cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Water-assisted compounding of cellulose nanocrystals into polyamide 6 for use as a nucleating agent for microcellular foaming

Abstract Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are a biorenewable filler and can be an excellent nucleating agent for the development of microcellular foamed polymeric nanocomposites. However, their relatively low degradation temperature limits their use with engineering resins like polyamide 6 (PA6) in typical melt processing techniques such as injection molding, compounding, and extrusion. A water-assisted extrusion compounding process was investigated to directly compound CNC suspensions with PA6 without the need of predrying the CNCs. By using water as a plasticizer and reducing the processing temperature by 30 °C, this process can mitigate the degradation of CNCs during compounding. The effects of the CNCs on the mechanical properties, crystal type, and microstructure of solid and microcellular foamed specimens were characterized. The CNCs primarily acted as a nucleating filler, affecting both the matrix crystal structure and, in foamed composites, the cell structure. The CNCs nucleated the α-crystalline form of PA6 and also acted as a foam cell nucleator, increasing cell density by an order of magnitude while significantly reducing cell size. The weight reduction of the foamed specimens was about 15%. Adding small amounts of CNCs also increased matrix orientation in the solid injection molded specimens. These factors helped to improve the mechanical performance, especially the modulus of elasticity. During water-assisted compounding, thermal hydrolysis of PA6 occurred and generated carbon–carbon double bonds, as evaluated by FTIR. However, the molecular weight reduction caused by hydrolysis was less than 5%. The total molecular weight reduction was around 18%, combined with the melt extrusion and injection molding processes.
The Female Sex of the Genus Photomorphus (Mutillidae)

Holotype: (parvula) female, Alabama; in collection of American Entomological Society, Philadelphia. The holotype of myrmicoides , female, Texas, is in the same collection. The lectotype of impar , female, Fedor, Texas, May 27, 1901 (G. Birkman), is in the collection of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Mass., No. 8779.
Estimation of Validity for a Test of Game Sense

73 Ss were ranked on skill by means of a ladder tournament in badminton. Regression analyses indicated the game sense test score was not effective in predicting rank on the ladder tournament. Intercorrelations of the 10 subtests of the game sense test ranged from –.01 to .67 but were generally nonsignificant. The game sense test was invalid by the approach utilized.
Saturation of Metastable-Defect Density in a-Si:H

The existence of saturation (or steady state) in the density of light-induced defects in amorphous Si:H is shown to have major importance for the interpretation of the nature and origin of these defects. First, a number of characteristics of the steady-state and transient responses to light and temperature are described and contrasted. These lead to the conclusion that the saturation value is the only useful criterion of the number of defects in these materials. We then describe a new atomic model for defects, unifying both dopant-induced and light-induced defects. This model invokes foreign atoms in defects, and saturation reflects the limitation imposed by the numbers of such atoms. Many other observed properties of defects are explained by this model.
Thermodynamically Guided Synthesis of Mixed-Linker Zr-MOFs with Enhanced Tunability

Guided by thermodynamics, we have synthesized two mixed-linker zirconium-based metal–organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs), namely, PCN-133 and PCN-134. Both of them possess a layer-pillar structure, in which the connection between Zr6 clusters and primary BTB linkers form a (3,6)-connected kdg layer that is further extended into 3D frameworks by auxiliary DCDPS/TCPP linkers (BTB = benzene tribenzoate, DCDPS = 4,4′-dicarboxydiphenyl sulfone, TCPP = tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin). PCN-134 demonstrates high porosity (N2 uptake of 717 cm3·g–1 and BET surface area of 1946 cm2·g–1) and excellent chemical stability in aqueous solutions with pH values ranging from 0 to 13. More importantly, PCN-134 tolerates the partial absence of auxiliary linkers leading to structural defects during the assembly process while preserving its framework integrity. Furthermore, the defect density can be systematically controlled by tuning the occupancy of the auxiliary linker, which in turn affects the MOF properties. For instance, th...
Brief talk about protection problem of occupational health and safety in PCO

According to the regulations of Classification and Code for Hazardous and Harmful Factors in Productive Process( GB / T13861- 2009) and protection problems in China occupational health and safety,the incidence of protection problems of occupational health and safety in Pest Control Operation( PCO) was analyzed,providing the basis for development of measures for PCO prevention and control.
HIV-1 p17 synthetic peptide vaccine HGP-30: induction of immune response in human subjects and preliminary evidence of protection against HIV challenge in SCID mice.

