cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seed Treatment with a Fungal or a Bacterial Antagonist for Reducing Corn Damping-off Caused by Species of Pythium and Fusarium.

ABSTRACT Bioassays were conducted under greenhouse conditions to test the efficacy of antagonists applied to corn (Zea mays) seed for protection against seed rot and seedling damping-off at 18 and 25°C in a field soil artificially infested with a combination of Pythium ultimum, P. arrhenomanes, and Fusarium graminearum. Biomass of Gliocladium virens isolates Gl-3 or Gl-21, Trichoderma viride isolate Tv-1, or peat-based slurry of Burkholderia cepacia isolates Bc-B, Bc-T, or Bc-1 was coated individually onto corn seeds in one test, and Gl-3 or Bc-B at four inoculum levels was used in another test. Seed treatments with most of the biocontrol agents, as well as with the fungicide captan, significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased seedling stand, plant height and fresh weight, and decreased root rot severity compared with untreated seeds in pathogen-infested soil. Coating seeds with the biocontrol fungus G. virens isolate Gl-3 was the most effective treatment, resulting in greater (P ≤ 0.05) seedling stand, plant heig...
Processes in the Interpretation of Generics and Cp-Laws

Ceteris Paribus (cp-)laws may be said to hold only 'other things equal', signaling that their truth is compatible with a range of exceptions. Several theorists have taken this feature to introduce the presumption that cp-laws are trivial, one that needs to be countered if we are to appeal to cp-laws in the course of scientific investigation or our philosophical theorizing about it. I argue that the triviality worry is misplaced by pointing out that cp-laws are just a subset of uncontroversially meaningful and contingent expressions of natural language, the generics. I then present an account of these generics that elucidates some of their most puzzling features, especially the ones that suggested the triviality worry in the first place.
Mass Spectrometry in the Elucidation of the Glycoproteome of Bacterial Pathogens

Presently some three hundred post-translational modifications are known to occur in bacteria in vivo. Many of these modifications play critical roles in the regulation of proteins and control key biological processes. One of the most predominant modifications, N- and O-glycosylations are now known to be present in bacteria (and archaea) although they were long believed to be limited to eukaryotes. In a number of human pathogens these glycans have been found attached to the surfaces of pilin, flagellin and other surface and secreted proteins where it has been demonstrated that they play a role in the virulence of these bacteria. Mass spectrometry characterization of these glycosylation events has been the enabling key technology for these findings. This review will look at the use of mass spectrometry as a key technology for the detection and mapping of these modifications within microorganisms, with particular reference to the human pathogens, Campylobacter jejuni and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The overall aim of this review will be to give a basic understanding of the current ‘state-of-the-art’ of the key techniques, principles and technologies, including bioinformatics tools, involved in the analysis of the glycosylation modifications.
Clustering of Young Stars in Taurus, Ophiuchus, and the Orion Trapezium

The surface densities of companions, or, equivalently, the two-point correlation functions, of the Taurus, Ophiuchus, and Orion Trapezium star-forming regions (SFRs) display remarkably consistent and systematic behavior. The surface densities are indistinguishable in the binary regime, with a steep power-law dependence on companion separation. The transition between the binary and large-scale clustering regimes is inversely related to the stellar density of the SFR. The large-scale clustering regime can be described by a fractal structure that is roughly the same over the 3 decades of stellar density of these SFRs.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor/cMET Pathway Activation Enhances Cancer Hallmarks in Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare malignancy with poor prognosis and limited response to chemotherapy. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor cMET augment cancer growth and resistance to chemotherapy, but their role in adrenocortical carcinoma has not been examined. In this study, we investigated the association between HGF/cMET expression and cancer hallmarks of adrenocortical carcinoma. Transcriptomic and immunohistochemical analyses indicated that increased HGF/cMET expression in human adrenocortical carcinoma samples was positively associated with cancer-related biologic processes, including proliferation and angiogenesis, and negatively correlated with apoptosis. Accordingly, treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma cells with exogenous HGF resulted in increased cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo while short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown or pharmacologic inhibition of cMET suppressed cell proliferation and tumor growth. Moreover, exposure of cells to mitotane, cisplatin, or radiation rapidly induced pro-cMET expression and was associated with an enrichment of genes (e.g., CYP450 family) related to therapy resistance, further implicating cMET in the anticancer drug response. Together, these data suggest an important role for HGF/cMET signaling in adrenocortical carcinoma growth and resistance to commonly used treatments. Targeting cMET, alone or in combination with other drugs, could provide a breakthrough in the management of this aggressive cancer.
Vision Impairment and Eye Care Utilization among Americans 50 and Older

