cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Packaged and Free Satellite Tobacco Mosaic Virus (STMV) RNA Genomes Adopt Distinct Conformational States

The RNA genomes of viruses likely undergo multiple functionally important conformational changes during their replication cycles, changes that are poorly understood at present. We used two complementary in-solution RNA structure probing strategies (SHAPE-MaP and RING-MaP) to examine the structure of the RNA genome of satellite tobacco mosaic virus inside authentic virions and in a capsid-free state. Both RNA states feature similar three-domain architectures in which each major replicative function—translation, capsid coding, and genome synthesis—fall into distinct domains. There are, however, large conformational differences between the in-virion and capsid-free states, primarily in one arm of the central T domain. These data support a model in which the packaged capsid-bound RNA is constrained in a local high-energy conformation by the native capsid shell. The removal of the viral capsid then allows the RNA genome to relax into a more thermodynamically stable conformation. The RNA architecture of the cen...
Optimism and positive and negative feelings in parents of young children with developmental delay

Background Parents' positive and negative feelings about their young children influence both parenting behaviour and child problem behaviour. Research has not previously examined factors that contribute to positive and negative feelings in parents of young children with developmental delay (DD). Method The present study sought to examine whether optimism, a known protective factor for parents of children with DD, was predictive of positive and negative feelings for these parents. Data were collected from 119 parents of preschool-aged children with developmental delay. Two separate hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted to determine if optimism significantly predicted positive feelings and negative feelings and whether optimism moderated relations between parenting stress and parent feelings. Results Increased optimism was found to predict increased positive feelings and decreased negative feelings after controlling for child problem behaviour and parenting stress. In addition, optimism was found to moderate the relation between parenting stress and positive feelings. Conclusion Results suggest that optimism may impact how parents perceive their children with DD. Future research should examine how positive and negative feelings impact positive parenting behaviour and the trajectory of problem behaviour specifically for children with DD.
Clinical Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Technique, Indications, and Future Applications

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive imaging modality for the detection of breast cancer, and it is indicated for breast cancer screening in patients at high-risk of developing breast cancer. It is limited to this group given the high cost. In addition, breast MRI is also indicated for evaluating the extent of disease in patients with new breast cancer diagnoses, monitoring the response to neoadjuvant treatment, and evaluating implant integrity. New promising innovations in breast MRI include fast abbreviated MRI, and functional techniques including diffusion-weighted imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy are promising particularly as regards to treatment response.
Functional Expression of Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (B7-H1) by Immune Cells and Tumor Cells.

The PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1 (B7-H1) signaling pathway has been the focus of much enthusiasm in the fields of tumor immunology and oncology with recent FDA approval of the anti-PD-1 antibodies pembrolizumab and nivolumab and the anti-PD-L1 antibodies durvalumab, atezolimuab, and avelumab. These therapies, referred to here as PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint blockade therapies, are designed to block the interaction between PD-L1, expressed by tumor cells, and PD-1, expressed by tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, leading to enhanced anti-tumor CD8+ T cell responses and tumor regression. The influence of PD-L1 expressed by tumor cells on anti-tumor CD8+ T cell responses is well characterized, but the impact of PD-L1 expressed by immune cells has not been well defined for anti-tumor CD8+ T cell responses. Although PD-L1 expression by tumor cells has been used as a biomarker in selection of patients for PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint blockade therapies, patients whose tumor cells lack PD-L1 expression often respond positively to PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint blockade therapies. This suggests that PD-L1 expressed by non-malignant cells may also contribute to anti-tumor immunity. Here we review the functions of PD-L1 expressed by immune cells in the context of CD8+ T cell priming, contraction, and differentiation into memory populations, as well as the role of PD-L1 expressed by tumor cells in regulating anti-tumor CD8+ T cell responses.
Mechanisms of molecular water oxidation in solution and on oxide surfaces

Initial experiments on water oxidation by well-defined molecular catalysts were initiated with the goal of finding solutions to solar energy conversion. This account is a summary of research in this area by the T. J. Meyer research group. It begins with the design and characterization of the first catalyst, the blue Ru dimer, to current applications with surface-bound complexes on photoanodes for water oxidation in Dye Sensitized Photoelectrosynthesis Cells.
Iron reduction: a mechanism for dynamic cycling of occluded cations in tropical forest soils?

