cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Astrovirus Structure and Assembly

Recent structural studies on the astrovirus virion and viral proteins have yielded exciting new insights into the molecular mechanisms of the astrovirus life cycle. The 25 A-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) reconstructions of the astrovirus virion reveal a solid capsid shell studded with spikes. Proteolytic maturation of the virus particle results in capsid conformational changes, most prominently at the spikes. High-resolution crystal structures of the human and avian astrovirus capsid spike domains have shed light on potential host receptors and species specificity. Together, both the structural studies on the astrovirus virion and capsid spike domains have revealed similarities to hepatitis E virus, suggesting an evolutionary relationship. The only other structural information on astrovirus is from the high-resolution crystal structure of the protease that is involved in nonstructural polyprotein processing. Overall, these structural studies have led a better understanding of the astrovirus life cycle, including astrovirus assembly, virus release, maturation, receptor binding, antibody neutralization, and nonstructural polyprotein processing.
Understanding teacher professional learning through cyber research

Online professional learning websites provide a unique window into how teachers make self-directed choices about their own professional development. This study extends previous research on how teachers use online resource repositories to examine how teachers make choices about resource use on a professional learning website. The website, the Everyday Mathematics Virtual Learning Community, offers teachers two types of professional learning resources: (1) videos that can be played and (2) documents that can be downloaded. Each resource is presented with a wealth of information—such as user ratings, user comments, grade level designation, and a resource description—that could potentially influence teachers’ decisions about whether to use the resource. This study uses multiple regression to understand what information predicts whether teachers download a document or play a video. The results indicate that teachers are influenced by other users’ evaluations of resources, perceived practicality of resources, and brevity and accessibility of information about resources.
Photooxidation of Molybdenum and Tungsten Carbynes

The low valent carbyne complexes CpL2M≡CR [M = Mo, W; L = P(OMe)3, CO; R = alkyl, aryl] undergo photochemical electron transfer to halogenated hydrocarbons. The resulting 17-electron metal carbyne cation radicals exhibit reactivity that differs significantly from that of the neutral precursors. By manipulating the reaction conditions, we can switch the system from “inorganic” reactivity (the characteristic reactions of metal radicals) to “organic” reactivity (the production of organic products by rearrangement and loss of the carbyne ligand). In the “inorganic” mode, ligand exchange and halogen abstraction yield new complexes with the carbyne ligand intact. In one example of the “organic” mode, photooxidation of the cyclopropyl carbyne Cp[P(OMe)3](CO)W≡C(c-C3H5) produces cyclopentenone. Another “organic” reaction is cyclization of the butenyl carbyne Cp[P(OMe)3](CO)Mo≡C(CH2)2CH=CH2 to form cyclohexenone.
On the Relationship Between Memes and Genes: A Critique of Dennett

Dennett (1995) argues that memes or cultural replicators are largely autonomous of genes, and that they are fairly efficacious in determining who we are and what we do. I argue that Dennett's arguments are wrong in several aspects, which we can see by analyzing processes at appropriate levels. Specifically, I argue that it is not true that we as persons are created largely by memes, that our memes are not largely independent of our genes, and that we can use the universality of memes to make inferences about genetic predispositions. Finally, by suggesting an innate psychological mechanism for morality, I argue that morality may be largely the effect of genetic predispositions rather than autonomous.
An Overview of Empathy

Empathy is a powerful communication skill that is often misunderstood and underused. Initially, empathy was referred to as “bedside manner”; now, however, authors and educators consider empathetic communication a teachable, learnable skill that has tangible benefits for both clinician and patient: Effective empathetic communication enhances the therapeutic effectiveness of the clinician-patient relationship. Appropriate use of empathy as a communication tool facilitates the clinical interview, increases the efficiency of gathering information, and honors the patient.
Game programming and the myth of child's play

There was a time when having a college level class in game programming was considered a waste of time and talent. There are those for whom game programmers are regarded as little more than immature adults indulging themselves in some juvenile pastime best left behind so as to join the adult, real world. This attitude can be no farther from the truth. Experts point out that games are an important steppingstone for kids into the world of technology. Students who play computer games tend to be more comfortable with the technology and more adept at using it. The game industry has seen a growth in employment and wages between 1995 and 2000 that far outpaced growth in other major U.S. industries. For that same period, the U.S. economy grew 7.4%, while the game software industry grew 14.9%. In addition, the entertainment software industry is credited with generating 220,000 jobs and nearly $9 billion in wages and federal and state personal income tax revenues from 2000 to 2001. With these kinds of numbers, the game industry and the skills needed therein should no longer be ignored.This paper will examine the way games are created, present computer science concept and skills students in a game programming class are likely to encounter and recount experiences teaching two beginning game programming classes.
Multimodal management of arteriovenous malformations of the basal ganglia and thalamus: factors affecting obliteration and outcome

