cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Histone H2A significantly enhances in vitro DNA transfection.

Gene transfer is a potential treatment modality of genetic disease. Efficient, practical methods of DNA transfection are currently under investigation. A β-galactosidase reporter plasmid interacted electrostatically with his-tones, poly-l-Lys, poly-l-Arg, and a combination of poly-l-Lys and poly-l-Arg. This complex was then used to transfect COS-7 cells, β-galactosidase activity was quantified and used to compare the efficiency of gene transfection in vitro. A comparison was also made of DNA transfection with the most active histone subclass, i.e., histone H2A, in the absence and presence of an anionic liposome. There was a marked increase in DNA transfection in the presence of histone H2A when compared with the control, whereas each of the other histones and polycations showed little, if any, effect. The extent of activation depends strongly on the DNA/histone ratio and is also a function of the molarity of the final Tris-acetate, pH 8, solution. The anionic liposomes used demonstrated an inhibitory effect. Histone H2A significantly enhances in vitro DNA transfection whereas other histones and anionic liposomes do not. A study of the difference between histone H2A and other histone subclasses may serve to clarify some of the mechanisms and the essential components of efficient gene delivery.
THE EFFECTS OF BEAVER-CREATED WETLANDS ON THE BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE ASSEMBLAGES OF TWO APPALACHIAN STREAMS

We examined the effects of beaver impoundments on the benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages of two small Appalachian streams, Mountain Run (Somerset County, Pennsylvania) and a tributary to Herrington Creek (Garrett County, Maryland). Benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages above the impoundments were compared with assemblages within the impoundments and 1 m, 10 m, and 100 m below the impoundments. The results of our study indicate that beaver affect both within-impoundment and downstream benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages. Taxonomic and functional changes in benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages of the beaver-altered streams were a result of direct (impoundment) and indirect (changes in temperature, water chemistry, plant growth) alterations of the stream environment.
CQ: a personalized update monitoring toolkit

The CQ project at OGI, funded by DARPA, aims at developing a scalable toolkit and techniques for update monitoring and event-driven information delivery on the net. The main feature of the CQ project is a “personalized update monitoring” toolkit based on continual queries [3]. Comparing with the pure pull (such as DBMSs, various web search engines) and pure push (such as Pointcast, Marimba, Broadcast disks) technology, the CQ project can be seen as a hybrid approach that combines the pull and push technology by supporting personalized update monitoring through a combined client-pull and server-push paradigm.
The Effectiveness of National NGO Self-Regulation: Theory and Evidence from Africa

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play an increasingly important role in public service provision and policy making in sub-Saharan Africa, stimulating demand for new forms of regulatory oversight. In response, a number of initiatives in NGO self-regulation have emerged. Using cross-national data on 20 African countries, the article shows that self-regulation in Africa falls into three types: national-level guilds, NGO-led clubs and voluntary codes of conduct. Each displays significant weaknesses from a regulatory policy perspective. National guilds have a broad scope, but require high administrative oversight capacity on the part of NGOs. Voluntary clubs have stronger standards but typically have much weaker coverage. Voluntary codes are the most common form of self-regulation, but have the weakest regulatory strength. This article argues that the weakness of current attempts to improve the accountability and regulatory environment of NGOs stems in part from a mismatch between the goals of regulation and the institutional incentives embedded in the structure of most self-regulatory regimes. The article uses the logic of collective action to illustrate the nature of this mismatch and the tradeoffs between the potential breadth and strength of various forms of NGO self-regulation using three detailed case studies.
Uncertainty and the Rate of Commercial Real Estate Development

This paper empirically examines the relationship between uncertainty and investment using commercial real estate data. To sort out long-versus short-run effects of asset volatility on investment decisions, we extend the standard real options model to determine the probability of investment over a particular time horizon. In doing so we find that an increase in asset volatility can either increase or decrease the probability of development, although the anticipated negative short-run relationship is confirmed when the land is "ripe" for development (i.e., near the development hurdle value). The role of uncertainty in determining the rate of real investment is then tested using aggregate data. By developing two measures of property value volatility -- an implied volatility estimate using commercial mortgage spreads and the volatility of daily REIT returns -- we empirically confirm the expected strong relationship between changes in uncertainty and the rate of development activity.
Relativistic Correction to the Lamb Shift

