cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment Practices of Secondary Music Teachers

The purpose of this study was to survey assessment and grading practices employed by secondary music teachers throughout the southwestern region of the United States. Three main research questions guided the study: (1) What types of school district frameworks and classroom contexts are secondary music teachers operating within? (2) Which specific assessment and grading practices are employed most commonly by secondary music teachers? (3) Do any contextual or individual difference variables influence secondary music teachers’ assessment and grading practices? Two mailings yielded 352 total usable questionnaires (36%) with a sampling error of +/—5%. Participants reported that their school districts emphasized letter grades and that music course grades were equally weighted with other course grades in calculating student grade point averages and generating credit toward graduation. Yet, music teachers seldom received administrative guidance or altered assessment approaches due to standards-based curriculum a...
Human Airway Ecto-adenylate Kinase A MECHANISM TO PROPAGATE ATP SIGNALING ON AIRWAY SURFACES

Abstract Mechanically induced ATP release from human airway epithelial cells regulates mucociliary clearance through cell surface nucleotide receptors. Ectoenzymes detected on these cells were recently shown to terminate ATP-mediated responses by sequential dephosphorylation of extracellular ATP into ADP, AMP, and adenosine. We now demonstrate that an ecto-adenylate kinase (ecto-AK) contributes to the metabolism of adenine nucleotides on human airway epithelial surfaces by the reversible reaction: ATP + AMP ⇆ 2ADP. This phosphotransferase exhibited a bilateral distribution on polarized primary cultures of human bronchial epithelial cells with a 4-fold higher activity on the mucosal surface. Ecto-AK presented an absolute requirement for magnesium and adenine-based nucleotides. UMP, GMP, and CMP could not substitute for AMP as γ-phosphate acceptor, and UDP could not replace ADP. Apparent K m andV max values were 23 ± 5 μmand 1.1 ± 0.1 nmol·min−1·cm−2 for ATP and 43 ± 6 μm and 0.5 ± 0.1 nmol·min−1·cm−2 for ADP. Ecto-AK accounted for 20% of [γ-32P]ATP dephosphorylation, and the impermeant AK inhibitor, diadenosine pentaphosphate, reduced ADPase activity by more than 70% on both epithelial surfaces. Time course experiments on ATP metabolism demonstrated that ecto-AK significantly prolongs effective ATP and ADP concentrations on airway epithelial surfaces for P2 receptor signaling and reduces by 6-fold adenosine production. Our data suggest a role for this nucleotide entrapment cycle in the propagation of purine-mediated mucociliary clearance on human airway epithelial surfaces.
Music in the Home New Evidence for an Intergenerational Link

This study had three goals: (1) to investigate the potential connection between music experiences in early childhood and later music making as a parent, (2) to report the frequency of music making ...
Characterization theorems for some discrete distributions based on conditional structure

The joint distribution of (X,Y) is determined if the conditional expectation E {g(X)|Y = y} is given and the conditional distribution of Y|(X = x) is a conditional power series distribution, where g(·) is a function satisfying some minor conditions.
Daydreaming, intimacy, and the intersubjective third in fieldwork encounters in Syria

In this article, I analyze three episodes of daydreaming and reverie by young Syrian men that were occasioned, in part, by the presence of the anthropologist in ethnographic encounters. Such daydreaming calls forth an “intersubjective third,” which privileges the experience of the interlocutor but is powerfully defined by the relationship of the roles of anthropologist and interlocutor. This construction opens a space in which both unconscious and conscious aspects of experience can be recontextualized, leading to a better understanding of interlocutors’ wishes and anxieties—in this article, for transgression of genealogical and gender orders, the excitement of Internet pornography, and seductions of the modern. I conclude by theorizing the specificity of the ethnographic encounter's relation to knowledge and the different commitments for the anthropologist in the encounter and for the psychoanalyst in a therapeutic session.
Elastic Modeling of Biomembranes and Lipid Bilayers

The simulation of biological membranes over length and time scales relevant to cellular biology is not currently feasible using conventional (fully atomic or molecularly detailed) simulation strategies. Given the wide disparity between what is possible on today's computers and the problems one might like to study, it seems unlikely this situation will change for several decades. An appealing alternative to traditional computational approaches is to employ simpler, continuum-based models developed within the frameworks of elasticity theory, fluid dynamics, and statistical mechanics. Although such models have seen wide use in analytical descriptions of membrane behavior, the extension of these methods to more general situations and numerical analysis is just beginning to be explored. This article reviews continuum models for membrane behavior with an emphasis on the use of such models in computational studies. Two applications are explored to demonstrate the utility of this level of coarse-grained modeling.
Distributed Energy-Adaptive Routing for Wireless Sensor Networks

