cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sphingolipid requirement for generation of a functional v1 component of the vacuolar ATPase.

There has been no previous indication that vacuolar ATPases (V-ATPases) require sphingolipids for function. Here we show, by using Saccharomyces cerevisiae sur4Δ and fen1Δ cells, that sphingolipids with a C26 acyl group are required for generating V1 domains with ATPase activity. Sphingolipids in sur4Δ cells contain C22 and C24 acyl groups instead of C26 acyl groups whereas about 30% of the sphingolipids in fen1Δ cells have C26 acyl groups and the rest have C22 and C24 acyl groups. sur4Δ cells have several phenotypes (vacuolar membrane ATPase, Vma–) that indicate a defect in the V-ATPase, and vacuoles purified from sur4Δ cells have little to no ATPase activity. These phenotypes are less pronounced in fen1Δ cells, consistent with the idea that the C26 acyl group in sphingolipids is necessary for V-ATPase activity. Other results show that the two V-ATPase domains, V1 and V0, are assembled and delivered to the vacuolar membrane in sur4Δ cells similar to wild-type cells. In vitro assembly studies show that V1 from sur4Δ cells associates with wild-type V0 but the complex lacks V-ATPase activity, indicating that V1 is defective. Reciprocal experiments with V0 from sur4Δ cells show that it is normal. We conclude that sphingolipids with a C26 acyl group are required for generating fully functional V1 domains.
Sedimentology and geochemistry of surface sediments, outer continental shelf, southern Bering Sea

Abstract Present-day sediment dynamics, combined with lowerings of sea level during the Pleistocene, have created a mixture of sediments on the outer continental shelf of the southern Bering Sea that was derived from the Alaskan Mainland, the Aleutian Islands, and the Pribilof ridge. Concentrations of finer-grained, higher-organic sediments in the region of the St. George basin have further modified regional distribution patterns of sediment composition. Q-mode factor analysis of 58 variables related to sediment size and composition — including content of major, minor, and trace elements, heavy and light minerals, and clay minerals — reveals three dominant associations of sediment: 1. (1) The most significant contribution, forming a coarse-grained sediment scattered over most of the shelf consists of felsic sediment derived from the generally quartz-rich rocks of the Alaskan mainland. This sediment contains relatively high concentrations of Si, Ba, Rb, quartz, garnet, epidote, metamorphic rock fragments, potassium feldspar, and illite. 2. (2) The next most important group, superimposed on the felsic group consists of andesitic sediment derived from the Aleutian Islands. This more mafic sediment contains relatively high concentrations of Na, Ca, Ti, Sr, V, Mn, Cu, Fe, Al, Co, Zn, Y, Yb, Ga, volcanic rock fragments, glass, clinopyroxene, smectite, and vermiculite. 3. (3) A local group of basaltic sediment, derived from rocks of the Pribilof Islands, is a subgroup of the Aleutian andesite group. Accumulation of fine-grained sediment in St. George basin has created a sediment group containing relatively high concentrations of C, S, U, Li, B, Zr, Ga, Hg, silt, and clay. Sediment of the Aleutian andesite group exhibits a strong gradient, or “plume”, with concentrations decreasing away from Unimak Pass and toward St. George basin. The absence of present-day currents sufficient to move even clay-size material as well as the presence of Bering submarine canyon between the Aleutian Islands and the outer continental shelf and slope, indicates that Holocene sediment dynamics cannot be used to explain the observed distribution of surface sediment derived from the Aleutian Islands. We suggest that this pattern is relict and resulted from sediment dynamics during lower sea levels of the Pleistocene.
Modelling Subordinated Stochastic Processes with Student's t and Generalized Secant Hyperbolic Increments: Empirical Study of Speculative Energy Markets

Regulatory decisions, such as the U.S. Commodity Futures Modernization Act, increased the number of market participants via the electronic trading platform in the new millenium. Volatile prices in the futures market has challenged current margin-setting methodologies for protection against default risk. Margin shortfall of futures contracts depends on the tail shape of their returns. GARCH model has not been recommended due to its too extreme margin levels and high frequency of margin changes (Lam et. al. 2004). This paper instead models returns in futures market as a subordinated stochastic process (SSP). Its use in modelling asset returns was often studied under the assumption of stable and Student’s t distributions. Most recently, stochastic volatility in energy futures market was modelled as a Student’s t Levy process with which trading volume was found to explain well its returns variability (Hu 2009). We extended this body of research in stochastic finance by changing independent increments assumption from Student’s t to Generalized Secant Hyperbolic distribution(GSHD). The family approaches uniform and Cauchy distributions in its limits, for which all moments exist and its CDF is invertible. We found by likelihood ratio test that the overall fit to empirical futures returns were comparable with Student’s t for large sample size (1992-2004). However, it has nicer properties than that of Stable and Student’s t and therefore lends to robust estimation with smaller sample size requirements for efficiency and reduced estimation error in calculation of risk metrics such as value-at-risk. As robust adaptive location tests have been recently developed for GSHD (Kravchuk and Hu 2008), shape a priori, knowable from trade volume, would be useful in detecting mean shift in returns away from zero.
Communicating public health preparedness information to pregnant and postpartum women: an assessment of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web pages.