Objective Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the basal ganglia and thalamus are particularly difficult lesions to treat, accounting for 3%-13% of all AVMs in surgical series and 23%-44% of malformations in radiosurgery series. The goal of this study was to report the results of multimodal management of basal ganglia and thalamic AVMs and investigate the factors that influence radiographic cure and good clinical outcomes. Methods This study was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of all patients treated at the authors' institution. Clinical, radiological, follow-up, and outcome data were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore the influence of various factors on outcome. Results The results and data analysis pertaining to 123 patients treated over 32 years are presented. In this cohort, radiographic cure was achieved in 50.9% of the patients. Seventy-five percent of patients had good clinical outcomes (stable or improved performance scores), whereas 25% worsened after treatment. Inclusion of surgery and radiosurgery independently predicted obliteration, whereas nidus diameter and volume predicted clinical outcomes. Nidus volume/diameter and inclusion of surgery predicted the optimal outcome, i.e., good clinical outcomes with lesion obliteration. Conclusions Good outcomes are possible with multimodal treatment in these complex patients. Increasing size and, by extension, higher Spetzler-Martin grade are associated with worse outcomes. Inclusion of multiple modalities of treatment as indicated could improve the chances of radiographic cure and good outcomes.
Removal of a Membrane Anchor Reveals the Opposing Regulatory Functions of Vibrio cholerae Glucose-Specific Enzyme IIA in Biofilms and the Mammalian Intestine.

ABSTRACT The Vibrio cholerae phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase system (PTS) is a well-conserved, multicomponent phosphotransfer cascade that coordinates the bacterial response to carbohydrate availability through direct interactions of its components with protein targets. One such component, glucose-specific enzyme IIA (EIIAGlc), is a master regulator that coordinates bacterial metabolism, nutrient uptake, and behavior by direct interactions with cytoplasmic and membrane-associated protein partners. Here, we show that an amphipathic helix (AH) at the N terminus of V. cholerae EIIAGlc serves as a membrane association domain that is dispensable for interactions with cytoplasmic partners but essential for regulation of integral membrane protein partners. By deleting this AH, we reveal previously unappreciated opposing regulatory functions for EIIAGlc at the membrane and in the cytoplasm and show that these opposing functions are active in the laboratory biofilm and the mammalian intestine. Phosphotransfer through the PTS proceeds in the absence of the EIIAGlc AH, while PTS-dependent sugar transport is blocked. This demonstrates that the AH couples phosphotransfer to sugar transport and refutes the paradigm of EIIAGlc as a simple phosphotransfer component in PTS-dependent transport. Our findings show that Vibrio cholerae EIIAGlc, a central regulator of pathogen metabolism, contributes to optimization of bacterial physiology by integrating metabolic cues arising from the cytoplasm with nutritional cues arising from the environment. Because pathogen carbon metabolism alters the intestinal environment, we propose that it may be manipulated to minimize the metabolic cost of intestinal infection. IMPORTANCE The V. cholerae phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase system (PTS) is a well-conserved, multicomponent phosphotransfer cascade that regulates cellular physiology and virulence in response to nutritional signals. Glucose-specific enzyme IIA (EIIAGlc), a component of the PTS, is a master regulator that coordinates bacterial metabolism, nutrient uptake, and behavior by direct interactions with protein partners. We show that an amphipathic helix (AH) at the N terminus of V. cholerae EIIAGlc serves as a membrane association domain that is dispensable for interactions with cytoplasmic partners but essential for regulation of integral membrane protein partners. By removing this amphipathic helix, hidden, opposing roles for cytoplasmic partners of EIIAGlc in both biofilm formation and metabolism within the mammalian intestine are revealed. This study defines a novel paradigm for AH function in integrating opposing regulatory functions in the cytoplasm and at the bacterial cell membrane and highlights the PTS as a target for metabolic modulation of the intestinal environment.
Multiobjective Optimization for Electromagnetics and Optics: An Introduction and Tutorial Based on Real-World Applications

Multiobjective optimization (MOO) provides the designer with a set of solutions that show potential tradeoffs between multiple conflicting objectives-e.g., performance and cost. Despite its utility, MOO is not as popular in electromagnetics (EMs) and optics as it is in other fields, such as economics, finance, and mechanical and chemical engineering. This article will provide a tutorial and introduction for electrical engineers interested in using a MOO algorithm.
Mycorrhiza-Induced Resistance in Potato Involves Priming of Defense Responses Against Cabbage Looper (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera)