Most routing algorithms for sensor networks focus on finding energy efficient paths to prolong the lifetime of sensor networks. As a result, the power of sensors on efficient paths depletes quickly, and consequently sensor networks become incapable of monitoring events from some parts of their target areas. In many sensor network applications, the events that must be tracked occur at random locations and have non-deterministic generation patterns. Therefore, ideally, routing algorithms should consider not only energy efficiency, but also the amount of energy remaining in each sensor, thus avoiding non-functioning sensors due to early power depletion. This paper introduces a new metric, energy cost, devised to consider a balance of sensors' remaining energies, as well as energy efficiency. This metric gives rise to the design of the distributed energy adaptive routing (DEAR) algorithm devised to balance the data traffic of sensor networks in a decentralized manner and consequently prolong the lifetime of the networks. DEAR is scalable in the number of sensors and also robust to the variations in the dynamics of event generation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm by comparing three existing routing algorithms: direct communication approach, minimum transmission energy, and self-organized routing and find that energy balance should be considered to extend lifetime of sensor network and increase robustness of sensor network for diverse event generation patterns.
Process dynamics models for the control of end milling

Over the last 20 years researchers have attempted to apply a variety of advanced control approaches to the control of end milling operations. These control attempts include various adaptive control approaches, robust controllers, fuzzy and intelligent controllers. These attempts have met with varing degrees of success. Industrial acceptance of these approaches has been weak. The primary difficulties common to all of these control approaches is the development of a suitable model of the system dynamics including the dynamics of the cutting process. The end milling process dynamics include higher order dynamics as well as being nonlinear and non-stationary. For the purpose of controller design, we typically linearize these models and ignore the higher order terms. These simplifications make controller design easier but often result in poor controller performance. This paper considers the various models used for controller design. These models are evaluated based on comparing their predictions to experimental results. The various models are also assessed based on their appropriateness for various control approaches. Based on these evaluations a single unified model is proposed. The application of this model to various classes of controller design is also discussed.
A vector space model for automatic indexing

In a document retrieval, or other pattern matching environment where stored entities (documents) are compared with each other or with incoming patterns (search requests), it appears that the best indexing (property) space is one where each entity lies as far away from the others as possible; in these circumstances the value of an indexing system may be expressible as a function of the density of the object space; in particular, retrieval performance may correlate inversely with space density. An approach based on space density computations is used to choose an optimum indexing vocabulary for a collection of documents. Typical evaluation results are shown, demonstating the usefulness of the model.
Overexpression of Pto Activates Defense Responses and Confers Broad Resistance

The tomato disease resistance ( R ) gene Pto specifies race-specific resistance to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato carrying the avrPto gene. Pto encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase that is postulated to be activated by a physical interaction with the AvrPto protein. Here, we report that overexpression of Pto in tomato activates defense responses in the absence of the Pto–AvrPto interaction. Leaves of three transgenic tomato lines carrying the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S:: Pto transgene exhibited microscopic cell death, salicylic acid accumulation, and increased expression of pathogenesis-related genes. Cell death in these plants was limited to palisade mesophyll cells and required light for induction. Mesophyll cells of 35S:: Pto plants showed the accumulation of autofluorescent compounds, callose deposition, and lignification. When inoculated with P. s. tomato without avrPto , all three 35S:: Pto lines displayed significant resistance and supported less bacterial growth than did nontransgenic lines. Similarly, the 35S:: Pto lines also were more resistant to Xanthomonas campestris pv vesicatoria and Cladosporium fulvum . These results demonstrate that defense responses and general resistance can be activated by the overexpression of an R gene.
Reliability analysis of multi-state phased-mission systems

Multi-state phased-mission systems (MS-PMS) are multi-state systems that are subject to multiple, consecutive, and non-overlapping phases of operation. The challenges in analyzing MS-PMS are mainly due to the s-dependence across different phases and among different states of a given component; as well as the dynamic system configuration, failure criteria, and component failure behavior in different phases. Existing methods for the reliability analysis of MS-PMS are either based on monolithic Markov models that suffer from the well-known state explosion problem, or use a hierarchical strategy that facilitates the modeling of components with multiple states, but still classifies the component states into binary states at the system level. In this paper, we propose a hierarchical modeling approach that integrates an efficient multi-valued decision diagram model for representing the system structure function at the upper level and Markov models for describing components' behaviors at the lower level. The proposed approach can overcome the limitations of the existing methods and is applicable to MS-PMS with both ordered and unordered component states. The application and advantages of the proposed approach are illustrated through a case study in which the reliability for a sequence of tasks in a multi-state Grid system will be analyzed.
Prepregnancy Body Mass Index, Weight Gain During Pregnancy, and Perinatal Outcome in a Rural Black Population

