cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PHYLOGENETIC EXAMINATION OF FEMALE INCORPORATION OF EJACULATE IN DROSOPHILA

Males of some invertebrate species transfer large ejaculates, and many of the substances contained therein are incorporated by females into their somatic and ovarian tissues. These incorporated substances are expected to be energetically costly for males to produce, but benefit males by enhancing their fertilization success and/or the viability of their offspring. A better understanding of the evolution and maintenance of this important reproductive strategy should come from phylogenetic examination. We therefore quantified the extent of ejaculate incorporation by females of 34 species of Drosophila. Substantive amounts of male-derived proteins were more frequently detected in female somatic tissue than in ovarian tissue. Substantive ejaculate incorporation by females was found to have arisen numerous times across the phylogeny and tended to be lineage specific in expression. The extent to which evolution of a nutritive function of the ejaculate may have been influenced by phylogenetic history in the genus Drosophila is discussed. Macroevolutionary relationships between the amount of ejaculate incorporated by females and other features of species' reproductive and life-history biology, including body size, sperm length, the formation of an insemination reaction in females, and sex-specific ages of reproductive maturity, also were examined after controlling for phylogenetic effects.
Randomized Control Study on Domestic 4FDC/2FDC Combinations in Initial Treatment of Smear Positive Tuberculosis Patients

Objective To evaluate the treatment outcome,side-effects and acceptability of domestic 4 fixed-dose /2 fixed does combinations in treatment of smear positive tuberculosis patients.Methods 120 new bacteriological positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients from 3 counties were divided into FDCs group(60 cases) and control group(60 cases).The treatment outcome,side-effect and patient's acceptability were studied.Results The sputum negative conversion rates at the 2nd month in FDCs and the control group were 88.68% and 85.19% respectively.And the rates at the end of the chemotherapy(6 months after treatment) were 100.00% and 92.59% respectively.Chest radiography showed remarkable improvement.The resolution of pulmonary lesions in FDCs and the control group accounted for 96.22% and 92.59% respectively.The cavity closure rates were 93.33% in both FDCs and the control groups.The side-effect were 16 cases in FDCs group and 28 cases in the control group.The number of drug tablets used in FDCs group was fewer than that in control group.Acceptability was higher in FDCs group than in control group.Conclusion Domestic fixed-dose combinations show excellent therapeutic efficacy,safety,fewer tablets and easy to be accepted by the patients.The use of FDCs should be further expanded in next step.
DSP-Based Digital Control for Rocket-Engine Testing

This paper introduces the digital controller design for a solid rocket engine experiment system.The mathematical model of the electromagnetic bearing is established.The control system is based on the TMS320F2812 processor.The PID algorithm,the communication and the A/D,D/A are all discussed.
Role of collection geometry in spectral diagnosis of atherosclerosis

Native 476-nm laser-induced fluorescence can be used to diagnose the presence of atherosclerosis in vitro.1 Figure 1 shows typical fluorescence spectra of a normal and diseased artery wall obtained from human cadaver aorta. Peak-to-valley ratios [i.e., I(600 m)/I(580 nm)] are often used as simple diagnostics. However, the fluorescence line shape of arterial wall and thus the peak-to-valley ratios depend significantly on the delivery/collection geometry of the detector. This occurs because tissue fluorescence and absorption both contribute to the composite tissue fluorescence line shape (Fig. 1).2 Thus the collection geometry of a data acquisition system must be well defined if data are to be interpreted meaningfully.
The World beyond the Dickens World

Most of the action in David Copperfield takes place in carefully circumscribed locales: around the hearthside at Blunderstone, at the Peggottys’ cosy houseboat, at Betsey Trotwood’s cottage, or at the Wickfields’ home. But for brief spaces of time, while David makes his way to Betsey Trotwood’s after running away from his job at Murdstone and Grinby’s, the reader encounters quite another and a different world. David tries to pawn his jacket to get money to buy some bread, and in doing so he finds himself having to contend with a strange old man ‘with … trembling hands, which were like the claw of a great bird’, who shrieks at him, grabs him by the hair, and repeats, ‘Oh, my eyes and limbs, what do you want? Oh, goroo, goroo!’ [DC.xiii.184]. David extricates himself from this strange man after much time and difficulty, runs down the highway, only to encounter a young tinker who interrupts his beating of his wife just long enough to steal David’s scarf from around his neck, and then resume knocking her about again [DC.xiii.187–8].
IgA proteases of Haemophilus influenzae dividing in human milk are inhibited by IgA antibody in the milk.

IgA proteases1–4 are extracellular enzymes produced by bacteria specifically pathogenic for human beings. These enzymes cleave both serum and secretory human IgA immunoglobulins (S-IgA), and thus may be virulence factors, or may contribute to colonization of mucosal surfaces by these bacteria. All clinical isolates of the important childhood pathogens Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitides are IgA protease-positive, and the non-pathogenic members of these genera are enzyme-negative. IgA proteases are produced by all strains, those harmlessly colonizing the upper respiratory mucosa of children, and those isolated from infected sites e.g., the cerebrospinal fluid in meningitis. The role of these enzymes in disease has been difficult to verify because of their high specificity for human IgA as substrate, so animal models are inappropriate, and human tissues in vitro 5 cannot precisely reproduce in vivo conditions to examine this question.
Prognostic Significance of Circulating Lymphoma Cells in Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL).