Most plants form mutualistic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi that are ubiquitous in soils. Through this symbiosis, plants can withstand abiotic and biotic stresses. The underlying molecular mechanisms involved in mediating mycorrhiza-induced resistance against insects needs further research, and this is particularly true for potato (Solanum tuberosum L. (Solanales: Solanaceae)), which is the fourth most important crop worldwide. In this study, the tripartite interaction between potato, the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis (Glomerales: Glomeraceae), and cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was examined to determine whether potato exhibits mycorrhiza-induced resistance against this insect. Plant growth, insect fitness, AM fungal colonization of roots, and transcript levels of defense-related genes were measured in shoots and roots after 5 and 8 d of herbivory on mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal plants. AM fungal colonization of roots did not have an effect on potato growth, but root colonization levels increased by herbivory. Larval weight gain was reduced after 8 d of feeding on mycorrhizal plants compared with nonmycorrhizal plants. Systemic upregulation of Allene Oxide Synthase 1 (AOS1), 12-Oxo-Phytodienoate Reductase 3 (OPR3) (jasmonic acid pathway), Protease Inhibitor Type I (PI-I) (anti-herbivore defense), and Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase (PAL) transcripts (phenylpropanoid pathway) was found during the tripartite interaction. Together, these findings suggest that potato may exhibit mycorrhiza-induced resistance to cabbage looper by priming anti-herbivore defenses aboveground. This study illustrates how mycorrhizal potato responds to herbivory by a generalist-chewing insect and serves as the basis for future studies involving tripartite interactions with other pests.
Investigating threshold escape behavior for the gimballed horizontal pendulum system

Abstract This paper examines a gimballed horizontal pendulum for use as an energy harvester. It can be designed for threshold escape behavior rather than the conventional method of matching frequencies. A nonlinear electromechanical model is developed to study the system's equilibrium states as a function of tilt angle. Bifurcation diagrams and basins of attraction are generated to illustrate these equilibria and their associated stability. A static bifurcation point is solved for analytically and the implications for an energy harvester, one that can be designed to jump across stable attractors based on forcing amplitudes, are discussed. Amplitude sweeps are conducted showing a dynamic bifurcation point that varies as a function of frequency and effective damping. Experiments are run to validate computational results and the applications for energy harvesters are discussed.
Development and Validation of the Dietary Habits and Colon Cancer Beliefs Survey (DHCCBS): An Instrument Assessing Health Beliefs Related to Red Meat and Green Leafy Vegetable Consumption

Dietary patterns characterized by higher red meat (RM) consumption are associated with increased colon cancer (CC) risk. Preclinical and epidemiological evidence suggest higher green leafy vegetable (GLV) consumption may mitigate these risks. Determining the relationship between dietary habits and expected health outcomes is needed. Methods. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was used to assess perceived CC susceptibility and severity, and related dietary benefits, barriers, and motivators. RM and GLV consumption were quantified using select DHQII items (n=15) capturing the previous 30 days' intake. A 34-item Qualtrics survey was provided to a convenience sample of 1,075 adults residing throughout the US Confirmatory factor analysis measured fitness with HBM, and Cronbach's alpha assessed subscale reliability. A subsample (n=47) completed a 2-week follow-up for test-retest reliability. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare RM and GLV intake and DHCCBS responses between genders. Individual barrier questions and RM and GLV consumption were compared using ANOVA for each gender; post hoc analyses between barrier question responses were assessed with Bonferroni correction. Results were considered significant with a p value of less than 0.05. Results. 990 US adults (52.7% female, 79.1% white, 50.8% aged 35+ years) completed valid surveys. Factor analysis with varimax rotation validated the construct of HBM subscales; only one question had a loading less than 0.745. Subscale Cronbach's alphas ranged within 0.478-0.845. Overall test-retest reliability was acceptable (r=0.697, p=5.22x10-8). Participant BMI was (mean±SD) 26.7±6.6 kg/m2. Participants consumed (median, IQR) 2.3, 0.9-4.7 cooked cup equivalents GLV/week and 12.2, 5.8-21.5 ounces RM/week. Over half of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement "I can't imagine never eating red meat," while less than one eighth of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement "I don't like the taste of green leafy vegetables." Conclusion. The DHCCBS is a valid instrument for measuring health beliefs related to red meat, green leafy vegetables, and perceived colon cancer risk. Additionally, these findings suggest increasing GLV may be more feasible than reducing RM for CC risk reduction in meat eaters.
The ECOSTRESS spectral library version 1.0

Abstract In June 2018, the ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) mission was launched to measure plant temperatures and better understand how they respond to stress. While the ECOSTRESS mission delivers imagery with ~60 m spatial resolution, it is often useful to have spectra at the leaf level in order to explain variability seen at the pixel level. As it was originally titled, the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) spectral library version 2.0 has been expanded to support ECOSTRESS studies by including major additions of laboratory measured vegetation and non-photosynthetic vegetation (NPV) spectra. The library now contains 541 leaf visible shortwave infrared (VIS/SWIR) spectra, 472 leaf thermal infrared (TIR) spectra, and 51 NPV VIS/SWIR and TIR spectra. Previously, the library primarily contained VSWIR and TIR laboratory spectra of minerals, rocks, and man-made materials. This new library, containing over 3000 spectra, was renamed the ECOSTRESS spectral library version 1.0 and is publicly available ( http://speclib.jpl.nasa.gov ). It should be noted that as with the prior versions of the library, the VSWIR and TIR measurements were made with separate instruments with different calibration sources. Care should be taken when combining the data into a seamless spectrum to cover the entire spectral range. The ECOSTRESS spectral library provides a comprehensive collection of natural and man-made laboratory collected spectra covering the wavelength range of 0.35–15.4 μm.
Structural Equivalence: Meaning and Measures

