cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tenascin cytotactin epidermal growth factor-like repeat binds epidermal growth factor receptor with low affinity

Select epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like (EGFL) repeats of human tenascin cytotactin (tenascin C) can stimulate EGF receptor (EGFR) signaling, but activation requires micromolar concentrations of soluble EGFL repeats in contrast to subnanomolar concentrations of classical growth factors such as EGF. Using in silico homology modeling techniques, we generated a structure for one such repeat, the 14th EGFL repeat (Ten14). Ten14 assumes a tight EGF-like fold with truncated loops, consistent with circular dichroism studies. We generated bound structures for Ten14 with EGFR using two different approaches, resulting in two distinctly different conformations. Normal mode analysis of both structures indicated that the binding pocket of EGFR exhibits a significantly higher mobility in Ten14–EGFR complex compared to that of the EGF–EGFR complex; we hypothesized this may be attributed to loss of key high-affinity interactions within the Ten14–EGFR complex. We proved the efficacy of our in silico models by in vitro experiments. Surface plasmon resonance measurements yielded equilibrium constant KD of 74 µM for Ten14, approximately three orders of magnitude weaker than that of EGF. In accordance with our predicted bound models, Ten14 in monomeric form does not bind EGFR with sufficient stability so as to induce degradation of receptor, or undergo EGFR-mediated internalization over either the short (20 min) or long (48 h) term. This transient interaction with the receptor on the cell surface is in marked contrast to other EGFR ligands which cause EGFR transit through, and signaling from intracellular locales in addition to cell surface signaling. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 748–758, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An ozone-low temperature interaction in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.)

SUMMARY Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings from two families differing in ozone sensitivity, were exposed to ozone and acidic precipitation in modified open-top chambers, beginning in May of 1988. Visible injury (bleached needle tips) occurred after a late-season frost in April, 1989 on newly emerging (length 5 cm) needles. After one week, needle tips turned brown and necrotic. Incidence of injury was recorded in April, May and June, 1989. Injury only occurred on trees exposed to ozone at above-ambient concentrations (1.7 and 2.5 × ambient), and was significantly greater in the ozone-sensitive family (GAKR 15-91) suggesting that this response is under some genetic control. Incidence of injury decreased with time and was more noticeable in the ozone-tolerant family (GAKR 15-23). There was no effect of acid rain, or interaction between ozone and acid rain, revealed by visible injury. In addition, experiments were conducted to determine if ozone and/or freezing temperatures enhanced electrolyte leakage. There were no differences observed in diffusate conductivity among treatments. These findings suggest that the observed injury was due to photo-oxidation induced by an ozone-low temperature interaction, and represent the first report of this type of injury in loblolly pine.
Properties of longitudinal recording process at 100 Gb/in/sup 2/ and higher areal densities

A track trimming technique on a spin-stand tester has been used to understand magnetic recording behavior at high areal densities. Bit-error-rate (BER) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were measured over a wide range of linear densities (300-750 kbpi) and trimmed-track widths (2-17 /spl mu/in) using an advanced head/media system. Monotonic degradation in BER and SNR was observed by increasing the linear density and/or reducing the trimmed-track width (TTW). These two-dimensional variations enable us to understand the necessary improvement needed for future areal densities. It also provides information about the optimal bit aspect ratio (BAR) and electronic/media noise distribution at high linear and track densities.
The Effect of a Carbon-Carbon Double Bond on Electron Beam-Generated Plasma Decomposition of Trichloroethylene and 1,1,1-Trichloroethane ~

The effect of a carbon-carbon double bond on the energy required for decomposition in an electron beam-generated plasma reactor is studied by comparing the decomposition of trichloroethylene and 1,1,1-trichloroethane. A reaction mechanism for TCE decomposition based on a chlorine radical chain reaction is presented which accounts for the formation of all of the experimentally observed reaction products. TCE decomposition is autocatalyzed by reaction products, whereas TCA decomposition is inhibited. The rate expression for the decomposition of TCE in the reactor is determined to be r=−[T](15.07[T0]−0.40+0.006{[T0]−[T]}), where [T] and [T0] are both in ppm, and r is in ppm Mrad−1. The energy expense ɛ for TCE decomposition is determined as a function of inlet concentration. For 99% decomposition of 100 ppm TCE in air, ɛ=28 eV/molecule, and ɛ=2.5 eV/molecule at 3000 ppm. This is only 2.5–5% of the amount of energy required to decompose a similar amount of TCA as reported by the authors in a previous study. By comparing the energy requirements for TCE decomposition to those for TCA decomposition, the TCE reaction chain length is determined to increase from approximately 20 at 100 ppm initial TCE concentration, to 40 at 3000 ppm.
Effect of hair color and sun sensitivity on nevus counts in white children in Colorado.

