cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generation of CD8+ T-Cell Responses by a Recombinant Nonpathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis Vaccine Vector Expressing Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Env

Because the vaccine vectors currently being evaluated in human populations all have significant limitations in their immunogenicity, novel vaccine strategies are needed for the elicitation of cell-mediated immunity. The nonpathogenic, rapidly growing mycobacterium Mycobacterium smegmatis was engineered as a vector expressing full-length human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) HXBc2 envelope protein. Immunization of mice with recombinant M. smegmatis led to the expansion of major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted HIV-1 epitope-specific CD8(+) T cells that were cytolytic and secreted gamma interferon. Effector and memory T lymphocytes were elicited, and repeated immunization generated a stable central memory pool of virus-specific cells. Importantly, preexisting immunity to Mycobacterium bovis BCG had only a marginal effect on the immunogenicity of recombinant M. smegmatis. This mycobacterium may therefore be a useful vaccine vector.
Utility of oatp1a/1b-knockout and OATP1B1/3-humanized mice in the study of OATP-mediated pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution: Case studies with pravastatin, atorvastatin, simvastatin, and carboxydichlorofluorescein

Although organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP)-mediated hepatic uptake is generally conserved between rodents and humans at a gross pharmacokinetic level, the presence of three major hepatic OATPs with broad overlap in substrate and inhibitor affinity, and absence of rodent-human orthologs preclude clinical translation of single-gene knockout/knockin findings. At present, changes in pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of pravastatin, atorvastatin, simvastatin, and carboxydichlorofluorescein were studied in oatp1a/1b-knockout mice lacking the three major hepatic oatp isoforms, and in knockout mice with liver-specific knockin of human OATP1B1 or OATP1B3. Relative to wild-type controls, oatp1a/1b-knockout mice exhibited 1.6- to 19-fold increased intravenous and 2.1- to 115-fold increased oral drug exposure, due to 33%-75% decreased clearance, 14%-60% decreased volume of distribution, and ≤74-fold increased oral bioavailability, with the magnitude of change depending on the contribution of oatp1a/1b to pharmacokinetics. Hepatic drug distribution was 4.2- to 196-fold lower in oatp1a/1b-knockout mice; distributional attenuation was less notable in kidney, brain, cardiac, and skeletal muscle. Knockin of OATP1B1 or OATP1B3 partially restored control clearance, volume, and bioavailability values (24%-142% increase, ≤47% increase, and ≤77% decrease vs. knockout, respectively), such that knockin pharmacokinetic profiles were positioned between knockout and wild-type mice. Consistent with liver-specific humanization, only hepatic drug distribution was partially restored (1.3- to 6.5-fold increase vs. knockout). Exposure and liver distribution changes in OATP1B1-humanized versus knockout mice predicted the clinical impact of OATP1B1 on oral exposure and contribution to human hepatic uptake of statins within 1.7-fold, but only after correcting for human/humanized mouse liver relative protein expression factor (OATP1B1 = 2.2, OATP1B3 = 0.30).
A finite-element method model of soft tissue response to impulsive acoustic radiation force

Several groups are studying acoustic radiation force and its ability to image the mechanical properties of tissue. Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging is one modality using standard diagnostic ultrasound scanners to generate localized, impulsive, acoustic radiation forces in tissue. The dynamic response of tissue is measured via conventional ultrasonic speckle-tracking methods and provides information about the mechanical properties of tissue. A finite-element method (FEM) model has been developed that simulates the dynamic response of tissues, with and without spherical inclusions, to an impulsive acoustic radiation force excitation from a linear array transducer. These FEM models were validated with calibrated phantoms. Shear wave speed, and therefore elasticity, dictates tissue relaxation following ARFI excitation, but Poisson's ratio and density do not significantly alter tissue relaxation rates. Increased acoustic attenuation in tissue increases the relative amount of tissue displacement in the near field compared with the focal depth, but relaxation rates are not altered. Applications of this model include improving image quality, and distilling material and structural information from tissue's dynamic response to ARFI excitation. Future work on these models includes incorporation of viscous material properties and modeling the ultrasonic tracking of displaced scatterers.
Is rheumatoid arthritis premature osteoarthritis with fetal-like healing?

