cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing Satellite and Ground‐Based Potential Evapotranspiration for Hydrologic Applications in the Colorado River Basin

This study evaluates a remotely sensed and two ground-based potential evapotranspiration (PET) products for hydrologic application in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB). The remotely sensed Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer product (MODIS-PET) is a continuous, daily time series with 250 m resolution derived using the Priestley-Taylor (P-T) equation. The MODIS-PET is evaluated against regional flux tower data as well as a synthetic pan product (Epan; 0.125°, daily) derived from the North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS) and a Hargreaves PET derived from DAYMET variables (DAYMET-PET; 1 km, daily). Compared to point-scale PET computed using regional flux tower data, the MODIS-PET had lower errors, with RMSE values ranging from 2.24 to 2.85 mm/day. Epan RMSE values ranged from 3.70 to 3.76 mm/day and DAYMET-PET RMSE values ranged from 3.55 to 4.58 mm/day. Further investigation showed biases in temperature and radiation data contribute to uncertainty in the MODIS-PET values, while bias in NLDAS temperature, downward shortwave (SW), and downward longwave (LW) propagate in the Epan estimates. Larger discrepancies between methods were observed in the warmer, drier regions of the UCRB, however, the MODIS-PET was more responsive to landcover transitions and better captured basin heterogeneity. Results indicate the satellite-based MODIS product can serve as a viable option for obtaining spatial PET values across the UCRB.
The Whittier Narrows, California Earthquake of October 1, 1987—Social Aspects

Abstract There were a relatively small number of fatalities and casualties in the Whittier Narrows, but social disruption was extensive. An estimated 10,000 households and thousands of businesses were affected. The earthquake also resulted in an increase in the need for mental health services. Due both to extensive mitigation and preparedness programs and to the moderate size of the event, the emergency response was, in general, well‐managed. Nevertheless, important insights were gained on potential weaknesses in areas such as communication co‐ordination. The response by local residents was generally positive and adaptive, but the need for improved public awareness and training was also evident. The earthquake demonstrated the importance of ethnicity as a factor that influences the public's response to the earthquake hazard. Although the long‐term impact of the earthquake on the Southern California will likely be imperceptable, some segments of the population, such as low‐income earthquake victims and bus...
Exponential pulse generator for a time domain reflectometer

An exponential pulse generator for use in a Time-Domain Reflectometer is described. This pulse has the property that its leading edge does not suffer distortion while propagating in dispersive lossy transmission lines. It thus enables accurate measurement of time of flight of a single pulse reflected by an impedance-discontinuity in a faulty transmission line. The design of a precision pulse generator that enables the control of pulse-amplitude, pulse-rate and the time constant of its exponentially rising edge is described. A key feature of the design is a compensation scheme to eliminate the temperature variation arising from the reverse saturation current as well as the thermal voltage in the exponential v-i characteristics of a p-n junction used to generate the pulse. Here we present simulation results as well as a circuit using discrete components interconnected on a printed circuit board. Experimental results from a calibrated prototype show that a fault 100 meters away along a cable can be located with a precision of a fraction of a millimeter.
Symposium: Confronting Islam: Shari'ah, the Constitution, and American Muslims: The Face of Islam: The Perception of Muslims in America

This speech contextualizes the racialization of Arabs, Muslims, and South Asians in the post-9/11 era. It is important to try to understand and theorize what is happening and compare it to what has happened in the past and try to predict how to deal with it based on our understanding. The[re are] three points I want to make. The first is that there has certainly been a racialization process which is not the first time it has happened in American history, but we have to acknowledge, describe, and deconstruct and strategize on how to eliminate it. The second point I want to make is that government action is legitimizing this racialization and it is essentially legitimizing private bias in various context. I will talk a little about employment bias, which my recent paper is about. And third, I think there has been a politicization of counterterrorism such that it is creating a coercive assimilation of these groups, and I want to go into more detail as to how that is happening and some of the troubling consequences that I think all of us should be concerned about because I think it is going to affect all Americans. First, what is this racialization process? First what is the stereotype? It is the terrorist Other; that's the stereotype. So Islam, in my opinion, not just Arabs, Muslims and South Asians anymore, is racialized as terrorist. I used to think it was just these three groups. I think it is Islam that has been raced as terrorism, so anything affiliated with [*91] Islam, whether you are perceived through your profession, faith, the way you look, that you are now raced as a terrorist, and the color of your skin doesn't matter. If you've read any critical race theory or this process of racialization that is happening in America where for example Catholics were raced as non-white and inferior; Japanese were raced as disloyal, suspicious, treasonous; African Americans are raced as criminals, violent, gangsters; Latinos are raced as undocumented, illegal, inassimilable, etc. There [are] a lot of various groups that are raced in a pejorative sense and unfortunately it seems to be a tradition that we have in this country, but I think with every generation we can try to stop that historical trend.
Cancer immunotherapy: A vaccine from plant virus proteins.