Background It has been widely reported that individuals with a light phenotype (ie, light hair color, light base skin color, and propensity to burn) have more nevi and are at greater risk for developing skin cancer. No studies have systematically investigated how phenotypic traits may interact in relation to nevus development. Objective We sought to systematically examine whether any combinations of phenotype are associated with a greater or lesser risk for nevus development in white children. Methods In the summer of 2007, 654 children were examined to determine full body nevus counts, skin color by colorimetry, and hair and eye color by comparison with charts. Interviews of parents were conducted to capture sun sensitivity, sun exposure, and sun protection practices. Results Among 9-year-old children with sun sensitivity rating type II (painful burn/light tan), those with light hair had lower nevus counts than did those with dark hair ( P value for interaction = .03). This relationship was independent of eye color, presence of freckling, sex, usual daily sun exposure, sunburn in 2004 to 2007, sun protection index, and waterside vacation sun exposure. The difference in nevus counts was further determined to be specific to small nevi ( Limitations Geographic and genetic differences in other study populations may produce different results. Conclusion The standard acceptance that dark phenotype is a marker for low melanoma risk and light phenotype a marker for high risk may need to be reevaluated. In non-Hispanic white children, dark-haired individuals who burn readily and then tan slightly are more prone to nevus development, and may therefore be a previously underrecognized high-risk group for melanoma.
Evidence for a Ligand Interaction Site at the Amino-Terminus of the Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)/PTH-related Protein Receptor from Cross-linking and Mutational Studies

Abstract Low resolution mutational studies have indicated that the amino-terminal extracellular domain of the rat parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTH-related protein (PTHrP) receptor (rP1R) interacts with the carboxyl-terminal portion of PTH-(1–34) or PTHrP-(1–36). To further define ligand-receptor interactions, we prepared a fully functional photoreactive analog of PTHrP, [Ile5,Bpa23,Tyr36]PTHrP-(1–36)-amide ([Bpa23]PTHrP, where Bpa isp-benzoyl-l-phenylalanine). Upon photolysis, radioiodinated [Bpa23]PTHrP covalently and specifically bound to the rP1R. CNBr cleavage of the broad ≈80-kDa complex yielded a radiolabeled ≈9-kDa non-glycosylated protein band that could potentially be assigned to rP1R residues 23–63, Tyr23being the presumed amino-terminus of the receptor. This assignment was confirmed using a mutant rP1R (rP1R-M63I) that yielded, upon photoligand binding and CNBr digestion, a broad protein band of ≈46 kDa, which was reduced to a sharp band of ≈20 kDa upon deglycosylation. CNBr digestion of complexes formed with two additional rP1R double mutants (rP1R-M63I/L40M and rP1R-M63I/L41M) yielded non-glycosylated protein bands that were ≈6 kDa in size, indicating that [Bpa23]PTHrP cross-links to amino acids 23–40 of the rP1R. This segment overlaps a receptor region previously identified by deletion mapping to be important for ligand binding. Alanine scanning of this region revealed two residues, Thr33 and Gln37, as being functionally involved in ligand binding. Thus, the convergence of photoaffinity cross-linking and mutational data demonstrates that the extreme amino-terminus of the rP1R participates in ligand binding.
Polarization lidar at 1.54 m and observations of plumes from aerosol generators

The ability to detect relative changes in backscatter polariza- tion from a scanning high-pulse-energy lidar system at 1.54-m wave- length is demonstrated. The new capability was tested during the dis- semination of various biological aerosol simulants and other particulate emissions at the U.S. Army's Dugway Proving Ground. Results demon- strate that the lidar is sensitive to different types of aerosols, and depar- tures from the atmospheric background depolarization ratio are consis- tent with the limited amount of information available on the degree of particle sphericity. We conclude that the polarization-sensitive coatings of the beam-steering unit mirrors are presently the largest source of error and that this error is minimized when scanning with a near-zero elevation angle. This is an encouraging result for aerosol source surveillance ap- plications, where the depolarization information may be useful in deter- mining the aerosol generation mechanism or provide an additional scalar variable for use in delineating the plume from the background. © 2007
Effects of influenza, mumps, and western equine encephalitis viruses on fetal rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

Pregnant Rhesus monkeys were infected via instillation of influenza, mumps and western equine encephalomyelitis viruses respectively into the amniotic sacs at approximately 90 days gestation to determine if fetal infections would occur. Virus was recovered from fetal tissues after seven days in 100% of the exposed animals. Thus, the viruses are capable of causing fetal infection. Rhesus monkey fetuses were inoculated with influenza, mumps and WEE viruses by the direct intracerebral route at approximately 90 days gestation to determine possible teratogenicity of the viruses. Influenza virus caused no malformations or measurable fetal effects. Mumps virus resulted in significant fetal mortality. WEE virus resulted in a 100% incidence of encephalitis and hy-drocephalus. Thus, mumps and WEE viruses are teratogens in primates and are potential teratogens of man.
Authoritarianism Online: What Can We Learn from Internet Data in Nondemocracies?

