cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure of the Receptor Binding Domain of Adenovirus Type 5 Fiber Protein

In this chapter we briefly describe functional and structural properties of the recombinant knob domain of the adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) fiber protein. We were able to demonstrate that this domain forms a trimer in solution and can compete with intact virus for binding to cellular receptors (Henry et al. 1994). We subsequently determined the crystal structure of knob at 1.7 A resolution (Xia et al. 1994). The knob monomers are β-sandwich structures and are arranged as closely associated trimers in the crystal. We compared sequences of knob domains from different adenovirus serotypes and found patterns of highly conserved and highly variable sequences on the knob surface. We interpreted the conserved regions as probable sites of interaction of the knob ligand with the cellular receptors and the variable regions as antigenic sites which define the structural differences among serotypes.
Subjective Experience in Allegorical Worlds: Four Old French Literary Examples

The phenomenological epoche formulated by Edmund Husserl is fundamental to his egological philosophy. Allegory as a literary genre in the middle ages can be elucidated by a phenomenological approach which focuses particularly on the epoche. This study will consider three types of “bracketing” which are essential to the entire understanding of the transcendental ego, and discuss them in light of allegorical literature, specifically, four Old French texts from the thirteenth century: Raoul de Houdan’s Dream of Hell, 1224, Huon de Mery’s Tournament of the Antichrist, 1234, Guillaume de Lorris’ Romance of the Rose, 1230, and Jean de Meun’s continuation or conclusion of the same, 1270. First, I will discuss bracketing the external world in order to focus on the perceptions of the conscious ego. Second, I will discuss the bracketing of the ego itself, the “je” or “I” of allegory. Thirdly, I will discuss the notion of intersubjectivity and bracketing objects in experience.
CUDA-Accelerated Simulation of Brownian Dynamics

Molecular simulations are increasingly used to study nanoscale biological and synthetic systems. To model interactions between molecules, we look to Brownian Dynamics. An n-body problem, the calculation of pairwise forces between molecules is naively an O(n2) algorithm. In our work, we begin with a single-threaded C++ code, simulating toluene (C6H5CH3) molecules suspended in water and their interaction with a graphene sheet. Our goal was to study algorithmic improvements for n-body problems and benchmark implementations along the way. We reduce computational cost with Verlet pairlists and cell decomposition and explored strategies to optimize cache utilization. Finally, we implement and benchmark a CUDA-accelerated code targeting the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti GPU.
Ratification and Implementation

The term “ratification” is used in different senses. The normal international law use of the term is that which describes the formal act by which the contracting party concerned gives its final acceptance to the treaty and intimates this acceptance to the other party. The act is carried out by the executive organ and is the ratification proper or ratification in the international sense of the term. Ratification establishes the formal acceptance of the treaty. It means the ratification of the act of an agent in signing it. While the purpose of signature is to authenticate a project and to identify the proposed parties to the treaty, the purpose of ratification is to indicate the final willingness of the State to be bound by the treaty. The practice of States has required an exchange of ratifications. This is the essential stage in the treaty-making process, and it is not merely evidentiary.1
Barriers, the Beef Industry and Unnatural Selection: A Review of the Impact of Veterinary Fencing on Mammals in Southern Africa

Thousands of kilometres of veterinary fences crisscross southern Africa, dividing habitat and blocking the movement of terrestrial animals, and hundreds of kilometres of new fences are proposed or under construction. Although the primary targets of these fences are livestock and wild ungulates carrying diseases that could threaten livestock, the fences are not selective and create substantial physical barriers for many wildlife species. The ecological cost of these fences is often overlooked, but the evidence from 34 published and unpublished reports amounts to significant ongoing damage ranging from loss of life to the disappearance of entire migrations. Fences have adverse effects on wild mammals at the individual, population and species levels, and alter community structure and ecosystem productivity. They disrupt individual daily movements and may lead to death by starvation, dehydration or entanglement. Fencing can divide populations, prevent recolonisation and render sub-populations prone to the risks faced by small populations. Large-bodied, migratory ungulates and elephants Loxodonta africana have been the most severely affected. Fences can worsen negative interactions between people and wildlife: examples show that fences facilitate poaching and that fencing which disrupts the movement of large mammals, especially elephants, can increase conflict with local people. In light of current challenges (especially climate change) and opportunities (e.g. restoring degraded areas or reconnecting conservation areas), fences should be considered carefully for their role in impeding or altering events essential to species persistence, like dispersal, seasonal movement and range expansion.
Community of Practice for Modeling Disaster Recovery

AbstractThe goal of this paper is to facilitate a community of practice for disaster recovery modeling. This community should include hazard and disaster researchers without modeling experience and...
Effect of sleep quality on amnestic mild cognitive impairment vulnerable brain regions in cognitively normal elderly individuals.