An HIV-1 p17 subunit vaccine, HGP-30, was evaluated in 38 HIV-1 seronegative individuals in phase I clinical trials in U.K. and U.S.A. The vaccine preparation induced cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) (11/25) and lymphocyte proliferation responses to KLH (19/20) and HGP-30/p17 (24/29) as well as antibody responses to HGP-30 (29/38) and KLH (38/38). The CTL activity was observed in a higher number of vaccine recipients (9/18) in the lower dose groups (10 and 25 micrograms/kg) than the vaccine recipients (2/7) in the 50 and 100 micrograms/kg dose group. These observations suggest that the 10-25 micrograms/kg vaccine dose may preferentially induce TH1 cell responses. TH1 cell responses have been suggested as important in inducing protective cell mediated immunity. The CTL response has been shown to be CD8+. In a pilot study in SCID mice, HIV-1 virus challenge studies in mice reconstituted with cells from an HGP-30 immunized individual showed protection against virus challenge as compared to SCID mice reconstituted with cells from a non-immunized subject. These studies suggest that HGP-30 is capable of inducing protective cellular immunity.
Abstract 5266: Fast and accurate fusion transcript detection using the Trinity Cancer Transcriptome Analysis Toolkit

Chromosomal rearrangements leading to fusion transcripts represent a class of oncogenic aberrations that are of high interest for understanding cancer biology, treating cancer patients, and as targets for the development of new therapies. Transcriptome sequencing via RNA-Seq coupled with downstream bioinformatics software applications offers an effective method for identifying candidate fusion transcripts, and is more targeted and cost-effective than whole genome sequencing. Although many such fusion detection software tools have recently been made available, they often differ greatly in prediction accuracy, execution times, computational requirements, installation complexity, and in not being readily accessible to non-bioinformatician cancer researchers. Here we present the Trinity Cancer Transcriptome Analysis Toolkit (CTAT), a newly developed suite of RNA-Seq targeted fusion detection tools leveraging a combination of reference genome read-mapping and de novo transcriptome assembly, coupled to in silico fusion transcript validation, annotation, and visualization. We show that components of our Trinity CTAT fusion detection toolkit, including STAR-Fusion and FusionInspector, yield improved accuracy and run times as compared to alternative leading tools. As a demonstration of the utility of Trinity CTAT, we explore fusion transcript discovery in a large cohort of ∼300 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patient samples. We identify several novel recurrent fusions that may represent drivers of CLL etiology and provide new avenues to therapies. In addition to fusion transcript identification, Trinity CTAT aims to provide cancer researchers with easy access to methods for analyzing cancer RNA-Seq, including transcript reconstruction, identification of mutations, expression analysis, and tumor heterogeneity. Trinity CTAT is freely available open source software and readily accessible to all cancer researchers via our public Galaxy web portal: https://galaxy.ncgas-trinity.indiana.edu/. Citation Format: Brian Haas, Timothy Tickle, Nathalie Pochet, Jing Sun, Peggy Hsu, Chip Stewart, Carrie Ganote, Ben Fulton, Catherine Wu, Aviv Regev. Fast and accurate fusion transcript detection using the Trinity Cancer Transcriptome Analysis Toolkit. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 5266.
The Acquisition of Information about Biomedical Policy Issues

This chapter defines the attentive public in terms of the sources of information that these individuals use to become and remain well-informed. It also examines the general patterns of information acquisition by the attentive public and the interested public for biomedical research issues, as well as by the attentive and interested public for biotechnology policy issues. Those individuals attentive to biomedical research issues are heavy users of print media and frequent viewers of television news shows, but slightly less frequent users of electronic media. Although print media is undoubtedly a major source of biomedical research information for this attentive public, these individuals are also frequent viewers of television in general, and of television news shows in particular. The attentive public for biomedical research issues is a literate population of adults with strong reading habits, regular television news viewing patterns, and a reasonable level of access to electronic communications. Because they are generally better educated and more likely to be biomedically-literate, the acquisition of new information becomes a self-sustaining process. The chapter concludes with a discussion of communication strategies for reaching these groups.
Mechanisms of Radon Emanation and Long-Term Radon Flux Studies

The temporal and spatial variations in the release rates of radon from earth materials in to air and water have been widely recognized for several decades. One of the most important factors that affect the radon concentration in indoor (note that indoor air radon concentrations have direct health implications, chapter-11) and outdoor air is the rate of release of radon and its subsequent transport. The radon emanation coefficient in naturally-occurring rocks, minerals and soils varies over five orders of magnitude. Towards the effective use of radon as a tracer for geological, geophysical and geochemical studies, investigations on the factors and processes that cause concentration gradients of 222Rn in both air and water are essential. In this chapter, the mechanisms of and factors affecting radon release rates are presented. In-depth discussion on how key parameters such as pressure, temperature, moisture, mineralogy and grain size affect the release rates of radon and its subsequent transport is presented. Large-scale well-coordinated efforts around the globe, both on continental and national scale, on radon flux measurements have been conducted and results from those efforts are summarized. Radon flux studies from continents and oceans are reviewed and a compilation of long-term global 222Rn flux is presented. Radon emanation rate averaged over 32 years (based on the inventory of 210Pb) along with the global radon emanation rate curve is given.
Aurora-B Kinase Translocates to the Midzone in Endomitotic Megakaryocytes.

