cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Extremely Thermophilic Caldicellulosiruptor Species Reveals Common and Unique Cellular Strategies for Plant Biomass Utilization

Microbiological, genomic and transcriptomic analyses were used to examine three species from the bacterial genus Caldicellulosiruptor with respect to their capacity to convert the carbohydrate content of lignocellulosic biomass at 70°C to simple sugars, acetate, lactate, CO2, and H2. Caldicellulosiruptor bescii, C. kronotskyensis, and C. saccharolyticus solubilized 38%, 36%, and 29% (by weight) of unpretreated switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) (5 g/liter), respectively, which was about half of the amount of crystalline cellulose (Avicel; 5 g/liter) that was solubilized under the same conditions. The lower yields with C. saccharolyticus, not appreciably greater than the thermal control for switchgrass, were unexpected, given that its genome encodes the same glycoside hydrolase 9 (GH9)-GH48 multidomain cellulase (CelA) found in the other two species. However, the genome of C. saccharolyticus lacks two other cellulases with GH48 domains, which could be responsible for its lower levels of solubilization. Transcriptomes for growth of each species comparing cellulose to switchgrass showed that many carbohydrate ABC transporters and multidomain extracellular glycoside hydrolases were differentially regulated, reflecting the heterogeneity of lignocellulose. However, significant differences in transcription levels for conserved genes among the three species were noted, indicating unexpectedly diverse regulatory strategies for deconstruction for these closely related bacteria. Genes encoding the Che-type chemotaxis system and flagellum biosynthesis were upregulated in C. kronotskyensis and C. bescii during growth on cellulose, implicating motility in substrate utilization. The results here show that capacity for plant biomass deconstruction varies across Caldicellulosiruptor species and depends in a complex way on GH genome inventory, substrate composition, and gene regulation.
A Cosmopolitan Salon‐Hostess: Friederike Brun's Revision of Schiller in Idas ästhetische Entwickelung (1824)*

Although until recently overlooked by both the Danish and German literary canons, the Danish-German poet, travelogue-writer, and salon-hostess Friederike Brun (1765–1835) was an important figure in the continental romantic movement. Known for her cosmopolitan stance and travel writing, Brun also engaged in a gendered critique of German idealist philosophy, as exemplified by her autobiography's revision of Schiller's theory of aesthetic education.
A diamond turned optical system for use in field test equipment

An optical system was needed which would project visual, near-infrared signals and 8-12- mu m target patterns into a multispectral military prime equipment. A system measurement requirement of +or-100 mu mrad is defined, which established an optical collimation requirement of 30 mu m. This collimation requirement was further divided into an error budget of 5.9 mu mrad optical fabrication tolerances, 5.6 mu mrad mechanical tolerances, and 29 mu mrad thermal chantes. The tolerance requirements became the basis for designing a rugged, low-cost optical system which is easy to assemble and align. Test results on a prototype are compared with the design specifications. >
Controlling the error in FMRI: Hypothesis testing or set estimation?

This paper describes a new methodology and associated theoretical analysis for rapid and accurate extraction of activation regions from functional MRI data. Most fMRI data analysis methods in use today adopt a hypothesis testing approach, in which the BOLD signals in individual voxels or clusters of voxels are compared to a threshold. In order to obtain statistically meaningful results, the testing must be limited to very small numbers of voxels/clusters or the threshold must be set extremely high. Furthermore, voxelization introduces partial volume effects (PVE), which present a persistent error in the localization of activity that no testing procedure can overcome. We abandon the multiple hypothesis testing approach in this paper, and instead advocate a new approach based on set estimation. Rather then attempting to control the probability of error, our method aims to control the spatial volume of the error. To do this, we view the activation regions as level sets of the statistical parametric map (SPM) under consideration. The estimation of the level sets, in the presence of noise, is then treated as a statistical inference problem. We propose a level set estimator and show that the expected volume of the error is proportional to the sidelength of a voxel. Since PVEs are unavoidable and produce errors of the same order, this is the smallest error volume achievable. Experiments demonstrate the advantages of this new theory and methodology, and the statistical reasonability of controlling the volume of the error rather than the probability of error.
Population Characteristics of Siren lacertina and Amphiuma means in North Florida

Abstract I conducted a mark-recapture study of Siren lacertina and Amphiuma means for one year at a lake in north Florida and documented average individual movement, size class distribution, seasonal activity patterns, survival rates, and density estimates. I captured Siren lacertina more frequently in winter and A. means more frequently in spring. Recapture probabilities of both species were low, whereas survival rates and density estimates (1.3 salamanders/m2 for S. lacertina, 0.28 salamanders/m2 for A. means) were high. I recorded no individual movement of over 10 m for either species. Sirens and amphiumas are large, predatory generalists that can have substantial biomass in wetlands (233 g/m2 and 44 g/m2, respectively, at this study site), and therefore can impact many other wetland species. Thus, more attention must be focused on evaluating and monitoring their populations.
Development Of SMEs In Myanmar In The Globalization Era