What kind of Internet data is generated in authoritarian political environments? And how can political scientists use that data to better understand the dynamics of nondemocratic regimes?
A geometric approach to determine association and coherence of the activation times of cell-cycling genes under differing experimental conditions

Differing arresting agents and protocols can be used to synchronize cells in cultures to specific phases of the cell when studying cell-cycle gene expressions. Often, data derived from individual experiments are analyzed separately, since no appropriate statistical methodology is available at the moment to analyze the data from all such experiments simultaneously. The focus of this paper is to determine the association and coherence of the relative activation times of cell-cycling genes under different experimental conditions. Using a circular--circular regression model, we define two parameters, a rotation parameter for the angular difference between cells' arresting times (phases) in two cell-cycle experiments, and an association parameter to describe the correspondence between the cycle times of maximal expression (phase angles) for a set of genes studied in two experiments. Further, we propose a procedure to assess coherence across multiple experiments, i.e. to what extent the circular ordering of the phase angles of genes is maintained across multiple experiments. Coherence of genes across experiments suggests that functionally these genes tend to respond in a stereotypically sequenced way under different experimental conditions. Our proposed methodology is illustrated by applying it to a HeLa cell-cycle gene-expression data.
Patterns of Sex Desegregation in Managerial and Professional Specialty Fields, 1950-1980

Sex desegregation in over 100 managerial and professional specialty occupations were examined during the periods 1950-1960, 1960-1970, and 1970-1980. Three patterns of desegregation were theoretically derived and empirical support for each of them was found: female entry into male fields, male entry into female occupations, and the gender-switching process in which a field is left by men and entered by women. Rapid growth was found to be associated with the first two patterns, and declines in occupational size with the last. Findings indicated that desegregation is both widespread and increasing in higher status fields. Nevertheless, desegregation rates are higher in occupations which pay men less and which are declining in size. The highest-paying fields continue to be more resistant to sex desegregation.
High Performance Quantum-Dot Lasers on Silicon - Challenges and Future Prospects

We report the growth and characteristics of high performance self-organized InGaAs/GaAs quantum dot lasers on silicon. The devices exhibit low threshold current (Jth~900 A/cm2), high output power (~150 mW), and large characteristic temperature (T0=244 K)
Compound heterozygosity for a frame shift mutation and a likely pathogenic sequence variant in the planar cell polarity—ciliogenesis gene WDPCP in a girl with polysyndactyly, coarctation of the aorta, and tongue hamartomas.

We report on a young girl with polysyndactyly, coarctation of the aorta, and tongue hamartomas. These features are similar to those reported in individuals with variant forms of orofaciodigital syndrome known as congenital heart defects, hamartomas of the tongue and polysyndactly (CHDHTP: OMIM 217085) [Orstavik et al., 1992] and orocardiodigital syndrome [Digilio et al., 1996]. Whole exome sequencing revealed that she is a compound heterozygote for a frame shift mutation and a likely pathogenic sequence variant in WDPCP, a gene that regulates planar cell polarity and ciliogenesis. Results of genotyping in her parents and unaffected siblings were consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance of the mutation and the WDPCP variant. These results suggest that disruption of planar cell polarity and ciliogenesis may result in this unusual form of orofaciodigital syndrome.
Extremely Nondegenerate 2-Photon Processes for Detection and Gain

We observe large enhancement of nondegenerate two-photon absorption compared to the degenerate case. We use this to sensitively detect and image mid-IR light with simple uncooled photodiodes. The enhancement also applies to 2-photon emission and gain.
Disability Harassment Observed by Teachers in Special Education

The occurrence and impact of disability harassment of students in special education apparently have a low priority for official policy makers and education administrators. Literature on policies of generic school bullying, one state's prohibition of pupil harassment, and a federal memorandum of school-based disability harassment are reviewed. The purpose of this preliminary study is to investigate observed occurrences of harassment of students with disabilities based on 15 specific types of harassment conduct and explore potential policy implications of such conduct. Ninety special education teachers from a large public school district reported on their direct observations of harassment of their students. The most frequently reported types that occur “many times” in rank order include epithets, slurs, mimicking, mockery, and staring. Overall, 96.7% of the participants report that they observed more than one incident of these types of school-related disability harassment conduct. Implications, study limita...
A Mosaic Genetic Screen for Drosophila Neoplastic Tumor Suppressor Genes Based on Defective Pupation

The Drosophila neoplastic tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) coordinately control cell polarity and proliferation in epithelial and neuronal tissues. While a small group of neoplastic TSG mutations have been isolated and their corresponding genes cloned, the regulatory pathways that normally prevent inappropriate growth remain unclear. Identification of additional neoplastic TSGs may provide insight into this question. We report here the design of an efficient screen for isolating neoplastic TSG mutations utilizing genetically mosaic larvae. This screen is based on a defective pupation phenotype seen when a single pair of imaginal discs is homozygous for a neoplastic TSG mutation, which suggests that continuously proliferating cells can interfere with metamorphosis. Execution of this screen on two chromosome arms led to the identification of mutations in at least seven new neoplastic TSGs. The isolation of additional loci that affect hyperplastic as well as neoplastic growth indicates the utility of this screening strategy for studying epithelial growth control.
Spanish diphthongisation and stress: a paradox resolved*