Pregnant and postpartum women have special needs during public health emergencies but often have inadequate levels of disaster preparedness. Thus, improving maternal emergency preparedness is a public health priority. More research is needed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches to how preparedness information is communicated to these women. A sample of web pages from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention intended to address the preparedness needs of pregnant and postpartum populations was examined for suitability for this audience. Five of the 7 web pages examined were considered adequate. One web page was considered not suitable and one the raters split between not suitable and adequate. None of the resources examined were considered superior. If these resources are considered some of the best available to pregnant and postpartum women, more work is needed to improve the suitability of educational resources, especially for audiences with low literacy and low incomes. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:134-137). Language: en
Discrete Gradient Optimization of Water Systems

With the present optimization techniques, diameter of pipes is assumed to be continuous. At the end of the optimization process, the diameter of pipes is then rounded to the nearest available size. This will give an approximate minimum at best, and possibly a nonfeasible solution. A discrete optimization technique that treats pipe diameter as discrete variable and flow and head loss as continuous variable is formulated. It has been applied to a fairly large water transmission system with good results. This technique can be used to design a completely new system as well as an expanding one. Other pipe networks, such as oil pipeline and aircraft fuel system, can also be designed by means of this technique.
The Nature of Cloud Systems

Cloud systems suitable for modification by seeding; mechanisms of precipitation formation and results obtained from seeding various types of clouds.
On Certain Matrix Equations

(1957). On Certain Matrix Equations. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 64, No. 8P1, pp. 573-576.
Effect of Alloxan on Carbohydrate and Uric Acid Metabolism of the Pigeon.

SummaryAlloxan, injected into pigeons in a single dose of 60 to 125 mg/kg (less than one-half of the diabetogenic dose) sometimes causes a marked elevation of the blood uric acid level and a deposition of sodium urate in the tissues. A conspicuous atrophy of the musculature is observed as a late effect in pigeons which recover from the acute stage of alloxan poisoning. Among several compounds, related to alloxan, only dialuric acid was found to possess a similar effect.
Heterogeneity of Particle Deposition by Pixel Analysis of 2D Gamma Scintigraphy Images

Abstract Background: Heterogeneity of inhaled particle deposition in airways disease may be a sensitive indicator of physiologic changes in the lungs. Using planar gamma scintigraphy, we developed new methods to locate and quantify regions of high (hot) and low (cold) particle deposition in the lungs. Methods: Initial deposition and 24 hour retention images were obtained from healthy (n=31) adult subjects and patients with mild cystic fibrosis lung disease (CF) (n=14) following inhalation of radiolabeled particles (Tc99m-sulfur colloid, 5.4 μm MMAD) under controlled breathing conditions. The initial deposition image of the right lung was normalized to (i.e., same median pixel value), and then divided by, a transmission (Tc99m) image in the same individual to obtain a pixel-by-pixel ratio image. Hot spots were defined where pixel values in the deposition image were greater than 2X those of the transmission, and cold spots as pixels where the deposition image was less than 0.5X of the transmission. The numb...
Sporangial Germination in the Genus Myzocytium

While searching filaments of Spirogyra for members of the lower Phycomycetes, the thallus of a species of Myzocytium was found. The method of sporangial germination was later observed and proved to be at variance with those previously described for this genus, since no vesicle is formed at the tip of the exit tube. The zoospores mature within the sporangium and escape successively in single file. Thallus. In the young stages the thallus consists of an un? branched mycelial filament which is constricted at regular intervals to form a chain of ellipsoidal cells. At each constriction the nar? row channel is plugged with a spherical refractive granule giving the aspect of a thick septum. This is probably a cellulin granule corresponding with those described for the genera Gonapodya and Leptomitus. Similar refractive granules are scattered throughout the cytoplasm. The individual cells of a mature thallus are oval to ellipsoidal and measure 16-26 X 13-16/x. The number of cells in the chain varies from five to twelve. Asexual reproduction. The cells of a chain may all function as sporangia, or as sporangia and male and female gametangia. Each sporangium germinates by a single exit tube, about 3 /x in width, which is slightly constricted where it passes through the host cell wall. At about the time that the exit tube penetrates the wall, the densely granular content of the sporangium rounds up to form small globose bodies showing a slightly oscillating movement. At first this movement is more noticeable towards the center of the mass. In a few minutes it is present in the entire contents of the sporangium. The protoplasm in the exit tube then
Adaptive Operation Decisions in Net Zero Building Clusters