Purpose: Few studies have provided population-based estimates of the vision impairment, eye disease and eye care in the United States. Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) this study reports the overall and age-race-specific prevalence of self-reported vision impairment, eye diseases, and eye care utilization among older adults.Methods: Between 2005 and 2008 residents aged 50 and older in 17 states responded to BRFSS questions concerning difficulty with distance and near vision-related tasks, self-reported eye diseases and reported eye care insurance and service utilization.Results: The overall prevalence of difficulty with distance and near vision was 16.6 and 32.8%, respectively with no meaningful change with increasing age. The prevalence of cataract, glaucoma, and macular degeneration was 19.6%, 6.4, and 5.8%; all of which increased dramatically with age. Nearly 69% of Whites and Blacks and 65% of Hispanics visited an eye care provider in the past year. Overall, among...
The Revenge of Geography: What the Map Tells Us about Coming Conflicts and the Battle against Fate

Book Review Robert D. Kaplan. 2012. The Revenge of Geography: What the Map Tells Us about Coming Conflicts and the Battle against Fate . New York: Random House, pp. 448. Review by: Jeff Birdsong
Preliminary experience with intravenous gadoxetate disodium as a craniospinal MR contrast agent

Abstract Introduction Gadoxetate disodium is a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) typically used for body imaging, as about 50% of its excretion is via the liver. Its use for craniospinal MRI has not been reported. Materials and methods Over a 3 years period, 31 adults underwent postcontrast MRI using gadoxetate disodium, each of whom had a relative contraindication to a GBCA, but a GBCA was deemed necessary by the clinical service to direct therapy. Postcontrast T1WI included either gradient-echo (GET1WI, n = 12) or spin-echo (SET1WI, n = 13) imaging. The contraindication in 29 patients was stage 3–5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI); the other two had normal kidney function, but a history of a reaction to another GBCA (vomiting in one and hypersensitivity in the other). Over a 3 years period, in those patients in whom a GBCA was both deemed necessary and had an estimated GFR (eGFR) of Results The pre-MRI eGFR was not significantly different from that at 30–90 days (p = 0.522) in the 23 patients with an available eGFR at >90 days post-MRI; no patients developed acute kidney injury post-MRI, nor nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Of the 11 intracranial structures scored, the superior sagittal sinus, pituitary stalk, and atrial choroid plexus enhanced in all 23 patients who underwent brain MRI, with CE%’s of 171.0%, 73.0%, and 69.8%, respectively. The number of patients with enhancing lesions were 3/23 brain MRI’s, 8/9 spinal MRI’s, 3/3 neck MRI’s, and 2/6 craniocervical MRA/MRV’s. In 9 spinal MRI’s, the basivertebral plexus CE% was 213.7%; in the 7 with spondylodiscitis, the CE% measured 125.8% in enhancing epidural tissue, with a contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of 98.0%. Conclusion This preliminary report describes the use of gadoxetate disodium as an alternative GBCA for craniospinal MRI and MRA in the renally impaired, but its efficacy in this regard must be further evaluated prospectively.
Management Education in the Emerging Knowledge Economy: Going Beyond "Those Who Can, Do; Those Who Can't, Teach"

A variety of recently raised concerns about management education may have arisen because universities traditionally operated as if they had a monopoly in the enterprise of knowledge but now must co...
Autographa precationis in Relation to Soybean: Life History, and Food Intake and Utilization Under Controlled Conditions

Autographa precationis Guenee is occasionally observed feeding on soybean in east central Illinois. The life cycle under controlled environmental conditions was investigated and based on our results the species may have 2 complete generations during the growing season in this region. Analyses of food intake and utilization revealed that soybean is an adequate food for larval growth and development but efficiency of food utilization and approximate digestibility were lower than those observed with Pseudoplusia includens , which is apparently better adapted to this crop. A source of carbohydrate is required by adult moths for realization of full oviposition potential.
Upregulation of Inflammatory Cytokines in Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (P05.154)

Objective: To quantify cutaneous cytokines in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy. We hypothesized that cutaneous interstitial fluid, obtained through vacuum blisters, would allow measurement of local cytokines within specific areas of interest. We also hypothesized that pro-inflammatory cytokines would be upregulated in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy compared to healthy control subjects. Background Inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of painful neuropathy. However, studies typically procure cytokines from circulating plasma, not from local tissues where neuropathic pain is generated. Design/Methods: Five patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (but only mild neuropathy impairment scores in the lower limb) and 5 healthy volunteers were recruited. Blisters (8mm diameter) were induced on the dorsum of the foot via 20 mmHg vacuum pressure, and blister fluid was collected after 90 minutes. Cytokine levels were measured using an Elisa bead-based multiplex assay. Results: Cytokine levels of IL-4, IL-13, IL-10, IL-8 and TNF-alpha were significantly higher in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (p Conclusions: Analysis of blister fluid showed an increase of IL-8 and TNF-alpha in painful diabetic neuropathy compared to control subjects suggesting an involvement of macrophages and neutrophils, increase in IL-10 was evidence for a pro-inflammatory response and IL-4 and IL-13 recruitment of type 2 helper T cells. Results suggest an environment shifted towards pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy. Further study in larger numbers of patients with diabetes with and without painful neuropathy are necessary to further validate these findings and confirm the utility of this technique. Supported by: NIH NINDS K23NS050209 (CHG). Disclosure: Dr. Illigens has nothing to disclose. Dr. Freeman has received personal compensation for activities with Pfizer Inc, Eli Lilly & Company, GlaxoSmithKline, Inc., Solvay S.A., and Chelsea Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Freeman has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Clinical Journal of Pain. Dr. Gibbons has nothing to disclose.
Voice outcomes after endoscopic treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis.