At the level of description, this study is concerned with the interaction of the rules of stress assignment in Spanish with rules governing the alternation of certain vowels with diphthongs. The descriptive discussion, in turn, relates primarily to two theoretical questions concerning the lexicon, namely, the role of null phonological segments in lexical representations and the nature of lexical diacritics that control the application of non-automatic phonological rules.
Indigenous cultural heritage preservation A review essay with ideas for the future

This literature review shows the realm of Indigenous cultural heritage preservation within libraries is an area still ripe for meaningful exploration and achievement. Yet this field is also still sensitive and potentially harmful for the cultural communities who have entrusted these institutions with their living treasures. Opportunities abound to make a difference, but they may need to evolve from changes in generational attitudes and approaches.
Scott v. Harris: Death Knell for Deadly Force Policies and Garner Jury Instructions?

In response to the kind invitation of the Syracuse Law Review, I have put together some brief comments and thoughts about the Supreme Court's recent decision in Scott v. Harris, 127 S.Ct. 1769 (2007). While many criticisms might be leveled at the opinion, this piece raises concerns about the Court's refusal to accord special consideration to the use of deadly force, and the implications such refusal may have for both deadly force policies adopted by law enforcement agencies throughout the country and deadly force jury instructions currently required or given as a matter of discretion in federal trial courts. Removing "deadly force" from a special category of force that triggers certain preconditions will encourage police agencies to rewrite policies that currently treat deadly force as different, placing clear restraints on its use. Futhermore, a one-size-fits-all use of force standard will discourage judges from exercising discretion to give "deadly force" instructions to a jury, will make such instructions unnecessary where now required, and will no doubt impact jury determinations in excessive force cases.
Capacity Variation Algorithms for Simulation Modeling and Performance Analysis

Performance as measured by the standard Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of delay, flight efficiency, on-time punctuality and predictability are directly influenced by the capacity available in the system. Capacity is increased with new technology and airport infrastructure. However, capacity also varies due to other short-term events such as weather or airport maintenance. These interdependencies complicate performance analysis by masking other effects such as changes in demand or longer term investment that improves the operation of the National Airspace System (NAS). An automated means of determining causal reasons for capacity variation is difficult and labor intensive as the causes may be site specific, due to weather events difficult to extract from traditional sources, or not recorded in a database that lends itself to automation. Simulation modeling and performance analysis that rely on ceiling and visibility will often under predict the effects of weather on capacity variation. Therefore, understanding other causal factors is a key step in determining inefficiencies that are actionable by Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) and aviation investment programs. This paper examines performance at airports determined to be most sensitive to capacity variation and determines which causal factors can be best automated by weather, demand and performance databases in use today. A set of weather rules are provided that show an improved correlation between METAR provided weather condition and Air Traffic Control (ATC) called rates than what is obtained using the more basic rules of ceiling and visibility. The paper concludes by estimating the improvements to NAS-wide simulation and performance modeling that could be realized by utilizing more detailed causal relationships of weather and capacity.
Chronic Epilepsy and Cognition

Cognition, change of memory and nonmemory functions, in 147 surgically and 102 medically treated patients with temporal lobe epilepsy was evaluated in a longitudinal study at the University of Bonn, Germany, and the University of Sheffield, UK.
Impacts of Bounding Worst-Case Thermal Environments

Thermal analyses of spacecraft and instruments in low Earth orbit tend to include environmental parameters from one of many design standards. These parameters include solar intensity, Albedo, and Earth IR intensity. These parameters have been extensively studied by Earth science missions for the past twenty years. This paper compares the measured low Earth orbit thermal environment against those standards to identify where margin is hidden within those design-to standards. This also assesses the validity of stacked worst-case environments used in thermal analyses. A thermal model for a proposed spacebased instrument is used to translate the margin on these parameters into temperature margin that is hidden in the standard environments. Finally, this work looks at the impact of the spatial variability of Albedo and Earth IR on the environments seen by a spacecraft.
Nanocomposite bismuth zinc niobate tantalate for flexible energy storage applications

The development of complex oxides that can be processed at temperatures at and below 350 °C is desirable for their integration onto polymeric substrates, enabling their use in flexible applications. Nanocomposite films consisting of a nanocrystalline fluorite related to delta-bismuth oxide in an amorphous matrix were prepared via chemical solution deposition. These solutions were batched with the composition Bi1.5Zn0.9Nb1.35Ta0.15O6.9. The nanocomposite had a relative permittivity of 50 ± 2 and dielectric losses on the order of 0.03 ± 0.01. For measurement frequencies of 1 kHz and 10 kHz, the nanocomposite demonstrated a breakdown strength of 3.8 MV/cm, and a room-temperature energy storage density of approximately 40.2 ± 1.7 J/cm3. To determine the suitability of the nanocomposite films for use in flexible applications, flexible nanocomposite films underwent repetitive compressive and tensile bending around a minimum bend diameter of 7 mm, which corresponded to a strain of 0.10%. After bending the films ...
Determination of lead in tea leaf by Microwave digestion HG-AFS