STUDY OBJECTIVES This study aims to evaluate the extent to which sleep quality impacts amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI)-related brain regions in a cognitively normal cohort of individuals. METHODS Seventy-four participants were rigorously evaluated using a battery of cognitive tests and a detailed clinical assessment to verify normal cognitive status. We then screened for sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and depressive symptoms using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Five subjects were excluded due to mild depression. Overall 38 individuals with mean age 70.7 ± 7 were classified as poor sleepers and 31 with mean age of 69.6 ± 6 years as normal sleepers. Structural MRI and Freesurfer brain parcellation were used to measure aMCI-related brain regions. RESULTS Relative to normal sleepers, poor sleepers exhibited significant reductions in cortical and subcortical volumes bilaterally in the hippocampi, as well as in the superior parietal lobules and left amygdala. The effects were strongest in the left superior parietal lobule (p < .015), followed by the hippocampi. Diffuse patterns of cortical thinning were observed in the frontal lobes, but significant effects were concentrated in the right mesial frontal cortex. Lower sleep duration was most correlated with cortical volume and thickness reductions among all subjects. CONCLUSIONS Atrophy related to poor sleep quality impacted a number of regions implicated in aMCI and Alzheimer's disease (AD). As such, interventions targeted towards improving sleep quality amongst the elderly may prove an effective tool for modulating the course of aMCI and AD.
OZONE DEPLETION AND RELATED TOPICS | Surface Ozone (Human Health)

Ozone (O 3 ) is formed in ambient air at the earth's surface by photochemical reactions during daylight hours, and is inhaled by people engaged in normal outdoor activities, with much greater dosages during strenuous physical activity and their associated increases in lung ventilation. The dosage indoors is much lower due to O 3 's poor penetration into indoor spaces, its rapid reaction with indoor surfaces, and minimal lung ventilation during sedentary activities. The inhaled O 3 reacts with lung epithelia from the trachea to the respiratory acinus, and (1) causes transient reductions in pulmonary capacity and (2) increases in pulmonary inflammation and permeability. These effects are highly variable from person-to-person, and are considered to be adverse effects in sensitive subjects. There are also cumulative effects from chronic exposures in humans and laboratory animals, but these effects have not been as well characterized as the acute effects.
Immunomodulatory and immunotherapeutic implications of tobacco smoking in squamous cell carcinomas and normal airway epithelium

The mutagenic effects of tobacco smoking increase the risk of the development of cancers of the lung, head and neck, and other anatomic sites. In a comparison of squamous cell carcinomas of the lung and the head and neck, we find that the immunomodulatory effects of smoking differ based on anatomic site. In both sites, the mutational signature of smoking is strongly associated with somatic mutational load. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, the mutational signature of tobacco exposure is associated with a strongly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In contrast, in lung squamous cell carcinoma, the opposite effect is seen, with the tumor immune microenvironment significantly more inflamed. These effects are mirrored in rates of response to immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy, which tend to be higher in smokers with lung cancer, but lower in smokers with head and neck cancer. We find a similarly strong immunosuppressive effect of smoking in non-cancerous lung epithelium. Taken together, our findings show that the effects of mutational signatures on the immune microenvironment and response to immunotherapy can be affected by context such as cancer type, anatomic site, and histology.
Quadricep Femoris Strength at Return to Sport Identifies Limb at Increased Risk of Future ACL Injury after ACL Reconstruction in Young Athletes

Objectives:The ability of current return to sport (RTS) criteria to identify young, active patients after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) independently, at high risk for future ipsilateral or contralater...
Parent–Child Visits When Parents Are Incarcerated in Prison or Jail

As the number of children affected by parental incarceration has risen, so too have issues regarding children’s visits with parents at corrections facilities. Many incarcerated parents do not receive any visits. For some, this is a choice because they do not want their children to see them in jail or prison, but for others it occurs because of factors outside of their control. If visits do occur, visit frequency is affected by numerous factors including location of the jail or prison, availability and cost of transportation, availability and willingness of a parent, grandparent, or caregiver to bring the child to the corrections facility, days and times offered for visits, and policies of the corrections facility. In addition to these factors, the quality of the visit experience is related to policies and practices of the corrections facility including type of visits offered, privacy, length of visits, and availability of toys and books; family factors such as children’s interactions with caregivers before, during, and after visits, the child’s relationship with the incarcerated parent, and what children are told about the parent’s incarceration; and factors related to the incarcerated parent such as institutional behavior and the ability to maintain contact through other means, such as letters and phone calls. A number of studies have examined how children cope with visits and tried to address the question about whether or not visits are helpful for child and family well-being at the time of the parent’s incarceration, whereas other studies have examined the relation between visits and post-release adjustment, including relationship quality and parental recidivism. The chapter closes with recommendations for positive visit experiences.
Patellofemoral Imaging and Analysis