In social network analysis, two nodes are considered structurally equivalent if they have the same neighborhoods – that is, they are connected to the same others. Initially introduced as a convenience for creating reduced models of networks, it was soon seen as a way to formalize the concept of relational role or position. To the extent that characteristics of nodes are shaped by their social environments, we expect structurally equivalent nodes to develop similar characteristics. Structural equivalence has been used to explain similarities in beliefs and attitudes, the adoption of innovation, the evolution of interfirm networks, political affiliation, the structure of trade among nations, and the effects of technology change.
Three Lessons from Japan on Architectural Resilience

This article defines architectural resilience as architecture’s capacity to support a community in regaining equilibrium after a powerful force has disrupted its organization. It considers architecture’s physical, aesthetic, and symbolic aspects as equally important for its agency in a community, and argues that the combination of these aspects differentiates architectural resilience from structural resilience. To demonstrate this, the article looks at Japan, where powerful natural forces and human-inflicted devastation have frequently given the population cause to rethink the idea of resilience in their habitat and settlement patterns. This article focuses on three periods in Japan’s history when architectural resilience was a key factor in the (re)development of the population’s habitat. In the pre-industrial Edo period, resilience was attained by balancing scales of design: ductility of some buildings compensated for rigidity in others. The second period is that of the 1960s, when the Metabolist architects sought to accommodate change in buildings and cities by distinguishing rigid elements from malleable ones. But a penchant for technological specificity precluded the resilient balance. Finally, the article examines the reconstruction efforts following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, when government plans to toughen the territory through infrastructure and to relocate the population overlooked the living preferences of specific communities and their connection to the ocean. In this instance, architects played a key role as mediators between people and their environment. These three cases demonstrate how a combination of rigidity and flexibility can ensure architecture’s contribution to the regeneration of communities.
A mathematical model of flagellar gene regulation and construction in Salmonella enterica

Millions of people worldwide develop foodborne illnesses caused by Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) every year. The pathogenesis of S. enterica depends on flagella, which are appendages that the bacteria use to move through the environment. Interestingly, populations of genetically identical bacteria exhibit heterogeneity in the number of flagella. To understand this heterogeneity and the regulation of flagella quantity, we propose a mathematical model that connects the flagellar gene regulatory network to flagellar construction. A regulatory network involving more than 60 genes controls flagellar assembly. The most important member of the network is the master operon, flhDC, which encodes the FlhD4C2 protein. FlhD4C2 controls the construction of flagella by initiating the production of hook basal bodies (HBBs), protein structures that anchor the flagella to the bacterium. By connecting a model of FlhD4C2 regulation to a model of HBB construction, we investigate the roles of various feedback mechanisms. Analysis of our model suggests that a combination of regulatory mechanisms at the protein and transcriptional levels induce bistable FlhD4C2 levels and heterogeneous numbers of flagella. Also, the balance of regulatory mechanisms that become active following HBB construction is sufficient to provide a counting mechanism for controlling the total number of flagella produced. Author summarySalmonella causes foodborne illnesses in millions of people worldwide each year. Flagella, which are appendages that the bacteria use to move through the environment, are a key factor in the infection process. Populations of genetically identical bacteria have been observed to contain both motile cells, generally with 6-10 flagella, and nonmotile cells, with no flagella. In this paper, we use mathematical models of the gene network that regulates flagellar construction to explore how the bacteria controls the number of flagella produced. We suggest that a bacterium must accumulate a threshold amount of a master regulator protein to initiate flagella production and failure to reach the threshold results in no flagella. Downstream mechanisms that impact the amount of master regulator protein are sufficient to determine how many flagella are produced.
The Role of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1-Alpha in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is fourth common form of cancer occurring on a global scale, with a strong prevalence in the Western world and industrialized nations. Even though there are many factors that contribute towards to the advancement of colorectal cancer, currently, investigations have shown a strong correlation between hypoxia-inducible factor and colorectal cancer. Hypoxia-inducible factor is a heterodimeric transcription factor, which encodes one of its regulatory subunits known as hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1-alpha). HIF-1-alpha is a protein which plays a key role in the regulation and modulation of gene expression and cellular response related to hypoxia. Hypoxia results when there is an inadequate delivery of oxygen to the cells. Studies have confirmed that the over-expression of HIF-1-alpha is strongly correlated to gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal cancer. Specifically, the over-expression of HIF-1-alpha and PAS domain protein 1 serves as strong prognostic indicators to assess the advancement of the disease. Studying the correlation between HIF-1-alpha and colorectal cancers or in general cancers is an attractive point of study because targeting HIF-1-alpha, by disrupting its cellular pathways, can potentially prevent tumor growth development. In this paper, we will examine the role of HIF-1-alpha in colorectal cancer and how its expression and regulation could possibly lead to therapeutic options for treatment of colorectal cancer.
PKCϵ signaling cascade involved in Stat3 activation and prostate cancer progression