Abstract 2947 Poster Board II-923 Introduction: DLBCL occasionally presents in leukemic phase, and the prognostic significance of circulating lymphoma cells is unknown. We herein report characteristics and outcomes of newly diagnosed DLBCL presenting in leukemic phase at 2 Institutions. Methods: Flow cytometry database analysis and retrospective chart reviews were carried out with IRB-approval for cases accrued between 2001 and 2008. Leukemic phase DLBCL patients were matched on a 3:1 basis with control DLBCL with no circulating lymphoma cells based on IPI, year of diagnosis, and age ± 10 years. Results: 18 patients, median age 48 years (range 34-80), ECOG PS-1 (22%), 2(38%) and 3(40%), and IPI - 3(56%), 4(40%) and 5(4%) presented in leukemic phase. Extranodal sites included bone marrow (100%), spleen (83%), pleura (61%) and CSF (22%). 61% had B symptoms, and LDH was 6xULN (range, 1-56). WBC was 13,000/microL (range, 7,100-127,400), with 50% lymphoma cells (range, 2-92); these cells were immunophenotypically similar to those in the histologically confirmed DLBCL node, and co-expressed CD19, CD20, CD22, CD38, CD45, HLA-DR and FMC7 in >90% of cases, and kappa or lambda light chain restriction in > 50%. Karyotype was abnormal and complex in 61%. One patient expired before treatment began. Treatment consisted of R-CHOP (10), R-HCVAD (6), and single agent rituximab (1). 8 (44%) achieved CR (5 R-HCVAD and 3 R-CHOP), 5 (28%) PR, and 4 (22%) had resistant disease. 1 patient was autografted in CR1 and remains in remission. With a median follow-up of 32 months, 2 relapsed in leukemic phase, 1 of whom achieved CR2, but relapsed at the time of conditioning for a consolidative allograft. 10 (56%) patients died from progressive disease, 2 (11%) were lost to follow-up and 6 (33%) remain alive in remission. Overall (Panel A) and progression-free (Panel B) survival curves the 18 leukemic (solid line) and 54 non-leukemic phase (dashed line) DLBCL are depicted in the [Figure][1]. Conclusion: DLBCL presenting with circulating lymphoma cells is associated with chemo-resistance (44% CR) and poor outcomes with the exception of those who achieve complete remission. These patients are candidates for alternative therapies. ![Figure:][2] Figure: Probability of overall (Panel A) and progression-free (Panel B) survival Disclosures: Kaufman: Millenium: Consultancy; Genzyme: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding. Lonial: Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Gloucester: Research Funding. Armitage: Eisa: Consultancy; Allo: Consultancy; Ziopharm: Consultancy. [1]: #F1 [2]: pending:yes
What Makes the Sun Shine

When we measure the total amount of sunlight that illuminates and warms our globe, and extrapolate back to the Sun, we find that it is emitting an enormous power of 385.4 million, million, million, million, or 3.828 × 1026 watts, where one watt = 1 J s−1. This brilliance is far too great to be perpetually sustained, and we therefore wonder what heats the Sun, and how long that heat will last.
Brief of Professor Scott Dodson as Amicus Curiae in Support of Neither Party, Hamer v. Neighborhood Housing Serv. of Chi. & Fannie Mae, No. 16-658 (S. Ct. 2017)

This case presents the question of whether the civil appellate deadline of Rule 4(a)(5)(C) is jurisdictional. In this blissfully short brief, I make two arguments advanced by neither party. First, I argue that a rule's jurisdictional character is not dependent upon labels or distinctions with "claim-processing rules." Rather, a rule is jurisdictional when -- and only when -- it addresses a boundary between adjudicative bodies. Appellate jurisdiction, original jurisdiction, and personal jurisdiction all qualify because they address boundaries of authority among different adjudicative bodies. By contrast, a limit on court authority is nonjurisdictional when it speaks only to that court's authority, independent of other adjudicative bodies. Statutes of limitations, limits on punitive damages, statutory coverage, fee-shifting rules, inherent-power limits, and the like are nonjurisdictional because they speak only to a court's authority in isolation from other courts. Under this definition, the appellate deadline in Rule 4 is jurisdictional. Second, I argue that a rule's jurisdictional character does not determine its effects. The rote belief that a jurisdictional limit is nonwaivable, nonforfeitable, and inexcusable is simply wrong. A rule has whatever effects the rule and other law provide. The jurisdictional deadline to appeal in Sec. 2107(c), for example, may be extended according to judicial discretion, party conduct, and equitable circumstances: "The district court MAY, UPON MOTION filed not later than 30 days after the expiration of the time otherwise set for bringing appeal, extend the time for appeal upon a showing of EXCUSABLE NEGLECT OR GOOD CAUSE." Thus, Rule 4(a)(5)(C)'s jurisdictional status does not mean that it cannot be forfeited by an appellee or extended for equitable reasons. Those questions, instead, must be answered by resort to ordinary principles of rule interpretation; they cannot be answered simply by resort to the Rule's jurisdictional character.
Throughput analysis of multi-device trip-based material handling systems operating under the modified-FCFS dispatching rule

