cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thrombin and C-kinase activators potentiate calcium-stimulated arachidonic acid release in human platelets

Human platelets were depleted of intracellular Ca2+ and then made selectively permeable to external Ca2+ by addition of the ionophore ionomycin. In this cell system a rapid release of arachidonic acid was seen in direct response to added Ca2+ at concentrations corresponding to cytosolic Ca2+ levels measured in thrombin-stimulated platelets. Thrombin and other activators of Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (C-kinase) potentiated the Ca2+-stimulated arachidonic acid release while exerting little or no effect in the absence of added Ca2+. Agents which increase (R59022) or decrease (isoquinolinesulphonylmethylpiperazine) the activation of C-kinase correspondingly enhanced or inhibited, respectively, the potentiation of arachidonic acid release caused by thrombin. These results support the hypothesis that arachidonic acid release in human platelets is regulated by a co-operative action between intracellular Ca2+ and C-kinase.
An experimental, analytical and numerical study on the thermal efficiency of energy piles in unsaturated soils

Abstract Energy piles are bi-functional foundation elements used as structural support as well as ground heat exchangers for shallow geothermal energy systems. Because they are relatively short, energy piles may be partially embedded in unsaturated soils. Saturation conditions influence the thermal properties of the ground and therefore the heat exchange rate, which in turn affects the efficiency of energy piles. This paper combines analytical, experimental and numerical investigations to evaluate the heat exchange rate of energy piles partially or fully embedded in unsaturated soils. The proposed analytical solution is based on the cylindrical heat source theory that treats the soil as a semi-infinite, homogeneous, and isotropic medium. The solution from this theory is multiplied by a function developed analytically in this paper and the outcome is the heat exchange rate for energy piles in unsaturated soils. The proposed function depends on soil saturation, soil and pile thermal properties, and pile geometry. The analytical solution was compared against a finite element solution; which was in turn validated against results from laboratory experiments. Very satisfactory agreements between the analytical, numerical and experimental outputs were observed. The proposed method can be used for a quick and simple evaluation of the efficiency of energy piles in unsaturated conditions. The proposed analytical solution can also be a useful tool for the verification of numerical codes developed for the design of energy piles in unsaturated soils.
Exome Sequencing as a Discovery and Diagnostic Tool

The estimated size of the human genome is 2,872 Mbps consisting of genes and noncoding sequences of DNA. Approximately 1.5 % of the human genome is known to code for proteins and this portion is the exome. This coding sequence has been shown to be more evolutionary-conserved, thus more sensitive to change (Birney et al. 2007). The decreasing cost of sequencing, due to emerging next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, provides an opportunity to screen the exome at an affordable cost for gene discovery and diagnostic purposes. The great amount of information generated from the human genome sequencing, 1000 genomes project, HapMap, and whole exome sequencing (WES) projects has allowed us to interpret sequence changes with a higher level of confidence (Abecasis et al. 2012, 2010; Tennessen et al. 2012). To deal with the large sequencing datasets, a variety of bioinformatics tools have been developed to automate the process of annotation and prediction of sequence changes (Wang et al. 2010b). Due to the massive parallel nature of NGS, research and clinical applications of NGS include the sequencing of many genes, as targeted panels, exomes, and even genomes. An increase in published findings has allowed cataloging of polymorphisms and disease-associated mutations at various databases that include the database of single nucleotide polymorphisms (dbSNP), the human gene mutation database (HGMD), ENSEMBL, the 1000 genomes project database (http://www.1000genomes.org/), and the exome sequencing project database (http://evs.gs.washington.edu/EVS/) to mention a few. The large data is evident in dbSNP that has close to 53 million records and the number of new submissions has been exponentially increasing (Wheeler et al. 2007).
Limit-cycle oscillations and tubuloglomerular feedback regulation of distal sodium delivery.

A mathematical model was used to evaluate the potential effects of limit-cycle oscillations (LCO) on tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) regulation of fluid and sodium delivery to the distal tubule. In...
The Effects of Cognitive and Behavioral Control on Coping with an Aversive Health Examination

The effects of cognitive and behavioral control on coping with an aversive health examination were tested in a 2 x 2 factorial design. Cognitive control was represented by sensory or health-education information; instruction or no instruction in abdominal relaxation constituted the levels of behavioral control. The study was conducted in the natural setting of a family-planning clinic with 24 young women who were undergoing a routine pelvic examination. Subjects who received sensory information prior to the examination showed less distress, as indicated by overt distress behaviors and pulse rates, than did subjects who received health-education information. Cognitive control did not show a significant effect on self-report of fear. No significant effects were demonstrated for the factor of behavioral control. The results suggested that cognitive control information, which emphasizes the sensory experiences typically accompanying an aversive event, limits reactivity to aversive stimuli. The reduction in re...
Comparison of Some Confidence Intervals for Estimating the Skewness Parameter of a Distribution