Imaging of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) is useful to evaluate for injury and to better understand the relationship between osseous and soft tissue structures. Interpretation of PFJ imaging findings should be used in the context of patient's history and physical examination. X-rays and advanced imaging technology can provide information to confirm diagnosis and to help customize individual treatment plans. This chapter reviews relevant imaging studies utilized in the work-up and treatment of patients with patellofemoral disorders.
Machine and deep learning single-cell segmentation and quantification of multi-dimensional tissue images

Abstract Increasingly, highly multiplexed in situ tissue imaging methods are used to profile protein expression at the single-cell level. However, a critical limitation is a lack of robust cell segmentation tools applicable for sections of tissues with a complex architecture and multiple cell types. Using human colorectal adenomas, we present a pipeline for cell segmentation and quantification that utilizes machine learning-based pixel classification to define cellular compartments, a novel method for extending incomplete cell membranes, quantification of antibody staining, and a deep learning-based cell shape descriptor. We envision that this method can be broadly applied to different imaging platforms and tissue types.
A Comparative Approach to Administrative Adjudication

Administrative schemes of regulation and benefit-distribution give rise to large numbers of individualized disputes between government agencies and private parties. Every country needs a system of administrative adjudication to resolve such disputes accurately, fairly, and efficiently. Generally, all such systems provide for a front line determination, an initial decision, administrative reconsideration, and judicial review. However, the details of the various systems are bewilderingly diverse. This chapter proposes a methodology for classifying such systems. It identifies four key variables: combined function agencies or separate tribunals, adversarial or inquisitorial procedure, closed or open judicial review, and judicial review by generalized or specialized courts. The chapter identifies five models in common use around the world that involve different combinations of these variables. Finally, the chapter discusses the utility of transplants from the adjudicatory system of one country to another.
Evaluation of Alvarez-Dominguez et al.: Circadian Entrainment Triggers Maturation of Human In Vitro Islets.

This article shows an example of the peer review process for Circadian Entrainment Triggers Maturation of Human in vitro Islets (Alvarez-Dominguez et al., 2020).
The growth, spread, and mutation of internet phenomena: A study of memes

Abstract An internet memes is defined as “an image, video, piece of text, etc., typically humorous in nature, that is copied and spread rapidly by Internet users, often with slight variations” (Oxford Living Dictionary, 2018). Such units of information are spread rapidly by internet users, often for a relatively short period of time. The modeling of this spread is of interest for a variety of reasons, especially since large amounts of information are spread via this method. In this study, we attempt to evaluate some previously-implemented models of memetic diffusion and improve upon them when possible. In particular, we implement an SIR-based system of stochastic differential equations.
Assessing and treating sexual dysfunctions in Orthodox Jewish couples: a summary of 41 consecutive cases

ABSTRACTOrthodox Jews are a distinct subgroup with specific beliefs and values towards sexuality, reproduction, modesty, and openness to mental health treatment. This paper reviews the treatment of...
Detection of Encrypted Malicious Network Traffic using Machine Learning

The proliferation of encrypted network traffic necessitates an innovative machine learning traffic analysis approach which does not rely on pattern matching or the payload content of the packets to detect malicious / suspicious communications. Encryption of Internet traffic has increasingly become a typical best practice, making network packet content analysis yield diminishing returns. A majority of internet traffic is now protected using the cryptographic protocol known as Transport Layer Security (TLS). Malware authors have also followed this trend with the use of TLS to hide malicious network communications. We propose a malicious communication detection mechanism using a Support Vector Machine (SVM) and an alternative with a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Both methods achieve respectable results and a low False Positive Rate (FPR). However, the SVM method outperforms the CNN method in all evaluation metrics presented. Lastly, we propose future work to experiment with transport layer size and direction as features and automate feature engineering by using raw packet traffic with a CNN augmented with a Long Short-term Memory (LSTM) for detection of malicious traffic.
Submersed macrophyte growth at low pH

The submersed macrophyte Vallisneria americana was grown for seven weeks in a greenhouse to test for differences in the ability of three different sediments to support growth stimulation in response to CO2 enrichment at low pH. Plants accumulated 21- to 24-fold greater biomass at 10 × ambient CO2 concentrations than at ambient CO2 on all sediments. At both CO2 levels, plants grown on sediment from an acidified lake accumulated ca. 81%, and those grown on oligotrophic lake sediment ca. 47% as much biomass as plants grown on alkaline lake sediment. Despite striking CO2 and sediment effects on biomass accumulation, there was no significant interaction (using log-transformed data) between CO2 and sediment effects, indicating that all sediments allowed similar proportionate growth responses to CO2 enrichment. Plants grown on the less fertile sediments showed greater relative allocation to horizontal versus vertical growth by producing more rosette-bearing stolons in relation to plant height (leaf length) than plants grown on relatively fertile, alkaline lake sediment. Tissue analysis suggested that sediment effects on Vallisneria growth could be attributed neither to mineral putrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) limitation nor to aluminum toxicity in these low pH treatments. In any case, CO2 availability can be an important regulator of submersed macrophyte growth at low pH on a variety of sediment types, including those from oligotrophic and acidic lakes.
A quadrature-based conditional moment closure for mixing-sensitive reactions

