cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Who now debates functionalism? fromsystem, change and conflict to “culture, choice, and praxis”

This paper makes a strategic return to an earlier sociological era as a way of charting where we have been and where we are heading. Specifically, it returns to the debate over functionalism as represented in a volume edited by the author and Richard Peterson in 1967 entitledSystem, Change and Conflict. The paper argues that little of that controversy remains, but that several key issues have taken on new forms and serve as the foci of new disputes. A comparable volume today would require a quite different title, perhaps “Culture, Choice, and Praxis.” The paper briefly reviews the three new movements referred to and the issues surrounding them. It concludes with remarks on the changing role of theory itself within sociology.
``Dealumination'' and Aluminum Intercalation of Vermiculite

Dealumination of vermiculite was carried out using (NH4)2SiF6 solutions. The dealuminated products were studied by high-resolution solid state 29Si and 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance. A decrease in the cation-exchange capacity (CEC) resulted from the partial removal of Al from the tetrahedral layer, which decreased the framework negative charge, and from the partial replacement of Mg by Al in the octahedral layer, which increased its positive charge contribution. The lowest CEC was obtained by swelling the structure with butyl-ammonium prior to the reaction with (NH4)2SiF6. Thus, CECs in the range observed for beidellite were measured; however, the lowest (Al/Si)IV ratio was still more than twice as high as in beidellite. In addition, the dealumination reaction yielded noncrystalline silica as a by-product.
Nutritional modulation of resistance to infectious diseases

Dietary characteristics can modulate a bird's susceptibility to infectious challenges and subtle influences due to the level of nutrients or the types of ingredients may at times be of critical importance. This review considers seven mechanisms for nutritional modulation of resistance to infectious disease in poultry. 1) Nutrition may impact the development of the immune system, both in ovo and in the first weeks posthatch. Micronutrient deficiencies that affect developmental events, such as the seeding of lymphoid organs and clonal expansion of lymphocyte clones, can negatively impact the immune system later in life. 2) A substrate role of nutrients is necessary for the immune response so that responding cells can divide and synthesize effector molecules. The quantitative need for nutrients for supporting a normal immune system, as well as the proliferation of leukocytes and the production of antibodies during an infectious challenge, is very small relative to uses for growth or egg production. It is likely that the systemic acute phase response that accompanies most infectious challenges is a more significant consumer of nutrients than the immune system itself. 3) The low concentration of some nutrients (e.g., iron) in body fluids makes them the limiting substrates for the proliferation of invading pathogens and the supply of these nutrients is further limited during the immune response. 4) Some nutrients (e.g., fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E) have direct regulatory actions on leukocytes by binding to intracellular receptors or by modifying the release of second messengers. 5) The diet may also have indirect regulatory effects that are mediated by the classical endocrine system. 6) Physical and chemical aspects of the diet can modify the populations of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, the capacity of pathogens to attach to enterocytes, and the integrity of the intestinal epithelium.
Inflammatory mediators in perinatal asphyxia and infection.

Inflammatory mediators produced in response to hypoxic-ischemic (H-I) injury and infection in the newborn, include multi-potent cytokines and chemokines released by a variety of somatic and bone marrow-derived cells both locally, in the brain and systemically, in the circulation. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-18, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, are small polypeptides secreted in response to cellular injury and inflammation. Cytokines trigger somatic and immune cell activation, differentiation and death after signaling through their cognate receptors. Chemokines, such as CCL2 and CXCL8, are chemotactic cytokines that induce cells of the innate and adaptive immune system to leave the blood stream and migrate to sites of injury in the central nervous system (CNS) and in the periphery [1]. Cytokines and chemokines are considered critical mediators of brain damage and clinical indicators of overwhelming sepsis in the newborns. We review the cellular origin and role of cytokines and chemokines in these diseases. We also discuss treatment modalities that may interrupt these inflammatory cascades. A better understanding of the role of cytokines and chemokines in response to H-I injury and infection is likely to improve the outcome and long-term prognosis of these diseases in the newborn period.
THERMAL SHOCK ANALYSIS OF SPHERICAL SHAPES

A new approach has been used to calculate the maximum temperature difference to which a brittle ceramic sphere can be subjected without failure. The modified method of calculation and some new data have made possible a better correlation between these calculated values and measured values obtained in earlier work.
An observation about monotonic convergence in discrete-time, P-type iterative learning control

