cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Duplication, Selection and Gene Conversion in a Drosophila mojavensis Female Reproductive Protein Family

Protein components of the Drosophila male ejaculate, several of which evolve rapidly, are critical modulators of reproductive success. Recent studies of female reproductive tract proteins indicate they also are extremely divergent between species, suggesting that reproductive molecules may coevolve between the sexes. Our current understanding of intersexual coevolution, however, is severely limited by the paucity of genetic and evolutionary studies on the female molecules involved. Physiological evidence of ejaculate–female coadaptation, paired with a promiscuous mating system, makes Drosophila mojavensis an exciting model system in which to study the evolution of reproductive proteins. Here we explore the evolutionary dynamics of a five-paralog gene family of female reproductive proteases within populations of D. mojavensis and throughout the repleta species group. We show that the proteins have experienced ongoing gene duplication and adaptive evolution and further exhibit dynamic patterns of pseudogenation, copy number variation, gene conversion, and selection within geographically isolated populations of D. mojavensis. The integration of these patterns in a single gene family has never before been documented in a reproductive protein.
LISTENING AS EMBRACING THE OTHER: MARTIN BUBER'S PHILOSOPHY OF DIALOGUE

In this essay, Mordechai Gordon interprets Martin Buber's ideas on dialogue, presence, and especially his notion of embracing in an attempt to shed some light on Buber's understanding of listening. Gordon argues that in order to understand Buber's conception of listening, one needs to examine this concept in the context of his philosophy of dialogue. More specifically, his contention is that closely examining Buber's notion of embracing the other is critical to making sense of his conception of listening. Gordon's analysis suggests that, in Buber's model, listening involves a kind of active attentiveness to another's words or actions, engaging them as though they are directed specifically at us. Gordon's discussion of dialogue and listening also indicates that the relation between speaking and listening is one of reciprocity and mutual dependence and that listening plays an essential role in initiating many dialogues by creating a space in which two people can embrace each other as complete individuals.
Photomechanical delivery of 100-nm microspheres through the stratum corneum: implications for transdermal drug delivery.

Background and Objectives Photomechanical waves (PWs) render the stratum corneum permeable and allow molecules to diffuse into the epidermis. The aim of this study was to investigate the probe size that could be delivered through the stratum corneum and into the epidermis. Study Design/Materials and Methods A single PW was applied onto the rat skin in vivo. Aqueous suspensions of fluorescent microspheres, 100 nm in diameter, were used as probes for transdermal delivery. The presence of the microspheres in the epidermis was measured by a fiber-based spectrofluorimeter after the stratum corneum was removed by tape-stripping (TS). Results Exposure of the rat skin to a PW permeabilized the stratum corneum and allowed the fluorescent microspheres to diffuse into the epidermis. Conclusions The experiments show that PWs can facilitate the delivery of very large molecules and probes into the epidermis. Lasers Surg. Med. 31:207–210, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Physicians' opinions of a health information exchange.

Background Arizona Medicaid developed a Health Information Exchange (HIE) system called the Arizona Medical Information Exchange (AMIE). Objective To evaluate physicians’ perceptions regarding AMIE’s impact on health outcomes and healthcare costs. Measurements A focus-group guide was developed and included five domains: perceived impact of AMIE on (1) quality of care; (2) workflow and efficiency; (3) healthcare costs; (4) system usability; and (5) AMIE data content. Qualitative data were analyzed using analytical coding. Results A total of 29 clinicians participated in the study. The attendance rate was 66% (N¼19) for the first and last month of focus-group meetings and 52% (N¼15) for the focus group meetings conducted during the second month. The benefits most frequently mentioned during the focus groups included: (1) identification of “doctor shopping”; (2) averting duplicative testing; and (3) increased efficiency of clinical information gathering. The most frequent disadvantage mentioned was the limited availability of data in the AMIE system. Conclusion Respondents reported that AMIE had the potential to improve care, but they felt that AMIE impact was limited due to the data available.
16S rRNA sequences reveal uncultured inhabitants of a well-studied thermal community

Molecular methods are beginning to reveal inhabitants of natural microbial communities which have nerver before been cultured. Our approach involves selective cloning of naturally occurring 16S rRNA sequences as cDNA, and comparison of these sequences to a database which includes 16S rRNA sequences of isolated community members. We provide here an overview of the method and its potential for community analysis. A 16S rRNA sequence retrieved from the well-studied hot spring cyanobacterial mat in Octopus Spring (Yellowstone National Park) is shown as an example of one contributed by an uncultured member of the community.
Steer responses to increasing proportions of legume when fed switchgrass hay1