Objective:This study aimed to assess vocal disability in patients with laryngotracheal stenosis who are managed with endoscopic surgery, comparing patients with posterior glottic stenosis (PGS) to those with subglottic or tracheal stenosis (SGS/TS).Methods:Patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for laryngotracheal stenosis with voice outcomes data from 2005 to 2013 were studied. The mean Voice Handicap Index–10 (VHI-10) was compared over the study period. Of those with SGS/TS, the distance from the vocal folds to the proximal portion of the stenosis was obtained and compared to VHI-10.Results:Forty-four patients met inclusion criteria. The mean VHI-10 for all patients was 14.6. Fifty percent were dysphonic (VHI-10 > 11). The mean VHI-10 for PGS patients was 22.4, and for SGS/TS patients, 10.9 (P = .004). Of those with PGS, 78.6% were dysphonic compared to only 36.7% of those with SGS/TS. Voice Handicap Index–10 improved from 14.1 for those with proximal stenosis to 4 for those with stenosis more than...
Water permeability of apical and basolateral cell membranes of rat inner medullary collecting duct

To quantify the pathways for water permeation through the kidney medulla, knowledge of the water permeability (Posmol) of individual cell membranes in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) is required. Therefore IMCD segments from the inner two thirds of inner medulla of Sprague-Dawley rats were perfused in vitro using a setup devised for rapid bath and luminal fluid exchanges (half time, t1/2, of 55 and 41 ms). Differential interference contrast microscopy, coupled to video recording, was used to measure volume and approximate surface areas of single cells. Volume and volume-to-surface area ratio of IMCD cells were strongly correlated with their position along the inner medullary axis. Transmembrane water flow (Jv) was measured in response to a variety of osmotic gradients (delta II) presented on either basolateral or luminal side of the cells. The linear relation between Jv and delta II yielded the cell membrane Posmol, which was then corrected for membrane infoldings. Basolateral membrane Posmol was 126 +/- 3 microns/s. Apical membrane Posmol rose from a basal value of 26 +/- 3 microns/s to 99 +/- 5 microns/s in presence of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Because of amplification of basolateral membrane, the ADH-stimulated apical membrane remained rate-limiting for transcellular osmotic water flow, and the IMCD cell did not swell significantly. Calculated transcellular Posmol, expressed in terms of smooth luminal surface, was 64 microns/s without ADH and 207 microns/s with ADH. IMCD cells in anisosmotic media displayed almost complete volume regulatory decrease but only partial volume regulatory increase.
Neglected Stories and the Lawfulness of Roe v. Wade

Professor Davis addresses doubts about the constitutional legitimacy of Roe v. Wade. She analyzes 1) slavery’s abrogation of reproductive freedom and familial bonds; 2) antislavery resistance to slavery’s denial of family integrity and autonomy; and 3) references to family freedom in Congressional deliberations concerning the Reconstruction Amendments and associated legislation to establish that family and reproductive integrity and autonomy were among the privileges of free citizenship under the post-Civil War, reconstructed Constitution.
Dynamic adaptation to cpu and memory load in scientific applications

As commodity computers and networking technologies have become faster and more affordable, fairly capable machines have become nearly ubiquitous while the effective “distance” between them has decreased as network connectivity and capacity has multiplied. There is considerable interest in developing means to readily access such vast amounts of computing power to solve scientific problems, but the complexity of these modern computing environments pose problems for conventional computer codes designed to run on a static, homogeneous set of resources. One source of problems is the heterogeneity that is naturally present in these settings. More problematic is the competition that arises between programs for shared resources in these semi-autonomous environments. Fluctuations in the availability of CPU, memory, and other resources can cripple application performance. Contention for CPU time between jobs may introduce significant load imbalance in parallel applications. Contention for limited memory resources may cause even more severe performance problems, as thrashing may increase execution times by an order of magnitude or more. Our goal is to develop techniques that enable scientific applications to achieve good performance in non-dedicated environments by monitoring system conditions and adapting their behavior accordingly. We focus on two important shared resources, CPU and memory, and pursue our goal on two distinct but complementary fronts: First, we present some simple algorithmic modifications that can significantly improve load balance in a class of iterative methods that form the computational core of many scientific and engineering applications. Second, we introduce a framework for enabling scientific applications to dynamically adapt their memory usage according to current availability of main memory. An application-specific caching policy is used to keep as much of the data set as possible in main memory, while the remainder of the data are accessed in an out-of-core fashion. We have developed modular code libraries to facilitate implementation of our techniques, and have deployed them in a variety of scientific application kernels. Experimental evaluation of their performance indicates that our techniques provide some important classes of scientific applications with robust and low-overhead means for mitigating the effects of fluctuations in CPU and memory availability.
Study on synthesis of tris(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)-s-1,3,5-triazine