Abstract A novel algorithm consisting of a quadrature-based semi-analytical solution to the conditional moment closure (CMC) is developed for mixing-sensitive reactions in turbulent flows. When applying the proposed algorithm, the additional grid in mixture-fraction phase space used in CMC codes is eliminated, and at most ten quadrature nodes are needed to model mixing-sensitive turbulent reacting flows. In this work, the mixture-fraction probability density function (PDF) is assumed to be a β-PDF, which is the weight function for the Gauss-Jacobi quadrature rule. The conditional moments of reacting species are determined from unconditional moments that are first order with respect to the species and higher order with respect to mixture fraction. Here, the focus is on the efficient treatment of the molecular-mixing step by using a semi-analytical solution in the form of a Jacobi polynomial expansion. The application of the algorithm is demonstrated considering mixing-sensitive competitive-consecutive and parallel reactions in a statistically homogeneous chemical reactor.
Polymeric Pathogen-like Particles-Based Combination Adjuvants Elicit Potent Mucosal T Cell Immunity to Influenza A Virus

Eliciting durable and protective T cell-mediated immunity in the respiratory mucosa remains a significant challenge. Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-based cationic pathogen-like particles (PLPs) loaded with TLR agonists mimic biophysical properties of microbes and hence, simulate pathogen-pattern recognition receptor interactions to safely and effectively stimulate innate immune responses. We generated micro particle PLPs loaded with TLR4 (glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant, GLA) or TLR9 (CpG) agonists, and formulated them with and without a mucosal delivery enhancing carbomer-based nanoemulsion adjuvant (ADJ). These adjuvants delivered intranasally to mice elicited high numbers of influenza nucleoprotein (NP)-specific CD8+/ CD4+ effector and tissue-resident memory T cells (TRMs) in lungs and airways. PLPs delivering TLR4 versus TLR9 agonists drove phenotypically and functionally distinct populations of effector and memory T cells. While PLPs loaded with CpG or GLA provided immunity, combining the adjuvanticity of PLP-GLA and ADJ synergistically enhanced the development of airway and lung TRMs and protective immunity to pathogenic influenza A virus. Further, balanced CD8 (Tc1/Tc17) and CD4 (Th1/Th17) recall responses were linked to effective influenza virus control in the lungs. These studies provide mechanistic insights into vaccine-induced T cell immunity in the respiratory tract and pave the way for the development of a universal influenza vaccine.
Bedaquiline inhibits the yeast and human mitochondrial ATP synthases.

Bedaquiline (BDQ, Sirturo) has been approved to treat multidrug resistant forms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Prior studies suggested that BDQ was a selective inhibitor of the ATP synthase from M. tuberculosis. However, Sirturo treatment leads to an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and death, raising the concern that this adverse effect results from inhibition at a secondary site. Here we show that BDQ is a potent inhibitor of the yeast and human mitochondrial ATP synthases. Single-particle cryo-EM reveals that the site of BDQ inhibition partially overlaps with that of the inhibitor oligomycin. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the binding mode of BDQ to this site is similar to that previously seen for a mycobacterial enzyme, explaining the observed lack of selectivity. We propose that derivatives of BDQ ought to be made to increase its specificity toward the mycobacterial enzyme and thereby reduce the side effects for patients that are treated with Sirturo. Luo, Zhou et al. show that Bedaquiline (BDQ, Sirturo), approved to treat multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis, inhibits the yeast and human mitochondrial ATP synthases in addition to its intended target, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis ATP synthase. The structure of the mitochondrial ATP synthase bound to BDQ suggests a means to modify this inhibitor to increase its specificity for the M. tuberculosis enzyme, thereby reducing its side effects for patients.
A mathematical model of circadian rhythms and dopamine.

The superchiasmatic nucleus (SCN) serves as the primary circadian (24hr) clock in mammals and is known to control important physiological functions such as the sleep-wake cycle, hormonal rhythms, and neurotransmitter regulation. Experimental results suggest that some of these functions reciprocally influence circadian rhythms, creating a highly complex network. Among the clock’s downstream products, orphan nuclear receptors REV-ERB and ROR are particularly interesting because they coordinately modulate the core clock circuitry. Recent experimental evidence shows that REV-ERB and ROR are not only crucial for lipid metabolism but are also involved in dopamine (DA) synthesis and degradation, which could have meaningful clinical implications for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and mood disorders. We create a mathematical model consisting of differential equations that express how the circadian variables are influenced by light, how REV-ERB and ROR feedback to the clock, and how REV-ERB, ROR, and BMAL1-CLOCK affect the dopaminergic system. The structure of the model is based on the findings of experimentalists. We compare our model predictions to experimental data on clock components in different light-dark conditions and in the presence of genetic perturbations. Our model results are consistent with experimental results on REV-ERB and ROR and allow us to predict the circadian variations in tyrosine hydroxylase and monoamine oxidase seen in experiments. By connecting our model to an extant model of dopamine synthesis, release, and reuptake, we are able to predict circadian oscillations in extracellular DA and homovanillic acid that correspond well with experimental observations. The predictions of the mathematical model are consistent with a wide variety of experimental observations. Our calculations show that the mechanisms proposed by experimentalists by which REV-ERB, ROR, and BMAL1-CLOCK influence the DA system are sufficient to explain the circadian oscillations observed in dopaminergic variables. Our mathematical model can be used for further investigations of the effects of the mammalian circadian clock on the dopaminergic system. The model can also be used to predict how perturbations in the circadian clock disrupt the dopaminergic system and could potentially be used to find drug targets that ameliorate these disruptions.
Hand-Object Contact Force Synthesis for Manipulating Objects by Exploiting Environment

