cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a Potential Listeria monocytogenes Virulence Factor Associated with Attachment to Fresh Produce

A study to determine the attachment of L. monocytogenes serotype 4b strain F2365 on vegetables and fruits was conducted. In an initial study, we screened 32 genes encoding surface proteins and lipases of the strain to find highly expressed genes on lettuce leaves. The results showed that transcription levels of LMOf2365_0413, LMOf2365_0498, LMOf2365_0859, LMOf2365_2052, and LMOf2365_2812 were significantly upregulated on lettuce leaves. In silico analysis showed that LMOf2365_0859 contains a putative cellulose binding domain. Thus, we hypothesized that this gene may be involved in an attachment to vegetables, and named it lcp (gene encoding Listeria cellulose binding protein [LCP]). lcp mutant (Δlcp) and lcp complement (F2365::pMAD::cat::lcp) strains were generated by homologous recombination. The abilities of a wild-type (WT) strain, the Δlcp strain, and the complemented strain to attach to lettuce leaves were evaluated, which indicated that the attachment of the Δlcp strain to lettuce was significantly less than that of the WT and the complemented strains. Similar results were observed for baby spinach and cantaloupe. Fluorescence microscopy and field emission scanning microscopy analysis further supported these findings. The binding of L. monocytogenes to cellulose was determined using cellulose acetate-coated plates. The results showed that a binding ability of the Δlcp strain was significantly lower than that of the wild type. Combined, these results strongly suggest that LCP plays an important role in an attachment to vegetables and fruits.
Degradation of CREB-binding protein and modulation of type I interferon induction by the zinc finger motif of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus nsp1α subunit

Non-structural protein (nsp) 1 of PRRS virus is a viral antagonist for type I interferons (IFNs), and in cells expressing nsp1, CREB-binding protein (CBP) is degraded. nsp1 is auto-processed into nsp1α and nsp1β subunits and in the present study we show that the nsp1α subunit was responsible for CBP degradation. The nsp1α subunit contains three distinct functional motifs; a papain-like cysteine protease α (PCPα) motif, an N-terminal zinc finger motif (ZF1), and a newly reported C-terminal zinc finger motif (ZF2). To study the structure function of nsp1α and its IFN antagonism, these motifs were individually mutated and the mutants were examined for their IFN suppression ability. The mutations that destroyed the PCPα activities (C76S, H146Y, and C76S/H146Y) did not affect the IFN suppressive activity of nsp1α, indicating that the cysteine protease activity did not participate in IFN suppression. The mutations of C70S, C76S, H146Y, and/or M180I which coordinated the ZF2 motif also did not alter IFN suppression. However, the mutations of C8S, C10S, C25S, and/or C28S for the ZF1 motif impaired the IFN antagonism of nsp1α, demonstrating that ZF1 was the essential element of nsp1α for IFN suppression. Wild-type nsp1α localized in the both nucleus and cytoplasm, but the ZF1 mutants that lost the IFN suppressive activity did not localize in the nucleus and remained in the cytoplasm. Consistent with their cytoplasmic distribution, CBP was not degraded by these mutants. Our results indicate that the ZF1 motif of nsp1α plays an important role for IFN regulation and further demonstrate that the CBP degradation is likely the key mechanism for IFN suppression mediated by the nsp1α subunit protein of PRRS virus.
Value of negative dobutamine stress echocardiography in predicting long-term cardiac events.

Abstract To determine the value of negative dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) results in predicting subsequent long-term cardiac event rates, we retrospectively reviewed all dobutamine stress echocardiograms performed at our institution over a 3-year period (1992-1994). Follow-up was accomplished through the completion of a detailed questionnaire compiled from data obtained through chart review and direct telephone contact. Information regarding death also was determined by referencing patient data with mortality data available on the World Wide Web. Event rates were determined for hard (myocardial infarction [MI] or cardiac death) and soft (hospitalization for angina and/or congestive heart failure, coronary angioplasty, or coronary bypass surgery) cardiac events occurring after the negative DSE results for up to 7 years after the test. Negative test results were defined as those showing no new or worsening wall motion abnormalities after either a normal resting echocardiogram (normal-negative [NN]) or an abnormal segmental resting echocardiogram (fixed-negative [FN]). Results: Of the 346 interpretable tests, 224 were negative for inducible wall motion abnormalities, with 171 NN and 53 FN. In the NN group, the MI rate was 1.5% per patient/year, and the mortality rate was 0.13% per patient/year. In the FN group, the MI rate was 0.7% per patient/year, and the mortality rate was 0% per patient/year. Conclusions: DSE results in both NN and FN groups predict a very low subsequent hard event rate and mortality for up to 5 years after the test. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 1999;12:471-5.)
A fast algorithm for stochastic model predictive control with probabilistic constraints