In light of the growing strain on the energy grid and the increased awareness of the significant role buildings play within the energy ecosystem, the need for building operational strategies which minimize energy consumption has never been greater. One of the major hurdles impeding this realization primarily lies not in the lack of decision strategies, but in their inherent lack of adaptability. With most operational strategies partly dictated by a dynamic trio of social, economic and environmental factors which include occupant preference, energy price and weather conditions, it is important to realize and capitalize on this dynamism to open up new avenues for energy savings. This paper extends this idea by developing a dynamic optimization mechanism for Net-zero building clusters. A bi-level operation framework is presented to study the energy tradeoffs resulting from the adaptive measures adopted in response to hourly variations in energy price, energy consumption and indoor occupant comfort preferences. The experimental results verify the need for adaptive decision frameworks and demonstrate, through Pareto analysis, that the approach is capable of exploiting the energy saving opportunities made available through fluctuations in energy price and occupant comfort preferences.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Productivity and Influencing Factors of Oil Reservoir with Low Permeability and Pressure Sensitivity

Low permeability reservoir is not only of existence of threshold pressure gradient,but also could be deformed when the reservoir permeability exponentially decreases with formation pressure decline.This phenomenon most occurred in reservoirs with abnormal pressure and low or super-low permeability.Based on the pseudosteady state theory of non-Darcy flow and deformed media percolation and relative flow behavior equation of oil and liquid phases,the three-phase flow IPR curves with maximum flow rate point in low permeability and pressure sensitivity oil reservoir are derived,by which the allowable minimum flowing pressure in oil well or reservoir can be calculated.Also,combining with the production data from Puxi oil field in Daqing,the threshold pressure gradient, deformation coefficient,drainage radius,average formation pressure and water cut that affect the reservoir productivity are studied.The results show that the threshold pressure gradient,deformation coefficient have remarkably influences on the reservoir productivity and the allowable minimum flowing pressure.This method can be used to effectively evaluate and forecast the variation of productivity in oil reservoir with low permeability and pressure sensitivity,meanwhile,provide bases for determination of reasonable flow pressure and routine of work as well as sufficiently displaying well flow capacity.
Current concepts of β-endorphin physiology in female reproductive dysfunction

beta-Endorphin has a role in the regulation of the normal menstrual cycle and possibly in the onset of puberty. We have reviewed the evidence pointing to an alteration in this neuropeptide that may contribute to the pathogenesis of various reproductive dysfunctions. Elevated or high levels of beta-endorphin have been associated with exercise-associated amenorrhea, stress-associated amenorrhea, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Depressed or low levels of beta-endorphin have been associated with PMS and menopause. Alterations in the levels of beta-endorphin may change the pulsatile release of GnRH via noradrenergic and/or dopaminergic pathways. We have primarily focused on beta-endorphin as representative of the endogenous opioid peptides, but other opioid peptides may also contribute to the pathogenesis of various types of reproductive dysfunction. Perhaps it will become possible to characterize and hone our understanding of the function of beta-endorphin and the other substances composing the endogenous opioid peptides. A better understanding of their role in physiological as well as pathophysiological processes may allow for the development of rational approaches to the treatment of specific disorders pertaining to reproduction. Many questions remain unanswered. Among the most relevant are: what is the precise mechanism of action by which beta-endorphin exerts its influence on pulsatile GnRH release? Is there a functional relationship between CNS and peripheral (serum) levels of beta-endorphin? Are the detected changes in beta-endorphin levels merely associated, or are they a cause of a particular disorder? Since it took almost 40 years between the time prostaglandins were first discovered and eventual realization of their clinical application, it may take some time before the beta-endorphin story is complete.
Income Segregation Between Schools and School Districts

Although trends in the racial segregation of schools are well documented, less is known about trends in income segregation. We use multiple data sources to document trends in income segregation between schools and school districts. Between-district income segregation of families with children enrolled in public school increased by over 15% from 1990 to 2010. Within large districts, between-school segregation of students who are eligible and ineligible for free lunch increased by over 40% from 1991 to 2012. Consistent with research on neighborhood segregation, we find that rising income inequality contributed to the rise in income segregation between schools and districts during this period. The rise in income segregation between both schools and districts may have implications for inequality in students’ access to resources that bear on academic achievement.
Obstacles to Prompt Reacting