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.; SG) may have CP below recommended concentrations for feeding ruminants that limit animal performance when cut as hay and fed as the sole diet. Three experiments were conducted to determine the influence of white clover (Trifolium repens. L.) at 0, 15, and 30% of DM (Exp. 1), or alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) at 0, 25, and 50% of DM with either headed SG (Exp. 2) or vegetative SG (Exp. 3) on steer DMI (kg/100 kg of BW) and DM digestion (g/kg). Eating behavior (Exp. 1) and masticated feed characteristics (Exp. 2 and 3) were also examined. Steer (Bos taurus L.) DM digestion of SG (Exp. 1) increased linearly (P < 0.01) from 544 g/kg on SG to 584 g/kg when clover composed 30% of the offered diet. However, steer DMI of headed SG (Exp. 2) was 1.61 kg/100 kg of BW with a DM digestion of 480 g/kg when fed alone, and both increased linearly (P < 0.01) to 2.68 kg/100 kg of BW and 578 g/kg, respectively, when alfalfa composed 50% of the offered diet. The DM digestion of vegetative SG (Exp. 3) increased linearly (P = 0.09) from 541 when fed alone to 575 g/kg when alfalfa composed 50% of the offered diet. The CP of masticated feed (Exp. 2 and 3) increased linearly (P < 0.01) and NDF decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing alfalfa. Perennial legumes can be a useful source of CP in SG hay diets.
What Happens If I Do Nothing for My Ulcerative Colitis? The Natural History of Untreated Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can be debilitating to patients. Ulcerative colitis tends to be a progressive disease that is characterized by periods of symptomatic worsening referred to as flares. These flares can result in worsening quality of life, hospitalizations, and even colectomy. UC appears to be a progressive disease that will get worse over time and put patients at greater risk of complications if left untreated. This chapter outlines the predictors of a poor outcome in patients and the natural history of untreated disease.
Psychological difficulties of caring for dementia patients: the role of support groups.

Alzheimer’s Disease, as Lewis Thomas said, “is the worst form of all diseases not just for what it does to the victim, but for its devastating effect on family and friends.”
Reaction Chemistry and Thermodynamics of the Ni-Al and Fe-Al Systems

The reaction chemistry of the Fe-Al and Ni-Al systems was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Experimentally measured heats of reaction and compositions of reaction products were characterized in terms of sample heating rates, reaction temperature, shape and size of aluminum powder, and sample preparation. Standard enthalpies of formation were derived from DSC results. Reaction products were identified by x-ray powder diffraction techniques.
TWO-PHASE EQUILIBRIUM CALCULATION BY THE GRAND POTENTIAL METHOD FOR BINARY ALLOYS

A new method for phase equilibrium calculation has been proposed in subregular solution model based on the concept of equality of two-phase equilibrium criterion of both the effective chemical potential and the grand potential. Comparing with the optimization for minimum free energy, it seems to be simpler in calculation and no more convergence problem.
Skills Training Approaches in Special English Major

To meet the demands of social and economic development for special English talents,higher vocational colleges,characteristic of professional skills training,must adopt the mode of "work-and-study integration" to make full use of collaborative complementarity of colleges and universities.The paper,based on the case study of the Special English Major in Zhejiang Business Technology Institute,is trying to explore the steps to establish the skills training system,which highlights the characteristics of on-campus and off-campus access to skills acquisition.
VSC-MTDC system based on MMC for offshore wind farms

In view of the drawbacks of application of AC power transmission technology and traditional HVDC transmission technology in the offshore wind farms and to meet the needs of ensuring the normal power supply on the island, a strategy that the flexible multi-HVDC transmission system based on MMC which can be used in the wind farm is adopted. The mathematical model of VSC-HVDC is established under the d-q rotating coordinate system, and the control methods for converter stations are designed.Simulation results show that the VSC-MTDC system is good at the connection between offshore wind farms and grid. When the power generated by wind farm is insufficient, the grids supply power to the load on the island. This way of grid connecting is flexible,and it is the best way for the connection between the wind farm on the island and land-based power grids.
The Role of Silicone Ureteral Stents in Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy of Large Renal Calculi

AbstractBetween November 1984 and December 1985 extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was used to treat 1,645 kidneys at our institution. A total of 646 kidneys with stone burden greater than 14mm. was evaluated with regard to the impact of silicone ureteral stents in post-extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy morbidity. Our results indicate that small stones were pulverized and eliminated with minimum morbidity. Larger stones frequently were associated with post-treatment ureteral obstruction by sand and fragments. Of 283 kidneys with stone burden exceeding 25mm. pretreatment placement of silicone ureteral stents reduced complications from 26 to 7 per cent and auxiliary procedure rates from 15 to 6 per cent. Silicone ureteral stents protect the kidney from ureteral obstruction, and allow for safe and effective extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of large renal calculi.
A sub-orbital experimental payload for engaging undergraduate engineering students in interdisciplinary research