SMEs are of overwhelming importance to the young and growing economies of most Southeast Asian nations, but this is exceptionally the case for Myanmar. The country is rich with resources but has not managed to rid itself of post colonial mismanagement, socialist and bureaucratic tendencies. This paper evaluates the existing private sector development policy in Myanmar which can only be defined as lacking any substance, coherence and coordination. Myanmar needs to create a meaningful and comprehensive policy for the development of its private sector. This includes trade and investment liberalization and creation of infrastructure. Much can be learned from other members of ASEAN, such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, that have succeeded in similar endeavors.
Dynamics of a Rigid Body

Newton’s Principia (1687) stands among the world’s greatest scientific and intellectual achievements, and justly so, but it does not address all of the general principles of mechanics. In Newton’s book there is no theory of general dynamical systems nor of rigid bodies, and nothing on the mechanics of deformable solid and fluid continua. Newton’s theory for mass points is just insufficiently general to deliver a unifying method for their study. More than half a century of research and struggle with solutions of special problems would pass before the first of the general principles of mechanics applicable to all bodies was discovered by Euler in 1750, and thereafter.
Interaction of Streptococcus mutans Glucosyltransferases with Teichoic Acids

The Streptococcus mutans GS5 glucosyltransferase activities (both water-soluble and -insoluble glucan-synthesizing fractions) were inhibited by purified lipoteichoic acid. In vitro sucrose-dependent colonization of smooth surfaces by strain GS5 was also markedly reduced in the presence of the amphipathic molecules. The inhibition of soluble glucan synthesis by lipoteichoic acid appeared to be competitive with respect to both sucrose and primer dextran T10. These inhibitory effects were dependent on the presence of the fatty acid components of lipoteichoic acid since deacylated lipoteichoic acids did not inhibit glucosyltransferase activity. However, the deacylated molecules did interact with the enzymes since deacylated lipoteichoic acid partially protected the enzyme activity against heat inactivation and also induced the formation of high-molecular-weight enzyme complexes from the soluble glucan-synthesizing fraction. The presence of teichoic acid in high-molecular-weight aggregates of glucosyltransferase isolated from the culture fluids of strain GS5 was suggested by the detection of polyglycerophosphate in these fractions. In addition to strain GS5, two other organisms containing polyglycerophosphate teichoic acids, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus fermentum, were demonstrated to bind glucosyltransferase activity. These results are discussed relative to the potential role of teichoic acid-glucosyltransferase interactions in enzyme binding to the cell surface of S. mutans and the formation of high-molecular-weight enzyme aggregates in the culture fluids of the organism.
The Resurgence of Islamic Extremist Groups in Sub-Saharan Africa: Implications on Regional and International Security

Since the African continent emerged as the new front for extremist groups, a proliferation of groups driven by extremist Islamic ideology took shape across Sub-Saharan Africa. The policies designed to counter the threats of extremist groups through the use of force has not been effectively supported by national and international efforts to contain the socioeconomic and sociopolitical challenges confronting the poor and vulnerable communities of Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper distinctively argues that the growth of extremist groups in Sub-Saharan Africa is largely due to the defeat of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda and. dismantling of safe heavens in Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Middle East (Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Saudi Arabia), poverty, political instability and corruption and the threats to religious values and ideology. The paper examines these factors and proposes prescriptive policy measures required to contain threats of extremist groups across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Pulsed Laser Deposition of the Ni-Base Superalloy Films

Ni-base superalloy films were deposited on single-crystal (SC) Ni-base superalloy substrates from a target with the same alloy composition by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. Microstructure and growth behavior of the films deposited were investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscope. The homoepitaxial growth of the SC Ni-base superalloy film occurred at the 1123 K (850 °C) substrate temperature and 2 J/cm2 pulse energy. Films generally exhibited a strong polycrystalline characteristic as the substrate temperature and pulse energy increased. The SC film had a smooth surface. The measured root mean square roughness of the SC film surface was ~6 nm. Based on the Taguchi analysis, the substrate temperature and pulse energy were the most significant process parameters influencing the structural characteristics of the films. Also, the influence of the pulse repletion rate and deposition time was not found to be significant.
Sepsis-induced attenuation of glucagon and 8-BrcAMP modulation of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene

Sepsis is associated with alterations in hepatic gluconeogenesis. We have previously demonstrated that this change is associated with reduced expression of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) gene, despite an endogenous hormonal milieu that should favor increased expression of the gene. To further elucidate the mechanisms involved, we induced sepsis in fasted Sprague-Dawley rats via cecal ligation and single puncture, with sham-operated animals serving as controls, and we performed two sets of experiments. First, liver tissue was obtained from septic and sham-operated animals at 2, 6, 16, and 24 h after the induction of sepsis. Northern blot hybridization analysis revealed a progressive, sepsis-induced decrease in expression of PEPCK and an increase in the expression of beta-fibrinogen, an acute-phase reactant. In the second set of experiments, we tested whether this reduced expression resulted from an attenuated response to 1) glucagon and 2) 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-BrcAMP). Twenty-four hours after the induction of sepsis, the liver was isolated and perfused with either Krebs buffer with substrate only (unstimulated controls), Krebs buffer + substrate + 10(-8) M glucagon, or Krebs buffer + substrate + 10(-5) M 8-BrcAMP. In sham-operated animals, perfusion with glucagon increased PEPCK mRNA levels and activity, whereas perfusion with buffer alone did not change mRNA levels and decreased activity. Glucagon perfusion of septic livers did not change either PEPCK mRNA levels or activity. Perfusion of sham-operated animals with 8-BrcAMP increased PEPCK mRNA levels and activity, whereas perfusion with buffer alone resulted in a decrease in mRNA levels and activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Taxonomic and functional organization in metacommunity structure of stream-fish assemblages among and within river basins in Texas

Metacommunities are spatially structured communities linked by dispersal. They provide a connection between local community assembly and regional-level processes. One of the more widely used methods to address questions related to metacommunity concepts is those that characterize elements of metacommunity structure by quantifying aspects of coherence, species turnover, and boundary clumping. In this study, we used this approach to study the spatial ecology of freshwater fishes in Texas. Stream-fish assemblages in Texas provide an excellent opportunity to examine the patterns of metacommunity structure due to the number of drainages that empty directly into the Gulf of Mexico, which minimizes the likelihood of dispersal between basins while allowing for longitudinal movement within basins. We used fisheries data published by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and from the North American Water Quality Association, which consisted of 94 sampling localities distributed across 18 river basins and 11 ecoregions. To examine within-basin patterns, we focused only on the Brazos, Colorado, and Trinity rivers because of the number of sites within each of these basins. From a taxonomic standpoint, we consistently observed Clementsian patterns regardless of whether it was among or within river basins, whereas we mostly observed Gleasonian patterns from a functional perspective. Only one functional group was found at all sites in each of the three main river basins, which consisted of invertivores with an equilibrium life-history strategy. Various bioclimatic variables were significantly correlated with metacommunity structure, but these correlations differed between taxonomic and functional organization and differed depending on which river basin was considered. The results of this study support previous findings that species composition and functional traits relate to environmental gradients, but further our understanding by providing additional evidence that species sorting processes are the dominant structuring mechanisms.
Continuous Ordering Reactions in NiAl/Ni2, AlTi Dual Phase Alloys

The Cluster Variation Method is used to study metastable phase equilibrium and possible ordering reactions in the Ni2AlTi⇆;NiAl dual phase alloy system. The Cluster Variation Method was also used to model the corresponding binary alloys and the results were extrapolated to the ternary system. The occurrence of a continuous ordering reaction in the Ni-Al-Ti system is proposed and possible decomposition reactions are discussed.
Research on the Verification Method of Firing Data for Ballistic Missile

Based on the research of verification characteristics of firing data on land-based and sea-based ballistic missile,the background of firing data verification is introduced.During the process of position covering verification,the method of small-scale verification that substitutes global verification is proposed by applying the earth model and the characteristics of ballistic calculation.Furthermore,regarding the correctness and matching verification of firing data,the hardware-in-the-loop simulation system that is used to simulate flight is proposed in this paper.In the process of quick-acting verification of firing data,the typical position verification method based on the position covering verification is proposed as well.
Depositional ice nucleation on NX illite and mixtures of NX illite with organic acids

Mineral dust particles are known to be efficient ice nuclei in the atmosphere. Previous work has probed heterogeneous ice nucleation on various laboratory dust samples including Arizona Test Dust, kaolinite, montmorillonite, and illite as atmospheric dust surrogates. However, it has recently been suggested that NX illite may be a better representation of atmospheric dust. Hiranuma et al. (2015) performed a laboratory comparison for immersion ice nucleation on NX illite, but here we focus on depositional ice nucleation because of its importance in low temperature cirrus cloud formation. A Raman microscope setup was used to examine the ice-nucleating efficiency of NX illite. Organic coatings on the NX illite particles were also investigated using a mixture of 5 dicarboxylic acids (M5). The ratio of NX illite to M5 was varied from 1:10 to 100:1. It was found that NX illite efficiently nucleates ice with Sice = 1.07 ± 0.01 at −47 °C, with Sice slightly increasing at lower temperatures. In contrast, pure M5 is a poorer ice nucleus with Sice = 1.30 ± 0.02 at −40 °C, relatively independent of temperature. Further, it was found that M5 coatings on the order of several monolayers thick hindered the ice nucleating ability of NX illite. Optical images suggest that at colder temperatures ( −50 °C) subsaturated immersion ice nucleation dominates. These experiments suggest that mineral dust particles may become less active towards ice nucleation as they age in the atmosphere.
Semi-supervised Learning for Phenotyping Tasks