The relativistic corrections to the Lamb shift, i.e., terms of order α(Zα)5mc2, are calculated. For this purpose, the Lamb shift is separated into one term in which the Coulomb potential acts only once, and another term in which it acts two or more times (Sec. II). The one-potential term is shown to be equal to the expression calculated in previous papers except for corrections of order α(Zα)6 (Sec. III), and a method is given by which these corrections could be evaluated if desired (Appendix). The many-potential term can be separated into a nonrelativistic part which is again equal to the term calculated in previous papers, and a relativistic term which can be calculated by considering the intermediate states as free (Sec. IV). The calculation of the latter term which, of course, involves the Coulomb potential exactly twice, is described in Sec. V. A correction to the vacuum polarization term which is of the same order, is evaluated in Sec. VI. The result for the relativistic correction is 7.13 Mc/sec, and is in agreement with the result of Karplus, Klein, and Schwinger which was obtained by an independent method. The result for the complete Lamb shift has been given in a recent paper by Salpeter. The small remaining discrepancy of 0.6 Mc/sec between theory and experiment might be due to the next order relativistic correction which should be of order α(Zα)6ln(Zα).
A Parallel G Quadruplex-Binding Protein Regulates the Boundaries of DNA Elimination Events of Tetrahymena thermophila

Guanine (G)-rich DNA readily forms four-stranded quadruplexes in vitro, but evidence for their participation in genome regulation is limited. We have identified a quadruplex-binding protein, Lia3, that controls the boundaries of germline-limited, internal eliminated sequences (IESs) of Tetrahymena thermophila. Differentiation of this ciliate’s somatic genome requires excision of thousands of IESs, targeted for removal by small-RNA-directed heterochromatin formation. In cells lacking LIA3 (ΔLIA3), the excision of IESs bounded by specific G-rich polypurine tracts was impaired and imprecise, whereas the removal of IESs without such controlling sequences was unaffected. We found that oligonucleotides containing these polypurine tracts formed parallel G-quadruplex structures that are specifically bound by Lia3. The discovery that Lia3 binds G-quadruplex DNA and controls the accuracy of DNA elimination at loci with specific G-tracts uncovers an unrecognized potential of quadruplex structures to regulate chromosome organization.
Immobilization and bone mass in rats. Effects of parathyroidectomy and acetazolamide.

The effects of parathyroidectomy and acetazolamide on the changes in bone mass which occur following immobilization were studied in male and female rats. The forelimb was immobilized by sectioning the right brachial nerve plexus. At 10 to 14 days following denervation, both humeri were removed. The dry weight of the bones was determined and the difference between the weight of the bones from the intact and denervated, limbs was used at an index of the denervation response. Animals were either parathyroidectomired or placed on a diet containing 0.5% acetazolamide sodium at the time of denervation. Parathyroidectomy inhibited the development of the denervation response to the extent of 45%, 30%, and 85% in three experiments. Acetazolamide, incorporated as the sodium salt in laboratory chow at a concentration of 0.5%, also blocked the development of the denervation response. In three experiments, treatment with the drug for 10 to 14 days inhibited the response 42%, 47%, and 64% respectively. Under conditions of pair-feeding 0.5% acetazolamide incorporated in the diet caused a slight but significant hypercalcemia. It is concluded that parathyroidectomy and acetazolamide administration, both of which are known to inhibit bone resorption, are effective in significantly reducting the development of the bone mass changes, seen after denervation of the limb in the rat.
Dual-career couples and the American dream: self-sufficiency and achievement.

21 dual-career couples were interviewed in order to better understand paradoxes inherent in the traditionally accepted vision of the American Dream. While a form of the Dream has existed for many years a newer version has emerged in which both spouses in a marriage desire achievement and self-sufficiency. This examination of contemporary husbands and wives with corporate careers however reveals pitfalls and obstacles to both the strategy and the Dream. 1st corporate careers and career expectations are structured around individuals not pairs with the model candidate ideally male. The ideal dual-career couple would therefore exist in the union of 2 men. 2nd corporate employers generally resist accommodating dual--career marriages and may tend to enforce a male model of career eligibility for married women. Next although women may financially provide for the household married men have yet to assume equals roles in parenting. Finally dual-career couples may be greatly dependent upon hired labor to help raise children and manage the household. Each concern is discussed in turn followed by broader consideration of implications for dual-career couples seeking to realize the American Dream.
Exploring the motivations and outcomes of long-term international sport-for-development volunteering for American Millennials

Volunteer tourism is the fastest growing segment of the alternative tourism market and often a key feature of sport-for-development organizational models. The growing commercialization of this alternative tourism threatens efforts to build a sustainable model of long-term positive outcomes for both the host community and guest volunteers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the motivations and impacts that a long-term international experience with a sport-for-development initiative had on volunteers from the United States. The authors spent five weeks in Granada and conducted semi-structured interviews with key personnel including out-going yearlong volunteer interns, incoming yearlong volunteer interns, and local Nicaraguan full-time staff. Guided by the volunteer motivational literature, data analysis illustrated three key findings. The most prominent theme involved the motivation of going abroad to gain a cultural experience, in particular to increase global understanding and provide social gains...
Problems & Development Measures in Combination of Industry,Study & Research in China

