cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microparticle delivery of Interleukin‐7 to boost T‐cell proliferation and survival

In HIV infections, homoeostasis of T cells is dysregulated such that there is a depletion of CD4(+) T cells and a progressive loss of naive CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Methodologies that can improve the function of some or all of these cells will likely enhance immune responsiveness in HIV infection. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a cytokine that has been shown to be critical in homeostatic expansion of naive CD8(+) and CD4(+) cells in lymphopenic hosts, as well as regulating effector T cell to memory T-cell transition and memory T-cell homeostasis. In animal studies and clinical trials, repeated injections of IL-7 are used to boost both CD4(+) and CD8(+) cell counts. Daily injections, however, are painful, inconvenient, and provide a frequent route for pathogen entry. We developed a poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide; PLGA) microparticle controlled release system to administer IL-7 in which a single injection of microparticles can provide therapeutic delivery of IL-7. IL-7 encapsulated PLGA microparticles were first synthesized using a water/organic/water double emulsion method, release from the particles was then optimized using in vitro release studies and therapeutic effectiveness was finally studied in animal studies. These PLGA microparticles showed effective delivery of IL-7 for 1 week in vitro. These results were translated to in vivo delivery as well, which was followed for 9 days. Controlled release of IL-7 in mice demonstrated biological activity in both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in mice, which was consistent with previously reported results using daily injections.
Alkali metal salts of oxyanions of p-tert-butylcalix [4] arene

Abstract The reaction of a ten-fold excess of NaH with p-tert-butylcalix [4] arene in THF results in the mono-oxyanion, [Na(MeOH)(H2O)2][p-tert-butylcalix [4] arene] · H2O·MeOH, 1. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with a = 12.982(5), b = 19.236(8), c = 21.763(8) A, β = 94.77(4)° and Dc = 0.97 g cm−3 for Z = 4. Refinement based on 2722 observed reflections led to a final R value of 0.099. The similar reaction of LiH with p-tert-butylcalix [4]arene affords as the only product the di-oxyanion, [(Li(MeOH))2(μ-H2O)][p-tert-butylcalix [4] arene]·2H2O·3MeOH, 2. The compound crystallizes in P21/n with a = 12.420(6), b = 21.656(9), c = 21.172(9) A, β = 108.14(5)°, and Dc = 1.08 g cm−3 for Z = 4. Refinement based on 2215 observed reflections led to a final R value of 0.13. The calix [4] arene cavity in both 1 and 2 contains a methanol molecule. The failure to generate tri- or tetra-oxyanions is rationalized on the basis of electrostatic considerations.
Predicting the spread of aquatic invaders: insight from 200 years of invasion by zebra mussels

Understanding factors controlling the introduction and spread of species is crucial to improving the management of both natural populations and introduced species. The zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, is considered the most aggressive freshwater invader in the Northern Hemisphere, and is a convenient model system for invasion biology, offering one of the best aquatic examples for examining the invasion process. We used data on 553 of the 1040 glacial lakes in the Republic of Belarus that were examined for the presence of zebra mussels. We used these data to build, test, and construct modified models to predict the spread of this invader, including selection of important parameters that could limit the spread of this invader. In spite of 200 years of continuous invasion, by 1996, zebra mussels were found in only 16.8% of all lakes studied. Of those lakes without zebra mussels in 1996, 66% were predicted to be susceptible to invasion by zebra mussels in the future, and 33% were predicted to be immune to successful invasion due to their water chemistry. Eighty lakes free of zebra mussels in 1996 were reexamined from 1997 to 2008. Of these, zebra mussels successfully invaded an additional 31 lakes, all of which were classified initially as suitable for zebra mussels; none of the lakes previously classified as unsuitable were invaded. We used the Random Forests classification algorithm with 16 environmental variables to determine the most important factors that differed between invaded lakes and those lakes suitable for invasion that have not yet been invaded. Distance to the nearest infested lakes was found to be the most important variable, followed by the lake area, color, average depth, and concentration of chloride, magnesium, and bicarbonate. This study provides a useful approach for predicting the spread of an invader across a landscape with variable habitat suitability that can be applied to a variety of species and systems.
Charge control, DC, and RF performance of a 0.35- mu m pseudomorphic AlGaAs/InGaAs modulation-doped field-effect transistor

The authors describe a study of charge control in conjunction with DC and RF performance of 0.35- mu m-gate-length pseudomorphic AlGaAs/InGaAs MODFETs. Using C-V measurements, they estimate that a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) with density as high as 1.0*10/sup 12/ cm/sup -2/ can be accumulated in the InGaAs channel at 77 K before the gate begins to modulate parasitic charges in the AlGaAs. This improvement in charge control of about 10-30% over a typical AlGaAs/GaAs MODFET may partially be responsible for the superior DC and RF performance of the AlGaAs/InGaAs MODFET. At room temperature, the devices give a maximum DC voltage gain g/sub m//g/sub d/ of 32 and a current gain cutoff frequency f/sub T/ of 46 GHz. These results are state of the art for MODFETs of similar gate length. >
Pulse generation and compression via ground and excited state from a grating coupled quantum dot external cavity mode locked laser