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis is now known to share many pathogenetic features with osteoarthritis including synovial activation with release of pro-inflammatory cytokines into the synovial fluid. As premature chondrocyte aging and dedifferentiation is increasingly accepted as integral to OA pathogenesis, premature aging of chondrocytes and perhaps subchondral bone may underlie RA. This hypothesis explains many otherwise enigmatic features of RA joint pathology such as the homing of pannus to cartilage. In addition, the surprising finding of mesenchymal precursor cells in RA joints has led to speculation that some aspect of RA pathogenesis involves an attempt to recapitulate the embryonic limb development program. In its totality, RA seems to consist of an attempt to regenerate damaged cartilage and subchondral bone in an adult organism. Since this is impossible, the best the pannus can do is to crawl through empty cartilage lacunae and replace the cartilage and subchondral bone with scar tissue. As opposed to fetal healing, inflammation is necessary to sustain and control the fibroproliferation. Two recently-discovered blood cell types seem to maintain and regulate fibroplastic states in humans: (1) CD34+ and/or monocytoid stem-cell precursors replace aging mesenchymal cells, and (2) regulatory-type adherent CD4+CD28− T cells control growth of those increasingly apoptosis-resistant mesenchymal cells. Such cells occur at multiple sites in AID patients.
Microtubule nucleating and severing enzymes for modifying microtubule array organization and cell morphogenesis in response to environmental cues.

Summary In higher plants, reorientation of cortical microtubule arrays has been postulated to be of importance for modifying cell growth to adapt to environmental conditions. However, the process of microtubule reorientation is largely unknown. Recent genetic and live cell imaging studies of microtubule dynamics shed light on the regulatory mechanisms of microtubule molecular nucleation and severing apparatuses, which are required for array reorientation in response to blue light signaling. Branching nucleation from γ-tubulin complexes creates a small population of discordant microtubules that are acted on by KATANIN-mediated severing in two ways. KATANIN releases microtubules from nucleation sites and rapidly amplifies discordant microtubules by severing at microtubule crossovers. In this review, I focus on the molecular details of these two enzymes, which enable microtubule array transition.
Near infrared imaging with nanoparticles

Near infrared imaging has presented itself as a powerful diagnostic technique with potential to serve as a minimally invasive, nonionizing method for sensitive, deep tissue diagnostic imaging. This potential is further realized with the use of nanoparticle (NP)-based near infrared (NIR) contrast agents that are not prone to the rapid photobleaching and instability of their organic counterparts. This review discusses applications that have successfully demonstrated the utility of nanoparticles for NIR imaging, including NIR-emitting semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), resonant gold nanoshells, and dye-encapsulating nanoparticles. NIR QDs demonstrate superior optical performance with exceptional fluorescence brightness stability. However, the heavy metal composition and high propensity for toxicity hinder future application in clinical environments. NIR resonant gold nanoshells also exhibit brilliant signal intensities and likewise have none of the photo- or chemical-instabilities characteristic of organic contrast agents. However, concerns regarding ineffectual clearance and long-term accumulation in nontarget organs are a major issue for this technology. Finally, NIR dye-encapsulating nanoparticles synthesized from calcium phosphate (CP) also demonstrate improved optical performances by shielding the component dye from undesirable environmental influences, thereby enhancing quantum yields, emission brightness, and fluorescent lifetime. Calcium phosphate nanoparticle (CPNP) contrast agents are neither toxic, nor have issues with long-term sequestering, as they are readily dissolved in low pH environments and ultimately absorbed into the system. Though perhaps not as optically superior as QDs or nanoshells, these are a completely nontoxic, bioresorbable option for NP-based NIR imaging that still effectively improves the optical performance of conventional organic agents.
Approximating Transition Probabilities and Mean Occupation Times in Continuous-Time Markov Chains

In this paper we propose a new approach for estimating the transition probabilities and mean occupation times of continuous-time Markov chains. Our approach is to approximate the probability of being in a state (or the mean time already spent in a state) at time t by the probability of being in that state (or the mean time already spent in that state) at a random time that is gamma distributed with mean t .
Devolution and the Deepening of Democracy: Explaining Outcomes of Municipal Reform in Mexico

This article evaluates the implementation of Mexico's Municipal Reform of 1983 in three states: Chihuahua, Oaxaca and Yucatan. The research focuses on one element of the reform, the transfer of public services from the state to the municipal level. The case studies were selected to examine the impact of two key variables on reform outcomes: fiscal capacity and partisan control of state and municipal governments. Counter to expectations, the reform has not advanced more in municipalities with greater fiscal capacity. Also counter to expectations, there is no evidence that devolution advanced more in municipalities controlled by the opposition. This is due to the fact that state governors have a high degree of discretion that allows them to block implementation for partisan motives rather than rational/technical ones. The Municipal Reform of 1999 attempts to remedy this problem by limiting gubernatorial discretion while increasing the legal recourse municipalities have in soliciting the transfer of services. This recourse includes filing suit before the Mexican Supreme Court.
Distributed channel allocation for PCN with bursty traffic

Considers the design of efficient channel allocation algorithms in personal communication networks where the cells have varying traffic loads. A common communication channel is to be dynamically shared between the cells. The authors propose a distributed inter-cell channel allocation policy that is easy to implement through the use of simple signalling between neighboring cells. For cells arranged in a line they show that the proposed policy achieves maximum throughput. The same is true when the cells are arranged in a circle and the channel can be reused in every other cell. For larger reuse distances and planar hexagonal arrays, the policy may not always achieve maximal throughput. For these cases the authors provide regions of achievable cell throughputs under the proposed policy and show that they are tight in certain cases.
Potentiometric Titration of Amidomethylol (N—CH2OH) Groups in Durable Press Fabrics