Presently,the combination of industry,study and research has gradually become the matter of common concern by governments,academic circles and circles. Due to this,in our country verified models of the combination of industry,study and research such as market orientation type,study-research organization guiding type,and jointly established entity type have formed,while in the combination of industry,study and research exist such problems as the improper enterprise understanding,the low turning ratio of technology,the shortage of the research and development funds,the imperfect planning and co-ordination mechanism,and the imperfect laws,regulations and policies. Therefore,in the development of industry,study and research,enterprises should strengthen the depth and scope of co-operation with universities and scientific research organizations,study-research organizations should not only emphasize research,but also spread technology geared to market and construct the innovation mechanism of combination of industry,study and research with interest and risk shouldered jointly,governments should make strenuous efforts to support the constructing of regional innovation group of combination of industry,study and research,should perfect related policies,laws and regulations.
Study on correlation of ALT,HCV core antigen and HCV- RNA

Objective To study the relationship of ALT,HCV core antigen and HCV- RNA.Methods 81 patients with HCV- RNA positive specimens were detected with HCV core antigen and ALT levels. Results Among 81 patients with HCV- RNA positive samples,32 cases were detected with positive HCV core antigen and 26 cases of the gray zone. ALT levels of 56 cases exceed clinical reference value. ALT level was positively correlated with detection of HCV core antigen positive degree. Conclusions HCV- cAg only closely related with the HCV- RNA replication and had no relationship with replication level. HCV core antigen can be combined with HCV antibody detection to improve the detection rate of the blood specimens HCV infection. Combined with the ALT,the infection status can be evaluated and measured.
Effects of prostaglandin E1 on platelet loss during in vivo and in vitro extracorporeal circulation with a bubble oxygenator.

Temporary inhibition of platelet function with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) prevents platelet loss and functional alterations during extracorporeal circulation with a membrane oxygenator. This study evaluated the ability of PGE1 to prevent platelet injury in circuits containing a bubble oxygenator. During in vitro recirculation of human blood, the circulating platelet count, expressed as a percent of initial levels, decreased to 29 percent; platelets became insensitive to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and to epinephrine; and plasma levels of low-affinity platelet factor 4 (LA-PF4) progressively rose to 7.4 μg per milliliter. With PGE1 (1.2 μM), platelet counts remained stable at 92 percent; platelet reactivity remained normal for 1 hour; and plasma levels of LA-PF4 rose to only 3.3 μg per milliliter. In rhesus monkeys that underwent cardiopulmonary bypass using a bubble oxygenator without PGE1, platelet counts, expressed as a percent of the prebypass platelet count, declined to 38 percent; platelets became insensitive to ADP; plasma levels of LA-PF4 progressively rose to 8.4 μg per milliliter; and the mean postoperative bleeding time was 4.6 minutes. In monkeys that received PGE1, platelet counts declined to only 65 percent; platelets remained threefold more sensitive to ADP; platelets demonstrated delayed release of LA-PF4; and the mean postoperative bleeding time was 2.7 minutes. This report demonstrates that in a bubble oxygenator system, PGE1 reduces platelet loss, mitigates platelet injury, and shortens postoperative bleeding times following extracorporeal circulation.
Further insight into lower order cuprate chemistry; On the use of CuBr·Me2S vs CuI enroute to R2CuLi

Abstract Both 1 H and 7 Li NMR experiments show that 2MeLi + either CuBr·Me 2 S or CuI in THF afford the same species, Me 2 CuLi (+ LiX). However, use of the former source of Cu(I), depending upon its purity and especially handling, can lead to significantly decreased chemical yields. The reasons behind these observations and the implications for cuprate couplings are discussed.
The Flow Rate Nomogram: II. Clinical Correlation

Using the previously demonstrated statistical relationship between urinary flow rate and bladder volume we tested 53 patients with clinically evident outflow obstruction by uroflowmetry. Of these patients 32 were tested before and after a successful operation for outflow obstruction. In 98 per cent of the maximum flow measurements in obstructed patients the nomogram values were less than minus 2 standard deviations, indicating a clear separation from the normal population. After operative relief of the obstruction repeat uroflowmetry demonstrated all values to be in the normal range. Furthermore, in each patient the peak flow rate value increased an average of 2.7 standard deviations (minimum increase of 1.5 standard deviations). No significant correlation could be demonstrated between the size of the prostatic resection and the degree of urinary flow impairment. The use of a flow rate nomogram appears to differentiate reliably normal from obstructed individuals and also is highly useful in the postoperative followup of urinary outflow obstruction.
Photochemical Outcomes of Adsorbed Oxygen: Desorption, Dissociation, and Passivation by Coadsorbed Water

A mixed Fe + Cr oxide surface was used to explore the photochemical fate of adsorbed O2 under ultra-high-vacuum conditions. The mixed oxide surface possessed a magnetite-like (111) structure based on low-energy electron diffraction, with its chemical behavior resembling that of Fe3O4(111). Oxygen adsorption at 40 K resulted in two chemisorption states, a strongly bound form desorbing in temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) at 230 K and a weakly bound form evolving at 100 K. The former was assigned to charge transfer adsorption at Fe2+ sites and the latter to electrostatic binding at Fe3+ sites. A minority state was also detected at ∼160 K and tentatively assigned to adsorption at Cr3+ sites. The 230 K O2 state was the focus of photochemical studies employing four wavelengths of light from the red to the UV. Irrespective of wavelength, O2 molecules in the 230 K state preferentially photodesorbed when irradiated, with comparable rates across the visible and an order of magnitude higher in the UV. Approxi...
A collaborative information sharing framework for Community Cyber Security