Abstract Megakaryocyte (MK) differentiation is marked by the development of progressive polyploidy, facilitating platelet production by the creation of a large cytoplasmic volume. MKs become polyploid through repeated cycles of endomitosis (EnM), in which mitosis is initiated but subsequently aborted in late anaphase with failure to complete karyokinesis and cytokinesis. However, the mechanisms underlying EnM remain poorly understood. Recent hypotheses explored in the literature have focused on the possible absence or mislocalization of the chromosomal passenger protein Aurora-B kinase, as it has a pivotal role in many aspects of cytokinesis. Along with the other passenger proteins, Aurora-B kinase transits from the centromeres of metaphase chromosomes to the bundled microtubules of the spindle midzone and overlying cortex between separating chromosomes in anaphase. The midzone and its associated proteins, are thought to be critical for determining the position of the cleavage furrow. One of these proteins, the kinesin MKLP-2, is required for the translocation of Aurora-B kinase to the midzone, where it co-localizes with the GTPase MgcRacGAP and stimulates its activity towards RhoA, potentially regulating actin dynamics at the cleavage furrow. We have previously demonstrated that several chromosomal passenger proteins including Aurora-B kinase are normally expressed and localized to centromeres in EnM MKs. In this work, we use deconvolution microscopy in primary murine and human MKs to extend those findings and demonstrate that EnM MKs form midzone structures that are characteristic of late anaphase; in addition, Aurora-B kinase is clearly present on the spindle midzone, as are MKLP-2 and MgcRacGAP. Although we found images suggestive of initial cleavage furrow formation with cortical localization of Aurora-B kinase in late phase cells, we were unable to demonstrate enhanced localization of actin or anillin to the furrow in EnM cells, despite their normal localization in diploid control cells. Therefore, many of the components of the central spindle are intact during MK EnM, but the formation of the cleavage furrow appears to be incomplete. These data add to our understanding of the possible mechanisms underlying EnM and offer an alternative hypothesis to that of failed expression or localization of the chromosomal passenger proteins. Ongoing studies will focus on the assembly and function of the cleavage furrow in this enigmatic process.
Decide Your Time

Research Summary This study used a randomized controlled trial approach with a sample of 400 high-risk probationers to test the hypothesis that a program incorporating principles of deterrence, graduated sanctions, and coerced abstinence would reduce recidivism rates among drug-using offenders. Bivariate and multilevel modeling strategies were implemented. Findings revealed no discernable difference across multiple drug use, probationary, and recidivism measures between those randomized into the treatment condition and those receiving standard probation. In multivariate models, probationer age, employment status, and treatment participation improved some recidivism outcomes. Programmatic and sample characteristics are discussed regarding the lack of experimental effect. Policy Implications These findings suggest that in designing and implementing deterrence-informed community supervision approaches, policy makers and practitioners should consider offender attributes, the addition of employment and treatment-based programs and supports, and local justice system structures. The findings of this study fit well with other emerging models of offender supervision, in particular, those that match services and programs based on offender risks and needs and those that recognize and address the heterogeneity of the offender population in developing supervision and service plans. Swift, certain, and fair supervision approaches for individuals under community supervision do not seem to be a “one-size-fits-all” strategy. Understanding for whom they work and under what conditions has not yet been determined. In the meantime, policy makers and practitioners should endeavor to understand the risks and needs of their local offender population and the community supports that are available to improve offender outcomes and increase public safety.
Werner Herzog and the Posthuman in encounters at the end of the world and cave of forgotten dreams

ABSTRACTA collection of post-humanist themes in two documentaries by Werner Herzog relate in their use of landscapes, technology, animals, and sound. While many scholars embrace a romantic humanist approach to analyzing Herzog, his work also lends itself to a detailed critique of the traditional Cartesian ego. This essay considers the philosophical contributions of Bergson, Deleuze, von Uexkull, Haraway, Lippit, Bogost, and Stiegler in interpreting images and interviews. The filmmaker’s consistent experiments with altered spaces, embodied modernity, and cinema’s technological and psychological power inform an analysis that points toward a more progressive ethics. Self, technology, and environment merge and create new possibilities for cinematic experience.
Near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging of Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome.