In this paper, we study the problem of computing grasping forces for quasi-static manipulation of large and heavy objects, by exploiting object-environment contacts. We present a general formulation of this problem as a Second-Order Cone Program (SOCP) that considers (i) contact friction constraints at the object-manipulator contacts and object-environment contacts, (ii) force/moment equilibrium constraints, and (iii) manipulator joint torque constraints. The SOCP formulation implies that the optimal grasping forces for manipulating objects with the help of the environment can be computed efficiently. Different optimization objectives like minimizing contact forces at the object-manipulator contacts or minimizing joint torques of manipulators can be considered. We evaluated our method by simulations of single-handed and dual-handed manipulation scenarios.
Are Medial and Lateral Tibiofemoral Compressive Forces Different in Uphill Compared to Level Walking for Patients Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to determine how tibiofemoral joint compressive forces and knee joint-spanning muscle forces during uphill walking change compared to level walking in patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A musculoskeletal model capable of resolving total (TCF), medial (MCF), and lateral (LCF) tibiofemoral compressive forces was used to determine compressive forces and muscle forces during level and uphill walking on a 10 deg incline for twenty-five post-TKA patients. A 2 × 2 (slope: level and 10 deg × limb: replaced and nonreplaced) repeated measures analysis of variance was used to detect differences in knee contact forces between slope and limb conditions and their interaction. Peak loading-response TCF, MCF, and LCF were greater during uphill walking than level walking for nonreplaced limbs. During uphill walking, peak loading-response TCF was smaller in replaced limbs compared to nonreplaced limbs with no change in MCF or LCF. Peak knee extension moment and knee extensor muscle force were smaller in replaced limbs compared to nonreplaced limbs during uphill walking. During level walking, replaced and nonreplaced limbs experienced rather equal joint loading; however, replaced limb experienced reduced joint loading during uphill walking. Differences in joint loading between replaced and nonreplaced limbs were not present during level walking, suggesting compensation from the replaced limb during the more difficult task. Uphill walking following TKA promotes more balanced loading of replaced limbs during stance; however, these benefits may come at the expense of increased loading on nonreplaced limbs.
Transforming Growth Factor β1 Increases Expression of Contractile Genes in Human Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells by Potentiating Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Signaling.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and carries a very poor prognosis. Understanding of PAH pathogenesis is needed to support the development of new therapeutic strategies. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) drives vascular remodeling and increases vascular resistance by regulating differentiation and proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Also, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been implicated in PAH, but the relation between these two signaling mechanisms is not well understood. Here, we characterize the signaling networks downstream of TGF-β in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs), which involves mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD) signaling as well as Rho GTPases. Activation of Rho GTPases regulates myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) and serum response factor (SRF) transcription activity and results in upregulation of contractile gene expression. Our genetic and pharmacologic data show that in HPASMCs upregulation of α smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and calponin by TGF-β is dependent on both SMAD and Rho/MRTF-A/SRF transcriptional mechanisms. The kinetics of TGF-β–induced myosin light chain (MLC) 2 phosphorylation, a measure of RhoA activation, are slow, as is regulation of the Rho/MRTF/SRF-induced αSMA expression. These results suggest that TGF-β1 activates Rho/phosphorylated MLC2 through an indirect mechanism, which was confirmed by sensitivity to cycloheximide treatment. As a potential mechanism for this indirect action, TGF-β1 upregulates mRNA for sphingosine kinase (SphK1), the enzyme that produces S1P, an upstream Rho activator, as well as mRNA levels of the S1P receptor (S1PR) 3. SphK1 inhibitor and S1PR3 inhibitors (PF543 and TY52156/VPC23019) reduce TGF-β1–induced αSMA upregulation. Overall, we propose a model in which TGF-β1 activates Rho/MRTF-A/SRF by potentiating an autocrine/paracrine S1P signaling mechanism through SphK1 and S1PR3. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells, transforming growth factor β depends on sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling to bridge the interaction between mothers against decapentaplegic homolog and Rho/myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) signaling in regulating α smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression. The Rho/MRTF pathway is a signaling node in the αSMA regulatory network and is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Localized field enhancements and anapoles in subwavelength-engineered silicon nanodisks