We present an analytic model to assess the performance of a trip-based material handling system with multiple devices dispatched according to the modified-first-come-first-served rule. A key element of the model is the analytic treatment of empty trips based on whether they are device- or station-initiated. The model is evaluated against simulation results using multiple layout configurations and devices at different levels of utilisation. In developing the analytic model, we also investigate the role and impact of device-initiated dispatching vs. station-initiated dispatching, and show results that shed light on conflicting views presented in the literature on this subject. The proposed analytic model can be used to rapidly evaluate alternative handling systems and to conduct various ‘what if’ analyses; it performs reasonably well across a range of systems that were tested via simulation. In evaluating the accuracy of the model, we introduce a unique and more effective technique based on the allocation o...
Increasing Th1 phenotype in Th17 cells improves anti-tumor T cells function (VAC7P.1032)

Immunotherapy of cancer is a promising approach for successful eradication of large and established tumor. While cytolytic CD8 + T cells have been extensively investigated and used for adoptive cell therapy (ACT), accumulating evidence indicates that CD4 + T helper (Th) cells including Th1 and Th17 subsets are also effective in tumor immunotherapy. Although Th1 cells possess key anti-tumor effector functions as IFNγ hi , CD107a hi , T-bet hi , Granzyme B hi , but their poor persistence due to lack of stem-cell like characteristic effect long-term tumor control and reduce their potential in ACT. However, Th17 cells programmed ex vivo in TGFβ exhibit increased stem-cell like features and reduced effector function as compared to Th1 cells, which corelates to their increased persistence but reduced long-term tumor control. Herein we identified the ex vivo programming conditions that combine potent Th1 effector conditions with key stemness feature of Th17 to generate hybrid Th17/Th1 cells that exhibit improved control of murine melanoma (B16-F10) and human melanoma (624-MEL), as compared to Th1 or Th17 cells alone. The hybrid Th1/Th17 cells were less susceptible to activation induced cell death, exhibited increased persistence along with potent effector function, and have potential in future translational studies.
Reagent-controlled regiodivergent ring expansions of steroids

Ring expansion provides a powerful way of introducing a heteroatom substituent into a carbocyclic framework. However, such reactions are often limited by the tendency of a given substrate to afford only one of the two rearrangement products or fail to achieve high selectivity at all. These limitations are particularly acute when seeking to carry out late-stage functionalization of natural products as starting points in drug discovery. In this work, we present a stereoelectronically controlled ring expansion sequence towards selective and flexible access to complementary ring systems derived from common steroidal substrates. Chemical diversification of the reaction intermediate affords over 100 isomerically pure analogs with spatial and functional diversity. This regiodivergent rearrangement, and the concept of using chiral reagents to affect regiocontrol in chiral natural products, should be broadly applicable to late-stage natural product diversification programs. Late-stage diversification of natural products is an important starting point for drug discovery. Here, the authors use chiral reagents to perform the regiocontrolled ring expansion of steroid precursors and achieve more than 100 isomerically pure analogs with spatial and functional diversity.
Review of Advances in Risk and Reliability Analysis for Hydraulic Structures

Recently, considerable emphasis has been given to the problem of the state of decay in the nation’s infrastructure because of its importance to the needs of society and industrial growth. Large capital expenditures will be needed to bring the concerned systems to higher levels of serviceability. These systems include many types of hydraulic structures found in urban areas such as storm sewer systems, flood levees, water distribution systems, culverts, bridges, flood bypass tunnels, detention systems, etc. Conventional design methods for hydraulic structures basically fail to recognize and to systematically analyze and account for the effect of the various uncertainties that prevail in the design. Because of the existence of uncertainties, the hydraulic structure has an associated risk or probability of failure and an associated reliability or probability of not failing. There is much confusion among engineers in using the concepts and terms of uncertainties, risk, and reliability as applied to the design of hydraulic structures. For hydraulic structures subjected to the conveyance of flood waters, many engineers only think of the uncertainty of hydrologic events as being attributable to risk. For hydraulic structures such as water distribution systems, there is no universally accepted definition for risk or reliability. A great deal of work related to risk and reliability has been reported in the electronics, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and operations research literature; however, only a limited amount of work has been reported in the water resources literature. Several works have been reported dealing with hydrologic uncertainties and only a few works have been reported on the risk and reliability evaluation of hydraulic structures. The purpose of this paper is to review the work that has been done in the risk and reliability evaluation of hydraulic structures and to identify research areas that need to be explored.
[Sildenafil use and relevant risk factors among middle-aged or elderly male clients of female commercial sex workers in the central areas of Guangxi, China].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the illegal sidenafil use among middle-aged and elderly male clients of female sex workers (FSWs) in central region of Guangxi as well as on related risk factors. Initial evaluation regarding the effect of illegal sidenafil use on HIV infection among the middle-aged and elderly men was also conducted. METHODS: A survey was conducted among the over 50-year-olds male clients of low-grade prostitutions in central areas of Guangxi. Information on demographics related behavior and illegal sidenafil use was collected. 5 ml blood sample were taken to test antibodies of HIV and syphilis. PASW Statistics 18.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: 2 056 questionnaires were completed. 23.1% of the participants said they had ever used illegal sidenafil. The risk of sildenafil use was low among the male clients who were not over 60 years old (OR = 0.586 95% CI:0.459-0.749). The risks of sildenafil use among the male clients with frequencies(in the past 30 days) of having commercial sex behavior were:only once (OR = 0.184 95%CI:0.090- 0.378) twice (OR = 0.187 95%CI:0.089-0.378) or three times (OR = 0.181 95%CI: 0.085-0.384) lower than those with more than five times. Being single (OR = 0.608 95% CI: 0.396-0.933) married/cohabiting (OR = 0.533 95% CI:0.391-0.727) having unstable partners (OR = 0.558 95%CI:0.393-0.792) seemed to be protective on those who used sildenafil among the study population. Factors as never use the condom (OR = 1.642 95%CI:1.125-2.397) or seldom use as condom (OR = 1.840 95%CI:1.278-2.648) when having commercial sex were under high risk among the sildenafil users. Forty-seven subjects were HIV positive with the prevalence as 2.29% in this study population. Male clients of the FSWs who used sidenafil were under 60 years of age and with higher risk of HIV infection. CONCLUSION: people who were >/=60 years old divorced/widowed/ separated with frequencies (in the past 30 days) of having commercial sex more than 5 times never or occasionally using a condom when having commercial sex etc. appeared at high risk. Middle-aged and elderly male clients who used sildenafil or sildenafil-like drugs were under high risk of contracting HIV infection.
The Problem of Punishment