1609 Protein kinase C (PKC), a family of eleven (α, βI, βII, γ, δ, ϵ, η, θ, λ, ζ, μ) phospholipid-dependent serine/threonine protein kinases, exhibits functional diversity in its signals to a variety of cellular functions including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and oncogenesis. PKCϵ, a member of the novel PKC sub-family, is a transforming oncoprotein when overexpressed either in fibroblasts or epithelial cells. PKCϵ is overexpressed and constitutively activated in various human cancers including breast, head and neck, prostate, brain, skin, and bladder. PKCϵ expression levels correlate with the aggressiveness of both prostate and breast cancer. It is also noteworthy that PKCϵ overexpression is sufficient to transform the androgen-dependent prostate cancer cell line LNCaP into an androgen-independent variant, which rapidly initiates growth in both intact and castrated male nude mice. Inhibition of PKCϵ expression, using specific siRNA, inhibits cancer cell growth, motility, and invasion. These results indicate that PKCϵ activation constitutes an initial signal in cancer growth and progression. However, the mechanisms by which PKCϵ mediates initial oncogenic activity remain elusive. We found that PKCϵ interacts with Stat3, which is constitutively activated in a wide variety of human cancers. Stat3 regulates several genes linked to embryogenesis, cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosisand tumorigenesis. Stat3 has two conserved amino acid residues, Tyrosine 705 and Serine 727, both phosphorylated during Stat3 activation. PKCϵ interacts with Stat3, phosphorylates Stat3Ser727, and regulates its constitutive activation. PKCϵ-Stat3 interaction was observed in various human cancer cell lines. We also investigated whether PKCϵ directly interacts with Stat3 or via intermediate protein kinases to phosphorylate Stat3Ser727. In an immunocomplex kinase assay, purified bacterially expressed recombinant PKCϵ phosphorylated purified recombinant GST-Stat3 at Ser727. These results indicate that Stat3 can be a direct substrate for PKCϵ. However, we also found that PKCϵ may interact with other protein kinases. In reciprocal immunoprecipitation/blotting experiments using whole cell lysates from prostate cancer, PKCϵ and Stat3 were found to associate with Raf-1, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2. Inhibition of PKCϵ in DU145 cells using PKCϵ specific siRNA inhibited the phosphorylation of Raf-1, MEK1/2, ERK1/2 and Stat3. Thus, it appears that Stat3Ser727 phosphorylation is mediated by a protein kinase complex which involves PKCϵ-Raf-1-MEK1/2-ERK1/2. PKCϵ mediates oncogenesis through interaction and activation of Stat3. These results indicate that PKCϵ is a master switch in the induction and progression of human cancer. PKCϵ is a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker of cancer and a possible molecular target for the prevention and treatment. (Support: DOD-W81XWH and NIH-CA35368).
Image Translation by Latent Union of Subspaces for Cross-Domain Plaque Detection

Calcified plaque in the aorta and pelvic arteries is associated with coronary artery calcification and is a strong predictor of heart attack. Current calcified plaque detection models show poor generalizability to different domains (ie. pre-contrast vs. post-contrast CT scans). Many recent works have shown how cross domain object detection can be improved using an image translation model which translates between domains using a single shared latent space. However, while current image translation models do a good job preserving global/intermediate level structures they often have trouble preserving tiny structures. In medical imaging applications, preserving small structures is important since these structures can carry information which is highly relevant for disease diagnosis. Recent works on image reconstruction show that complex real-world images are better reconstructed using a union of subspaces approach. Since small image patches are used to train the image translation model, it makes sense to enforce that each patch be represented by a linear combination of subspaces which may correspond to the different parts of the body present in that patch. Motivated by this, we propose an image translation network using a shared union of subspaces constraint and show our approach preserves subtle structures (plaques) better than the conventional method. We further applied our method to a cross domain plaque detection task and show significant improvement compared to the state-of-the art method.
The MAVEN Radio Occultation Science Experiment (ROSE)

