that reduce the water footprint. We examined the role of parameter uncertainties in characterizing production functions using the DayCent agroecosystem model. A global sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify the model parameters associated with the greatest uncertainties in model responses. Under both irrigated and non-irrigated conditions, growth/production-related parameters had relatively more impact on grain yield than did soil-related parameters. Under non-irrigated conditions, there was greater sensitivity to evapotranspiration related parameters. We then used the DREAM method, a Markov Chain-Monte Carlo (MCMC) Bayesian approach, to determine the posterior distributions of the selected parameters. The DREAM method produced good estimates for the posterior distribution of the critical parameters. The utility of water production functions as predictive tools to guide water management decisions is greatly enhanced by incorporating rigorous estimates of uncertainty.
Stability analysis of hierarchical tensor methods for time-dependent PDEs

Abstract We address the question of whether it is possible to stably integrate time-dependent high-dimensional linear PDEs with hierarchical tensor methods and explicit time stepping schemes. To this end, we develop sufficient conditions for stability and convergence of tensor solutions evolving on tensor manifolds with constant rank. We also argue that the applicability of PDE solvers with explicit time-stepping may be limited by time-step restriction dependent on the dimension of the problem. Numerical applications are presented and discussed for variable coefficients linear hyperbolic and parabolic PDEs.
Association of Multisetting Community Programs and Policies With Child Body Mass Index: The Healthy Communities Study

INTRODUCTION Expert opinion suggests that efforts to address childhood obesity should seek to transform the environments in which children operate. The objective of this study was to describe the extent to which multisetting programs and policies interact with community and child predictors and are associated with child body mass index (BMI) in the 130 US communities participating in the Healthy Communities Study. METHODS For 2 years beginning in fall 2013, we collected data through key informant interviews on community programs and policies related to healthy weight among children that occurred in the 10 years before the interview. We characterized community programs and policies by intensity of efforts and the number of settings in which a program or policy was implemented. Child height and weight were measured during household data collection. We used multilevel modeling to examine associations of community programs and policies in multiple settings and child and community predictors with BMI z scores of children. RESULTS The mean number of settings in which community policies and programs were implemented was 7.3 per community. Of 130 communities, 31 (23.8%) implemented community programs and policies in multiple settings. Higher-intensity community programs and policies were associated with lower BMI in communities that used multiple settings but not in communities that implemented programs and policies in few settings. CONCLUSION Efforts to prevent childhood obesity may be more effective when community programs and policies are both intensive and are implemented in multiple settings in which children live, learn, and play.
Does Gentrification Lower Crime: A Look at Granger-Casuality in Washington, D.C.

This project looks at the relationship between gentrification and violent crime rates, specifically in Washington, DC. Gentrification is a social phenomenon that involves middle and upper class residents moving into the city center where violent crime had previously acted as a barrier for keeping unwanted demographics out. An increase in demand for housing by the higher income residents drives up the cost of housing which, in turn, forces out the lower income residents. Higher income residents generally have lower crime rates, so the crime rate falls as the lower income residents with higher crime rates move. This, however, is all theory. This study explores whether crime rates fall as a result of these upper income families moving in or if the drop in crime is one more reason the upper income residents want to move. This article is available in The Park Place Economist: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/parkplace/vol21/iss1/15
Seiberg{Witten{Floer stable homotopy type of three-manifolds with b1 =0

Using Furuta’s idea of nite dimensional approximation in Seiberg{Witten theory, we rene Seiberg{Witten Floer homology to obtain an invariant of homology 3{spheres which lives in the S 1 {equivariant graded suspension category. In particular, this gives a construction of Seiberg{Witten Floer homology that avoids the delicate transversality problems in the standard approach. We also dene a relative invariant of four-manifolds with boundary which generalizes the Bauer{Furuta stable homotopy invariant of closed four-manifolds.
Bovine leukemia virus in the U.S. dairy industry