We generate and compress short pulses via the ground and excited state transitions from a grating coupled quantum dot external cavity mode locked laser. The sign of the chirp is similar for both transitions.
The effect of participation in an incentive-based wellness program on self-reported exercise

Employers are increasingly trying to promote healthy behaviors, including regular exercise, through wellness programs that offer financial incentives. However, there is limited evidence that these types of programs affect exercise habits within employee populations. In this study, we estimate the effect of participation in an incentive-based wellness program on self-reported exercise. Since 2008, the University of Minnesota's Fitness Rewards Program has offered a $20 monthly incentive to encourage fitness center utilization among its employees. Using 2006 to 2010 health risk assessments and university administrative files for 2972 employees, we conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing propensity score methods to estimate the effect of participation in the Fitness Rewards Program on self-reported exercise days per week from 2008 to 2010. On average, participation in the program led to an increase of 0.59 vigorous exercise days per week (95% Confidence Interval: 0.42, 0.78) and 0.43 strength-building exercise days per week (95% Confidence Interval: 0.31, 0.58) in 2008 for participants relative to non-participants. Increases in exercise persisted through 2010. Employees reporting less frequent exercise prior to the program were least likely to participate in the program, but when they participated they had the largest increases in exercise compared to non-participants. Offering an incentive for fitness center utilization encourages higher levels of exercise. Future policies may want to concentrate on how to motivate participation among individuals who are less frequently physically active.
Defining Resistance and Tolerance to Cancer

SUMMARY There are two ways to maintain fitness in the face of infection: resistance is a host’s ability to reduce microbe load and disease tolerance is the ability of the host to endure the negative health effects of infection. Resistance and disease tolerance should be applicable to any insult to the host and have been explored in depth with regards to infection but have not been examined in the context of cancer. Here, we establish a framework for measuring and separating resistance and disease tolerance to cancer in Drosophila melanogaster. We plot a disease tolerance curve to cancer in wild-type flies and then compare this to natural variants, identifying a line with reduced cancer resistance. Quantitation of these two traits opens an additional dimension for analysis of cancer biology.
Income Elasticities for State Tax Revenues: Techniques of Estimation and Their Usefulness for Forecasting

The concept of income elasticity of tax revenues has been used in numerous studies with little concern about its theoretical foundations. Income elasticities have also been used for revenue estimation with limited concern about stability over time or about the accuracy of the forecasts. This paper explores the development of the tax elasticity measure and, using revenue data from Washington, compares year-to-year elasticity measures with those established by regression analysis. The length of the time series is varied to check on the stability of the coefficients. Finally, the elasticities are used to predict revenues for three years to check on their accuracy for revenue estimation.
Implications of Exceptional Material Kinetics on Thermochemical Fuel Production Rates

Production of chemical fuels by solar-driven thermochemical cycling has recently generated significant interest for its potential as a highly efficient method of storing solar energy. Of particular interest is the thermochemical process using non-stoichiometric oxides, such as ceria. In this process a reactive oxide is cyclically exposed to an inert gas, typically at 1500 °C to induce the partial reduction of the oxide, and then exposed to an oxidizing gas of either H_2O or CO_2 at a temperature between 800–1500 °C to oxidize the oxide and release H_2 or CO. Conventional wisdom has held that material kinetics limit the fuel production rates. Herein we demonstrate that, instead, at 1500 °C the rates of both reduction and oxidation of ceria, and hence also the global fuel production rate, are limited only by thermodynamic considerations for any reasonable set of operating conditions. Thus, in terms of materials design, significant room exists for sacrificing material kinetics in favor of thermodynamic characteristics.
Magnetoresistance and Structure of Granular Co/Ag Thin Films