Several methods have been proposed to calculate interval estimators for estimating the skewness of a distribution. Since they considered in different times and under different simulation conditions, their performance are not comparable as a whole. In this paper an attempt has been made to review some existing estimators and compare them under the same simulation condition. In particularly, we consider and compare both classical (normality assumed) and non-parametric (bias-corrected standard bootstrap, Efron’s percentile bootstrap, Hall’s percentile bootstrap and bias-corrected percentile bootstrap) interval estimators for estimating the skewness of a distribution. A simulation study has been made to compare the performance of the estimators under normal, right and left skewed distributions. Both average widths and coverage probabilities are considered as a criterion of the good estimators. We have found a significant difference in the performance of classical and bootstrap estimators in all cases. Based on the simulation results we have found that both classical estimators and bootstrap estimators work well in terms of coverage probability when data comes from a normal distribution, although bootstrap methods tend to give smaller intervals in that case. When data comes from skewed distributions, bootstrap methods perform better than classical methods in terms of coverage. Amongst the bootstrap methods, the bias corrected percentile interval had the best coverage consistently for skewed data. One real life data sets are analyzed to illustrate the findings of the paper.
Environmental Harm or Natural Hazard? Problem Identification and Adaptation in U.S. Municipal Climate Action Plans

A number of cities in the United States have devised climate action plans (CAPs) to mitigate the effects of climate change. However, few of these plans address strategies to adapt to the long term effects of climate change that will occur in the near and distant future. The research presented in this article examines why cities choose to embed adaptation provisions in their CAPs. Our study codes the content of CAPs for all cities (N = 98) in the United States with populations greater than 50,000. We find cities that frame problems associated with climate change in the language of hazards are more likely to include adaptation strategies in their CAPs than cities that focus on other types of environmental harm. Our findings suggest that more robust efforts to plan for climate change will require the activation of communities of interest beyond those that have been instrumental in setting the current climate agenda.
Increased prevalence and rupture status of feeder vessel aneurysms in posterior fossa arteriovenous malformations.

Background Posterior fossa arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are considered to have a higher risk of poor outcome, as are AVMs with associated aneurysms. We postulated that posterior fossa malformations may be more prone to associated feeder vessel aneurysms, and to aneurysmal source of hemorrhage. Objective To examine the prevalence and hemorrhagic risk of posterior fossa AVM-associated feeder vessel aneurysms. Methods A retrospective review of AVMs was performed with attention paid to location and presence of aneurysms. The hemorrhage status and origin of the hemorrhage was also reviewed. Results 571 AVMs were analyzed. Of 90 posterior fossa AVMs, 34 (37.8%) had aneurysms (85% feeder vessel, 9% intranidal, 15% with both). Of the 481 supratentorial AVMs, 126 (26.2%) harbored aneurysms (65% feeder vessel, 29% intranidal, 6% both). The overall incidence of feeder aneurysms was higher in posterior fossa AVMs, which were evident in 34.4% of infratentorial AVMs compared to 18.5% of supratentorial malformations (p Conclusions Posterior fossa AVMs are more prone to developing associated aneurysms, specifically feeder vessel aneurysms. Feeder vessel aneurysms are more likely to be the source of hemorrhage in the posterior fossa. As such, they may be the most appropriate targets for initial and prompt control by embolization or surgery due to their elevated threat.
Modified Method for Measuring Quality Factor of Microwave Resonator

An improved average scalar reflection method for measuring quality factor of microwave resonator is proposed.It is found that modified scalar reflection method is not influenced by discretization error while less accurate than vector reflection method via studying various methods theoretically.The accuracy and stability of this method are verified by measuring a column resonator with the vector network analyzer.
What can errors tell us about body representations

In this review, we examine how tactile misperceptions provide evidence regarding body representations. First, we propose that tactile detection and localization are serial processes, in contrast to parallel processing hypotheses based on patients with numbsense. Second, we discuss how information in primary somatosensory maps projects to body size and shape representations to localize touch on the skin surface, and how responses after use-dependent plasticity reflect changes in this mapping. Third, we review situations in which our body representations are inconsistent with our actual body shape, specifically discussing phantom limb phenomena and anesthetization. We discuss problems with the traditional remapping hypothesis in amputees, factors that modulate perceived body size and shape, and how changes in perceived body form influence tactile localization. Finally, we review studies in which brain-damaged individuals perceive touch on the opposite side of the body, and demonstrate how interhemispheric mechanisms can give rise to these anomalous percepts.
Community factors related to healthy eating & active living in counties with lower than expected adult obesity rates.