Supervised learning is the dominant approach to automatic electronic health records-based phenotyping, but it is expensive due to the cost of manual chart review. Semi-supervised learning takes advantage of both scarce labeled and plentiful unlabeled data. In this work, we study a family of semi-supervised learning algorithms based on Expectation Maximization (EM) in the context of several phenotyping tasks. We first experiment with the basic EM algorithm. When the modeling assumptions are violated, basic EM leads to inaccurate parameter estimation. Augmented EM attenuates this shortcoming by introducing a weighting factor that downweights the unlabeled data. Cross-validation does not always lead to the best setting of the weighting factor and other heuristic methods may be preferred. We show that accurate phenotyping models can be trained with only a few hundred labeled (and a large number of unlabeled) examples, potentially providing substantial savings in the amount of the required manual chart review.
Growth hormone-induced nuclear translocation of Stat-3 decreases with age: modulation by caloric restriction

Xu, Xiaowei, and William E. Sonntag. Growth hormone-induced nuclear translocation of Stat-3 decreases with age: modulation by caloric restriction. Am. J. Physiol. 271 (Endocrinol. Metab. 34): E903-E909, 1996.-Growth hormone-induced phosphorylation of JAK-2 kinase and the growth hormone receptor (GHR) in liver, as well as expression of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) mRNA, decrease with age and are reversed by moderate caloric restriction. In this study, basal levels of Janus-activated kinase (JAK-2), signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat-3), and mito-gen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, as well as growth hormone-induced nuclear translocation of Stat-3 and MAP kinase, were compared in hepatic tissues from B6D2 mice to assess the specific signaling pathways influenced by age and moderate caloric restriction. Although no age-related differences were observed in basal JAK-2, Stat-3, and MAP kinase in ad libitum-fed animals, levels of JAK-2 were slightly diminished in 7-mo-old calorie-restricted mice and levels were twofold greater than in ad libitum-fed mice at 36 mo (P < 0.05). In response to 4 nM growth hormone, nuclear translocation of Stat-3 was more than threefold greater in 7-mo compared with 36-mo ad libitum-fed mice (P < 0.05). The age-related decline in Stat-3 activation was not observed in moderately calorie-restricted animals. Growth hormone-induced nuclear MAP kinase was similar among all ad libitum-fed age groups. Levels were slightly higher in moderately calorie-restricted mice, but this latter effect was not significant. We conclude that growth hormone-induced activation of Stat-3 is specifically decreased with age and contributes to the age-related decline in GHR signal transduction and IGF-I gene expression. These effects are reversed by moderate caloric restriction, resulting in enhanced tissue response to growth hormone and increased IGF-I secretion.
Intrinsic Radiosensitivity and Cellular Characterization of 27 Canine Cancer Cell Lines

Canine cancer cell lines have progressively been developed, but are still underused resources for radiation biology research. Measurement of the cellular intrinsic radiosensitivity is important because understanding the difference may provide a framework for further elucidating profiles for prediction of radiation therapy response. Our studies have focused on characterizing diverse canine cancer cell lines in vitro and understanding parameters that might contribute to intrinsic radiosensitivity. First, intrinsic radiosensitivity of 27 canine cancer cell lines derived from ten tumor types was determined using a clonogenic assay. The 27 cell lines had varying radiosensitivities regardless tumor type (survival fraction at 2 Gy, SF2 = 0.19-0.93). In order to understand parameters that might contribute to intrinsic radiosensitivity, we evaluated the relationships of cellular radiosensitivity with basic cellular characteristics of the cell lines. There was no significant correlation of SF2 with S-phase fraction, doubling time, chromosome number, ploidy, or number of metacentric chromosomes, while there was a statistically significant correlation between SF2 and plating efficiency. Next, we selected the five most radiosensitive cell lines as the radiosensitive group and the five most radioresistant cell lines as the radioresistant group. Then, we evaluated known parameters for cell killing by ionizing radiation, including radiation-induced DNA double strand break (DSB) repair and apoptosis, in the radiosensitive group as compared to the radioresistant group. High levels of residual γ-H2AX foci at the sites of DSBs were present in the four out of the five radiosensitive canine cancer cell lines. Our studies suggested that substantial differences in intrinsic radiosensitivity exist in canine cancer cell lines, and radiation-induced DSB repair was related to radiosensitivity, which is consistent with previous human studies. These data may assist further investigations focusing on the detection of DSB for predicting individual response to radiation therapy for dogs, regardless of tumor type.
EEG Characteristics of Successful Burst Suppression for Refractory Status Epilepticus

Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) is often treated with continuous intravenous medications with the goal of EEG burst suppression. Standard advice is to titrate medications to at least 10-s interburst intervals; however, this has not been shown to improve outcome. We examined EEG characteristics in patients treated with IV anesthetic therapy (IVAT) for RSE to determine which EEG characteristics were associated with successful lifting of IVAT (i.e., without recurrence of status epilepticus). We screened the clinical continuous EEG database for adult patients treated with IVAT for RSE (excluding patients with anoxic injury). We measured the length of bursts and interburst intervals for each patient, calculated EEG burst suppression ratios, and graded bursts for the amount of epileptiform activity. We compared these characteristics in successful versus unsuccessful IVAT lifting attempts. We included 17 successful and 20 unsuccessful lifting attempts in 19 patients (5 used as a holdout validation set). The interburst intervals, burst suppression ratios, and length of bursts did not differentiate successful and unsuccessful lifting attempts; the amount of epileptiform activity in bursts correlated with success or failure to wean IVAT (p = 0.008). Maximum burst amplitude <125 μV had 84.6 % sensitivity and 61.1 % specificity for predicting successful lifting. The length of interburst intervals and burst suppression did not predict successful termination of RSE in this small cohort. This may suggest that EEG characteristics, rather a strict interburst interval goal, could guide IVAT for RSE.
The Role of a Nurse Practitioner in a Chronic Dialysis Unit

Nurse practitioners play a major role in promoting and maintaining the health care of many individuals. Nurse practitioners who work in a chronic dialysis unit can use their education and experience to function as case managers to provide quality and comprehensive care to these clients.
Second messenger modulation of IgG secretion from chicken lacrimal gland.

Avian tears originate from two sources: a relatively small lacrimal gland located at the lateral canthus of the eye, and a much larger Harderian gland located medial to the eyeball within the orbit. In the chicken, the Harderian gland is the dominant orbital gland1, producing a mucoid secretion2,3 that aids in corneal lubrication.
Random Models for Evaluating Efficient Büchi Universality Checking

Automata-theoretic formal verification approaches the problem of guaranteeing that a program conforms to its specification by reducing conformance to language containment. We can prove conformance by representing both programs and specifications as automata and proving that the specification contains the program. This connection to the theory of automata on infinite words motivated an extensive research program into the algorithmic theory of automata on infinite words, with a focus on algorithms that perform well in practice. The focus on practical performance is important because of the large gap between worst-case complexity and practice for many automata-theoretic algorithms. Unfortunately, there are few benchmark instances of automata in industrial verification. To overcome this challenge, Tabakov and Vardi proposed a model for generating random automata as test cases. The Tabakov-Vardi T-V model, however, is just one random model, based on a specific, rather simple model of random graphs. Other models of random graphs have been studied over the years. While the T-V model has the advantage of simplicity, it is not clear that performance analysis conducted on this model is robust, and an analogous analysis over other random models might yield different conclusions. To address this problem, we introduce three novel models of random automata, yielding automata that are richer in structure than the automata generated by the T-V model. By generating large corpora of random automata and using them to evaluate the performance of universality-checking algorithms, we show that the T-V model is a robust random model for evaluating performance of universality-checking algorithms.
Graft Selection in Multiple Ligament Injured Knee Surgery

Although the majority of orthopaedic surgeons infrequently encounter multiple ligament disruptions of the knee, they constitute a complex injury and a challenging clinical problem. The type of ligament graft selected by a surgeon for ligament reconstruction is an important determinant in the clinical management and outcome of these patients. The need to appropriately select multiple grafts while managing the individual concerns of well-informed patients necessitates a broad understanding of the variety of graft options available for knee ligament reconstruction. In this chapter, we will review the medically relevant differences among the many graft options currently utilized in knee ligament reconstruction. There is great variation among the different tissue grafts, which are commercially available to surgery centers and hospitals with regard to their origin, mechanical properties, and processing. We will also review other important aspects that pertain to allografts including information concerning the commercial procurement, regulatory parameters, and clinical safety with the goal of providing physicians with a fund of knowledge that will allow them to critically assess which ligament graft is best suited for the expectations of their patient.
pH, Lactate, and Hypoxia: Reciprocity in Regulating High-Affinity Monocarboxylate Transporter Expression in Glioblastoma