Several series of CoxAg1-x granular thin films (~3000A) were fabricated by coevapora-tion of Co and Ag in a dual e-beam UHV deposition system at varying substrate temperatures. These films have low field magnetoresistance values as large as 31% at room temperature and 65% at liquid N2 temperature. The structure of the films was determined using magnetization measurements as well as x-ray and various electron microscopy techniques. The composition was determined using Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. The magnetoresistance was measured at both room and liquid N2 temperatures. We deduce from the magnetization and RBS measurements that the films consist of Co globules embedded in a Ag matrix and that there is no appreciable mixing of the Co and Ag atoms in the films deposited at substrate temperatures ≥ 400°K. The size of the Co globules is seen to increase with increasing Co concentration and the maximum magnetoresistance occurs in those films having the smallest Ag thickness which provides magnetic isolation of the Co globules. We suggest that the large magnetoresistance of these films arises from the same mechanism which causes the low field magnetoresistance in pure ferromagnets, namely, the scattering of the highly polarized d conduction electrons of the Co at magnetic boundaries. The large increase in the room temperature magnetoresistance of the Co/Ag films as compared to those of pure 3d ferromagnetic films is due to the distance between the magnetic boundaries being reduced to a few nanometers, because of the small size of the single domain Co globules, as compared to a few microns in 3d ferromagnets.
The De contemptu mundi Attributed to Grosseteste

The De contemptu mundi attributed to Robert Grosseteste survives in but a single copy: Cambridge, Trinity College, MS B.15.38, fols. 77a-79b. The manuscript is written in a beautiful mid-thirteenth-century hand. It is of English provenance, having once been in the possession of Hailes (Hayles) Abbey, Gloucestershire, a Cistercian foundation established by monks of Beaulieu under royal patronage in 1248.1 The rubric on fol. 77a states: "Incipit tractatus sancti Roberti Lincolniensis episcopi de contemptu mundi. Utitur enim quasi quodam dialogo inter corpus et animam." The validity of this ascription is predicated on sparse and fragile evidence. Thomas Wright, as early as 1841, called attention to a citation in Polycarp Leyser's Historia poetarum et poematum medii aevi of a manuscript at Leipzig which contained a Disputatio inter corpus et animam in Latin Leonines attributed to Grosseteste.2 A century later S. Harrison Thomson in The Writings of Robert Grosseteste, Bishop of Lincoln (1235-1253) cited a manuscript in the Vienna Nationalbibliothek which attributes the Visio Philiberti (Disputatio inter corpus et animam) to Grosseteste.3 Thomson knew the Vienna ascription to be erroneous, but he reasoned that the attribution implied a tradition of Grosseteste's having written such a tract. He therefore accepted the ascription of the Trinity College manuscript. Had he known Wright's note it is probable that Thomson would have cited it, inasmuch as the Leipzig attribution would have substantiated his argument. There were then two attributions of a Disputatio inter corpus et animam to Grosseteste on the continent, both in Germanic areas. Neither of these, however, can refer to the De contemptu mundi of the Trinity College manuscript, which is not written in Latin Leonines and is not the Visio Philiberti.
Source-Level Performance, Energy, Reliability, Power and Thermal (PERPT) Simulation

With ever increasing design complexities, traditional cycle-accurate or instruction-set simulations are often too slow or too inaccurate for system prototyping in early design stages. As an alternative, host-compiled or source-level software simulation has been proposed, but existing approaches have largely focused on timing simulation only. In this paper, we propose a novel source-level simulation infrastructure that provides a full range of performance, energy, reliability, power and thermal (PERPT) estimation. Using a fully automated, retargetable back-annotation framework, intermediate representation code is statically annotated with timing, energy and resource accesses information obtained from low-level references at basic block granularity. The annotated model is natively compiled and combined with a cache model and occupancy analyzer to provide target performance, energy, soft-error vulnerability and power estimations. Finally, generated power traces are fed into thermal models for further temperature estimation. Comprehensive evaluations of our source-level models for PERPT estimations are performed. We applied our approach to PowerPC targets running various industry benchmark suites. source-level simulations are evaluated for different PERPT metrics and with cache models at various levels of detail to explore the speed and accuracy tradeoffs. More than 90% accuracy can be achieved for timing, energy, reliability and power estimation, and an average error of 0.05 K exists in steady-state thermal estimation. Simulation speeds range from 180 to 5740 MIPS for different types of metrics at different abstraction levels.
Aggressive therapy for cancer of the pancreas. Does it help

Aggressive therapy clearly plays a role in the management of pancreatic cancer, be it localized to that organ, limited to the upper abdomen, or metastatic. A significant percentage of patients with resectable disease can be salvaged by radical resection of the cancer and aggressive adjuvant therapies. Five-year survival rates exceeding 30% have been reported from Japan. A supportive-care-only treatment philosophy ensures that almost all patients will die of cancer and that new treatment regimens will not be evaluated, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Such a policy is no longer tenable.
Rare Case of Lupus Nephritis With Negative Antinuclear Antibodies, Double-Stranded DNA Antibodies and Positive Anti-Ro/SSA Antibodies