Objective:To determine lead level in tea leaf by microwave digestion-Hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry.Methods: The test samples were treated with microwave digestion.Then under hydrochloric acid medium,hydride was generated by reaction of digested samples and potassium borohydride to get atomic lead.Results: The samples were digested completely.The recovery of the method was 88%~107%,the detection limits of the instrument and the method were 0.29 μg/L and 0.15 μg/L respectively,the linear range was 0 μg/L~50 μg/L(r0.999),and the RSD was 0.97%~3.6%.Conclusion: The method had the advantages of simpleness,stability,harmlessness,high sensitivity and low detection limit,without tall order for instruments and staff,only a single-channel or dual-channel atomic fluorescence spectrometer was available.
Alternate method of source preparation for alpha spectrometry: no electrodeposition, no hydrofluoric acid

An alternate method of preparing actinide alpha counting sources was developed in place of electrodeposition or lanthanide fluoride micro-precipitation. The method uses lanthanide hydroxide micro-precipitation to avoid the use of hazardous hydrofluoric acid. It provides a quicker, simpler, and safer way of preparing actinide alpha counting sources in routine, production-type laboratories that process many samples daily.
The Linear Ubiquitin Assembly Complex Modulates Latent Membrane Protein 1 Activation of NF-κB and Interferon Regulatory Factor 7.

Recently, linear ubiquitin assembly complex (LUBAC)-mediated linear ubiquitination has come into focus due to its emerging role in activation of NF-κB in different biological contexts. However, the role of LUBAC in LMP1 signaling leading to NF-κB and interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) activation has not been investigated. We show here that RNF31, the key component of LUBAC, interacts with LMP1 and IRF7 in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed cells and that LUBAC stimulates linear ubiquitination of NEMO and IRF7. Consequently, LUBAC is required for LMP1 signaling to full activation of NF-κB but inhibits LMP1-stimulated IRF7 transcriptional activity. The protein levels of RNF31 and LMP1 are correlated in EBV-transformed cells. Knockdown of RNF31 in EBV-transformed IB4 cells by RNA interference negatively regulates the expression of the genes downstream of LMP1 signaling and results in a decrease of cell proliferation. These lines of evidence indicate that LUBAC-mediated linear ubiquitination plays crucial roles in regulating LMP1 signaling and functions. IMPORTANCE We show here that LUBAC-mediated linear ubiquitination is required for LMP1 activation of NF-κB but inhibits LMP1-mediated IRF7 activation. Our findings provide novel mechanisms underlying EBV-mediated oncogenesis and may have a broad impact on IRF7-mediated immune responses.
Abstract 82: Six-Minute Walk Test as a Prognostic Tool in Patients with Stable Coronary Heart Disease: Data from the Heart and Soul Study

Background: The prognostic value of the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) is unknown. We sought to determine the ability of the 6MWT to predict cardiovascular events in patients with stable CHD. Methods: We measured 6MWT distance and treadmill exercise capacity in 555 outpatients with stable CHD between September 2000 and December 2002. Participants were followed for an average of 6.8 years for cardiovascular events (heart failure, myocardial infarction, and death). Results: Patients in the lowest quartile of 6MWT distance (87-419 meters) experienced cardiovascular events at 4 times the rate of patients in the highest quartile (544-837 meters) (62% vs. 22%, unadjusted HR 4.26, 95%CI 2.80-6.48, p<0.0001) (see Figure). Each standard deviation (SD) decrease in 6MWT distance (104 meters) was associated with an 86% higher rate of heart failure (age-adjusted HR 1.86, 95%CI 1.51-2.30), a 47% higher rate of myocardial infarction (age-adjusted HR 1.47, 95%CI 1.15-1.89...
Depression Treatment Among Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries With Incident Cases of Cancer and Newly Diagnosed Depression

Objective:Depression treatment can improve the health outcomes of elderly cancer survivors. There is a paucity of studies on the extent to which depression is treated among elderly cancer survivors. Therefore, this study estimated the rates of depression treatment among elderly cancer survivors and identified the factors affecting depression treatment.Methods:A retrospective cohort study design was adopted, and data were obtained from the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) and Medicare database. Elderly individuals (≥ 66 years) with incident cases of breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer and newly diagnosed depression (N=1,673) were followed for six months after the depression diagnosis to identify depression treatment (antidepressants only, psychotherapy only, combined treatment with both antidepressants and psychotherapy, and no depression treatment). Chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regressions were used to analyze the factors associated with depression treatment.Results...
Cellular and Molecular Dynamics of Th17 Differentiation and its Developmental Plasticity in the Intestinal Immune Response.