Abstract Highly malignant brain tumors harbor the aberrant propensity for aerobic glycolysis, the excessive conversion of glucose to lactic acid even in the presence of ample tissue oxygen. Lactic acid is rapidly effluxed to the tumor microenvironment via a group of plasma-membrane transporters denoted monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) to prevent "self-poisoning." One isoform, MCT2, has the highest affinity for lactate and thus should have the ability to respond to microenvironment conditions such as hypoxia, lactate, and pH to help maintain high glycolytic flux in the tumor. Yet, MCT2 is considered to not respond to hypoxia, which is counterintuitive. Its response to tumor lactate has not been reported. In this report, we experimentally identify the transcription initiation site/s for MCT2 in astrocytes (normal) and glioma (tumor). We then use a BACmid library to isolate a 4.2-kbp MCT2 promoter-exon I region and examine promoter response to glycolysis-mediated stimuli in glioma cells. Reporter analysis of nested-promoter constructs indicated response of MCT2 to hypoxia, pH, lactate, and glucose, the major physiological "players" that facilitate a tumor's growth and proliferation. Immunoblot analysis of native MCT2 expression under altered pH and hypoxia reflected the reporter data. The pH-mediated gene-regulation studies we describe are the first to record H + -based reporter studies for any mammalian system and demonstrate the exquisite response of the MCT2 gene to minute changes in tumor pH. Identical promoter usage also provides the first evidence of astrocytes harnessing the same gene regulatory regions to facilitate astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttling, a metabolic feature of normal brain.
A Critical Bibliography of Russell's Addresses and Lectures in China [corrected]

This paper is devoted to a bibliographical study of Russell’s ad­dresses and lectures in China in 1920–21. In particular, the study focuses on providing a (nearly) com­plete and correct list of original sources per­taining to them, including speaking dates and translators. There has been, historically, considerable disagreement over the details. Extensive notes discuss and aim at solutions. The study adds significantly to our knowl­edge of Russell’s speaking and teaching activities in China.
Waiting for shelter: Perspectives on a homeless shelter’s procedures

Research on homeless shelter implementation is limited. Some shelters have lengthy waitlists, which raises important questions about implications of waitlists for individuals with immediate shelter needs. This study used qualitative methods to understand the experiences of shelter seekers who were on a shelter waitlist (N = 59), including individuals who entered the shelter from the waitlist, and those removed from the shelter waitlist for procedural reasons. The average waitlist time was nearly 3 weeks, and 22.0% stayed at least one night on the street or another public place while on the waitlist. Responses to open-ended questions regarding barriers and effectiveness of the shelter referral procedures revealed 4 themes: procedural challenges, procedural benefits, benefits of the temporary stay, and communication challenges. Further research is needed to inform shelter implementation on a larger scale in accordance with current community-wide efforts to coordinate shelter services.
Characteristics associated with migration among older women and men in Rural Malawi

The older population in sub-Saharan Africa is growing rapidly, but little is known about the migration patterns of older individuals in this setting. In this article, we identify the determinants of migration for older individuals in a rural African setting. To do so, we use rare longitudinal data with information for older individuals both before and after migration. We first identify premigration factors associated with moving in the future and then identify differences in characteristics between migrants and nonmigrants after migration. In addition to basic sociodemographic information, we examine differences between migrants and nonmigrants in land ownership, number of lifetime marriages, number of living offspring, previous migration experience, household size, social and religious participation, and religious affiliation. Results show that (a) migration in older age is related to marriage, health and HIV status, household size, and religion; (b) older women who are HIV-positive are more likely to mo...
Infection with the Makona variant results in a delayed and distinct host immune response compared to previous Ebola virus variants

Zaire Ebolavirus (ZEBOV) continues to pose a significant threat to human health as highlighted by the recent epidemic that originated in West Africa and the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although the ZEBOV variant responsible for this epidemic (Makona) shares significant genetic similarity with previously identified variants (Kikwit and Mayinga), recent reports suggest slower disease progression in nonhuman primates. However, the pathogenesis caused by the new variant is not fully understood. We present the first comprehensive approach in understanding ZEBOV-Makona pathogenesis in cynomolgus macaques by measuring changes in immune cell frequencies, plasma levels of immune mediators, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) within whole blood (WB) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Our combined approach revealed a link between: 1) increased interferon-stimulated gene expression, IFNα levels, and activated plasmacytoid dendritic cells; 2) higher proinflammatory gene expression, cytokine and chemokine levels, and non-classical monocytes; 3) gene signature of leukocyte activation and increased granulocytes; and 4) decreased expression of lymphocyte related genes and lymphopenia. In addition, our data strongly indicate delayed disease progression as well as limited overlap (~30%) in host transcriptome changes following ZEBOV-Makona infection compared to ZEBOV-Kikwit. These observations provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms of ZEBOV-Makona pathogenesis.
Schwannomas of the Frontal Sinus: Cases and Review of the Literature

Background Although schwannomas are commonly found in the head and neck region, sinonasal tract involvement is extremely rare, estimated as Case Description Two patients presented with schwannomas originating in the frontal sinus with variable degrees of extension. These patients underwent resection of the tumors via an endoscopic or combined approach. The histologic diagnosis confirmed schwannoma in both cases. Conclusions Although these lesions have traditionally been approached through larger craniotomies and open procedures, we describe less invasive approaches for these rare frontal sinus schwannomas and demonstrate them as a valid alternative with minimal morbidity for patients.
Relationship between the pathology of bovine intestinal tissue and current diagnostic tests for Johne's disease.