This chapter sets out the problem of punishment. Punishment involves inflicting massive harm (loss of life, freedom, etc.) on many millions of people, yet we have no clear idea whether the practice is morally justified. Indeed, we have no clear idea as to the very purpose of punishment: do we punish to prevent crime? Or to give the criminal his “just deserts”? Or some combination of these two? Or something else? It is simply extraordinary that we continue to inflict these tremendous harms on people without even having a clear idea of why we are doing it. Even worse, the two leading theories of punishment (deterrence and retribution) are themselves morally problematic. Deterrence, a theory based on the utilitarian moral theory, is flatly inconsistent with basic moral principles in that it permits harming people as a means to a greater good. But retribution seems no better, for it seems to be gratuitous, pointless harm inflicted after the crime is already finished, and hence seems morally incomprehensible. The moral situation is so bad that a growing movement called Abolitionism has begun to call for the elimination of punishment, on moral grounds. It is the aim of this book to provide a new defense of the retributive theory that is consistent with moral principles.
On the relation between the coherence and foundations theories of belief revision

Two recent papers, (Gardenfors 1990; Doyle 1992), try to assess the relative merits of the two main approaches to belief revision, the foundations and coherence theories, but leave open the question of the mathematical connections between them. We answer this question by showing that the foundations and coherence theories of belief revision are mathematically equivalent. The result also has consequences for nonmonotonic reasoning, as it entails that Poole's system of default reasoning and Shoham's preferential logic are expressively equivalent, in that they can represent the same set of non monotonic consequence relations.
Effectiveness of Rotating Shield Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer Dose Escalation and Urethral Sparing.

Purpose To compare single-fraction 153Gd-based rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT) for prostate cancer with conventional 192Ir-based high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) in a planning study that radiobiologically accounts for dose rate and relative biological effectiveness. RSBT was used for planning target volume (PTV) dose escalation without increasing urethral dose for monotherapy, or for urethral sparing without decreasing PTV dose as a boost to external beam radiation therapy. Methods and Materials Twenty-six patients were studied. PTV doses were expressed as equivalent dose delivered in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2), accounting for relative biological effectiveness (1.00 for 192Ir and 1.15 for 153Gd), dose protraction (114-minute repair half-time), and tumor dose response (α/β of 3.41 Gy). HDR-BT dose was prescribed such that 90% of the PTV received 110% of the prescription dose of 19 Gy for dose escalation and 15 Gy for urethral sparing, corresponding to EQD290% values (minimum EQD2 to the hottest 90% of the PTV) of 93.9 GyEQD2 and 60.7 GyEQD2, respectively. Twenty 90.95 GBq 153Gd RSBT sources and one 370 GBq 192Ir HDR-BT source were modeled. Results For dose escalation with fresh sources, RSBT increased PTV EQD290% by 42.5% ± 8.4% (average ± standard deviation) without increasing urethral D10%, with treatment times of 216.8 ± 28.9 minutes versus 15.1 ± 2.1 minutes. After 1 half-life (240.4 days for 153Gd and 73.8 days for 192Ir), EQD290% increased 20.5% ± 9.1%. For urethral sparing with fresh sources, RSBT decreased urethral D10% by 26.0% ± 3.4% without decreasing PTV EQD290%, with treatment times of 133.6 ± 16.5 minutes versus 12.0 ± 1.7 minutes. After 1 half-life, urethral D10% decreased 20.2% ± 4.8%. Conclusions RSBT can increase PTV EQD90% or decrease urethral D10% relative to HDR-BT at the cost of increased treatment time. Source aging reduces RSBT benefit, but RSBT remains theoretically superior to HDR-BT by >20% after 1 half-life has elapsed.
Comparison of Sex-Based Differences in Home or Nonhome Discharge Utilization of Rehabilitative Services and Outcomes Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in the United States.

