cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Fate of Low Affinity Tumor-Specific CD8+ T Cells in Tumor-Bearing Mice

A major challenge in tumor immunology is how best to activate the relatively low avidity self-specific and tumor-specific T cells that are available in the self-tolerant repertoire. To address this issue, we produced a TCR transgenic mouse expressing a class I-restricted hemagglutinin (HA)-specific TCR (clone 1 TCR) derived from a mouse that expressed HA as a self-Ag in the insulin-producing β cells of the pancreatic islets (InsHA) mice. Upon transfer of clone 1 TCR CD8+ T cells into InsHA mice, very few cells were activated by cross-presented HA, indicating that the cells were retained in InsHA mice because they ignored the presence of Ag, and not because they were functionally inactivated by anergy or tuning. Upon transfer into recipient mice in which HA is expressed at high concentrations as a tumor-associated Ag in spontaneously arising insulinomas (RIP-Tag2-HA mice), a high proportion of clone 1 cells were activated when they encountered cross-presented tumor Ag in the pancreatic lymph nodes. However, the activated cells exhibited very weak effector function and were soon tolerized. The few activated cells that did migrate to the tumor were unable to delay tumor progression. However, when HA-specific CD4 helper cells were cotransferred with clone 1 cells into RIP-Tag2-HA recipients and the mice were vaccinated with influenza, clone 1 cells were found to exert a significant level of effector function and could delay tumor growth. This tumor model should prove of great value in identifying protocols that can optimize the function of low avidity tumor-specific T cells.
The Use of Methylmethacrylate as an Adjunct in the Internal Fixation of Malignant Neoplastic Fractures

1. The advantages of managing malignant pathological fractures in long bones by operative internal fixation is recognized. When conventional fixation is used, failures have resulted because of extensive cortical bone lysis about the fracture site with consequent instability. 2. Thirty-one actual and two incipient malignant pathological fractures in thirty patients were managed by internal fixation augmented by replacement of locally resected tumor and pathological bone by methylmethacrylate. 3. This method achieves immediate solid fracture immobilization with consequent alleviation of pain, early active joint motion, and early weight-bearing with minimum, if any, support. 4. True fracture healing probably does not occur. However, in only one patient did failure of fixation result.
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 activates transcription of thyroid transcription factor 1 in respiratory epithelial cells

Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), hepatocyte nuclear factor 3alpha (HNF-3alpha), and HNF-3beta regulate the transcription of genes expressed in the respiratory epithelium. To test whether members of the HNF-3/forkhead family influence TTF-1 gene expression, deletion constructs containing the 5' region of the human TTF-1 gene were transfected into immortalized mouse lung epithelial (MLE) cells. DNase I protection and electrophoretic mobility shift assays identified elements in the 5' region of the TTF-1 gene that bound MLE cell nuclear proteins consistent with the binding of HNF-3 to sites at positions -135 to -124 and -14 to -3. In MLE cells, TTF-1-luciferase reporter constructs were activated by cotransfection with HNF-3beta, activated to a lesser extent by HNF-3alpha, but not activated by HFH-8. HNF-3alpha. and HFH-8 inhibited the activation of TTF-1-luciferase by HNF-3beta. Site-specific mutagenesis of each of the HNF-3 binding sites in the human TTF-1 gene inhibited the binding of MLE cell nuclear proteins and inhibited transactivation of the TTF-1-luciferase constructs after cotransfection with HNF-3beta. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that both HNF-3beta and TTF-1 were detected in bronchiolar and alveolar type II cells in the human lung. Modulation of TTF-1 gene expression by members of the HNF-3/forkhead family members may provide a mechanism by which distinct HNF-3/forkhead family members influence respiratory epithelial cell gene expression and cell differentiation.
Role of periostin, FENO, IL-13, lebrikzumab, other IL-13 antagonist and dual IL-4/IL-13 antagonist in asthma

Introduction: Asthma markedly diminishes quality of life due to limited activity, absences from work or school and hospitalizations. Patients with severe asthma which are not controlled despite taking effective therapy are most in need of new treatment approaches. IL-13 was demonstrated as ‘central mediator of allergic asthma’. Areas covered: IL-13 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and COPD. IL-13 levels in the sputum and bronchial biopsy samples remain elevated in severe asthma despite the use of inhaled and systemic corticosteroids. Thus, IL-13 is a mediator involved in corticosteroid resistance. Periostin enhances profibrotic TGF-β signaling in subepithelial fibrosis associated with asthma. IL-13 induces bronchial epithelial cells to secrete periostin. Periostin may be a biomarker for Th2 induced airway inflammation. Lebrikizumab is a monoclonal antibody against IL-13. Lebrikizumab improved lung function in asthmatics who were symptomatic despite treatment...
Expression of Legionella pneumophila Virulence Traits in Response to Growth Conditions