Cowpea mosaic virus nanoparticles can induce the immune system to clear metastatic cancers.
Influence of brain injury on opioid-induced pial artery vasodilation

This study was designed to investigate the effect of fluid percussion brain injury on opioid-induced pial artery vasodilation in the newborn pig. Previous observations have shown that brain injury produces pial artery vasoconstriction associated with elevated cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) opioid levels in the piglet. Additionally, opioids produce pial vasodilation that is attenuated by the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA). Anesthetized newborn pigs equipped with a closed cranial window were connected to a percussion device consisting of a saline-filled cylindrical reservoir with a metal pendulum. Brain injury of moderate severity (1.9-2.3 atm) was produced by allowing the pendulum to strike a piston on the cylinder. Methionine enkephalin (Met), an endogenous mu-opioid agonist in physiological and pharmacological concentrations (10(-10), 10(-8), 10(-6) M), produced vasodilation that was attenuated following brain injury (7 +/- 1 vs. 3 +/- 1%, 11 +/- 1 vs. 5 +/- 1% and 16 +/- 1 vs. 8 +/- 1% for 10(-10), 10(-8), 10(-6) M Met before and after injury, respectively, n = 5). Met-induced dilation was associated with increased cortical periarachnoid CSF guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), and these biochemical changes were blunted by brain injury (342 +/- 12 and 640 +/- 13 fmol/ml vs. 267 +/- 6 and 321 +/- 17 fmol/ml for control and Met 10(-6) M before and after injury, respectively, n = 5). Leucine enkephalin, an endogenous delta-agonist, induced pial dilation and associated changes in CSF cGMP, which were similarly altered by brain injury.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Autochthony, allochthony and the role of consumers in influencing the sensitivity of aquatic systems to nutrient enrichment

Abstract Primary consumers may mitigate or exacerbate the effects of nutrient enrichment by grazing on plant matter and recycling nutrients. Few studies have quantified these effects for a suite of consumers and in the context of other processes regulating plant standing crop and nutrient supply. We quantified the abundance, feeding and diet of zooplankton, benthic filter-feeders, and planktivorous and detritivorous fish in the James River Estuary and found that consumer-mediated fluxes of CHLa and N were small in comparison to other fluxes regulating phytoplankton abundance (production, respiration, advection) and N availability (external inputs, internal recycling). Chlorophyll-a ingestion by consumers was equivalent to 15% of daily phytoplankton production and N recycling by consumers corresponded to 29% of phytoplankton N demand. The bulk of phytoplankton production (74%) was lost to autotrophic and heterotrophic respiration. Recycling of N contained in autochthonous and allochthonous organic matter was sufficient to meet 100% of phytoplankton N demand with external inputs corresponding to 39% of phytoplankton N demand. Experiments using 2000 L outdoor mesocosms with natural plankton communities showed that the presence of consumers (shad) resulted in higher N availability, elevated CHLa and reduced macrozooplankton abundance. Overall, our study showed that the direct effect of consumers on fluxes of CHLa and N was small as the bulk of phytoplankton biomass and N passed to microbial decomposers. However selective grazing by planktivorous fishes reduced zooplankton densities resulting in greater phytoplankton yield at lower nutrient concentrations.
Junior biomedical scientists and preprints

Researchers, publishers and representatives of funding agencies gathered at ASAPBio (February, 2016) to discuss the use of preprint publications in biology. It became clear through the discussion on Twitter with #ASAPBio that many were unclear as to the purpose of the meeting, how preprints could help or hinder junior scientists, or even what preprints are. As a postdoc attendee of the meeting, I would like to share some information and resources to help junior scientists decide for themselves whether submitting preprints are a worthwhile endeavor, and explain why I, and the lab I am currently part of, have decided to start publishing our papers on preprint servers when also submitting to traditional journals.
Adenosine triphosphatase activity of the vascular system.

SummaryThe AT Pase activity of the vascular system of the dog has been studied, lit has been shown that the enzyme content of -the different arteries enjoys wide variation. The venous system does not contain the enzyme. ATPase activity of the aorta of the rat was not influenced by age or captivity. The aortic ATPase activity of various species of animals is presented.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF HETEROZYGOSITY DATA: INDEPENDENT SAMPLE COMPARISONS