The relationship between lymphatic and venous malformations in Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is difficult to assess. Herein the authors describe near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging to assess the lymphatics of a subject with a large port-wine stain and right leg edema. Although lymphatic vessels in the medial, affected knee appeared dilated and perhaps tortuous, no definitive abnormal lymphatic pooling or propulsion was observed. The lymphatics in the affected limb were well defined but less numerous than in the contralateral limb, and active, contractile function was observed in all vessels. As demonstrated, near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging enables the clinical assessment of lymphatics in lymphovenous malformations.
Successful Techniques to Recruit Hispanic and Latino Research Participants

This paper is the third in a series of Survey Practice articles focused on recruiting hard-to-reach limited English speakers as research participants. Previous articles conducted systematic analyses of recruitment records and found that recruiting through word of mouth worked best to recruit Asians who speak little or no English. Anecdotally, our experience over the past decade supports similar observations for the recruitment of Hispanics and Latinos with limited English proficiency. To provide comprehensive and pragmatic recommendations (including what to say and what not to say in Spanish), we synthesized recruiter debriefing findings from two recruitment efforts for qualitative research. In both efforts, the recruiters enrolled Hispanic/Latino research participants who spoke little or no English and met a set of hard-to-reach characteristics that informed the goals of the research. We identified successful strategies as follows: recruiting in-person to maximize the benefit of the word-of-mouth method, building rapport and trust in the recruitment introduction, calming fear and the perception of risk, and personalizing the benefits of participation. We also established a profile of the successful recruiter that can be used as a guide by researchers who wish to identify and train recruiters.
Genes in Skeletal Muscle Remodeling and Impact of Feeding: Molecular and Cellular Aspects

Abstract Skeletal muscle is highly plastic and exhibits a wide spectrum of adaptations in response to different environmental and physiological stimuli, including physical activity or different types of exercise, muscle disuse, immobilization, denervation, and microgravity. After the initial acute responses to the stimuli, skeletal muscle remodeling can take place to achieve sustainable signaling and structural adaptations in order to accommodate specific physiological requirements. Positive skeletal remodeling typically occurs following increased physical activity or exercise. Negative remodeling can occur with decreased physical activity, as well as in many disease conditions, such as various muscular dystrophies, myositis, cancer cachexia, and sarcopenia. Adaptive responses of skeletal muscle are also significantly affected by dietary nutrient intake. A diet rich in healthy macro- and micronutrients enables positive muscle adaptation, while starvation or malnutrition negatively affects skeletal muscle health. Certain dietary practices, such as calorie restriction, may have varied effects on skeletal muscle remodeling in the short and long term. In this chapter, we will review the major cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in muscle remodeling and then discuss current knowledge of dietary effects on muscle remodeling under physiological or disease conditions.
Building a Better Bioarchaeology through Community Collaboration

Bioarchaeologists have worked with stakeholders, including descendant communities, for decades. While many mutually fulfilling engagements have occurred, they are underreported compared to reluctant, even combative, encounters. In this commentary we provide a comprehensive review of the published literature on the variety of collaborations that have taken place between bioarchaeologists and other stakeholder communities. Two ongoing bioarchaeological research projects that use methods from oral history and ethnography to negotiate the complexities of, and enhance collaboration with, diverse stakeholder groups are then presented. These include the contextualized analysis of a skull from the second millennium B.C. southern Levant that is now part of a teaching collection, and the search for the remains of the only Euro-American casualties of California’s Bear Flag Revolt of 1846. Having demonstrated the frequency of bioarchaeologists’ community partnerships, we conclude by recommending how their quality and visibility can be improved, in particular by employing methods from ethnography and oral history. In sum, an approach to bioarchaeology that respects, prioritizes, and effectively incorporates stakeholder input will ensure a more inclusive process, broader relevance, and more meaningful results—thus improving the discipline as a whole. Keywords: stakeholders; descendant communities; public outreach; oral history; ethnography; archaeology; bioarchaeology Los bioarqueologos han trabajado con las partes interesadas, incluyendo las comunidades descendientes, durante decadas. Mientras que muchos acuerdos con beneficio mutuo se han realizado, esos son documentados con menos frecuencia comparados con los encuentros que eran renuentes, incluso combativos. En este comentario, ofrecemos una revision exhaustiva de la literatura publicada sobre la variedad de colaboraciones que han pasado entre los bioarqueologos y otras comunidades interesadas. A continuacion se presenta dos proyectos de investigacion bioarqueologica en curso que utilizan metodos de la historia oral y la etnografia para negociar las complejidades relacionadas y mejorar la colaboracion con diversos grupos de actores interesados. Estos incluyen el analisis contextualizado de un craneo del segundo milenio del sur de Levante que ahora forma parte de una coleccion de ensenanza, y la busqueda de los restos de las unicas victimas euroamericanas de la rebelion de Bear Flag de California en 1846. Habiendo demostrado la frecuencia de las asociaciones comunitarias en que se involucran los bioarqueologos, concluimos recomendando formas que podrian mejorar su calidad y visibilidad, en particular empleando metodos de etnografia e historia oral. En resumen, un enfoque en el campo de la bioarqueologia que respete, priorice e incorpore efectivamente el aporte de las partes interesadas que garantice un proceso mas inclusivo, una relevancia mas amplia y los resultados mas significativos, mejorando asi la disciplina en total.
Risk factors for hepatic steatosis in adults with cystic fibrosis: Similarities to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Risk factors for hepatic steatosis in adults with cystic fibrosis: Similarities to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Piperidinyl Ureas Chemically Control Defective in Cullin Neddylation 1 (DCN1)-Mediated Cullin Neddylation