The N—CH2OH content of durable press fabrics can be determined by reacting the formaldehyde generated during alkaline hydrolysis of the finish with a known amount of cyanide; the excess cyanide can be titrated directly with silver nitrate using a potentiometric method with a cyanide-sensitive electrode. The data indicate that the method is accurate and reproducible.
Effects of population-specific variation in age and length on fishery selection and exploitation rates of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)

Conspecific salmonid populations often differ in age and body size at maturity, and these differences can cause fishery exploitation rates and patterns of directional selection on size to vary amon...
Repeated administration of prostaglandin F2 alpha during the early luteal phase causes premature luteolysis in the pig.

Previous investigators considered pig corpora lutea refractory to the luteolytic effects of prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha before Day 12 of the estrous cycle. This study was designed to determine whether multiple injections of PGF2 alpha would result in a sustained reduction of serum progesterone and luteolysis, leading to significant shortening of the estrous cycle and interestrous interval. On Days 5-10 of an estrous cycle, gilts (n = 4) received injections of 12.5 mg PGF2 alpha (dinoprost tromethamine) i.m. every 12 h, or vehicle (PBS; n = 4) according to the same schedule. Mean interestrous interval in PGF2 alpha-treated gilts was reduced (p < 0.001) to 13.3 +/- 0.5 days compared with 19.8 +/- 0.6 days for control gilts. Serum progesterone declined below 1 ng/ml by Day 10.5 in PGF2 alpha-treated gilts compared to Day 17.5 in control animals. Serum concentrations of estradiol-17 beta (E2) reached maximal levels in PGF2 alpha-treated gilts earlier (Day 12.5) in the cycle than in control gilts (Day 19.5). Peak E2 and LH concentrations coincided with the periestrous period, suggesting that PGF2 alpha-induced estrus is accompanied by normal follicular development and ovulation. These results demonstrate that the pig is susceptible to the luteolytic effects of PGF2 alpha before Day 12 if repeated injections are given from Day 5 through Day 10.
Evaluating Modes of Teacher Preparation: A Comparison of Face-to-Face and Remote Observations of Graduate Interns.

AbstractAlthough technology-mediated learning has its advantages, it does not come without operational tradeoffs. Thus, consideration of the effectiveness of new modes of teacher preparation in comparison to traditional, longstanding, research-proven methods is necessary. In this study, we evaluated one large southern urban university’s implementation of synchronous remote observations of teacher education candidates using live classroom software. We compared remote and face-to-face observations to determine if the modes of observation were equivalent in supporting professional growth and evaluating quality instruction. Results suggest that both modes of observation are not equal but are comparable in supporting graduate interns’ professional growth and in measuring teaching effectiveness. The implications of this study shed light on the advantages and limitations of emergent technologies as teacher education programs explore alternative forms of Web-based evaluations of teacher candidates.
Criteria and examples

We start with an elementary lemma which will be useful on several occasions. Although it is but one half of the well known theorem on the regularity of Norlund means we give its proof here.
Enlarging the Property Tax Debate - Regressivity and Fairness

The author considers whether property taxes are regressive. Many people call property taxes "regresssive" when they really believe that property taxes are unfair, the author writes. The easy use of the term "regressive" to describe the property tax in popular debate is not justified on economic grounds, she says.
Relationship between intensity of hospital services and pharmacy workload