Summary. -The distribution of mean heterozygosities under an infinite allele model with constant mutation rate was examined through simulation studies. It was found that, although the variance of the distribution decreases with increasing numbers of loci examined as expected, the shape of the distribution may remain skewed or bimodal. The distribution becomes symmetrical for increasing mean heterozygosity levels and numbers of loci. As a result, parametric statistical tests may not be valid for making comparisons among populations or species. Independent sample t-tests were examined in detail to determine the frequency of rejection of the null hypothesis when pairs of samples are drawn from populations with the same mean heterozygosity. Differing numbers of loci and levels of mean heterozygosity were examined. For mean heterozygosity levels above 7.5%, t-tests provide the proper rejection rate, with as few as five loci. When mean heterozygosity is as low as 2.5%, the t-test is conservative even when 40 loci are examined in each population. Independent sample t-tests were then examined for their power to detect true differences between populations as the degree of difference and number of loci vary. Although large differences can be found with high certainty, differences on the order of 5% heterozygosity may require that large numbers of loci (>40) be examined in order to be 80% or more certain of detecting them. In addition, it is emphasized that, for small numbers of loci (<25), the statistical detection of differences of interesting magnitude requires that relatively rare sampling events occur and that much larger differences be observed among the samples than exist for the population means. Two reasons exist for the lack of sensitivity of the test procedures. First, when mean heterozygosity levels are low, the non-normality of the sample means is perhaps most important. Second, even when mean heterozygosity levels are high or when sample sizes are large enough so sample means are approximately normally distributed, the intrinsically high interlocus variance of heterozygosity estimates makes the tests insensitive to the presence of heterozygosity differences that might be biologically meaningful. Finally, the implications of the results of this study are discussed with regard to observed low levels of correlation between heterozygosity and other explanatory variables.
DNA Microarray Analysis of Estrogen-Responsive Genes

DNA microarray is a powerful, non-biased discovery technology that allows the analysis of the expression of thousands of genes at a time. The technology can be used for the identification of differential gene expression, genetic mutations associated with diseases, DNA methylation, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and microRNA expression, to name a few. This chapter describes microarray technology for the analysis of differential gene expression in response to estrogen treatment.
ADHESION, CELL–CELL | Epithelial

A continuous epithelial sheet lines the respiratory tract to provide a barrier to the outside world and protect against invasion by microorganisms. Central to these functions are the complex junctions that regulate adhesion between adjacent epithelial cells. These junctions create epithelial polarity, regulate paracellular transfer of molecules across the epithelial barrier, and maintain the integrity of the epithelial layer. Far more than just ‘cellular glue’, the major junctional complexes that regulate cell–cell adhesion, i.e., tight junctions, adherens junctions, and desmosomes, are critical in tissue patterning and differentiation during development, epithelial cell sensing of the pericellular environment, and modulation of intercellular signaling. Dozens of different proteins have been associated with cell–cell adhesion functions in mammalian epithelia and only recently have the structure and function of specific proteins expressed at cell–cell junctions in the lung and airways been identified. For example, the claudins are major transmembrane proteins regulating extracellular interaction at tight junctions, and the E-cadherin/β-catenin complexes that form adherens junctions are critical in cell motility and differentiation and their loss may be associated with epithelial carcinogenesis. However, little is known about how specific changes in cell–cell adhesion contribute to respiratory disease, and this remains an area of intense study.
Nicotine Replacement Treatment and Public Health Interventions

The extant goal of nicotine dependence treatment is generally to produce absolute and lasting tobacco abstinence. When this does not occur, the medication is generally considered to have been a failure. Overemphasis on this goal may lead us to ignore other medically important objectives as well as to lose sight of the more important long range goal of treatment. The long range goal of nicotine dependence treatment in individuals and public health efforts to reduce smoking prevalence in populations is the same: to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with tobacco use. High rates of tobacco-caused morbidity and mortality and associated costs are the reason for treatment and public health efforts. From this perspective, it follows that public health objectives might be furthered by incorporating nicotine replacement medications. Similarly, nicotine replacement medications might be used to greater public health benefit by substantially broadening our views of what is considered appropriate medical use.
Mitral Annular Techniques

Transcatheter approaches to mitral annuloplasty for treating mitral regurgitation (MR) are in various stages of development. Initial efforts targeted the coronary sinus because it is easy to access percutaneously. However, the coronary sinus does not completely encircle the mitral annulus, is often too superior to the annulus to affect it, and the circumflex coronary artery may easily be compressed. Therefore, coronary sinus approaches have largely been abandoned. Direct annuloplasty via the LV or LA approach has been done in humans using the Mitralign system, the Accucinch system, and the Cardioband system. All are in clinical trials and offer the potential for beating heart mitral annuloplasty in patients who are too sick to undergo traditional surgery. On the other hand, disappointing results with surgical annuloplasty in recent trials of secondary MR may limit the clinical applicability of these devices.
Effects of Touch Screen Interface Parameters on User Task Performance

The influence of different touch screen interface design features on user experience and operators’ task performance was investigated in the current study. Eight participants performed different tasks on a touchscreen monitor with varied interface settings while their performance was recorded and compared. Results demonstrated that an oversized desktop touchscreen monitor could generate negative impacts on users’ performance. Smaller icon size also decreased task performance by increasing total response time. In addition, icon color also influenced users’ performance. Results of the current study provide useful data for new approaches to design improvements which will enhance human performance and users’ experience.
Slurry discharge management-beach profile prediction