In nature, Legionella pneumophila replicates exclusively as an intracellular parasite of amoebae, but it also persists in the environment as a free-living microbe. Studies of how this opportunistic pathogen recognizes and responds to distinct extracellular and intracellular environments identified a link between the growth phase and expression of traits previously correlated with virulence. When cultured in broth, only post-exponential-phase L. pneumophila was sodium sensitive, cytotoxic, osmotically resistant, competent to evade macrophage lysosomes, infectious, and motile. Likewise, the L. pneumophila phenotype changed during growth in macrophages. During the intracellular replication period, this bacterium was sodium resistant and lacked flagella; concomitant with macrophage lysis, L. pneumophila became sodium sensitive and flagellated. Expression of the virulent phenotype was a response to starvation, since exponential-phase L. pneumophila became cytotoxic, sodium sensitive, and motile after incubation in broth from stationary-phase cultures, except when it was supplemented with amino acids. Together, these data indicate that while nutrients are plentiful, intracellular L. pneumophila organisms are dedicated to replication; when amino acids become limiting, the progeny express virulence factors to escape the spent host, to disperse and survive in the aquatic environment, and to reestablish a protected intracellular niche favorable for growth.
A satellite-based digital data system for low-frequency geophysical data

A reliable method for collection, display, and analysis of low-frequency geophysical data from isolated sites, which can be throughout North and South America and the Pacific Rim, has been developed for use with the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) system. Geophysical data primarily intended for earthquake hazard and crustal deformation monitoring are digitized with either 12-bit or 16-bit resolution and transmitted every 10 min through a satellite link to a bank of UNIX-based computers in Menlo Park, California. There the data are available for analysis and display within a few seconds of their transmit time. This system provides real-time monitoring of crustal deformation parameters such as tilt, strain, fault displacement, local magnetic field, crustal geochemistry, and water levels, as well as meteorological and other parameters, along faults in California and Alaska, and in volcanic regions in the western United States, Rabaul, and other locations in the New Britain region of the South Pacific. Various mathematical, statistical, and graphical algorithms process the incoming data to detect changes in crustal deformation and fault slip that may indicate the first stages of catastrophic fault failure. Alert trigger levels based on physical models, signal resolution, and previous history have been defined for particular instrument types. Computer-driven remote paging and mail systems are used to notify appropriate personnel when alarm status is reached. The system supports continuous historical records of low-frequency geophysical data, software for extensive analysis of these data, and programs for modeling fault rupture with and without seismic radiation, as well as providing an environment for real-time attempts at earthquake prediction.
Eosinophil-Associated Processes Underlie Differences in Clinical Presentation of Loiasis Between Temporary Residents and Those Indigenous to Loa-Endemic Areas

Loa loa is a filarial parasite that infects approximately 13 million individuals in Central and West Africa [1, 2]. Chronic infection with L. loa can lead to nephropathy [3], cardiomyopathy [4], retinopathy [5], neuropsychiatric complications [6], lymphedema [7], and encephalopathy [8]. Loiasis is an important public health problem due to the occurrence of immune-mediated serious adverse events in some individuals with high circulating levels of L. loa microfilariae following exposure to the antiparasitic drugs diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and ivermectin [9, 10]. As ivermectin is used in mass drug administration programs for onchocerciasis and (in combination with either DEC or albendazole) for lymphatic filariasis control, these Loa-associated posttreatment reactions have halted or impeded mass drug administration programs [11]. Prior studies have found marked differences in the clinical presentation of loiasis between those who acquire the infection as temporary residents (TR) and individuals native to endemic regions (END). Similar to the serious adverse events following exposure to antiparasitic drugs, the differences in clinical presentation between these 2 groups are thought to be immune-mediated [12–14]. TR experience greater “allergic” symptoms, are more often amicrofilaremic, and have markedly increased eosinophil counts compared with END [12–14]. The exact immunologic mechanisms underlying these clinical syndromes are unknown. Additionally, whether the quantitative differences in eosinophil counts between the 2 groups are accompanied by further differences in eosinophil regulation, function, or activation and whether additional immune pathways are altered between these groups has not been well studied heretofore. Because both posttreatment reactions as well as the differing clinical presentations between the 2 groups are likely related to immunologic responses to parasite antigens, an improved understanding of the immunology of loiasis could provide new strategies to ameliorate symptoms and prevent posttreatment reactions in patients with L. loa infection. In the present study, we aimed to explore the varied clinical presentations of loiasis and to evaluate the impact of alterations in immune function on these differing presentations. As such, we explored the basis for the differences between the TR and END populations infected with L. loa by assessing the clinical presentation, filaria-specific antibody responses, and eosinophil-related activation markers and cytokines in 186 patients with loiasis.
A method for determining atmospheric optical parameters and surface albedo from multiangle satellite measurements: sea surface applications