We report the design and characterization of sub-wavelength engineered all-dielectric silicon nanodisks supporting localized field enhancements and anapoles in the near infra-red and verify the presence of the resonant mode through polarization resolved reflectance measurements.
Management of complications from brain metastasis treatment: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVE To describe the range of potential side effects associated with modern brain metastasis treatment and provide evidenced-based guidance on the effective management of these side effects. BACKGROUND Brain metastases are the most commonly diagnosed malignant intracranial tumor and have historically been associated with very poor prognosis. The standard treatment for brain metastases until the 1990s was whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) alone. Since then, however, numerous advances have established the role of neurosurgical resection, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), targeted systemic therapy, and immunotherapy in the multidisciplinary management of brain metastases and led to improvements in intracranial control, survival, and neurocognitive preservation among patients with brain metastases. As a result, however, brain metastasis treatment is associated with a wider range of potential side effects than ever before, and clinicians are tasked with the challenge of effectively managing these side effects without compromising cancer outcomes. METHODS We performed a narrative review of peer-reviewed articles related to the management of side effects from multidisciplinary brain metastasis treatment and synthesized the data in the context of our clinical experience and practice. CONCLUSIONS In this review, we summarize the major complications from intracranial radiotherapy, neurosurgical resection, and brain metastasis directed systemic therapy with corresponding evidenced-based, modern management principles to guide the practicing oncologist.
In vivo and in vitro nickel-dependent processing of the [NiFe] hydrogenase in Azotobacter vinelandii.

H2 oxidation in Azotobacter vinelandii is catalyzed by a membrane-bound, alpha beta dimeric [NiFe] hydrogenase. Maturation of the enzyme involves cleavage of a putative N-terminal signal sequence in the beta subunit and removal of 15 amino acids from the C terminus of the alpha subunit. Cells limited for nickel exhibited low hydrogenase activities and contained an apparently large form of the alpha subunit. Addition of nickel to such cells increased hydrogenase activities fivefold over 2 h. The increase in the first hour did not require transcription and translation and correlated with processing of the large form of the alpha subunit (pre-alpha) to the small form (alpha) resembling the alpha subunit from the purified enzyme. In vivo, pre-alpha appeared soluble whereas the majority of alpha was membrane bound. Processing of pre-alpha to alpha was reproduced in vitro in membrane-depleted extracts of nickel-limited cells. Processing specifically required the addition of Ni2+, whereas Co2+, Cu2+, Ca2+, Fe2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+ were ineffective. However, Zn2+, Co2+, and Cu2+ inhibited nickel-dependent processing. Mg-ATP and Mg-GTP stimulated processing, whereas anaerobic conditions and/or the addition of dithiothreitol and sodium dithionite was unnecessary. Processing was not inhibited by the protease inhibitors phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, E64, and pepstatin. Images
Simulated Quadrupolar Broadening in Condensed Matter PAC Spectroscopy

Perturbed angular correlation (PAC) spectroscopy of materials containing static defects must often deal with quadrupolar broadening due to randomly distributed defects. The electric field gradient (EFG) due to defects adds to the crystal lattice EFG causing quadrupolar frequencies to differ from site to site in a crystal. We report a simulation study of the static defect EFG using a uniform random distribution of point charges. In this simulation, the distribution of random EFG's is found to depend on the ratio γ of the most probable values of the lattice and random EFG magnitudes, γ=V zz lat/V zz ran. We present fits from the results of the simulations to Hf-doped cubic niobium and Nb-doped tetragonal ZrO2 PAC data. The single scaling parameter fitting for γ=0 provides an unprecedented excellent description for the cubic PAC data.
Extraction of timing jitter from phase noise

Random processes responsible for phase instability of periodic signals are generally nonstationary. The quantity measured in practice is the time-average of the instantaneous probabilistic spectral density of the signal subject to random phase variation. A mathematically rigorous analysis leading to simple relations between timing jitter and average spectral density is presented. The analysis holds for a wide class of random processes, namely regular, and smooth periodic signals.
The Ethical Treatment of Research Assistants: Are We Forsaking Safety for Science?