Relationships between body mass index (BMI) and weight gain with perinatal outcome and birthweight were examined. BMI was calculated on 582 consecutive pregnant women who delivered at or >37 weeks gestational age. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square tests, analysis of variance, and multiple logistic regression. Of those studied, 13% were underweight, 39% normal, 13% overweight, and 35% obese. Obesity was associated with increasing age (P < .01), multiparity (P < .01), previous cesarean delivery (P < .01), previous macrosomia (P = .01), previous fetal death (P = .03), hypertensive disorders (P < .01), gestational diabetes (P = .02), cesarean delivery (P = .03), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (NICU) (P = .01). The underweight group had the most low birthweight (LBW) infants and the lowest mean birthweight. Ideal weight gain occurred in 31%, inadequate weight gain in 34%, and excessive weight gain in 35%. Inadequate weight gain had increased asthma (P < .05), and hyperemesis (P = .03). Women with ideal weight gain had less smokers (P < .01), fetal distress (P < .05), cesarean delivery (P = .02), and preeclampsia (P < .001). The mean birthweight was highest in the excessive weight gain (P < .01). With multivariate analysis, previous LBW, BMI, and tobacco use were significant predictors of LBW. Normal BMI and ideal weight gain in pregnancy is associated with decreased perinatal complications and an optimum birthweight.
An exact solution for a finite, two-dimensional moving dislocation in an elastic half-space with application to the San Fernando earthquake of 1971

abstract Most of the analytic, theoretical work and the attempts to explain the observed seismograms in the vicinity of propagating faults have used kinematic models of a moving dislocation in an infinite elastic medium. It is usually assumed that the existence of a free surface has the effect of approximately doubling the amplitude of the infinite medium solution. The result from an exact solution for the seismic displacements caused by a finite two-dimensional dislocation in an elastic half-space which is moving with uniform velocity and constant slip along a straight line are obtained for the stepfunction time-dependence by using Cagniard9s method. They are compared with the observed Pacoima Dam record of the San Fernando earthquake of 1971. The computed displacements compare significantly better with the observed record than the corresponding infinite medium solution. They show that while the free surface approximately doubles the near-field long-period motion of the infinite medium solution, the effect is more dramatic for the high-frequency motion. The solution indicates that the conversion of S to P and P to S at the surface is responsible for the highest acceleration (1.25 g ) recorded on the Pacoima Dam record which is the highest acceleration ever recorded during an earthquake until now.
Keith D. Amos, MD

The Editorial Board of the Journal of the National Medical Association has dedicated this column in recognition of the outstanding academic, scientific, social and cultural accomplishments of NMA members in all aspects of the medical profession. It is anticipated that these members will serve as both an inspiration to our young members and as a “road map” to assist them in planning for a successful career. Interested members are encouraged to contact the honorees directly. Submissions for this column are encouraged and should be forwarded to shaynes@nmanet.org.
A Structural Perspective on Readout of Epigenetic Histone and DNA Methylation Marks

This article outlines the protein modules that target methylated lysine histone marks and 5mC DNA marks, and the molecular principles underlying recognition. The article focuses on the structural basis underlying readout of isolated marks by single reader molecules, as well as multivalent readout of multiple marks by linked reader cassettes at the histone tail and nucleosome level. Additional topics addressed include the role of histone mimics, cross talk between histone marks, technological developments at the genome-wide level, advances using chemical biology approaches, the linkage between histone and DNA methylation, the role for regulatory lncRNAs, and the promise of chromatin-based therapeutic modalities.
Race, prior offending, and juvenile court outcomes

AbstractBoth theory and research in the study of race in the juvenile justice system have attempted to identify the contexts in which race matters. The objectives of the present research are to examine the roles that race and the history of prior offending, individually and in combination, have on juvenile justice outcomes at detention, intake, adjudication and judicial disposition. An interpretation of the focal concerns/loosely coupled perspective is used as a backdrop to analyze data from a Midwestern county juvenile court to address these objectives. While race and the history of prior offending individually explained case outcomes, the interrelationship between the two with court decision-making, for the most part, was not found to exist. The overall results suggest that prior offending may not be racialized as hypothesized in this juvenile court but being black by itself results in unjust treatment.
Relationship between renal blood flow and erythropoietin production in dogs.

SummaryReduction in renal artery blood flow in dogs with the use of a modified Goldblatt clamp to a range of 22.4-35.4% of preconstriction values for 96 hours resulted in a significant increase in plasma levels of erythropoietin at 12 hours. When renal blood flow was reduced to a level 43.5-50% of initial flow erythropoietin titers were also elevated at 12 hours, whereas, reduction to a range of 57.5-71% of initial values only resulted in a slight rise in erythropoietin levels at 24 hours. The mechanism of enhanced erythropoietin elaboration following reduction of renal blood flow is postulated to be the result of renal hypoxia.
A Diagonal Perspective on Matrices

(1998). A Diagonal Perspective on Matrices. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 29, No. 1, pp. 37-38.
CAESAR'S SISENNA

Caesar's Commentarii have hardly been studied within the historiographical tradition – probably because of their generic difference from historia and, more generally, alleged overall sparseness, famously and influentially compared to nudity. While their relationship to Greek historians has received some haphazard attention, their possible debt to antecedent Roman historians is an even less explored question – admittedly compounded by the fragmentary state of early republican historiography. In the following pages, however, I will suggest that there is ample evidence of Caesar's familiarity with, and even imitation of, the Historiae by Lucius Cornelius Sisenna.
Strategies to Reduce Tin and Other Metals in Electronic Cigarette Aerosol