A new method is presented for determining the atmospheric optical thickness, aerosol scattering function, and surface albedo using measurements of the upward radiance at different view angles. It is applicable over the surface with reflectance not exceeding /spl ap/10%. The suggested approach is based on forming the data bank of aerosol scattering functions, complete enough in a sense of describing the real diversity of atmospheric phase functions both over sea and land. A performed sensitivity study shows that the error of determining the optical thickness does not exceed 10-15%. Aerosol absorption and anisotropy of the surface in typical conditions can induce additional errors up to 10 and 15%. Over the surface of Lambertian type, albedo is retrieved with an error less than 0.01, whereas over the anisotropic surface, it turns out to be close to the product of the hemispheric surface albedo and a factor of surface anisotropy. For the typical viewing geometry, characterized by fixed azimuth and varying zenith view angle, this method gives the best choice of scattering function from the data bank in a sense of proximity of its shape and anisotropy factor to those of the true atmospheric scattering function. Experimental applications of the method to the multiangle data of spectrometer MKS-M2, collected over the Caspian Sea, shows its utility in the remote sensing of atmospheric aerosol and surface albedo.
Hepatitis C virus therapy, hepatocyte drug metabolism, and risk for acute cellular rejection.

We recently reported on a series of patients who experienced acute cellular rejection (ACR) during the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in our posttransplantation cohort. Our hypothesis is that HCV clearance improves hepatic microsomal function, which in turn results in lower trough cyclosporine (CyA) and tacrolimus (TAC) levels, predisposing the patient to ACR. Records of all patients receiving transplants for HCV infection at our center from 1993 to June 2002 were reviewed. Two hundred three patients were identified. Thirty-seven patients (18%) were treated with interferon-based therapies in combination with ribavirin. Twelve patients were selected for analysis because they became HCV RNA negative during therapy, and 18 patients with no antiviral response were selected as controls (7 other patients had incomplete data or had switched from one immunosuppression [IS] therapy to the other). Baseline IS levels were compared with the first available level after documented negative HCV RNA results in the study group and the last on-treatment IS level in the control group. We also compared frequency and percentage of change in IS levels during therapy. Mean decline in CyA trough levels in the study group was from 187.28 ng/mL at baseline to 118.14 ng/mL immediately after becoming HCV RNA negative (−36.92%; P = .018 ). Mean decline in TAC levels was from 7.34 ng/mL at baseline to 5.02 ng/mL immediately after becoming HCV RNA negative (−29.17%; P = .044 ). Overall, 6 of 12 patients who cleared HCV RNA during therapy experienced ACR; 1 patient died as a result of ACR. Using percentage of decrease from baseline IS level, we combined results for patients administered CyA and TAC and found a significant decrease from baseline IS levels in responders (−31.8% after HCV RNA clearance on treatment; P = .0001 ). Nonresponders experienced a 0.98% decline in IS levels while on treatment, and the difference was significant compared with the change in the responder group ( P = .006 ). A greater proportion of anti-viral therapy responders also experienced trough IS levels 20% less than baseline than nonresponder controls during therapy ( P = .0006 ). In conclusion; IS levels decreased significantly in patients responding favorably to anti-HCV therapy. This decrease in IS levels may have a key role in predisposing these patients to ACR.
Learning preferences of new users in recommender systems: an information theoretic approach

Recommender systems are an effective tool to help find items of interest from an overwhelming number of available items. Collaborative Filtering (CF), the best known technology for recommender systems, is based on the idea that a set of like-minded users can help each other find useful information. A new user poses a challenge to CF recommenders, since the system has no knowledge about the preferences of the new user, and therefore cannot provide personalized recommendations. A new user preference elicitation strategy needs to ensure that the user does not a) abandon a lengthy signup process, and b) lose interest in returning to the site due to the low quality of initial recommendations. We extend the work of [23] in this paper by incrementally developing a set of information theoretic strategies for the new user problem. We propose an offline simulation framework, and evaluate the strategies through extensive offline simulations and an online experiment with real users of a live recommender system.
Insulin Resistance Alzheimer's Disease: Pathophysiology and Treatment