In Chapter 10 I discussed a number of internal obstacles, both political and psychological, to a party wishing to initiate a conciliatory process by sending a clear signal to its adversary. The signal, if actually made, could become the first move in an accommodative sequence, and the main argument of the last chapter was that a variety of intra-party factors would influence whether the signal was contemplated and undertaken, besides influencing the nature and clarity of that signal, as well as its credibility. Together with influences (previously discussed) arising from the overall circumstances of the conflict itself (the context), these factors should have a major effect on the immediate and longer-term success of the conciliatory move.
The Politics of Productivity

Latin American countries have fared relatively poorly in terms of fostering productivity. Latin America’s productivity has been falling compared to other benchmark countries such as the United States, and the countries of the region have not even performed well in absolute terms. Had they performed at the same level as the world’s average country, countries like Argentina would be among the world’s richest. Yet, most Latin American countries have fallen behind.
Fairness based Demand Response in DHC networks using real time parameter identification

Modern day District Heating and Cooling (DHC) networks are complex interconnections of heat energy sources and heat energy consumers wherein the available energy from the sources is networked to the consumers for meeting their space heating (or cooling) requirements. Often, the energy sources are renewables and thermal run-off from industrial processes which are intermittent. Under extremely exigent conditions (such as very low ambient temperatures), these DHC networks may potentially suffer from energy supply inadequacy. Subsequently, selfish uncoordinated control of heat energy inflow at distributed consumer premises can lead to unfair allocation of the already inadequate energy to different consumers, potentially leading to consumer disgruntlement. Factors such as thermal losses in the network, varying levels of building insulation and different building heat capacities only exacerbate these issues. In this paper, we propose a policy for implementing Demand Response (DR) in DHC networks with an objective of optimizing different fairness based objectives. Specifically, our proposed algorithm estimates dynamically evolving building thermal parameters from continuously recorded temperature sensor measurements from different points in the network. It then uses this knowledge to suggest suitable control of network parameters such as mass flow rate of fluid to the buildings in order to realize the network level thermal fairness based objectives.
What Is the Long-Run Impact of Learning Mathematics During Preschool?

The current study estimated the causal links between preschool mathematics learning and late elementary school mathematics achievement using variation in treatment assignment to an early mathematics intervention as an instrument for preschool mathematics change. Estimates indicate (n = 410) that a standard deviation of intervention-produced change at age 4 is associated with a 0.24-SD gain in achievement in late elementary school. This impact is approximately half the size of the association produced by correlational models relating later achievement to preschool math change, and is approximately 35% smaller than the effect reported by highly controlled ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models (Claessens et al., 2009; Watts et al., ) using national data sets. Implications for developmental theory and practice are discussed.
A conceptual model on the process of innovation diffusion through a historical review of the United States Armed Forces and their bowl games

Abstract Due to the interrelated social systems prominent within the organization of sport products and services, the sport industry represents an ideal setting for studying innovation diffusion. This research endeavor extends previous work based on Rogers’ (2003) Diffusion of Innovation Theory and uses an historical research approach as a means to understand what happens beyond the initial point of adoption with respect to the total process of innovation diffusion. Within, the authors offer a number of implications for current managers and scholars of sport through applied history. Historical analysis exploits the United States Armed Forces use of American football games from 1942 through 1967 to propose a nine-point conception model on innovation diffusion. In the model, we emphasize the interaction/synergy of: communication systems; time; and social systems. Moreover, the authors discuss the impact of physical and virtual geography and the interplay between degrees of seriousness, availability of resources, isomorphism, and technology across each stage of the process to emphasize their interactions within subsequent stages as to whether the diffusion process continues. Late adopters can extend the diffusion process through re-invention to offer a more complete theoretical model of the total process of innovation diffusion.
Risk factors for persistence of lower respiratory symptoms among community members exposed to the 2001 World Trade Center terrorist attacks.