We previously discovered and validated a class of piperidinyl ureas that regulate defective in cullin neddylation 1 (DCN1)-dependent neddylation of cullins. Here, we report preliminary structure–activity relationship studies aimed at advancing our high-throughput screen hit into a tractable tool compound for dissecting the effects of acute DCN1–UBE2M inhibition on the NEDD8/cullin pathway. Structure-enabled optimization led to a 100-fold increase in biochemical potency and modestly increased solubility and permeability as compared to our initial hit. The optimized compounds inhibit the DCN1–UBE2M protein–protein interaction in our TR-FRET binding assay and inhibit cullin neddylation in our pulse-chase NEDD8 transfer assay. The optimized compounds bind to DCN1 and selectively reduce steady-state levels of neddylated CUL1 and CUL3 in a squamous cell carcinoma cell line. Ultimately, we anticipate that these studies will identify early lead compounds for clinical development for the treatment of lung squamous...
Femoral anteversion assessment: Comparison of physical examination, gait analysis, and EOS biplanar radiography.

BACKGROUND Multiple measurement methods are available to assess transverse plane alignment of the lower extremity. RESEARCH QUESTION This study was performed to determine the extent of correlation between femoral anteversion assessment using simultaneous biplanar radiographs and three-dimensional modeling (EOS imaging), clinical hip rotation by physical examination, and dynamic hip rotation assessed by gait analysis. METHODS Seventy-seven patients with cerebral palsy (GMFCS Level I and II) and 33 neurologically typical children with torsional abnormalities completed a comprehensive gait analysis with same day biplanar anterior-posterior and lateral radiographs and three-dimensional transverse plane assessment of femoral anteversion. Correlations were determined between physical exam of hip rotation, EOS imaging of femoral anteversion, and transverse plane hip kinematics for this retrospective review study. RESULTS Linear regression analysis revealed a weak relationship between physical examination measures of hip rotation and biplanar radiographic assessment of femoral anteversion. Similarly, poor correlation was found between clinical evaluation of femoral anteversion and motion assessment of dynamic hip rotation. Correlations were better in neurologically typical children with torsional abnormalities compared to children with gait dysfunction secondary to cerebral palsy. SIGNIFICANCE Dynamic hip rotation cannot be predicted by physical examination measures of hip range of motion or from three-dimensional assessment of femoral anteversion derived from biplanar radiographs.
Novel Protective Effects of Stem Cell Factor in a Murine Model of Acute Septic Peritonitis : Dependence on MCP-1

Mast cells participate in the host response during sepsis and have been shown to have a protective effect in a murine model of acute septic peritonitis and multi-organ failure initiated by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Stem cell factor (SCF) is a hematopoietic cytokine important in mast cell proliferation and activation. In the present study, we examined the protective effects of a single intraperitoneal injection of SCF given 2 hours before CLP surgery in mice. Four days after the CLP surgery, SCF pretreatment significantly improved mouse survival from 29 to 56% and mast cells were absolutely required for this effect. Immunoneutralization studies revealed that the SCF-stimulated release of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) into the septic peritoneal cavity contributed to the protective effect of SCF in this model. One potential cellular source of MCP-1 was the SCF-activated mast cell. In addition, SCF pretreatment significantly augmented circulating levels of SCF and the immunomodulatory cytokine interleukin-10 in septic mice, in part because the SCF pretreatment seemed to promote the release of both mediators from the liver. Additional hepatic effects of SCF treatment included an accelerated expression of hepatic levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) in CLP mice pretreated with SCF. Taken together, the findings from the present study demonstrate that the intraperitoneal delivery of SCF has a major protective effect in a murine model of CLP.
Initial knowledge state of college-level introductory geology students in the United States

The initial knowledge of college-level introductory geoscience students is poorly understood, yet greatly affects the ability of instructors to create an effective learning environment. Here we review past research into several fundamental Geoscience con-cept areas to better understand misconceptions, alternative conceptions and preconceptions related to Geologic Time, Plate Tec-tonics and geohazards. We combine this review of past work with new research on what students understand about minerals in order to address the disconnect between instructors´ perceptions of their students´ initial knowledge, with what the students ac-tually understand, in order to create a basis for decisions on course structure and pedagogy.
Making sense of intermittent energy harvesting

Batteryless, energy harvesting sensing devices enable new applications and deployment scenarios with their promise of zero maintenance, long lifetime, and small size. These devices fail often and for variable lengths of time because of the unpredictability of the energy harvesting source; be it solar, thermal, RF, or kinetic, making prediction and planning difficult. This paper explores ways to make sense of energy harvesting behaviors. We take known energy harvesting datasets, and create a few of our own, then classify energy harvesting behavior into modes. Modes are periodic or repeated elements caused by systematic or fundamental attributes of the energy harvesting environment. We show the existence of these Energy Harvesting Modes using real world data and IV surfaces created with the Ekho emulator, and then discuss how this powerful abstraction could increase robustness and efficiency of design and development on intermittently powered and energy harvesting computing devices.
Respiratory Enterovirus (like Parainfluenza Virus) Can Cause Chronic Lung Disease if Protection by Airway Epithelial STAT1 Is Lost.