Nutrient cations can limit plant productivity in highly weathered soils, but have received much less attention than phosphorus and nitrogen. The reduction of iron (Fe) in anaerobic microsites of surface soils can solubilize organic matter and P sorbed or occluded with short-range-ordered (SRO) Fe phases. This mechanism might also release occluded cations. In the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico, we measured cation release during anaerobic laboratory incubations, and assessed patterns of cation availability in surface soils spanning ridge-slope-valley catenas. During anaerobic incubations, potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) significantly increased with reduced Fe (Fe(II)) in both water and 0.5 M HCl extractions, but did not change during aerobic incubations. In the field, 0.5 M HCl-extractable Fe(II) and Fe(III) were the strongest predictors of K, Mg, and Ca on ridges (R2 0.57–0.75). Here, both Ca and Mg decreased with Fe(III), while K, Ca, and Mg increased with Fe(II), consistent with release of Fe-occluded cations following Fe reduction. Manganese in ridge soils was extremely low, consistent with leaching following reductive dissolution of Mn(IV). On slopes, soil C was the strongest cation predictor, consistent with the importance of organic matter for cation exchange in these highly weathered Oxisols. In riparian valleys, cation concentrations were up to 16-fold greater than in other topographic positions but were weakly or unrelated to measured predictors, potentially reflecting cation-rich groundwater. Predictors of cation availability varied with topography, but were consistent with the potential importance of microsite Fe reduction in liberating occluded cations, particularly in the highly productive ridges. This mechanism may explain discrepancies among indices of “available” soil cations and plant cation uptake observed in other tropical forests.
Teaching Neuro Images : Artery of Percheron thrombosis causing selective downgaze palsy

A 47-year-old man with migraines presented with sudden onset of vertical diplopia, dysarthria, right facial weakness, and downgaze palsy (figure 1). Brain MRI revealed ischemic strokes in the midbrain periaqueductal gray, bilateral thalamic–midbrain junction, and thalamus (figure 2, A–C). Gradient echo and T1 MRI showed hypointensity in the interpeduncular fossa (figure 2, D and E). No flow could be visualized in this structure on CT angiogram or catheter angiogram, demonstrating a thrombosed artery of Percheron (figure 2, F–H). Downgaze palsy, which improved 18 months later, may result from bilateral lesions of the mesencephalic–diencephalic junction involving the rostral interstitial nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus.1,2
Predicting mayfly recovery in acid mine-impaired streams using logistic regression models of in-stream habitat and water chemistry.

Mayflies (Order Ephemeroptera) require high quality water and habitat in streams to thrive, so their appearance after restoration is an indicator of ecological recovery. To better understand the importance of restoring in-stream habitat versus water chemistry for macroinvertebrate communities, we developed taxon-specific models of occurrence for five mayfly genera (Caenis, Isonychia, Stenonema, Stenacron, and Baetis) inhabiting streams in the Appalachian Mountains, USA. Presence/absence records from past decades were used to develop single and multiple logistic predictive models based on catchment characteristics (drainage area, gradient), in-stream habitat variables (e.g., substrate, channel morphology, pool and riffle quality), and water chemistry. Model performance was evaluated using (a) classification rates and Hosmer-Lemeshow values for test sets of data withheld from the original model-building dataset and (b) a field comparison of predicted versus observed mayfly occurrences at 53 sites in acid mine drainage-impaired watersheds in 2012. The classification accuracies of final models for Caenis, Stenacron, and Baetis ranged from 50 to 75%. In-stream habitat features were not significant predictor variables for these three taxa, only water chemistry. Models for Isonychia and Stenonema had higher classification rates (81%) and included both habitat and chemical variables. However, actual occurrences of Isonychia and Stenonema at study sites in 2012 were low, consistent with the calculated probability of occurrence (Po) 0.40. Stenacron showed the greatest consistency of actual versus predicted occurrences, occurring at 56% of sites when the Po (based on pH and conductivity) was > 0.50 and only at 1 site when Po < 0.5. The results demonstrate how predictive models of individual indicator taxa could be valuable for evaluating the relative impacts of restoring physical habitat versus water chemistry during stream remediation.
Antimicrobial Peptides in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Antimicrobial peptides are one of the most ancient forms of host defense in nature. In the mammalian intestine, clear and compelling evidence supports that antimicrobial peptides play two fundamental roles: protection from enteric pathogens and shaping the composition of the colonizing microbiota. These functions likely hold relevance to host–microbe interactions that underlie inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis. Epithelial cells of the human intestine express a collection of antimicrobial peptides that have overlapping and complementary activities. These peptides have substantial influence on the intestinal microbiota. Prevailing theories on the pathogenesis of IBD invoke a role for the detrimental effects of intestinal microbes in the initiation and/or propagation of mucosal inflammation. The most abundant antimicrobial peptides in the human intestine are α(alpha)-defensin peptides, most notably human defensin (HD)-5 and HD6. Other abundant polypeptides, which are larger in size but with fundamentally similar physiological roles, are lysozyme, secretory phospholipase A2, and the C-type lectin RegIIIα(alpha). Specialized epithelial cells named Paneth cells produce and secrete vast quantities of these various antimicrobial peptides. Evidence supports that reduced Paneth cell α(alpha)-defensin expression may be a key factor in the pathogenesis of ileal Crohn’s disease, a subgroup of IBD. Furthermore, several susceptibility genes for IBD may manifest their effects, in part, through compromise of Paneth cell antimicrobial peptide production or function. For example, the microbial sensor NOD-2, the autophagy protein ATG16L1, the endoplasmic reticulum stress responder XBP-1, the calcium-dependent potassium channel KCa3.1 and the transcription factor TCF4 are all important in Paneth cell function. While not proven, it is likely that the Paneth cell dysfunction, which may result from variants in genes encoding these or other Paneth cell proteins, may substantially contribute to IBD pathogenesis.
THE INFLUENCE OF GENDER, SELF-IDENTITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL TENURE ON ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY ORIENTATION