A fast suboptimal algorithm for finite horizon stochastic linear-quadratic control under probabilistic constraints is presented. This type of control problem is solved repeatedly in stochastic model predictive control. Under the assumption of affine state feedback, the control problem is converted to an equivalent deterministic problem using the mean and covariance matrix as the state. An interior point method is proposed to solve this optimization problem, where the step direction can be quickly computed via a Riccati difference equation. On a two state, two constraint numerical example in this paper, the algorithm is over 200 times faster than a convex formulation that uses a general purpose solver when the time horizon is 25.
Object exchange across heterogeneous information sources

We address the problem of providing integrated access to diverse and dynamic information sources. We explain how this problem differs from the traditional database integration problem and we focus on one aspect of the information integration problem, namely information exchange. We define an object-based information exchange model and a corresponding query language that we believe are well suited for integration of diverse information sources. We describe how, the model and language have been used to integrate heterogeneous bibliographic information sources. We also describe two general-purpose libraries we have implemented for object exchange between clients and servers. >
How to find evidence when you need it, part 3: a clinician's guide to MEDLINE: tricks and special skills.

Abstract [Gallagher PE, Allen TY, Wyer PC. How to find evidence when you need it, part 3: a clinician's guide to MEDLINE: tricks and special skills. Ann Emerg Med. May 2002;39:547-551.]
Can Flexible Non-Linear Modeling Tell Us Anything New about Educational Productivity?.

Abstract The objective of this study is to test, under relatively simple circumstances, whether flexible non-linear models — including neural networks and genetic algorithms — can reveal otherwise unexpected patterns of relationship in typical school productivity data. Further, it is my objective to identify useful methods by which “questions raised” by flexible modeling can be explored with respect to our theoretical understandings of educational productivity. This study applies three types of algorithm — Backpropagation, Generalized Regression Neural Networks (GRNN) and Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) — alongside linear regression modeling to school-level data on 183 elementary schools. The study finds that flexible modeling does raise unique questions in the form of identifiable non-linear relationships that go otherwise unnoticed when applying conventional methods.
Re-evaluation of taxonomic utility of male phallic complex in higher-level classification of Acridomorpha (Orthoptera: Caelifera)

The current higher classification of the orthopteran superfamily group Acridomorpha is largely based on interpretation of male phallic structures. Internal male genitalia have been considered as an excellent taxonomic character because of a widespread belief that they are less subject to selective pressures from environment, and thus more stable than external characters. Furthermore, based on a notion that evolution proceeds from simple to complex, early taxonomists who shaped the higher classification of Acridomorpha considered those groups with less differentiated and membranous phallic structures as primitive and used this notion to deduce a phylogeny of Acridomorpha. In this study, we test these ideas based on a cladistic analysis of male phallic structures and a character optimization analysis to assess the level of homoplasy and synapomorphy for those phallic characters that have been traditionally used for the Acridomorpha systematics. We also perform an independent test of the phylogenetic utility of male phallic structures based on a molecular phylogeny. We show that while some phallic structures have strong phylogenetic signal, many traditionally used characters are highly homoplasious. However, even those homoplasious characters are often informative in inferring relationships. Finally, we argue that the notion that evolution proceeds in increasing complexity is largely unfounded and difficult to quantify in the higher-level classification of Acridomorpha.
Evaluating Collaborative Environmental Planning Outputs and Outcomes: Restoring and Protecting Habitat and the New York—New Jersey Harbor Estuary Program

Research documenting the social and organizational benefits of collaborative planning has afforded collaborative planning an increasingly broader role in environmental policy and management. However, the bias toward evaluating the process and its social outcomes has resulted in a gap in knowledge of the impact collaborative environmental planning and management has on changing environmental conditions. This article attempts to reduce this gap by presenting a new performance evaluation framework that assesses collaborative environmental planning outputs and outcomes: both social and environmental. The case study of the Habitat Workgroup of the New York—New Jersey Harbor Estuary Program highlights the utility of this evaluation framework in assessing the quality of key outputs; the presence of outcomes (i.e., changes in social and environmental conditions); and observed relationships between process, outputs, and outcomes.
Mapping the driving forces of chromosome structure and segregation in Escherichia coli

The mechanism responsible for the accurate partitioning of newly replicated Escherichia coli chromosomes into daughter cells remains a mystery. In this article, we use automated cell cycle imaging to quantitatively analyse the cell cycle dynamics of the origin of replication (oriC) in hundreds of cells. We exploit the natural stochastic fluctuations of the chromosome structure to map both the spatial and temporal dependence of the motional bias segregating the chromosomes. The observed map is most consistent with force generation by an active mechanism, but one that generates much smaller forces than canonical molecular motors, including those driving eukaryotic chromosome segregation.
Pulse-modulated radar display processor on a chip