Science inevitably involves ethical discussions about how research should be implemented. However such discussions often neglect the potential unethical treatment of a third party: the research assistant. Extensive anecdotal evidence suggests that research assistants can experience unique physical, psychological, and social risks when implementing their typical responsibilities. Moreover, these research assistants, who perhaps engage in research experience to bolster their curricula vitae, may feel coerced to continue to work in unsafe environments out of fear of losing rapport with the research supervisor or letters of recommendation for their future endeavors. In the present article, we address two important issues regarding the ethical treatment of research assistants. First, we present evidence suggesting that research assistants may experience substantive risk when implementing their assigned responsibilities. Second, we propose a document, the "Research Assistant's Bill of Rights," as a possible ethics code for people supervising research assistants. This document is independent from typical institutional review board processes, and it has the potential to maximize benefits to research supervisors and research assistants.
Nick Couldry, Media, Society, World: Social Theory and Digital Media Practice

Where many scholarly syntheses of significant media theory remain bound to a media-centric approach, Nick Couldry’s Media, Society, World: Social Theory and Digital Media Practice advocates a socially oriented media theory grounded in the analysis of everyday action and habits of use. Couldry aims to address the question of “what people are doing in relation to media in the contexts in which they act” (p. 35). He contrasts his approach—media practice theory— with other important lenses for media research: media as text, political economy, the technical properties of media, and social use. In detailing a potential new paradigm for media research, Couldry extracts insights from each strand of thinking and retains an emphatic focus on the subtle ways media impacts our lives through the development of practices, complexes of practices, and evolving intersections of cultural production and consumption. Thus, Couldry sidesteps broad hype about the digital revolution by asking concrete practice-oriented questions and using empirical evidence to negotiate the shifts and continuities between mass media forms like television and newer digital forms like mobile phones and social networking sites.
A stochastic gradient-based decorrelation algorithm with applications to multicarrier CDMA

A stochastic gradient-based decorrelation algorithm is suggested for separation of an unknown linear mixture of signals. It is shown that while the decorrelation algorithm is similar in cost to the LMS algorithm, its rate of convergence is significantly faster, making it more attractive for signal separation. Analysis of the decorrelator algorithm shows that the faster speed of convergence is a consequence of the eigenvalue spread associated with the decorrelation problem, which is smaller than the spread associated with the corresponding mean square problem. Operation of the algorithm is illustrated as an adaptive multiuser detector in a multiple carrier CDMA system.
Classification and positioning of algebraic curves and surfaces

An approach to 3-D rigid object recognition and positioning from range data is described. Only piecewise algebraic objects are considered. A piecewise algebraic object is a solid object whose boundary surfaces can be described as finite collections of smooth surface patches, and each of these patches as a subset of an algebraic surface, the set of zeros of a polynomial in three variables. It is shown that the same techniques apply to the recognition and positioning of rigid objects from sparse nonplanar curve data, and to the recognition and positioning of rigid two-dimensional contours from edge maps. New ideas for computationally attractive classification and positioning of 3-D surfaces, 2-D curves, and 3-D curves, based on geometric invariants, are introduced. >
A new approach for finding loop transformation matrices

Traditional approach for generating loop transformation matrix, which is based upon the computation of distance vectors or direction vectors, does not work for those nested loops whose distance vectors are uncomputable and direction vectors contain no useful information. In this paper, we present a new technique for generating transformation matrix that is based upon identifying certain types of linear equations or inequalities of distance vectors. Two issues related to this technique are discussed in this paper: 1) Given a nested loop how to identify these linear equations or inequalities; 2) Given such a linear equation or inequality how to generate a legal and unimodular transformation matrix for the purpose of loop parallelization.
Sentiment toward Trading Partners and International Trade

This paper utilizes panel VAR analysis to investigate the relationship between the sentiment of Japanese citizens toward their trading partners and the flow of trade. Using a system GMM approach, short- and long-run restrictions are applied in a panel VAR setting for the first time to identify structural shocks to sentiment, imports, exports, and the exchange rate. Results show that people's collective psychological workings and trade patterns are interrelated. Evidence of a strong asymmetric relationship between imports and sentiment is found: increases in sentiment lead to higher imports, but a positive shock to imports causes significant drops in sentiment.
Enhanced cell attachment to anorganic bone mineral in the presence of a synthetic peptide related to collagen.

We have examined the ability of a synthetic 15-residue peptide, P-15, related to a biologically active domain of type I collagen, to promote attachment of human dermal fibroblasts to anorganic bovine bone mineral (ABM) phase. The attachment of cells increased with increasing content of P-15 on the surface of ABM particles, as seen by the increased binding of radiolabeled cells, and by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Incorporation of radioactive precursors of DNA and protein synthesis showed that cells on P-15-coated ABM synthesized over twofold the amount of DNA and protein than did cells on uncoated ABM. Fibroblasts attached to ABM in the presence of P-15 formed three-dimensional colonies. Cellular bridges formed between adjacent particles which aggregated in clusters with tissue-like structure. Cultures on ABM.P-15 stained for alkaline phosphatase. These observations suggest that P-15-coated ABM may be a useful matrix for bone repair.
Comparison of Seven Antibiotic Treatments with No Treatment for Bacteriological Efficacy Against Bovine Mastitis Pathogens