This study develops a completely new measure of environmental sustainability orientation (ESO) to examine the impact that gender, organizational identity and organizational tenure have on the susta...
Anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of chamomile extract in various human cancer cells

4207 Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), one of the most popular herbs, known for centuries for its medicinal values is consumed in the form of tea equivalent to over one million cups per day. Aqueous standardized extract of chamomile contains ~1.2% apigenin and 0.5% essential oils. Chamomile has been valued as a relaxant for digestion and nerves and frequently used as a mild sedative to calm nerves and reduce anxiety. It has many reported medicinal uses against skin irritation, inflammation, sore gums and general wound healing.Other proven actions of the herb include anti-ulcer, anti-bacterial, liver stimulation and anti-mycotic effects. Apart from its broad spectrum medicinal use, the anticancer properties of chamomile have not been evaluated. Here we assessed the anticancer properties of chamomile against various human cancer cell lines. Dry flower powder (~ 1 g) was subjected to aqueous and methanolic extraction, freeze dried, sterilized and used for cell culture. Exposure of cells with methanolic chamomile extract caused minimal growth inhibitory responses in normal human prostate epithelial cells (PrEC) and virally transformed normal human prostate epithelial cells (PZ-HPV-7). In sharp contrast, chamomile treatment resulted in significant decrease in cell viability in various human cancer cell lines. The IC50 values after 72 h chamomile exposure to human prostate cancer cells, LNCaP, DU145 and PC-3 ranged between 100-200 μg/mL. The IC50 values for aqueous chamomile extract ranged from 1500-3000 μg/mL. Similar growth inhibitory responses were observed in other human cancer cell lines viz. HeLa (cervical adenocarcinma), RKO (colon carcinoma), T-47D (breast carcinoma), and HT1080 (fibrosarcoma) after chamomile treatment. Chamomile exposure resulted in significant apoptosis in all prostate cancer cell lines as evident from (i) DNA fragmentation, (ii) fluorescence microscopy, and (iii) cell death detection ELISA. Further, pure apigenin and its analogues viz. apigenin-7-glucoside, apigenin-7-O-neohespiridoside and apiin were evaluated for their anti-proliferative properties in cancer cells. Amongst the agents tested, apigenin was most effective in inhibiting prostate cancer cell growth (IC50 at 24 h, 12-50 μg/mL) followed by apigenin-7-glucoside (IC50 at 24 h, 125-150 μg/mL), whereas apigenin-7-O-neohespiridoside and apiin exhibited weak responses in cancer cells. HPLC analysis of aqueous and methanolic chamomile extract confirmed apigenin-7-glucoside as the major constituents of chamomile, whereas some minor components were also observed. This study represents the first observation demonstrating the anticancer effects of chamomile and warrants detailed investigation on its mechanism of action to translate this herbal remedy for its use in cancer patients. (Grant support: USPHS grants NCCAM RO1 AT002709 and NIH RO1CA1085)
Further advances in non-medical prescribing: paramedic prescribing

Changes to the Human Medicines Regulations, allowing paramedics to independently prescribe, marks a pivotal step in the progression of the profession. Here, David Rovardi discusses the implications...
Evaluation of a Multifaceted Intervention to Reduce Health Disparities in Hepatitis C Screening: A Pre‐Post Analysis

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing in persons born from 1945 to 1965 has had limited adoption despite guidelines, particularly among racial/ethnic minorities and socioeconomically disadvantaged patients, who have a higher prevalence of disease burden. We examined the effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention to improve HCV screening in a large safety-net health system. We performed a multifaceted intervention that included provider and patient education, an electronic medical record-enabled best practice alert, and increased HCV treatment capacity. We characterized HCV screening completion before and after the intervention. To identify correlates of HCV screening, we performed logistic regression for the preintervention and postintervention groups and used a generalized linear mixed model for patients observed in both preintervention and postintervention time frames. Before the intervention, 10.1% of 48,755 eligible baby boomer patients were screened. After the intervention, 34.6% of the 34,093 eligible baby boomers were screened (P < 0.0001). Prior to the intervention, HCV screening was lower among older baby boomers and providers with large patient panels and higher in high-risk subgroups including those with signs of liver disease (e.g., elevated transaminases, thrombocytopenia), human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients, and homeless patients. Postintervention, we observed increased screening uptake in older baby boomers, providers with larger patient panel size, and patients with more than one prior primary care appointment. Conclusion: Our multifaceted intervention significantly increased HCV screening, particularly among older patients, those engaged in primary care, and providers with large patient panels.
pH-responsive nano-vaccines as antigen and adjuvant carrier that improve vaccine immunogenicity