After emerging from the thymus, naive CD4+ T cells circulate through secondary lymphoid tissues, including gut associated lymphoid tissue of the intestine. The activation of naive CD4 T cells by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) offering cognate antigen initiate differentiation programs that lead to the development of highly specialized T helper (Th) cell lineages. Although initially believed that developmental programing of effector T cells such as T helper 1 (Th1) or T helper 2 (Th2) resulted in irreversible commitment to a fixed fate, subsequent studies have demonstrated greater flexibility, or plasticity, in effector T cell stability than originally conceived. This is particularly so for the Th17 subset, differentiation of which is a highly dynamic process with overlapping developmental axes with inducible regulatory T cells (iTreg), T helper 22 (Th22) and T helper 1 (Th1) cells. Accordingly, intermediary stages of Th17 cells are found in various tissues, which co-express lineage-specific transcription factor(s) or cytokine(s) of developmentally related CD4 T cell subsets. A highly specialized tissue like that of the intestine, which harbors the largest immune compartment of the body, adds several layers of complexity to the intricate process of T helper differentiation. Due to constant exposure to millions of commensal microbes, and periodic exposure to pathogens, the intestinal mucosa maintains a delicate balance between regulatory and effector T cells. It is becoming increasingly clear that equilibrium between tolerogenic and inflammatory axes is maintained in the intestine by shuttling the flexible genetic programming of a developing CD4 T cell along the developmental axis of iTreg, Th17, Th22 and Th1 subsets. Currently, Th17 plasticity remains an unresolved concern in the field of clinical research as targeting Th17 cells to cure immune-mediated disease might also target its related subsets. In this review, we discuss the expanding sphere of Th17 plasticity through its shared developmental axes with related cellular subsets like Th22, Th1, and iTreg in the context of intestinal inflammation and also examine the molecular and epigenetic features of Th17 cells that mediate these overlapping developmental programs.
Serial Identification with Collective Estimation of Gross Errors and Leaks in Process Plant Measurement

Abstract In this paper we review a model for collective compensation, we present the theory of gross error equivalency and a serial identification with collective compensation method (SICC) to determine gross error in steady state data reconciliation. A comparison of this strategy with other collective estimation strategies is shown. Finally, a new method based on collective identification and collective compensation using a MILP model is presented.
Reimagining the avatar dream: modeling social identity in digital media

Explore the limits of using the computer to imagine yourself as whomever or whatever you want to be.
Vortex Sheet Strength in the Sears, Küssner, Theodorsen, and Wagner Aerodynamics Problems

The seminal aerodynamics literature provides analytic predictions of the loads due to sinusoidal gusts (Sears and von Karman), sharp-edged transverse gusts (Kussner), sinusoidal motions (Theodorsen...
VMAT2 inhibitors for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia

Abstract Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is an often disabling hyperkinetic movement disorder caused by exposure to dopamine receptor blocking agents. Although initially thought to most commonly occur with typical antipsychotics, the incidence is likely similar with atypical antipsychotics and antiemetics such as metoclopramide. Increased prescribing of these agents as well as low rates of remission have contributed to a rising prevalence of TD. Although this condition was described nearly 60 years ago, it is only within the past year that two novel therapeutic agents were FDA approved. Characterization of the VMAT2 inhibitor tetrabenazine, which was identified as a therapeutic agent for TD in older clinical trials, has yielded two distinct pharmacologic strategies to optimize response. The first strategy, used to create deutetrabenazine, employed deuterization of tetrabenazine to stabilize the pharmacokinetics and eliminate high peak plasma levels. The second strategy was the creation of a prodrug, valbenazine, for the two most active isoforms of tetrabenazine that also resulted in more stable pharmacokinetics and eliminated peak plasma levels. Both agents have been demonstrated to be effective and safe for the treatment of TD in multicenter, controlled trials and their development has led to a resurgence of interest in the characterization and treatment of this movement disorder.
Driving CARs on the uneven road of antigen heterogeneity in solid tumors

Uniform and strong expression of CD19, a cell surface antigen, on cells of B-cell lineage is unique to hematologic malignancies. Tumor-associated antigen (TAA) targets in solid tumors exhibit heterogeneity with regards to intensity and distribution, posing a challenge for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Novel CAR designs, such as dual TAA-targeted CARs, tandem CARs, and switchable CARs, in conjunction with inhibitory CARs, are being investigated as means to overcome antigen heterogeneity. In addition to heterogeneity in cancer-cell antigen expression, the key determinants for antitumor responses are CAR expression levels and affinity in T cells. Herein, we review CAR T-cell therapy clinical trials for patients with lung or pancreatic cancers, and provide detailed translational strategies to overcome antigen heterogeneity.
Evaluation of a portable in-house greywater treatment system for potential water-reuse in urban areas