Epithelial barrier cells are proposed to be critical for host defense, and airway epithelial cell capacity for IFN signal transduction is presumed to protect against respiratory viral infection. However, it has been difficult to fully test these concepts given the absence of tools to analyze IFN signaling specific to airway epithelial cells in vivo. To address these issues, we generated a new line of transgenic mice with Cre-driver genes (Foxj1 and Scgb1a1) for a floxed-Stat1 allele (designated Foxj1-Scgb1a1-Cre-Stat1f/f mice) to target the master IFN signal regulator STAT1 in airway epithelial cells and tested these mice for control of infection because of mouse parainfluenza (Sendai) virus and human enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). Indeed, both types of infections showed increases in viral titers and severity of acute illness in Foxj1-Scgb1a1-Cre-Stat1f/f mice and conventional Stat1-/- mice compared with wild-type mice. In concert, the chronic lung disease that develops after Sendai virus infection was also increased in Foxj1-Scgb1a1-Cre-Stat1f/f and Stat1-/ - mice, marked by airway and adjacent parenchymal immune cell infiltration and mucus production for at least 7 wk postinfection. Unexpectedly, relatively mild EV-D68 infection also progressed to chronic lung disease in Foxj1-Scgb1a1-Cre-Stat1f/f and Stat1 -/- mice but was limited (like viral replication) to airways. The results thereby provide proof-of-concept for a critical role of barrier epithelial cells in protection from acute illness and chronic disease after viral infection and suggest a specific role for airway epithelial cells given the limitation of EV-D68 replication and acute and chronic manifestations of disease primarily to airway tissue.
Differences in the Experience of Caregiving Between Spouse and Adult Child Caregivers in Dementia With Lewy Bodies.

Author(s): Rigby, Taylor; Ashwill, Robert T; Johnson, David K; Galvin, James E | Abstract: Background and objectivesDementia caregiving has been associated with increased burden, depression, grief, a decreased sense of well-being and quality of life, and a weakening of social support. Little is known about the experience of caregiving in Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). The present study examines differences in the caregiving experience of spouse versus adult child caregivers of individuals with DLB.Research design and methodsIn this cross-sectional analytic study of spouses (n = 255) and adult children (n = 160) caregivers of individuals with DLB, participants completed an online survey of burden, grief, depression, well-being, quality of life, and social support.ResultsAdult child caregivers were more likely to care for women (p l .001) and see the care recipient less often (p l .001) than spouses. Adult child caregivers reported lower quality of life (p l .001) and more caregiver burden (p l .009), but also greater social support (p l .001) than spouses. Between group analyses of caregiver type by disease severity demonstrated that spousal caregivers experience greater grief with advancing disease (p = .005), while adult child caregivers increase social support with advancing disease (p l .001).Discussion and implicationsSpouses and adult children experience DLB caregiving differently. This was explained by the younger age of the adult child caregiver, frequency of contact with the care recipient, and differences in the care recipient's characteristics, frequency of neuropsychiatric symptoms, and disease severity. DLB caregiver support for this population should target psychoeducation for complicated neuropsychiatric symptoms in the care recipient. Screening all DLB caregivers for burden, grief, and depression is suggested to identify those that may benefit most from intervention. Spouses specifically may benefit from interventions that target increasing social support, while adult child caregivers may benefit from interventions aimed at mitigating burden and improving quality of life.
Construction of the recombinant human adenovirus type 3 expressing Norovirus capsid protein gene

Objective To prepare recombinant human adenovirus type 3 expressing Norovirus cap-sid protein gene(Noro-orf2). Methods The cDNA for Noro-orf2 was amplifed by RT-PCR from stool of in-fantile gastroenteritis and cloned into the adenovirus shuttle vector pBSE3CMV-egfp. The vector pBSE3CMV-Nor was linearized with EeoR Ⅴ and Not Ⅰ, and transformed into E. coil BJ5183 with lined edenovirus ge-nomic DNA pLasmid pBRAdv3 by Rsr Ⅱ. The identification of recombinant adenovirus plasmid pBRAdv3E3dNor was performed by PCR, enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. Then pBRAdv3E3dNor was digested with AsiS Ⅰ and transfeeted into Hep-2 cells with LipofectAMINETM 2000 to package recombi-nant adenovirus particles. Results Noro-orf2 was successfully inserted into the shuttle vector. The recombi-nant adenoviral plasmid pBRAdv3E3dNor was generated by homologous recombination in E. coil BJ5183 and confirmed by PCR and enzyme digestion. The recombinant adenovirus was successfully packaged and puri-fied. Norovirus eapsid protein gene expression was confirmed in Hep-2 cells by immunecytochemistry assay. Conclusion The recombinant type 3 adenovirus expressing Norovirus eapsid protein gene was successfully constructed. This study laid a foundation for developing vaccine against Norovirus. Key words: Norovirus capsid protein; Human adenovirus type 3; Homologous recombination
Item Response Theory