Abstract Here, we report a novel method to establish an effective antigen and immunoagonist co-vector to solve the problems of low antigenic endocytosis efficiency, low immunological activity and easy degradation of antigen by antigen presenting cells. Mesoporous silica was selected as the nucleus. After loading the model antigen chicken egg albumin (OVA), the metal organic framework (MOF) formed by Eu 3+ and guanine mononucleotide (GMP) was coated on the mesoporous silicon surface. The immunostimulant CpG nucleic acid is adsorbed on the surface to construct a co-carrier system of pH-sensitive antigen and immunostimulant. The antigen loading rate of mesoporous silicon was 20%, and the protein release amount reached 55% after incubation for 24 h under acidic conditions. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the conjugated polymer was uniformly coated on the surface of the material; It was found that the adsorption capacity of the carrier for CpG nucleic acid was 8 ×10−6 mol per gram of carrier−adsorbing nucleic acid; MTT results showed that the vector had low toxicity.
Cultural Barriers to Environmental Mobilization in the Republic of Turkey

The Republic of Turkey provides an opportunity to examine how aspects of national culture can foster sentiments contrary to environmental mobilization. Two deeply rooted cultural values embedded at...
Extracting Voxel-Based Cartilage Relaxometry Features in Hip Osteoarthritis Subjects Using Principal Component Analysis.

BACKGROUND MRI-based relaxation time measurements provide quantitative assessment of cartilage biochemistry. Identifying distinctive relaxometry features in hip osteoarthritis (OA) might provide important information on regional disease variability. PURPOSE First, to incorporate fully automatic voxel-based relaxometry (VBR) with principal component analysis (PCA) to extract distinctive relaxometry features in subjects with radiographic hip OA and nondiseased controls. Second, to use the identified features to further distinguish subjects with cartilage compositional abnormalities. STUDY TYPE Cross-sectional. SUBJECTS Thirty-three subjects with radiographic hip OA (20 males; age, 50.2 ± 13.3 years) and 55 controls participated (28 males; 41.3 ± 12.0 years). SEQUENCE A 3.0T scanner using 3D SPGR, combined T1ρ /T2 , and fast spin echo sequences. ASSESSMENT Pelvic radiographs, patients' self-reported symptoms, physical function, and cartilage morphology were analyzed. Cartilage relaxation times were quantified using traditional regions of interest and VBR approaches. PCA was performed on VBR data to identify distinctive relaxometry features, and were subsequently used to identify a subgroup of subjects from the controls that exhibited compositional abnormalities. STATISTICAL TESTS Chi-square and independent t-tests were used to compare group characteristics. Logistic regression models were used to identify the possible principal components (PCs) that were able to predict OA vs. control classification. RESULTS In T1ρ assessment, OA subjects demonstrated higher T1ρ values in the posterior hip region and deep cartilage layer when compared with controls (P = 0.012 and 0.001, respectively). In T2 assessment, OA subjects exhibited higher T2 values in the posterior hip region (P < 0.001). Based on the PC score classification, 16 subjects without radiographic evidence of OA demonstrated relaxometry patterns similar to OA subjects, and exhibited worse physical function (P = 0.003) and cartilage lesions (P = 0.009-0.032) when compared with the remaining controls. DATA CONCLUSION The study identified distinctive cartilage relaxometry features that were able to discriminate subjects with and without radiographic hip OA effectively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 Technical Efficacy Stage: 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1708-1719.
Epithelial cell function and remodeling in nasal polyposis.

Abstract Objective To review the latest discoveries on airway epithelial cell diversity and remodeling in type 2 inflammation, including nasal polyposis. Data Sources Reviews and primary research manuscripts were identified from PubMed, Google, and Bioarchives, using the search words airway epithelium, nasal polyposis, or chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis AND basal cell, ciliated cell, secretory cell, goblet cell, neuroendocrine cell, pulmonary neuroendocrine cell, ionocyte, brush cell, solitary chemosensory cell, microvillus cell, or tuft cell. Study Selections Studies were selected based on novelty and likely relevance to airway epithelial innate immune functions or the pathobiology of type 2 inflammation. Results Airway epithelial cells are more diverse than previously appreciated, with specialized subsets, including ionocytes, solitary chemosensory cells, and neuroendocrine cells that contribute to important innate immune functions. In chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, the composition of the epithelium is significantly altered. Loss of ciliated cells and submucosal glands and an increase in basal airway epithelial progenitors leads to loss of innate immune functions and an expansion of proinflammatory potential. Type 2 cytokines play a major role in driving this process. Conclusion Airway epithelial remodeling in chronic rhinosinusitis is extensive, leading to loss of innate immune function and enhanced proinflammatory potential. The mechanisms driving airway remodeling and its sequelae deserve further attention before restitution of epithelial differentiation can be considered a reasonable therapeutic target.
Meta-Analysis of Usefulness of Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia With Statins for Primary Prevention in Patients Older Than 75 Years.