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune multisystem disease that is characterized by various antibodies to nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens and diagnosed by either fulfilling the 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria, American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria or by Renal Biopsy. Renal involvement is common in SLE and is primarily related to anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies. However, small group of SLE nephritis patients have shown negative anti-dsDNA and ANA. We present a case of 25-year-old female who presented with proteinuria and negative serum antibodies except anti-Ro/SSA. Renal biopsy was performed and was consistent with class IV lupus nephritis (LN). In this report, we highlight the possible role of anti-Ro antibodies in the pathogenesis and the prognosis of LN, although the mechanism is yet to be understood. Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies might play an important role in the pathogenesis and prognosis in LN. However, further studies are required to understand the exact mechanism. World J Nephrol Urol. 2016;5(2):48-49 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/wjnu272e
ACCURACY AND PRECISION OF ACETABULAR COMPONENT PLACEMENT WITH IMAGELESS NAVIGATION IN OBESE PATIENTS

Obesity is a risk factor for acetabular malposition when total hip arthroplasty (THA) is performed with manual orientation techniques. However, conflicting evidence exists regarding the usefulness of computer-assisted surgery for performing THA in obese patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the precision and accuracy of imageless navigation for acetabular component placement in obese versus non-obese patients. After institutional review board approval, 459 THA performed for primary hip osteoarthritis were reviewed retrospectively. The same imageless navigation system was used for acetabular component placement in all THA. During surgery the supine anterior pelvic plane was referenced superficially. THA was performed via posterolateral approach in the lateral position. A hemispherical acetabular component was used, with target inclination of 40° and target anteversion of 25°. Computer software was used to determine acetabular orientation on postoperative anteroposterior pelvic radiographs. Obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) were compared to non-obese patients. A 5° difference in mean orientation angles was considered clinically significant. Orientation error (accuracy) was defined as the absolute difference between the target orientation and the measured orientation. Student9s t test was used to compare means. Hartley9s test compared variances of the mean differences (precision). Fisher exact tests examined the relationship between obesity and component placement in the target zone (target ± 10°) for inclination and version. All statistical tests were two-sided with a significance level of 0.05. Differences in mean inclination and anteversion between obese and non-obese groups were 1.1° (p=0.02 and p=0.08, respectively), and not clinically significant. Inclination accuracy trended toward improvement for non-obese patients (p=0.06). Inclination precision was better for non-obese patients (p=0.006). Accuracy and precision for anteversion were equal between the two groups (p=0.19 and p=0.95, respectively). There was no relationship between obesity and placement of the acetabulum outside of the target ranges for inclination (p=0.13), anteversion (p=0.39) or both (p=0.99), with a trend toward more inclination outliers in obese patients versus non-obese patients (7.3% versus 3.9%). The observed differences in mean acetabular orientation angles were not clinically significant (
Speaking through Silence: Racial Discourse and Identity Construction in Mass-mediated Debates on the “War on Drugs”

As a set of criminal justice policies and practices, the “war on drugs” is a contested social issue linked to specific racial meanings and structures and political logics. As the legitimacy and value of the “war on drugs” has increasingly become a topic of public discussion, how such debates are shaped by both media communication and contemporary racial discourses warrants rigorous sociological analysis. In this article, we use a content analysis of newspaper manuscripts and online comments on “war on drugs” news stories to examine (1) the racial discourse within mass media agenda-setting and framing and (2) patterns of discursive identity construction in the context of digital and mass-mediated social commentary. Our findings show how “racial silence,” implicit and explicit racial discourse, and identity construction via racialized subject-positions assist to rationalize and legitimate racial inequality. We also outline the theoretical implications of these findings and avenues of future research.
Symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis differentially impact general health-related quality of life.

Background The degree to which different sinonasal symptoms contribute to the overall quality of life (QOL) detriment in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients remains unknown. In this study we sought to characterize the effect of different CRS symptoms on the general health-related QOL in patients. Methodology We performed a prospective cross-sectional study of 131 adult patients with CRS. Sinonasal symptoms were evaluated using the 22-item Sinonasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-22) and general health-related QOL was evaluated using the EuroQol 5-Dimensional general health-related QOL survey (EQ5D) and visual analog scale (EQ5D-VAS). Health utility values (HUV) were determined using responses to the EQ5D. SNOT-22 scores were broken down into subdomain scores for sleep, nasal, otologic/facial pain and emotional function symptoms. Results The otologic/facial pain subdomain score consistently had the largest impact on EQ5D-VAS and HUV. After otologic/facial pain, the sleep subdomain score had the second largest effect while the nasal subdomain score had the least impact on general health-related QOL. Conclusions Different types of CRS symptoms - most prominently otologic/facial pain and sleep-related symptoms - and their underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms may differentially affect the general health-related QOL detriment associated with CRS. These findings raise the possibility that treatment of the various symptoms associated with CRS may lead to differential improvement in general-health related QOL.
Validity and Reliability of the 8-Item Work Limitations Questionnaire.