ABSTRACT Mine tailings dams, are embankments used by the mining industry to retain the tailings products after the mineral preparation process. Based on the “acid-waste” stereotype that all coal slurry is acid producing, current reclamation requires a four foot soil cover for inactive slurry disposal areas. Compliance with this requirement is both difficult and costly and in some case unnecessary, as not all the slurry, or portions of slurry impoundments are acid producing. Reduced costs and recent popularity of wetland development has prompted many operators to request reclamation variances for slurry impoundments. Waiting to address slurry reclamation until after the impoundment is full, limits the flexibility of reclamation opportunities. This paper outlines a general methodology to predict the formation of the beach profile for mine tailings dams, by the discharge volume and location of the slurry into the impoundment. The review is presented under the perspective of geotechnical engineering and waste...
Finite strain damage-elastoplasticity in double-network hydrogels

Abstract Finite tensile behavior and fracture toughness of double-network (DN) and triple-network (TN) hydrogels synthesized from 3-sulfopropyl acrylate potassium salt (SAPS) and acrylamide (AAm) are discussed. The mechanical behavior of pseudo-semi-interpenetrating polymer network (pseudo-SIPN), pseudo-interpenetrating polymer network (pseudo-IPN) and TN hydrogels prepared from the two types of DN networks are considered. In general, the mechanical behavior of tough hydrogels is dependent upon the crosslink densities of the first and second networks in DN and TN hydrogels and the covalent connectivity of the second or third network to the previous network architecture. Pseudo-SIPN hydrogels, where no crosslinking agent is used to make the second network, exhibit necking for tensile deformations. When a very low concentration of crosslinking agent is used in the second polymerization step (pseudo-IPN), necking is suppressed and strain hardening occurs. Increasing the crosslink density of the second network produces more pronounced strain hardening, but also embrittlement of the hydrogel. For tough hydrogels where the first network is very brittle, i.e., very high crosslink density, it is difficult to prevent necking. The formation of a third, loosely crosslinked network within pseudo-SIPN and pseudo-IPN hydrogels that exhibit necking prevents necking and produces strain hardening. Loading – unloading tensile experiments conducted on DN hydrogels indicated that regardless of the stretch ratio used (high strains above or low strains below the yield point), the sample exhibited plastic flow and a residual strain. The value of the residual strain was insensitive to the magnitude of the strain at which the load was removed.
Selecting the Proper Patient for Lumbar Lateral Interbody Fusion and Minimally Invasive Spinal Deformity Surgery

The indications for lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) continue to expand as the technology advances. Initially designed to treat axial low-back pain with minimal central canal stenosis, LLIF has expanded to being an option for deformity correction. Proper patient selection includes considering the patient’s neurologic symptoms and radiographic findings and matching those parameters to the correct techniques. This chapter reviews the expanding indications for LLIF, relative contraindications, and a three-class system in adult spinal deformity to help guide the surgeon in their preoperative planning.
Topology optimization of structures with anisotropic plastic materials using enhanced assumed strain elements

The focus of this paper is on consistent and accurate adjoint sensitivity analyses for structural topology optimization with anisotropic plastic materials under plane strain conditions. In order to avoid the locking issue, the Enhanced Assumed Strain (EAS) elements are adopted in the finite element discretization, and the anisotropic Hoffman plasticity model, which can simulate the strength differences in tension and compression, is incorporated within the framework of density-based topology optimization. The path-dependent sensitivity analysis is presented wherein the enhanced element parameters are consistently incorporated in the constraints. The objective of topology optimization is to maximize the plastic work. Several numerical examples are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed framework. The results illustrate that the optimized topologies are highly dependent on the plastic anisotropic material properties.
Integrated Regulatory and Metabolic Networks of the Marine Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum Predict the Response to Rising CO 2 Levels

Diatoms are eukaryotic microalgae that are responsible for up to 40% of the ocean's primary productivity. How diatoms respond to environmental perturbations such as elevated carbon concentrations in the atmosphere is currently poorly understood. We developed a transcriptional regulatory network based on various transcriptome sequencing expression libraries for different environmental responses to gain insight into the marine diatom's metabolic and regulatory interactions and provide a comprehensive framework of responses to increasing atmospheric carbon levels. This transcriptional regulatory network was integrated with a recently published genome-scale metabolic model of Phaeodactylum tricornutum to explore the connectivity of the regulatory network and shared metabolites. The integrated regulatory and metabolic model revealed highly connected modules within carbon and nitrogen metabolism. P. tricornutum's response to rising carbon levels was analyzed by using the recent genome-scale metabolic model with cross comparison to experimental manipulations of carbon dioxide. IMPORTANCE Using a systems biology approach, we studied the response of the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum to changing atmospheric carbon concentrations on an ocean-wide scale. By integrating an available genome-scale metabolic model and a newly developed transcriptional regulatory network inferred from transcriptome sequencing expression data, we demonstrate that carbon metabolism and nitrogen metabolism are strongly connected and the genes involved are coregulated in this model diatom. These tight regulatory constraints could play a major role during the adaptation of P. tricornutum to increasing carbon levels. The transcriptional regulatory network developed can be further used to study the effects of different environmental perturbations on P. tricornutum's metabolism.
Synergistic drug combinations for cancer identified in a CRISPR screen for pairwise genetic interactions