The tri-(tribromophenoxy)cyanurate was synthesized by using cyanuricchloride(CNCl)3,tribromophenol as main raws and under the condition of supersonic radiation,respectively dichloromethane,toluene as solvent,the result shows that the optium congdition are as follows: when the mole ratio of cyanuricchloride(CNCl)3/tribromophenol=1:3.1 and reaction time is 1 hour and 3 hours at 40℃ and 75℃ respectively,the yield of the production was more than 95% and purity was not less than 98%
Effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid in nursery pigs of dirty and clean environments on growth, empty body composition, and immune competence.

Early-weaned pigs (n = 64) averaging 5.3 +/- 0.3 kg and distributed into two environments (dirty and clean) were used to evaluate effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on growth performance, immune competence, and empty body composition. A factorial (2 x 4) arrangement within a split-plot design, with four littermate pigs as the experimental unit for the environment, pig within litter as the experimental unit for dietary treatment, and d-0 body weight used as covariate, were used in data analysis. Diets were formulated to contain CLA at 0, 0.67, 1.33, or 2% and to exceed the NRC (1988) nutrient needs of pigs. Animals were given ad libitum access to feed for 7 wk in three phases (I, 1 to 2; II, 3 to 5; and III, 6 to 7 wk). Within phases, diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. In Phase I, as dietary CLA concentration increased, ADG and ADFI decreased linearly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.02, respectively). In Phase II, upon adaptation to dietary CLA supplementation, ADG increased quadratically (603, 623, 622, and 548 g/d; P < 0.01), ADFI decreased linearly (873, 840, 867, and 717 g/d; P < 0.02) and gain:feed ratio tended to increase linearly (691, 742, 715, and 763; P < 0.07). In Phase III, no differences in growth performance were attributed to either dietary or environmental treatments. The poor health status associated with the dirty environment induced a growth suppression; pigs in the clean room had a greater cumulative ADG (P < 0.01) and ADFI (P < 0.01) than pigs in the dirty room. In Phase I, lower plasma urea nitrogen levels observed in pigs found in the dirty room (P < 0.03) indicated a lower protein intake caused by a lower ADFI. The effects of dietary CLA on peripheral phenotypic profiles of lymphoytes did not appear until d 42. However, as indicated by the growth suppression of pigs in the dirty room, the negative effects of the environmental challenge on pig health and growth had already appeared during phase I. On d 42, CLA induced a linear increase in percentages of CD8+ lymphocytes (21.7, 22.3, 28.0, and 32.7%; P < 0.001). These data suggest that a 42-d dietary CLA supplementation preceding a disease challenge could have prevented disease-associated growth suppression. Also, CLA-mediated amelioration of particular infectious diseases will depend on which CD8+ T cell subset (i.e., CD8alphaalpha-immunoregulatory or CD8alphabeta-cytotoxic) is most influenced by dietary CLA supplementation.
The megacystis-megaureter syndrome

The term megacystis-megaureter describes the radiologic appearance of a large capacity thin-walled bladder and massive primary vesicoureteral reflux. The pathophysiology of these massively dilated ureters and the large capacity bladder is the constant recycling of large volumes of refluxed urine. We treated 29 children between 1 day and 13 years old with this syndrome. Urinary tract infection was present in 74 per cent of the cases. Of these children who presented before 1975, 14 were misdiagnosed primarily as having bladder outlet obstruction, which resulted in inappropriate treatment in 13 and renal deterioration in 5. The remaining 15 children treated after 1975 by means of antireflux surgery alone have remained well with stable renal function and virtual elimination of residual urine. Initial therapy should be aimed at correction of the massive reflux, rather than surgical reduction of bladder capacity or relief of presumed bladder outlet obstruction.
Social Support and Actual Versus Expected Length of Stay in Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities.

Abstract Objectives To describe impairment-specific patterns in shorter- and longer-than-expected lengths of stay in inpatient rehabilitation, and examine the independent effects of social support on deviations from expected lengths of stay. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Participants Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries (N=119,437) who were discharged from inpatient rehabilitation facilities in 2012 after stroke, lower extremity fracture, or lower extremity joint replacement. Intervention Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure Relative length of stay (actual minus expected). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services posts annual expected lengths of stay based on patients' clinical profiles at admission. We created a 3-category outcome variable: short, expected, long. Our primary independent variable (social support) also included 3 categories: family/friends, paid/other, none. Results Mean ± SD actual lengths of stay for joint replacement, fracture, and stroke were 9.8±3.6, 13.8±4.5, and 15.8±7.3 days, respectively; relative lengths of stay were −1.2±3.1, −1.6±3.7, and −1.7±5.2 days. Nearly half of patients (47%–48%) were discharged more than 1 day earlier than expected in all 3 groups, whereas 14% of joint replacement, 15% of fracture, and 20% of stroke patients were discharged more than 1 day later than expected. In multinomial regression analysis, using family/friends as the reference group, paid/other support was associated ( P Conclusions Inpatient rehabilitation experiences and outcomes can be substantially affected by a patient's level of social support. More research is needed to better understand these relationships and possible unintended consequences in terms of patient access issues and provider-level quality measures.
Typed versus spoken conversations in a multi-party epistemic game