In this note we make an observation about the equivalence between the necessary and sufficient condition for convergence and the sufficient condition for monotonic convergence in discrete-time, P-type iterative learning control. Specifically, requirements on the plant are given so that convergence of the learning algorithm ensures monotonic convergence. In particular, for the case where one minus the learning gain times the first Markov parameter is positive, but less than one, it is shown that if the first non-zero Markov parameter of the system has a larger magnitude than the sum of the magnitudes of the next N-1 Markov parameters, then convergence of the learning control algorithm implies monotonic convergence, independent of the learning gain. For the case where one minus the learning gain times the first Markov parameter is negative, but greater than negative one, a condition depending on the learning gain is derived whereby learning convergences also implies monotonic convergence.
Windfalls and pitfalls: Applications of population genetics to the search for disease genes

Association mapping can be viewed as an application of population genetics and evolutionary biology to the problem of identifying genes causally connected to phenotypes. However, some population-genetic principles important to the design and analysis of association studies have not been widely understood or have even been generally misunderstood. Some of these principles underlie techniques that can aid in the discovery of genetic variants that influence phenotypes (‘windfalls’), whereas others can interfere with study design or interpretation of results (‘pitfalls’). Here, considering examples involving genetic variant discovery, linkage disequilibrium, power to detect associations, population stratification and genotype imputation, we address misunderstandings in the application of population genetics to association studies, and we illuminate how some surprising results in association contexts can be easily explained when considered from evolutionary and population-genetic perspectives. Through our examples, we argue that population-genetic thinking—which takes a theoretical view of the evolutionary forces that guide the emergence and propagation of genetic variants—substantially informs the design and interpretation of genetic association studies. In particular, population-genetic thinking sheds light on genetic confounding, on the relationships between association signals of typed markers and causal variants, and on the advantages and disadvantages of particular strategies for measuring genetic variation in association studies.
Uterine diseases in dairy cows: understanding the causes and seeking solutions

Uterine diseases such as metritis and endometritis are highly prevalent in high producing dairy cows. These diseases lead to impaired welfare and fertility, and result in economic loss. The objective of this review article is to provide the current understanding of the underlying causes of uterine diseases and to provide some strategies to prevent them. The causes of uterine diseases are complex and multifactorial; therefore a holistic approach must be taken when trying identity the causes or prevent them. The dairy cow undergoes a state of negative energy, mineral and vitamin balance during the transition into lactation, which leads to immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to disease. The main risk factors for uterine diseases are primiparity (for metritis only), dystocia, male offspring, twins, stillbirth, abortion, prolapsed uterus, retained placenta (RP), ketosis, and hypocalcemia. Prevention strategies should be focused on maximizing cow comfort and dry matter intake (DMI), preventing hypocalcemia and hyperketonemia, preventing dystocia, prolapsed uterus, abortion, stillbirth and RP. Maximization of cow comfort and DMI can be achieved with appropriate housing and cooling. Management strategies to prevent metabolic and calving related problems include the use of anionic diets, the use of feed additives such as monensin and rumen protected choline, implementation of sound vaccination programs, and the use of sexed semen. Trace mineral and vitamin supplementation beyond what is fed in the diet is still controversial; however some trials have shown a decrease in RP and stillbirths. Prophylactic treatment of cows at high risk for metritis with PGF2α and/or oxytocin is not warranted because there is no beneficial effect. Prophylactic treatment of cows at high risk for metritis with NSAIDs is contraindicated because it has been found to decrease DMI and increase the degree of negative energy balance; therefore, leading to an increase in the risk of RP and metritis. Prophylactic treatment of cows at high risk for metritis with estradiol is contraindicated because there is no beneficial effect on the prevention of metritis and there is a negative effect on long term fertility. Prophylactic treatment of cows at high risk for metritis with antibiotics can reduce the incidence of uterine disease but has no positive long term effects on fertility; therefore, decision to implement prophylactic antibiotic treatment should be based on welfare, economic and legal considerations. Given that most treatments are not very efficacious, efforts should be focused on management strategies to decrease metabolic problems such as hypocalcemia and ketosis, and to prevent risk factors such as dystocia, male calves, abortions, stillbirths, and retained placenta.
A Review of “Fisher, Louis. The Law of the Executive Branch: Presidential Power.”

Given the current publishing environment, it is no simple matter for a university press to produce a brand new hardbound American legal treatise. Indeed, the continued publication of these so-calle...
Application of Data Transfer in PCEDM Model Based on SSIS

Data transfer between heterogeneous databases was a problem often encountered when a system was upgraded or a new system was brought into operation.Modelling ideas of the exploration-development database and the PCEDM database were analysed ,and the structural features of them were gained in relation model.A general method of data migration between heteroid databases was discussed subsequently.The mapping rules between heterogeneous databases were analysed and the mapping to PCEDM database from daily data table of oil wells was established according to the features of exploration-development database and the PCEDM database,furthermore the data in this table were transferred into PCEDM database based on SSIS.The transfer result shows that it is simple,and migration process is optimized by SSIS.
Surgical treatment of eyelid retraction associated with thyroid eye disease.