The Radio Occultation Science Experiment (ROSE) is part of the scientific payload of the Mars Atmosphere Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft. Here we motivate the science objectives of the MAVEN ROSE investigation, which are (1) to determine the vertical structure of plasma in the ionosphere and (2) to identify the density, altitude, and width of the ionospheric density peak. MAVEN ROSE achieves these science objectives by performing two-way X-band radio occultations. Data are acquired ingress and egress opportunities using the high-gain antenna and a carrier-only signal. They are also acquired on ingress opportunities using the low-gain antenna with telemetry on the signal. Raw data are processed to yield vertical profiles of the electron density in the ionosphere of Mars with an accuracy on the order of $10^{9}\mbox{ m}^{-3}$ , a vertical resolution on the order of 1 km, and a vertical range on the order of 100–500 km. Data products are archived at the NASA Planetary Data System. In order to ensure the reproducibility of the results of the MAVEN ROSE investigation, software programs to determine MAVEN ROSE electron density profiles from time series of frequency residuals accompany this article. Furthermore, here we examine what the MAVEN ROSE observations reveal about the behavior of the ionosphere of Mars. Peak density, peak altitude, and total electron content mostly display the expected trends with solar zenith angle. However, deviations from those trends are present. Peak density at fixed dayside solar zenith angle can vary by 30% and M1 layer density at fixed solar zenith angle can vary even more. Solar irradiance variations are the most likely cause of these variations. Peak altitude at fixed dayside solar zenith angle can vary by 20 km or more. Thermospheric responses to lower atmospheric dust events are the most likely cause of these variations. Several instances of unusual ionospheric features are present in the dayside electron density profiles. A layer with density $3 \times 10^{10}\mbox{ m}^{-3}$ that appears to occur at 60 km altitude may be a horizontally-confined region of larger density that actually occurs at higher altitudes. Significant changes in density over short vertical distances around 160 km altitude may be caused by ionospheric dynamics in the presence of strong crustal magnetic fields. Topside plasma layers around 200 km altitude may reflect sharp gradients in electron temperature.
Some Strands of Wittgenstein’s Normative Pragmatism, and Some Strains of his Semantic Nihilism

In this reflection I address one of the critical questions this monograph is about: How to justify proposing yet another semantic theory in the light of Wittgenstein’s strong warnings against it. I see two clear motives for Wittgenstein’s semantic nihilism. The first one is the view that philosophical problems arise from postulating hypothetical entities such as “meanings”. To dissolve the philosophical problems rather than create new ones, Wittgenstein suggests substituting “meaning” with “use” and avoiding scientism in philosophy together with the urge to penetrate in one's investigation to unobservable depths. I believe this first motive constitutes only a weak motive for Wittgenstein’s quietism, because there are substantial differences between empirical theories in natural sciences and semantic theories in philosophy that leave Wittgenstein’s assimilation of both open to criticism. But Wittgenstein is right, on the second motive, that given the dynamic character of linguistic practice, the classical project of semantic theory is a disease that can be removed or ameliorated only by heeding the advice to replace concern with meaning by concern with use. On my view, this does not preclude, however, a different kind of theoretical approach to meaning that avoids the pitfalls of the Procrustean enterprise Wittgenstein complained about.
The relationship between tree canopy and social capital on physical activity in college students.

OBJECTIVE Rates of physical activity (PA) are low, especially among college students. Tree canopy and social capital have been correlated with higher rates of PA. This study assessed the relationship between tree canopy and social capital on minutes of PA. PARTICIPANTS Students from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, located in Southern Nevada, were surveyed on social capital and self-reported minutes of PA. METHODS Tree canopy coverage was calculated within a 1 km walk buffer around each participant's home. Logistic regression was used to determine if tree canopy and social capital predicted meeting PA recommendations of 150 minutes/week. RESULTS 42.4% of participants met the PA recommendations and males were more likely than females to meet them (odds ratio [OR] = 0.517). Social capital was a significant predictor of PA (OR = 1.308) while tree canopy was not. CONCLUSIONS Exploration of social capital to increase PA and further investigations into correlates of PA for college students in sprawling desert environments are recommended.
Linking ubiquitin to actin dynamics during cell fusion

Cell-cell fusion is essential to the development of multicellular organisms and is driven by remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Rodriguez-Perez et al. reveal how CRL3-dependent mono-ubiquitylation modulates cell fusion by controlling the dynamics of cytoskeletal rearrangements.
Electrodeposition: A Bright (But Perhaps Not Chrome-Plated) Future

Here is the good news, folks! Electrodeposition is not just for breakfast anymore. No, no, no! We are coming out of the dark ages, into the light! Someone loves us and it is not our mothers! What am I talking about? To me, traditional electrodeposition harks back to images of a hunchback in a dark warehouse, stooped over boiling vats of cyanide and acid, bringing the world the largest selection of cheap jewelry, Harley Davidson parts, and car bumpers.
A conversation between Femi Euba, Wole Soyinka and Biodun Jeyifo

The following is an edited excerpt of an interview that took place between playwright Femi Euba and Nobel Prize Laureate Wole Soyinka, moderated by theatre scholar Biodun Jeyifo. The conversation o...
Abstract LB196: Comparison of whole exome sequencing and targeted sequencing in patients with advanced bladder cancer