Purpose To evaluate factorial validity, scale reliability, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the 8-item Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) among employees from a public university system. Methods A secondary analysis using de-identified data from employees who completed an annual Health Assessment between the years 2009–2015 tested research aims. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (n = 10,165) tested the latent structure of the 8-item WLQ. Scale reliability was determined using a CFA-based approach while test–retest reliability was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Convergent/discriminant validity was tested by evaluating relations between the 8-item WLQ with health/performance variables for convergent validity (health-related work performance, number of chronic conditions, and general health) and demographic variables for discriminant validity (gender and institution type). Results A 1-factor model with three correlated residuals demonstrated excellent model fit (CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.03, and SRMR = 0.01). The scale reliability was acceptable (0.69, 95% CI 0.68–0.70) and the test–retest reliability was very good (ICC = 0.78). Low-to-moderate associations were observed between the 8-item WLQ and the health/performance variables while weak associations were observed between the demographic variables. Conclusions The 8-item WLQ demonstrated sufficient reliability and validity among employees from a public university system. Results suggest the 8-item WLQ is a usable alternative for studies when the more comprehensive 25-item WLQ is not available.
The Social Networks and Paradoxes of the Opt-out Movement Amid the Common Core State Standards Implementation: The Case of New York.

Opting out of state standardized tests has recently become a movement—a series of grassroots, organized efforts to refuse to take high-stakes state standardized tests. In particular, the opt-out rates in the state of New York reached 20% in 2015 and 21% in 2016. This study aims to illustrate the social networks and examine the paradoxes that have propelled the opt-out movement in New York—the movement’s epicenter with the highest opt-out rate in the United States. Drawing on the conceptual frameworks of social movement theory, social network theory, and policy paradox, this study compiled the opt-out corpus by using the data from 221 press-coverage and 30 archival documents. Social network analysis was performed by examining the relational data that suggest coalition ties between movement actors. Further, to explicate how the movement actors forged coalition ties, all data in the corpus were then coded by Stone’s framework of policy paradox regarding how the movement goals were articulated, how the movement was framed, and what policy solutions were mobilized. In addition to identifying the movement actors and two competing coalitions, it is found that to forge coalition ties, the movement actors in the opposing coalitions articulated contested goals of standardized testing, framed the movement via symbols, numbers, and interests, as well as mobilized policy solutions via inducements, rights, and power. The findings have important and timely implications for policymakers and movement actors as they seek and advance on common ground to make substantive changes in education policy.
Social meanings of honorific / non-honorific alternations in Korean and Japanese

The use of honorifics in Korean and Japanese is generally dictated by social factors such as age, status, and gender (Sohn 1999, Kuno 1987). Honorifics are marked by a well-defined repertoire of linguistic elements, including address-terms, specialized vocabulary, and verbal suffixes. Depending on the relationship between the interlocutors, an honorific form is chosen over the other available forms. Recently, researchers have been questioning whether the choice is wholly dependent on the relative status, or if other factors play a role in the selection process (Strauss and Eun 2005, Dunn 2005, Yoon 2015). This study focuses on the honorifics productively encoded by verbal suffixes. Unexpectedly, continual shifts between verbal suffixes are observed in a single speech situation. Based on the analyses of media data, we identify a set of social meanings encoded by these shifts. Furthermore, we show that Silverstein’s notion of “indexical order” (Silverstein 2003) is crucial for accounting for suffix alternation.
Development and implementation of an emergency department telephone follow‐up system

Implementing a telephone follow-up system after a patient's emergency department (ED) visit is challenging, but it may improve patient safety and care. This study's objective was to describe the development and implementation of a comprehensive ED telephone follow-up system over a 9-year period. Discharged patients who received a follow-up telephone call within 48 hours of their ED visit included all pediatric patients, those who left without being seen by a provider, and any adult patient with a “high-risk chief complaint,” which was defined as a headache, visual problem, chest pain, dyspnea, abdominal pain, syncope, trauma, and neurological-related problems. There were 127 524 cases that met criteria to receive a follow-up call, with 138 331 attempted calls being made and 46 114 (36.2%) cases successfully followed up. Forty-two percent of pediatric cases and 16% of patients who left without being seen were successfully contacted with a follow-up call; 1.6% of cases were referred to the CQI Committee. In the 9 years prior and after implementation of this follow-up system, there were 3.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1–5.9) and 2.5 (95% CI = 1.3–4.5) medical malpractice lawsuits per 100 000 ED patient visits, respectively; this represented a 28.6% reduction. A comprehensive telephone follow-up program can be developed and implemented utilizing available resources.
Investigating Moral Links Between Religiosity, Altruism, and Green Consumption