As the reliance of communities on critical cyber infrastructures is growing, they are becoming more vulnerable to cyber attacks. The Community Cyber Security Maturity Model (CCSMM) was proposed to help communities establish viable and sustainable cyber security programs. Information Sharing is an important part of the CCSMM but there are significant aspects to be explored. Collaborative information sharing helps a community detect potential risks and prevent cyber attacks at an early stage. It also facilitates incident response as well as preparedness activities in communities. In this paper we discuss the necessity of information sharing and provide guidance on the types of information needing to be shared. We define threat alert levels of community cyber security and discuss how different levels affect information sharing. We propose a collaborative information sharing framework that aims to improve community cyber security. Finally, we discuss practical issues and areas for further research.
Pulmonary Vascular Disease in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Pulmonary vascular disease and pulmonary hypertension (PH) contributes significantly to the pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and clinical course of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). This article briefly reviews the impact of premature birth on the developing lung circulation, mechanisms that contribute to the development of PH in premature newborns, and the diagnostic evaluation and management of severe PH in infants with BPD.
Computational Model of Cellular Energy Homeostasis and ROS Dynamics for Nonmuscle and Cancer Cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) dynamics play decisive role in such processes as damage of pancreatic beta cells leading to diabetes or treatment of cancer with aim of killing of cancer cells. However, proposed mathematical models of cell metabolic and ROS dynamics still fall short of a comprehensive explanation of existing data. We have developed a computational model for specific energetic metabolism and redox balance in nonmuscle cells to define the interplay between metabolism, redox balance and ROS dynamics that regulate beta cell damage or cancer cell apoptosis using a systems biology approach. As a basis we used numerous mathematical model of electrophysiological activity, Ca2+ dynamics, cytoplasmic and mitochondrial metabolism and others that we have developed for pancreatic beta-cells (Fridlyand and Philipson). Novel model represents link the metabolic processes in cytoplasm: glycolysis, lactate and ATP production and consumption; in mitochondria: pyruvate reduction, NAD(P)H production, the function of the electron transport chain complexes and others that regulate ROS dynamics. The model explains the ROS dynamic in pancreatic beta cells. Metabolic reprogramming, altered bioenergetics and redox balance have been recognized as the hallmarks of cancer cells. Using these data in developed model have given an ability to evaluate a possibility for the promotion of apoptosis by increase ROS level and decrease ATP/ADP ratio or NAD(P)H in cancer cells by combination of metabolic factors and/or drugs. This comprehensive model can be used for testing and generating control hypotheses and will help to provide a more complete understanding of pancreatic beta-cell and cancer cells functioning and possibility for treatment.
It’s the Conventional Thought That Counts: How Third-Order Inference Produces Status Advantage

A core claim of sociological theory is that modern institutions fall short of their meritocratic ideals, whereby rewards should be allocated based on achievement-related criteria. Instead, high-status actors often experience a “status advantage”: they are rewarded disproportionately to the quality of their performance. We develop and test a theory of status advantage in meritocratic settings. The most influential model in past research derives status advantage from decision-makers’ tendency to infer quality from status when quality is uncertain. The theory developed here integrates and extends this and other theories to explain the emergence of status advantage in the many meritocratic contexts where the decision-maker’s personal, first-order sense of quality is less important to the decision. We argue that in such contexts, decision-makers must often coordinate with others to make the “best” decision, and thus they focus on the “third-order inference” problem of discerning who or what “most people” think...
Working wives in the United States and Venezuela: A cross-national study of decision making

Changing female roles have affected family relationships, working opportunities, and the behavior of consumers. The working wife is taking a more active decisionmaking role in family purchases.; Cu...
Men as Dependents? Marriage and Changes in Health Insurance Coverage among Working-age Adults in the United States, 1988 to 2008:

Changes in marriage and employment patterns may have affected health insurance coverage rates differently for women and men. The author investigates changes in health insurance coverage between 198...
Manometry Optimized Positive Expiratory Pressure (MOPEP) in Excessive Dynamic Airway Collapse (EDAC).