ABSTRACTInsulin and insulin resistance likely play a significant role in the pathophysiology and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Insulin, insulin receptors, and insulin-sensitive glucose transporters are selectively localized the brain, including medial temporal areas that support memory. Raising brain insulin levels can facilitate memory and increase cerebrospinal fluid levels of β-amyloid (Aβ) and inflammatory markers. Insulin's effects on cognition may reflect normal regulation of glucose metabolism, long-term potentiation, and neurotransmitter levels. Consequently, insulin abnormalities may disrupt normal memory functioning and promote pathophysiological processes observed in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Conversely, restoring normal insulin activity may exert a beneficial effect on pathophysiological processes. For example, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists (insulin sensitizing agents used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus) modulate neuronal cell survival, inflammatory responses, mitochondrial functioning, and possibly Aβ processing and deposition. One PPAR-gamma agonist, rosiglitazone, facilitates memory and modulates plasma Aβ levels in patients with AD. Likewise, a healthy diet and regular exercise may improve insulin sensitivity and decrease the risk for both AD. Furthermore, intranasal insulin administration rapidly delivers insulin to the brain without altering plasma insulin or glucose levels. Studies to date suggest that this procedure can facilitate memory and modulate plasma Aβ levels in memory-impaired adults. Interestingly, the adverse effects of insulin abnormalities and the beneficial effects of improving insulin sensitivity may differ by apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, an established risk factor for AD. Patients who do carry lower doses of the APOE e4 allele have an enhanced risk for insulin abnormalities and are also more responsive to the memory enhancing effects of both rosiglitazone and intranasal insulin administration, relative to other patients. Therefore, future therapeutic trials should consider the moderating effects of APOE genotype.
Noncontact-AFM imaging of molecular surfaces using single-wall carbon nanotube technology

Single-molecule imaging at nanometre resolution using noncontact AFM has been applied to image a protein complex on mica using single-wall carbon nanotube (CNT) technology. Hydrated RNA polymerase (RNAP)–DNA complex was imaged using constant-amplitude tapping mode AFM. CNT tips (1–2 nm diameter) prepared by chemical vapour phase deposition were mounted onto standard Pt/Ir coated AFM tips. The effectiveness of the CNT tip scanning was tested by imaging the profile of an RNAP–DNA complex. The results demonstrate the merits of high-resolution carbon nanotube nc-AFM scanning and suggest that CNT tips may provide a general tip–surface reference standard for defining tip–surface interactions on molecular-bonde do rganic surfaces. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
The regulation of animal research and the emergence of animal ethics: A conceptual history

The history of the regulation of animal research is essentially the history of the emergence of meaningful social ethics for animals in society. Initially, animal ethics concerned itself solely with cruelty, but this was seen as inadequate to late 20(th)-century concerns about animal use. The new social ethic for animals was quite different, and its conceptual bases are explored in this paper. The Animal Welfare Act of 1966 represented a very minimal and in many ways incoherent attempt to regulate animal research, and is far from morally adequate. The 1985 amendments did much to render coherent the ethic for laboratory animals, but these standards were still inadequate in many ways, as enumerated here. The philosophy underlying these laws is explained, their main provisions are explored, and future directions that could move the ethic forward and further rationalize the laws are sketched.
Chiral-symmetry breaking in three-dimensional electrodynamics

When there are many flavors of massless fermions, both three-dimensional electrodynamics, and a supersymmetric variant thereof, each spontaneously break chiral symmetry. For the latter, this occurs without breaking supersymmetry, and without a photino condensate.
Validity, reliability, and the structure of computerized conversational simulation

In one particular type of computerized language-learning simulation, the computer takes on the role of a participant in the target language conversation. This type of simulation has been called a computer-assisted language-learning conversational simulation (CALL CS). We argue that the validity of a CALL CS (from the language teacher's point of view) depends on its structure, whereas its reliability (necessary for the willing suspension of disbelief by the language learner) derives from an absence of highly disruptive discourse disjunctures, or communicative breakdowns, as defined by Winograd and Flores.
Nonlinear filtering revisited: a spectral approach. II

For pt. I see SIAM Journal on Control and Optimization (1997). A recursive in time Wiener chaos representation of the optimal nonlinear filter is derived for a continuous time diffusion model with uncorrelated noises. The existing representations are either not recursive or require a prior computation of the unnormalized filtering density, which is time consuming. An algorithm is developed for computing a recursive approximation of the filter, and the error of the approximation is obtained. When the parameters of the model are known in advance, the online speed of the algorithm can be increased by performing part of the computations off line.
Constructing Cross-Context Scholarly Conversations

The title of this chapter reflects my interest in embedding this commentary in a broader discussion about the objectives of scholarship. My involvement in this project stems not from my relevant content expertise (Chinese business and economic reform), but from the authors’ interest in contributing to the established organizational studies literature. My role has been to facilitate connections between the results of the seven ‘macro’ studies of business enterprises in China presented in this volume and extant scholarly conversations about organizational evolution, corporate governance, and management practices.
AVIAN VIRAL VECTOR VACCINES FOR INFECTIOUS BURSAL DISEASE

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is one of the economically important avian diseases for the poultry industry. In addition to traditional inactivated and attenuated vaccines, recent research has developed other types of vaccines to make IBD vaccines more adaptable for preventing different strain types and avoid the interference of maternal antibodies. Avian viral vector vaccines are emphasized in the present review. The background of IBD, virus and viral vectors is introduced. Different avian viral vectors for IBD, including their benefits and drawbacks, and the potential use of IBD virus as the viral vector are addressed.
College Students’ Mobile Telephone Use Is Positively Associated With Sedentary Behavior