Identification of effective combination therapies is critical to address the emergence of drug-resistant cancers, but direct screening of all possible drug combinations is infeasible. Here we introduce a CRISPR-based double knockout (CDKO) system that improves the efficiency of combinatorial genetic screening using an effective strategy for cloning and sequencing paired single guide RNA (sgRNA) libraries and a robust statistical scoring method for calculating genetic interactions (GIs) from CRISPR-deleted gene pairs. We applied CDKO to generate a large-scale human GI map, comprising 490,000 double-sgRNAs directed against 21,321 pairs of drug targets in K562 leukemia cells and identified synthetic lethal drug target pairs for which corresponding drugs exhibit synergistic killing. These included the BCL2L1 and MCL1 combination, which was also effective in imatinib-resistant cells. We further validated this system by identifying known and previously unidentified GIs between modifiers of ricin toxicity. This work provides an effective strategy to screen synergistic drug combinations in high-throughput and a CRISPR-based tool to dissect functional GI networks.
An Investigation of Multitiered Behavioral Interventions on Disruptive Behavior and Academic Engagement of Elementary Students

This study examined the effects of a multitiered system of support using Check-In Check-Out (CICO) as a secondary intervention and function-based self-monitoring (FBSM) as a tertiary intervention o...
General Surgery Approach to DC: Decision Making and Indications

“Damage control surgery” is a management approach to the injured or critically ill patient who is approaching physiologic exhaustion that aims to minimize or further worsen the lethal triad of acidosis, hypothermia, and coagulopathy. The patient’s overall management is divided into phases through which the surgeon must maneuver. At the minimum, these phases consist of the index operation, a period of resuscitation, and are followed by definitive repair. Patient selection for damage control surgery should be based on certain indicators such as patient-specific factors, mechanism/injury patterns, and degree of physiologic derangements. The initial goal of damage control surgery is the control of hemorrhage and to stop gastrointestinal contamination. There are subtitle key findings which can provide clues for the surgeon when to stop the operation and proceed to the ICU for further resuscitation. Various intraoperative techniques and approaches for the index operation are summarized and discussed.
Brachial Plexus Injury in a 6-Year-Old Boy with 100% Displaced Proximal Humeral Metaphyseal Fracture: A Case Presentation

Abstract Posttraumatic brachial plexopathies can occur following displaced proximal humeral fractures, causing profound functional deficits. Described here is an unusual case of a displaced proximal humeral metaphyseal fracture in a young child. The patient underwent closed reduction and serial casting, but hand weakness and forearm sensory loss persisted. Needle electromyography localized the injury to the mid/proximal arm near the fracture site, resulting in damage to the posterior and medial cords of the brachial plexus with profound involvement of the radial, ulnar, and median nerves and sparing of the axillary nerve. After months of occupational therapy, hand strength improved, with a nearly full return of function. Level of Evidence V
Temperature and oxygen dependence of the remineralization of organic matter

Accurate representation of the remineralization of sinking organic matter is crucial for reliable projections of the marine carbon cycle. Both water temperature and oxygen concentration are thought to influence remineralization rates, but limited data constraints have caused disagreement concerning the degree of these influences. We analyse a compilation of POC flux measurements from 19 globally distributed sites. Our results indicate that the attenuation of the flux of particulate organic matter depends on temperature with a Q10 between 1.5 and 2.01, and on oxygen described by a half saturation constant between 4 and 12 μmol/L. We assess the impact of the temperature and oxygen dependence in the biogeochemistry model COBALT, coupled to GFDL's Earth System Model ESM2M. The new remineralization parameterization results in shallower remineralization in the low latitudes but deeper remineralization in the high latitudes, redistributing POC flux towards the poles. It also decreases the volume of the oxygen minimum zones, partly addressing a long-standing bias in global climate models. Extrapolating temperature-dependent remineralization rates to the surface (i.e., beyond the depth range of POC flux data) resulted in rapid recycling and excessive surface nutrients. Surface nutrients could be ameliorated by reducing near surface rates in a manner consistent with bacterial colonization, suggesting the need for improved remineralization constraints within the euphotic zone. The temperature and oxygen dependence cause an additional 10% decrease in global POC flux at 500m depth, but no significant change in global POC flux at 2000m under the RCP8.5 future projection.
Taming the Anxious Mind: An 8-Week Mindfulness Meditation Group at a University Counseling Center