Adult obesity rates in the United States have reached epidemic proportions, yet vary considerably across states and counties. We sought to explore community-level factors that may be associated with reduced adult obesity rates at the county level. We identified six U.S. counties that were positive deviants for adult obesity and conducted semi-structured interviews with community leaders and government officials involved in efforts to promote healthier lifestyles. Using site visits and in-depth qualitative interviews, we identified several recurrent themes and strategies. Participants: 1) developed a nuanced understanding of their communities; 2) recognized the complex nature of obesity, and 3) implemented a county-wide strategic approach for promoting healthy living. This county-wide approachwas used to a) break down silos and build partnerships, b) access community resources and connections, and c) transfer ownership to community members. We found that county leaders focused on establishing a county-wide structure to connect and support community-led initiatives to promote healthy living, reduce obesity, and foster sustainability. Findings from this study can help inform county-level efforts to improve healthy living and combat the multi-faceted challenges of adult obesity across the U.S.
Substrate and inhibitor recognition of protein kinases: what is known about the catalytic subunit of phosphorylase kinase?

Abstract Although much can be learned about the specificity of protein kinases from studies with peptide substrates, the question remains, how do kinases recognize their three-dimensional protein substrates? Information derived from such studies provides further understanding of substrate recognition and can facilitate the design of specific protein kinase inhibitors. Phosphorylase kinase (PhK) catalyzes the phosphorylation of phosphorylase b (phos. b ) to form the active phosphorylase a. No other protein kinase can duplicate this reaction. Why? To probe this question and establish what features in the protein are important for substrate binding and product release, mutants of phos. b have been studied. This report shows how mutations change the properties of the protein substrate and the ability of these mutants to be phosphorylated by PhK and other kinases. Action of protein kinases on their substrates is often regulated by autoinhibitory segments. The C-terminus of the catalytic γ -subunit of PhK contains two inhibitory sites overlapping two calmodulin-binding regions. These two peptide segments resemble sequences in phos. b and may explain why peptides of these regions are potent inhibitors of PhK. We will show results with peptide inhibitors, using various expressed forms of the catalytic subunit, which describe their modes of interaction and mechanisms of inhibition. Metal ions can change molecular interactions. With PhK, Mn 2 + facilitates the use of GTP as a phosphoryl group donor and greatly increases phosphorylation of a tyrosine residue in angiotensin II. This implies that the spatial arrangement of specificity determinants can be manipulated so that PhK can utilize other substrates.
Filtering authentic sepsis arising in the ICU using administrative codes coupled to a SIRS screening protocol.

Abstract Purpose Using administrative codes and minimal physiologic and laboratory data, we sought a high-specificity identification strategy for patients whose sepsis initially appeared during their ICU stay. Materials and methods We studied all patients discharged from an academic hospital between September 1, 2013 and October 31, 2014. Administrative codes and minimal physiologic and laboratory criteria were used to identify patients at high risk of developing the onset of sepsis in the ICU. Two clinicians then independently reviewed the patient record to verify that the screened-in patients appeared to become septic during their ICU admission. Results Clinical chart review verified sepsis in 437/466 ICU stays (93.8%). Of these 437 encounters, only 151 (34.6%) were admitted to the ICU with neither SIRS nor evidence of infection and therefore appeared to become septic during their ICU stay. Conclusions Selected administrative codes coupled to SIRS criteria and applied to patients admitted to ICU can yield up to 94% authentic sepsis patients. However, only 1/3 of patients thus identified appeared to become septic during their ICU stay. Studies that depend on high-intensity monitoring for description of the time course of sepsis require clinician review and verification that sepsis initially appeared during the monitoring period.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in multiple myeloma patients undergoing maintenance therapy.

9646 Background: After 3-months autologous stem cell transplant (AuSCT), a percentage of multiple myeloma (MM) patients during maintenance therapy continue to experience a complex of symptoms relat...
Tunneling Risk and Firm Valuation: A Study of the Oil and Gas Industry

Consider a firm that has high profitability and sales growth relative to peers but a relatively low Tobin’s Q. An ad hoc analysis of that particular firm’s situation might suggest that the apparent valuation discount is caused by off-balance sheet risks. A more systematic framework would be useful to support and confirm the conjecture. This paper offers such framework by first classifying transactions that managers and controlling shareholders can use to tunnel (expropriate wealth) from firms into three types: cash flow, asset, and equity tunneling and then incorporating each type of tunneling into a firm free cash flow valuation model. Based on the model, each type of tunneling affects observed valuation and profitability ratios differently, providing analytical markers useful for determining priced tunneling risks. We apply the integrated tunneling and valuation framework to an analysis of the global oil and gas industry. Cross-sectional and time series differences in the patterns of valuation metrics indicate that the valuations of Russian oil and gas companies are depressed relative to their global peers due to significant asset and equity tunneling risks, but also that investors’ assessment of these tunneling risks changes significantly over time. The results demonstrate that analyzing tunneling risks can enhance existing equity valuation tools.
This Is Trump Country: Donald Trump’s Base and Partisan Change in Unhyphenated America