Abstract Background Positive expiratory pressure(PEP) breathing modalities are commonly prescribed in obstructive lung diseases, however practical methods of airway pressures(AP) quantification for therapeutic efficacy are lacking. Excessive dynamic airway collapse(EDAC) is characterized by expiratory central airway collapse leading to dyspnea and poor quality of life(QoL), with limited therapeutic options. Purpose To measure AP and exertional dyspnea in EDAC patients during normal breathing and with use of pursed-lip breathing(PLB), nasal PEP device(nPEP), and oral-PEP valve(oPEP) during rest and exercise using an Esophageal Manometer. Methods EDAC patients exercised on a bicycle ergometer sequentially using normal breathing, PLB, nPEP, and oPEP for five-minute intervals. AP's were measured by continuous topographic upper airway manometry. Pre- and post-exercise BORG dyspnea scores were recorded and QoL measured with the St. George's respiratory questionnaire(SGRQ-C). The most effective and patient-preferred PEP modality was prescribed for daily activities and SGRQ-C repeated after one week. Results Three women with symptomatic EDAC participated. Expiratory laryngopharyngeal AP's during exercise with normal breathing, PLB, nPEP and oPEP in patient-1 were 1.7, 14, 4.5, and 7.3 mmHg, in patient-2; 2.3, 8, 8.3, and 12 mmHg, and in patient-3; 1, 15, unobtainable, and 9 mmHg, respectively. Maximal reduction in BORG scores occurred with PLB in patient 1 and with oPEP in patients 2 and 3. After 1 week mean SGRQ-C scores declined by 17-points. Conclusions Upper airway manometry directly measures laryngopharyngeal pressures during rest and exercise and can be used to select and optimize PEP breathing techniques to improve respiratory symptoms in EDAC patients.
Liberals Possess More National Consensus on Political Attitudes in the United States: An Examination Across 40 Years:

Do liberals or conservatives have more agreement in their political attitudes? Recent research indicates that conservatives may have more like-minded social groups than do liberals, but whether con...
Verteporfin heterogeneity in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and the relationship to tumor vasculature and collagen distribution

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as one promising treatment regimen for several cancer types, with a clinical trial ongoing in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDT treatment efficacy mainly depends on the combination of light delivery, oxygen availability and photosensitizer uptake, each of which can be limited in pancreas cancer. Therefore, increasing drug uptake in the tumor would make an important impact on treatment outcome. This study was conducted to focus on the issue with drug resistance by examining the relationship between photosensitizer verteporfin and tissue parameters such as collagen and vascular patency. Verteporfin uptake in the tumors was assessed by fluorescence imaging while collagen content and patent vessel area fraction were quantified by evaluating Masson’s Trichrome and Lectin pathology staining images. Two tumor cell lines – AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 – were modeled in nude mice to investigate the impact of different tumor microenvironments. Experimental results highlighted the correlation between vascular patency and verteporfin uptake. Collagen content was found to be an independent factor within each tumor line, but a comparison across two tumor types suggested that collagen area of greater than 10% of tumor cross section reflected a lower verteporfin uptake. It was observed that whole-slice tumor quantifications have showcased some interesting trends which could be greatly enhanced and further supported by regional analysis.
Experimental PρT-x measurements of liquid methane-ethane-nitrogen mixtures

Abstract NASA is designing an unmanned submarine to explore the hydrocarbon rich seas of Saturn's moon Titan. Titan is the only known celestial body in our solar system other than Earth with stable liquid seas on its surface. The thermodynamic properties of Titan's seas have not been well characterized. This work investigates the solubility of nitrogen in varying liquid methane-ethane compositions and the effects of dissolved nitrogen on the density of the sea. Twenty-one pressure-density-temperature-composition (PρT-x) measurements are presented from 92 K to 96 K for pressures from 1 bar to 11 bar for varying compositions of methane, ethane, and nitrogen. These measurements are being used to aid in thermodynamic modeling of the Titan seas as well as the design of the Titan Submarine.
Major or Mild Neurocognitive Disorders with Lewy Bodies

Neurocognitive disorder (NCD) with Lewy bodies is a leading cause of non-Alzheimer disease-related NCDs. It is frequently underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed as other NCDs, Parkinson disease-related NCD, or major depressive disorder. It should be considered in the differential of new-onset cognitive impairment or parkinsonian symptoms in the older adults. It is marked by a combination of motor, sleep, and autonomic dysfunction and neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Definitive diagnosis can only be made on autopsy. However, the DSM-5 and the Lewy body NCD Consortium have developed a set of criteria for diagnosis based on core and suggestive features of the disease. Development of these symptoms within 1 year of each other strongly suggests a diagnosis of NCD with Lewy bodies. Treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors may help slow the progression of cognitive deterioration. Low-potency antipsychotics may be considered for treatment of hallucinations if benefits outweigh the risks of antipsychotic sensitivity.
The Creation of the Black Conservative Intelligentsia and Its Impact on Black America

This chapter explores the parallel struggle of black intellectuals and academics often identified as the go-to spokespeople for a broader set of black conservative values. While African American conservative intellectuals do not have much of a base of support within the black community, they claim they are the voice of the supposed black “silent majority.” In this chapter Prisock analyzes and challenges the positions of conservative public intellectual linguist John McWhorter, explains why the ideas of black conservative intellectuals tend to fall on deaf ears within the black community, and concludes the chapter with an examination of the very public and fractious split between former conservative intellectual spokesperson economist Glenn Loury and the conservative movement.
Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction of Magnetization Using Vector Field Electron Tomography