Milk culture results were retrospectively reviewed from 9007 cases of subclinical mastitis affecting cows housed in dairy herds located in New York and northern Pennsylvania. Cases included in this analysis had at least one mastitis pathogen isolated from the initial milk sample, were recultured within 1 mo, had permanent cow identification, and had records of whether mastitis was treated with an antibiotic or no treatment at all. Overall bacteriological cure rate for 21 mastitis pathogens was 68% (6097 of 9007). Antibiotic treated cases had a higher cure rate (75%) than did untreated cases (65%). Antibiotic treatments that significantly differed from the untreated cure rate of 65% were amoxicillin (82%), erythromycin (76%), cloxacillin (73%), and pirlimycin (44%). Cure rates for antibiotic treatments with cephapirin, hetacillin, or penicillin did not differ from the untreated cure rate. Agents for which some antibiotics were associated with increased cure rates compared with no treatment were Streptococcus agalactiae, streptococci other than Strep. agalactiae, and coagulase-negative staphylococci. The antibiotic most commonly associated with higher cure rates was amoxicillin. Most of the 21 mastitis agents showed no difference in bacteriologic cure rates between any of the 7 antibiotic treatments and no treatment.
Lupus-associated vasculitis manifesting as acute appendicitis in a 16 year old girl

A 16 year old female with systemic lupus erythematosus presents with acute appendicitis. Final pathologic analysis of the appendix describes a lupus-associated vasculitis.
Application of aluminum oxide nanofluids in diesel electric generator as jacket water coolant

This paper presents a study on nanofluids applications, such as a coolant in a diesel electric generator (DEG). Specific heat measurements of aluminum oxide nanofluid with various particle concentrations have been presented demonstrating a reduction in their values with an increase in the particle concentration and an increase with temperature. Experiments were performed on the DEG to assess the effect of nanofluids on cogeneration efficiency. The investigation showed that applying nanofluids resulted in a reduction of cogeneration efficiency. This is due to the decrease in specific heat, which influences the waste heat recovery from the engine. However, it was found that the efficiency of waste heat recovery heat exchanger increased for nanofluid, due to its superior convective heat transfer coefficient.
Infection and mortality by the yeast Metschnikowia bicuspidata var. bicuspidata in chinook salmon fed live adult brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana)

Abstract First-feeding chinook salmon were fed either live adult Artemia franciscana or commercial feed over a 15-week period. Unexplained mortality began occurring in the Artemia-fed fish after 35 days on the diets, with cumulative mortality reaching 34.5% in the Artemia-fed fish compared with 4.3% in feed-fed fish. Necropsy examinations revealed systemic fungal yeast infections and the causative agent was cultured from kidneys. Fungal cells were observed in the transport water of Artemia shipments and within the Artemia. The Artemia were purchased from a retail supplier, and originated from salt ponds in San Francisco Bay (SFB), California. Artemia infection rates ranged from 0.5% to 37.5% (mean 16.5±3.59%) in shipments received over a 5-week period. The fungus was characterized by morphological and physiological properties and was identified as Metschnikowia sp., a pathogenic yeast of aquatic invertebrates. The yeast grew at 9–27 °C, and 0–180 ppt NaCl, and could tolerate salinity of at least 270 ppt. Sequence analysis of the divergent D1/D2 domain of ascomycetous yeast 26S ribosomal DNA identified the organism as Metschnikowia bicuspidata var. bicuspidata. The organism was found in water from the salt ponds and probably entered from the bay. Mortality due to the fungal infection stopped after changes were made in the handling of incoming Artemia shipments.
The Effect of Cumulative Dosing on the Analgesic Potency of Morphine in Mice

Opioid analgesic potency can be evaluated using cumulative dosing, in which subjects are repeatedly administered a drug and tested after each dose until a criterion effect is reached. Although many laboratories use cumulative dosing, the effects of varying the starting dose and the magnitude of the increment dose on morphine analgesia (tail flick) in mice have not been evaluated. In experiment 1. mice were injected with the same starting dose [0.5 mg/kg subcutaneously (SC)] and 30 min later were tested for analgesia. Mice that were not analgesic were administered an increment dose (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 2.5, or 3.0 mg/kg) and retested. The process was continued until all mice were analgesic. There was a significant effect of increment dose on morphine potency, with the relative potency increasing as the increment dose was increased. In experiment 2, different starting doses (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 mg/kg) were used with a constant increment dose of 1.0 mg/kg. There was a significant effect of starting dose on the potency of morphine, with the relative potency increasing as the starting dose increased. To determine if increment and starting dose affect tolerance estimates, mice were implanted SC with a 25- or 75-mg morphine or placebo pellet for 7 days and then tested using cumulative dose-response. Changes in the increment dose significantly affected the degree of tolerance for mice implanted with a 25-mg morphine pellet but not for mice implanted with a 75-mg morphine pellet. Changes in the starting dose did not significantly alter estimates of tolerance. Overall, these data indicate that the starting dose and increment dose can impact on morphine's potency determined by cumulative dosing protocols. Furthermore, estimates of tolerance can be affected by dosing parameters in the cumulative dosing protocol. These results suggest that cumulative dosing procedures should be standardized across experiments.