Multi-party chat is a standard feature of popular online games and is increasingly available in collaborative learning environments. This paper addresses the differences between spoken and typed conversations as high school students interacted with the epistemic game Urban Science. Coh-Metrix analyses showed that speech was associated with narrativity and cohesion whereas typed input was associated with syntactic simplicity and word concreteness. These findings suggest that the modality in group communication should be considered.
The Type Three Secretion System 2-Encoded Regulator EtrB Modulates Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli Virulence Gene Expression.

ABSTRACT Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC) is a foodborne pathogen that causes bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome throughout the world. A defining feature of EHEC pathogenesis is the formation of attaching and effacing (AE) lesions on colonic epithelial cells. Most of the genes that code for AE lesion formation, including a type three secretion system (T3SS) and effectors, are carried within a chromosomal pathogenicity island called the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE). In this study, we report that a putative regulator, which is encoded in the cryptic E. coli type three secretion system 2 (ETT2) locus and herein renamed EtrB, plays an important role in EHEC pathogenesis. The etrB gene is expressed as a monocistronic transcript, and EtrB autoregulates expression. We provide evidence that EtrB directly interacts with the ler regulatory region to activate LEE expression and promote AE lesion formation. Additionally, we mapped the EtrB regulatory circuit in EHEC to determine a global role for EtrB. EtrB is regulated by the transcription factor QseA, suggesting that these proteins comprise a regulatory circuit important for EHEC colonization of the gastrointestinal tract.
Predicting Order Variability in Inventory Decisions: A Model of Forecast Anchoring

Experimental newsvendor studies have shown that mean order quantities deviate from the normative predictions. In an effort to explain this phenomenon, a number of behavioral models have been proposed that can accurately account for this mean ordering behavior. However, an often overlooked result of newsvendor experiments is that order quantities exhibit considerable variability, despite the fact that price and cost parameters are constant. In this paper, we develop a simple behavioral model that predicts both mean order quantities and order variability. We begin by first describing our forecast anchoring model, which relies on a combination of simple decision heuristics, rather than an expected utility approach. We then fit the model by the generalized method of moments to a well-known newsvendor experimental data set. The estimated model parameters are used to generate predictions for ordering decisions in a separate external newsvendor data set, as an out-of-sample test. We find that our forecast anchoring model can predict both the mean and variability of order quantities well. Furthermore, as a robustness check, we conduct our own newsvendor experiment, which considers a unique setting with asymmetric two-point demand. We show that our model continues to fit ordering decisions well, whereas other models are not robust enough to provide an accurate fit in this setting. Across the different data sets, we also find a consistent pattern of subjects tending to anchor heavily on their demand forecast when the product profit margin is high. Overall, our study provides a new perspective for explaining and predicting order variability observed in behavioral inventory decisions. Our model predictions can help the upstream supply chain party better anticipate the order variability from the downstream buyer and thus improve profitability.
Limitations of evaluating the growth-differentiation balance hypothesis with only two levels of light and water

The growth-differentiation balance hypothesis provides a framework for predicting patterns of allocation by plants to defenses and growth in different resource environments. This hypothesis is uniq...
Defective lymphatic valve development and chylothorax in mice with a lymphatic-specific deletion of Connexin43

Lymphatic valves (LVs) are cusped luminal structures that permit the movement of lymph in only one direction and are therefore critical for proper lymphatic vessel function. Congenital valve aplasia or agenesis can, in some cases, be a direct cause of lymphatic disease. Knowledge about the molecular mechanisms operating during the development and maintenance of LVs may thus aid in the establishment of novel therapeutic approaches to treat lymphatic disorders. In this study, we examined the role of Connexin43 (Cx43), a gap junction protein expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), during valve development. Mouse embryos with a null mutation in Cx43 (Gja1) were previously shown to completely lack mesenteric LVs at embryonic day 18. However, interpreting the phenotype of Cx43-/- mice was complicated by the fact that global deletion of Cx43 causes perinatal death due to heart defects during embryogenesis. We have now generated a mouse model (Cx43∆LEC) with a lymphatic-specific ablation of Cx43 and show that the absence of Cx43 in LECs causes a delay (rather than a complete block) in LV initiation, an increase in immature valves with incomplete leaflet elongation, a reduction in the total number of valves, and altered lymphatic capillary patterning. The physiological consequences of these lymphatic changes were leaky valves, insufficient lymph transport and reflux, and a high incidence of lethal chylothorax. These results demonstrate that the expression of Cx43 is specifically required in LECs for normal development of LVs.
Social Exchange Theory: A Critical Review with Theoretical Remedies