Objectives We studied the course of lower respiratory symptoms (LRS; cough, wheeze or dyspnoea) among community members exposed to the 9/11/2001 World Trade Center (WTC) attacks during a period of 12–13 years following the attacks, and evaluated risk factors for LRS persistence, including peripheral airway dysfunction and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods Non-smoking adult participants in a case-control study of post-9/11-onset LRS (exam 1, 2008–2010) were recruited for follow-up (exam 2, 2013–2014). Peripheral airway function was assessed with impulse oscillometry measures of R 5 and R 5-20 . Probable PTSD was a PTSD checklist score ≥44 on a 2006–2007 questionnaire. Results Of 785 exam 1 participants, 545 (69%) completed exam 2. Most (321, 59%) were asymptomatic at all assessments. Among 192 participants with initial LRS, symptoms resolved for 110 (57%) by exam 2, 55 (29%) had persistent LRS and 27 (14%) had other patterns. The proportion with normal spirometry increased from 65% at exam 1 to 85% at exam 2 in the persistent LRS group (p 5 and R 5-20 abnormalities were more common among participants with persistent LRS (56% and 46%, respectively) than among participants with resolved LRS (30%, p 5 at exam 1, and R 5-20 at exam 1 were each independently associated with persistent LRS. Conclusions Peripheral airway dysfunction and PTSD may contribute to LRS persistence. Assessment of peripheral airway function detected pulmonary damage not evident on spirometry. Mental and physical healthcare for survivors of complex environmental disasters should be coordinated carefully.
Behind the Scenes: Intermediary Organizations that Facilitate Science Commercialization Through Entrepreneurship

When they lack resources to commercialize science, entrepreneurs rely on intermediary organizations often within their local ecosystems. This paper seeks to improve our understanding of how interme...
Infection by Parorchis acanthus (Trematoda) decreases grazing by the keystone gastropod, Littoraria irrorata

Parasites are well-known to alter the behavior of their hosts, but there is still a paucity of knowledge about how parasites modify the behavior of many ecologically influential host species. I studied the keystone grazer, the salt marsh periwinkle (Littoraria irrorata), to determine the influence of infection by the digenetic trematode, Parorchis acanthus, on its grazing behavior. Comparative laboratory grazing studies of wild-collected and experimentally infected snails revealed that Parorchis decreased grazing on live Spartina by more than 80%. Because of the large ecological influence of Littoraria in southern U.S. marshes, parasite modification of snail grazing may have ramifications for marsh ecosystem stability if parasite prevalence is sufficiently high.
State-of-the-Art Management of Germ Cell Tumors.

The state of the art management of germ cell tumors (GCT) in 2018 does not include novel agents targeting genomic alterations or exciting immunologic-based approaches but rather the avoidance of pitfalls in everyday practice. The relative rarity of GCT and high curability with correct management create the "perfect storm" for high-stakes errors to occur. This review focuses on several common pitfalls that should be avoided in staging and management of early-stage and advanced GCT in order to maximize patient outcomes. A particularly frequent misstep is to base treatment decisions on pre- rather than postorchiectomy tumor markers that, depending on marker directionality, can lead to either undertreatment with potentially inferior outcomes or overtreatment with excess toxicity. Another common mistake is the failure to consider the unique ability of GCT to differentiate and the distinct biology of teratoma (chemoresistance and lack of increased glucose uptake compared with normal tissue), which exerts a perv...
Metallic Matrix Composites

Efforts to make useful metallic composites have required the development of new fabrication procedures. Different approaches have been used and the fabrication techniques adopted are quite distinct from one another. Metal matrix composites have been reinforced by the use of particles, films and fibers.
The Significance of Human Rights for the Debt of Countries in Transition

High levels of sovereign debt create a thorny moral, political, and legal problem for many of the world’s poorer countries. What should a government do when it is not possible to meet debt service obligations while at the same time providing for a bare minimum of essential services in areas such as health care and education? This dilemma is particularly poignant for new regimes transitioning from conflict or dictatorship to democracy where many of the debts in question were taken out by a predecessor regime that may have used the money for purposes not consistent with the basic will and human rights of the population. Payment of these debts is legally required yet seems morally repugnant, especially considering that it will have further negative human rights impacts going forward as a successor regime’s ability to meet basic needs is reduced. Despite the strong linkages between debt and human rights evident in this dilemma, at the level of international financial institutions and other lenders, the problems created by high levels of sovereign debt are typically addressed through a prism of debt management and sustainability, rather than one of human rights and social justice, of abstract poverty reduction, rather than individual rights fulfillment. At the same time, the so-called ‘odious’ and ‘illegitimate’ debts of predecessor regimes have only rarely featured in transitional justice processes, which have tended to foreground violations of physical integrity — murder, rape, torture, disappearances, etc — while pushing economic crimes and economic violence to the margins. The result is that questions of debt have not always been considered from a human-rights perspective. Yet viewing the tough questions created by high levels of sovereign debt through a human rights lens is important, not because it provides the answers to some of the seemingly intractable dilemmas of poverty and debt, but because such a perspective calls upon policymakers to ask some of the right questions. Since it would require participants in the system to think through the linkages between debt and concrete human rights impacts to a greater extent than has historically been the case, such a perspective has important policy implications for lenders and borrowers alike. In the particular context of countries in transition, greater attention to the linkages between debt and human rights could also lead to the mobilization of important practical tools for both grappling with what went wrong in the past and promoting policy and accountability frameworks that could help to prevent recurrence going forward.
The Genes of the Murine T Cell Receptor