Background Metals are present in electronic cigarette (EC) fluid and aerosol and may present health risks to users. Objective The objective of this study was to measure the amounts of tin, copper, zinc, silver, nickel and chromium in the aerosol from four brands of EC and to identify the sources of these metals by examining the elemental composition of the atomizer components. Methods Four brands of popular EC were dissected and the cartomizers were examined microscopically. Elemental composition of cartomizer components was determined using integrated energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, and the concentrations of the tin, copper, zinc silver, nickel, and chromium in the aerosol were determined for each brand using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Results All filaments were made of nickel and chromium. Thick wires were copper coated with either tin or silver. Wires were joined to each other by tin solder, brazing, or by brass clamps. High concentrations of tin were detected in the aerosol when tin solder joints were friable. Tin coating on copper wires also contributed to tin in the aerosol. Conclusions Tin concentrations in EC aerosols varied both within and between brands. Tin in aerosol was reduced by coating the thick wire with silver rather than tin, placing stable tin solder joints outside the atomizing chamber, joining wires with brass clamps or by brazing rather than soldering wires. These data demonstrate the feasibility of removing tin and other unwanted metals from EC aerosol by altering designs and using materials of suitable quality.
Some Problems in the Desing of Cast-in-Site Slab

Structural design is a kind of complicated work. Owing to lack of sysmetic theory knowledges and engineering experiences for some designers, the quality of the engineering will be affected. In this paper, the problems which are easy to hapen in the design are discussed. And some suggestions are proposed by the authors.
Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis in Renal Allografts: Report of 2 Cases

AbstractWe report 2 cases of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis that occurred in renal transplant recipients. Both cases were successfully treated with antibiotics. The traditional treatment of choice has been nephrectomy. No graft was lost as a result of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and no nephrectomy was required in either patient. The course of these 2 patients is discussed and literature on this disease is reviewed.
Familial combined hyperlipidemia workshop

On April 17 and 18, 1986, a workshop on familial combined hyperlipidemia was held at the Battelle Conference Center, Seattle, Washington. The term familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) was first used by Joseph Goldstein and associates at the University of Washington to designate families exhibiting multiple lipoprotein phenotypes. At the same time, similar families were described by Esko Nikkila in Helsinki and Herbert Rose in New York. Affected members of families with FCHL can have elevations of plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, or both. These elevations reflect increases in very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and/or low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Since the initial description of FCHL, many investigators have noted the occurrence of multiple lipoprotein phenotypes in single families, usually those in which there is a high frequency of premature vascular complications.
Beyond Employment: Addressing the Private and Public Divide through Reconciliation Policies

Equal employment policy has been the EU mainstream policy area when it comes to gender equality policy mainly because of its starkly economic nature and focus. However, as the EU has enlarged not only geographically but also in its scope of influence, it has extended its reach into areas that deal more with domestic social aspects such as reconciliation policies. Thus, it is important to analyse the changes that have taken place with regards to balancing family and work life in the new EU member states to 1) evaluate the influence that the EU has beyond equality in employment and 2) to understand the commitment that domestic governments have demonstrated to transform and shift the traditional view on the division of public and private life through policy measures that in general improve women’s status in the society.
Value of Cellobiose–Polymyxin B–Colistin Agar for Isolation of Vibrio vulnificus from Oysters

Twenty-eight samples, comprising a total of 224 oysters, were examined for the presence of Vibrio vulnificus . Oyster homogenates were plated onto cellobiose-polymyxin B-colistin (CPC) agar or V. vulnificus enumeration (VVE) agar, with subsequent hybridization with a gene probe specific for this pathogen. Of over 3,500 cellobiose-positive colonies initially tested from CPC agar, 28.7% could be identified as V. vulnificus on the basis of probe hybridization. Of the 19,000 colonies developing on VVE agar, only 2.8% were identified as this species. When in subsequent CPC agar studies colony morphology as well as color was considered, 81.6% of over 1,000 colonies probed proved to be V. vulnificus . We conclude that CPC agar is highly selective for this pathogen, and may be effectively employed in monitoring studies to determine levels of this bacterium in molluscan shellfish.
Spectral database constitutive representation within a spectral micromechanical solver for computationally efficient polycrystal plasticity modelling

We present the first successful implementation of a spectral crystal plasticity (SCP) model into a spectral visco-plastic fast Fourier transform (VPFFT) full-field solver. The SCP database allows for non-iterative retrieval of constitutive solutions for a crystal of any orientation subjected to any state of deformation at every voxel representing an FFT point of the overall voxel-based polycrystalline microstructure. Details of this approach are described and validated through example case studies involving a rigid-visco-plastic response and microstructure evolution of polycrystalline copper. It is observed that the novel implementation is able to speed up the overall VPFFT calculations because the conventional Newton–Raphson iterative solution procedure for single crystals in VPFFT is replaced by the more efficient SCP constitutive representation of the solution. As a result, the implementation facilitates efficient simulations of large voxel-based microstructures. Additionally, it provides an incentive for conceiving a multi-level SCP–VPFFT computational scheme. Here, every FFT point of the model is a polycrystal whose response is calculated using a Taylor-type homogenization.
Cleave but not leave: Astrotactin proteins in development and disease