Clinical guidelines from the United States and Europe do not recommend treatment with statins for primary prevention in patients with hypercholesterolemia who are older than 75 years. Data from 35 randomized controlled trials in this age group where statin therapy for primary prevention was compared with placebo or usual care were analyzed. Using all-cause death as the outcome, we performed 2 types of analyses: frequentist and Bayesian. Frequentist analysis indicated no significant difference in mortality between cases (on statins) and controls (on placebo or usual care, p = 0.16). However, in the Bayesian analysis, patients >75 years had lower mortality from treatment with statins (p = 0.03). In conclusion, Bayesian analysis indicates a definite, statistically significant and clinically relevant benefit of statin treatment for primary prevention in patients >75 years of age.
Performance characterization of the Radionuclide Aerosol Sampler/Analyzer air sampler during a high-activity release event

Abstract The performance of the Radionuclide Aerosol Sampler/Analyzer (RASA) under high-activity conditions has been evaluated to maintain and protect the operations of International Monitoring System (IMS) radionuclide stations. Station measurements following the Fukushima Daichi accident of 11 March 2011 have been combined with laboratory measurements to understand how the quality of the measurements made using the RASA High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma-spectrometer are impacted by increased sample activity and detector dead-time. Detector saturation has been identified to occur at a count rate of 175,000 counts s−1, at which level there are significant impacts to the sample live-time and detector resolution in addition to a system contamination risk. To safeguard against these effects, a dead-time limit of 16.6% is proposed that could be maintained by monitoring the activity collecting on the filter using a Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) detector installed into the particulate collection area of the RASA. This limit would ensure that the IMS technical specifications for measurement time (> 20 h) and detector resolution (2.5 keV at 1332 keV) are met. The CZT would dynamically control the RASA air flow to limit the collection of particulate activity beneath the HPGe dead-time threshold and would also provide measurements useful for CTBT verification purposes and dose assessments.
'Remediation of pre-clerkship clinical skill performance using a hybrid coaching model'.

We reviewed the effect of a hybrid remediation model combining co-regulated learning and deliberate practice on future exam performance of pre-clerkship medical students who had been unsuccessful o...
Clinical impact and predictors of troponin elevation in patients with COVID-19

Abstract Background Cardiac involvement in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known, manifested by troponin elevation. Studies in the initial phase of the pandemic demonstrated that these patients tended to have a worse prognosis than patients without myocardial injury . We sought to evaluate the clinical impact of significant troponin elevation in COVID-19-positive patients, along with predictors of poor outcomes, over the span of the pandemic to date. Methods We analyzed COVID-19-positive patients who presented to the MedStar Health system (11 hospitals in Washington, DC, and Maryland) during the pandemic (March 1–June 30, 2020). We compared clinical course and outcomes based on the presence of troponin elevation and identified predictors of mortality. Results The cohort included 2716 COVID-19-positive admitted patients for whom troponin was drawn. Of these patients, 250 had troponin elevation (≥1.0 ng/mL). In the troponin-elevation arm, the minimum troponin level was 1.9 ± 8.82 ng/mL; maximum elevation was 10.23 ± 31.07 ng/mL. The cohort's mean age was 68.0 ± 15.0 years; 52.8% were men. Most (68.5%) COVID-19-positive patients with troponin elevation were African American. Patients with troponin elevation tended to be older, with more co-morbidities, and most required mechanical ventilation . In-hospital mortality was significantly higher (48.4%) in COVID-19-positive patients with concomitant troponin elevation than without troponin elevation (12.2%; p Conclusion COVID-19 patients with troponin elevation are at higher risk for mechanical ventilation and mortality. Efforts should focus on early recognition, evaluation, and intensifying care of these patients.
Association of optical cataract indices with cataract severity and visual function.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between subjective and optical measurements used during cataract evaluation, including the iTrace Dysfunctional Lens Index (DLI), the HD Analyzer Objective Scatter Index (OSI), Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III), Visual Function-14 Questionnaire (VF-14), and the Pelli-Robson Contrast Sensitivity Chart (PRCSC). Methods Seventy eyes from 70 patients were enrolled, including all stages of age-related nuclear cataracts. The LOCS III-NO with a cutoff of 3.2 was chosen to divide the population into two groups. Eyes with corneal or retinal pathology were excluded. All patients were evaluated with the iTrace's DLI, HD Analyzer's OSI, LOCS III, VF-14, and the PRCSC during each follow-up visit. Correlation analyses were performed using Stata software, version 14.0, StataCorp. Results The LOCS III-NO, DLI, OSI, and VF-14 questionnaire each correlated moderately with the BCVA with a Spearman rho value of 0.37, - 0.45, 0.40, and - 0.35, respectively. The DLI correlated moderately with LOCS III-NO with a rho value of - 0.37 and with the VF-14 questionnaire with a rho value of 0.35. The OSI correlated with both the contrast sensitivity and DLI with a rho value of - 0.35 and - 0.55, respectively. Conclusions The DLI correlated with cataract symptoms (measured by the VF-14 questionnaire) in addition to BCVA. The OSI correlated moderately with contrast sensitivity and BCVA. The highest correlation was between DLI and OSI.
Reward Machines for Vision-Based Robotic Manipulation