Bovine leukemia virus is a deltaretrovirus of cattle and the causitive agent of enzootic bovine leukosis. A small proportion of infected animals develop the clinical manifestation of lymphoma, however the majority remain subclinically infected. Infection is common in the U.S. dairy cattle population and in other major dairy producing countries that have not taken steps to reduce and erradicate infection in their populations. The 1997 and 2008 NAHMS dairy studies examined the prevalence of BLV infection at the cow and herd levels, respectively. There has been no updated estimates of prevalence in the U.S. cattle population in the last decade. Within that time, evidence of the negative impact of subclinical infection has been mounting. Cows exhibit alterations in immune function, decreased longevity, and reduced milk production. The first major objective of this study was to provide an updated estimate of BLV prevalence in a multistate sample of U.S. dairy cattle. The second major objective was to measure herd and cow level associations between BLV prevalence and economically important dairy production outcomes, namely milk production, reproductive efficiency, and somatic cell count.
Multimodal Bayesian registration of noisy functions using Hamiltonian Monte Carlo

Abstract Functional data registration is a necessary processing step for many applications. The observed data can be inherently noisy, often due to measurement error or natural process uncertainty; which most functional alignment methods cannot handle. A pair of functions can also have multiple optimal alignment solutions, which is not addressed in current literature. In this paper, a flexible Bayesian approach to functional alignment is presented, which appropriately accounts for noise in the data without any pre-smoothing required. Additionally, by running parallel MCMC chains, the method can account for multiple optimal alignments via the multi-modal posterior distribution of the warping functions. To most efficiently sample the warping functions, the approach relies on a modification of the standard Hamiltonian Monte Carlo to be well-defined on the infinite-dimensional Hilbert space. This flexible Bayesian alignment method is applied to both simulated data and real data sets to show its efficiency in handling noisy functions and successfully accounting for multiple optimal alignments in the posterior; characterizing the uncertainty surrounding the warping functions.
A New Look into K-giants’ Chromospheres

We report the preliminary modeling of archival Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA)/Visible spEctroGraph and polArimeter interferometric data of a K-giant star using the PHOENIX atmosphere code. We find that our preparatory model that includes only the chromospheric contribution closely reproduces the observed infrared Ca ii triplet line profiles of a test star: the K-giant, β Cet. This preliminary work requires the additional modeling of the wind contribution to improve the agreement with observations. We plan to perform a systematic study of K-giants chromospheric emission with multi-wavelength and multi-technique observations and modeling. Our plans include extending the modeling work to include the underlying wind component for a larger set of stars. Stellar Parameters and Images with a Cophased Array, the second-generation instrument at CHARA, will be the ideal instrument to perform such observations and reveal the chromospheric activity of K-giants.
Carrying a Community on Their Shoulders: Virgil's Aeneas and the Duty of Healthcare Workers.

The term “duty’ has occurred frequently in discussions about the role of healthcare professionals in the current pandemic. Duty can take multiple forms in the professional and private worlds of tho...
Epithelial Pyroptosis in Host Defense.

Abstract Pyroptosis is a lytic form of cell death that is executed by a family of pore-forming proteins called gasdermins (GSDMs). GSDMs are activated upon proteolysis by host proteases including the proinflammatory caspases downstream of inflammasome activation. In myeloid cells, GSDM pore formation serves two primary functions in host defense: the selective release of processed cytokines to initiate inflammatory responses, and cell death, which eliminates a replicative niche of the pathogen. Barrier epithelia also undergo pyroptosis. However, unique mechanisms are required for the removal of pyroptotic epithelial cells to maintain epithelial barrier integrity. In the following review, we discuss the role of epithelial inflammasomes and pyroptosis in host defense against pathogens. We use the well-established role of inflammasomes in intestinal epithelia as a platform to highlight principles of epithelial pyroptosis in host defense of barrier tissues, and discuss how these principles might be shared or distinctive across other epithelial sites.
Prospects for n-type conductivity in cubic boron nitride