Summary form only given. As technology advances, equipment is becoming more compact, so the idea of having radar on a chip becomes more important. A radar system is broken down into its circuit elements. This system shows how we can have control of the minimum range detected by a software tool (LABVIEW) by simply moving a button instead of having complicated circuitry. A display system implemented fully with the same software that can be transformed into FPGA is also shown as a step towards having a radar system fully implemented on a chip. The use of software gives flexibility as it can be applied to any radar without the need to change any parameter in the display system.
Comparison of Immunogenic Potentials of Bovine Thrombin Preparations

Using a membrane filtration step, bovine crude thrombin was purified into thrombin 4A and 4B preparations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the improved purity of a bovine thrombin preparation can reduce its overall immunogenic potential and lower the risk of development of factor V antibodies. Bovine crude thrombin and its purified versions, thrombin 4A and 4B, were administered to individual groups of rabbits on days 0, 21, 42, 91, 123, and 151 using standard immunologic methods. Blood was drawn from each rabbit on days 30, 50, 105, 137, and 165, and the pooled antisera from individual groups were purified to obtain the Ig Gs using protein G affinity columns. Using Western blotting, the specificity of each immunoglobulin G collected at the first time point (day 30) and last time point (day 165) was determined. The results of Western blotting using the Ig Gs collected on days 30 and 165 were consistent; both demonstrating that thrombin 4B has the least immunogenic potential among the 3 thrombin preparations tested. Compared with the immunoglobulin Gs collected on day 30, the Ig Gs from day 165 did not show obvious difference regarding their ability to detect antigens in bovine thrombin samples. Neither showed cross-reactivity with human coagulation factors nor the recognition of bovine factor Va antigens. These results suggest that despite the presence of a trace amount of bovine factor Va antigen in bovine thrombin preparations, these contaminants failed to elicit the generation of antibodies against factor Va light chain in rabbit.
Neuregulin-1 Induces Expression of Egr-1 and Activates Acetylcholine Receptor Transcription Through an Egr-1-binding Site

Localization of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) to neuromuscular synapses is mediated, in part, through selective transcription of AChR genes in myofiber synaptic nuclei. Neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) and its receptors, ErbBs, are concentrated at synaptic sites, and NRG-1 activates AChR synthesis in cultured muscle cells, suggesting that NRG-1-ErbB signaling functions to activate synapse-specific transcription. Previous studies have demonstrated that NRG-1-induced transcription is conferred by cis-acting elements located within 100 bp of 5' flanking DNA from the AChR epsilon subunit gene, and that it requires a GABP binding site within this region. To determine whether additional regulatory elements have a role in NRG-1 responsiveness, we used transcriptional reporter assays in a muscle cell line, and we identified an element that is required for NRG-1-induced transcription (neuregulin response element, NRE). Proteins from myotube extracts bind the NRE and NRG-1 treatment of the cells stimulates this binding. The ability of NRG-1 to stimulate formation of a protein-DNA complex with the NRE requires induction of protein expression. The complex contains early growth response-1 (Egr-1), a member of the Egr family of transcription factors, because proteins in the complex bind specifically to an Egr consensus site, and formation of the complex is inhibited by antibodies to Egr-1. NRG-1 induces expression of Egr-1 in myotubes, which presumably is responsible for the ability of NRG-1 to stimulate protein binding to the NRE. These results suggest that NRG-1 signaling in myotubes involves induction of Egr-1 expression, which in turn serves to activate transcription of the AChR epsilon subunit gene.
A case study in programming for parallel-processors

An affirmative partial answer is provided to the question of whether it is possible to program parallel-processor computing systems to efficiently decrease execution time for useful problems. Parallel-processor systems are multiprocessor systems in which several of the processors can simultaneously execute separate tasks of a single job, thus cooperating to decrease the solution time of a computational problem. The processors have independent instruction counters, meaning that each processor executes its own task program relatively independently of the other processors. Communication between cooperating processors is by means of data in storage shared by all processors.A program for the determination of the distribution of current in an electrical network was written for a parallel-processor computing system, and execution of this program was simulated. The data gathered from simulation runs demonstrate the efficient solution of this problem, typical of a large class of important problems. It is shown that, with proper programming, solution time when NP processors are applied approaches 1/NP times the solution time for a single processor, while improper programming can actually lead to an increase of solution time with the number of processors. Storage interference and other measures of performance are discussed. Stability of the method of solution was also investigated.
Sedimentation studies of giant DNA molecules present in unsheared whole-cell lysates of D. melanogaster cells.