This article describes an eight-week mindfulness meditation-based group that took place at a university counseling center. The group is patterned after the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn at the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Group members are taught various mindfulness meditation techniques and are encouraged to practice them daily. The group has met with much success and it is highly valued by group members.
Body Mass Index and Decline in Cognitive Function in Older Black and White Persons

Background While body mass index (BMI) is higher in black compared to white persons, little is known about BMI and change in cognition in cohorts with a large proportion of blacks. We examine relations of BMI with decline in global cognition and five cognitive domains, in older blacks and whites, and determine whether relations differ by race. Methods Participants were 2,134 persons without baseline dementia (33% black; 75% women; mean age =77.9 [range 53-100] and education = 14.7 years, Mini-Mental State Examination = 28.0), enrolled in one of two longitudinal, community-based cohort studies of aging (Minority Aging Research Study; Rush Memory and Aging Project). Summary scores of global cognition and five domains were based on 19 neuropsychological tests administered annually. Mixed-effects models, controlling for age, sex, education, and race, were used to examine the relation of baseline BMI to change in cognition. Results Baseline BMI = 28.4 units (30.3 in blacks [95% confidence interval (CI): 27.2-27.7]; 27.4 in whites [95% CI: 29.8-30.7]). During a mean annual follow-up of 6 years (SD = 4), lower baseline BMI was related to faster decline in global cognition (p = .002), and semantic memory (p .08). The relationship of BMI with change in cognition was not modified by race (all p > .09). Conclusions Late-life lower BMI relates to faster rates of decline in cognition, specifically semantic memory and episodic memory, in both blacks and whites. The effect of BMI on cognition appears to be similar in both racial groups.
Novel methods for entity-centric information exploration

We witness an unprecedented proliferation of entity graphs that capture entities (e.g., persons, products, organizations) and their relationships. Such entity data gradually evolves into the most comprehensive knowledge graph ever built by human beings. The flourish of entity data also boosts a growing demand for entity-centric information exploration tasks. Different from traditional information retrieval tasks that are based on statistics of text terms, entity-centric information exploration tasks are usually based on metrics over entities, their relationships, or graph structures. In this work, we identified two essential tasks in entity-centric information exploration: 1) how to do faceted navigation over a set of homogeneous entities, utilizing entity relationships and concept hierarchies; 2) how to assist users in attaining a quick and rough preview of huge entity graphs. As an approach for the first problem, we proposed a novel method that dynamically discovers a query-dependent faceted interface for a set of Wikipedia articles resulting from a keyword query. We further extended this method into a general framework for faceted interface discovery for Web objects. Our model leverages the collaborative vocabularies in Wikipedia, such as its category hierarchy and intensive internal hyperlinks, for building faceted interfaces. We proposed metrics for ranking both individual facet hierarchies and faceted interfaces (each with k-facet hierarchies). We then developed faceted interface discovery algorithms that optimize these ranking metrics. As an approach for the second problem, we proposed a novel method that generates optimal preview tables for entity graphs. We studied scoring functions for measuring the goodness of previews. Based on the scoring measures, we formulated several optimization problems that look for previews with the highest scores, under various constraints on preview size and distance between preview tables. We proved that the optimization problem under distance constraint is NP-hard. We then designed a dynamic-programming algorithm and an Apriori-style algorithm for finding optimal previews. For both problems, we conducted experiments as well as user studies for evaluating our proposed models, ranking measures, and algorithms. The results demonstrated the efficiency and effectiveness of our proposed methods.
SOLID TUMORS ARE KILLED BY NK AND NC CELL POPULATIONS: INTERFERON INDUCING AGENTS DO NOT AUGMENT NC CELL ACTIVITY UNDER NK ACTIVATING CONDITIONS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of natural killer (NK) and natural cytotoxic (NC) cell populations in killing of solid tumors. Depending on the few targets used initially for screening, natural cell-mediated cytotoxicity (NCMC) effector cells with different properties were described, the two main prototypes being NK cells and NC cells. An assortment of in vitro activated cells capable of killing NK-susceptible targets has also been described. Based on a variety of criteria, it is suggested that NK and NC cells were related effector populations but belonged to a heterogeneous NCMC system. Both effector types share properties that are different from other cytotoxic mechanisms, especially T cells, such as pre-existence at high levels without priming, lack of detectable memory, lack of H2-restriction for killing, and the ability to be blocked by simple sugars. NC cells are less susceptible than NK cells to boosting by interferon (IFN) or IFN-inducing agents, and target cells derived from solid tumors are susceptible to killing by both NK and NC populations.
Three-dimensional reconstruction from serial sections. IV. The reassembly problem