Vector field electron tomography (VFET) is extensively used for three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of magnetic materials at nanometer resolutions. The conventional approach is to reconstruct and visualize the magnetic vector potential or the magnetic field associated with the sample. There is a lack of algorithms capable of reconstructing the 3-D distribution of magnetization from VFET data. Unlike magnetic vector potential and magnetic field, magnetization is a fundamental physical property of the sample that does not extend beyond the dimensions of the sample. We present a model-based iterative reconstruction algorithm (MBIR) that reconstructs the magnetization by minimizing a cost function consisting of a forward model term and a prior model term. The forward model uses the physics of imaging to model the VFET data as a function of the magnetization, and the prior model enforces sparsity in the magnetization reconstruction. We then formulate an optimization algorithm based on the theory of alternate direction method of multipliers to minimize the resulting MBIR cost function. Using simulated and real data, we show that our algorithm accurately reconstructs both the magnetization and the magnetic vector potential.
Affine Isometric Embeddings and Rigidity

The Pick cubic form is a fundamental invariant in the (equi)affine differential geometry of hypersurfaces. We study its role in the affine isometric embedding problem, using exterior differential systems (EDS). We give pointwise conditions on the Pick form under which an isometric embedding of a Riemannian manifold M3 into \(\mathbb{R}^4 \) is rigid. The role of the Pick form in the characteristic variety of the EDS leads us to write down examples of nonrigid isometric embeddings for a class of warped product M3's.
Neurochemistry of Autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by presence of social deficits, language abnormalities, stereotypies, and repetitive behavior. Brain pathology is extensive, suggesting widespread dysfunction of neurotransmitter systems. Genetic, biochemical, and gene association studies have shown that a number of neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, GABA and glutamate, and acetylcholine contribute to the pathology of autism. Pharmacological treatment of autism has focused on reduction of symptoms and atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anticonvulsants have been shown to successfully reduce many symptoms of autism. In this review we discuss the contributions of neurotransmitter systems to the pathology of autism and pharmacological treatment of autistic symptoms associated with neurochemical dysfunction.
Genetically Modified Stem Cells for Transplantation

Critical Challenges: Stem cell therapies are based on a simplistic idea of harvesting stem cells from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or induced pluripotent stem cells and injecting them into tissue that requires regeneration. Such ideas are logical and appealing. The only problem is they do not work very well. Effects of stem cell therapy are modest at best and often neither effective nor long lasting. This is because injected stem cells do not survive long. These cells are taken from their comfortable niches and forced to enter a hostile environment of low oxygen, poor nutrients, attacks by immune cells, and the apoptotic agents of death.
Hormones, Metabolism and the Benefits of Exercise

The world is faced with an epidemic of metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. This is due to changes in dietary habits and the decrease in physical activity. Exercise is usually part of the prescription, the first line of defense, to prevent or treat metabolic disorders. However, we are still learning how and why exercise provides metabolic benefits in human health. This open access volume focuses on the cellular and molecular pathways that link exercise, muscle biology, hormones and metabolism. This will include novel “myokines” that might act as new therapeutic agents in the future.
miR393s regulate salt stress response pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana through scaffold protein RACK1A mediated ABA signaling pathways

Scaffold protein Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) is a negative regulator of plant stress hormone - abscisic acid (ABA) mediated pathways. RACK1 has been reported to regulate global miRNA biogenesis pathway in C. elegans, humans, and in Arabidopsis. RACK1 regulates different steps of miRNA biogenesis and stability in response to different stimuli in plants. miR393s is implicated in salt stress response pathway through an antagonistic response between the stress hormone ABA-mediated salt stress and growth hormone auxin. Specifically, the known auxin receptor clade transcripts TIR1/AFB2 are the target for the miR393s. By down-regulating the auxin signaling pathways, the miR393s inhibit the regulation of salt tolerance by auxin. Here we show that genetic loss of RACK1A- the predominant member of the three genes family of RACK1 in Arabidopsis, results in the inhibition of miR393 level causing the same salt sensitivities as the individual mir393a or mir393b or the double mutant mir393ab phenotypes. We propose that down-regulation of auxin signaling through RACK1A induced miR393 biogenesis potentially regulates the Arabidopsis acclimation to salinity. Our findings fill up a molecular gap in our understanding of the role of miR393 mediated ABA and auxin-regulated salt stress responses.
Adding Spatial Context to the April 17, 1975 Evacuation of Phnom Penh: How Spatial Video Geonarratives Can Geographically Enrich Genocide Testimony

Between 1975 and 1979, upwards of two million men, women, and children perished from starvation, disease, exhaustion, inadequate medical care, torture, murder, and execution during the Cambodian ge...
Does Treatment Integrity Matter? A Preliminary Investigation of Instructional Implementation and Mathematics Performance