While mobile phones (henceforth cell phones) provide nearly constant access to activities (eg, watching videos, playing games) traditionally associated with sedentary behavior, the relationship between cell phone use, sedentary behavior, and physical activity is untested. The purpose of this study was to assess these relationships. A sample of college students (N = 236) completed surveys assessing daily cell phone use, sedentary behavior (sitting time) and physical activity. Regression demonstrated that cell use was positively associated (β = 0.23, P = .05) with sedentary behavior and not related (β = −0.02, P = .90) to physical activity. Tertile splits were performed for average daily cell phone use and participants were grouped as high (n = 81), moderate (n = 77) or low (n = 78) cell users. High users (495.1 ± 227.6 min/d) participated in significantly (P ≤ .03) more sedentary behavior than the moderate (417.1 ± 208.3 min/day) and low (395.2 ± 180.0 min/d) users. Sedentary behavior was not different (P ...
Concurrent data elicitation procedures, processes, and the early stages of L2 learning: A critical overview:

Given the current methodological interest in eliciting direct data on the cognitive processes L2 learners employ as they interact with L2 data during the early stages of the learning process, this article takes a critical and comparative look at three concurrent data elicitation procedures currently employed in the SLA literature: Think aloud (TA) protocols, eye-tracking (ET), and reaction time (RT). The section on each data elicitation procedure begins with a brief historical and descriptive account of its usage and application in the SLA literature to address cognitive processes as they occur during the early stages of the L2 learning process, followed by its strengths and some methodological issues that should be considered. Suggestions are provided for their usage in future studies investigating concurrent cognitive processes in L2 learning at these early stages of the L2 learning process.
The utility of Medicare claims data for measuring cancer stage.

Background.The validity of using claims data for measuring tumor stage, one of the most important determinants of choice of therapy and long-term survival, is unknown.Objectives.To determine the relative accuracy of both inpatient and hospital Outpatient Medicare claims for measuring the stage of di
Electronic structure of Ni 3 Ti

The electronic structure of the intermetallic compound ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}$Ti was investigated theoretically with self-consistent-field (SCF)-$X\ensuremath{\alpha}$ calculations on the appropriate four-atom tetrahedral cluster. The calculations show a $d$ band consisting of filled Ni $d$ orbitals, empty Ti $d$ orbitals, and half-filled Ni-Ti antibonding orbitals near the Fermi level. We obtain from the calculations a charge transfer from Ti to Ni and to the interatomic space so that ionic and covalent components are added to the metallic bond. The energy distributions of photoelectrons from the polycrystalline compound ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}$Ti were obtained at $h\ensuremath{\nu}=11.7, 16.8, 21.2, 26.8, \mathrm{and} 40.8$ eV and reproduce the features of the calculated electronic structure, namely, a relatively low density of states at the Fermi level and a bandwidth of 3 eV. The Auger peaks of nickel and titanium were obtained at the same energies as for the elemental metals and are in agreement with the theoretical finding that the core levels in the compound are at the same energies as in the elements.
A RE-INTERPRETATION OF THE SEXUALITY OF THANATEPHORUS CUCUMERIS ANASTOMOSIS GROUP FOUR

The homokaryotic progeny of one isolate of Thanatephorus cucumeris, anastomosis group four, was 100% self-sterile and 96% of the homokaryotic progeny of six other isolates also were self-sterile. Most self-fertile homokaryons discharged fewer than 100 basidiospores/ 48 h whereas heterokaryons averaged 0.5 x 106 spores/48 h regardless of whether they were field isolates or formed by pairing self-sterile, self-fertile, or self-sterile with self-fertile homokaryons. Our evidence shows that T. cucumeris is heterothallic and bipolar with multiple alleles. Thus, based upon this evidence we equate heterokaryon incompatibility factors (Hfactors) in T. cucumeris with sexual incompatibility factors. The ability of a homokaryon to fruit is not dependent on heterozygous H-factors. The low percentage of progeny exhibiting homokaryotic fruiting was previously misinterpreted as evidence for primary homothallism.
Toward systems epidemiology of coffee and health.