Sex-based differences in outcomes have been shown to affect caregiving in medical disciplines. Increased spending due to postacute care transfer policies has led hospitals to further scrutinize patient outcomes and disposition patterns after inpatient admissions. We examined sex-based differences in rehabilitative service utilization after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We queried all TAVI discharges in the National Inpatient Sample database from 2012 to 2014 (n = 40,900). Thirteen thousand eight hundred fifteen patients were discharged to home and 12,175 patients were discharged to rehabilitation facility; those not discharged routinely or to a rehabilitation facility were excluded. Patients with nonhome discharges were older (83.3 vs 79.0 years) and female (58.3% vs 37.7%) with a greater number of chronic conditions (9.91 vs 9.03) and number of Elixhauser co-morbidities (6.5 vs 5.8, all p
Taxes and culture of leisure: Impact on labor supply in Europe

Abstract This paper uses micro data from the European Social Survey to investigate the impact of culture of leisure and taxes on labor force participation and hours worked of second-generation immigrants who reside in 26 European countries. These individuals are born in Europe, and they have been exposed to institutional, legal and labor market structures of their countries, including the tax rates. Their fathers are first-generation immigrants who migrated from 47 different countries. I construct measures of “taste for leisure” in the country of origin of each immigrant father. I employ average and marginal tax rates for each country of residence, and control for individual characteristics, in addition to a large set of attributes of the country of residence and country of origin. I demonstrate that systematic selection of first-generation immigrants (the fathers of the individuals analyzed) to countries of destination based on the tax rates is unlikely. The results show that for women, both taxes and culture of leisure impact labor force participation and hours worked. For men, taxes influence labor supply both at the intensive and the extensive margins, but culture of leisure has no impact. The results are insensitive to the omission of immigrants from Muslim countries.
Utilizing social media for cancer prevention.

e13076Background: Cancer prevention and cancer screening behaviors are challenging to support. A myriad of variables including improved knowledge, language access, and health care access serve as f...
Abstract 3639: EGCG-gold nanoparticles exhibit greater anti-tumor activity over conventional gold nanoparticles or EGCG due to potential synergistic interactions

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) possesses significant anti-tumor activity and binds to laminin receptor over-expressed on cancer cells with high affinity. However, the use of EGCG in therapeutics is limited due to its poor bioavailability and limited stability. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) serve as excellent drug carriers and protect the conjugated drug from enzymatic metabolization. Here, we investigated if EGCG-formulated GNPs (E-GNPs) would demonstrate superior anti-cancer activity compared to EGCG or conventionally-synthesized citrate-GNPs (C-GNPs) due to their synergistic interactions. Cell viability studies showed greater growth inhibition by E-GNPs, compared to EGCG, or C-GNPs. Cellular uptake studies revealed that, unlike C-GNPs, E-GNPs were taken-up more efficiently by cancerous cells than noncancerous cells. Furthermore, data showed that E-GNPs induced more apoptosis in cancer cells, compared to EGCG, and C-GNPs. From the mechanistic standpoint, we observed that E-GNPs inhibited the nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of NF-κB with greater potency than EGCG, whereas C-GNPs were only minimally effective. Altogether, our data suggest that E-GNPs can serve as effective anti-cancer agents. Citation Format: Suhash Reddy Chavva, Sachin Kumar Deshmukh, Rajashekhar Kanchanapally, Nikhil Tyagi, Jason W. Coym, Ajay P. Singh, Seema Singh. EGCG-gold nanoparticles exhibit greater anti-tumor activity over conventional gold nanoparticles or EGCG due to potential synergistic interactions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3639.
Apparent photosynthesis of terrestrial mosses: An indicator of population functional health

Terrestrial mosses dominate the ground in many vegetation types and most are long-lived perennials with highly complex canopies. Long-term population health continues through numerous wetting and drying cycles; however, extreme drought or extended wet periods may create conditions that cause some parts of the population to die or remain inactive. I examined apparent photosynthesis of fully hydrated populations of four terrestrial species of mosses occurring in leaf-free mesohabitats in temperate deciduous forests of eastern North America in order to explore photosynthetic variability of both popula-tions and species. There was high variability in rates of apparent photosynthesis among the popula-tions of mosses for all four species examined in this study. Despite this variability within species, all four species achieved similar mean rates of photosynthesis. Two years after relocation to nearly bare ground habitats, populations of three of the four species achieved similar apparent photosynthetic rates as natural popula-tions, and functioned in a similar manner.
Leadership for Youth Empowerment Within a Family-Based Community Program:

This article examines the perceptions of students who observed their adult family members’ participation and also participated in Connection and Access through Technology (CAtT), a family-oriented ...
Optimising recovery in aphasia: Learning following exposure to a single dose of computer-based script training.