Deep Q learning (DQN) has enabled robot agents to accomplish vision based tasks that seemed out of reach. Despite recent success stories, there are still several sources of computational complexity that challenge the performance of DQN. We place the focus on vision manipulation tasks, where the correct action selection is often predicated on a small number of pixels. We observe that in some of these tasks DQN does not converge to the optimal Q function, and their values do not separate well optimal and suboptimal actions. In consequence, the policies obtained with DQN tend to be brittle and manifest a low success rate, especially in long horizon tasks. In this work we show the benefits of Reward Machines (RMs) for Deep Q learning (DQRM) in vision based robot manipulation tasks. Reward machines decompose the task at an abstract level, inform the agent about their current stage along task completion, and guide them via dense rewards. We show that RMs help DQN learn the optimal Q values in each abstract state. Their policies are more robust, manifest higher success rate, and are learned with fewer training steps compared with DQN. The benefits of RMs are more evident in long-horizon tasks, where we show that DQRM is able to learn good-quality policies with six times times fewer training steps than DQN, even when this is equipped with dense reward shaping.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Mental Health in Girls With and Without Fragile X Syndrome.

Objective Children and adolescents, who have less developed coping skills, are affected by natural disasters and other traumatic events differently than adults. Emotional and behavioral effects are particularly pronounced during a pandemic-related disaster, when support networks that typically promote healthy coping, such as friends, teachers, and family members, may be less available. Children and adolescents with fragile X syndrome (FXS), who are at increased risk for developing anxiety and depression, may be particularly vulnerable to behavioral or emotional difficulties during a pandemic. This study examined the mental health outcomes of school-aged girls with FXS during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated stay-at-home orders. Methods Participants included 47 school-aged girls with FXS and 33 age- and developmentally matched comparison girls. Associations between COVID-19 behavioral and emotional outcomes and prior academic, adaptive, behavioral, and emotional functioning as well as prior maternal mental health and characteristics of the mother-child relationship were examined. Qualitative data from the parental report of emotional and behavioral responses to the pandemic were also obtained. Results Results indicate that school-aged girls with FXS demonstrate a distinct profile of COVID-19 related associations compared to the comparison group, such that pandemic-related worries and emotional impact of pandemic restrictions were predicted by prior mental health factors for the comparison group but by prior social, behavioral, and relational factors for the FXS group. Conclusions Findings provide insight into factors that may confer risk or resilience for youth with special needs, suggesting potential therapeutic targets and informing public health initiatives in response to the pandemic.
The Deadly Paradox of Capital Jurors

We examine support for the death penalty among a unique group of respondents: one hundred and eighty-seven citizens who actually served as jurors on capital trials in South Carolina. Capital jurors support the death penalty as much as, if not more than, members of the general public. Yet capital jurors, like poll respondents, harbor doubts about the penalty's fairness. Moreover, jurors?black jurors and Southern Baptists in particular?are ready to abandon their support for the death penalty when the alternative to death is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, especially when combined with a requirement of restitution. Support for the death penalty therefore exists side by side with doubts about its fairness and a distinct preference for some alternative to it. What explains this deadly paradox? We suggest that the paradox arises where democratic politics fails to make life imprisonment without parole one of the alternatives to death, or where public education fails to inform or persuade jurors that capital defendants sentenced to life imprisonment will really remain in prison for the rest of their lives.
Fatty acid composition of serum and tissue lipids in benign and malignant gynecologic disease

Abstract Lipid composition of serum and of tissue was analyzed following the histologic confirmation of benign gynecologic disease and of gynecologic malignancy in the uterine cervix, the uterine corpus, and the ovary. Short-chain fatty acids made up 30 per cent of the fatty acids found in normal tissues while malignant tissue contained only 2 per cent of such fatty acids. On the other hand, a progressive rise in long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids occurred in malignant tissue as compared to benign gynecologic tumors and normal tissue.
Organization, Management, and Improvement of Manufacturing Systems

Major large-scale projects to meet architectural, marine, defense, societal, and funereal purposes (harbors, fortifications, aqueducts, and memorial structures) involved substantial mobilization of resources and possibly the use of slaves captured in wars. Smaller artifacts were made by single artisans or by small groups working collectively; agricultural production was also relatively small scale and primarily for local markets. The manufacturing system provides concept implementation from design through realization of a product and completion of the life cycle to satisfy the customer and society. There are two main motivations for workforce reduction, the initial one being cost reduction and the other being productivity improvements. The growth of information technology (IT) has accelerated a shift from the simple exchange of cash for products or services to entire manufacturing or commercial systems that market solutions enabling customer success, provide experiences, and build continuing relationships. Keywords: information technology (IT); large-scale projects; manufacturing system; productivity improvements; workforce reduction
Effect of Actinomyces pyogenes and gram-negative anaerobic bacteria on the development of bovine pyometra.