This study aims at improving greywater reuse potential. An advanced physical filtration system named as GAC-MI-ME was developed to attain multi-grade effluents for versatile reuse of greywater. It ...
CHEMILUMINESCENCE IN OSCILLATORY OXIDATION REACTIONS CATALYZED BY HORSERADISH PEROXIDASE

Publisher Summary It has been found that a damped oscillation of the oxygen concentration in the solution might occur when the peroxidase catalyzed aerobic oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) takes place in an open system, where oxygen is supplied by bubbling with an N2-O2 mixture. It was found that the damped oscillation in the oxygen concentration was accompanied by a damped oscillation in the concentration of complex III, a form of the enzyme originally found as a product of the reaction between horse-radish peroxidase (HRP) and excess hydrogen peroxide. In the experiments, it was found that damped oscillations occur when dihydroxy fumaric acid (DHF) or indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is used as a donor instead of NADH. The oxidatic as well as peroxidatic reactions catalyzed by HRP are assumed to be free radical reactions. Free radicals originating from substrate have been found by electron paramagnetic resonance measurements during some HRP catalyzed oxidatic and peroxidatic reactions. The occurrence of chemiluminescence during the peroxidation of different substrates has been reported and this is taken as an indication of a free radical mechanism. In the experiments, chemiluminescence was found in different oscillatory oxidation reactions catalyzed by HRP and some new features of the behavior of complex III in such reactions were found.
Post Refrigeration Viability of Pteromalus puparum (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) Prepupae within Host Chrysalids

Pteromalus puparum (L.) prepupae within host Pieris rapae (L.) chrysalids could be stored at 10° C and 80% R. H. for periods of up to 15 months and still produce viable progenies. The mean number of P. puparum adults emerging per chrysalis was not different between four months of cold storage and the non-refrigerated control, but declined progressively with duration of cold storage thereafter.
Multidimensional national profiles for TIMSS 2007 and 2011 mathematics

Abstract National profiles in mathematics achievement were obtained from a multidimensional analysis of item response data from the Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) for 2011 and 2015 by means of IRT factor analysis. Empirical subscores were then obtained at Grade 4 Grade 8. These subscores were less correlated than TIMSS-reported subscores, and revealed previously unknown information for some countries. The empirical subscores also resulted in ranks that differed from TIMSS- reported unidimensional ranks. In general, the analysis demonstrates that educational systems are not usefully described by a single mathematics score, or in terms of traditional subscores.
Loss of adipocyte identity through synergistic repression of PPARγ by TGF-β and mechanical stress

ABSTRACT Adipocytes convert into myofibroblasts in a TGF-β-dependent mouse model of fibrosis. The molecular steps and timing underlying this conversion are poorly understood, hindering development of antifibrotic therapies. Here we used two single-cell approaches, lineage tracing and live-cell imaging of an adipocyte marker PPARγ, to track the fate of adipocytes induced to convert by TGF-β. We found that TGF-β alone was not sufficient to activate the TGF-β pathway and to induce myofibroblast conversion in cells with high PPARγ expression. However, robust conversion was observed when an additional PPARγ-inhibiting stimulus, mechanical stress applied by increasing adhesion area on a stiff matrix, was applied simultaneously with TGF-β. We show that the PPARγ downregulation in response to increased adhesion area required both fibronectin and a sufficiently stiff extracellular matrix (ECM) and was partially mediated by Rho. Our results show for the first time the order of the molecular processes driving fat tissue fibrosis and the requirement for signal convergence for the loss of adipocyte identity.
Linking long noncoding RNA to drug resistance

As we move into the era of personalized medicine, it may not be too far off that a visit to our doctor includes a number of genome-scale “seq” experiments to diagnose disease and estimate our likelihood of response to an array of possible treatments. One such experiment measures the cell’s total RNA abundance (its transcriptome) which provides a snapshot of a cellular activity or state. For decades global gene expression levels and changes in expression have been used to identify disease and drug response markers. This has been enabled by technological advances such as “whole-exome” sequencing which can home in on biomarker genes that define cellular states. These approaches were first designed to survey protein-coding gene (PCG) levels of expression and have uncovered numerous PCG biomarkers, led to advances in how drugs are screened, and generated insights into how gene pathways are misregulated in disease. Despite this progress, we are still limited in our ability to diagnose cancer subtypes or predict how an individual patient will respond to a particular therapy. This raises the question: Is there valuable information hidden in the rest of the genome outside of PCGs? Considering that PCGs represent a small fraction of the transcriptome, it seems likely that there could be other RNA genes, such as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), that could also be biomarkers of drug response. In PNAS … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: john.rinn{at}colorado.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Is faster better? Political and ethical framings of pace and space