Over the years, animal studies have identified astrotactins as important membrane proteins for glial-guided neuronal migration during central nervous system development and hair follicle polarity control during skin development. Biochemical studies have revealed intramembrane proteolysis as an important feature of astrotactins. The two fragments of astrotactins remain linked together by a disulfide bond after the proteolytic cleavage. In humans, mutations in astrotactin genes have also been linked to a wide range of diseases, including several developmental brain disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In this review, I will summarize the current knowledge of the biological function of astrotactins in development, highlight the linkage between mutations in astrotactin genes and human disease and discuss several outstanding questions that remain unanswered. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(8):572-577, 2017.
Asymmetric recognition of HIV-1 Envelope trimer by V1V2 loop-targeting antibodies.

The HIV-1 envelope (Env) glycoprotein binds to host cell receptors to mediate membrane fusion. The prefusion Env trimer is stabilized by V1V2 loops that interact at the trimer apex. Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against V1V2 loops, exemplified by PG9, bind asymmetrically as a single Fab to the apex of the symmetric Env trimer using a protruding CDRH3 to penetrate the Env glycan shield. Here we characterized a distinct mode of V1V2 epitope recognition by the new bNAb BG1 in which two Fabs bind asymmetrically per Env trimer using a compact CDRH3. Comparisons between cryo-EM structures of Env trimer complexed with BG1 (6.2 A resolution) and PG9 (11.5 A resolution) revealed a new V1V2-targeting strategy by BG1. Analyses of the EM structures provided information relevant to vaccine design including molecular details for different modes of asymmetric recognition of Env trimer and a binding model for BG1 recognition of V1V2 involving glycan flexibility.
United States of America (USA)

Forest land in the United States of America (USA) currently exceeds 310 million ha, has generally been increasing since the 1920s, and represents more than 30% of the country. More than 200 million ha of forest land are similar to what is known elsewhere as productive forest land; 70% of this productive forest land is privately owned. The current form of the National Forest Inventory (NFI) was initiated in the early 1990s and is consistent across the entire country with respect to major features such as plot configuration, sampling design, core variables, measurement protocols, and reporting requirements. The Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) is the most widely used forest resource projection system, particularly by federal and state government agencies. FVS is an empirical, distance-independent, individual-tree forest growth modeling system that is constructed, maintained and updated by the U.S. Forest Service. The system is initiated with stand-level information and tree lists that can be obtained from the inventory database. The large-tree diameter increment and mortality models are the most important components and drive much of the system. Extensions in the form of integrated modules or independent programs have been developed for a variety of specialized applications including fire and fuels, insects and pathogens, climate change, and carbon accounting. The availability of NFI data in FVS-ready format has increased the utility of FVS for applications such as projections on National Forest lands, assessment of management alternatives and timber harvest methods, and large-scale forest health assessments. Application possibilities have been further enhanced via linkages between FVS and other software systems, databases, and geographic information systems.
Abstract 273: P2Y2 Receptor-Mediated Lymphotoxin-α Secretion Regulates ICAM-1 Expression in Smooth Muscle Cells

Rationale: Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the LGASL2 galectin-2 (Gal-2) gene leads to altered secretion of lymphotoxin-α (LT-α) and is associated with coronary artery disease. Objective:Our aim was to determine whether factors other than genetic variations in LGASL2 regulate LT-α release and to define the role of this pro-inflammatory in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC). Methods and results: The proinflammatory cytokine lymphotoxin-alpha (LTA) is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, the mechanisms that regulate its expression in VSMC are poorly understood. The ability of exogenous nucleotides to stimulate LTA production was evaluated in VSMC by ELISA. The P2Y 2 nucleotide receptor (P2Y 2 R) agonist UTP stimulates a strong and sustained release of LTA from wild-type but not P2Y 2 R -/- SMC. Assessment of LTA gene transcription by LTA promoter-luciferase construct indicated that LTA levels are controlled at the level of transcription. We show using RNAi techniques that knockdown of the actin-binding protein filamin-A (FLNa) severely impaired nucleotide-induced Rho activation and consequent Rho-mediated LTA secretion. Re-introduction of FLNa in FLNa RNAi SMC rescued UTP-induced LTA expression. In addition, we found UTP-stimulated LTA secretion is not sensitive to brefeldin A (BFA), which blocks the formation of vesicles involved in protein transport from the ER to the Golgi apparatus, suggesting that P2Y 2 R/filamin-mediated secretion of LTA is independent of the ER/Golgi secretory vesicle route. Furthermore, UTP selectively induces ICAM-1 expression in WT but not SMC expressing a truncated P2Y 2 R deficient in LTA secretion. Conclusion: These data suggest that P2Y 2 R recruits FLNa to provide a cytoskeletal scaffold necessary for Rho signaling pathway upstream of LTA release and subsequent stimulation of ICAM-1 expression on VSMC.
Analysis of vulnerabilities, attacks, countermeasures and overall risk of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system