This study examined the impact of three levels of treatment integrity on students' responding on mathematics tasks. Instruction was provided separately for addition and subtraction to six second-grade students who were referred due to poor performance with these operations. The treatment consisted of a computer delivered delayed prompt to use a counting strategy to solve problems, accuracy feedback, and intermittent presentation of animated praise sequences. Instruction was presented via computerized instruction to assure precise delivery of the varying levels of treatment integrity. The study examined the delivery of prompts for all, two-thirds, and one-third of instructional trials. Continuous delivery of instructional prompts was the most effective treatment or one of the most effective treatments for all participants. Lesser levels of prompt implementation were associated with poorer outcomes for the majority of the students. The implications of these findings for continuing research regarding the impact of reduced treatment integrity on student outcomes are discussed.
Caffeine and Clinical Outcomes in Premature Neonates.

Caffeine is the most widely used drug by both adults and children worldwide due to its ability to promote alertness and elevate moods. It is effective in the management of apnea of prematurity in premature infants. Caffeine for apnea of prematurity reduces the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very-low-birth-weight infants and improves survival without neurodevelopmental disability at 18–21 months. Follow-up studies of the infants in the Caffeine for Apnea of Prematurity trial highlight the long-term safety of caffeine in these infants, especially relating to motor, behavioral, and intelligence skills. However, in animal models, exposure to caffeine during pregnancy and lactation adversely affects neuronal development and adult behavior of their offspring. Prenatal caffeine predisposes to intrauterine growth restriction and small growth for gestational age at birth. However, in-utero exposure to caffeine is also associated with excess growth, obesity, and cardio-metabolic changes in children. Caffeine therapy is a significant advance in newborn care, conferring immediate benefits in preterm neonates. Studies should help define the appropriate therapeutic window for caffeine treatment along with with the mechanisms relating to its beneficial effects on the brain and the lung. The long-term consequences of caffeine in adults born preterm are being studied and may depend on the ability of caffeine to modulate both the expression and the maturation of adenosine receptors in infants treated with caffeine.
Deep learning risk assessment models for predicting progression of radiographic medial joint space loss over a 48-MONTH follow-up period.

Summary Objective To develop and evaluate deep learning (DL) risk assessment models for predicting the progression of radiographic medial joint space loss using baseline knee X-rays. Methods Knees from the Osteoarthritis Initiative without and with progression of radiographic joint space loss (defined as ≥ 0.7 mm decrease in medial joint space width measurement between baseline and 48-month follow-up X-rays) were randomly stratified into training (1400 knees) and hold-out testing (400 knees) datasets. A DL network was trained to predict the progression of radiographic joint space loss using the baseline knee X-rays. An artificial neural network was used to develop a traditional model for predicting progression utilizing demographic and radiographic risk factors. A combined joint training model was developed using a DL network to extract information from baseline knee X-rays as a feature vector, which was further concatenated with the risk factor data vector. Area under the curve (AUC) analysis was performed using the hold-out test dataset to evaluate model performance. Results The traditional model had an AUC of 0.660 (61.5% sensitivity and 64.0% specificity) for predicting progression. The DL model had an AUC of 0.799 (78.0% sensitivity and 75.5% specificity), which was significantly higher (P Conclusion DL models using baseline knee X-rays had higher diagnostic performance for predicting the progression of radiographic joint space loss than the traditional model using demographic and radiographic risk factors.
Epigenetic Therapies for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-associated disease characterized by chronic joint pain resulting from degradation of articular cartilage, inflammation of the synovial lining, and changes to the subchondral bone. Despite the wide prevalence, no FDA-approved disease-modifying drugs exist. Recent evidence has demonstrated that epigenetic dysregulation of multiple molecular pathways underlies OA pathogenesis, providing a new mechanistic and therapeutic axis with the advantage of targeting multiple deregulated pathways simultaneously. In this review, we focus on the epigenetic regulators that have been implicated in OA, their individual roles, and potential crosstalk. Finally, we discuss the pharmacological molecules that can modulate their activities and discuss the potential advantages and challenges associated with epigenome-based therapeutics for OA.
New onset of fever and leukocytosis

The development of fever and leukocytosis in a post-surgical patient is a common clinical scenario that may arise due to a considerable number of various differential etiologies, including infection, inflammation, thromboembolic disease, as well as others. This often necessitates targeted diagnostic imaging to refine the suspected clinical diagnosis, which can aid in providing prompt specific therapy. Here, we discuss general related concerns of an intensivist, as well as specific imaging modalities such as Computerized Tomography, Radiography, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Interventional Radiology, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Specific etiologies and a proposed diagnostic imaging algorithm for the patient with fever and sepsis in the Intensive Care Unit are also discussed. Multiple figures as well as selected illustrative case examples are provided for added perspective.
Abstract 1821: Reversal of PD-L1-mediated chemoresistance by MCL-1/BCL-2 antagonism in colon cancer cells