The relationship between hospital census variables and pharmacy department workload was studied; intensity, which measures services provided per hospitalized patient per day, was used as the workload indicator. Quarterly data on inpatient pharmacy workload and hospital census were statistically analyzed for 1981 through 1985. Number of patient days, number of admissions, average length of stay (LOS), and pharmacy work units were examined. A work unit was one unit of inpatient pharmacy activity, such as one order for oral medication or one i.v. admixture; clinical services were excluded. Intensity was defined as the number of work units per patient day. Intensity as a function of intensive-care-unit (ICU) patient days was also analyzed. The number of pharmacy work units per quarter more than doubled from 1981 to 1985, while the number of admissions remained relatively constant. The average LOS decreased from 8.4 days in 1981 to 6.3 days in 1985, and the number of patient days decreased 27%. Quarterly workload intensity increased from 1.4 to 4.37 over the five-year period. Statistical analysis showed a strong inverse relationship between intensity and average LOS; LOS accounted for 92% of the variability in intensity. The number of ICU patient days, which increased 21%, had a significant effect on pharmacy workload; 30% of the variation in pharmacy workload was explained by ICU days. Intensity measures are useful in predicting pharmacy department workload.
Interleukin-9 and interleukin-17C in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Background Interleukin (IL)-9 and IL-17C have been known to play a role in allergic inflammation, yet, their roles in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are not well defined. IL-9 induces changes in epithelial cell gene expression leading to goblet cell metaplasia, whereas IL-17C is functionally distinct in that its expression can be induced by bacterial challenge and inflammatory stimuli. This study aimed to compare levels of IL-9 and IL-17C in CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) as well as atopy. Methods Nasal polyp or sinus mucosal specimens from CRSwNP (n = 36), CRSsNP (n = 9), and control (n = 9) groups were collected and processed. Patient atopy status was determined by history of skin-prick test and pulmonary function test. Immunohistochemistry was carried out using anti-human IL-9 and IL-17C antibodies. Positively-stained cells were enumerated under high-power (×400) magnification in 5 consecutive fields. Results The level of expression of IL-9 was higher in CRSwNP than CRSsNP and control. Similar findings were demonstrated in IL-17C with higher expression in CRSwNP than CRSsNP and control. Both the averages of positively-stained cells expressing IL-9 and IL-17C were higher in CRS with asthma and allergy compared to control. This suggested that IL-9 and IL-17C were both involved in the pathogenesis of CRS, allergy, and asthma. Conclusion Inflammatory cell expression of IL-9 and IL-17C were increased in CRS, particularly with allergy and asthma. These interleukins may contribute to the pathogenesis of CRSwNP as well as atopy and may serve as therapeutic targets for disease management.
Entangling the ro-vibrational modes of a macroscopic mirror using radiation pressure

We explore the ability of radiation pressure to entangle macroscopic objects, using a Laguerre-Gaussian mode in a cavity containing a mirror that can vibrate as well as rotate.
NI-81DIFFUSION MR IMAGING GENOMIC FEATURES IDENTIFIES GENOMIC TARGETS INVOLVED IN INVASION AND POOR PROGNOSIS

PURPOSE:To create an imaging genomic map, linking MR imaging traits with gene and miRNA expression profiles,in GBM patients to determine genomic correlates of diffusion radiophenotype to find new genomic targets. Decreases in diffusion in GBM,is associated with increased cellular density and higher nuclear to cytoplasm ratio.Here,we present the first study examining in a quantitative way MRI-diffusion genomics in GBM to determine targetable genomic biomarkers in GBM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 80 treatment-naive GBM patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)who had both gene and miRNA expression profiles and pretreatment MR-neuroimaging specifically ADC maps. Image segmentation analysis was done in Slicer 3.6 using segmentation module,Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery(FLAIR)was used for segmentation of the edema and post-contrast T1 weighted-imaging(T1WI)for segmentation of enhancement and necrosis.Diffusion was analyzed in Olea Sphere 2.3 and Conventional FLAIR/post contrast T1WI was registered to DWI/ADC maps.ADC,FLAIR,T1 Gadolinium enhancement values were measured using the ROI based method,in the peri-tumoral edema/non-enhancing tumor and the enhancing tumor zones,dividing the peri-tumoral edema/non-enhancing tumor into 3 zones each of 1 cm width,3 ROI measurements were taken from each zone.Multiple quantitative imaging features were identified and combined to create the imaging biomarker signature predictive for the invasion and poor prognosis of the tumor. All the genomic data was also analyzed to determine the most upregulated mRNAs/miRNAs using ingenuity pathway analysis(IPA) in those with restricted diffusion. RESULTS: Quantitative ADC values were in high correlation with biologically concordant functional genomic targets predicting the invasiveness and progression. CONCLUSIONS: The diffusion and conventional MR radiophenotype identified genes and miRNAs and corresponding molecular networks that were highly associated with tumor invasion.By these means we were able to identify possible key genes and miRNAs involved in the latter regulation.
“Great Books” of Public Administration, 1990-2010: Revisiting Sherwood’s Survey in the Wake of Reinventing Government

Twenty years ago, Frank Sherwood attempted to identify the most influential book in public administration from 1940 to 1990. This article makes a modest attempt to recreate that study for the span ...
Effect of Sodium Alginate Concentration During Laser-Assisted Printing of Alginate Tubes