Considering the recent ‘temporal turn’ in International Relations scholarship, this article proposes that space and time are concepts that ‘thicken’ one another in several ways, with significant implications for understanding foreign policy and world politics. In the discourse of security and governance, space–time frames work together to facilitate and legitimize certain policies, actions, and reactions, and imply distinct perspectives on ethics. Drawing on the examples of United States (US) drone use, reactions to the event that has become known as ‘Benghazi’, and fears of the global spread of disease, this study investigates how temporal and spatial framings conceptualize effective and ethical security and governance. Arguing that space–time frames take shape from the resonance of political, theoretical, and cultural texts, four frames are elaborated including ‘space–time liberations’, ‘space–time oppressions’, ‘space–time strategics’, and ‘space–time reflexivities’. The article concludes by suggesting that contradictions and tensions between the frames along with postcolonial and decolonial perspectives can be leveraged to interrogate and displace dominant notions of pace and space in the practice and study of world politics, and that this is a form of scholarly and political reflexivity.
The Mathematics of Testing with Application to Prevalence of COVID-19

We formulate three basic assumptions that should ideally guide any well-designed COVID-19 prevalence study. We provide, on the basis of these assumptions alone, a full derivation of mathematical formulas required for statistical analysis of testing data. In particular, we express the disease prevalence in a population through those for its homogeneous subpopulations. Although some of these formulas are routinely employed in prevalence studies, the study design often contravenes the assumptions upon which these formulas vitally depend. We also designed a natural prevalence estimator from the testing data and studied some of its properties. The results are equally valid for diseases other than COVID-19 as well as in non-epidemiological settings.
Towards classification of experimental Laguerre-Gaussian modes using convolutional neural networks

Automated detection of orbital angular momentum (OAM) can tremendously contribute to quantum optical experiments. We develop convolutional neural networks to identify and classify noisy images of Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) modes collected from two different experimental set ups. We investigate the classification performance measures of the predictive classification models for experimental conditions. The results demonstrate accuracy and specificity above 90% in classifying 16 LG modes for both experimental set ups. However, the F-score, sensitivity, and precision of the classification range from 57% to 92%, depending on the number of imperfections in the images obtained from the experiments. This research could enhance the application of OAM light in telecommunications, sensing, and high-resolution imaging systems.
INCLUSIVE HEALTH: MODELING COVID-19 IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES AND COMMUNITIES

Mass incarceration, commonly associated with overcrowding and inadequate health resources for incarcerated people, creates a fertile environment for the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in U.S. correctional facilities. The exact role that correctional facilities play in enhancing COVID-19 spread and enabling community re-emergence of COVID-19 is unknown. We constructed a novel stochastic model of COVID-19 transmission to estimate the impact of correctional facilities, specifically jails and state prisons, for enhancing disease transmission and enabling disease re-emergence in local communities. Using our model, we evaluated scenarios of testing and quarantining infected incarcerated people at 0.0, 0.5, and 1.0 times the rate that occurs for infected people in the local community for population sizes of 5, 10, and 20 thousand people. Our results illustrate testing and quarantining an incarcerated population of 800 would reduce the probability of a major community outbreak by 6% and also prevent between 250 to 730 incidences of COVID-19 per year, depending on local community size. These findings illustrate that managing COVID-19 in correctional facilities is essential to mitigate risks to community health, and thereby stresses the importance of improving the health standards of incarcerated people.
One Quarter of Medicare Hospitalizations in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Readmitted within Thirty Days.

Abstract Objective Thirty-day hospital readmissions in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) approach proportions in Medicare-reported conditions including heart failure (HF). We compared adjusted 30-day readmission and mortality among SLE, HF, and general Medicare to assess predictors informing readmission prevention. Methods This database study used a 20% sample of all US Medicare 2014 adult hospitalizations to compare risk of 30-day readmission and mortality among admissions with SLE, HF, and neither per discharge diagnoses (if both SLE and HF, classified as SLE). Inclusion required live discharge and ≥12 months of Medicare A/B before admission to assess baseline covariates including patient, geographic, and hospital factors. Analysis used observed and predicted probabilities, and multivariable GEE models clustered by patient to report adjusted risk ratios (ARRs) of 30-day readmission and mortality. Results SLE admissions (n=10,868) were younger, predominantly female, more likely to be Black, disabled, and have Medicaid or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Observed 30-day readmissions of 24% were identical for SLE and HF (p = 0.6), and higher than other Medicare (16%, p Conclusion Thirty-day SLE readmissions rivaled HF at 24%. Readmission prevention programs should engage young, ESRD patients with SLE and examine potential causal gaps in SLE care and transitions.
The First Vietnam War: Violence, Sovereignty, and the Fracture of the South, 1945–1956

Shawn McHale explores why the communist-led resistance in Vietnam won the anticolonial war against France (1945–54), except in the south. He shows how broad swaths of Vietnamese people were uneasily united in 1945 under the Viet Minh Resistance banner, all opposing the French attempt to reclaim control of the country. By 1947, resistance unity had shattered and Khmer-Vietnamese ethnic violence had divided the Mekong delta. From this point on, the war in the south turned into an overt civil war wrapped up in a war against France. Based on extensive archival research in four countries and in three languages, this is the first substantive English-language book focused on southern Vietnam's transition from colonialism to independence.