Purpose of review Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world and has been associated with many health conditions. This review examines the limitations of the classic epidemiological approach to studies of coffee and health, and describes the progress in systems epidemiology of coffee and its correlated constituent, caffeine. Implications and applications of this growing body of knowledge are also discussed. Recent findings Population-based metabolomic studies of coffee replicate coffee-metabolite correlations observed in clinical settings but have also identified novel metabolites of coffee response, such as specific sphingomyelin derivatives and acylcarnitines. Genome-wide analyses of self-reported coffee and caffeine intake and serum levels of caffeine support an overwhelming role for caffeine in modulating the coffee consumption behavior. Interindividual variation in the physiological exposure or response to any of the many chemicals present in coffee may alter the persistence and magnitude of their effects. It is thus imperative that future studies of coffee and health account for this variation. Summary Systems epidemiological approaches promise to inform causality, parse the constituents of coffee responsible for health effects, and identify the subgroups most likely to benefit from increasing or decreasing coffee consumption.
Comparison of angiographic and IVUS derived coronary geometric reconstructions for evaluation of the association of hemodynamics with coronary artery disease progression

Wall shear stress (WSS) has been investigated as a prognostic marker for the prospective identification of rapidly progressing coronary artery disease (CAD) and atherosclerotic lesions likely to gain high-risk (vulnerable) characteristics. The goal of this study was to compare biplane angiographic vs. intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) derived reconstructed coronary geometries to evaluate agreement in geometry, computed WSS, and association of WSS and CAD progression. Baseline and 6-month follow-up angiographic and IVUS imaging data were collected in patients with non-obstructive CAD (n = 5). Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of the coronary arteries were generated with each technique, and patient-specific computational fluid dynamics models were constructed to compute baseline WSS values. Geometric comparisons were evaluated in arterial segments (n = 9), and hemodynamic data were evaluated in circumferential sections (n = 468). CAD progression was quantified from serial IVUS imaging data (n = 277), and included virtual-histology IVUS (VH-IVUS) derived changes in plaque composition. There was no significant difference in reconstructed coronary segment lengths and cross-sectional areas (CSA), however, IVUS derived geometries exhibited a significantly larger left main CSA than the angiographic reconstructions. Computed absolute time-averaged WSS (TAWSSABS) values were significantly greater in the IVUS derived geometries, however, evaluations of relative TAWSS (TAWSSREL) values revealed improved agreement and differences within defined zones of equivalence. Associations between VH-IVUS defined CAD progression and angiographic or IVUS derived WSS exhibited poor agreement when examining TAWSSABS data, but improved when evaluating the association with TAWSSREL data. We present data from a small cohort of patients highlighting strong agreement between angiographic and IVUS derived coronary geometries, however, limited agreement is observed between computed WSS values and associations of WSS with CAD progression.
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis: the value of laboratory tests.

Osteoarthritis by definition involves a progressive degeneration in one or many synovial joints and has a multifaceted etiology. The limitation of pathologic responses to an initial insult minimizes the value of microscopic examination of the tissues long after the original injury. The cornerstone of diagnosis has been the plane film x-ray examination, which allows the study and comparison of macroscopic changes that are common to osteoarthritis and aids in diagnosing other causes of arthritis. Synovial fluid analysis in doubtful diagnoses is useful in ruling out specific arthritides such as infection or crystal induced arthritis, or in pinpointing inflammation as a factor in the individual case. Synovial fluid studies are especially important in allowing recognition of conditions in which appropriate treatment can prevent secondary osteoarthritis, e.g., sepsis. This technique may also be necessary to rule out sepsis before implant joint reconstitution.
Bone mineral density and wounding capacity of handguns: implications for estimation of caliber

Methodologies that improve estimation of caliber from cranial bone defects are necessary to meet the ever increasing admissibility standards. The relationship between caliber, wound diameter, and bone mineral density (BMD) was examined. The formation of the permanent cavity is influenced by bullet yaw, velocity, distance, and tissue properties. The hypothesis was that including BMD, wound diameter could be explained by differences in caliber. The sample consists of 68 autopsy sections and 101 specimens from Phelps (1898). A subsample of 18 was scanned using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) for BMD measurement to test whether an increase in BMD affects wound diameter. Pearson product-moment correlations of the subsample indicate the strongest correlation is between BMD and minimum diameter (r = 0.7101), followed by a correlation between minimum diameter and caliber (r = 0.6854). Despite the previous use of thickness as a proxy for BMD, no correlation was found between BMD and thickness (r = 0.0143). A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) detected a significant influence of BMD and minimum diameter on caliber size (Prob > F = 0.0003). The logistic regression shows that caliber can be estimated from minimum diameter. Using the subsample, the results show that the inclusion of BMD strengthens the model for estimating caliber from entrance gunshot defects.
Dark energy at early times, the Hubble parameter, and the string axiverse