Cubic boron nitride is an ultrawide-bandgap semiconductor with potential applications in high-power electronics, ultraviolet optoelectronics, and quantum information science. Many of those applications are predicated on the ability to control doping. Using hybrid-functional first-principles calculations, we systematically explore potential donors including group-IV (C, Si, and Ge) and group-VI (O, S, and Se) elements, as well as Li and F. We also address the role of compensation either by substitution on the wrong site or due to native point defects. We identify SiB and ON as promising dopants, as they have the lowest formation energies and do not suffer from self-compensation. However, compensation by boron vacancies, which act as deep acceptors, poses a challenge. We discuss strategies to mitigate these effects.
Studies of the inotropic mechanisms of cardiac glycosides in cultured heart cells

Extensive experimental work over the past several decades has explored virtually every mechanism known or suspected to modulate myocardial contractility in the search for the cellular basis of the positive inotropic effects of the cardiac glycosides (23). Recent investigative efforts have focused on mechanisms by which digitalis glycosides might enhance the availability of Ca++ to the myocardial contractile element, a final step in the inotropic process demonstrated by the elegant studies of Allen and Blinks using intracellular microinjection of the calcium-sensitive photoactive protein aequorin (2).
Resistance of leishmanial phosphatases to inactivation by oxygen metabolites.

Leishmania donovani promastigotes produce large quantities of two distinct acid phosphatases; a tartrate-resistant enzyme is localized to the external surface of the plasma membrane, and a tartrate-sensitive enzyme is secreted into the growth medium. It was shown previously that preincubation of human neutrophils and macrophages with the tartrate-resistant phosphatase markedly reduced the ability of these host cells to produce superoxide anions in response to stimulation with the activator formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. The possibility that the cell surface acid phosphatase or the phosphatase that is secreted into the extracellular fluid might compromise other host cell functions, especially intracellular ones, depends on the ability of the enzyme to resist exposure to toxic oxygen metabolites (e.g., superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite) generated by phagocytic cells. In the present report, we show that both leishmanial acid phosphatases were relatively resistant to inactivation by oxygen metabolites. At pH 5.5, the activity of the tartrate-resistant phosphatase was reduced 50% by incubation for 1 h with each of the following: 30 mM O2-, 500 mM hydrogen peroxide, and 6 mM hypochlorite ion. These concentrations are many fold greater than the concentrations of these substances that are generated by stimulated polymorphonuclear phagocytes. The tartrate-sensitive acid phosphatase differed markedly from the tartrate-resistant phosphatase in that the former was essentially insensitive to even very high concentrations of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, 50% inactivation of the tartrate-sensitive leishmanial phosphatase required exposure to 35 mM hypochlorite for 30 min. These results indicate that the catalytic potential of these two leishmanial acid phosphatases probably survives exposure to toxic oxygen metabolites generated by neutrophils and macrophages.
Time-Asymptotic Limit of Solutions of a Combustion Problem

A combustion model which captures the interacting among nonlinear convection, chemical reaction and radiative heat transfer is studied. New phenomena are found with radiative heat transfer present. In particular, there is a detonation wave solution in which there is a sonic point inside the reaction zone. As a consequence, the traveling wave speed cannot be determined before the problem is solved. The shooting method is used to prove the existence of the traveling wave. The condition we shoot at is the compatibility condition at the sonic point. Furthermore, the speed of the detonation wave decreases as the heat loss coefficient increases, as expected physically. We study the time-asymptotic limit of solutions of initial value problem for the same problem. We prove that the solution exists globally and the solution converges uniformly, away from the shock, to a shifted traveling wave solution as t → + ∞ for certain “compact support” initial data.
An Introduction to the Analysis of Paths on a Riemannian Manifold

Brownian motion in Euclidean space Diffusions in Euclidean space Some addenda, extensions, and refinements Doing it on a manifold, an extrinsic approach More about extrinsic Riemannian geometry Bochner's identity Some intrinsic Riemannian geometry The bundle of orthonormal frames Local analysis of Brownian motion Perturbing Brownian paths References Index.