T cells recognize antigen in a way fundamentally different from B cells. It has been known now for a decade (1–3) that the T cell receptor sees the antigen, not alone, but in association the major histocompatibility complex (MHC, H-2 in the mouse). As a general rule cytotoxic T (Tc) cells recognize antigen in association with Class I MHC molecules and helper T (Th) cells do so with Class II structures (4,5).
Human Breast-Milk Feeding Enhances the Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immune Response in Neonatal Piglets

Background The benefits of breastfeeding infants are well characterized, including those on the immune system. However, determining the mechanism by which human breast milk (HBM) elicits effects on immune response requires investigation in an appropriate animal model. Objective The primary aim of this study was to develop a novel porcine model and to determine the differential effects of feeding HBM and a commercial milk formula (MF) on immune response and gastrointestinal microbial colonization in a controlled environment. Methods Male piglets were fed HBM (n = 26) or MF (n = 26) from day 2 through day 21. Piglets were vaccinated (n = 9/diet group) with cholera toxin and cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) and tetanus toxoid at 21 d or were fed placebo (n = 6/diet group) and then weaned to a standard solid diet at the age of 21 d. Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses were assessed from blood on days 35 and 48. Immune response was further examined from tissues, including mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), Peyer's patches (PPs), and spleen. The colonization of gut microbiota was characterized from feces on days 16 and 49. Results Serum antibody titers in piglets fed HBM were 4-fold higher (P < 0.05) to CTB and 3-fold higher (P < 0.05) to tetanus toxoid compared with piglets fed MF on day 48. Compared with MF, the numbers of immunoglobulin A antibody-producing cells to CTB were 13-fold higher (P < 0.05) in MLNs and 11-fold higher (P < 0.05) in PPs in the HBM diet group on day 51. In addition, significantly increased T cell proliferation was observed in the HBM group relative to the MF group. Furthermore, microbial diversity in the HBM group was lower (P < 0.05) than in the MF group. Conclusions This porcine model appears to be valid for studying the effects of early postnatal diet on immune responses and the gastrointestinal microbiome. Our results lay the groundwork for future studies defining the role of infant diet on microbiota and immune function.
Inconsistent Adoption of World Health Organization V (2010) Semen Analysis Reference Ranges in the United States Eight Years After Publication.

Abstract Objective To determine the percentage of laboratories in the United States that have adopted the World Health Organization 2010 (WHO 5) semen analysis (SA) reference values 6years after their publication. Methods Laboratories were identified via 3 approaches: using the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) website, the CDC's 2015 Assisted Reproductive Technology Fertility Clinical Success Rate Report, and automated web searches. Laboratories were contacted by phone or email to obtain de-identified SA reports and reference ranges. Results We contacted 617 laboratories in 46 states, of which 208 (26.7%) laboratories in 45 states were included in our analysis. 132 (63.5%) laboratories used WHO 5 criteria, 57 (27.4%) used WHO 4 criteria, and 19 (9.1%) used other criteria. WHO 5 criteria adoption rates varied by geographic region, ranging from 87.5% (35/40) in the Midwest to 50.0% (33/66) in the West. There was a greater adoption rate of WHO 5 reference values in academic affiliated (23/26, 88.5%) compared to non-academic affiliated laboratories (110/182, 60.4%) (P = .028). Conclusion While the majority of laboratories have adopted WHO 5 criteria following its release 6years ago, a large percentage (36.5%) use what is now considered outdated criteria. This variability could result in the characterization of a male's semen values as being “within reference range” at one center and “outside of reference range” at another. This inconsistency in classification may result in confusion for the both patient and physician and potentially shift the burden of infertility evaluation and treatment to the female partner.
Introduction to the design rules for Metal Big Area Additive Manufacturing

Abstract Wire feed metal additive manufacturing offers advantages, such as large build volumes and high build rates, over powder bed and blown powder techniques, but it has its own disadvantages, i.e., lower feature resolution and bead morphology control issues. A new wire feed metal additive manufacturing process called Metal Big Area Additive Manufacturing (mBAAM) uses a Gas Metal Arc Weld system on an articulated robot arm to increase build volume and deposition rate in comparison to powder bed techniques. The high deposition rate implies a low-resolution process; therefore, parts designed for mBAAM must incorporate the use of machining to achieve certain features. This paper presents an introduction to how design rules, such as overhang constraint, large weld bead thickness, and support structure, for mBAAM interact in the context of an excavator arm case study, which was designed using topology optimization.
Isolated distant lymph node metastases in ovarian cancer. Should a new substage be created