Brian Arbour investigates the role of unhyphenated Americans—white Americans who view their ethnicity as American—in the election of Donald Trump. Concentrated in Appalachia and the highland south, these voters supported Trump in large numbers. Yet, Arbour finds that despite Trump’s strong performance in counties with concentrations of unhyphenated Americans in the primary election, his performance in this region does not represent a stark improvement over previous Republican presidential nominees. Support for Republican presidential nominees has been steadily increasing in this region over time. While the region may be “Trump Country,” it might be better to describe it as “Republican Country.” Arbour concludes with the challenges this trend, and Trump’s election, poses for both the Republican and Democratic parties.
On early-Holocene moisture and small-mammal histories in the Bonneville basin, Western United States

Comparisons of Bonneville basin small-mammal skeletal assemblages from low-elevation caves with a collection from an upper piedmont rock shelter support Oviatt et al.’s hypothesis that early-Holoce...
A Bayesian Estimation Model for Transient Engine Exhaust Characterization Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Comprehensive emissions models extensively use engine exhaust data from vehicle experiments to represent the relationship between fuel composition and pollutants. However, the predicted emissions from these models often neglect the effects of transients and speed-load history. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a high frequency measurement technique capable of comprehensive speciation. However, due to long residence times of exhaust within a FTIR spectrometer gas cell, FTIR measurements are contaminated by the effects of historical emissions, precluding the attainment of time-resolved engine exhaust data. This work presents a Bayesian estimation model for processing FTIR measurements to obtain accurate estimations of instantaneous engine exhaust composition. The Bayesian model utilizes a simple model of the mixing dynamics of the gas cell and measurement noise statistics to estimate the composition of exhaust entering the FTIR gas cell during a measurement period. To validate the estimation...
Eliciting Knowledge from Helicopter Pilots: Recommendations for Revising the ACTA Method for Helicopter Landing Tasks

The task of landing helicopters on ships is cognitively complex and is bounded by several limitations for safe operation. To design technologies to support helicopter pilots in shipboard operations...
How Prepared Are MSW Graduates for Doctoral Research? Views of PhD Research Faculty

ABSTRACTThis national survey of PhD faculty assessed the research preparation of entering doctoral social work students on a wide range of research knowledge and related skills. The prior literature shows that PhD programs repeat much BSW and MSW research course content. This study shows that the trend continues and has perhaps widened. PhD research faculty report that the typical entering PhD student displayed solid conceptual, ethics, and writing skills but lesser preparation for conducting quantitative and qualitative research, including methods related to understanding evidence-based practice. The research expectations of responding PhD faculty were low, reflecting limited retention and little production of research among typical entering doctoral students. These findings raise the issue of how effectively the social work profession prepares students for research and for future PhD education.
The Place of Institutions in the Economy: A Theoretical Perspective

Standard economic theory is only apparently institution-free. More importantly, the failures of the theory serve as a fruitful way to examine the need for institutions and explain why they emerge. It is, however, less useful, but not entirely useless, in analyzing which institutions will emerge.1
Enhanced thermal resistance of salmonella in marinated whole muscle compared with ground pork.

The internal muscle environment may enhance thermal resistance of bacterial pathogens. Based on the migration of pathogens into whole muscle products during marination, the validity of current thermal inactivation models for whole muscle versus ground products has been questioned. Consequently, the objective of this work was to compare thermal resistance of Salmonella in whole muscle versus ground pork. Irradiated samples of whole and ground pork loin (5.5 to 7.5 g) were exposed to a Salmonella-inoculated (10(8) CFU/ml) marinade (eight serovar cocktail) for 20 min, placed in sterile brass tubes (12.7 mm diameter), sealed, and heated isothermally at 55, 58, 60, 62, or 63 degrees C, and surviving salmonellae were enumerated on Petrifilm aerobic count plates. The thermal lag times and initial bacterial counts were similar for both whole muscle and ground samples (P > 0.05), with all samples having equivalent compositions, inocula, and thermal histories. Heating temperature and physical state of the meat (whole versus ground muscle) affected Salmonella inactivation, with greater thermal resistance observed in whole than in ground muscle (P < 0.05). Assuming log-linear inactivation kinetics, Salmonella was 0.64 to 2.96 times more heat resistant in whole muscle than in ground pork. Therefore, thermal process validations for pork products should also account for the physical state of the product to ensure microbial safety.
Proceedings of the May 6-8, 1958, western joint computer conference: contrasts in computers