Several user-contributed packages can fit IRT models. The packages we use the most is the ltm package by Dimitris Rizopoulos and the MCMCpack packages by Andrew Martin, Kevin Quinn, and Jong Hee Park. The eRm package by Patrick Mair, Reinhold Hatzinger, and Marco Maier also has powerful features. But our experience with eRm is limited at this time. We also rely extensively on the Gibbs sampler approach to fit IRT models, using open-source computer programs such as JAGS and OpenBUGS on the Linux operational system, JAGS on Mac OS, and WinBUGS (not open-source) on the Windows platform. The Gibbs sampler is one of the popular Markov Chain Monte Carlo iterative simulation methods.
Bipolar or Independent? Relations Between Positive and Negative Affect Vary by Emotional Intelligence

Individuals who are intelligent concerning their emotions should experience them differently. In particular, being conversant with the valence dimension that is key to emotions should reasonably result in emotional experiences that are more bipolar with respect to this dimension. Pursuant of these ideas, three studies (total N = 335) assessed emotional intelligence in ability-related terms (ability EI). The same participants also reported on their recent experiences of positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) at work (studies 1 and 2) and/or their day-to-day emotional experiences within a daily diary protocol (study 3). Within each of these studies, ability EI moderated the relationship between experiences of PA and NA, such that the PA-NA relationship was more bipolar at higher levels of EI. These findings are discussed with respect to their implications for debates about bipolarity as well as for their value in highlighting ways in which the ability EI dimension operates.
PRE- and POST-applied herbicide options for alfalfa interseeded with corn silage

Establishment of alfalfa by interseeding it with corn planted for silage can enhance crop productivity but weed management is a challenge to adoption of the practice. Although a simple and effective approach to weed management would be to apply a glyphosate-based herbicide, concerns about herbicide resistance and limitations in available alfalfa varieties exist. Field experiments were conducted to compare the efficacy and selectivity of PRE, POST, and PRE followed by POST herbicide programs to a glyphosate-only strategy when interseeding alfalfa with corn. Experiment 1 compared PRE applications of acetochlor, mesotrione, S-metalochlor, metribuzin, and flumetsulam. Results indicate that acetochlor and metribuzin, and S-metalochlor used at a rate of 1.1 kg ai ha−1 were the most effective and selective PRE herbicides 4 wk after treatment (WAT), but each resulted in greater overall weed cover than glyphosate by 8 WAT. Experiment 2 evaluated applications of bentazon, bromoxynil, 2,4-DB, and mesotrione at early and late POST times. Several herbicides used POST exhibited similar effectiveness and selectivity as glyphosate, including early applications of bromoxynil (0.14 kg ai ha−1) and 2,4-DB (0.84 or 1.68 kg ai ha−1), as well as late applications of bromoxynil (0.42 kg ai ha−1), 2,4-DB (0.84 kg ai ha−1), and mesotrione (0.05 or 0.11 kg ai ha−1). A third experiment compared applications of acetochlor PRE, bromoxynil POST, and a combination of acetochlor PRE with bromoxynil POST. All treatments were effective and safe for use in this interseeded system, although interseeded alfalfa provided 65% to 70% weed suppression in corn planted for silage without any herbicide. Herbicide treatments had no observable impacts on corn and alfalfa yields, so weed management was likely of limited economic importance. However, weed competitiveness can vary based on several different factors including weed species, density, and site-specific factors, and so further investigations under different environments and conditions are needed.
Destination ambassador programs: Building informed tourist friendly destinations

Abstract This exploratory project investigated the understudied topic of destination ambassador programs, specifically their efforts to increase tourist satisfaction by training local stakeholders for positive, informative interactions with tourists. Twenty-seven USA destination ambassador program representatives from 21 states were interviewed by phone to discuss their program's purpose, structure, value, and challenges. Seven themes emerged that help explain the ambassador programs: 1) organizations that created and administered destination ambassador programs, 2) purpose and content delivered, 3) program delivery, 4) funding, 5) benefits, 6) challenges, and 7) desired changes. Beneficial outcomes included: 1) increased or better customer service, 2) increased awareness of both the importance of tourism as an industry and local attractions, and 3) strengthened relationships between local tourism stakeholders. The various ambassador types are explained, leading to defining a destination ambassador program. Stakeholder, social exchange, and community attachment theories are theoretical underpinnings of this study as they help explain the tourist-local resident relationships. These findings can be used by practitioners and researchers, as this is one of a few articles on destination ambassador programs and the most holistic one of which the authors are aware. Practitioners can compare their programs to the findings to see how they equate, generate program ideas, and help determine if creating a program is an option for their destination. Researchers can use the results as baseline data for additional destination ambassador studies.
Side Force on Bodies of Revolution: Role of Attached Flow

The flowfield past a body of revolution at large incidence may develop an asymmetric wake that induces a significant side force. It remains a challenging problem for both computational and experime...
Assessment of Student Perspectives on Improving Wellness in Medical School: Qualitative Results from a Cross-Sectional Survey of Medical Students in Florida.