By participating in NASA's Undergraduate Student Instrumentation Project (USIP), faculty members from physics and electrical and computer engineering (ECE) mentored 21 students in extracurricular undergraduate research ranging from freshman through seniors, predominantly from the ECE department, but also from other departments in science and engineering.
Influence of Mir-155 On B-Cell Receptor Signaling in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Abstract 2343 Poster Board II-320 B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling arguably plays an important role in the pathogenesis and/or progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Ligation of the BCR by F(ab)2 anti-μ can induce phosphorylation of p72 Syk , BLNK, phospholipase C-gamma (PLCγ) and other downstream adapter/signaling molecules, inducing intracellular calcium flux and cellular activation. Prior studies found that CLL cells that expressed unmutated Ig heavy-chain variable region genes (IGHV) and the zeta-associated protein of 70 kD (ZAP-70) generally experienced greater levels of activation following treatment with anti-μ than did CLL cells that lacked expression of ZAP-70. However, we found unusual cases that lacked expression of ZAP-70 that also responded vigorously to treatment with anti-μ, suggesting that other factors contribute to the noted differences in BCR-signaling. Analyses for expression of microRNAs by microarray revealed that CLL cells that used unmutated IGHV and that expressed ZAP-70 expressed higher levels of certain microRNAs than did cases that used mutated IGHV and that lacked expression of ZAP-70. One of such microRNA, miR-155, was found to target mRNA encoding SHIP-1, a phosphatase that plays a critical role in modulating the level of BCR signaling in normal B cells. Using quantitative assays for miR-155 we found high-level expression of this microRNA was associated with proficient BCR signaling in CLL. To examine whether miR-155 could modulate the levels of SHIP-1 and/or BCR signaling in CLL cells we transfected primary leukemia cells from each of multiple patients with control oligo-RNAs, miR-155, or a specific inhibitor of miR-155 (miR-155 inhibitor). Twenty-four hours later the cells were stimulated with anti-μ or control antibody and then examined 10 minutes later for expression of SHIP-1, induced calcium influx, or phosphorylation of kinases and adapter proteins that are involved in BCR signaling. CLL cells that had low expression levels of miR-155 and that were poorly responsive BCR had significantly higher levels of calcium influx and phosphorylated p72 Syk , BLNK, and PLCγ in response to anti-μ following transfection with miR-155 than following mock transfection or transfection with control oligo-RNA. Conversely, CLL cells that had high expression levels of miR-155 and highly responsive BCR were made to have significantly higher amounts of SHIP-1 protein and to have significantly lower relative levels of phosphorylated protein and calcium influx in response to anti-μ following transfection with the miR-155 inhibitor than did mock transfected CLL cells. These results identify miR-155 as a factor that can modulate BCR signaling in CLL in part by regulating the relative expression level of SHIP-1. These results demonstrate that differential expression of microRNAs in CLL can influence physiologic features that potentially contribute to disease progression. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Posttraumatic stress and depression may undermine abuse survivors’ self-efficacy in the obstetric care setting

AbstractIntroduction: Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTS) are associated with increased risk of obstetric complications among pregnant survivors of trauma, abuse and interpersonal violence, but little is known about how PTS affects women’s actual experiences of obstetric care. This study investigated the rate at which abuse history was detected by obstetricians, whether abuse survivors experienced more invasive exams than is typically indicated for routine obstetric care, and whether psychological distress was associated with abuse survivors’ sense of self-efficacy when communicating their obstetric care needs.Methods: Forty-one pregnant abuse survivors completed questionnaires about abuse history, current psychological distress and self-efficacy for communicating obstetric care needs and preferences. Electronic medical records (EMRs) were reviewed to examine frequency of invasive prenatal obstetric procedures (e.g. removal of clothing for external genital examination, pelvic exams and procedures) and to ...
Stressing Out About RAD52.

The role of mammalian RAD52 has been mysterious due to the lack of a strong DNA repair phenotype of RAD52-deficient cells. In this issue of Molecular Cell, studies by Bhowmick et al. (2016) and Sotiriou et al. (2016) reveal an unexpected role for RAD52 in promoting DNA synthesis following replication stress.
Exchange coupled composite media for heat assisted magnetic recording

Micromagnetic simulation is used to calculate the temperature derivative of the switching field dHsw/dT for a composite media with a superparamagnetic writing layer. The results show that dHsw/dT is reduced for a defined probability of switching, and switching field line width remains almost unchanged. An analytical two-spin model is established to relate exchange coupling between the two layers Jex to energy barrier and the switching probability distribution (SPD). Both the analytical model and micro-magnetic simulation show that the full-width half-maximum FWHM∝(Jex)−0.5 and writing temperature Tsw∝(Jex)−1. It is also found that the writing layer leads the storage layer during switching.
Detrimental Effect of Tight Glucose Control on CV Mortality Persists Over Nine Years.