Background: Next generation sequencing (NGS) to identify genomic alterations (GAs) in tumor samples are increasingly used in clinical practice. Targeted sequencing (TS) or whole exome sequencing (WES) are used by various commercially available platforms. Differing methods often result in poor inter-reproducibility, even when testing the same tissue. Bladder cancer has substantial genetic heterogeneity as compared to many other malignancies. The purpose of this study is to compare WES and TS in bladder cancer. Methods: Patients with advanced bladder cancer who had undergone tissue WES (GEM ExTra®) or TS (FoundationOne CDx® [FMI]) in the course of routine clinical care were assessed. Genes with at least one detected GA were selected, with others excluded. All detected GAs were classified as being detected on TS only, WES only, concordant (detected on both platforms), or partially concordant (different GAs detected within the same gene). Variants of uncertain significance were excluded for this study. Results: In our series, 25 patients had WES and 42 patients had TS - 14 patients (21%) had both tests performed. A total of 88 genes were detected to have at least one GA across all samples. Of all detected GAs, 66/162 (41%) were concordant, with 45/162 (28%) and 51/162 (31%) of GAs detected exclusively by WES and TS, respectively. The genes with the highest proportion of concordance when detected, were TERT (70%), TP53 (85%) and ARIDA1A (50%). SOX4 and E2F3 were detected on WES only, while RBM and CHEK2 were detected on TS only. Notably, six TP53 GAs were detected exclusively on TS. TP53, TERT, MLL2/KMT2D, ERBB2 were each partially concordant on one occasion. The difference in the rate of concordant GAs in samples from the same collection site and date (41%), as compared to those in which both differed (35%) were not statistically significant (p=0.54). Conclusions: Although the majority of GAs identified were concordant, each platform exclusively identified GAs with varying clinical significance. SOX4 and E2F3 mutation, shown to correlate with invasive potential in bladder cancer, were detected exclusively on WES. In contrast, RBM and CHEK2 (of known significance in melanoma and breast cancer) were found exclusively on TS. Larger series are needed to further establish the concordance of these approaches. Citation Format: Neal Shiv Chawla, Zeynep Zengin, Ameish Govindarajan, Sumanta K. Pal. Comparison of whole exome sequencing and targeted sequencing in patients with advanced bladder cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr LB196.
Molecular alterations due to Col5a1 Haploinsufficiency in a mouse model of classic Ehlers Danlos syndrome.

Type V collagen is a regulatory fibrillar collagen essential for type I collagen fibril nucleation and organization and its deficiency leads to structurally abnormal extracellular matrix. Haploinsufficiency of the Col5a1 gene encoding α(1) chain of type V collagen is the primary cause of classic Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS). The mechanisms by which this initial insult leads to the spectrum of clinical presentation is not fully understood. Using transcriptome analysis of skin and Achilles tendons from Col5a1 haploinsufficient (Col5a1+/-) mice, we recognized molecular alterations associated with the tissue phenotypes. We identified dysregulation of extracellular matrix components including thrombospondin-1, lysyl oxidase, and lumican in the skin of Col5a1+/- mice when compared to control. We also identified upregulation of Tgf-β in serum and increased expression of pSmad2 in skin from Col5a1+/- mice suggesting Tgf-β dysregulation as a contributor for abnormal wound healing and atrophic scaring seen in classic EDS. Together, these findings support altered matrix to cell signaling as a component of the pathogenesis of the tissue phenotype in classic EDS and point out potential downstream signaling pathways that may be targeted for treatment of the disease.
The CINN Equations

This chapter introduces an artificial neural network where the competition level has been explicitly parameterized. We call this network the competitively inhibited neural network or CINN. The CINN is a network where a nonzero output from any neuron is capable of inhibiting the activity level of all other neurons in the network. The following sections formally introduce the CINN state equations and compare them to existing neural network models such as the adaptive resonance theory (ART) network [18] [3] and Kohonen’s self-organizing feature map [27] (sometimes called the adaptive vector quantization or AVQ algorithm).
Abstract P238: Evaluation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol as a Confounder for Adverse Events