ABSTRACT For the free-form fabrication of various tissue constructs, three-dimensional (3D) additive printing technology has emerged as a promising approach for organ fabrication. This study aims to print a tube structure using a laser-assisted orifice-free printing technique and further investigate the effect of sodium alginate concentration on the tube wall thickness. Alginate tubes have been successfully printed. It is found that highly viscous materials can be laser printed into well-defined tube structures. A higher concentration solution such as the 8% sodium alginate solution leads to a thin wall, meaning a better resolution. Imaging analysis also illustrates that higher concentration solutions help develop smooth, slim jets upon the incidence of laser pulse. INTRODUCTION Organ donor shortage has been a great challenge faced by the society [1]. In addition, organ transplantation is plagued by issues such as immune rejection, pathogen transfer, and high cost. Organ printing, an additive manufacturing technique based approach, aims to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) tissue constructs layer-by-layer using data retrieved from the virtual computer aided models [2, 3]. It has emerged as one of the most promising technologies for addressing the organ shortage crisis. As envisioned, cells of patient will be used to fabricate substitute organs, reducing the risk of immune rejection. Since the concept of organ or cell printing has been proposed, collaborative endeavors across various engineering and scientific fields have been pioneered. Of different 3D fabrication techniques, laser-assisted printing/direct writing, an orifice-free printing approach developed based on laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT), has been investigated to print different materials including biological materials [4-6]. While orifice-based printing techniques have inherent limitations such as clogging, the LIFT technique is able to print scaffold-free structures using highly viscous materials such as various hydrogels including alginate. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of sodium alginate concentration on the wall thickness during laser-assisted printing of alginate tubes. In this study, sodium alginate and calcium chloride were used as the gel precursor and gel reactant solution, respectively, for the making of alginate tubes. The paper is organized as follows. First, 3D organ printing technologies are reviewed in the context of biomedical applications. Second, the experimental design for 3D organ printing is introduced. Then the influence of sodium alginate concentration on the tube wall thickness is studied. Finally, the conclusion and future work are presented.
Results of coil closure of patent ductus arteriosus using a tapered tip catheter for enhanced control.

OBJECTIVES This article describes the efficacy and embolization rates of coil delivery via modified vertebral catheter (MVC) for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure. BACKGROUND Various techniques have been devised to enhance coil control and prevent embolization during PDA closure. Since 1995, they have delivered coils via tapered vertebral catheters for improved coil control. METHODS Catheterization reports, angiograms, and echocardiograms were reviewed for patients with PDA occlusion via MVC from 2001 to 2014. Residual shunting was determined by angiography and echocardiogram within 24 hr post-procedure. Procedural success was defined as ≤ trivial angiographic and echocardiographic shunt, and no aortic nor LPA obstruction, after final coil delivery. RESULTS About 125 coil occlusions were attempted in 103 patients. Minimal PDA diameter was 2 (0.6-6) mm. Four coils were removed with a snare/bioptome due to aortic/LPA obstruction following release. Seven were malpositioned while still held by the MVC of which three embolized while attempting withdrawal. Five embolized after full release from the MVC. The embolization rate was 6.4%. Embolizations were more likely in PDAs ≥ 2.5 mm (P < 0.05). Ultimately, 98/103 PDAs were occluded using the MVC. No patient had greater trivial residual shunt or aortic/LPA obstruction for an overall success rate of 95%. For PDAs < 2.5 mm the success rate was 97%. CONCLUSIONS Coil delivery via MVC was safe and effective for small PDAs. While fully controlled release and retrieval devices are now available for PDA closure with lower embolization rates, coil occlusion by MVC should still be considered for small PDAs, especially in resource limited regions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimal Operation of Combined Photovoltaic Electrolyzer Systems

In this study, the design and simulation of a combination of a photovoltaic (PV) array with an alkaline electrolyzer is performed to maximize the production of hydrogen as a reliable power resource. Detailed electrical model of PV system, as long as thermal and electrochemical model of electrolyzer is used. Since an electrolyzer is a non-linear load, its coupling with PV systems to get the best power transfer is very important. Solar irradiation calculations were done for the region of Miami (FL, USA), giving an optimal surface slope of 25.7° for the PV array. The size of the PV array is optimized, considering maximum hydrogen production and minimum excess power production in a diurnal operation of a system using the imperialistic competitive algorithm (ICA). The results show that for a 10 kW alkaline electrolyzer, a PV array with a nominal power of 12.3 kW The results show that 12.3 kW photvoltaic system can be utilized for supplying a 10 kW electrolyzer. Hydrogen production and Faraday efficiency of the system are 697.21 mol and 0.3905 mol, respectively.
Preparation and Characterization of TcCl3(PPh3)2(MeCN) and Its Reactions with Small π‐Accepting Ligands.

In analogy to its rhenium congener, the title complex (IV) promises to be a useful starting material for low-valent technetium chemistry.
Constant Mental Change and Unknowability in Psychoanalysis

Conflict and compromise formation are central aspects of mental life. They dispose to constant mental change. Limitations of knowability in psychoanalysis are inextricably connected xvith constant ...
Retail Finance Solutions

This chapter explores emerging approaches to making housing finance more innovative at the retail level, so that it can become more accessible and affordable.
Variations in patient response to tiered physician networks.