Abstract The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has mandated the use of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system by January 2020 as a key component of the NextGen Project, which is intended to upgrade the air traffic control infrastructure and operations. The ADS-B system seeks to replace legacy approaches such as primary and secondary radars by employing global satellite navigation systems to generate precise air pictures for air traffic management. The security of ADS-B is a major concern because the system broadcasts detailed information about aircraft, their positions, velocities and other data over unencrypted data links, making it easy to launch eavesdropping, jamming and message modification attacks on aircraft in flight. This paper discusses ADS-B vulnerabilities and attacks that leverage the ADS-B protocol stack. The paper also presents the security requirements, state-of-the-art attack detection techniques and countermeasures, along with an overall risk analysis of the ADS-B system.
Narrative and Affect in Epic, Romance, and the Novel

This chapter explores how generically distinct affordances for narrative eliciting and shaping of affect in epic, romance, and the novel diversely connect affect’s disruptive capacities with its fostering of cognitive flexibility and sociable affections. Starting with consideration of Homer’s understanding of sense (noos) and the Mahabharata’s alignment of in-group affective exclusivity with shamelessness, the essay then explores how Chretien de Troyes draws on Pauline distinctions between “letter” and “spirit” to chart affect’s possible redemptive agency in ways that other writers of medieval romance develop. By contrast, Henry Fielding, unable to rely on the theistic-metaphysical faith that informs medieval romance, communicates the actuality and goodness of ethical sociality largely through making the presence of affective insensibility felt. Jane Austen in Mansfield Park brings Fielding’s technique into indirect free style narration by making inescapable to the attentive reader the sense of all that Mary Crawford is insensible of. Similar indirection characterizes the contemporary Vietnamese novelist Huong Thu Duong, who links the revolutionary state’s ideological, institutional blunting of affect to analogous blunting in pre-revolutionary, largely Confucian acculturation. In doing so, she subjects the self-congratulatory claims of the Communist ruling class to withering irony.
Human Population Monitoring

Monitoring the human population is not the preferred way of detecting and identifying environmental mutagens. It is far better that they be discovered in advance, before they come into use. The methods discussed elsewhere in this book are intended for screening potentially dangerous chemicals and removing or restricting those that are found to be mutagenic. The belated discovery of an increased human mutation rate tells us that the screening system has failed. The damage is already done, and will be felt by our descendants for many generations in the future.
Profiles of miRNA Isoforms and tRNA Fragments in Prostate Cancer.

MicroRNA (miRNA) isoforms (“isomiRs”) and tRNA-derived fragments (“tRFs”) are powerful regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). In human tissues, both types of molecules are abundant, with expression patterns that depend on a person’s race, sex and population origin. Here, we present our analyses of the Prostate Cancer (PRAD) datasets of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) from the standpoint of isomiRs and tRFs. This study represents the first simultaneous examination of isomiRs and tRFs in a large cohort of PRAD patients. We find that isomiRs and tRFs have extensive correlations with messenger RNAs (mRNAs). These correlations are disrupted in PRAD, which suggests disruptions of the regulatory network in the disease state. Notably, we find that the profiles of isomiRs and tRFs differ in patients belonging to different races. We hope that the presented findings can lay the groundwork for future research efforts aimed at elucidating the functional roles of the numerous and distinct members of these two categories of ncRNAs that are present in PRAD.
Analysis of the far-medial transoral endoscopic approach to the infratemporal fossa.

Objectives/hypothesis To demonstrate anatomic relationships of the far-medial transoral endoscopic assisted approach (FMT-EAA) to the infratemporal fossa (ITF) and define the corridor dimensions, surgical freedom, and limitations associated with this approach. Study design Cadaveric study. Methods Twenty ITFs (10 specimens) were dissected with the assistance of 0 °, 30 °, and 45 ° rod-lens endoscopes. Image guidance was used to confirm and measure the corridors' structural boundaries and document the anatomical relationships encountered in this approach. Results Access to the ITF via the FMT-EAA can be divided into two secondary surgical corridors: the superomedial and inferolateral triangles, each of which provides access to different areas. The superomedial triangle is bounded medially by the lateral pterygoid plate and posterolateral maxillary sinus wall, superiorly by the greater sphenoid wing, and inferolaterally by the lateral pterygoid muscle. The inferolateral triangle is bounded superiorly by the lower head of the lateral pterygoid muscle, inferiorly by the medial pterygoid muscle, and laterally by the mandible. Using a standard 19-mm endoscope, the FMT-EAA achieves a mean surgical freedom of 231 mm and 161 mm in the vertical and horizontal planes, respectively. Conclusions FMT-EAA adequately exposes critical structures of the ITF. This technique is a viable option for the management of selected ITF lesions, either alone or in combination with alternative minimally invasive approaches to the region. Level of evidence NA Laryngoscope, 128:2273-2281, 2018.
Bacterial Polysaccharides, Endotoxins, and Immunomodulation