Fifteen lactating Holstein cows were used in a trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of intrauterine inoculation (challenge) of Actinomyces pyogenes (A) alone or in combination with Fusobacterium necrophorum (F) and Bacteroides melaninogenicus (B) to induce pyometra. Cows were assigned to one of five groups: A (n = 3), AB (n = 3), AF (n = 3), ABF (n = 3) or C (control, broth medium alone; n = 3). All cows exhibited estrus 12 or 13 d prior to challenge (Day 0=first day of challenge). During the prechallenge period, the reproductive tract of each cow was palpated per rectum and uterine fluid aspirates for culture and uterine biopsies were also obtained. All cows received an intravenous injection of 5,000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; Day 5) and an intrauterine infusion of 40 ml of 0.7% iodine solution (Day 1). Cows were then inoculated on Days 0, 1 and 2 of the experiment. Sequential palpations of the reproductive tracts, samples of uterine fluid for culture and uterine biopsies were performed for a total of 30 d after the first inoculation. A cow was diagnosed as having pyometra when purulent uterine fluid and a corpus luteum were detected by palpation per rectum. The number of cows that developed pyometra in Group A was 2 of 3, in Group AB 3 of 3, in Group AF 3 of 3, in Group ABF 3 of 3 and in Group C 0 of 3. Cows with pyometra did not exhibit estrus. In 7 of 11 cows, pyometra persisted for more than 21 d. In cows that developed pyometra, the same species of bacteria infused into the uterus were usually recovered one or more times during the postchallenge period. When clinical pyometra was diagnosed, histologic endometritis was invariably present. Histologic endometritis and concurrent isolation of A . pyogenes alone or A . pyogenes with gram-negative anaerobic bacteria occurred in 91.7% of samples during the postchallenge period. Regardless of bacterial treatment, gram-negative anaerobic bacteria were frequently isolated with A . pyogenes during this period.
Procedure and Analysis of a Useful Method in Determining Mycelial Dry Weights from Agar Plates

The evaluation of growth by dry weight determination of fungus mycelium for agar plates was examined. The data obtained were statistically analyzed. This method was shown to be sufficiently accurate to be used as an investigative tool.
Estimation of the 24 Hour Exchangeable Calcium Pool in Children Using 48Ca

Stable 48Ca is now produced in enrichments sufficiently high in relation of its low natural abundance to permit its use as a non-radioactive tracer in dilution studies of calcium metabolism. Changes in the abundance of 48Ca may be determined precisely by either mass spectrometry or neutron activation analysis.
A bioinformatics expert system linking functional data to anatomical outcomes in limb regeneration.

Amphibians and molting arthropods have the remarkable capacity to regenerate amputated limbs, as described by an extensive literature of experimental cuts, amputations, grafts, and molecular techniques. Despite a rich history of experimental effort, no comprehensive mechanistic model exists that can account for the pattern regulation observed in these experiments. While bioinformatics algorithms have revolutionized the study of signaling pathways, no such tools have heretofore been available to assist scientists in formulating testable models of large‐scale morphogenesis that match published data in the limb regeneration field. Major barriers to preventing an algorithmic approach are the lack of formal descriptions for experimental regenerative information and a repository to centralize storage and mining of functional data on limb regeneration. Establishing a new bioinformatics of shape would significantly accelerate the discovery of key insights into the mechanisms that implement complex regeneration. Here, we describe a novel mathematical ontology for limb regeneration to unambiguously encode phenotype, manipulation, and experiment data. Based on this formalism, we present the first centralized formal database of published limb regeneration experiments together with a user‐friendly expert system tool to facilitate its access and mining. These resources are freely available for the community and will assist both human biologists and artificial intelligence systems to discover testable, mechanistic models of limb regeneration.
Deep donors in Cd1-xZnxTe:Cl.

Measurements of the persistent photoconductivity (PPC) and Hall effect in Cl-doped ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Zn}}_{\mathit{x}}$Te indicate that the Cl donors form several distinct deep DX states, consistent with recent calculations. For x=0.20 only one DX state is evident, with a deep binding energy ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{d}}$=0.22 eV; the PPC has a single annealing transition at ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{a}}$=130 K. For x=0.28 the PPC has two distinct transitions, at ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{b}}$=100 K and ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{a}}$=190 K. We propose a model in which the presence of a second metastable state ${\mathit{DX}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ boosts ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{a}}$ significantly. For x=0.28 the ${\mathit{DX}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ lies 0.23 eV below the conduction band, whereas the deepest binding energy is ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{d}}$=0.40 eV. The rapid increase of ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{d}}$ with x explains the difficulty of obtaining n-type ZnTe using Cl dopants. Nevertheless, these materials are interesting because DX centers with large ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{d}}$ and high ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{a}}$ are potentially useful in optoelectronic applications. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Immunotherapy for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a highly immunogenic tumor as evidenced by the occasional dramatic spontaneous remission seen even in advanced disease. Since the earliest days, immunotherapeutic approaches have been utilized in an attempt to replicate this.
A X/Ku dual‐band reflectarray design with cosecant squared shaped beam