Abstract Johne’s disease is an enteric disease caused by the intracellular pathogen Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Upon translocation from the lumen of the small intestine, mycobacteria have the ability to thwart innate defense mechanisms and persist within the macrophage in the lamina propria. In an effort to understand how the pathology of disease is reflected in current diagnostic tests, immunofluorescent (IFA) labeling was performed to quantitate macrophage and MAP numbers in the ileum of infected cattle and correlate results with common methods for diagnosis of MAP infection; including ELISA, IFN-γ assay, RT-PCR, culture of MAP, and histological classification of tissue sections. Predictive models for clinical and subclinical disease states, histopathology acid-fast (AF), MAP location, granulomatous inflammation and type classifications, as well as macrophage, MAP and macrophages with intracellular MAP IFA labeling were successfully developed. The combination of macrophage number and ELISA were the best predictors of clinical disease state, while macrophage number was the best and only significant predictor of subclinical disease state. Fecal culture and number of MAP were the best predictors of granulomatous inflammation, and of combined AF, MAP location and granuloma type, respectively. Additionally, fecal culture and tissue culture were the best predictors of numbers of macrophages and MAP, respectively, while both ELISA and tissue culture were the best predictors of number of macrophages with intracellular MAP.
Superior cervical ganglionectomy-induced lowering of intraocular pressure in rabbits: role of prostaglandins and neuropeptide Y

Abstract At 22–24 h after unilateral ganglionectomy (SX), intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly (p
Modal Parameter Uncertainty Quantification Using PCR Implementation with SMIT

The System Identification (SID) techniques for output-only systems, combined with the use of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), provide many opportunities to monitor large scale civil infrastructure. Recently, research associated with uncertainties in the measurement data has been conducted to quantify the level of noise and to improve the performance of SID methods. This paper presents the effect of measurement noise when the data is used in Eigensystem Realization Algorithm (ERA) based methods including Observer Kalman filter Identification (OKID), Natural Excitation Technique (NExT), and NExT using average scheme (NExT-AVG). Each algorithm estimates impulse response for ERA algorithm differently, which results in different noise level in terms of Physical Contribution Ratio (PCR) and affects the accuracy of identification results. In order to compare the effect of noise from each SID methods, modal parameters are estimated using the numerically simulated response from simply supported beam model and wireless sensor data from Golden Gate Bridge (GGB). All identification procedures are supported by Structural Modal Identification Toolsuite (SMIT) which provides a convenient environment to access various SID methods.
Hydrogel Nanocomposites in Biology and Medicine: Applications and Interactions

Hydrogel nanocomposites are a new class of biomaterials that have recently attracted a lot of attention for applications in medical and pharmaceutical areas. The nanocomposites may consist of various types of nanoparticles, such as clay, ceramic, metallic, or metal oxides dispersed in a hydrogel matrix. The hydrogel nanocomposites have been investigated for various biological applications including drug delivery, tissue engineering, antimicrobial materials, and thermal therapy. In particular, different techniques to control the drug release rate from the nanocomposite matrix have been highlighted. In this chapter, various tissue-engineering areas are discussed, including bone, articular cartilage, and cornea repair. Biological interactions with nanocomposites, including cell adhesion and pertinent cytotoxicity studies, are also discussed.
Transperineal Mapping Biopsy of the Prostate for Assessment of the Minimal Risk Patient

Prostate cancer is a diverse disease requiring equally diverse strategies for diagnosis and management. Were all prostate cancers in need of treatment and only one modality available, then diagnostic strategies would require only the ability to identify prostate cancer when it exists, and to do so with a reasonable degree of accuracy. In many ways, this has been the endeavor regarding the evolution of prostate biopsy techniques: the quest to improve diagnostic yield and identify every man who has a cancer and minimize the possibility of a false-negative result. Yet, it is clear that not all prostate cancer requires detection just as it is certain that radical treatment is not always necessary if cancer is discovered. Stratification of patients in regard to their risk of disease and counseling for treatment options is a critical step in disease management and largely dependent on information obtained from biopsy. It is necessary, therefore, to develop complementary tissue sampling strategies, beyond simply identifying the presence of cancer, to more accurately quantify the extent and localization of tumors.
Probabilistic Maintenance-Free Operating Period via Bayesian Filter with Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) Simulations and Subset Simulation