On behalf of the 1958 Western Joint Computer Conference, I welcome you, and I hope your stay will be pleasant and profitable. As most of you know, the conference is one of two Joint Computer Conferences held each year, sponsored jointly by AIEE, the Institute of Radio Engineers, and the Association for Computing Machinery. I think that you know that the Eastern Conference rotates among four cities, Washington, New York, Philadelphia, and Boston; and that this Western Conference will, at least by 1961, be alternating between San Francisco and Los Angeles. I would like to call attention to a number of features of our conference; following the opening session, the technical program presents six invited panel discussions and six discussions of contributed papers. The topics of these several panels investigate a number of controversial subjects pertinent to our industry. The contributed sessions present papers in several areas of application and design for circuit systems; all significant discussions are incorporated in the proceedings of the conference.
Entrepreneurship in knowledge-based services: Opportunity and challenges for new venture, economic, and workforce development

Abstract Businesses and professions known as knowledge based services (KBS) are a large and growing portion of the economy, add high value, create more than 79% of all nonfarm jobs in the US, and are highly exportable. They are highly leveraged opportunities for new venture creation and investment. Yet little attention has been paid to them in economic and workforce development or entrepreneurship research and education. They have significant differences from other firms. This article argues for greater focus of entrepreneurship research, education, and investment in knowledge based services. It presents initial research exploring unique differences, challenges, and opportunities for new venture development in KBS and suggests future research and investment. The article also proposes a framework and suggestions for research into entrepreneurship in KBS.
Analysis of oral dietary supplement use in rural older adults

Aims and objectives To describe and explore characteristics associated with oral dietary supplement use and identify potential interactions with prescription medications in a sample of rural community-dwelling older adults. Background Older adults use polypharmacy to help manage chronic diseases. Due to healthcare access disparities, rural older adults may consider dietary supplement use as an alternative approach to maintain health and manage disease. Oral dietary supplement use is expected to increase among ageing adults; placing them at risk for potential interactions and adverse events. Design A secondary analysis was conducted on oral dietary supplement, medication and health characteristic data collected on N = 138 participants. The original study was adherent to STROBE guidelines. Results Researchers found that 83% of the rural older adults used oral dietary supplements in addition to their prescribed medications. Participants took additional single-dose vitamins along with their multivitamin; 57% took vitamin D, 52% took calcium, 15% took vitamin C and 13% took additional potassium and vitamin E. Participants also used oral dietary supplements with medications that had a potential for interaction. Conclusions Compared with national samples of older adults, a high percentage of rural older adults used oral dietary supplements in addition to their prescribed medications. In the rural setting, older adults are at risk for potential drug-oral dietary supplement interactions. Relevance to clinical practice Nurses can conduct vigilant medication reconciliation that includes documenting characteristics of oral dietary supplement use. Nurses can assist with providing appropriate dietary supplements education that promotes patient knowledge and prevent inappropriate use; particularly when caring for older adults from rural settings.
Social Sciences, Weather, and Climate Change

AbstractFew currently deny that extreme weather and climate change are among the most pressing problems of our times. There is also general agreement that humans are intrinsically part of the probl...
Effects of Seed Priming on Plug Production of Coreopsis lanceolata and Echinacea purpurea

Abstract Seeds of Coreopsis lanceolata (coreopsis) and Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower) were primed to determine whether improved plug production of these herbaceous perennials would result. Experiments were conducted at two locations: Texas AM and Buell's Inc., Cibolo, Texas. Location had a significant effect on emergence, with both species having greater emergence percentages at Buell's Inc. than at TAMU. This effect is attributed mainly to watering systems and plug aeration. Priming significantly increased emergence of only E. purpurea grown at TAMU. Seedlings from seeds primed in 50 mM potassium salts for nine days at 15°C (59°F) had more than twice the emergence percentage (47%) of seedlings from nonprimed seeds (21 %). Priming did have a significant effect on the root development of both species. Echinacea purpurea seedlings from primed seeds had a 44 to 51% increase in total root area compared to nonprimed seeds. Coreopsis lanceolata seedlings from ...
Screening for Intimate Partner Violence, Elder Abuse, and Abuse of Vulnerable Adults.