Synopsis We have used band sedimentation in shallow density gradients of CsCl in the preparative centrifuge to analyze the distribution of sedimentation coefficients present in tritium labelled DNA from D. rnelanogaster cells. The cells were lysed according to the method of Kavenoff and Zimm to preserve very high molecular weight DNA. Sedimentation measurements have been carried out as a function of speed of centrifugation. The resulting distribution functions have been interpreted with the aid of the Zimm-Schumaker equation for the speed dependence of the sedimentation coefficient of very high molecular weigh: DNA. Low-speed centrifugation (3000 rpm) indicates that DNA molecules from the lysate are evenly distributed over values of S~O,~ from 0 to 514s. This distribution is very sensitive to changes in speed of centrifugation and is transformed into a bimodal distribution at 12,080 rpm. Analysis of this transformation allows us to postulate that perhaps 55% of the DNA in the lysate may have molecular weights in excess of 40 X LO9 g/mol. Some of these molecules may also possess a variety of configurations including partially replicated branched structures.
Low Resting Heart Rate and Antisocial Behavior: A Brief Review of Evidence and Preliminary Results from a New Test

Despite a large body of research demonstrating a clear and consistent relationship between resting heart rate and antisocial behavior, little is understood about the relative influence on antisocial behavior of resting heart rate and other constructs central to criminological theories. Here, the authors offer an initial effort to bridge this gap in the literature by testing the relationship between resting heart rate and a measure of antisocial behavior net of attachment to parents, self-control, peer delinquency, and potential physiological confounds. Results from ANOVA show that those with low resting heart rates have significantly higher rates of severe antisocial behavior and aggressive antisocial behavior net of physiological confounds. Results from multivariate regression models show that low resting heart rate has a statistically significant relationship with severe antisocial behavior and aggressive behavior in models controlling for attachment to parents, self-control, peer delinquency, and physi...
Energy Investments and Environmental Concerns in Southeast Asia

South-East Asia encompasses a number of countries that have experienced rapid economic growth in the last twenty years. The region as a whole is wealthy in fossil energy sources. Energy demand in South-East Asia is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years, creating problems in terms of relations among countries in the region and environmental degradation. The fossil energy sources are not evenly distributed across the region, and consequently some countries are abundant in resources while others are poor in resources. This state of affairs means that some national conceptions about competition among countries in the region need to be overcome, and appropriate transnational infrastructure for oil and gas transportation needs to be developed. Moreover, intriguing opportunities may derive from the development of renewable energy for about six hundred million people, 8.7 per cent of the entire world population. The analysis will focus on the following countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.
Comparing analog and digital pulse-shape-discrimination system performance for Organic-Liquid Scintillators

This work compares the PSD performance of two systems: one digital (NI PXI-5124) and one analog (Mesytec MPD4). Both systems were optimized for the best possible PSD performance, when using the same data acquisition system: PXI-5124, having 12 bit resolution, 10 V pulse-height dynamic range, and a 200 MHz sampling rate. Measurement conditions were kept identical between systems. A 5×5″ Organic-Liquid Scintillator (EJ-309), coupled to a PMT (ETL-9821), = was used to measure Cf-252. FOM values helped to quantify PSD performance for both systems. The results indicate that the analog PSD system marginally outperformed the digital PSD system.
The Research on Influencing Factors of Multifaceted Cooperation of Rural Public Goods Supply

The supply performance of rural public goods has been not high,multifaceted cooperative supply mode is not fundamentally alleviated supply and demand contradiction of rural public goods. The most important issue to improve the rural public goods supply performance is to analyze the impact factors, and explore the factors and measures which can promote the smooth and stable operation of suppliers' cooperation. For this problem, on the basis of defining multifaceted cooperation supply and supply performance of rural public goods,the article analyzes the evolutionary process of the multifaceted cooperative supply relationship as the starting point,explores how to promote the evolution of cooperative relations,and extracts element and path which can form a stable cooperative relation and improve supply performance. Finally, the article puts forward suggestions which can guarantee the implementation of multifaceted cooperation supply performance to provide a theoretical reference for the supply of rural public goods.
Direct Anonymous Attestation to Ad Hoc Networks Based on Trusted Computing

The integrity authentication of the existing Ad Hoc networks has inherent defects,and the traditional fixed network security strategy is not appropriate for the integrity authentication of Ad Hoc networks. Therefore,based on the study about the features of Ad Hoc networks,introduce trusted computing and direct anonymous attestation theory into authentication of Ad Hoc networks. The crux of the security authentication for Ad Hoc networks is the security authentication for every node. Optimize the nodes before the authentication. Firstly,constitute trusted computing module on hardware level,and direct anonymous attestation module on software level. The application shows that this scheme can effectively solve security issues of the Ad Hoc nodes,thus declining the attacked possibility of the Ad Hoc networks.
Research on the Welding Process and Microstructure Characteristic of the Friction Stir Welding Line

After the testing welding of aluminum alloy 2A12 for friction stir welding (FSW), this paper investigated the macrostructure of welding lines. The result shows that the welding tool with trapezium screw thread enhances the fluidity of intenerated material evidently; The macrostructure changed can be divided into four sections, base metal zone, heat affected zone, thermal-mechanical affected zone, dynamically re-crystallized zone, which are different form each other. Because of the extrusion and different temperature, a interface between the advancing side and the thermal-mechanical affected zone appears, where the inanition voice mostly occurs; while, the interface does not appear between the retreating side and the thermal-mechanical affected zone, because the material has equably change.
The Work-It Study for people with arthritis: Study protocol and baseline sample characteristics