Several new lipid-lowering drugs may soon be available for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD). Claims data will likely be used for pharmacovigilance of these drugs. However, claims data frequently do not have laboratory results, such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). In order to determine whether LDL-C is an uncontrolled confounder in claims-based pharmacovigilance studies, we examined associations between LDL-C and incident cancer, serious hospitalized infection, dementia, and diabetes. These outcomes were chosen due to their possible associations with statin use and low LDL-C. LDL-C was measured at baseline (2003-2007) among participants in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. Analyses were restricted to 3,043 participants ≥ 65 years of age with a history of CHD or risk equivalents (stroke/carotid disease, peripheral artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm and diabetes) and Medicare fee-for-service coverage. Sensitivity analyses were performed (1) with LDL-C as a continuous variable, (2) among participants with a history of CHD or (3) among participants with a history of CHD or risk equivalents taking statins. Outcomes were identified through 2011 using validated claims-based algorithms. Multivariable models indicated LDL-C did not have any significant associations with any of the outcomes under study (Table). However, some hazard ratios indicated non-significant differences in the incidence of safety outcomes by LDL-C level. For example, compared to participants with LDL-C < 70 mg/dL, the hazard ratio (95% CI) for incident dementia during follow-up was 1.30 (0.85, 1.98), 1.41 (0.92, 2.18), and 1.29 (0.79, 2.10) for participants with LDL-C of 100 - 129, 130 - 159, and ≥ 160 mg/dL, respectively. Sensitivity analyses had similar results. This study suggests that LDL-C is not likely to be a major confounder in pharmacovigilance studies of lipid-lowering drugs with outcomes of cancer, serious hospitalized infection, dementia, or diabetes. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Patents and Licensing, Ethics, Organizations with Prominent Positions on Gene Patenting

Introduction Religious Organizations Indigenous Peoples and their Coalitions Environmental Groups Public Interest Science Groups Scientific Organizations Industry Organizations Keywords: patents and licensing
Information science: a computer-based degree that emphasizes data

The author has participated in the development of a new baccalaureate degree program entitled Information Science. This paper reviews the motivation for starting a new branch of undergraduate computing that is distinct from Computer Science and describes the principles that have been incorporated in the new curriculum. Although the program is only two years old, its assessment and accreditation procedures are already under development.
Interactions between circadian gene variants and fatty acid intake for metabolic syndrome risk: a meta-analysis from the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology Consortium (373.2)

The circadian system is the body’s endogenous clock that governs a wide range of physiological systems and behaviors, and is regulated primarily by light and food intake. Variants in genes encoding components of the system result in circadian dysregulation, and have recently been linked to metabolic syndrome (MetS). In order to identify modifiable factors to attenuate the risk of MetS in individuals susceptible to circadian dysregulation, we investigated relationships between diet and these genetic risk factors in eight studies from the CHARGE consortium (up to 10,495 European descent individuals). In fixed-effects meta-analyses, we evaluated interactions between fatty acid (FA) intake and 5 variants on MetS. No interaction reached significance after multiple correction testing. However, the rs1387153 variant near MTNR1B, which encodes a circadian hormone receptor, interacted nominally (P = 0.01) with polyunsaturated FA intake on HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance). Additionally, ...
Bendectin (Debendox) as a risk factor for pyloric stenosis

The maternal use of Bendectin (Debendox) in the first trimester of pregnancy was examined in a case-control (n = 1,427 and 3,001, respectively) study of malformed infants whose mothers were interviewed between 1974 and 1976. Mothers of infants with congenital malformation showed an increased likelihood (odds ratio = 1.40) of having used Bendectin, with a stronger association of Bendectin with birth defects for mothers who also smoked (odds ratio = 2.91). A significant association was observed between the occurrence of pyloric stenosis in the infant and exposure to Bendectin in utero (odds ratio = 4.33). When maternal sociodemographic factors, including smoking, and smoking alone, were controlled, the association between Bendectin and pyloric stenosis was further increased (odds ratio = 4.63 and 5.24, respectively). Except for a possible association of Bendectin with heart valve anomalies (odds ratio = 2.99), we were unable to document other significantly increased risks for congenital malformations.
A 14 kb/s wideband speech coder with a parametric highband model

This paper describes a new 14 kb/s wideband speech coder. The coder uses a split-band approach, where the input signal, sampled at 16 kHz, is split into two equal frequency bands from 0-4 kHz and 4-8 kHz, each of which is decimated to an 8 kHz sampling rate. The lower band is coded with a high-quality narrowband speech coder, the 11.8 kb/s G.729 Annex E, while the higher band is represented by a simple but effective parametric model. Two new features facilitate efficient coding of the high-band signal: noise modulation and high-frequency reversal. Since the encoding of the lower band is independent of the high-band signal, the narrowband encoder output can be embedded in the overall bitstream. Subjective test results show that this wideband speech coder is capable of producing high quality output speech.
Event-triggered optimal adaptive control algorithm for continuous-time nonlinear systems

This paper proposes a novel optimal adaptive event-triggered control algorithm for nonlinear continuous-time systems. The goal is to reduce the controller updates, by sampling the state only when an event is triggered to maintain stability and optimality. The online algorithm is implemented based on an actor/critic neural network structure. A critic neural network is used to approximate the cost and an actor neural network is used to approximate the optimal event-triggered controller. Since in the algorithm proposed there are dynamics that exhibit continuous evolutions described by ordinary differential equations and instantaneous jumps or impulses, we will use an impulsive system approach. A Lyapunov stability proof ensures that the closed-loop system is asymptotically stable. Finally, we illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution compared to a time-triggered controller.