A.F., a 32-year-old woman, presents for a health maintenance visit. It has been more than a year since she was last seen. She has no significant medical history and has never used tobacco, alcohol, or any other substances.
Judicial Oversight Over the Interstate Placement of Foster Children: The Missing Element in Current Efforts to Reform the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children

This article argues that current efforts to reform the Compact are flawed because they lack an essential element: judicial oversight of agency decision-making. The first section explores the important role that juvenile court judges play in making placement decisions for foster children. Next, an examination of the current problems in the interstate placement process demonstrates the vital need for judicial oversight of the system. Finally, a specific proposal is put forth on how best to incorporate judicial oversight without interfering with the sovereignty of states.
Do Children with Special Health Care Needs with Anxiety have Unmet Health Care Needs? An Analysis of a National Survey

To describe differences in health care needs between Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) with and without anxiety and examine the association between anxiety and unmet health care needs. We analyzed data from the 2009/2010 national survey of CSHCN. The independent variable was anxiety. The main outcomes were health care needs and unmet needs. Covariates included demographics, other co-morbid conditions, and the presence and quality of a medical home. We used bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression to assess the relationships among anxiety, covariates, and the outcomes. We stratified our analysis by age (6–11 years, 12–17 years). Propensity score matched paired analysis was used as a sensitivity analysis. Our final sample included 14,713 6–11 year-olds and 15,842 12–17-year-olds. Anxiety was present in 16% of 6–11 year-olds and 23% or 12–17 year-olds. In bivariate analyses, CSHCN with anxiety had increased health care needs and unmet needs, compared to CSHCN without anxiety. In multivariable analyses, only children 12–17 years old with anxiety had increased odds of having an unmet health care need compared to those children without anxiety (OR 1.44 [95% CI 1.17–1.78]). This was confirmed in the propensity score matching analysis (OR 1.12, [95% CI 1.02–1.22]). The specific unmet needs for older CSHCN with anxiety were mental health care (OR 1.54 [95% CI 1.09–2.17]) and well child checkups (OR 2.01 [95% CI 1.18–3.44]). Better integration of the care for mental and physical health is needed to ensure CSHCN with anxiety have all of their health care needs met.
TAM Family Receptor Kinase Inhibition Reverses MDSC-Mediated Suppression and Augments Anti-PD-1 Therapy in Melanoma

Myeloid cell receptor tyrosine kinases TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK and their ligands, GAS6 and PROTEIN S, physiologically suppress innate immune responses, including in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we showed that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) dramatically upregulated TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK and their ligands [monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSC)>20-fold, polymorphonuclear MDSCs (PMN-MDSC)>15-fold] in tumor-bearing mice. MDSCs from tumor-bearing Mertk-/-, Axl-/- , and Tyro3-/- mice exhibited diminished suppressive enzymatic capabilities, displayed deficits in T-cell suppression, and migrated poorly to tumor-draining lymph nodes. In coimplantation experiments using TYRO3-/-, AXL-/-, and MERTK-/- MDSCs, we showed the absence of these RTKs reversed the protumorigenic properties of MDSCs in vivo Consistent with these findings, in vivo pharmacologic TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK inhibition diminished MDSC suppressive capability, slowed tumor growth, increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration, and augmented anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. Mechanistically, MERTK regulated MDSC suppression and differentiation in part through regulation of STAT3 serine phosphorylation and nuclear localization. Analysis of metastatic melanoma patients demonstrated an enrichment of circulating MERTK+ and TYRO3+ M-MDSCs, PMN-MDSCs, and early-stage MDSCs (e-MDSC) relative to these MDSC populations in healthy controls. These studies demonstrated that TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK control MDSC functionality and serve as promising pharmacologic targets for regulating MDSC-mediated immune suppression in cancer patients.
Intracranial pressure patterns in children with craniosynostosis utilizing optical coherence tomography

Better understanding the incidence and patterns of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with craniosynostosis may facilitate more timely intervention to alter neurocognitive outcomes. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the retina can non-invasively diagnose elevated ICP, and has demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity among patients with craniosynostosis. This study sought to characterize patterns of elevated ICP among patients with craniosynostosis. Quantitative retinal parameters were prospectively assessed in both eyes of patients with craniosynostosis using spectral-domain OCT. Based on retinal OCT thresholds associated with elevated ICP (> 15 mmHg), subjects were assigned an OCT diagnosis of elevated or non-elevated ICP which was analyzed relative to clinical characteristics and craniosynostosis patterns. Eighty subjects (aged 0.2–18 years) with craniosynostosis were enrolled; among these, 67 (84%) were nonsyndromic. OCT evaluation was performed at initial vault expansion in 56 (70%) patients. Among this subset, 27 (48%) patients had peri-papillary changes suggestive of elevated ICP, reflecting a 44% incidence in nonsyndromic and 83% in syndromic patients. The median age at initial vault expansion was higher among those with elevated ICP (11.1 months) than those without (7.8 months; p = 0.04.) Multi-suture synostosis was associated with changes consistent with elevated ICP in 9 (75%) patients compared with 18 (41%) with single suture synostosis (p = 0.05). OCT of the retina produces a potentially sensitive indicator of ICP in craniosynostosis patients. Elevated ICP may be associated with number of involved sutures and older patient presentation, and refining appropriate “cutoffs” will be important as the technology becomes more widespread.
Ethno-ornithology and biological conservation