Precise measurements of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) power spectrum are in excellent agreement with the predictions of the standard $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{CDM}$ cosmological model. However, there is some tension between the value of the Hubble parameter ${H}_{0}$ inferred from the CMB and that inferred from observations of the Universe at lower redshifts, and the unusually small value of the dark-energy density is a puzzling ingredient of the model. In this paper, we explore a scenario with a new exotic energy density that behaves like a cosmological constant at early times and then decays quickly at some critical redshift ${z}_{c}$. An exotic energy density like this is motivated by some string-axiverse-inspired scenarios for dark energy. By increasing the expansion rate at early times, the very precisely determined angular scale of the sound horizon at decoupling can be preserved with a larger Hubble constant. We find, however, that the Planck temperature power spectrum tightly constrains the magnitude of the early dark-energy density and thus any shift in the Hubble constant obtained from the CMB. If the reionization optical depth is required to be smaller than the Planck 2016 $2\ensuremath{\sigma}$ upper bound $\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.0774$, then early dark energy allows a Hubble-parameter shift of at most $1.6\text{ }\mathrm{km}\text{ }{\mathrm{s}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\text{ }{\mathrm{Mpc}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ (at ${z}_{c}\ensuremath{\simeq}1585$), too small to fully alleviate the Hubble-parameter tension. Only if $\ensuremath{\tau}$ is increased by more than $5\ensuremath{\sigma}$ can the CMB Hubble parameter be brought into agreement with that from local measurements. In the process, we derive strong constraints to the contribution of early dark energy at the time of recombination---it can never exceed $\ensuremath{\sim}2%$ of the radiation/matter density for $10\ensuremath{\lesssim}{z}_{c}\ensuremath{\lesssim}1{0}^{5}$.
Keratoconus in Children

Keratoconus typically has its onset at puberty and progresses until the third to fourth decade of life, when it usually stabilizes. In pediatric patients keratoconus is often more advanced at diagnosis and its progression may be more frequent and more rapid with a sevenfold higher risk of requiring corneal grafting. Childhood onset cases have a more aggressive progression than those of later onset; therefore, detection of progressive keratoconus in early stages of the disease is necessary to prevent severe visual impairment. Keratoconus represents one of the most common causes of corneal transplantation in children causing about 15–20 % of all corneal transplants in children.
The Complex Bootstrap Algorithm for Blind Separation of QAM Multiuser CDMA Signals

The bootstrap separator for multiuser signals is principally composed of cancelers, each one using the output of the other cancelers to facilitate control of its adaptive weight. In fact, such a structure performs as a ’’signal separator‘‘ rather than an interference canceler. Since for its separation there is no need for a reference signal (as in LMS cancelers), it is sometimes justifiably called a ’’Blind Separator‘‘. However, for its operation the bootstrap separator requires a signal distinguisher termed ’’discriminator‘‘. The algorithm was used in the past in applications such as dually polarized satellite communications and microwave terrestrial links. It was particularly reported for multiuser CDMA signal separating, with the signum function as discriminator. Especially for QAM signals, complex presentation is important. Therefore, we will concentrate in this report on what we call the ’’Complex Bootstrap Algorithm‘‘. It is an extension to the previously reported bootstrap structure of [5]. We will examine its performance and emphasize the hardware saving in its implementation, and the ease of using it in simulation.
Assessing the effectiveness of routine use of post-operative in-patient physical therapy services.

Background: The association between functional decline occurring with prolonged bed rest after surgery is well-known. Immediate in-patient post-operative ambulation with the physical therapy (PT) service has been reported to improve pain and disability, while decreasing the incidence of perioperative complications. Whether formal PT evaluation prior to hospital discharge leads to improved ambulation (number of steps ambulated), shorter duration of hospital stay and lower peri-operative complications compared to nurse-assisted ambulation protocols remain unknown. Methods: The medical records of 274 patients (No PT: n=87, PT: n=187) undergoing elective spine surgery at a major academic medical center were reviewed. Patients were categorized based on whether PT services were delivered during the post-operative in-patient stay. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and post-operative complication rates were collected and compared. Ambulation status and the number of steps ambulated were recorded. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar in both cohorts. Operative variables were similar between both cohorts, with no significant difference in operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), and number of fusion levels. Peri-operative complication rates were similar between the cohorts. Compared to patients in the nurse-assisted ambulation cohort (No PT), patients in the PT cohort had a longer duration of hospital stay (4.17 vs. 3.39 days, P=0.15). 30-day readmission rates, although higher in the PT cohort, was not statistically significantly different (PT 6.57% vs. No PT: 2.30%, P=0.13). Conclusions: Our study suggests that the routine use of the PT services compared to nurse-assisted ambulation programs is associated with a modest increase in the duration of hospital stay without any significant reduction in peri-operative complications profile. In a health conscious healthcare climate, appropriate screening mechanisms and risk stratification should be performed to optimize utilization of post-operative in-patient PT services.
Plant tissue culture in biotechnology: recent advances in transformation through somatic embryogenesis