BACKGROUND People with arthritis are at risk of work disability. Job accommodation and educational programs delivered before imminent work loss can minimize work disability, yet are not currently being widely implemented. The Work-It Study is a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of a problem solving program delivered by physical and occupational therapy practitioners to prevent work loss over a two-year period among people with arthritis and rheumatological conditions. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper is to describe the protocol of the randomized controlled trial, and describe the baseline characteristics of the subjects and their work outcomes. METHODS 287 participants were recruited from the Boston area in Massachusetts, USA. Eligible participants were aged between 21-65, self-reported a physicians' diagnosis of arthritis, rheumatic condition, or chronic back pain, reported a concern about working now or in the near future due to your health, worked at least 15 hours a week, had plans to continue working, and worked or lived in Massachusetts. Subjects were recruited through community sources and rheumatology offices. Participants in the experimental group received a structured interview and an education and resource packet, while participants in the control received the resource packet only. The baseline characteristics and work related outcomes of the participants were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, the Work-It Study is the largest and most diverse randomized controlled trial to date aiming to identify and problem solve work-related barriers, promote advocacy, and foster work disability knowledge among people with chronic disabling musculoskeletal conditions. Despite advances in medical management of arthritis and other rheumatological and musculoskeletal conditions, many people still have concerns about their ability to remain employed and are seeking strategies to help them sustain employment.
The Dangers of Waivers: How the Obama Administration Nationalized Education Policy

As we detailed in Chap. 1, education reform had little success for decades. Though incremental strides were made in one state or another or one district or another, generally the relative policy monopoly of the educational industrial complex stymied efforts to impose more accountability on schools and teachers and provide more choices for parents.
The rise of nanotoxicology: A successful collaboration between engineering and biology

The field of nanotechnology has grown exponentially in the last decade, due to increasing capabilities in material science which allows for the precise and reproducible synthesis of nanomaterials (NMs). However, the unique physicochemical properties of NMs that make them attractive for nanotechnological applications also introduce serious health and safety concerns; thus giving rise to the field of nanotoxicology. Initial efforts focused on evaluating the toxic potential of NMs, however, it became clear that due to their distinctive characteristics it was necessary to design and develop new assessment metrics. Through a prolific collaboration, engineering practices and principles were applied to nanotoxicology in order to accurately evaluate NM behavior, characterize the nano-cellular interface, and measure biological responses within a cellular environment. This review discusses three major areas in which the field of nanotoxicology progressed as a result of a strong engineering-biology partnership: 1) the establishment of standardized characterization tools and techniques, 2) the examination of NM dosimetry and the development of mathematical, predictive models, and 3) the generation of physiologically relevant exposure systems that incorporate fluid dynamics and high-throughput mechanisms. The goal of this review is to highlight the multidisciplinary efforts behind the successes of nanotoxicology and celebrate the partnerships that have emerged from this research field.
Competitive Argonaute-Based RNA Immunoprecipitation for Investigation of Transcriptomic Response to Anti-miR

Identification and validation of microRNA (miRNA) target genes is essential for gaining a better understanding of the many different functions miRNAs have in healthy and diseased cells. From a practical standpoint, validated target genes are also useful for monitoring pharmacological activity of developmental therapeutics that modulate miRNAs, such as anti-miRNA oligonucleotides (anti-miR). Here, we describe a method that uses changes in Argonaute 2-RNA immunoprecipitation in response to competition by anti-miR, titrated ex vivo, as physical evidence for target validation.
Food–Energy–Water Nexus: Quantifying Embodied Energy and GHG Emissions from Irrigation through Virtual Water Transfers in Food Trade

We present a network model of interstate food trade and report comprehensive estimates of embodied irrigation energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in virtual water trade for the United States (U.S.). We consider trade of 29 food commodities including 14 grains and livestock products between 51 states. A total of 643 million tons of food with a corresponding 322 billion m3 of virtual water, 584 billion MJ of embodied irrigation energy, and 42 billion kg CO2-equivalent GHG emissions were traded across the U.S. in 2012. The estimated embodied GHG emissions in irrigation water are similar to CO2 emissions from the U.S. cement industry, highlighting the importance of reducing environmental impacts of irrigation. While animal-based commodities represented 12% of food trade, they accounted for 38% of the embodied energy and GHG emissions from virtual irrigation water transfers due to the high irrigation embodied energy and emissions intensity of animal-based products. From a network perspective, the food tr...
Simulation-Based Optimization: Achieving Computational Efficiency Through the Use of Multiple Simulators