Despite the increasing enfranchisement of indigenous groups and local people, in general, in environmental conservation, their traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and local ecological knowledge (LEK) are very rarely incorporated within the management and protection of avifauna (Gilchrist et al, 2005) (promising examples from New Zealand and the Arctic are discussed later in this chapter, but they do not constitute a trend or movement; see also Hunn et al, 2003). The reason for this appears to lie in Western science’s failure to accept the parallel authority of non-Western knowledge systems within conservation, even while conservation itself is increasingly becoming an endeavour favoured and even controlled by local people rather than something only imposed from the top down. The hypothetico-deductive model that is employed in the ecological and biological studies that inform wildlife management and other types of environmental conservation involves rigorous gathering and testing of data and is designed to be replicable. Traditional and local knowledge ‘systems’ are often not ‘systematic’ in the modern Western sense, and frequently involve unprovable assertions, anecdotal information and other ‘unscientific’ components that may or may not be correct. Uncertainty about how to deal with non-scientific data pervades academic discussions (e.g. Brook and McLachlan, 2005; Gilchrist and Mallory, 2007). In sum, there exists great sensitivity to the need for the recording and analysing of traditional and local ecological knowledge, but just as great uncertainty about what to do with it. In addition, the issue of knowledge ownership is centrally important to the debates on how to incorporate non-scientific knowledge into conservation.
Edge-pixel referencing suppresses correlated baseline noise in heterodyned spectroscopies

Referencing schemes are commonly used in heterodyned spectroscopies to mitigate correlated baseline noise arising from shot-to-shot fluctuations of the local oscillator. Although successful, these methods rely on careful pixel-to-pixel matching between the two spectrographs. A recent scheme introduced by Feng et al. [Opt. Express 27(15), 20323–20346 (2019)] employed a correlation matrix to allow free mapping between dissimilar spectrographs, leading to the first demonstration of floor noise limited detection on a multichannel array used in heterodyned spectroscopy. In addition to their primary results using a second reference spectrometer, Feng et al. briefly demonstrated the flexibility of their method by referencing to same-array pixels at the two spectral edges (i.e., edge-pixel referencing). We present a comprehensive study of this approach, which we term edge-pixel referencing, including optimization of the approach, assessment of the performance, and determination of the effects of background responses. We show that, within some limitations, the distortions due to background signals will not affect the 2D IR line shape or amplitude and can be mitigated by band narrowing of the pump beams. We also show that the performance of edge-pixel referencing is comparable to that of referencing to a second spectrometer in terms of noise suppression and that the line shapes and amplitudes of the spectral features are, within the measurement error, identical. Altogether, these results demonstrate that edge-pixel referencing is a powerful approach for noise suppression in heterodyned spectroscopies, which requires no new hardware and, so, can be implemented as a software solution for anyone performing heterodyned spectroscopy with multichannel array detectors already.
“It is never too late to fight for one’s family and nation”: Attempts at “Belarusifying” Soldiers in German-Sponsored Armed Formations, 1941–1944

This article explores German-sponsored Belarusian collaborationist armed formations between 1941 and 1944 as pedagogical and educational sites. These groups included the Belarusian auxiliary police...
Political Agreements and Exporting Activities: An Empirical Assessment of the Effects of the JCPOA Agreement on Iran’s Exports

Conflicts hinder international trade. Political agreements that restrain conflicts and remove sanctions may contribute positively to exporting and importing activities. In this study, we examine the effects of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly known as Iran Nuclear Deal, on Iran’s non-oil exports. Employing a dynamic panel model, we find a significant increase in the growth rate of industry-level exports following the removal of nuclear-related sanctions, resulting from this political agreement. In particular, the exports of industries that have relatively low shares in Iran’s non-oil exports grow significantly faster than industries with relatively high shares in those exports. Our findings suggest that even a short-lived political agreement could have significant positive effects on exporting activities in middle-income countries.
Understanding partner perceptions of a service dog training program for veterans with PTSD: building a bridge to trauma resiliency

This article details findings from an investigation to understand the experiences of partners of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) participating in a service dog program. Fifteen p...
Immunotherapy in breast cancer: A clinician's perspective