Purpose Helping medical students maintain wellbeing has become an important concern, as many medical students report a decline in their mental health during the course of their training. To improve students' wellbeing, some schools have implemented wellness programs into their curricula. While there is growing research about the effectiveness of these programs, little is known about what medical students themselves desire to support their wellbeing. This study aimed to assess medical student perspectives regarding the most effective ways to promote wellness during medical school. Participants and methods To address this gap in the literature, a survey was administered to medical students at the nine medical schools in the state of Florida. Participants included 864 medical students, whose anonymous responses were analyzed descriptively as well as qualitatively to determine major themes. Results Students provided novel suggestions and recommendations, including ideas for curricular additions and changes, cultural changes within schools, promoting positive behaviors and extracurricular activities, and providing resources for students. Conclusion Based on the participants' responses, it is evident that wellness is an important issue to medical students and, given the variety of suggestions, schools should strongly consider what wellness changes to implement and whether participation in them should be mandatory. The results of this study will be a resource to medical schools and educators who are considering curricular changes to address medical student wellbeing.
Balancing life and death: BCL-2 family members at diverse ER–mitochondrial contact sites

The outer mitochondrial membrane is a busy place. One essential activity for cellular survival is the regulation of membrane integrity by the BCL-2 family of proteins. Another critical facet of the outer mitochondrial membrane is its close approximation with the endoplasmic reticulum. These mitochondrial-associated membranes (MAMs) occupy a significant fraction of the mitochondrial surface and serve as key signaling hubs for multiple cellular processes. Each of these pathways may be considered as forming their own specialized MAM subtype. Interestingly, like membrane permeabilization, most of these pathways play critical roles in regulating cellular survival and death. Recently, the pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family member BOK has been found within MAMs where it plays important roles in their structure and function. This has led to a greater appreciation that multiple BCL-2 family proteins, which are known to participate in numerous functions throughout the cell, also have roles within MAMs. In this review, we evaluate several MAM subsets, their role in cellular homeostasis, and the contribution of BCL-2 family members to their functions.
Getting ‘more and more comfortable’: using an Activist Approach in a dance PE content course

Despite the value dance can bring to people’s lives, many physical educators find dance intimidating (Goodwin [2010]. “Dance is Not a Dirty Word.” Strategies 24 (1): 10–12.). Teachers’ self-conscio...
J. Donald Capra, M.D. (1937–2015)

On February 24, 2015, at the age of 77, J. Donald “Don” Capra, M.D., president emeritus of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, died of a malignant glioblastoma. For countless immunologists, Don was a pundit, enthusiast, and confidant. He was a member of The American Association of
Biolistic transformation of macro- and micronuclei.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents methods for the biolistic transformation of both macro- and micronuclei of Tetrahymena thermophila . DNA-coated gold particles are fired into starved vegetative cells and, during late phases of conjugation, into mating cells to introduce gene sequences into the macronucleus. Early stages of mating are bombarded to add genes to the micronucleus. Methods for cell preparation and a detailed protocol for shooting and recovering transformed cells are also presented. Development of successful transformation techniques in any ciliate is complicated by the separation of somatic and germinal functions into two distinctly different nuclei: the polyploid macronucleus, which solely directs the cell's phenotype, and the transcriptionally inert diploid micronucleus, which contributes the genotype to subsequent sexual generations. Each of these nuclei is a unique target for DNA transformation, requires different strategies for the introduction of genes, and responds in different ways following successful transformation.
Congenital bicuspid aortic valve disease with an aneurysm of the ascending aorta in adults: vertical reduction aortoplasty with distal external synthetic wrapping.

In three adult patients with diseased congenital bicuspid aortic valves and aneurysms of the ascending aorta, we performed aortic valve replacements, and combined a proximal and middle vertical reduction aortoplasty with a distal external synthetic wrapping. During a mean follow-up of 23.3 months there is no evidence of compression of the innominate artery by the distal external synthetic wrap, and no redilatation of the ascending aorta. (J Card Surg 2004;19:144-148)
Polyurethane foam growth in Air Void Analyzer

The authors have used an Air Void Analyzer (AVA) designed for concretes and applied it to polymeric foams. Similarly as with air voids in concretes, there is a kinetic process of foam cell formation and growth. Good results have been obtained for polyurethane foams. There seems to be no limitation in using AVA for other polymeric foams formation.