For many years, the antibody response to the capsular polysaccharide antigen of Type III Streptococcus pneumoniae (SSS-III) was considered to be thymus-independent, mainly because athymic nude mice and thymus-bearing mice, make antibody responses of the same magnitude (1–4). However, there is much evidence that the antibody response to SSS-III is indeed regulated in both a positive and a negative manner by two types of thymus-derived (T) lymphocytes with opposing functions (5–7). Such regulatory T cells have been referred to as suppressor T cells (Ts) and amplifier T cells (Ta). Ts limit the extent to which antibody-forming B cells proliferate, whereas Ta drive B cells to multiply further after antigenic stimulation (5–7). Usually, the effects produced by Ts and Ta are counter-balanced, which explains why they have escaped detection for so many years. Consequently, the action of one type of regulatory T cell is not often apparent unless the activity of the other is either altered or eliminated. Fortunately, Ts are CD8+, CD4-, whereas Ta are CD8-, CD4+ so that this can be accomplished by treating cell suspensions with monoclonal anti-CD8 or anti-CD4 antibody plus complement (8–11). For example, if donor cell suspensions containing both Ts and Ta activity are transferred to athymic mice immunized with SSS-III, the magnitude of the resulting antibody response is not changed; however, if Ta activity is eliminated from the same cell suspension before transfer, significant suppression occurs, whereas the antibody response is greatly increased if Ts activity is eliminated before cell transfer (9–12). These findings demonstrate that Ts and Ta act in a competitive manner on B cells to control the magnitude of the antibody response elicited after immunization. All of the experimental data we have obtained thus far are consistent with such a homeostatic model for regulating the antibody response (5–7).
Mechanisms of Antiplatelet Agents and The Prevention of Stroke

Publisher Summary This chapter elaborates mechanisms of antiplatelet agents and the prevention of stroke. The role of antiplatelet agents in cerebrovascular disease (stroke) is that of treatment for its acute and chronic phase. Treatment for stroke is based upon diagnosis and stroke diagnosis is based upon pathology and pathogenesis. Antiplatelet agents may have a role in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction, with the aim of treatment being limitation of tissue damage through interruption of the final ischemic cascade. At the no reflow stage of brain ischemia, platelet and erythrocyte aggregation, polymorphonuclear leukocyte-endothelial adhesion, and in situ thrombosis may cause microvascular occlusion. The use of antiplatelet therapy is defined by the white clot-red clot paradigm. If the clinician can determine that a particular patient is at risk for formation of white thrombi, then antiplatelet therapy can rationally be chosen for prevention of its occurrence. Both red and white thrombus potential may coexist in the same individual, and the presence of red thrombi may predispose to white thrombus. Recombinant leech antiplatelet protein blocks platelet deposition on collagen surfaces under flow conditions. Such therapy may be far more advantageous than therapy aimed uniquely at inhibiting the red or white clot formation specifically. Attention to common dietary substances and their potential effect on thrombosis may help the antithrombosis campaign.
Inverted Sinonasal Papilloma : A Molecular Genetic Appraisal of Its Putative Status as a Precursor to Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Inverted papilloma (IP) is a proliferative lesion of the epithelium lining the sinonasal tract. Although IP often recurs after surgical excision and is sometimes associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the sinonasal cavity (SNSCC), its presumed neoplastic nature and putative role as a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma have not been confirmed at the molecular genetic level. We analyzed the pattern of X chromosome inactivation in IPs from nine female patients. Inactivation of a single allele is seen in monoclonal proliferations and may be indicative of a neoplastic process. We also analyzed 28 IPs and 6 concurrent SNSCCs for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosomal arms 3p, 9p21, 11q13, 13q11, and 17p13. Losses at these loci occur frequently during neoplastic transformation of the upper respiratory tract and can be detected in squamous cell carcinomas and the progenitor lesions from which they arise. X chromosome analysis was informative in four of the nine IPs. All four lesions demonstrated a monoclonal pattern of inactivation. LOH was not detected in any nondysplastic areas from the 28 IPs, but LOH at one or more chromosomal loci was present in all six of the concurrent SNSCCs. We conclude that IPs are monoclonal proliferations, yet they do not fit the profile of a prototypic precursor lesion. Unlike squamous epithelial dysplasia, IPs do not routinely harbor several of the key genetic alterations that are associated with malignant transformation of the upper respiratory tract.
Vasculopathy Associated with the Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome

Antiphospholipid antibodies including the false-positive serologic test for syphilis, the lupus circulating anticoagulant, and the anticardiolipin antibody can be associated with recurrent thrombotic events, recurrent fetal loss, and thrombocytopenia. A range of other possible clinical associations also exists, including neurologic events, skin lesions, and cardiac lesions. The pathology of these lesions and the pathophysiology are discussed. Treatment is controversial but when indicated is directed toward prevention of recurrent episodes using anticoagulants including antiplatelet agents, warfarin, and heparin as well as occasionally prednisone with or without immunosuppressive agents.
Nursing Terms for Patients with Pressure Injury: a Terminological Study

Objetivo: Construir um banco de termos da linguagem especial de enfermagem para pacientes com lesao por pressao, utilizando a Classificacao Internacional para a Pratica de Enfermagem (CIPE®). Metodo: Estudo terminologico em um hospital no Nordeste do Brasil. Realizou-se: identificacao e coleta dos termos, extracao dos termos dos prontuarios e eliminacao das repeticoes, normalizacao dos termos, mapeamento cruzado entre termos extraidos e os termos constantes na CIPE®, refinamento dos termos e validacao das afirmativas do banco de termos. RESULTADOS: Identificaram-se 391 termos. Estes foram submetidos ao mapeamento cruzado e validacao de especialistas que resultou em 370 termos, sendo 225 constantes e 145 nao constantes na CIPE®. CONCLUSAO: Os termos identificados valorizaram aspectos fisiopatologicos, o que subsidia o planejamento dos cuidados e avaliacao dos resultados das intervencoes de enfermagem pautadas nos aspectos fisiologicos .
Excess competition among food hubs

Food hubs offer a novel solution to connect small and mid-sized local farms, which individually lack the scale to profitably market their products. Because many food hubs rely on grants and philanthropy to provide services and are not necessarily profit-driven, markets may unintentionally oversaturate due to overinvestment.We use a firm-entry model to estimate the average U.S. county population necessary for one, two, and three food hubs to break even. Our findings suggest that policy makers and philanthropists need to consider the carrying capacity of the local food environment and population prior to supporting additional food hubs.
Trends in Multiple Myeloma Incidence in the United States (US): Demographic and Geographic Considerations and Focus on Young Adults

Abstract Background: The incidence of multiple myeloma (MM) in the US is increasing among non-Hispanic (NH) White males and females as well as NH Black males (Costa LJ, Blood Advances 2017). However, more specific incidence studies accounting for geographic and age subgroups are limited. There is also a growing concern that incidence of many cancers is increasing in the younger population. Utilizing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER), we investigated the trends in MM incidence in the US according to demographic and geographic subgroups with a focus on the young adults. Methods: Incidence rates (case/100,0000) were calculated using SEER*Stat and 2000-2015 data from SEER-18 registries age-adjusted to the U.S. 2000 standard population. We calculated the annual percentage change (APC) of incidence rates according to age groups and stratified by sex, race, and registry. Age at diagnosis was analyzed in 10-year intervals starting at 20 years. All analyses used ICD-O-3 codes 9732/3 with microscopically confirmed MM. Results: There were 69,613 MM patients included in the analysis. The mean age at diagnosis was 68 years and decreased over time from 68.5 years in 2000 to 67.6 years in 2015. Men comprised 55.5% of the population. Patients 3.0) were observed in the registries of Atlanta, Greater Georgia, Hawaii, and New Jersey. When the SEER-18 registries were further stratified by race, white men ages 40-49 years in Seattle and New Jersey had APCs of 5.5 and 2.9 respectively, while Black women ages 40-49 years in Greater Georgia had an APC of 3.3. Only 3 groups of individuals had a significant decline in the incidence: Asian women ≥70 years in Los Angeles (APC -6.4), White women ≥70 years in Los Angeles (APC -1.9), and men 50-59 years in San Jose (APC -1.5). Conclusions: The overall incidence of MM is increasing in the US with the highest increment among young adults between the age groups 40-49 years. We observed geographic and demographic differences in the incidence rates, which may reflect genetic and environmental influences. Interestingly, a few geo-demographic subgroups had a decline in the incidence. Further research is needed to determine the reasons behind the observed trends. Disclosures Kapoor: Celgene: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding.
Using Data for Local Quality Improvement

Effective quality improvement requires identification of a problem, highly reliable and valid data, and stakeholder engagement. Using best practices to improve care has been successful at local and regional levels. This chapter provides a high-level overview of data sources and quality improvement tools that can be utilized for local quality improvement.
Intraductal Ablation Techniques

In recent years, intraductal ablation technologies have emerged as an adjunct for unresectable pancreatic and biliary malignancies and also for treating ingrowth of metallic stents. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and argon plasma coagulation (APC) are all existing technologies that have been adapted for the use within the biliary tree. Only radiofrequency ablation is FDA approved for use within the biliary tree; both PDT and APC are considered off-label uses. These technologies are safe overall and relatively easy for the experienced biliary endoscopist to use. When considering any of these therapies, a multidisciplinary approach with buy-in from all disciplines involved in the care of the patient is crucial to good outcomes and managing any adverse events that may occur.