In many fields of biology and medicine there is a pressing need for quantitative descriptions of biological structures at a resolution of micrometers. This need is currently met best by three-dimensional reconstruction from serial sections. The preliminary steps in three-dimensional reconstruction include fixation, embedding in plastic, introduction of fiducials, serial sectioning, and staining. At the light microscope level, with which we are chiefly concerned, one will usually want to do photomicrography (or videomicrography) of adjacent fields within individual tissue sections. The resultant images are projected onto a digitizer pad and the contours of interest manually digitized. From the digitized coordinates generated thereby, one wishes to generate a likeness of the original object, using computer graphic displays, and to then do interactive morphometrics. The problem of combining the digitized coordinates so as to produce a numerically faithful representation of the original object (i.e., the reassembly problem) is, as a practical matter, nontrivial. A technical description of the reassembly problem is presented. The main factors entering into a solution of the problem are discussed and a mathematical statement of the solution is given.
An overview of health challenges faced by nurses

Nurses play a critically important role in health care delivery as caregivers, patient advocates, managers of care, and decision-makers, who use critical thinking-skills in order to come up with the best outcomes for patients, as well as helping the patients’ families through tough health challenges. Their varying roles as dependable counselors, comforters, confidants, and great listeners are a big part of the reason why nurses are so vital in the health care system. Indeed, polls conducted by the Gallup Organization consistently list nursing as one of the nation's most trusted professions. However, many nurses pay a huge price for their service. Indeed, research shows that, on average, nurses are less healthy than the general public. They are more likely to be overweight, have higher levels of stress, and get less sleep. The heavy lifting required on the job makes nurses seven times more susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries like back pain, an ailment that afflicts large numbers of Americans.
Physiological role of Kvβ2 (AKR6) in murine skeletal muscle growth and regulation

Aim Potassium channel accessory subunits (Kvβ) play a key role in cardiac electrical activity through ion channel modulation. In this study, we hypothesize that Kvβ2 regulates skeletal muscle growth and fibre phenotype via protein-protein interactions. Methods Kvβ2 knockout mouse model was used for morphometric, immunohistochemical and biochemical analysis to evaluate the role of Kvβ2 in skeletal muscle physiology. Results Deletion of Kvβ2 gene in mice (Kvβ2 knockout, KO) leads to significant decrease in body weight along with skeletal muscle size. Key hindlimb muscles such as biceps, soleus and gastrocnemius were significantly smaller in size in KO mice compared to that of wild type. Morphometric measurements and histological analysis clearly point that the fibre size is decreased in each of the muscle type in KO compared with wild-type mice. In addition, Kvβ2 deletion contributes to fibre-type switching from fast to slow fibre as indicated by more abundant MHCI-expressing fibres in gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, which may underscore the smaller muscle size alongside increase in U3 ubiquitin ligase; NEDD4 expression. Using targeted siRNA knockdown approach, we identified that Kvβ2 knockdown does not affect the myoblasts proliferation. However, Pax7 expression was significantly decreased in 4-week-old gastrocnemius muscle, suggesting that cellular reserve for growth may be deficient in KO mice. This is further supported by decreased migratory capacity of C2C12 cells upon siRNA-targeted Kvβ2 knockdown. Conclusion Overall, this is the first report identifying that genetic deletion of Kvβ2 leads to decreased skeletal muscle size along with isotype switching.
Predicting membrane proteins and their types by extracting various sequence features into Chou’s general PseAAC

For many biological functions membrane proteins (MPs) are considered crucial. Due to this nature of MPs, many pharmaceutical agents have reflected them as attractive targets. It bears indispensable importance that MPs are predicted with accurate measures using effective and efficient computational models (CMs). Annotation of MPs using in vitro analytical techniques is time-consuming and expensive; and in some cases, it can prove to be intractable. Due to this scenario, automated prediction and annotation of MPs through CM based techniques have appeared to be useful. Based on the use of computational intelligence and statistical moments based feature set, an MP prediction framework is proposed. Furthermore, the previously used dataset has been enhanced by incorporating new MPs from the latest release of UniProtKB. Rigorous experimentation proves that the use of statistical moments with a multilayer neural network, trained using back-propagation based prediction techniques allows more thorough results.
Philanthropic Partnerships in the Just City: Parks and Schools:

The role of private funding and management in U.S. urban public services has expanded through the auspices of private nonprofit organizations in formal relationships with government and aided by la...
Production of angiotensin I converting enzyme by liver granuloma macrophages of Schistosoma mansoni infected mice