Transportation agencies often resort to the use of traffic simulation models to evaluate the impacts of changes in network design or network operations. They often have multiple traffic simulation tools that cover the network area where changes are to be made. These multiple simulators may differ in their modeling assumptions (e.g., macroscopic versus microscopic), in their reliability (e.g., quality of their calibration), as well as in their modeling scale (e.g., city-scale versus regional-scale). The choice of which simulation model to rely on, let alone of how to combine their use, is intricate. A larger-scale model may, for instance, capture more accurately the local-global interactions; yet may do so at a greater computational cost. This paper proposes an optimization framework that enables multiple simulation models to be jointly and efficiently used to address continuous urban transportation optimization problems. We propose a simulation-based optimization algorithm that embeds information from bot...
Editor's Highlight: Exposure to CrVI during Early Pregnancy Increases Oxidative Stress and Disrupts the Expression of Antioxidant Proteins in Placental Compartments.

Epidemiologic studies document relationships between chromium VI (CrVI) exposure and increased risk of spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm birth, and neonatal death in pregnant women. Environmental contamination with CrVI is a growing problem both in the United States and developing countries. CrVI is widely used in numerous industries. This study was designed to understand the mechanism of CrVI toxicity on placental oxidative stress and antioxidant (AOX) machinery. Pregnant mother rats were treated with or without CrVI (50 ppm K2Cr2O7) through drinking water from gestational day (GD) 9.5-14.5, and placentas were analyzed on GD 18.5. Results indicated that CrVI reduced the trophoblast cell population. CrVI increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased the expression of AOX proteins. CrVI disrupts the trophoblast proliferation of the placenta. This study provides insight into the critical role of AOXs in placental function.
On Pseudopotential Calculations of Point Defects in Metals

Results of pseudopotential calculations of the relaxational parameters and formation energy of point defects in aluminum and sodium are presented. The results are encouraging and suggest that the apprehension “a second-order perturbation pseudopotential calculation may break down on account of strong localized distortion near the point defect” is not justified. Future interests in this area are (i) refinement of the pseudo-potential form factors suitable for all-purpose electronic and atomic property calculations in the simple metals and (ii) search of pseudopotential form factors and computational techniques for similar calculations in the transition metals.
Valuing Multiple Trajectories of Knowledge: A Critical Review and Agenda for Knowledge Management Research

Over the past three decades, scholars have increasingly come to view knowledge as one of the most important resources necessary for successful organization in the contemporary socioeconomic landscape. In our vigor to understand how organizations may harness the diverse knowledge available to them, however, we have produced a disparity in our theories of knowledge management (KM) processes. By reviewing 20 years of influential KM literature, we uncover a bias toward explaining knowledge integration over research exploring processes of knowledge differentiation. Through our review, we explain why such a pattern has emerged and build an argument for why understanding differentiation is an increasingly important charge for management and organizational scholars. We then advance three strategic directions for future KM scholarship, based on the notion that recognizing multiple knowledge trajectories can aid in addressing several significant lines of theorizing in management and organization studies.
C. elegans ADARs antagonize silencing of cellular dsRNAs by the antiviral RNAi pathway

Cellular dsRNAs are edited by adenosine deaminases that act on RNA (ADARs). While editing can alter mRNA-coding potential, most editing occurs in noncoding sequences, the function of which is poorly understood. Using dsRNA immunoprecipitation (dsRIP) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we identified 1523 regions of clustered A-to-I editing, termed editing-enriched regions (EERs), in four stages of Caenorhabditis elegans development, often with highest expression in embryos. Analyses of small RNA-seq data revealed 22- to 23-nucleotide (nt) siRNAs, reminiscent of viral siRNAs, that mapped to EERs and were abundant in adr-1;adr-2 mutant animals. Consistent with roles for these siRNAs in silencing, EER-associated genes (EAGs) were down-regulated in adr-1;adr-2 embryos, and this was dependent on associated EERs and the RNAi factor RDE-4. We observed that ADARs genetically interact with the 26G endogenous siRNA (endo-siRNA) pathway, which likely competes for RNAi components; deletion of factors required for this pathway (rrf-3 or ergo-1) in adr-1;adr-2 mutant strains caused a synthetic phenotype that was rescued by deleting antiviral RNAi factors. Poly(A)+ RNA-seq revealed EAG down-regulation and antiviral gene induction in adr-1;adr-2;rrf-3 embryos, and these expression changes were dependent on rde-1 and rde-4 Our data suggest that ADARs restrict antiviral silencing of cellular dsRNAs.
Record Linkage: A 10-Year Retrospective

We describe how we wrote the DASFAA 2003 paper titled ”Efficient Record Linkage in Large Data Sets” that received the DASFAA 2013 ten-year best paper award, and the followup research after the paper.
Determination of fumonisin B1 in botanical roots by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection: single-laboratory validation.

The accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility characteristics of a published method for measuring levels of fumonisin B1 (FB1) in botanical root products were determined by an AOAC single-laboratory validation procedure. Replicates of 10 test portions of each powdered root product (black cohosh, echinacea, ginger, ginseng, valerian, dong quai, and turmeric) at each spiking level (FB1 at 0, 50, 100, and 200 ng/g) were analyzed on 3 separate days. Test samples were extracted with methanol-acetonitrile-water (25 + 25 + 100, v/v/v). The extracts were centrifuged, the supernatants diluted with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 1% Tween 20 and filtered, and the filtrates applied to an immunoaffinity column containing antibodies specific for fumonisins. After the column was washed sequentially with PBS and water, the toxin was eluted from the column with 80% methanol, and the eluate dried by lyophilization. The residue was reconstituted with 50% acetonitrile. FB1 was derivatized with a mixture of o-phthaldialdehyde and mercaptoethanol by using an LC autoinjector. Separations were performed with an RP-LC column, and the FB1 derivative was quantified by fluorescence detection. All root products were found to contain FB1 at 50 ng/g for the seven botanical roots tested.
Redo mitral valve surgery following prior mitral valve repair.

Background The optimal treatment strategy following a failed mitral valve repair remains unclear. This study evaluated early and long-term outcomes of redo mitral valve repair (MVr) and replacement (MVR) after prior mitral valve repair. Methods Patients undergoing redo mitral valve surgery after prior mitral valve repair at a single institution between 2002 and 2014 were reviewed. Primary outcomes included operative mortality (30-day or in-hospital mortality) and long-term freedom from mitral valve reoperation and death. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications. Results 305 patients underwent redo MVr (n = 48) or MVR (n = 257) after prior mitral valve repair. Concomitant procedures included tricuspid valve repair or replacement (23%), aortic valve replacement (6%), and coronary artery bypass grafting (4%), with no differences between cohorts. 18% were performed via right mini-thoracotomy (24% MVr vs 18% MVR, P = 0.31). Unadjusted and risk-adjusted operative mortality were lower with MVr (0% vs 8%, P = 0.04). Rates of postoperative complications were similar except for blood product transfusion (35% MVr vs 59% MVR, P = 0.003) and prolonged mechanical ventilation (8% MVr vs 29% MVR, P = 0.003). Long-term freedom from mortality was comparable: 96% MVr versus 86% MVR at 1 year and 78% MVr versus 68% MVR at 5 years (P = 0.29). Conclusions When technically feasible, mitral valve re-repair can be safely performed with outcomes comparable to MVR.
Obesity as a Disease: The Obesity Society 2018 Position Statement

The emerging obesity epidemic and accompanying health consequences led The Obesity Society (TOS) in 2008 to publish a position paper defining obesity as a disease. Since then, new information has emerged on the underlying mechanisms leading to excess adiposity and the associated structural, cardiometabolic, and functional disturbances. This report presents the updated TOS 2018 position statement on obesity as a noncommunicable chronic disease.
Effect of government regulations on the severity of injuries in fisheries

This study analyses the severity of commercial fishing accidents in the Gulf of Mexico using data from the USCG. Estimates from ordered probit models find no statistically significant effect for ei...
Therapeutic ultrasound for improving the tropical corneal delivery of macromolecules

The goal of this project is to facilitate the delivery of topical drugs into the cornea and anterior segment of the eye using therapeutic ultrasound which could present a promising treatment for keratoconus and other corneal diseases. Each cornea is dissected and placed in a diffusion cell. smURFP-blue, a blue fluorescent chromophore, was used as the drug. The experimental groups of corneas were treated with 1 and 0.8 W/cm2 continuous ultrasound for 5 min at frequencies of 400 kHz and 600 kHz, respectively, then left in the diffusion cell for another 55 min. Fluorescence images of the fixed corneas were obtained to determine the relative amount of smURFP-blue that remained in the tissue. Safety of ultrasound application was tested by comparing the damage in the corneal layers. Spectroscopy measurements indicated no statistical difference in the presence of the chromophore in the receiver compartment in ultrasound- and sham-treatment groups. Preliminary results showed greater fluorescent intensity in the cornea when smURFP-blue is delivered with ultrasound compared to smURFP-blue added without ultrasound. The histology studies did not show any significant damage in ultrasound-treated corneas. This work may allow for the development of an inexpensive, clinically applicable, and minimally invasive ultrasound method for corneal drug delivery.
Pulmonary Aptamer Signatures in Children’s Interstitial and Diffuse Lung Disease

Rationale: Biomarker signatures are needed in children with children’s interstitial and diffuse lung disease (chILD) to improve diagnostic approaches, increase our understanding of disease pathogen...
Washington’s College Bound Scholarship Program and its Effect on College Entry, Persistence, and Completion

Indiana, Oklahoma, and Washington have programs designed to address college enrollment and completion gaps by offering a promise of state-based college financial aid to lowincome middle school stud...
A KLVFFAE-derived peptide probe for detection of alpha synuclein fibrils