ABSTRACTReligious practice and green consumption seem inherently related, as each activity purportedly benefits society. Despite this, few studies have explored the possibility that religion influences green purchase intentions. Further, individuals often struggle to reconcile their religious and nonreligious motives in their day-to-day activities. Toward this end, the current study investigates the roles that religion, price, and social motives may play as factors that influence green consumption. The study also examines the possible intervention of other altruistic motives such as attitude toward charitable institutions in determining green consumption. The study develops a new perspective on how green products should be marketed while delivering actionable theoretical and managerial implications.
Regulation of Chloroplast Translation

During the evolution of chloroplasts from cyanobacterial endosymbionts, many genes encoding components necessary for protein synthesis and photosynthesis have been transferred to the nucleus. Assembly of the machinery for both processes now relies on the concerted expression of genes in the nuclear and plastid genomes. Evidence accumulating in C. reinhardtii indicates that the expression and regulation of chloroplast genes probably differs in certain respects from the prokaryotic (E. coli) paradigm. Both mutational analysis of putative Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequences, and creation of canonical SD sequences (-9 to -5) reveals that initiation is not mediated by SD-16S rRNA interactions for the majority of chloroplast-encoded mRNAs. Recent evidence in cyanobacteria, the most likely ancestors of the Chlamydomonas chloroplast, indicates that most genes lack SD sequences at the classical position. Interactions between cis-acting sequences in the 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs) and specific trans-acting nuclear gene products appear to mediate translation of chloroplast-encoded mRNAs for specific genes. Both UV crosslinking and gel mobility shift assays with several chloroplast leaders show that multiple proteins interact with these sequences. Some of these appear to be involved in gene-specific regulation, whereas others may be core proteins of a general ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. Inverted repeat sequences present in most chloroplast leaders predict higher order structures within the 5′ UTR of mRNAs that could serve as scaffolding for the formation of the RNP complex. One model predicts that the RNP complex directly enhances ribosome binding and translation initiation. A second model predicts that the RNP complex plays a role in making topological distinctions in the sites of synthesis of chloroplast mRNAs. A challenge in the coming years will be to determine which, if any, of these models are correct.
Insulin-like growth factor 2: a poor prognostic biomarker linked to racial disparity in women with uterine carcinosarcoma.

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) expression and survival in women with uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS). Insulin-like growth factor 2 protein expression was determined by immunohistochemical staining of tumor tissues from 103 patients with UCS. The H-score (product of staining intensity and percentage positive cells) was quantified for the epithelial cytoplasmic (EC), epithelial nuclear (EN), and malignant stromal compartments. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to examine the relationship of IGF2 levels with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Adjusting for stage, race, and adjuvant therapy, PFS and OS were reduced in patients with high IGF2 (H-score ≥ median) in the EC and EN compartments. Black race was independently associated with reduced PFS and OS in patients with early-stage disease, and IGF2 levels in the EC were higher in black than in white patients (P = 0.02, Wilcoxon test). In a race-stratified multivariable analysis, high IGF2 in the epithelial compartments more than doubled the risk of death in black women; HR = 2.43 (95% CI: 1.18-5.01, P = 0.02) for high IGF2 in the EC; and HR = 2.34 (95% CI: 1.25-4.39, P = 0.008) for high IGF2 in the EN. In conclusion, high tumor IGF2 expression is an independent risk factor for reduced PFS and OS in UCS. Black women have elevated tumor IGF2 compared with white women, and decreased survival associated with high IGF2. These findings identify IGF2 as a candidate biomarker for survival linked to racial disparity in women with UCS.
Adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed non-co-deleted anaplastic gliomas—a new standard

Many clinical trials in neuro-oncology have sought to define treatment paradigms for glioblastomas [World Health Organization (WHO) grade IV gliomas], the most common adult primary CNS malignancy. Substantially fewer have been performed in patients with newly diagnosed anaplastic (WHO grade III) gliomas, most likely reflecting the lower incidence of grade III gliomas. Fewer still have been large randomized clinical trials that have established standards of care.
Producer Decision Making under Uncertainty: Role of Past Experiences and Question Framing

Limited research examines the role of reference points or how uncertain outcomes are processed in producer decisions. This study employs a survey containing a split-sample choice experiment varying how uncertain outcomes are portrayed, and assesses multiple candidate reference points. Results suggest that U.S. cattle producers use the best outcome experienced as reference points in their decisions, and the method by which uncertain outcomes are presented impacts loss aversion, marginal willingness to pay, and market participation estimates. This illustrates how research employing split samples, multiple reference points, and alternative methods of portraying uncertain outcomes may better identify producer decision-making.
INDICATIONS OF HIGH-TEMPERATURE PROCESSES IN ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY

Carbonaceous complex use as indicators of geothermal history and high temperature organic geochemistry
Role of surgery in the management of high-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of surgery in the management of high-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-four (48%) of 50 patients treated with etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide and vincristine (EMA-CO) regimen as primary or secondary chemotherapy for high-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia between 1986 and 2005 underwent 28 adjuvant surgical procedures. The procedures included hysterectomy (17), lung resection (5), salpingectomy (1), uterine wedge resection (1), small bowel resection (1), suturing of the liver or uterus for bleeding (2) and uterine artery embolization (1). RESULTS: Twenty-one (87.5%) of 24 patients who had surgical procedures as part of their treatment for high-risk disease survived. Fifteen (88%) of 17 patients undergoing hysterectomy were cured. Four (80%) of 5 patients who had resistant foci of choriocarcinoma in the lung were cured by pulmonary resection. The patients who had suturing of the uterus, uterine artery embolization, small bowel resection and salpingectomy for bleeding as well as the patient who had uterine wedge resection of resistant choriocarcinoma survived. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant surgical procedures, especially hysterectomy and pulmonary resection for chemotherapy-resistant disease as well as procedures to control hemorrhage, are important components in the management of high-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Twenty-four (48%) of 50 patients with high-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in this series underwent surgical procedures, and 21 (87.5%) were cured.
Interactionist Perspectives in Social Psychology

The core tradition of symbolic interactionism is presented, including its key concepts, and the history of symbolic interactionism is reviewed, from its beginnings in the works of Adam Smith to those of Erving Goffman and beyond. The special theories and methodologies that comprise several of its leading variants (such as the process, structural, dramaturgical, and postmodern traditions) are considered. The chapter concludes with a consideration of future developments in symbolic interactionism.
Microstructural Models for Friction and Wear

ABSTRACT Dislocation microstructures are shown to be similar for materials exposed to fatigue loading and those experiencing sliding friction or wear. Dislocation models for fatigue are applied to cases of friction and wear. Comparisons are made with previous models and with current experimental evidence.
Correlation between Short-Form 36 Scores and Neck Disability Index in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN Case control study. PURPOSE To determine how the Neck Disability Index (NDI), a cervical spine-specific outcome, reflects health-related quality-of-life, and if NDI is correlated to the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE NDI is a useful tool for assessing health-related quality of life in patients with neck pain. METHODS We used the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient to assess the validity of all items under NDI and SF-36, and the Pearson's correlation coefficient to assess the correlation between NDI and total SF-36 scores. The primary outcome measures were spine-specific health status- and general health status-measures after spine surgery, and these were evaluated every year for 2 years, using both NDI and SF-36 scores. RESULTS NDI had a strong linear correlation with SF-36 and its two scales, the Physical Component Score (PCS) and the Mental Component Score (MCS), attesting to the validity of these two instruments. Among the eight subscales of SF-36, there was a strong linear correlation between NDI and PCS-physical functioning, PCS-bodily pain, and MCS-role emotional. Further, a moderate linear correlation was observed between NDI and subscales of PCS-role physical, PCS-general health, and MCS-social functioning, and between NDI and MCS-vitality and MCS-mental health. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the NDI adequately reflects the patient's physical and mental quality of life, implying that the use of NDI to assess functional outcomes can also be ultimately used to evaluate the patient's quality of life.
Multiple Sampling Photodiode Readout That Overcomes ADC Resolution Limit

We present a light detection system (for point-of-care diagnostics) consisting of a multiple-sampling readout that forgoes the resolution limit set by a low-cost microcontroller ADC. Experimental measurements demonstrate a >5 ∗ 106 input range and a noise floor of <210 fA.
Land subsidence in Houston correlated with flooding from Hurricane Harvey

Abstract Hurricane Harvey caused unprecedented flooding and socioeconomic devastation in Eastern Texas with high winds, elevated storm tide, and record rainfall. The flooded area is mapped using the radar backscattering difference between Sentinel-1A/B satellite acquisitions spanning the event, which provides a snapshot of standing water at the time of image acquisition. We find vast areas outside of designated flood hazard zones are overwhelmed. Furthermore, we map pre-cyclone land subsidence using multitemporal interferometric processing of large SAR datasets acquired by Advanced Land Observation Satellite (ALOS) and Sentinel-1A/B satellites. We find that subsidence of up to 49 mm/yr and 34 mm/yr during the ALOS (Jul-2007–Jan-2011) and Sentinel-1A/B (Dec-2015 to Aug-2017) acquisition periods affect various parts of Houston-Galveston area. We conclude that 85% of the flooded area subsided at a rate > 5 mm/yr. We suggest that subsidence affected flood severity by modifying base flood elevations and topographic gradients, supported by the Chi-square test of independence. This work highlights the importance of incorporating InSAR measurements of land subsidence in flood resilience strategies.
Design Space Reduction using Clustering in Aircraft Engine Design