Abstact Objective To evaluate the prognostic significance of isolated distant lymph node metastases in comparison to other metastatic sites and stage IIIC disease. Methods The National Cancer Data Base was accessed and patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2014 with stage IV or IIIC epithelial ovarian cancer who met criteria for pathological staging were identified. Overall survival (OS) was calculated with Kaplan-Meier curves and compared with the log-rank test. A Cox model was constructed to control for confounders. Results A total of 33,561 patients met the inclusion criteria; 582 (1.7%) had stage IV only due to distant lymph node metastases (stage IV-LN), 8130 (24.2%) had stage IV with other sites of distant metastases (stage IV-other) and 24,849 (75.4%) had stage IIIC disease. The median OS for patients with stage IV-LN was 42.41 months (95% CI: 37.59, 47.23) compared to 30.23 months (95% CI: 29.30, 31.16) for those with stage IV-other (p Conclusions Isolated distant LN metastases is associated with better survival compared to stage IV disease due to other metastatic sites and comparable to patients with stage IIIC disease.
Constitutive splicing and economies of scale in gene expression.

In eukaryotic cells, many introns are constitutively, rather than alternatively, spliced and therefore do not contribute to isoform diversification. It has remained unclear what functional roles such constitutive splicing provides. To explore this issue, we asked how splicing affects the efficiency with which individual pre-messenger RNA transcripts are productively processed across different gene expression levels. We developed a quantitative single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization-based method to quantify splicing efficiency at transcription active sites in single cells. We found that both natural and synthetic genes in mouse and human cells exhibited an unexpected ‘economy of scale’ behavior in which splicing efficiency increased with transcription rate. Correlations between splicing efficiency and spatial proximity to nuclear speckles could explain this counterintuitive behavior. Functionally, economy of scale splicing represents a non-linear filter that amplifies the expression of genes when they are more strongly transcribed. These results indicate that constitutive splicing plays an active functional role in modulating gene expression. A single-molecule FISH-based method to quantify splicing efficiency at active transcription sites in single cells reveals an unexpected ‘economy of scale’ behavior in which splicing efficiency increases with transcription rate.
Arsenic and Cancer

Arsenic and arsenic-containing compounds are considered human carcinogens. Both natural sources and anthropogenic activities such as mining, pesticide, glass and microelectronics manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals constitute the sources of environmental and/or occupational exposures. Cardiovascular diseases, developmental abnormalities, neurologic and neurobehavioral disorders, diabetes, hearing loss, anemia, leukopenia and eosinophilia, and various types of cancer have all been associated with human exposure to arsenic. Research has also pointed out significantly higher standardized mortality rates for cancers of the bladder, kidney, skin, liver, and colon in many areas of arsenic pollution. Both acute and chronic exposures have been reported in several countries where drinking water is contaminated with high concentrations of arsenic. Recent epidemiologic studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between arsenic exposure and the increased cancer incidence in humans. This chapter discusses the toxicological properties and the potential mechanisms of arsenic-induced toxicity, with a special emphasis on arsenic-induced carcinogenesis.
Founder effects and species introductions: A host versus parasite perspective

Species colonizations (both natural and anthropogenic) can be associated with genetic founder effects, where founding populations demonstrate significant genetic bottlenecks compared to native populations. Yet, many successfully established free-living species exhibit little reduction in genetic diversity-possibly due to multiple founding events and/or high propagule pressure during introductions. Less clear, however, is whether parasites may show differential signatures to their free-living hosts. Parasites with indirect life cycles may particularly be more prone to founder effects (i.e., more genetically depauperate) because of inherently smaller founding populations and complex life cycles. We investigated this question in native (east coast) and introduced (west coast) North American populations of a host snail Tritia obsoleta (formerly Ilyanassa obsoleta, the eastern mudsnail) and four trematode parasite species that obligately infect it. We examined genetic diversity, gene flow, and population structure using two molecular markers (mitochondrial and nuclear) for the host and the parasites. In the host snail, we found little to no evidence of genetic founder effects, while the trematode parasites showed significantly lower genetic diversity in the introduced versus native ranges. Moreover, the parasite's final host influenced infection prevalence and genetic diversity: Trematode species that utilized fish as final hosts demonstrated lower parasite diversity and heightened founder effects in the introduced range than those trematodes using birds as final hosts. In addition, inter-regional gene flow was strongest for comparisons that included the putative historical source region (mid-Atlantic populations of the US east coast). Overall, our results broaden understanding of the role that colonization events (including recent anthropogenic introductions) have on genetic diversity in non-native organisms by also evaluating less studied groups like parasites.
The immunopathogenesis of rheumatic immune adverse events from checkpoint inhibitors: prospects for targeted therapy.