Objectives Prior studies found that tiered provider networks channel patients to preferred providers in certain contexts. This paper evaluates whether the effects of tiered physician networks vary for different types of patients. Study design Cross-sectional analysis of fiscal year 2009 to 2010 administrative enrollment and claims data on nonelderly beneficiaries in Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission health plans. Methods Main outcome measures are physician market share among new patients and the percent of physician's patients who switch away. We utilized estimated fixed effects linear regression models that were stratified by patient characteristics. Results Physicians with the worst tier rankings had lower market share among new patients who are older and sicker, or male, representing losses in market share of 10% and 15%, respectively, than other tiered physicians. A poor tier ranking did not affect physician market share of new patients who are female or younger. There was no effect of a physician's tier ranking on the proportion of patients who switch to other doctors among any groups of patients. Conclusions Loyalty to their own physicians is pervasive across groups of patients. Physicians with poor tier rankings lost market share among new patients who are older and sicker, and among new male patients. Together, these findings suggest that tiered network designs have the potential for the greatest impact on value in healthcare over time, as more patients seek new relationships with physicians.
Selective targeting of IL-2 to NKG2D bearing cells for improved immunotherapy

Despite over 20 years of clinical use, IL-2 has not fulfilled expectations as a safe and effective form of tumour immunotherapy. Expression of the high affinity IL-2Rα chain on regulatory T cells mitigates the anti-tumour immune response and its expression on vascular endothelium is responsible for life threatening complications such as diffuse capillary leak and pulmonary oedema. Here we describe the development of a recombinant fusion protein comprised of a cowpox virus encoded NKG2D binding protein (OMCP) and a mutated form of IL-2 with poor affinity for IL-2Rα. This fusion protein (OMCP-mutIL-2) potently and selectively activates IL-2 signalling only on NKG2D-bearing cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells, without broadly activating IL-2Rα-bearing cells. OMCP-mutIL-2 provides superior tumour control in several mouse models of malignancy and is not limited by mouse strain-specific variability of NK function. In addition, OMCP-mutIL-2 lacks the toxicity and vascular complications associated with parental wild-type IL-2.
Improving Upper Extremity Impairments with Tongue Driven Robotic Assisted Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study

Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability in the United States with many survivors unable to participate in rehabilitation. We have developed a novel rehabilitation paradigm for the upper extremity (UE) that uses a Tongue Drive System (TDS) to control a robotic device (HandMentor (HM)) while engaging with a game-like user interface for stroke survivors. This pilot study demonstrates that the TDS-HM intervention elicits improvements in motor performance that transfer to reduced upper extremity impairments and improvements in quality of life for moderately to severely impaired stroke survivors.
Super-Intelligent Humans must Love All Humans

Super-intelligent machines pose a danger to humans that can be eliminated by requiring that their primary, innate emotion is unconditional love for all humans, without any emotions for their self-interests. A similar requirement for human minds in super-intelligent machine brains may also be the solution to the dilemma posed in the previous chapter.
Biogeochemistry: Projections of the soil-carbon deficit.

Changes in the amount of carbon stored in soil might be a crucial feedback to climate change. Experimental field studies show that warming-induced soil carbon losses are greatest where carbon stocks are largest. See Letter p.104 Warming can enhance the exchange of carbon between the soil and the atmosphere, but there is no consensus on the direction or magnitude of warming-induced changes in soil carbon. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of warming-induced changes in soil carbon stocks based on data from field experiments across North America, Europe and Asia. The authors find that the effects of warming are contingent upon the size of the initial soil carbon stock, with considerable carbon losses occurring in high-latitude areas. Extrapolation of their findings to the global scale provides support for the idea that rising temperatures will stimulate the net loss of soil carbon to the atmosphere, driving a positive land carbon–climate feedback that could accelerate climate change.
Will we be able to afford a cure in multiple myeloma

With several novel agents approved for use in multiple myeloma (MM) in recent years and many promising agents in the pipeline [1], it is an exciting time for this generally incurable hematologic ma...
Blaming threatened species: media portrayal of human–wildlife conflict

Recent literature has urged the conservation science community to distinguish between human–wildlife and human–human conflict. Mislabelling conflicts is thought to constrain problem definition and hinder appropriate solutions. New to this discussion, we studied how the media is framing conflict. The focus of our research was conflict surrounding conservation of a protected species. The piping plover Charadrius melodus is federally listed as threatened on the Atlantic coast of the USA. Our research focused on characterizing the tone and framing in media coverage of the plover and its conservation. We were interested in how the source of the conflict was framed: are the species itself, policies, or the government agencies administering legal restrictions blamed for the conflict? We analysed 725 articles (199 unique articles, not including those run by multiple media sources) written about the plover in the region during January 2014–September 2015. Articles were analysed qualitatively by two coders. We found the overall tone of the unique articles was most frequently positive towards the bird and/or its conservation (48%), followed closely by neutral (or balanced) articles (46%). Few articles were negative (6%). Nonetheless, framing that blamed a source for the conflict was present in 34% of the unique articles. The plover itself was blamed in twice as many articles as the policies or government agencies enacting the regulations. This framing was also the strongest predictor of article tone. Understanding how the media portrays piping plovers can help guide organizations interested in proactive media relations and other solutions to de-escalate this conflict.
When Does Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia Require Surgical Excision

Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) is a proliferative, nonobligate precursor breast lesion and a marker of increased risk for breast carcinoma. Surgical excision remains the standard recommendation following a core needle biopsy result consistent with ADH. Recent research suggests that women with no mass lesion or discordance, removal of greater than or equal to 90% of calcifications at the time of core needle biopsy, involvement of less than or equal to 2 terminal duct lobular units, and absence of cytologic atypia or necrosis are likely to have a less than 5% chance of a missed cancer.
Organization Development and Talent Management: Beyond the Triple Bottom-Line

There is a growing movement to broaden the definition of organizational effectiveness. Fewer and fewer countries and societies are willing to accept that financial performance is all that matters when it comes to organizational effectiveness. The movement to hold organizations accountable for their environmental impact is one clear example of this change. More governments are demanding that organizations monitor and provide effectiveness reports on their impact on the environment. In addition, there is a growing demand that companies in developed countries monitor the working conditions and experiences of their employees in the developing countries.
3D Air-X UAV Communications: Challenges and Channel Modeling

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is growing rapidly, for an expanding variety of applications. These UAVs range in size from a few centimeters to the size of passenger jet aircraft, and will fly a large assortment of missions that take them from the stratosphere to residential neighborhoods. Control and communications must hence be extremely reliable. In this paper we summarize some key characteristics of UAV communications, describe fundamentals and challenges for reliable UAV communications, some current efforts in the area, and provide a framework for analysis and modeling of a vital component in any UAV communication system: the air-ground channel. Features of this channel are discussed, with example references to the literature. Suggestions for future work in air-ground channel modeling are provided. The conference presentation of this work will include example results.
Somatotherapy, History of

Somatotherapy refers to the treatment of mental illness by physical, chemical, or surgical means. Its development began in the nineteenth century with the introduction of morphine, bromides, and chloral hydrate for sedation and behavioral control. It continued in the first quarter of the twentieth century with the introduction of malaria-induced fever for syphilitic general paralysis, and prolonged sleep. It was during the 1930s that insulin coma therapy (ICT), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and psychosurgery were introduced. ICT and ECT were the first effective physical therapies of schizophrenia without considerable risk. It was during the 1940s that the first causal treatments in psychiatry, penicillin, for syphilitic general paralysis, and nicotinic acid for cerebral pellagra, were introduced. Introduction of therapeutically effective psychotropic drugs began with the introduction of lithium in 1949. By the year 2000, well over 20 neuroleptics, antidepressants, and anxiolytics were in clinical use. There are also three mood stabilizers for bipolar disease, and a couple of cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer's Type of Senile Dementia. Introduction of the spectrophotofluorimeter in the 1950s led to the development of neuropsychopharmacology. The development of receptor binding assays in the 1970s, followed by the separation of receptor subtypes in the 1980s, and the introduction of a new genetic technology in the 1990s, rendered the tailoring of psychotropic drugs possible.
Some Neutral Theorems of Plane Geometry

We discuss some of those theorems of Euclidean plane geometry that are independent of the parallel axiom. They will be needed in the development of hyperbolic geometry. We assume they are more or less known, so that our treatment is not as complete as a full treatment of Euclidean geometry would be. Some of the theorems are weaker than the corresponding Euclidean ones, because the more complete form would require the parallel axiom. Some of them go a little beyond Euclid in that they use the notion of continuity as it appears in calculus. Results in the last two sections go beyond Euclid in that the ideas in them are more recent, as in the Jordan Curve Theorem or the study of isometries.
Rodent Models for Assessing the Role of Stem Cells in Liver Development, Regeneration, and Carcinogenesis

Hepatic stem cells residing in the adult liver are activated under conditions of severe liver injury and give rise to transient amplifying cells that have the capacity to differentiate into hepatocytes and ductal cells in order to replace functional liver mass. Rodent models have proved to be an invaluable tool for delineating the conditions that lead to stem/progenitor cell activation as well as elucidating the various populations of stem/progenitor cells that arise in the injured liver. Although the origin of hepatic stem cells remains elusive, in vivo lineage analysis has begun to identify potential candidate cell populations in adult liver. Isolation of these candidates by cell-surface markers and their subsequent transplantation has been used to assess the differentiation potential and capacity of hepatic progenitors to restore functional liver mass. In addition to the role of stem cells in liver regeneration, we will also review the contribution of these cells to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Finally we will discuss the future direction of the field of hepatic stem/progenitor cells and the potential therapeutic use of these cells in liver disease.
Impact of feller bunchers and plantation spacing on thinning

A simulation model was used to examine the effectiveness of rubber-tyred articulated machines for felling trees selectively marked for thinning. The model contains 3 elements: a stand routine allowing variation in age and spacing; an element for marking for thinning from below to produce a uniform residual stand; and a movement element for feller bunchers where length, width and angle of articulation can be varied. Results indicated that these machines could thin plantations effectively when there were wide row with little deviation. Machines for selective thinning could best be improved by increasing maximum angles of left and right articulation. If these angles could be increased on existing machines safely, significantly more marked trees could be removed at almost all spacings. 2 references.
Low intellectual ability does not predict violent crime in a military forensic sample