Aggregation of an amyloid protein, α-synuclein (αS), is a critical step in the neurodegenerative pathway of Parkinson’s diseases (PD). Specific detection of amyloid conformers (i.e., monomers, oligomers, and fibrils) produced during αS aggregation is critical in better understanding a molecular basis of PD and developing a diagnostic tool. While various molecular probes are available for detection of αS fibrils, which may serve as a reservoir of toxic αS aggregate forms, these probes suffer from limited conformer-specificity and operational flexibility. In the present study, we explored the potential of non-self-aggregating peptides derived from the highly aggregation-prone KLVFFAE region of an amyloid protein, β-amyloid, as molecular probes for αS aggregates. We show that of the four peptides tested (KLVFWAK, ELVFWAE, and their C-terminal capping variants, all of which were attached with fluorescein isothiocyanate at their respective N-termini), KLVFWAK with C-terminal capping was selectively bound to αS fibrils over monomers and oligomers and readily used for monitoring αS fibrilization. Our analyses suggest that binding of the peptide to αS fibrils is mediated by both electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. We anticipate that our peptide can readily be optimized for conformer-specificity and operational flexibility. Overall, this study presents the creation of a KLVFFAE-based molecular probe for αS fibrils and demonstrates fine-tuning of its conformer-specificity by terminal mutations and capping.
Physical Activity Opportunities and Academic Outcomes of Fourth Grade Elementary School Students in Georgia.

BACKGROUND Physical activity at schools is an important component in combatting childhood obesity. Studies have shown that physical activity at school is positively associated with academic outcomes. The purpose of this study is to examine associations between opportunity of physical activity time at school and academic outcomes. METHODS This statewide, cross-sectional study utilized 2 data sources from the Georgia Department of Education and Georgia Shape in 860 schools. Multivariable linear regression analysis assessed the impact of the amount of physical activity time at school and standardized test scores, controlling for aerobic capacity, BMI, race, gender, school size, geographic category, and SES. RESULTS Time of physical activity opportunity at school was not significantly associated with Mathematics or Reading CRCT scores (p = .94, p = .31, respectively). SES had the greatest impact on test scores, where higher SES schools had higher standardized test scores (p < .01 for all tests scores). CONCLUSION Time of physical activity opportunities at school was not significantly associated with standardized test scores. SES appears to be the most important factor in academic outcomes. Time spent in PA at school does not negatively affect academic outcomes and should be utilized to prevent/reduce childhood overweight and obesity.
Surfacing the Hidden Brain (System 1) in Engineering Education Teaching, Learning, and Research

Our brains are amazingly complex, and fields like neuroscience are continuously revealing new insights into our thinking, with considerable implications for education. For example, researchers have demonstrated the significant role of System 1, or rapid and automatic processing, in the ways we behave and make decisions. However, engineering education remains largely focused on framing teaching, learning, and research on System 2, or rational and conscious forms of processing. Through this special session, we aim to generate awareness of and discussion about System 1 within the FIE community. Participants in this special session will generate a working definition for System 1, learn about current research related to System 1, and hear from a variety of scholars who are actively working to integrate System 1 into their teaching and research in the context of engineering education. The outcomes of this session are to continue to build momentum for including System 1 in our approaches to and assumptions about engineering education.
Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic for Pediatric Workplaces.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the best of the best in nursing Nurses are using scientific evidence to guide care, leading teams of clinicians into uncharted territory, and supporting patients, families and co-workers at unprecedented levels Here, Beal highlights lessons to be learned that can strengthen the quality of pediatric work environments Although pediatric nurses have not working with adults and elders, there are lessons to be learned that can strengthen the quality of pediatric work environments Based on evidence and reflections on nurses' experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic, lessons were learned that are helpful for any pediatric workplace at any time which includes teamwork, sense of duty, act of selfessness, camaraderie, and gratitude
Growth of the modified two-stream instability in the plume of a magnetically shielded Hall thruster

The electrostatic dispersion relation for an unbounded homogeneous plasma in the presence of unmagnetized ions, magnetized electrons, and an applied magnetic field has been solved numerically in the near-plume of a magnetically shielded Hall thruster. The plasma conditions have been obtained by 2D (r-z) multifluid-particle-in-cell simulations. We find growth of the modified two-stream instability in most regions of the domain, with the fastest growth approaching the fluid-limit ω L H/2, radially away from the channel centerline downstream of the front magnetic poles where ω p e / ω c e ∼ 1. In this region, the relative drift between magnetized electrons and beam ions perpendicular to the magnetic field is u ≳ 3 u T i, while that between the counterstreaming beam and cathode ions is ≳4 u T i. The latter suggests that the ion–ion cross field lower hybrid instability may also be active here. The presence of these instabilities can lead to anomalous heating of ions enhancing the average energy with which they impact nearby surfaces.