Purpose: Intensity of therapy influences outcomes in aphasia treatment, but little is known about optimum dosage across treatment approaches. Improved understanding of the effects of dose could hel...
Readability analysis of online health information on preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Abstract Objectives When considering PreExposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as a HIV prevention method, many rely on information available online. Limited research has examined the quality, including readability, of PrEP information on the Internet. The current study evaluates the readability of PrEP information online employing six commonly used readability tests. Study design This is a cross-sectional study. Methods Using the Google Chrome browser, a search for articles was conducted using two terms: “pre-exposure prophylaxis” and “Truvada.” The URLs of the first 50 English language websites for each term were recorded to create the overall study sample of 100 unique websites. Using six established readability scales, we determined the readability scores for each examined website. Websites were stratified by .com, .org, and .gov URL extensions to compare readability metrics. Results Mean Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) was 9.5 (SD = 2.2), mean Gunning Fog Index (GFI) was 11.1 (SD = 2.7), mean Coleman-Liau Index (CLI) was 11.3 (SD = 2.0), while mean Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) Grade Level was 12.1 (SD = 1.8). Using Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease (FRE), one article was found easy to read, while 23 were found of average difficulty to read. Mean New Dale-Chall (NDS) score was 7.3 (SD = 1.3), or grade 9–10. Mean reading levels were significantly different among the commercial, organization, and government sites, however, no category was at the recommended sixth-grade level. Conclusions PrEP information online surpasses the reading ability of most U.S. adults. Improving the readability of PrEP information online may help to increase uptake of PrEP among populations at risk for HIV.
Synthesis of precipitation-strengthened Al-Sc, Al-Zr and Al-Sc-Zr alloys via selective laser melting of elemental powder blends

Abstract Selective laser melting is used to create Al-1.5Sc, Al-1.5Zr and Al-0.75Sc-0.75Zr (at.%) alloys from blends of elemental Al, Sc, and Zr powders. This study investigates elemental alloying elements (Sc and Zr) which are high-melting and highly reactive, unlike previous work which focused on more concentrated elemental additions of lower-melting, lower-reactivity Cu and Si to aluminum. High-speed in situ synchrotron x-ray imaging and diffraction show that the 20−30 μm Al, Sc, and Zr powders fully melt and sufficiently mix in the molten state to create, on solidification, a homogeneous distribution of primary, micron-size L12 precipitates (Al3Sc, Al3Zr, and Al3(Sc,Zr), respectively) and nucleate micron-size Al matrix grains, as confirmed by SEM imaging of cross-sections. A second laser pass, simulating a realistic additive-manufacturing build condition, fully remelts the initial volume which shows, after solidification, the same Al3(Sc,Zr) L12 primary micro-precipitates and very fine Al grains. After aging at 300−400°C, the alloys show large increases in hardness, consistent with an exceptionally high number density (1.4 × 1024 m−3) and volume fraction (2.5%) of secondary Al3(Sc,Zr) nano-precipitates with a Sc-rich core and Zr-rich shell, as measured via atom-probe tomography.
Comparing Clinical, Imaging, and Physiological Correlates of Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction: Systemic Sclerosis vs Amyloidosis and Paraneoplastic Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is characterized by impaired transit and luminal dilation in the absence of mechanical obstruction. Our study aims to describe the clinical, radiographic, and physiological findings in pseudo-obstruction associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc), amyloidosis, and paraneoplastic syndrome. METHODS A retrospective cohort of patients evaluated at our institution between January 1, 2008, and August 1, 2018, was assembled. Clinical, imaging, and physiological characteristics were abstracted from electronic medical records. RESULTS We identified 100 cases of pseudo-obstruction (55 SSc, 27 amyloidosis, and 18 paraneoplastic). Female population predominance was seen in SSc (71%) vs male population in amyloidosis (74%). Most common symptom was abdominal bloating in all 3 groups. Vomiting was more common in SSc than amyloidosis (73% vs 46%, P = 0.02). Diarrhea was more common in amyloidosis and SSc compared with paraneoplastic (81% and 67% vs 28%, P 5%) was more common in SSc compared with amyloidosis and paraneoplastic (78% vs 31% and 17%, P < 0.0001). Only small bowel dilation was seen in 79%, 40%, and 44% and only large bowel dilation in 2%, 44%, and 44% of patients in SSc, amyloidosis, and paraneoplastic, respectively. Five of 8 SSc patients had myopathic and 3 of 5 paraneoplastic had neuropathic involvement on gastroduodenal manometry. DISCUSSION SSc-associated pseudo-obstruction demonstrates female population predominance and presents with vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Amyloidosis-associated pseudo-obstruction shows male population predominance. Small bowel is more commonly involved than large bowel on both imaging and transit studies in SSc. Myopathic involvement was more common in SSc, contrary to neuropathic in paraneoplastic syndrome.
Response assessment and salvage indication for idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease

I read with great interest the article by Ebisawa et al. on idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) [1]. Efficacy of prednisone monotherapy was observed in iMCD patients, especially those ...
Prognostic value of lymph node ratio versus American Joint Committee on Cancer N classification for surgically resected human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND We compared prognostic values of lymph node ratio (LNR) and AJCC 8 N classification in surgically resected human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). METHODS Using the National Cancer Database, we identified patients with HPV-associated OPSCC from 2010 to 2016 who underwent definitive surgical resection. Patients were analyzed by nodal grouping (LNR, N stage) and adjuvant radiation therapy(RT). Primary endpoint was overall survival. RESULTS We identified 4166 patients. Survival analysis showed significant improvement for LNR≤6% versus >6% (5 year OS% 92.7% vs. 83.7%, p 6% group (5 year OS% 85.4% vs. 74.9%, p < 0.001; HR 0.41 [95% CI 0.28, 0.58], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS LNR should be considered an adjunct category in future staging systems for HPV-associated OPSCC.
In-field degradation of soil-biodegradable plastic mulch films in a Mediterranean climate.

Abstract Soil-biodegradable plastic mulch films are a promising alternative to polyethylene mulches, but adoption has been slow, in part because of uncertainties about in-field degradation. The international biodegradability standard EN-17033 requires 90% degradation within 2 years in an aerobic incubation at constant temperature (20–28 °C). However, in-laboratory biodegradability does not guarantee in-field degradation will follow the same timeframe. Field test protocols are needed to assess biodegradable mulches under a range of environmental conditions and collate site-specific information to predict degradation. Our objectives were to (1) monitor in-field degradation of soil-biodegradable plastic mulches following successive applications and incorporations, (2) quantify mulch recovery 2 years after the final incorporation, and (3) compare in-field degradation with the laboratory standard in terms of calendar and thermal times based on a zeroth-order kinetics model. A field experiment was established in spring 2015 in Mount Vernon, WA testing five biodegradable mulches laid each spring and incorporated each fall until 2018. Mulch recovery was quantified every 6 months until fall 2020, 2 years after the final incorporation. While mulches were incorporated annually, recovery of visible fragments (>2.36 mm) was constant or decreasing over time, indicating mulch deterioration kept pace with new additions. In fall 2020, mulch recovery was 4–16% of total mulch mass incorporated. A zeroth-order kinetics model was used to analyze mulch degradation after the final application. Model extrapolations indicate it would take 21 to 58 months to reach 10% recovery (90% degradation), exceeding the laboratory standard's 24-month benchmark by up to a factor of 2.4. However, when the analysis is done with thermal time, better agreement between in-field and laboratory degradation rates is observed. While other factors, including soil type, soil moisture, and mulch fragment size are also at play, thermal time, rather than calendar time, will be more applicable for assessing site-specific, in-field mulch degradation.
Biophysical Analyses of IRES RNAs from the Dicistroviridae: Linking Architecture to Function

Internal ribosome entry sites (IRES) are non-protein coding RNAs that can drive translation initiation using RNA in place of protein factors and the modified nucleotide cap. IRESs are critical for successful infection by many viruses and may be an important means of regulating gene expression in healthy cells, yet our understanding of their structure-based mechanism of action remains incomplete. A critical part of understanding their function is knowledge of the biophysical properties of the free IRES RNA itself, as the architecture of the unbound RNA is likely to be a key functional determinant. This chapter presents the application of several biophysical methods to the study of an IRES RNA. Comparing the results of these studies to those performed on a different IRES RNA suggests the biophysical properties of these two IRES RNAs both reflect and predict their mode of interacting with the ribosome
Resolving presynaptic structure by electron tomography

A key goal in neurobiology is to generate a theoretical framework that merges structural, physiological and molecular explanations of brain function. These categories of explanation do not advance in synchrony; advances in one category define new experiments in other categories. For example, the synapse was defined physiologically and biochemically before it was visualized using electron microscopy. Indeed, the original descriptions of synapses in the 1950s were lent credence by the presence of spherical vesicles in presynaptic terminals that were considered to be the substrate for quantal neurotransmission. In the last few decades, our understanding of synaptic function has again been driven by physiological and molecular techniques. The key molecular players for synaptic vesicle structure, mobility and fusion were identified and applications of the patch clamp technique permitted physiological estimation of neurotransmitter release and receptor properties. These advances demand higher resolution structural images of synapses. During the 1990s a second renaissance in cell biology driven by EM was fueled by improved techniques for electron tomography (ET) with the ability to compute virtual images with nm resolution between image planes. Over the last fifteen years, ET has been applied to the presynaptic terminal with special attention to the active zone and organelles of the nerve terminal. In this review, we first summarize the technical improvements that have led to a resurgence in utilization of ET and then we summarize new insights gained by the application of ET to reveal the high-resolution structure of the nerve terminal.
Classical natural ovine scrapie prions detected in practical volumes of blood by lamb and transgenic mouse bioassays.