The initial Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) study, which compared standard treatment with intensive control, found that despite good intentions, cardiovascular (CV) and overall mortality are significantly higher when blood glucose levels are lower.
Sketching for Geometric Problems (Invited Talk)

In this invited talk at the European Symposium on Algorithms (ESA), 2017, I will discuss a tool called sketching, which is a form of data dimensionality reduction, and its applications to several problems in high dimensional geometry. In particular, I will show how to obtain the fastest possible algorithms for fundamental problems such as projection onto a flat, and also study generalizations of projection onto more complicated objects such as the union of flats or subspaces. Some of these problems are just least squares regression problems, with many applications in machine learning, numerical linear algebra, and optimization. I will also discuss low rank approximation, with applications to clustering. Finally I will mention a number of other applications of sketching in machine learning, numerical linear algebra, and optimization.
The rolling causal structure between the Chinese stock index and futures

This paper examines the causal structure between daily closing price series of the Chinese stock index and futures from April 16, 2010, the launch date of the futures, to November 14, 2014, through a rolling approach that takes into account window sizes of a half, one, one and a half, and two years. Except for several subperiods associated with the half- and one-year window, the two series are tied together through cointegration and adjust equally toward the long-run relationship. Considering different forecasting lengths, the out-of-sample Granger causality test for each window generally reveals that no series gains forecastability from another. These results shed light on the evolving causal structure between the two series, which is determined to be stable. The futures market, however, has not been fully developed to serve as a price discovery source. Increasing openness of investment channels and policy incentives to attract well-informed traders may stimulate futures market development.
TRACE: A Topological Graph Representation for Automatic Sulcal Curve Extraction

A proper geometric representation of the cortical regions is a fundamental task for cortical shape analysis and landmark extraction. However, a significant challenge has arisen due to the highly variable, convoluted cortical folding patterns. In this paper, we propose a novel topological graph representation for automatic sulcal curve extraction (TRACE). In practice, the reconstructed surface suffers from noise influences introduced during image acquisition/surface reconstruction. In the presence of noise on the surface, TRACE determines stable sulcal fundic regions by employing the line simplification method that prevents the sulcal folding pattern from being significantly smoothed out. The sulcal curves are then traced over the connected graph in the determined regions by the Dijkstra’s shortest path algorithm. For validation, we used the state-of-the-art surface reconstruction pipelines on a reproducibility data set. The experimental results showed higher reproducibility and robustness to noise in TRACE than the existing method (Li et al. 2010) with over 20% relative improvement in error for both surface reconstruction pipelines. In addition, the extracted sulcal curves by TRACE were well-aligned with manually delineated primary sulcal curves. We also provided a choice of parameters to control quality of the extracted sulcal curves and showed the influences of the parameter selection on the resulting curves.
Craniotomy for subdural hematoma after deep brain stimulation surgery: Outcomes and satisfaction in a case series of two patients.

Abstract Objective To determine whether salvage of DBS hardware is beneficial for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients by looking at follow-up patient’s outcomes and satisfaction after their craniotomy operation. Patients and methods This was a retrospective review of a prospective, single-center deep brain stimulation (DBS) database between 2002–2016 identifying patients with PD who developed subdural hematomas (SDH) due to trauma after their DBS surgery. Of the 636 DBS cases that were performed, 3 PD-DBS patients with significant traumatic SDH managed via craniotomy were identified. Out of these 3 patients, only 2 permitted outcome analysis. At follow-up, functional and neurologic status, UPDRS motor score, and overall satisfaction with DBS were assessed. Results Two patients were followed for a period of 10 and 9 months. At last follow-up, the DBS settings in patient 1 increased from a stimulation amplitude of 3.5 V to 4.5 V on the right and 3.3 V to 6.0 V on the left with an increase in the pulse width as well (70–80 ms and 80–140 ms on the right and left, respectively). Stimulation frequency remained 160 Hz on the right while increasing from 145 to 160 Hz on the left. Patient 2 experienced an increase in stimulation amplitude from 4.5 V to 4.8 V on the right while remaining the same on the left. Pulse width increased from 60 to 70 ms bilaterally as well as the frequency (160–185 Hz bilaterally). Despite craniotomy, both patients experienced substantial improvement in UPDRS motor score with DBS at last follow-up (53–25 and 20–17 for patient 1 and 2, respectively). At last follow-up, CT imaging provided evidence of complete SDH resolution with no persistent hemorrhage, mass effect or any obvious lead displacement. Patients expressed satisfaction with DBS and affirmed that they would undergo surgery again for the same outcome. Conclusion Patients with PD are at higher risk for falls and may experience an increased risk of falling associated with SDH in the post-operative period after DBS implantation. Despite brain shift from SDH potentially distorting DBS leads, DBS implants still provided significant benefit in patients requiring craniotomy for SDH and patient satisfaction with DBS remained high. Salvage of DBS hardware is recommended since significant symptomatic improvement with DBS programming may still be attainable even in the setting of emergent craniotomy for SDH.
Impact of Equine and Bovine Oocyte Maturation in Follicular Fluid From Young and Old Mares on Embryo Production in Vitro.