Social exchange theory is one of the most prominent conceptual perspectives in management, as well as related fields like sociology and social psychology. An important criticism of social exchange theory; however, is that it lacks sufficient theoretical precision, and thus has limited utility. Scholars who apply social exchange theory are able to explain many social phenomena in post hoc manner but are severely limited in their ability to make useful a priori predictions regarding workplace behavior. In this review, we discuss social exchange theory as it exists today and identify four critical issues within the social exchange paradigm that warrant additional consideration. The four concerns, around which we center this review, include the following: (1) overlapping constructs that need to be more clearly distinguished; (2) insufficient appreciation to the positive or negative hedonic value of these various constructs; (3) an assumption of bipolarity, which treats negative constructs (e.g., abuse) as the absence of positive constructs (e.g., support); and, following from the prior three issues, (4) theoretically imprecise behavioral predictions. Given that these problems are inherent in the current unidimensional framework for social exchange theory, we suggest an additional dimension–activity. We explain how conceptualizing social exchange within a two-dimensional space, while giving equal consideration to both hedonic value and activity, creates new opportunities for future research.
Mycotic Aneurysm after Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Treatment: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Background. Intravesicular Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is an effective adjunctive therapy for superficial bladder cancer that has been shown to delay recurrence and progression of disease. Serious side effects are relatively rare but are difficult to diagnosis and commonly overlooked. Case Presentation. We report the case of a patient who was found to have mycotic aortic aneurysms secondary to treatment with BCG after a prolonged course with multiple intervening hospitalizations. Conclusion. Through this report, we discuss our present understanding of BCG infection following treatment and review the literature regarding this particular rare manifestation.
Trends in mortality rates by subtypes of heart disease in Mississippi, 1980-2013.

Heart disease (HD) is the leading cause of death among Mississippians. However, trends in mortality rates for HD subtypes in Mississippi have not been adequately described. This study examined trends in mortality rates for HD subtypes among adults in Mississippi from 1980 through 2013. We used Mississippi Vital Statistics data to calculate age-specific mortality rates for HD subtypes for Mississippians age 35 and older. Cases were identified via underlying cause of death codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and Tenth Revision (ICD-10). We used Joinpoint software to calculate the average annual percent change (AAPC) in mortality rates for HD subtypes by race, sex, and age group. Overall, the age-adjusted coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality rate among Mississippi adults decreased by 62.7% between 1980 and 2013, with an AAPC of −3.0% (95% CI −3.7 to −2.3), while the age-adjusted heart failure mortality rate increased by 66.7%, with an AAPC of 1.4% (95% CI 0.5 to 2.3). Trends varied across HD subtypes: Annual rates of hypertensive HD mortality increased significantly for men, for individuals age 35 to 54, and for individuals age 75 and older. CHD mortality experienced a significant annual decrease among all race, sex, and age subgroups, while heart failure increased significantly among women, whites, and individuals age 75 and older. From 1980 to 2013, CHD mortality decreased significantly while heart failure mortality increased significantly among adult Mississippians. However, HD subtype trends differed by race, sex, and age group.
Mulches: Durability, Aesthetic Value, Weed Control, and Temperature

Abstract Five organic mulches (pine bark, hardwood bark, cedar chips, longleaf pine needles, shortleaf pine needles), used alone or in combination with two inorganic mulches (black polyethylene, woven polypropylene), were evaluated over two years for weed control, durability, aesthetic value, and influence upon soil temperature. Organic mulches reduced total weed counts by 50% compared to control plots. and underlaying organic mulches with polyethylene resulted in complete control. Polypropylene, used in combination with organic mulch, was ineffective in controlling perennial weed species. Pine bark was the most durable organic mulch, requiring the least replenishment (70% initial volume) after 630 days. Durability of organic mulches increased when underlaid with polyethylene. Longleaf pine needles were rated most attractive, and underlying organic materials with either polyethylene or polypropylene enhanced appearance. Organic mulches reduced maximum daily temperatures at the soil surface by 2.2–3.3°C (4...
Children's Memory for Conversations After a 1-Year Delay

Forensic professionals frequently ask children to recount the occurrence and the content of allegation-relevant conversations during maltreatment investigations. However, little is known about children's conversation memory, especially after long delays that often characterize forensic investigations. Participants included 77 9-year-olds. When children were 8 years old, they participated in two to-be-remembered conversations: a target conversation and an initial interview regarding the target conversation. Memory for both conversations was examined 1 year later. After a year, children remembered the topic of the target conversation, but gist recall of statements was limited. Additionally, children demonstrated a yes-bias when answering yes/no questions about conversation statements. Virtually none of the children recalled participating in the initial interview. Our results suggest that after 1 year, children may remember the topic of seminal conversations, but memory for conversational statements may be sparse and unreliable. Furthermore, children may not recall engaging in peripheral conversations (such as interviews) after extended delays.
Receptor Binding Assays and Drug Discovery