Scrapie is diagnosed antemortem in sheep by detecting misfolded isoforms of prion protein (PrPSc) in lymphoid follicles of the rectal mucosa and nictitating membranes. Assay sensitivity is limited if (a) the biopsy is collected early during disease development, (b) an insufficient number of follicles is collected, or (c) peripheral accumulation of PrPSc is reduced or delayed. A blood test would be convenient for mass live animal scrapie testing. Currently approved techniques, however, have their own detection limits. Novel detection methods may soon offer a non-animal-based, rapid platform with detection sensitivities that rival the prion bioassay. In anticipation, we sought to determine if diseased animals could be routinely identified with a bioassay using B lymphocytes isolated from blood sample volumes commonly collected for diagnostic purposes in small ruminants. Scrapie transmission was detected in five of six recipient lambs intravenously transfused with B lymphocytes isolated from 5~10 mL of blood from a naturally scrapie-infected sheep. Additionally, scrapie transmission was observed in 18 ovinized transgenic Tg338 mice intracerebrally inoculated with B lymphocytes isolated from 5~10 mL of blood from two naturally scrapie-infected sheep. Based on our findings, we anticipate that these blood sample volumes should be of diagnostic value.
Transition metal stannides with MgAgAs and MnCu2Al type structure

The ternary phases ZrNiSn and ZrNi2Sn were found to crystallize with the MgAgAs (ordered CaF2) and MnCu2Al (ordered BiF3, Heusler) type structure, respectively. The atomic order in these phases has been established from quantitative X-ray data. Although the ZrNi2Sn structure may be described as a filled up ZrNiSn structure, the two phases do not form a continuous range of solid solutions. The phases NbCoSn, NbRhSn, TiNiSn, ZrNiSn, HfNiSn, and NrPdSn are isotypic with MgAgAs. The phases ZrCo2Sn, HfCo2Sn, NbCo2Sn, ZrNi2Sn, HfNi2Sn and NbNi2Sn were found to crystallize with the MnCu2Al type structure. The previously reported phases TiCo2Sn and TiNi2Sn are confirmed. Lattice constants for the phases are reported. The three phases TiCo2Sn ZrCo2Sn, and HfCo2Sn were the only ones found to be ferromagnetic. All known transition metal stannides with the MgAgAs type structure have an average valence electron concentration of 8/3.
Applications of singular value decomposition to system modeling in signal processing

We consider the evaluation of the order of a linear system transfer function represented as an AR or an ARMA model based on the use of the singular value decomposition technique for the efficient determination of the rank of a matrix. Inputs to the system are modeled as binary-valued random data and outputs of the system are observed in the presence of uncorrelated noises. Results are obtained for the case when the relevant statistics given in autocorrelation and crosscorrelation values are assumed to be available as well as the case when the required statistics are computed explicitly from the sequence sample values. Various numerical examples are considered and shown to be more efficient than the Woodside determinant ratio approach.
Compartmentation of the cerebellar cortex by protein kinase C delta.

Abstract Six isozymes of protein kinase C were analysed in the rat cerebellum using immunohistochemistry. The results revealed a non-uniform distribution of protein kinase C delta among Purkinje, basket, and stellate cells. Serial-section mapping of the delta immunoreactivity revealed that (i) the number and intensity of labeled Purkinje cells increased from rostral to caudal while labeled basket-stellate cells decreased caudally; (ii) the majority of Purkinje cells were labeled in the nodulus, flocculus, and paraflocculus while the anterior lobules were mostly negative; and (iii) labeled Purkinje cells formed distinct parasagittal bands in lobules 6–9 of the paravermis and vermis. The banding of protein kinase C delta within subsets of Purkinje cells suggests units of cerebellar circuitry with specific signaling properties through protein phosphorylation. The visual-vestibular regions of the cerebellum contained the highest amount of the isozyme.
From Shafts to Wires: Historical Perspective on Electrification

The shift from steam to electric power in manufacturing is recounted. Between 1880 and 1930 the production and distribution of mechanical power rapidly evolved from water and steam prime movers with shaft and belt drive systems to electric motors that drove individual machines. The use of electricity reduced the energy required to drive machinery, but more important, enabled industry to obtain greater output per unit of capital and labor input.Reduced energy needs and increased productivity in manufacturing influenced the relationship between energy consumption and gross national product in the first three decades of the twentieth century.
DRUG DISCRIMINATION UNDER A CONCURRENT SCHEDULE

Three pigeons were trained to discriminate a 5.0 mg/kg dose of pentobarbital from saline under a two-key concurrent schedule with responding on the key associated with the presession injection, under both stimulus conditions, producing four times as many reinforcers as responding on the other key. This concurrent schedule resulted in approximately 70% responding to the higher reinforcement key under the pentobarbital stimulus and approximately 30% responding to that key under the saline stimulus. During testing, then, the pigeons were able to dose-dependently emit higher (>70%) or lower (<30%) values than were established under the control conditions. Dose-response curves were determined for pentobarbital (twice), methamphetamine, phencyclidine, chlordiazepoxide, and the combination of pentobarbital and the barbiturate antagonist bemegride. The results obtained with pentobarbital and chlordiazepoxide showed that, as the dose increased, pentobarbital-appropriate responding also increased. Methamphetamine produced relatively flat dose--response curves, whereas phencyclidine administration produced inconsistent effects on responding. The combination of the training dose of pentobarbital with increasing doses of bemegride produced a decrease in pentobarbital-appropriate responding. The results also showed that the dose-response curves for pentobarbital and chlordiazepoxide, instead of being all or none, were graded functions of the drug dose.