During the initial stages of design, it is critical to conduct design space exploration studies and evaluate the design solutions against given criteria. These criteria correspond to the goals that the current design needs to achieve. When there is high dimensionality, the design space becomes very large which is hard to evaluate comprehensively. Hence, instead of searching the entire design space, multiple clusters are obtained based on the design performance objectives. By only exploring the subsets of the design space, the computational cost is diminished, making the design space exploration studies faster. As a use case, conceptual design of turbofan engines is illustrated since propulsion design necessitates a high dimensional design input. Initial sampling is performed using the design of experiments approach, then the design space is clustered based on specific fuel consumption at cruise and engine weight. Both of the design performance parameters are to be minimized to achieve the optimal design point. The best cluster is chosen and regarded as the new space to be explored. Same procedure is applied by following an iterative design space reduction methodology. Two different clustering algorithms are employed and their performance assessment is made. It is found that K-means clustering11K-means clustering is an unsupervised learning technique, which assigns each data point to a group, given the attributes. K represents the number of groups found in the data. approach reduced the design space more than the Gaussian Mixture Model clustering technique22Clustering of data using Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm for Gaussian mixtures.. Additionally, the truth model33The correct model that is used for verification purposes. is obtained using the Pareto Frontier44Pareto Frontier is the set of design points optimizing the design problem. of the design dataset. The best design point in the final design space is compared against the truth model. It is found that the accuracy is higher when the k-means clustering approach is used.
Oklahoma City Bombing

The 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, the deadliest terrorist attack in the United States prior to September 11th, 2001, provides valuable insights into many of the key homeland security challenges faced by a diverse Republic like the United States. These tactical, operational, and strategic-level challenges include but are not limited to: communication; operations and logistics; victim and family support; public perception, media, and information dissemination; the tensions between liberty and security in law and policymaking; and the relationship between the executive and legislative branches and their roles and tendencies during and after a national security crisis. Although the aftermath was marked by resilience in the face of great tragedy and some noteworthy successes, this article analyzes the effectiveness of the tiered, progressive emergency response, particularly highlighting shortcomings, broader implications, and impacts for the U.S. and other republics in their approach to dealing with terrorism and homeland security incidents moving forward.
Correlating structure and transport behavior in Li+ and O2 containing pyrrolidinium ionic liquids

Ionic liquids are a unique class of materials with several potential applications in electrochemical energy storage. When used in electrolytes, these highly coordinating solvents can influence device performance through their high viscosities and strong solvation behaviors. In this work, we explore the effects of pyrrolidinium cation structure and Li+ concentration on transport processes in ionic liquid electrolytes. We present correlated experimental measurements and molecular simulations of Li+ mobility and O2 diffusivity, and connect these results to dynamic molecular structural information and device performance. In the context of Li-O2/Li-air battery chemistries, we find that Li+ mobility is largely influenced by Li+-anion coordination, but that both Li+ and O2 diffusion may be affected by variations of the pyrrolidinium cation and Li+ concentration.
A Systems-Based Analysis of the CardioMEMS HF Sensor for Chronic Heart Failure Management

Background. Hemodynamic-guided therapy using the CardioMEMS™ system has been shown to reduce heart failure hospitalization (HFH) in both clinical trials and real-world settings. However, the CardioMEMS system requires input from multiple independent elements to achieve its effect, and no studies have been done to investigate those elements. Consistent patient participation and health care provider participation are two of those key elements, and this study sought to assess how they affect HFHs. Methods. This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients with the CardioMEMS sensor. The primary outcome was the number of HFH days patients experienced in the 1 year following CardioMEMS sensor implant. The primary independent variables were the average number of days between patient transmissions of data and the average number of days between health care provider reviews of those data. Covariates included patient demographics, medical comorbidities, history of HFHs, and initial pressure response to hemodynamic-guided therapy at 28 days after implant. Data were fit to a zero-inflated negative binomial regression. Results. Seventy-eight patients were included in the study. The mean age was 64 ± 15 years, 52 (67%) were male, and 58 (76%) had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. During the study period, there were 538 cumulative HFH patient-days. Based on the regression model, there was an exponential relationship between HFH days and the mean number of days between patient transmissions (IRR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.09–2.75, ). There was also an exponential relationship between HFH days and the mean number of days between health care provider reviews (IRR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05, ). Conclusions. This single-center study suggests that more frequent patient transmissions and health care provider reviews of the CardioMEMS system are associated with a decreased number of HFH days, but larger multicentered studies are required. Further systems-based analyses of the CardioMEMS system may be a useful approach to guiding effective use of the CardioMEMS device.