Abstract Globally over 2 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year despite major advances in detection and treatment of the disease. Breast cancer is comprised of several distinct subtypes and understanding the heterogeneity of the disease has become crucial for treatment planning. Therapeutic strategies span from a hormone therapy-based focus for women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer to targeting human epidermal growth factor (HER2) by small molecules, antibody-drug-conjugates (ADC) and monoclonal antibodies in those with HER2 overexpression. Other novel treatment strategies for select subgroups of patients include the cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors for women with estrogen receptor positive tumors, the poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors for those with BRCA mutations, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors for women with tumors harboring phophatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3 kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) mutations. In contrast, the treatment for women with triple negative breast cancer has until recently been solely limited to chemotherapy. The profound impact of immunotherapy on cancer treatment in general has created much hope for its potential in breast cancer. This review will focus on the current advances and the research of immunotherapy in breast cancer, particularly on immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell transfer and cancer vaccines.
“With a little help from my friends”: the evolving nature of friendship in the long sixties

After the revolutions of the Sixties, members of the Baby Boom generation (those born between 1946 and 1963) jumbled the categories of friends, lovers, and family, seeking the intimacy and support ...
A Rare Case of an Intramedullary Spinal Cord Abscess Due to Escherichia coli in a Pediatric Patient

Spinal cord abscess is a rare entity, particularly in the pediatric population. Spinal cord abscesses can be located in extradural, subdural and intradural (intramedullary or extramedullary) regions of the cord. Among these locations, intramedullary is extremely uncommon. There have been few case reports of intramedullary spinal cord abscess since its first description in 1830. We describe a 2 year-old boy with a history of neonatal meningitis due to E.coli who presented with refusal to walk and was subsequently found to have intramedullary spinal cord abscesses at multiple levels. Culture of the abscesses again revealed E.coli. The patient was noted to have a pit located just superiorly to his sacral spine. Imaging revealed the presence of a dorsal dermal sinus tract. It is important to evaluate anatomical abnormalities, especially in the setting of serious bacterial infections, such as meningitis, as they have the potential to serve as a reservoir for infection.
Generation and Validation of the PROMIS Itch Questionnaire - Child to Measure the Impact of Itch on Life Quality.

ABSTRACT Itch compromises quality of life, but most itch assessments focus only on itch intensity. We aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive PROMIS (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System®) pediatric measure for itch symptoms and itch impact, defined as the effect specifically of itch on physical, mental, and social health, all of which can affect life quality. After literature review, concept elicitation and cognitive interviews with parents and children with itch, and repeated content-expert review, an item pool was generated and refined. The pool was calibrated with data from 499 pruritic children using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, item response theory, and item fit analysis. The resultant 45-item bank, PROMIS Itch Questionnaire - Child (PIQ-C), showed good convergent and discriminant validity in 181 children 8-17 years of age, discriminating children with different levels of severity, and was responsive to change. Strong correlations (rho > .60) were observed with pain and sleep measures, and moderate correlations with other pediatric PROMIS measures. PIQ-C comprehensively measures itch intensity and burden, providing an itch-specific alternative for assessing life quality. The independent calibration of each item/question allows for flexibility in generating short-forms or computerized adaptive testing for efficient use in research and office practice.
Automation of NIF Target Characterization and Laser Ablation of Domes Using the 4pi System

Capsules for inertial confinement fusion require precise measurement of isolated features and domes on the capsule’s outer surface. Features that are too large must be removed. A 4pi capsule mappin...
A generalized eigenproblem approach to singular control problems. II. H/sup infinity / problems

For Pt.I, see Proc. IEEE Conf. on Decision and Control, 1991. A descriptor system representation is given for control laws for singular H/sup infinity / problems in terms of the generalized eigenstructure of the two Hamiltonian system matrix pencils associated with the two H/sup infinity / Riccati equations. The new formulation allows for the solution of singular H/sup infinity / problems involving plants for which D/sub 12/ and D/sub 21/ are not full rank and which have jw-axis zeros. Additionally, examination of the solution indicates how to take advantage of rank deficiencies of D/sub 12/ and D/sub 21/ so as to obtain H/sup infinity / control laws of reduced order. The derivations for the singular case involve perturbing the singular problem to a nearby nonsingular problem, then analyzing the limiting behavior of the control law as the perturbation vanishes. The result is a numerically robust H/sup infinity / control law formula which applies with equal ease to both singular and nonsingular H/sup infinity / control problems. >
Multicarrier Modulation with Low Par: Applications to DSL and Wireless

1. Introduction. 2. Multicarrier Modulation. 3. Peak to Average Ratio. 4. PAR Reduction by Tone Reservation. 5. PAR Reduction by Tone Injection. 6. Maximum Likelihood Detection of Distorted Multicarrier Signals. 7. Summary and Conclusions