118 The development of cell, tissue and organ culture methods was rapidly accelerated in the second half of the previous century after establishing robust cell culture techniques and media formulation for in vitro growth of plant material [1–8]. A stunning number of articles have been published on in vitro induction and maintenance of non-differentiated cells and the regeneration the plants from them whether through organogenesis or somatic embryogenesis. Fine protocols were established for the culture of enzymatically isolated single cells and protoplasts [9], which were able to regenerate into plants [10–12]. In vitro culture methods became an essential part of many micropropagation protocols. Culture of plant cells and organs in bioreactors were used for the production of different secondary metabolites and pharmaceuticals. In vitro techniques were used for production of mutants, haploids, virus-free material, and also for maintenance and preservation of rare genotypes and specific cell cultures [13–15]. The first positive results on Agro bac te rium-mediated transformation in plants were reported in 1983 [16–18]. A simple method for transferring genes into plants through the inoculation of leaf discs with Agrobacterium tumefaciens followed by in vitro culture and regeneration of whole plants was reported by Horsch et al. [19]. Different methods for DNA delivery into plant cell, including electroporation [20], PEG treatment [21, 22], microinjection [23], sonication [24], biolistics or particle bombardment [25], silicon carbide Whiskers treatment [26, 27], were used for specific transformation purposes and different types of cells and genotypes. However, Agrobac terium-mediated transformation became a preferred method. Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a natural vector system for transgenes delivery into a wide range of plants species, providing an efficient and «clean» insertion of DNA into the plant genome and deserved to be called the «tzar of genetic engineering» [28]. In the past 30 years the discovery and application of new transformation technologies essentially sped up the improvement of major cultivated crops. The first, really commercially grown plants hit the market in the mid — 1990s. Practically all transformation systems were based on in vitro culture methods. It was impossible to transform whole plant organism at once. All techniques were based on transforming single cells of callus, leaves, pollen, roots or other organs and than regeneration of plants through somatic embryogenesis or organogenesis. Routine and highly efficient transformation methods for many important crop and particular genotypes were implemented in many biotechnology companies. UDK 575327/275.854
Existential risk due to ecosystem collapse: Nature strikes back

Abstract Epic tales of existential catastrophe have been written down for thousands of years, and in Christian traditions were linked to the punishment of humanity for its sins. We are still imagining new storylines for the end-of-civilization, with a rich genre of Hollywood films depicting either the struggles of remnant humans in a post-apocalyptic world, or some event that threatens the very survival of our species. Instead of a spiritual reckoning imposed by God, Hollywood’s Armageddon is usually the result of technology run amok, or mindless industrialization and population growth causing an environmental collapse. While dramatization of an environmental Armageddon might seem fanciful, existential risk warrants serious consideration even though the probability of an apocalypse is vanishingly small. If we are to avoid the unthinkable and unimaginable, then we need to ask what might be the most plausible pathways to an environmental apocalypse? We review the major environmental concepts pertinent to apocalyptic events, and conclude that positive feedback loops and multiplicative stresses represent the gravest existential risks, and the risks society is least likely to foresee. Zombies created by a misbegotten genetically engineered virus might make for a great movie, but it is the hubris of technical experts who are blind to surprising interaction networks, or who are unaware of positive feedback loops that will be our undoing.
On the role of ground actions in refinement planning

Less than a decade ago, the focus in refinement planning was on partial order planners using lifted actions. Today, the currently most successful refinement planners are all state space planners using ground actions—i.e. actions where all parameters have been substituted by objects. In this paper, we address the role of ground actions in refinement planning, and present empirical results indicating that their role is twofold. First, planning with ground actions represents a bias towards early commitment of parameter bindings. Second, ground actions help enforce joint parameter domain constraints. By implementing these two techniques in a least commitment planner such as UCPOP, together with using an informed heuristic function to guide the search for solutions, we show that we often need to generate far fewer plans than when planning with ground action, while the number of explored plans remains about the same. In some cases a vast reduction can also be achieved in the number of explored plans.
Differentiating Fieldwork Settings: Matching Student Characteristics to Demands.

Academic fieldwork coordinators (AFWCs) face the challenge of matching students to Level II fieldwork (FW) sites. This study surveyed 301 fieldwork educators (FWEs) from 30 states to explore how im...
An analysis of classroom accommodations and return to learn protocols for students with concussion symptoms

Youth sport and physical activity have seen an increase in recent years and with it, an increase in youth concussions. At the same time, an increase in concussion awareness by the public has occurr...
Chemical characterization of natural and anthropogenic-derived oil residues on Gulf of Mexico beaches.

Abstract Oil residues originating from the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) incident persist on Gulf of Mexico beaches alongside oil from offshore industrial activity, natural seepage, and asphalt from parking lots and roads. To determine the primary differences in the chemical composition of these oil residues, a variety of samples were collected from beaches from Florida to Alabama over a two-year period from 2015 to 2017. Bulk chemical characteristics of the oil residues were examined via gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and mass spectrometry (GC–MS), as well as thin layer chromatography with flame ionization detection (TLC-FID), and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR). These bulk chemical analyses revealed features unique to the different sample types, expanding our understanding of the chemical composition and variability of persistent oil residues, and providing a means to detect and monitor their long-term fate in the coastal environment.