This paper presents a probabilistic approach via Bayesian-filter (BF) with Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations and subset simulation (SS), to determine the probabilistic maintenance-free operating period (MFOP) for probabilistic lifing assessment of aircraft fatigue critical components. State transition function representing virtual damage growth of a component and measurement function representing the SHM measurements of the component are defined. State transition function is described by a typical Paris equation for fatigue crack propagation. Measurement functions are assumed in this study, which describe the relationship between the damage features derived from SHM signals and the damage sizes. Damage tolerance (DT) and risk-based methodologies are used for fracture-based reliability assessment. Random samples for posterior joint probability density function of initial flaw size and crack growth rate are generated with information obtained through structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. Subset simulation (SS) is used in conjunction with MCMC in order to determine the small probability of failure with high efficiency. The results have shown that the MCMC-SS combined methodology is two orders of magnitude more efficient than that of MCMC alone.
Screening Characteristics for Enrichment of Individuals at Higher Risk for Transitioning to Classified SLE

ObjectiveFurther prospective study is needed to elucidate the etiology and natural history of systemic lupus erythematosus development. The clinical complexity of this heterogeneous disease makes s...
Response of Five Hydrangea Species to Foliar Salt Spray

Abstract Hydrangeas are popular seaside plants; however, other than in anecdotal reports, there are no studies measuring their relative tolerance to salt spray. We examined response of ten cultivars and one subspecies of Hydrangea representing five species to foliar-applied salt solutions to recommend selections for seaside landscapes. Objectives were to determine whether there are differences in responses to salt spray among cultivars and species, and to determine whether varying concentrations of sodium chloride differentially damaged the plants. Plants were treated with a full-strength (ion concentration approximate to seawater) salt solution, a half-strength salt solution, or a control of tap water. Plants were rated after seven once-weekly applications based on percentage necrotic leaf area, an aesthetically and physiologically important symptom of damage. Cultivars of Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata were more tolerant of full-strength salt spray than cultivars of H. paniculata, H. anomal...
Real-world effectiveness of palbociclib in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as first-line therapy in metastatic breast cancer.

e12541Background: Palbociclib in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) was approved as initial endocrine therapy for patients with HR+/HER2– metastatic/advanced breast cancer (mBC) in Februa...
Localization of a Drifting Underwater Vehicle Using a Terrain-Based Particle Filter

In this paper we present a terrain-aided particle filter to localize a freely drifting underwater vehicle. The vehicle is a bottom imaging Lagrangian float used for habitat classification, monitoring and fish abundance studies. During operation the vehicle captures down looking images at a controlled altitude above the bottom. Direct navigation information is often, but not always, recorded with an ultra short baseline (USBL) acoustic system. The presented methodology provides an alternate means for georeferencing when USBL is unavailable. The implemented particle filter utilizes a background bathymetry map and visual odometry measurements from the camera system. The particle filter is implemented using the Robot Operating System (ROS) and Orocos Bayesian Filtering Library (BFL). The Grid Map package is used to store and retrieve the bathymetryic data. Results using data collected on field deployments show the method is able to effectively utilize the terrain information and produce drift trajectories which closely match the recorded USBL data. Utilizing the method allows the float system to be deployed with minimal ship-side support while providing georeferencing that is critical to the end use of the collected images.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Pyrroloindolines as Positive Allosteric Modulators of the α1β2γ2 GABAA Receptor

γ-Aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors are key mediators of central inhibitory neurotransmission and have been implicated in several disorders of the central nervous system. Some positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of this receptor provide great therapeutic benefits to patients. However, adverse effects remain a challenge. Selective targeting of GABAA receptors could mitigate this problem. Here, we describe the synthesis and functional evaluation of a novel series of pyrroloindolines that display significant modulation of the GABAA receptor, acting as PAMs. We found that halogen incorporation at the C5 position greatly increased the PAM potency relative to the parent ligand, while substitutions at other positions generally decreased potency. Mutagenesis studies suggest that the binding site lies at the top of the transmembrane domain.
Analysis of Cell-seeded, Collagen-rich Hydrogel for Wound Healing.

Our laboratory has previously developed a novel collagen-rich hydrogel (cHG), which significantly increases the speed of wound healing in diabetic rats. Methods In this study, we examine the in vitro survival and migration of fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and adipose-derived stem cells in a novel cHG. Furthermore, we test the ability of adipose-derived stem cell-seeded cHG to support cell survival and accelerate healing in vivo. Results In vitro, cell survival within the cHG was retained for 25 days. We were unable to detect cellular migration into, out of, or through cHG. In the in vivo model, bioluminescence of stem cells seeded within the cHG in diabetic rat wounds was detected until day 10. Rate of wound closure was higher for cHG plus adipose-derived stem cells versus control from day 2 until day 16 and significant on days 6, 8, and 12 (P < 0.05). This significant difference was also observed on day 16 by histology (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions We conclude that cHG is a good candidate for delivering adipose-derived stem cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts to wounds. Future studies will determine whether the delivery of combinations of different cell lines in cHG further enhances wound healing.