Background: PD-L1 is an immune checkpoint protein that may display intrinsic, non-immune functions in human cancer cells. Previously, we discovered that PD-L1 is regulated by BRAFV600E via YAP and c-Jun, and whose deletion can confer chemoresistance due to a decrease in the BH3-only BIM protein in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Here, we hypothesize that release of pro-apoptotic BIM from its sequestration by MCL-1 or BCL-2 can overcomes drug resistance mediated by depletion of PD-L1. Materials and Methods: Parental and PD-L1 knockout human (RKO) and murine (MC38) CRC cells with or without reconstituted PD-L1 were utilized. RKO cells with knockdown of MCL-1 or BCL-2 by shRNA were generated. Cells were treated with the MCL-1 selective inhibitor AZD5591 or the BCL-2/BCL-xL inhibitor ABT-263 alone or combined with the MEK inhibitor, cobimetinib. Apoptosis was measured by immunoblotting of cleaved caspase-3 and by Annexin V labeling using FACS. Clonogenic cell survival assay was performed. Protein/protein interaction was analyzed by immunoprecipitation assay. Results: BIM induction by cobimetinib was insufficient to overcome chemoresistance due to loss of PD-L1. Using a potent and selective inhibitor of MCL-1 (AZD-5591), we demonstrate that concurrent antagonism of MCL-1 and MEK can overcome apoptosis resistance in both human and murine PD-L1 knockout CRC cells. Specifically, inhibition of MCL-1 by AZD-5591 or gene knockdown combined with cobimetinib suppresses clonogenic cell survival and enhances apoptosis in cells with PD-L1 knockout, wild type or those with reconstituted PD-L1. Mechanistically, the interaction of BIM with MCL-1 is increased in PD-L1 knockout (versus wild-type cells) in the presence of cobimetinib, and enhanced binding of BIM to MCL-1 is associated with BIM phosphorylation at Thr116. Targeting MCL-1 using AZD-5591 or MCL-1 shRNA releases BIM from its sequestration by MCL-1 and results in enhanced apoptotic signaling induced by cobimetinib to an equivalent extent in wild type and PD-L1 knockout cells with or without reconstitution of PD-L1. Similarly, targeting BCL-2 by ABT-263 or by BCL-2 shRNA releases BIM from its binding to BCL-2, and enhances apoptosis induction by cobimetinib independent of PD-L1 status. Enhanced binding of BIM to BCL-2 was also associated with BIM phosphorylation at Thr116. Conclusion: Chemoresistance mediated by loss of PD-L1 can be reversed by the use of BH3 mimetic drugs combined with MEK inhibition in CRC cells to exploit their apoptotic dependency on BIM expression. Citation Format: Lei Sun, Arpad Patai, Bo Qin, Frank A. Sinicrope. Reversal of PD-L1-mediated chemoresistance by MCL-1/BCL-2 antagonism in colon cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 1821.
The Dark Adventure of the Air War

This chapter is a discussion of the production history and audience reception of William Wellman’s film Wings (1927) in the United States and United Kingdom. I argue that the movie is an example of a sub-genre of Great War cinema that I call “The Dark Adventure”—movies that could be contextualized as Hollywood action spectacle with a more serious undertone of fatalism. From the standpoint of Historical Reception Studies, audience responses, particularly those from actual veterans, are contextualized.
Mechanisms of Immunosuppression in Colorectal Cancer

CRC is the third most diagnosed cancer in the US with the second-highest mortality rate. A multi-modality approach with surgery/chemotherapy is used in patients with early stages of colon cancer. Radiation therapy is added to the armamentarium in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. While some patients with metastatic CRC are cured, the majority remain incurable and receive palliative chemotherapy as the standard of care. Recently, immune checkpoint blockade has emerged as a promising treatment for many solid tumors, including CRC with microsatellite instability. However, it has not been effective for microsatellite stable CRC. Here, main mechanisms of immunosuppression in CRC will be discussed, aiming to provide some insights for restoring immunosurveillance to improve treatment efficacy in CRC.
Molecular Complexes at Euchromatin, Heterochromatin and Centromeric Chromatin

Chromatin consists of a complex of DNA and histone proteins as its core components and plays an important role in both packaging DNA and regulating DNA metabolic pathways such as DNA replication, transcription, recombination, and chromosome segregation. Proper functioning of chromatin further involves a network of interactions among molecular complexes that modify chromatin structure and organization to affect the accessibility of DNA to transcription factors leading to the activation or repression of the transcription of target DNA loci. Based on its structure and compaction state, chromatin is categorized into euchromatin, heterochromatin, and centromeric chromatin. In this review, we discuss distinct chromatin factors and molecular complexes that constitute euchromatin—open chromatin structure associated with active transcription; heterochromatin—less accessible chromatin associated with silencing; centromeric chromatin—the site of spindle binding in chromosome segregation.