Although Solomon Snyder authored hundreds of research reports and several books covering a broad range of topics in the neurosciences, he is best known by many as the person who developed neurotransmitter receptor radioligand binding assays. By demonstrating the utility of this approach for studying transmitter receptors in brain, Dr. Snyder provided the scientific community with a powerful new tool for identifying and characterizing these sites, for defining their relationship to neurological and psychiatric disorders, and their involvement in mediating the actions of psychotherapeutics. Although it was hoped the receptor binding technique could also be used as a primary screen to speed and simplify the identification of novel drug candidates, experience has taught that ligand binding is most useful for drug discovery when it is used in conjunction with functional, phenotypic assays. The incorporation of ligand binding assays into the drug discovery process played a significant role in altering the search for new therapeutics from solely an empirical undertaking to a mechanistic and hypothesis-driven enterprise. This illustrates the impact of Dr. Snyder's work, not only on neuroscience research but on the discovery, development, and characterization of drugs for treating a variety of medical conditions.
Role of halide anions in perovskite/graphene oxide photovoltaics

Smart device designs with cheap materials and simple processing methods are necessary for cost-effective and efficient solar cell manufacturing. Methylammonium lead halides (MAPbTx, T = I, Br, Cl) perovskites are promising photovoltaic materials, with high power conversion efficiency (PCE>22%). Perovskite instability, however, has been one of the major obstacles for achieving device performance. Another challenge is the uncontrolled chemistry at the interfaces of the electron/hole transporting layers that limit device function. In order to facilitate an efficient charge transport, graphene-derived nanomaterials made from graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) have replaced metal oxides and polymers. Overcoming the variation in PCE due to the presence of defects at the interfaces of GO and MAPbTx remains a challenge. Therefore, understanding the fundamental nature of defects is necessary to identify the root cause of device performance failure. In order to investigate interfacial defect modification, we utilize an in situ spectroscopy characterization approach to study chemical interactions at GO/MAPbT x interfaces. We find that halide anions of the perovskite precursors determine defect nucleation in GO, and thereby the growth mechanism. These results demonstrate the need for interface characterization to improve the reliability of perovskite photovoltaics.
Precious Metal Doped Ni–Mg/Ceria–Zirconia Catalysts for Methane Conversion to Syngas by Low Temperature Bi-reforming

Low temperature (450–600 °C) bi-reforming of methane was studied over platinum (0.16 wt%) or palladium (0.13 wt%) along with nickel (1.4 wt%) and magnesium (1.0 wt%) immobilized onto a ceria–zirconia support (termed 0.16Pt and 0.13Pd). Bi-reforming studies using a feed ratio of 3:1:2 for CH4:CO2:H2O, respectively, showed that the H2:CO ratio neared the desired ratio of 2 between 500 and 600 °C for the 0.16Pt catalyst and consistent with bi-reforming at more traditional conditions. This H2:CO ratio was desirable (near 2) compared to dry or steam reforming alone, as well as to other CH4:CO2:H2O ratios. Reaction studies showed that CH4 conversion decreased with increasing GHSV (68,000–272,000 h−1) at 500 °C and increased with increasing temperature at a GHSV of 136,000 h−1 for both catalyst systems. However, the Pt-based catalyst had more consistent H2:CO ratios between 1.9 and 2.2 (T ≥ 500 °C) compared to its Pd counterpart (H2:CO ratios of 1.6–3.0), which was linked to the increased rWGS activity and stronger CO2 adsorption. This study indicates reasonable CH4 conversions and H2:CO ratio near 2 can be achieved despite operating in this low temperature regime and may enable intensified processes for the conversion of methane to value-added products.
Displacement of diaphyseal clavicle fractures related to patient position and progressive displacement in the peri-injury period.

Background The purposes of this study were (1) to determine how supine versus upright patient position affects the measurement of diaphyseal clavicle fracture displacement, (2) to describe the incidence of progressive displacement in the peri-injury period, and (3) to investigate variables associated with the progressive displacement. Methods Between 2013 and 2015, patients aged 14 years or older presenting with a diaphyseal clavicle fracture within 7 days of injury were included (N = 50). A well-defined radiographic protocol was established. Nine patients underwent surgery after the second follow-up, and the remaining 41 patients, who did not undergo surgery, received the full complement of measures at the first, second, and third follow-up time points. The second follow-up (8-21 days after injury) and third follow-up (22-60 days after injury) had the same defined radiographic protocol as the first visit. The amount of displacement and angulation was measured in both the supine and upright positions on the initial injury radiographs and subsequent follow-up radiographs. Results Vertical translation was 2.4 mm (95% confidence interval, 1.8-3.0 mm) greater and angulation was 3.9° (95% confidence interval, 3.3°-4.6°) greater in the upright position. Progressive displacement occurred in 16 patients (32%). Older age (P = .015) and ipsilateral shoulder girdle or chest wall injury (P = .007) were significantly associated with progressive displacement. Conclusions Upright radiographs evaluate maximal displacement in diaphyseal clavicle fractures. Close follow-up of nonoperatively treated clavicle fractures is warranted. Progressive displacement was more likely in older patients and/or those who had ipsilateral shoulder girdle or chest wall injury.
SIGNALING IN CONTENT SHARING PLATFORMS