Abstract This study examined whether intellectual ability predicts violent crime among a sample of military members charged with criminal offenses. Intellectual ability was measured with the Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ), Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), and the Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI) of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV). The sample was comprised of military members charged with any type of offense and referred for forensic evaluation. A binary logistic regression was performed to see if any or all of the intelligence indices predicted violent crime. Criminal offenses were dichotomized where 0 = non-violent crime and 1 = violent crime. The sample (N = 79) was drawn from a retrospective review of forensic evaluations of military members charged with criminal offenses. These findings support the observation that intellectual ability does not predict likelihood of committing a violent offense in a military forensic population. This study highlights the importance of incorporating military-specific data into forensic assessments of service members.
Observation and identification of wood decay fungi from the heartwood of peach tree limbs in central Georgia, USA

Peach tree health, longevity, and limb strength can be affected by wood decay fungi, but the extent of the colonization and their identities have not been characterized in Georgia, United States of America. In an incubation experiment, dense white fungal mycelium grew on the cross-cut faces of asymptomatic limb sections sampled from peach scion cultivars, but no mycelium grew on those from rootstock cultivars. Among the scion cultivars, a Chi-square analysis indicated significant differences in the incidence of colonization. A dissection of six broken peach tree scaffold limbs showed symptoms of colonization along the entire length of the limbs. Only 41 % of primary branches had symptoms of wood decay, but no secondary branches appeared to have symptoms. Next generation sequencing (NGS) and metagenomic analysis of a combined DNA sample revealed the contigs were aligned to sequences of Trametes versicolor and/or Schizophyllum commune, suggesting these two white-rot fungi were present in the sample tested. Sanger sequencing confirmed two fragments of the same size but distinct nucleotide peak intensities were amplified from the sample used for NGS by two pairs of primers, providing supporting evidence that the two fungi were in the bulk sample but might differ in abundance or incidence. Subsequent multiplexing polymerase chain reaction diagnostics of ten scion samples confirmed the dominance of Trametes spp. (all ten samples), although Stereum spp. (five samples), Schizophyllum spp. (three samples) and Hericium spp, (one sample) were sometimes found coexisting with Trametes spp. Future research needs on this peach-fungus association are discussed.
Candida albicans induces mucosal bacterial dysbiosis that promotes invasive infection

Infectious complications are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy due to increased risk of oral and gastrointestinal candidiasis, candidemia and septicemia. Interactions between C. albicans and endogenous mucosal bacteria are important in understanding the mechanisms of invasive infection. We published a mouse intravenous chemotherapy model that recapitulates oral and intestinal mucositis, and myelosuppression in patients receiving 5-fluorouracil. We used this model to study the influence of C. albicans on the mucosal bacterial microbiome and compared global community changes in the oral and intestinal mucosa of the same mice. We validated 16S rRNA gene sequencing data by qPCR, in situ hybridization and culture approaches. Mice receiving both 5Fu and C. albicans had an endogenous bacterial overgrowth on the oral but not the small intestinal mucosa. C. albicans infection was associated with loss of mucosal bacterial diversity in both sites with indigenous Stenotrophomonas, Alphaproteobacteria and Enterococcus species dominating the small intestinal, and Enterococcus species dominating the oral mucosa. Both immunosuppression and Candida infection contributed to changes in the oral microbiota. Enterococci isolated from mice with oropharyngeal candidiasis were implicated in degrading the epithelial junction protein E-cadherin and increasing the permeability of the oral epithelial barrier in vitro. Importantly, depletion of these organisms with antibiotics in vivo attenuated oral mucosal E-cadherin degradation and C. albicans invasion without affecting fungal burdens, indicating that bacterial community changes represent overt dysbiosis. Our studies demonstrate a complex interaction between C. albicans, the resident mucosal bacterial microbiota and the host environment in pathogenesis. We shed significant new light on the role of C. albicans in shaping resident bacterial communities and driving mucosal dysbiosis.
2016: The Year of “Democrazy” and the Politics of Spectacle

This chapter maps the theoretical underpinnings of the conditions that shaped the political landscape of the 2016 presidential campaign. Among those conditions was the politics of the “no-third-term tendency” that created a difficult path to the White House for Democrats. There are several theoretical considerations addressed in this chapter: first, the politics of backlash and resentment, the politics of intergroup conflict, and the role of gender in politics. This chapter operationalizes the tenets political theme to situate the analysis of the book: the politics of spectacle and the 2016 campaign. Simply defined, spectacle creates something to look at. The thesis is advanced that the components of spectacle were largely anchored in campaign rhetoric and unconventional tactics. At times, the spectacle seemed to intentionally detract from substantive issues.