Abstract Equine follicular fluid (FF) provides autocrine and paracrine factors from theca, granulosa, and cumulus cells, both reflecting and impacting oocyte and follicle maturation. We hypothesized that maturation of oocytes in FF from old versus young mares has a deleterious effect on oocyte maturation and their subsequent developmental potential. Follicular fluid was collected from the large, dominant follicle from young mares (4–13 years) or old mares (21–26 years) and classified as: (1) Noninduced follicular fluid (NFF), FF from noninduced follicle 33 ± 3 mm, or (2) Induced follicular fluid (IFF), FF collected ∼24 hours after administration of ovulation-inducing drugs when a follicle 33 ± 3 mm was observed. In experiment 1, immature equine oocytes were collected, matured in vitro for 30 ± 2 hours in 100% IFF, collected from young or old mares, with the addition of follicle stimulating hormone (5 mU/mL), then fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In experiment 2, immature bovine oocytes were collected, matured in 100% IFF or NFF, collected from young mares or old mares, then fertilized via in vitro fertilization. In experiment 1, more blastocysts tended (P = .08) to be produced from equine oocytes that were matured in old versus young mare FF. In experiment 2, when IFF and NFF groups were combined, cleavage rates were higher (P = .001) when bovine oocytes were matured in FF from young than old mares. In contrast to our hypothesis, we observed no conclusive evidence that FF from old mares has a deleterious impact on oocytes and their early developmental potential.
Effects of thinning and prescribed fire frequency on ground flora in mixed Pinus-hardwood stands

Abstract Forest management is increasingly focused on enhancing native biodiversity. In temperate forests, a common goal is to increase native plant diversity of the ground flora and silvicultural treatments such as thinning and prescribed burning are often used alone or in combination to achieve this goal. These treatments often increase understory light availability, decrease litter depths, and increase nutrient availability. We examined the effects of thinning without fire and thinning with different fire frequencies (four burns on a three year return interval and two burns on a nine year return interval) to identify changes in community structure and species composition with a focus on taxonomic richness, diversity, and cover of ground flora in post-agricultural Pinus-hardwood stands on the Cumberland Plateau in Alabama, USA. This paper reports on one year of post-treatment data (two years post burn) within a longer-term study of thinning and repeated burns. Overstory basal area and density were lower with increased management intensity. Sapling density was substantially greater with increased management intensity; however, this did not affect ground flora richness, diversity, or cover. Ground flora richness, diversity, and cover were greatest in stands that were thinned and burned every three years, and these measures were negatively correlated with litter depth and positively correlated with exposed mineral soil in a non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMS) solution. Our results signify the need for a combination of thinning and burning in these systems. Forest managers that wish to promote native plant diversity in similar systems may consider thinning and frequent burning to increase light availability, decrease litter depth, and promote ground flora richness, diversity, and cover.
Contributors to Postinjury Mental Health in Urban Black Men With Serious Injuries.

Importance Physical injury is associated with postinjury mental health problems, which typically increase disability, cost, recidivism, and self-medication for symptoms. Objective To determine risk and protective factors across the life span that contribute to depression and posttraumatic stress symptom severity at 3 months after hospital discharge. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective cohort study used a 3-month postdischarge follow-up of patients who had been treated at an urban, level 1 trauma center in the Northeastern United States. Men with injuries who were hospitalized, self-identified as black, were 18 years or older, and resided in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, region were eligible and consecutively enrolled. Those who were experiencing a cognitive dysfunction or psychotic disorder, hospitalized because of attempted suicide, or receiving current treatment for depression or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were excluded. Data were collected from January 2013 to October 2017. Data analysis took place from January 2018 to August 2018. Exposures A serious injury requiring hospitalization; adverse childhood experiences, childhood neighborhood disadvantage, and preinjury physical and mental health; and emotional resources, injury intent, and acute stress responses. Main Outcomes and Measures Depression and PTSD symptom severity were assessed with the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms–Self-report and the PTSD Check List–5. The a priori hypothesis was that risk and protective factors are associated with depression and PTSD symptom severity. The analytic approach was structural equation modeling. Results A total of 623 black men were enrolled. Of these, 502 participants (80.6%) were retained at 3-month follow-up. Their mean (SD) age was 35.6 (14.9) years; 346 (55.5%) had experienced intentional injuries, and the median (range) Injury Severity Score was 9 (1-45). Of the 500 participants with complete primary outcome data, 225 (45.0%) met the cut point criteria for mental health diagnoses at 3 months. For both mental health outcomes, the models fit the data well (depression: root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA], 0.044; comparative fit index [CFI], 0.93; PTSD: RMSEA = 0.045; CFI = 0.93), and all hypothesized paths were significant and in the hypothesized direction. Outcomes were associated with poor preinjury health (standardized weights: depression, 0.28;P Conclusions and Relevance The intersection of prior trauma and adversity, prior exposure to neighborhood disadvantage, and poorer preinjury health and functioning are important, even in the midst of acute medical care for traumatic injury. These results support the importance of trauma-informed health care and focused assessment to identified patients with injuries who are at highest risk for poor postinjury mental health outcomes.
Smartphone-Based Paper Microfluidic Particulometry of Norovirus from Environmental Water Samples at the Single Copy Level.

Human enteric viruses can be highly infectious and thus capable of causing disease upon ingestion of low doses ranging from 100 to 102 virions. Norovirus is a good example with a minimum infectious...
Complement and Coagulation: Cross Talk Through Time.

Abstract Two complex protein defense systems—complement and coagulation—are based on amplifying enzyme cascades triggered by specific local stimuli. Excess systemic activation of either system is pathologic and is normally prevented by a family of regulatory proteins. The 2 systems are ancient biological processes which share a common origin that predates vertebrate evolution. Recent research has uncovered multiple opportunities for cross talk between complement and coagulation including proteins traditionally viewed as coagulation factors that activate and regulate complement, and proteins traditionally seen as part of the complement system that participate in coagulation. Ten examples of cross talk between the 2 systems are described. The mutual engagement of both systems is increasingly recognized to occur in human diseases. Three conditions—paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, and the antiphospholipid syndrome—provide examples of the importance of interactions between complement and coagulation in human biology. A better understanding of the mutual engagement of these 2 ancient defense systems is expected to result in improved diagnostics and new treatments for systemic diseases.
Clinician adherence to the clinical practice guideline: Acute otitis externa

Objectives/hypothesis Over 10 years have passed since the Clinical Practice Guideline: Acute Otitis Externa (CPG-AOE) was first published, and it has been several years since its update. We sought to assess clinicians' adherence as well as referral patterns. Study design Survey. Methods A 23-question survey was distributed to regional primary care clinicians evaluating demographic data, perception of the clinical practice guideline (CPG), adherence, and details of specialist referral. Statistical analysis was performed to compare adherence and referral patterns using the Fisher exact test or the χ2 test. Results One hundred seventeen clinicians completed the survey. Fifteen respondents (12.8%) had reviewed the CPG. The recommendations with the least reported adherence were pain management (39.1%) and accounting for prior radiotherapy as a modifying factor (43.0%). The recommendations of prescribing ototopical therapy and avoiding systemic antimicrobials in uncomplicated acute otitis externa had adherence of 94.0% and 83.8%, respectively. When analyzed by provider type (e.g., resident, nurse practitioner/physician assistant), there were no significant differences in adherence. No significant differences in adherence were observed based on previous review of the CPG. When reporting frequency of specialist referral, the majority of respondents selected rarely (53.9%). The most favored reason for referral was symptoms >4 weeks (86.3%). Conclusions Of the providers who responded, very few had reviewed the CPG-AOE. Despite the added emphasis on pain management in the CPG update, this recommendation had the lowest adherence. Rates of adherence were similar across provider types and did not differ significantly if the CPG was reviewed. Efforts at improved provider education should be considered to increase adherence to the CPG. Level of evidence NA Laryngoscope, 130:1565-1571, 2020.
Abstract PS17-49: Investigating CDK4/6 inhibition in triple negative breast cancer

The purpose of our study is to evaluate the immunological effects of CDK4/6 inhibitors in pre-clinical models of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). CDK4/6 inhibitors, including abemaciclib, are currently approved to treat patients with metastatic hormone receptor-positive (HR+), Her2-negative breast cancer. We previously reported in our Her2+ model that CDK4/6 inhibitors promote anti-tumor immunity through inducing tumor cell antigen presentation via activating tumor endogenous retroviral elements, which induce type III interferon production and MHC-I upregulation (Goel, DeCristo, et al., Nature, 2017). We also uncovered important anti-tumor effects on the immune system: CDK4/6 inhibitors decrease T regulatory cell proliferation without affecting cytotoxic CD8 T cell numbers. TNBC has been considered a poor candidate for CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy, as tumors often lose retinoblastoma (Rb) protein expression/function, which is critical for CDK4/6 inhibitor-induced cell cycle arrest. However, Rb mutation or loss occurs in only ~20% of TNBC cases and we found Rb expressing murine and human TNBC cell lines decreased proliferation in vitro in response to abemaciclib. In our preclinical model of TNBC, abemaciclib induced tumor regression. Consistent with previous findings, TNBC tumor cells upregulated MHC-I upon abemaciclib treatment, suggesting increased antigen presentation. Tumor cell-surface PD-L1 was also increased with abemaciclib both in vitro and in vivo, as assessed by flow cytometry and RT-qPCR. These results are encouraging, given that αPD-L1 therapy (Atezolizumab) in combination with chemotherapy (nab-paclitaxel) has recently been approved as standard care for metastatic TNBC and the IMpassion130 trial reported enhanced progression-free and overall survival in patients with PD-L1+ tumors. We also found that abemaciclib increased CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and decreased PD1+ CD8 and CD4 cells in the spleen. Furthermore, total numbers of naive CD8+ and CD4+ T cells increased with abemaciclib treatment, suggesting a favorable anti-tumor systemic immunological effect. Our data suggest the potential efficacy of CDK4/6 inhibitors in combination with αPD-L1 in the treatment of Rb+ TNBC. Deeper analysis of the mechanisms involved in regulating PD-L1 and enhancing naive T cells should enable us to evaluate combination therapies using CDK4/6 inhibitors for this particularly deadly breast cancer subtype. Citation Format: Qiuchen Guo, Gregory J Goreczny, Milos Spasic, Adam Maynard, Sandra S McAllister. Investigating CDK4/6 inhibition in triple negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS17-49.
RENIN SUBSTRATE IN THE CNS: POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANCE TO CENTRAL REGULATORY MECHANISMS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the importance of the renin–angiotensin system to central mechanisms of peripheral blood pressure regulation and associates the effects upon administration of angiotensin to the vascularly isolated central nervous systems of dogs. The starting point of the renin angiotensin system, renin substrate, is present in the brain in concentrations that permit significant amounts of angiotensin to be generated. Thus, the entire reninangiotensin system is present in the central nervous system. This substrate is in extravascular sites. The chapter demonstrates that central regulatory mechanisms (CSF) contains renin substrate in high concentrations and is measured in tissue because of contamination by CSF. Renin substrate is partially membrane bound to the ventricular surfaces. Data indicates that brain renin substrate—unlike brain renin—is primarily of peripheral origin. Thus, it gains access to the central nervous system across either the blood brain barrier or the blood–CSF barrier.
It’s How You Say It: Ameliorating Motivated Reactions to Judicial Rulings Using Aporetic Reasoning

Judicial opinions often incorporate empirical claims to support their reasoning. However, for some issues, individuals perceive risks and weigh factual claims in a manner that affirms their own cultural identities. These motivated reactions threaten public acceptance of judicial rulings, and, potentially, the courts’ institutional legitimacy. One strategy for ameliorating the effects of motivated reaction is aporetic reasoning, or explicitly acknowledging an issue’s complexity and uncertainty as well as the policymaker’s own doubt. I test the impact of this tactic with a survey experiment, examining reactions to a federal judge’s ruling on the immutability of sexual preferences. I create an “objection precondition” where subjects are presented with a vignette describing a judicial ruling with which they will presumably disagree. I then randomly vary the vignette to test the effect of aporetic reasoning. I find that at least for some subjects, aporetic reasoning meaningfully reduces negative reactions to the judge’s decision.
Natural History of Infratentorial Intracerebral Hemorrhages: Two Subgroups with Distinct Presentations and Outcomes.

Abstract Background/Objective Infratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with worse prognosis than supratentorial ICH; however, infratentorial ICH is often excluded or underrepresented in clinical trials of ICH. We sought to evaluate the natural history of infratentorial ICH stratified by brainstem or cerebellar location using a prospective observational study inclusive of all spontaneous ICH. Methods Using a prospective, single center cohort of patients with spontaneous ICH between 2008-2019, we conducted a descriptive analysis of baseline demographics, severity of injury scores, and long-term functional outcomes of infratentorial ICH stratified by cerebellar or brainstem location. Results Infratentorial ICH occurred in 82 (13%) of 632 patients in our ICH cohort. Among infratentorial ICH, cerebellar ICH occurred in 45 (55%) and brainstem ICH occurred in 37 (45%). Compared to cerebellar ICH, patients with brainstem ICH had significantly worse severity of injury scores, including lower admission Glasgow Coma Scale (median 14 [7.0 – 15.0] versus 4 [3.0 – 8.0], respectively; P Conclusions Location of infratentorial ICH is an important determinant of admission severity and clinical outcome in unselected patients with ICH. Patients with cerebellar ICH have less severe symptoms at presentation and more favorable functional outcomes compared to patients with brainstem ICH.
Gesture Production in Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) demonstrate delayed and atypical communication development. These deficits constitute a core criterion for the diagnosis of ASD, though information regarding gestural communication in toddlers with ASD remains limited. The present investigation implemented a robust gesture classification system in order to obtain quantitative measures of gesture production in a cohort of toddlers with ASD (n = 40) and controls (n = 40) during 10-min, play-based interactions with caregivers. Children with ASD produced fewer overall gestures and gesture subtypes compared to controls. The ASD group also displayed atypical patterns of gesture production. These findings highlight the need for evidence-based screening, assessment, and intervention protocols pertaining to gestural communication in toddlers with ASD.
The Influence of Information Arrival on Market Microstructure: Evidence from Three Related Markets

This study examines the influence of information arrival on market microstructure for the MMI, NYSE, and S&P 500 stock index futures markets, with special emphasis on the effects of opening and closing of trading and expiration of contracts on price movements and trading activities. The results of the examination show that although the opening of the (MMI) futures market is associated with higher volatility, it is when the spot market opens that volatility reaches its highest level. Similarly, the closing of the futures markets, though more volatile, is not as volatile as the closing of the spot markets. Trading patterns, on the other hand, are distinct from volatility. For MMI, trading declines consistently after the close of the spot market. In contrast, the NYSE and S&P 500 continue to trade and reach a peak at the close of the futures markets. Expiration effects are evidenced by the increase in volatility and trading near the closing of the MMI and the spillover to the NYSE and S&P 500. In sharp contrast, the expirations of the NYSE and S&P 500 are only associated with decrease in trading, suggesting that efforts to dampen volatility by changing expiration days from Friday to Thursday and shifting settlement price from Friday close to Friday open, have been successful.
A Recipe for Madness: Parenthood in the Era of Covid-19

Objectives: This article seeks to understand the economic, mental health, and political impacts on American parents in the era of Covid-19. Methods: We draw on survey data from a diverse national sample collected in September 2020 and employ multivariate analysis to explore how Covid-19 has uniquely affected the attitudes and life experiences of American parents. Results: We find that Covid-19 has been unusually burdensome for parents as they are more likely to have experienced negative physical and mental health outcomes and suffer more negative financial impacts. Despite the challenges parents face, they also remain cautious about in-person school and vaccinations. Although mothers have been the focus of much news coverage, we find that both mothers and fathers have been similarly and negatively impacted by Covid-19. Conclusion: American parents are suffering at distinctively high levels during this pandemic. In order to recover, policymakers will need to target outreach and support tailored to the needs and issues facing parents.
Inferring the Genetic Basis of Sex Determination from the Genome of a Dioecious Nightshade.

National Science Foundation (USA NSF)National Science Foundation (NSF) [IOS-1127059]; Department of Biology at Indiana University
Control Uncertainty Based LQR for Frequency Regulation Using Distributed Energy Resources

This paper proposes a dynamically updating robust Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR), implemented on a Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS), for improved frequency regulation of a distributed micro-grid. HESS consists of battery and ultra-capacitor banks. They work in conjunction with Photo-Voltaic Distributed Energy Resource (PVDER), making a dispatchable source that is capable of providing inertial support during changing grid conditions. For this purpose, a penalty factor based on control uncertainty is designed for improving the LQR quality function based on the sensitivity of individual HESS devices to changes in frequency. The dynamically updating penalty factors and gains of LQR optimizes HESS output while providing for the inertial and secondary response. Preliminary tests on the modified 123 bus distribution system show that the proposed architecture provides a significant improvement in frequency response (around 26% above droop based control).
An investigation of sickle cell trait, body mass index, and fitness in relation to venous thromboembolism among African American adults.

BACKGROUND The relationships of sickle cell trait (SCT), body mass index (BMI), and physical fitness to venous thromboembolism (VTE) in young adults have received little attention. OBJECTIVES To test for associations among SCT, BMI, fitness, and VTE. PATIENTS/METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 48,316 SCT-tested, African American individuals in the US Army during 2011-14. We used Cox proportional hazards models to compute adjusted hazards of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) associated with selected factors. RESULTS Incidence rates of DVT and PE were 1.09 and 0.91 cases per 1000 person-years, respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for DVT for men and women with SCT were 0.9 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4-2.0; P = .711) and 1.51 (CI: 0.7-3.2; P = .274), respectively. aHRs for PE for SCT+ men and women were 1.1 (CI: 0.5-2.4; P = .773) and 1.2 (CI: 0.5-3.1; P = .650), respectively. Low physical fitness was associated with DVT and PE in women (DVT aHR =3.1; CI: 1.4-6.5; P = .004; PE aHR =4.6; CI: 2.1-9.9; P < .001) and DVT in men (aHR =2.2; CI: 1.0-4.6; P = .048). Recent weight gain of 1 or more BMI points was associated with DVT in men (aHR =1.8; CI: 1.1-2.8; P = .017). CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence of increased VTE risk associated with SCT in this population. However, lower fitness levels and BMI increases were so associated.
A chaos synchronization-based dynamic vision model for image segmentation

There has been intense research in feature binding to understand the parallel processing of features in visual information processing. The synchronization of spiking neurons is important for successful feature binding. In this work, we propose a novel approach to feature binding in spiking neurons using chaotic synchronization. We exploit each image pixel intensity value as individual neuron to generate chaotic time series. We generate the coupled map lattice series for neighborhood interaction and synchronization in spatiotemporal space. The largest cluster in the time series with similar chaotic synchronization parameter is used to generate segmented image. We obtain proof-of-concept application of our model in MR image clustering and compare our results with the existing Otsu adaptive segmentation technique.
Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian Petrov-Galerkin finite elements for nonlinear continua

Abstract The fundamental arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) mechanics and its finite element formulation are given. The tangential stiffness matrix, which is shown to be composed of the linarized material response matrix, the geometrical stiffness matrix, and the ALE transport matrix are derived from a consistent linearization procedure. Various numerical methods for the ALE finite element equations are then presented, and several examples are analyzed to examine some features of the method.