Internet-based peer-to-peer (P2P) content sharing platforms have emerged as a widespread mechanism for sharing electronic content using the Internet. A persistent problem with such platforms is the ex ante assessment of content integrity and quality. In this ongoing study, we address this understudied issue. Using a multi-method research design, we identify using a grounded theory building approach three broad classes of signaling mechanisms associated with the content, contributor, and network that users integratively use to assess the risk-benefit tradeoffs in downloading a given unit of content (e.g., a file). We propose that these signals influence users’ holistic perception of risk-benefit differential, and in turn influence the likelihood of downloading content files. We describe the status of this research-in-progress study. Our primary expected contribution is a middle-range theory of signaling that predicts how signaling mechanisms influence user behavior in such platforms.
Use of meta-analytic results to facilitate shared decision making.

Objectives: Describe and evaluate an Internet-based approach to patient decision support using mathematical models that predict the probability of successful treatment on the basis of meta-analytic summaries of the mean and standard deviation of symptom response. Design: An Internet-based decision support tool was developed to help patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) determine whether they wanted to use alpha blockers. The Internet site incorporates a meta-analytic model of the results of randomized trials of the alpha blocker terazosin. The site describes alternative treatments for BPH and potential adverse effects of alpha blockers. The site then measures patients' current symptoms and desired level of symptom reduction. In response, the site computes and displays the probability of a patient's achieving his objective by means of terazosin or placebo treatment. Setting: Self-identified BPH patients accessing the site over the Internet. Main Outcome Measures: Patients' perceptions of the usefulness of information. Results: Over a three-month period, 191 patients who were over 50 years of age and who reported that they have BPH used the decision support tool. Respondents had a mean American Urological Association (AUA) score of 18.8 and a desired drop in symptoms of 10.1 AUA points. Patients had a 40 percent chance of achieving treatment goals with terazosin and a 20 percent chance with placebo. Patients found the information useful (93 percent), and most (71 percent) believed this type of information should be discussed before prescribing medications. Conclusions: Interactive meta-analytic summary models of the effects of pharmacologic treatments can help patients determine whether a treatment offers sufficient benefits to offset its risks.
Imitation, Learning, and Communication: Central or Polarized Patterns in Collective Actions

Neoclassical models in microeconomics often describe an atomized society, in which every individual makes his or her own decision based on individual independent preference without the communication and interaction with the fellow members within the same community.[1] Therefore, static economic theory cannot explain collective behavior and changes of social trends, such as fashion, popular name brand, political middling or polarization.
Conditions of Poverty, Parent-Child Interactions, and Toddlers' Early Language Skills in Low-Income Families.

Objectives The study examined the relations between parent–child interaction in the first year of life to toddlers’ language skills at age 2 years for a sample of children reared in poverty; of specific interest was testing the Family Stress Model, which proposes that the conditions of poverty influence children’s language skills through caregiver well-being (e.g., distress, depression) and interaction dysregulation. Methods Participants were from the Kids in Columbus Study, a birth-cohort study of children born to urban families experiencing material hardship. Caregiver questionnaires were collected when the child was 4–7 months to document poverty conditions (maternal hardship, institutional resources), caregiver well-being (depression, distress), and dysregulation in parent–child interactions. The Bayley-III assessed receptive and expressive language skills when the children were 2 years. Results On average, receptive language skills were nearly 1 SD below the normative mean. Path models showed a significant effect of caregiver-child dysregulated interactions on toddlers’ language skills, and an indirect effect of maternal distress on parent–child interactions and, in turn, toddlers’ language skills. Conclusions for Practice This study confirmed the theoretical Family Stress Model as a viable representation of the effects of poverty on the language skills of toddlers reared in homes experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.
Conclusion and Future Directions

Abstract The field of vascular motion and deformation has come a long way over the past two decades, but there is much more to uncover. With ever improving medical imaging, geometric modeling, and quantification techniques, the field is ripe for fast advancement. Due to the relative lack of attention thus far, there are particularly large strides to be made in upper extremity vessels, veins, smaller blood vessels, and deformations caused by dynamic movement and active muscle contraction. In addition, while we know that some fractures can be harmful while others are not, better differentiation of clinical consequences between fracture types will enable better estimation of clinical risk and spur deliberate designs that may capitalize on device–tissue interactions. Beyond device durability, vascular dynamics can be leveraged to create cardiovascular diagnostic techniques, instigate procedural alterations that make devices and anatomy work more in harmony, and induce mechanical changes to the vasculature that improve the underlying biology.