Purpose of review The introduction of checkpoint inhibitors as well as other allied advances in cancer immunology has made immunotherapy a pillar in the treatment of cancer. At the same time, these therapies have been associated with a remarkable array of immune-mediated toxicities observed in virtually every organ system, a portion of which are rheumatic in nature or multisystem in expression making them of particular relevance for rheumatologists. Recent findings Most of our knowledge of these immune-related adverse events (irAEs) stems from clinical descriptive reports; we lack detailed understanding on immunopathogenesis for most complications. Therapeutic approaches are currently empiric and rely heavily on glucocorticoids and inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor. Serious consideration must now be given to advance our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of this emergent field and to exploit the full depth and breadth of the rich armamentarium of targeted therapies currently available to treat autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Summary irAEs are and will continue to increase in incidence and pose major hurdles to the continuing success and evolution of cancer immunotherapy. Basic and translational research into pathogenesis of irAEs and clinical trials of targeted therapies for these complications is urgently needed. Rheumatologists are well poised to actively contribute to the care and research of these complications.
The Albanian state film archives in a transnational world

For former director of the Albanian Central State’s Film Archive (Arkivi Qendror Shteteror i Filmit), actress Elvira Diamanti, the films made by the communist Kinostudio enterprise continue to enjo...
Community Engaged Teaching, Research and Practice: A Catalyst for Public Health Improvement

Abstract A Catalyst for Public Health Improvement The interdisciplinary field of public health promotes health among populations. Complex public health needs persist in the United States, influenced largely by social and structural determinants. Viable solutions require creativity and a commitment to change the status quo, facilitated by collaborative problem-solving. Public health education programs in the United States have a role in developing a workforce that is equipped to support these processes. Cornell University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) Program sought to identify opportunities to simultaneously support student learning, community capacity development, and community-centered action for public health improvement. A sequential two-phased approach was used to define curricular components and indicated pedagogical methods. Two key themes emerged: alignment of skills and abilities needed and desired by current and future public health workers and the strategic role community engaged learning could play in advancing learning and improving public health. Community engaged learning was specifically adopted as the primary pedagogical approach for a series of three courses in the Cornell MPH Program, focused on needs assessment, intervention planning, and monitoring and evaluation for improvement. These courses were designed with community collaborators, with goals to build student knowledge and community capacity in 12 domains and improve community health outcomes via collaborative work.
Nursing staff’s evaluation of facilitators and barriers during implementation of wireless nurse call systems in residential care facilities. A cross-sectional study

Traditional nurse call systems used in residential care facilities rely on patients to summon assistance for routine or emergency needs. Wireless nurse call systems (WNCS) offer new affordances for persons unable to actively or consciously engage with the system, allowing detection of hazardous situations, prevention and timely treatment, as well as enhanced nurse workflows. This study aimed to explore facilitators and barriers of implementation of WNCSs in residential care facilities. The study had a cross-sectional descriptive design. We collected data from care providers (n = 98) based on the Measurement Instrument for Determinants of Innovation (MIDI) framework in five Norwegian residential care facilities during the first year of WNCS implementation. The self-reporting MIDI questionnaire was adapted to the contexts. Descriptive statistics were used to explore participant characteristics and MIDI item and determinant scores. MIDI items to which ≥20% of participants disagreed/totally disagreed were regarded as barriers and items to which ≥80% of participants agreed/totally agreed were regarded as facilitators for implementation. More facilitators (n = 22) than barriers (n = 6) were identified. The greatest facilitators, reported by 98% of the care providers, were the expected outcomes: the importance and probability of achieving prompt call responses and increased safety, and the normative belief of unit managers. During the implementation process, 87% became familiar with the systems, and 86 and 90%, respectively regarded themselves and their colleagues as competent users of the WNCS. The most salient barriers, reported by 37%, were their lack of prior knowledge and that they found the WNCS difficult to learn. No features of the technology were identified as barriers. Overall, the care providers gave a positive evaluation of the WNCS implementation. The barriers to implementation were addressed by training and practicing technological skills, facilitated by the influence and support by the manager and the colleagues within the residential care unit. WNCSs offer a range of advanced applications and services, and further research is needed as more WNCS functionalities are implemented into residential care services.
[UW459] Large Lizard Lineup for South Florida [trifold brochure]

Non-native reptile species breeding in Florida, tegus, monitors, and iguanas from Africa, South America, Central America, and Mexico, currently outnumber native Florida reptiles. This trifold brochure written by Justin Dalaba and Frank Mazzotti and published by the UF/IFAS Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department serves as a guide to several commonly confused species. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw459