cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rip Van Winkle wakes up: development of tuberculosis treatment in the 21st century.

The increase in drug-resistant tuberculosis and the global pandemic of human immunodeficiency virus infection‐related tuberculosis threaten global tuberculosis control. There are needs for improved therapy in all aspects of tuberculosis treatment: treatment of latent infection, active drug-susceptible disease, and particularly, drug-resistant disease. Fortunately, at this time of great need, the field of tuberculosis drug development has reemerged after 130 years of inactivity. I review the specific needs for new treatment regimens, the pathways of tuberculosis drug development, and the agents that are currently in clinical development. There is renewed interest in the rifamycin class; studies in the mouse model suggest that higher doses of rifampin or rifapentine may markedly improve the treatment of drug-susceptible disease. Fluoroquinolones may allow shorter treatment durations for drug-susceptible disease, though initial phase 2B trials have shown inconsistent activity. Novel drugs, such as TMC207, OPC-67683, PA824, SQ109, and PNU-100480, may improve the treatment of drug-resistant and drug-susceptible tuberculosis.
Implications of tyrosine phosphoproteomics in cervical carcinogenesis

Worldwide cervical cancer remains a leading cause of mortality from gynecologic malignancies. The link between cervical cancer and persistent infection with HPV has been established. At a molecular level little is known about the transition from the precancerous state to invasive cancer. To elucidate this process, cervical biopsies from human specimens were obtained from precancerous state to stage III disease.
An in vitro complementation assay for the Escherichia coli uvrD gene product

An in vitro assay specific for the product of the uvrD gene of Escherichia coli has been developed. This assay, derived from properties of uvrD mutants revealed by in vivo experiments, is based on the necessity for a functional UvrD protein for complete rejoining of covalently closed circular DNA during the excision repair of UV-induced damage. Extracts prepared from gently lysed uvrD101 mutant cells are capable of restoring UV-damaged DNA to its covalently closed circular form when provided with a functional UvrD protein from other repair-deficient cell extracts or from partially purified protein fractions. This assay was employed to monitor the activity of the UvrD protein after several steps of fractionation. The partially purified UvrD protein does not complement extracts deficient in DNA polymerase I or temperature-sensitive in DNA ligase; it does, however, complement extracts from strains mutant at the uvrE and recL loci, which are considered allelic with the uvrD locus.
Reconfigurable fault tolerant networks for fast packet switching

The authors consider the design and analysis of reconfigurable networks for fast packet switching. The design constraints resulting from the use of fast packet switching that affect fault-tolerant network design are carefully studied. A reconfigurable network with high link redundancy is then proposed. An abstract replacement model that characterizes the proposed reconfigurable network is presented. Network fault tolerance problems are transformed into well known assignment problems. Two practical designs based on feasible technology are presented. An appreciable reliability improvements is achieved and full bandwidth is maintained up to a tolerable level of failures, with relatively few spare switches. >
Predictive congestion control MAC protocol for wireless sensor networks

Available congestion control schemes, for example transport control protocol (TCP), when applied to wireless networks results in a large number of packet drops, unfairness with a significant amount of wasted energy due to retransmissions. To fully utilize the hop by hop feedback information, a suite of novel, decentralized, predictive congestion control schemes are proposed for wireless sensor networks in concert with distributed power control (DPC). Besides providing energy efficient solution, embedded channel estimator in DPC predicts the channel quality. By using the channel quality and node queue utilizations, the onset of network congestion is predicted and congestion control is initiated. Stability of the hop by hop congestion control is demonstrated by using a Lyapunov-based approach. Simulation results show that the proposed schemes result in fewer dropped packets than a network without the hop-by-hop congestion control, better fairness index and network efficiency, higher aggregate throughput, and smaller end-to-end delays over the other available schemes like IEEE 802.11 protocol.
The concept of the just price : theory and economic policy

In The concept view of many economists the just price is a nebulous concept invented by pious monks who knew nothing of business or economics and were blissfully unaware of market mechanisms. It is true that certain writers, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, have done their best to accredit this fairy tale and to propagate the notion that the just price, instead of being set by the allegedly blind and unconscionable forces of the market, was determined by criteria of fairness without regard to the elements of supply and demand or at least with the purpose of eliminating the evils of unrestrained competition.
Bayesian decision theory with action-dependent probabilities and risk attitudes

This paper extends the work of Karni (Econ Theory 48:125–146, 2011) to allow for the possibility that decision makers’ effect-dependent risk attitudes are also affected by their actions. This extension is essential for modeling decision situations in which actions have a monetary dimension that creates interaction between actions and wealth.
Limits to Performance Improvement Provided by Balanced Interferometers and Balanced Detection in OCT/OCM Instruments

We compare the dynamic range of OCT/OCM instruments configured with unbalanced interferometers, e.g., Michelson interferometers, with that of instruments utilizing balanced interferometers and balanced photodetection. We define the dynamic range (DR) as the ratio of the maximum fringe amplitude achieved with a highly reflecting surface to the root-mean-square (rms) noise. Balanced systems achieve a dynamic range 2.5 times higher than that of a Michelson interferometer, enabling an image acquisition speed roughly 6 times faster. This maximum improvement occurs at light source powers of a few milliwatts. At light source powers higher than 30 mW, the advantage in acquisition speed of balanced systems is reduced to a factor of 4. For video-rate imaging, the increased cost and complexity of a balanced system may be outweighed by the factor of 4 to 6 enhancement in image acquisition speed. We include in our analysis the "beat-noise" resulting from incoherent light backscattered from the sample, which reduces the advantage of balanced systems. We attempt to resolve confusion surrounding the origin and magnitude of "beat-noise", first described by L. Mandel in 1962. Beat-noise is present in both balanced and unbalanced OCT/OCM instruments.
Seed Morphology and Its Taxonomic Significance in the Subtribe Gratiolinae (Plantaginaceae)

Abstract Diagnostic seed surface morphologies have been identified in some members of the family Plantaginaceae; however, limited diagnostic seed morphologies have been identified in the subtribe Gratiolinae of tribe Gratioleae. Tribe Gratioleae consists of 25 genera and about 182 species distributed worldwide. Ten genera are classified under subtribe Gratiolinae. The current study employed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine detailed surface sculpturing in the subtribe Gratiolinae to identify diagnostic seed characters of taxonomic significance. Seeds of 35 species representing seven genera were carefully sampled from herbarium specimens, mounted on aluminum stubs, observed under the SEM, and analyzed. Seeds were typically less than 1.0 mm in size. Eleven reticulate seed types were identified with significant variation. Variation resulted from at least five characters: overall seed pattern, seed length, periclinal wall ornamentation, anticlinal wall relative height, and ornamentation. Most seed...
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults: evidence-based recommendations for management.

AbstractAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with impairments in educational, occupational, neuropsychological, and social functioning in adults. Successful diagnosis and treatment of the disorder in adults can be a challenge because recent and integrative clinical guidelines are lacking and diagnostic criteria are based on making a retrospective diagnosis of childhood-onset ADHD. To develop evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of ADHD in adults, the scientific literature was reviewed, including primary clinical studies, meta-analyses, and available clinical guidelines. Studies show that stimulant therapy is highly effective and safe in the management of ADHD in adults, with similar response rates to those reported in children at doses that are equivalent on a mg/kg basis. Long-acting stimulants, such as OROS® methylphenidate (OROS® MPH, Concerta®), dexmethylphenidate (d-MPH, Focalin®), and mixed amphetamine salts extended release (MAS XR, Adderall XR®), have durations...
Germs in space. Joshua Lederberg, exobiology, and the public imagination, 1958-1964.

Abstract Under the leadership of Joshua Lederberg, some American biologists and chemists proposed exobiology as the most legitimate program for space research. These scientists used the fear of contamination—of earth and other planets—as a central argument for funding “nonpolitical,” “scientifically valid” experiments in extraterrestrial life detection. Exobiology's resemblance to popular science fiction narratives presented a significant challenge to its advocates' scientific authority. Its most practical applications, moreover, bore an unseemly resemblance to the United States Army's research on biological weapons. At the same time that exobiologists wanted to use the media to attract support for their program, they had to monitor their statements carefully in order to maintain their view of exobiology as a peaceful, scientifically valid research program. In examining how exobiology's creators positioned their work in comparison to other space sciences as well as science fiction, this case study highlig...
Framing Sex Worker Rights How U.S. Sex Worker Rights Activists Perceive and Respond to Mainstream Anti–Sex Trafficking Advocacy

This article examines how U.S. sex worker rights activists articulate “rights-based frames” to counter mainstream “victim frames” that conflate sex work and sex trafficking. Drawing on interviews w...
Cassini Pointing Operations Flight Experience Using Inertial Vector Propagation

The Cassini spacecraft was launched on 15 October 1997 by a Titan 4B launch vehicle. After an interplanetary cruise of almost seven years, it has arrived at Saturn on June 30, 2004. The Cassini pointing system is a software engine consisting of several inter-connected software “objects” working together to achieve the pointing goal. The pointing of the camera at the largest moon of Saturn, Titan, for example, could be achieved if we have knowledge of the spacecraft-to-Titan vector in an inertial coordinate frame. This inertial vector is computed onboard using the Inertial Vector Propagator engine. This paper summarizes the flight experience of the use of inertial vector propagator for Cassini pointing needs, from launch through the first 3 years of the prime mission in orbit around Saturn (July 2004 through June 2007). Both the on-board pointing process and the ground operations process are described in this paper. The history of inertial vector usage on-board for nominal sequences as well as “late updates” is described.
The 4% Fallacy: A Methodological and Empirical Critique of Extended Care Facility Population Statistics:

Much use has been made of population statistics which indicate that only 4% of those over 65 are in nursing homes and other extended care facilities (ECF). These data are misleading, however, for t...
Effects of POSS Addition on Bisphenol-E Cyanate Ester Network

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) and cerium (IV) oxide were added to a bisphenol-E cyanate ester matrix as protective filler for UV/atomic oxygen exposure. These additions did not adversely affect properties such as thermal degradation and glass transition temperature. However, cure conversion decreased at 30 wt% glycidyl POSS from on average 95% to 89 wt% conversion indicating a potential loading limit. Scanning electron microscopy revealed 1-5 μm POSS aggregations located uniformly throughout sample cross sections. Ceria also was well dispersed but did form an approximately 50 μm layer on the bottom edge of samples. Altering the cure to introduce an isothermal hold to take advantage of a low viscosity region did not change this particle distribution and there was no difference between the location of POSS and ceria specifically as detected by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Future work will target development of a dual layer combination of matrix and a CeO2/POSS-rich overlay to avoid issues with control of filler aggregate location.
Normal Acid-Base Composition of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Infants And Children.

SummaryThe acid-base composition of arterial blood and cerebrospinal fluid has been measured in 11 infants of low birth weight and in 13 children in order to establish normal values. The CSF data in children and the usually accepted normal data for adults were similar. The infants, however, showed a significant reduction in CSF pCO2 when compared to either children or adults. This undoubtedly reflects the lower values for plasma pCO2 which are typical of this age group.
Common cutaneous manifestations and problems of diabetes mellitus.

The diabetic soon finds that his disease and its treatment cause a variety of skin problems: cutaneous expression of vascular and metabolic abnormalities, pyodermic and mycotic infections, recalcit...
The taxonomy of species assigned to Camptosaurus (Dinosauria: Ornithopoda)

The taxonomic affinities of species assigned to Camptosaurus are reassessed in light of firsthand examination of the relevant specimens and a new phylogenetic analysis, the first to incorporate all putative species of Camptosaurus. “Camp- tosaurus” valdensis is found to be an indeterminate dryosaurid. The species C. prestwichii, C. aphanoecetes, and C. depressus differ in several important details from the type species, C. dispar, and are assigned to different genera as Cumnoria prestwichii, Uteodon aphanoecetes gen. et comb. nov., and Osmakasaurus depressus gen. et comb. nov. The recent assignment of O. depressus to the genus Planicoxa is considered unjustified.
Natural Contamination Deposited Characteristics of ±800 kV UHV DC Insulators at High Altitudes

To obtain the natural contamination deposition characteristics of UHVDC insulators,we tested contamination deposition of full-scale insulators,in which the equivalent salt deposit density(ESDD) and the non-soluble deposit density(NSDD) were measured.A series of comparisons in ESDD and NSDD were performed based on tests on insulator-strings of different materials(glass,porcelain and composites),different string structures(I-shaped suspension type,V-shaped suspension type,and tension type),different shed shapes(composite insulators sheds,porcelain long rod,bell shaped disc suspension,and three-shed type porcelain),and different positions along the insulator-strings(the both ends and the middle of insulator).Preliminary results are obtained from the tests: the porcelain insulator has relatively lighter pollution than other materials;the tension insulator has a much lighter pollution than other structures;the porcelain long rod insulator shows better and has a lighter pollution than that on other shed shapes;and the earth side of the insulator has the most serious pollution in test.This work can provide some important references for the external insulation of UHVDC transmission projects in China high altitudes areas,especially in Kunming.
"Back to sleep" and unexplained death in infants.

Objective: Investigation of body position in infants with sudden and apparently unexplained death. Determination of the upper airway space of the infants in different positions by computed tomography (CT) scan. Comparison of the CT scan, the body position at death scene, and the autopsy results. Design: Prospective investigation on all infants referred to a specialized center investigating abrupt and apparently unexplained death of infants. Subjects: Full-term infants with sudden and clinically unexplained death. Four extra infants studied at different postmortem times to verify absence of change in measurement in postmortem CT scan over time. Data Collected: Position of infant when found dead. CT scan of upper airway in 3 positions (prone face down, prone head rotated, supine nose up), presence or absence of upper airway obstruction, level and length of the obstruction, presence or absence of cause of death, and presence or absence of small maxillomandibular complex at autopsy. Results: Twenty-seven children had unexpected crib deaths (17 of them determined to be sudden infant death syndrome at autopsy). Fourteen children were found dead in the prone position; for 8 of them, this was their normal sleeping position. Airway occlusion behind the base of tongue was seen on CT scan in 24 of the 27 infants (89%) when placed prone head down; in 13 (48%) when placed prone with the head rotated to the side, and in 5 (18%) infants in the supine position. Four infants had mild facial dysplasia and had been found dead in the supine position; in 3 of them, sudden infant death syndrome was found to be the cause of death. The stability of CT scan findings over time was demonstrated after death in 3 different body positions. Conclusion: Supine sleeping position may not be necessarily protective when small jaws are present, and sleeping position may also be a factor in abrupt deaths in infants even if explained by autopsy.
Das namenlose Tier und sein Territorium. Zu Kafkas Dichtung Der Bau

Ein Vergleich mit Thomas Manns Koniglicher Hoheit zeigt, wie Kafka Daseinsgrundlagen darstellt, die besser von Verhaltenstheorien moderner Biologen (wie dem Territorialbegriff) aus verstanden werden konnen als von ideengeschichtlich bedingten oder mit dem Darwinismus verwandten. Klassifizierungsmoglichkeiten fehlen. Art und Geschlecht des Tieres sind uberhaupt nicht, seine Ausdrucksformen nur teilweise spezifizierbar.
High Dose of Rituximab in B-Cell Malignancies.

Abstract Background: Rituximab is currently used as a standard agent in many B cell malignancies. High doses of rituximab may be more efficacious in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma, because CD20 antigenic sites occur in low density per cell, and soluble CD20 in the plasma binds with infused rituximab. We describe our results with escalated high doses of single agent rituximab given as weekly induction doses followed by monthly maintenance doses. Methods: 18 patients (10 males, 8 females) with median age 58 years (range 42 – 80); 4 patients with MCL and 14 patients with CLL were enrolled. Rai stages were: Stage 0–1, Stage I–2, Stage II–5, Stage III–8, Stage IV–2. 9 patients had at least one prior treatment (range, 1–8 treatments): fludarabine-7 patients, chlorambucil-6 patients, chlorambucil and fludarabine-4 patients. Median duration of disease prior to rituximab administration was 23 months (1–143 months). 9 patients had bulky disease (mass largest diameter > 5 cm). All patients received the standard single agent rituximab dose 375 mg/m2 with weekly escalation up to 2,250 mg/m2, followed by the highest escalated dose of rituximab as a monthly maintenance dose. The median monthly dose 1000 mg/m2 (range 500 – 2,250 mg/m2), and the median number of monthly doses was 18 (4–76 doses). Results: The overall response rate (CR + PR) was 88% (CR 50%, PR 38%). CR median duration is 17 + months (6 – 46 + months). CD20 intensity of staining (range of mean fluorescense intensity ratio 162–4766) and CD38 expression (range 5–99%) did not correlate with responses. The median time to progression was not reached. 8 patients progressed and their median time to progression is 25 months (14–48). None of the patients with bulky disease reached CR. 2 CR and 4 PR were observed in previous fludarabine failures. 3 of 4 patients with MCL reached CR and one continues in CR 46+ months off treatment. Rituximab was very well tolerated and only 2 episodes of grade 3 infusion related toxicity were observed. Both patients completed infusion with appropriate supportive care. Conclusion: Single agent rituximab in high doses can induce durable clinical response in non-bulky early stage CLL/MCL. Higher than standard doses improve responses possibly by saturating CD20 binding sites and overcoming the obstacle of circulating CD 20 antigen.
Optimal Observation Angles for Planar Tomography in Stam System

The scanning tomographic acoustic microscope (STAM) is a system which utilizes the principles of tomography and incorporates digital signal processing to obtain high-resolution subsurface imaging. An algorithm called “back-and-forth propagation” has been used to reconstruct tomographic images from simulated projection data.
Method of evolving junctions: A new approach to optimal control with constraints ☆

Abstract We propose a new strategy, called method of evolving junctions (MEJ), to compute the solutions for a class of optimal control problems with constraints on both state and control variables. Our main idea is that by leveraging the geometric structures of the optimal solutions, we recast the infinite dimensional optimal control problem into an optimization problem depending on a finite number of points, called junctions. Then, using a modified gradient flow method, whose dimension can change dynamically, we find local solutions for the optimal control problem. We also employ intermittent diffusion, a global optimization method based on stochastic differential equations, to obtain the global optimal solution. We demonstrate, via a numerical example, that MEJ can effectively solve path planning problems in dynamical environments.
Assessing biological and technological variability in protein levels measured in pre-diagnostic plasma samples of women with breast cancer.

Quantitative proteomics allows for the discovery and functional investigation of blood-based pre-diagnostic biomarkers for early cancer detection. However, a major limitation of proteomic investigations in biomarker studies remains the biological and technical variability in the analysis of complex clinical samples. Moreover, unlike ‘omics analogues such as genomics and transcriptomics, proteomics has yet to achieve reproducibility and long-term stability on a unified technological platform. Few studies have thoroughly investigated protein variability in pre-diagnostic samples of cancer patients across multiple platforms. We obtained ten blood plasma “case” samples collected up to 2 years prior to breast cancer diagnosis. Each case sample was paired with a matched control plasma from a full biological sister without breast cancer. We measured protein levels using both mass-spectrometry and antibody-based technologies to: (1) assess the technical considerations in different protein assays when analyzing limited clinical samples, and (2) evaluate the statistical power of potential diagnostic analytes. Although we found inherent technical variation in the three assays used, we detected protein dependent biological signal from the limited samples. The three assay types yielded 32 proteins with statistically significantly (p < 1E-01) altered expression levels between cases and controls, with no proteins retaining statistical significance after false discovery correction. Technical, practical, and study design considerations are essential to maximize information obtained in limited pre-diagnostic samples of cancer patients. This study provides a framework that estimates biological effect sizes critical for consideration in designing studies for pre-diagnostic blood-based biomarker detection.
Crystallographic refinement of rubredoxin at 1 x 2 A degrees resolution.

The model for rubredoxin from Clostridium pasteurianum has been refined by least-squares against a 1·2 A resolution data set. The conventional R value is 0·128 for the 10,936 reflections with I >2 σ(I) and 10 A> d >1· A. The precision of the model is much improved over the earlier refinement (Watenpaugh et al. , 1973), the mean standard deviation in the C α −C β bond lengths from the present refinment being ∼0·1 A. The Fe−S bond lengths in the FeS 4 complex range from 2·24 A to 2·33 A with an average value of 2·29 A. Standard deviations in the individual Fe−S bonds are ∼0·02 A. The B parameters, which measure the distribution of atoms about their mean positions, range from 7 A 2 to values greater than 50 A 2 . Their magnitudes are found to correlate with both inter- and intramolecular structural features, the larger B values occurring where the atoms would be expected to be less rigidly bound. The relatively large B values found for rubredoxin and characteristic of crystalline proteins generally imply relatively large amplitudes of atomic motion and pliable, readily deformable molecules. Such basic molecular properties are likely to play an important role in the mechanisms by which the molecules function. In the best determined regions of the rubredoxin molecule, hydrogen atoms are visible in the difference map.
Difficulties in Robotic Radical Prostatectomy

The task of learning robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) can be quite challenging for both novice and experienced open or laparoscopic surgeons alike. Therefore, prior to the first procedure, adequate training and planning is required as the entire surgical team prepares for the upcoming challenge. The learning curve to achieve basic competency has been estimated to be between 20 and 25 cases.1, 2 However, during the initial stage of the learning curve, the surgeon should screen potential operative candidates cautiously to minimize the technical challenges of the procedure by selecting “ideal candidates” so that the surgical team can ease into the experience. As the experience of the surgeon and robotic team develops, one can begin to entertain the idea of tackling more challenging clinical scenarios, as studies have shown that difficult cases were attempted after performing a median of 50 procedures.3
Algorithms for detecting outliers via clustering and ranks

Rank-based algorithms provide a promising approach for outlier detection, but currently used rank-based measures of outlier detection suffer from two deficiencies: first they assign a large value to an object near a cluster whose density is high even through the object may not be an outlier and second the distance between the object and its nearest cluster plays a mild role though its rank with respect to its neighbor. To correct for these deficiencies we introduce the concept of modified-rank and propose new algorithms for outlier detection based on this concept. Our method performs better than several density-based methods, on some synthetic data sets as well as on some real data sets.
The Rise of Southern Republicans: Earl Black and Merle Black; Cambridge, MA, Belknap Press of Harvard University, 2002, 442 pages

In the 1960s, federal civil rights legislation fundamentally changed the social and political order of the American South. Action by the national government created a region where whites and non-wh...
Distribution, Habitat Partitioning, and Abundance of Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, and Loggerhead Sea Turtles on the Eastern Gulf of Mexico Continental Shelf

We surveyed cetaceans and marine turtles from Nov. 1998 to Nov. 2000 along a series of prescribed transects between Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor, Florida, and between the coast and the 180-m isobath. Vertical profiles of temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll concentration were collected at 65 stations, and continuous surface data on these variables and transmittance were collected while underway. Habitat partitioning among Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) was examined by canonical correspondence analyses of environmental characteristics at sighting locations. Environmental characteristics and primary productivity of S. frontalis and T. truncatus habitat on the eastern Gulf of Mexico continental shelf significantly differed. In shelf waters shallower than 20 m, T. truncatus were the dominant cetacean species, whereas S. frontalis were the most common shelf species at depths of 20‐180 m. Environmental preferences of C. caretta were intermediate between the two dolphin species and showed no apparent relationship with depth. The continental shelf in the eastern Gulf of Mexico is broad, with distances from coast to slope as great as 200 km. Although S. frontalis habitat has elsewhere been described as ubiquitous over the shelf, our data suggest that S. frontalis in the eastern Gulf of Mexico prefer midshelf habitat.
Regenerative capacity in Drosophila imaginal discs is controlled by damage-responsive, maturity-silenced enhancers

Summary Like tissues of many organisms, Drosophila imaginal discs lose the ability to regenerate as they mature. This loss of regenerative capacity coincides with reduced damage-responsive expression of multiple genes needed for regeneration. Our previous work showed that two such genes, wg and Wnt6, are regulated by a single damage-responsive enhancer, which becomes progressively inactivated via Polycomb-mediated silencing as discs mature. Here we explore the generality of this mechanism, and identify numerous damage-responsive, maturity-silenced (DRMS) enhancers, some near genes known to be required for regeneration such as Mmp1, as well as near genes that we now show are needed for regeneration. Using a novel GAL4-independent tissue ablation system we characterize two DRMS-associated genes, apontic (apt), which curtails regeneration and CG9752/asperous (aspr), which promotes it. This mechanism of suppressing regeneration by silencing damage-responsive enhancers at multiple loci can be partially overcome by reducing activity of the chromatin regulator extra sex combs (esc).
Building a global scientific community

The three volumes reviewed in this essay assemble over 40 case studies written by more than 50 contributors that trace the development of the social sciences and humanities in Europe (East and West...
Choosing the left fork: Steven Offenbacher and understanding maternal periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Offenbacher was one of the first researchers to identify periodontal disease as a risk factor for various adverse pregnancy outcomes. Cohort and case-controlled studies of pregnant women have demonstrated periodontal disease as a risk factor for preterm birth, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. Periodontal therapy during the second trimester improves maternal oral health but fails to reduce the risk of preterm birth. A possible association between periodontal disease and gestational diabetes has also been reported. In one model, periodontal bacteria gain access to the systemic circulation, and thereby the placenta, resulting in local inflammation, placental dysfunction, and, consequently, adverse pregnancy outcomes. It is crucial to increase awareness of the links between maternal periodontal and adverse pregnancy outcomes and to promote oral health prophylaxis during pregnancy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
A compact object in the mass gap

The LIGO/Virgo collaboration recently announced the detection of an unusual compact binary merger including either the most massive neutron star or the least massive black hole known. The formation path of such a binary system is still up for debate.
Epidemiological surveys of ASD: advances and remaining challenges

Recent worldwide epidemiological surveys of autism conducted in 37 countries are reviewed; the median prevalence of autism is .97% in 26 high-income countries. Methodological advances and remaining challenges in designing and executing surveys are discussed, including the effects on prevalence of variable case definitions and nosography, of reliance on parental reports only, case ascertainment through mainstream school surveys, innovative approaches to screen school samples more efficiently, and consideration of age in interpreting surveys. Directions for the future of autism epidemiology are discussed, including the need to systematically examine cross-cultural variation in phenotypic expression and developing surveillance programs.
Operationalizing the clinical staging scheme in the 2018 NIA-AA research framework.

The numeric clinical staging scheme in the 2018 NIA–AA research framework reflects the concept that symptoms of Alzheimer disease sit on a continuum rather than falling into distinct clinical categories. A recent study operationalized these clinical stages to evaluate their utility but found limitations in their application.
Digital Business Strategy: Toward a Next Generation of Insights

Over the last three decades, the prevailing view of information technology strategy has been that it is a functional-level strategy that must be aligned with the firm’s chosen business strategy. Even within this so called alignment view, business strategy directed IT strategy. During the last decade, the business infrastructure has become digital with increased interconnections among products, processes, and services. Across many firms spanning different industries and sectors, digital technologies (viewed as combinations of information, computing, communication, and connectivity technologies) are fundamentally transforming business strategies, business processes, firm capabilities, products and services, and key interfirm relationships in extended business networks. Accordingly, we argue that the time is right to rethink the role of IT strategy, from that of a functional-level strategy — aligned but essentially always subordinate to business strategy — to one that reflects a fusion between IT strategy and business strategy. This fusion is herein termed digital business strategy.We identify four key themes to guide our thinking on digital business strategy and help provide a framework to define the next generation of insights. The four themes are (1) the scope of digital business strategy, (2) the scale of digital business strategy, (3) the speed of digital business strategy, and (4) the sources of business value creation and capture in digital business strategy. After elaborating on each of these four themes, we discuss the success metrics and potential performance implications from pursuing a digital business strategy. We also show how the papers in the special issue shed light on digital strategies and offer directions to advance insights and shape future research.
Inflammation during the life cycle of the atherosclerotic plaque.

Inflammation orchestrates each stage of the life cycle of atherosclerotic plaques. Indeed, inflammatory mediators likely link many traditional and emerging risk factors with atherogenesis. Atheroma initiation involves endothelial activation with recruitment of leukocytes to the arterial intima, where they interact with lipoproteins or their derivatives that have accumulated in this layer. The prolonged and usually clinically silent progression of atherosclerosis involves periods of smoldering inflammation, punctuated by episodes of acute activation that may arise from inflammatory mediators released from sites of extravascular injury or infection or from subclinical disruptions of the plaque. Smooth muscle cells and infiltrating leukocytes can proliferate but also undergo various forms of cell death that typically lead to formation of a lipid-rich "necrotic" core within the evolving intimal lesion. Extracellular matrix synthesized by smooth muscle cells can form a fibrous cap that overlies the lesion's core. Thus, during progression of atheroma, cells not only procreate but perish. Inflammatory mediators participate in both processes. The ultimate clinical complication of atherosclerotic plaques involves disruption that provokes thrombosis, either by fracture of the plaque's fibrous cap or superficial erosion. The consequent clots can cause acute ischemic syndromes if they embarrass perfusion. Incorporation of the thrombi can promote plaque healing and progressive intimal thickening that can aggravate stenosis and further limit downstream blood flow. Inflammatory mediators regulate many aspects of both plaque disruption and the healing process. Thus, inflammatory processes contribute to all phases of the lifecycle of atherosclerotic plaques, and represent ripe targets for mitigating the disease.
Abstract 019: Vascular Smooth Muscle ADAM17 Contributes To Angiotensin II-induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation But Not Hypertension In Mice

Enhancement of the renin angiotensin II (AngII) system has been implicated in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, detailed molecular mechanism(s) by which AngII promotes AAA remain uncertain. We have demonstrated the critical role of a metalloprotease, ADAM17, in AngII-induced EGFR transactivation and subsequent hypertrophy in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In caveolin 1-/- mice, AAA formation induced by AngII plus beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), a lysyl oxidase inhibitor, was attenuated. The attenuation of AAA formation was associated with suppression of ADAM17 induction and EGFR activation. Others have reported that systemic ADAM17 silencing attenuated CaCl2-induced AAA formation in mice. However, the cell type specific mechanism that is mediating the deleterious effect of ADAM17 in AAA is not well understood. Here, we tested our hypothesis that VSMC ADAM17 activation is required for AngII-promoted AAA formation using ADAM17flox/flox mice bred with sm22a Cre mice. 8 week old mice were co-infused with AngII 1000 ng/kg/min (4w) and BAPN 150 mg/kg/day (2w) or control saline (4w), and AAA formation was evaluated by echo (internal diameter) and measurement (external diameter) of the aortae. In control Cre-/- mice with the co-infusion, 52.4% (11/21) were dead due to aortic rupture/dissection. All surviving Cre-/- mice with co-infusion had AAA with max external/internal diameter (mm) of 2.18±0.55/1.75±0.33 vs 1.01±0.22/1.06±0.02 with saline infusion (p<0.01). In contrast, VSMC ADAM17 deficient Cre+/- with co-infusion did not die or develop AAA. The max external/internal diameter (mm) of AA in Cre+/- with co-infusion was 1.03±0.11/1.05±0.05 vs 1.01±0.12/1.27±0.21 with saline infusion. In contrast, both Cre-/- and +/- mice with the co-infusion developed hypertension assessed by telemetry (MAP mmHg: 161±15 vs 154±12). The ADAM17 deletion was also associated with less EGFR activation, ER/oxidative stress and extravascular fibrosis/matrix deposition. In conclusion, VSMC ADAM17 appears to be a critical metalloprotease contributing to AAA formation but not hypertension induced by AngII + BAPN. The mechanism by which VSMC ADAM17 promotes AAA seems to involve activation of EGFR and induction of ER/oxidative stress.
Restricted semiprimary rings

This chapter describes restricted semiprimary rings. It discusses the concept of a commutative ring all of whose factors are Artinian. It is found that as the class of semiprimary rings extends the class of Artinian rings, RSP-rings encompass RM-rings. It is observed that for commutative RSP-domains, integral extensions are RSP-domains and torsion modules have the primary decomposition property. For a commutative RSP-domain A , the torsion A -modules are precisely the A -modules having a socle sequence. The class of finitely generated submodules of N containing A as a dense submodule is closed under finite sums, hence directed as a partially ordered set, it has ascending chain condition, and it has a maximal member B . It is found that if C is a finitely generated submodule of N containing B , then R is left semihereditary. The result of Bass asserts that the quotient of R by its Jacobson radical J will be semisimple Artinian.
Modeling the hydrochemistry of the Choptank River basin using GWLF and Arc/Info: 2. Model Validation and Application

We used the hydrochemical model GWLF to estimate terrestrial diffuse fluxes from ungauged areas of a coastal plain catchment, the Choptank River basin. The gauged area of the basin is 17% of the land surface, and we divided the remaining ungauged area into 21 subbasins. Three comparative approaches were used: (1) application of area yield coefficients based on 11 years of observations from the gauged area to extrapolate over ungauged subbasins without modeling, (2) application of GWLF to estimate export from all subbasins using model parameters calibrated in the gauged subbasin, and (3) application of GWLF with parameter adjustments based on the local characteristics in each subbasin. Comparison of the predicted export from 6 selected subbasins with observed export data showed that application of GWLF with local adjustments reduced model errors of N export from 43% to 27%. With only one adjustment for sediment P, application of GWLF alone reduced errors of P export from 92%to 40–45%, with or without local adjustments for flow and sediment retention. The data supported the hypothesis that significant spatial variations in N and P yields introduce large errors when extrapolating from gauged to ungauged subbasins, and estimated TN and TP yield coefficients varied over 1–21 kg N and 0.1–0.5 kg P ha−1 y−1 in ungauged areas due to varying human population densities, soil drainage characteristics, and amounts of agriculture. The most accurate estimates of terrestrial diffuse sources were combined with point source discharges and wet atmospheric inputs to estimate annual average inputs of 2.5 × 106 kg N and 5.8 × 104 kg P y−1 to the Choptank estuary during 1980–1996. These results illustrate the problems of spatial extrapolation from gauged to ungauged areas and emphasize the need for application of local characteristics for accurate assessment of watershed export.
Organic sulfur and the retention of nutrient cations in forest surface soils

Sulfur and cation transformations were studied in A-horizon soils from 9 plots in Deer Run State Forest (DRSF) in southeastern Missouri on two dates, and from 27 plots of the Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project (MOFEP) near DRSF, seasonally for three years. The DRSF plots were chosen based on history of timber harvest; 2–3 yr and 8–10 yr post clear-cut, with controls about 40 yt post cut. Total C and S, organic sulfur (OS), exchangeable K+ and Mg2+, and rates of microbial OS production varied by season and year in surface soils from MOFEP plots. Exchangeable K+ concentrations were correlated with total C, total S, and OS. In clear-cut DRSF A-horizon soils, OS production was greatly reduced (p < 0.05) compared with controls. Exchangeable K+ and Mg2+ also were much lower in soils from clear-cut plots than in soils from control plots (p < 0.01). Cation exchange for OS compounds with sulfhydryl groups was only marginally greater than for organic matter of similar structure with no sulfhydryl groups. Overall, litter input appears to be a key to maintaining long-term surface soil OS, K+, and Mg2+ concentrations.
Precise thermal control test demonstration on simulated space telescope main ring

A simulated section of the main ring of the Space Telescope, (ST) the part that holds the primary mirror, was manufactured and tested for thermal stability characteristics in a complex structural assembly. The other telescope subassemblies are also mounted on the main ring, which is constructed of a titanium alloy. The entire ring is wrapped in heater elements around the outside diameter to reduce the external temperature gradient effects by two orders of magnitude. A thermal vacuum test was performed using a stainless steel alloy tailored to represent the titanium ring's thermal characteristics. The tests examined the thermal performance and controllability of the test ring, the effects of a 24-hr slew manuever that produced worst-case environment changes, hot and cold simulation of predicted ST orbital thermal environments, and the effects of heater failure. Pointing and thermal control features were verified, but a heater failure on the 'on' side was found to quickly lead to exceeding the thermal design limits.
Interactions between Recently Metamorphosed Green Frogs and American Toads Under Laboratory Conditions

Many research studies have focused on the interactions among larval anurans, but relatively little is known about competitive or predatory interactions among anurans following metamorphosis. The purpose of our study was to examine the effects of post-metamorphic green frogs (Rana clamitans) on post-metamorphic American toads (Bufo americanus) in the terrestrial environment as a model for understanding how interspecific differences in size at metamorphosis may influence terrestrial interactions. We examined if caged, uncaged or no green frogs affected survival, growth and hiding behavior of recently metamorphosed American toads in a replicated laboratory experiment. Green frogs did not appear to prey upon small American toads. However, by the end of the experiment American toad survival was lowest in treatments with uncaged green frogs; this result suggests that green frogs may outcompete American toads for food, but such impacts in nature may be limited or may have selected for spatial segregation in the terrestrial environment. Green frogs also increased hiding activity of toads at some times, which may in part explain the trend of reduced mass gained when toads were reared with green frogs. This study represents one of the first to examine interspecific interactions among anurans with complex life cycles in the terrestrial environment.
Rat Jejunum Controls Luminal Thiol-Disulfide Redox

The control of luminal thiol-disulfide redox state may be important for several intestinal functions, including absorption of iron or selenium and maintenance of mucus fluidity. Disulfides are present in the diet, and although luminal thiols are supplied in bile, little is known about the ability of the small intestine to reduce disulfides to maintain the luminal thiol-disulfide redox state. The objective of the current study was to determine whether the isolated, vascularly perfused jejunum, free from biliary thiols, could reduce intraluminal glutathione disulfide (GSSG) to glutathione (GSH). GSSG was introduced in a deoxygenated solution to inhibit the reoxidation of any GSH formed, and preparations were pretreated with acivicin to inhibit the degradation of GSH by gamma-glutamyltransferase. GSSG (250 micromol/L) was reduced to GSH, with the luminal redox potential (E(h)) for GSSG/2GSH changing from >0 to -111, -132 and -143 mV at 10, 20 and 30 min, respectively. The E(h) for luminal cystine/2cysteine was approximately 20 mV more reducing than that for GSSG/2GSH at each time point, suggesting that cysteine could function in the reduction of GSSG in the lumen. Measurements in specific regions showed that GSSG reduction was more rapid in the duodenum and proximal jejunum than in the distal jejunum. Preparations without acivicin treatment showed that E(h) values were unaffected by inhibition of gamma-glutamyltransferase despite differences in GSH and cysteine pool sizes. Rat intestine has a mechanism to adjust the luminal thiol-disulfide redox. In principle, dysfunction of this mechanism could contribute to malabsorption or other nutritional disorders.