Abstract Angiotensin I converting enzyme activity is detectable in serum and isolated liver granulomas of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni . At the chronic phase of the infection (20 wk) the intensity of the granulomatous response spontaneously diminishes. Concomitantly, an increase in angiotensin I converting enzyme activity is observed. The objective of this investigation was to determine the source of this elevated angiotensin I converting enzyme activity. In chronically infected mice, measurements showed that angiotensin I converting enzyme activity in hepatic venous blood was higher than that of peripheral venous blood. In contrast, normal mice demonstrated no difference in regional venous angiotensin I converting enzyme activity. Isolated liver granulomas cultured in vitro released angiotensin I converting enzyme into the culture medium. When granulomas were dispersed into single cell suspension, angiotensin I converting enzyme activity was traced to the adherent cell fraction. Both granulomas and adherent cells from granulomas of the chronically (20 wk) infected mice secreted far more angiotensin I converting enzyme than those from animals with acute (8 wk) infection. Cycloheximide partially inhibited enzyme release. We conclude that in murine schistosomiasis, angiotensin I converting enzyme is produced by the granuloma macrophage. The enzyme is released from the granuloma into the circulation probably resulting in increased serum angiotensin I converting enzyme activity. The role of elevated angiotensin I converting enzyme activity within the lesion as well as the circulation remains to be elucidated.
Urinary Phytoestrogens and Relationship to Menstrual Cycle Length and Variability Among Healthy, Eumenorrheic Women.

Context Phytoestrogens may influence fecundability, although biological mechanisms remain elusive. Since it is hypothesized that phytoestrogens may act through influencing hormone levels, we investigated associations between phytoestrogens and menstrual cycle length, a proxy for the hormonal milieu, in healthy women attempting pregnancy. Design A population-based prospective cohort of 326 women ages 18 to 40 with self-reported cycles of 21 to 42 days were followed until pregnancy or for 12 months of attempting pregnancy. Methods Urinary genistein, daidzein, O-desmethylangolensin, equol, enterodiol, and enterolactone were measured upon enrollment. Cycle length was determined from fertility monitors and daily journals. Linear mixed models assessed associations with continuous cycle length and were weighted by the inverse number of observed cycles. Logistic regression models assessed menstrual regularity (standard deviation > 75th vs ≤ 75th percentile). Models were adjusted for age, body mass index, race, creatinine, exercise, supplements, lipids, lead, cadmium, cotinine, parity, alcohol, and other phytoestrogens. Results Individual phytoestrogens were not associated with cycle length, although total phytoestrogens were associated with shorter cycles (-0.042 days; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.080 to -0.003, per 10% increase). Each 1 nmol/L increase in enterolactone (odds ratio [OR] 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.97) and total lignans (OR 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76-0.95) was associated with reduced irregularity, and each 1 nmol/L increase in genistein with irregularity (OR 1.19; 95% CI, 1.02-1.38). Conclusion Phytoestrogens were not meaningfully associated with cycle length but may be associated with menstrual regularity, among women with self-reported regular cycles. These results highlight differences between isoflavones and lignans and are reassuring for women attempting pregnancy.
The Gap Between the Foundational Competencies Clients and Legal Employers Need and the Learning Outcomes Law Schools Are Adopting

This article is the first to answer the question whether law schools are including the foundational competencies needed to represent clients in their learning outcomes. While all law schools are adopting learning outcomes on the technical skills needed to practice law (knowledge of doctrinal law, legal analysis, legal writing and research, and legal judgment), this article identifies a substantial gap between the learning outcomes being adopted and the other foundational competencies needed to represent clients. The most serious gap is that while clients and legal employers want law graduates to demonstrate a strong client service orientation, almost no law schools are adopting a client service orientation learning outcome. This gap both goes directly to the profession’s understanding of competence required by Model Rule 1.1 and presents a major opportunity for an entrepreneurial law school to differentiate itself by helping its students better meet client and legal employer needs.
‘We are on the same page:' the importance of doctors EHR screen sharing for promoting shared information and collaborative decision-making

Background: Electronic Health Records (EHR) can help create patient ownership of information, enhance patient-centered collaborative advising, and increase advice utilization through increases in t...
Ento(o)mics: the intersection of ‘omic’ approaches to decipher plant defense against sap-sucking insect pests

Plants are constantly challenged by insect pests that can dramatically decrease yields. Insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts, for example, aphids, whiteflies, and leaf hoppers, seemingly cause less physical damage to tissues, however, they feed on the plant's sap by piercing plant tissue and extracting plant fluids, thereby transmitting several plant-pathogenic viruses as well. As a counter-defense, plants activate an array of dynamic defense machineries against insect pests including the rapid reprogramming of the host cell processes. For a holistic understanding of plant-sap-sucking insect interactions, there is a need to call for techniques with the capacity to concomitantly capture these dynamic changes. Recent progress with various 'omic' technologies possess this capacity. In this review, we will provide a concise summary of application of 'omic' technologies and their utilization in plant and sap-sucking insect interaction studies. Finally, we will provide a perspective on the integration of 'omics' data in uncovering novel plant defense mechanisms against sap-sucking insect pests.