A X/Ku dual-band center-fed microstrip reflectarray antenna with cosecant squared shaped beams has been developed. The circular reflectarray has a radius of 0.3 m and a flat aperture that emulates a cylindrical reflector antenna. The reflectarray is designed for two frequency bands: 10 GHz (X band) and 15 GHz (Ku band). Cross-dipole elements and double-ring elements are uniquely applied on a dual-layer structure to achieve the desirable dual-band operations. As the two operation frequency bands are close to each other, the coupling effects of the dual-band reflectarray elements are investigated, and the unit cell design is optimized in simulations to suppress the interband interference. A phase-only synthesis technique for cosecant squared patterns is also discussed and realized. For demonstration purpose, prototype antenna is fabricated and measured and the measured results are compared with the simulation results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2028–2034, 2014
The Design of a Perceptual and Improvisational Robotic Marimba Player

The paper presents the theoretical background and the design scheme for a perceptual and improvisational robotic marimba player that interacts with human musicians in a visual and acoustic manner. Informed by an evaluation of a previously developed robotic percussionist, we present the extension of our work to melodic and harmonic realms with the design of a robotic player that listens to, analyzes and improvises pitch-based musical materials. After a discussion of the motivation for the project, theoretical background and related work, we present a set of research questions followed by our hardware and software approaches designed to address these questions. The paper concludes with a description of our plans to implement and embed these approaches in the robotic marimba player that will be used in workshops and concerts.
The syndrome of functional dysautonomia.

Abstract A perspective on disease is proposed which treats the brain and psyche as part of the soma. The brain, operating as a computer, coordinates energy metabolism in all organs, modulating the organism's response to stress which results in a complex mixture of sympathetic, parasympathetic and endocrine drive governing behavior and host resistance. It is postulated that automatic activity in health maintains a balanced state of autonomic neurotransmission with behavioral responses varying according to the physiologic state of either sympathetic or parasympathetic dominance. The sympathetic system, irrespective of neurotransmitters involved, is defined as an action system which uses energy and the parasympathetic system is the opposing or balancing force. Genetic influences may create a greater state of sensitivity with one or other of these systems, thus governing behavior characteristics. The degree of dominance may be responsible for the unbalanced response to stress which will in turn have a major influence on the causation of organic disease. The state of reactivity within this system is influenced by the efficiency of the oxidative process which is in turn closely related to the quantity and quality of nutrition.
Sequence analysis of putative E3, pVIII, and fiber genomic regions of a porcine adenovirus

The complete nucleotide sequence of the putative early transcriptional region 3 (E3), plus the hexon-associated polypeptide VIII (pVIII) gene, and the N-terminus of the fiber protein gene of a porcine adenovirus isolate, NADC-1, was determined. The E3 region of NADC-1 was found to be 1879 bp and located between 80 and 85.8 map units. Eight open reading frames (ORFs) and three polyadenylation signals were identified in the r strand. The amino acid sequences predicted to be encoded by ORFs 1 and 8 were compared to the amino acid sequences of human adenovirus type 2 (Ad2) pVIII and fiber protein and found to be 60% and 55% similar, respectively. The amino acid sequence predicted to be encoded by ORF 4 was compared to the human Ad5 14.7 kDa protein and the C-terminus of the amino acid sequence predicted to be encoded by ORF 11 of the bovine Ad3 E3 region and found to be 36% and 41% similar, respectively. A potential signal sequence was identified in ORF 5.
Polypeptide composition of a photosystem II core complex: Presence of a herbicide-binding protein.

Abstract The polypeptide composition of a Photosystem II (PS II) core complex from higher plant chloroplasts has been characterized by subjecting the isolated complex to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Two polypeptides in the 40–50 kDa size class, attributed to the chlorophyll a-binding apoproteins of PS II, were resolved when the urea concentration in the SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was greater than 1 M. The two chlorophyll a-binding proteins were dissimilar in their primary structure based upon their different hydrolysis products on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis following papain treatment. The core complex contained three additional polypeptides. Two polypeptides in the 30–34 kDa size class were resolved when the urea concentration in the gel system was increased to greater than 4 M. One of the polypeptides in this size class was identified as the herbicide-binding protein from azido[14C]atrazine labeling studies. The herbicide-binding protein displayed an anomalous electrophoretic migration behavior in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence or absence of urea; its apparent molecular weight decreased when the urea concentration increased. The fifth protein component of the core complex was attributed to cytochrome b-559 which was found to consist of the ascorbate- and dithionite-reducible forms in the samples prior to SDS solubilization.