Fifteen patients (22 eyelids) were treated for upper eyelid retraction related to thyroid eye disease by recessing the levator aponeurosis and Muller's muscle through a lid crease incision. Neither spacers nor traction sutures were used, and the recessed muscles were not sutured to any of the surrounding tissues. The patients were not sedated and thus were able to sit up during the procedure; final lid heights also were determined with the patients in the sitting position. There were no overcorrections or undercorrections during follow up of at least 3 months.
The effect on semen quality of the electrical current and heat generated during rectal probe electroejaculation

Abstract Rectal probe electroejaculation is effective in procuring sperm from spinal cord injured patients with ejaculatory incompetence. The seminal quality in these patients is usually suboptimal and the motility is almost always low. We conducted an in vitro experiment to determine whether the heat and current generated during rectal probe electroejaculation impaired sperm motility or forward progression, or if the poor semen quality is the result of existing testicular dysfunction.
A proposal for a molecular genetic classification of the malformations of the nervous system

Objective This proposal is a first attempt to incorporate the recent molecular genetic data that explains programming of development etiologically. Development Traditional schemes of classifying nervous system malformations are based upon descriptive morphogenesis of anatomical processes of ontogeny, such as neurulation, neuroblast migration and axonal pathfinding; such anatomical schemes do not allow for the incorporation of multiple genetic etiologies that lead to the same anatomical result, such as holoprosencephaly or lissencephaly. A scheme based purely on genetic mutations also is impractical because several genes might be involved sequentially in a cascade, the same genes serve different functions at different stages and are involved in multiple organ systems. Some complex malformations result from several unrelated defective genes, again citing the example of holoprosencephaly. Finally, a pure genetic classification would be too inflexible to incorporate anatomical criteria and also acquired lesions of the fetal brain that lead to secondary focal dysgeneses. The basis for the proposed scheme is, therefore, disturbances in patterns of genetic expression: polarity gradients of the axes of the neural tube (e.g. upregulation or downregulation of genetic influences); segmentation (e.g. deletions of specific neuromeres; ectopic expression); mutations that cause change in cell lineage (e.g. dysplastic gangliocytoma of cerebellum; myofiber differentiation within brain); and specific genes or molecules that mediate neuroblast migration in its early (e.g. filamin 1), middle (e.g. LIS1; doublecortin) or late course (e.g. reelin; L1 CAM). Conclusions The classification schemes that served so well throughout the 20th century no longer are adequate for the 21st century. The proposed scheme undoubtedly will undergo many future revisions, but it provides a starting point using currently available data.
Single Versus Double Lung Retransplantation Does Not Affect Survival Based on Previous Transplant Type

Background Survival following retransplantation with a single lung is worse than after double lung transplant. We sought to characterize survival of patients who underwent lung retransplantation based on the type of their initial transplant, single or double. Methods The United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried for adult patients who underwent lung retransplantation from 2005 onward. Patients were excluded if they underwent more than one retransplantation. The patient population was divided into 4 groups based on first followed by second transplant type, respectively: single then single, double then single, double then double, and single then double. Descriptive analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results A total of 410 patients underwent retransplantation in the study time period. Overall mean survival for all patients who underwent retransplantation was 1,213 days. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated no difference in graft survival between the 4 study groups ( p = 0.146). Conclusions There was no significant difference in graft survival between recipients of retransplant with single or double lungs when stratified by previous transplant type. These results suggest that when retransplantation is performed, single lung retransplantation should be considered, regardless of previous transplant type, in an effort to maximize organ resources.
Assessing library services during a renovation

ABSTRACTThe Frazar Memorial Library at McNeese State University closed on the last day of the fall 2012 semester (December 8, 2012). The building remains under renovation through summer 2016. The library faculty anticipated big decreases in services. They studied the literature to establish baselines for those decreases. In response to these findings, the library staff tried to establish new service models to minimize the anticipated decline. This article measures the decline in library circulation, instruction, interlibrary loan (ILL), and reference services due to the renovation upheaval. The data presented in this study are anticipated to serve as a benchmark for subsequent actions for reversing the decline.
Haemodynamic Responses to Haemorrhage in the Snake, Elaphe Obsoleta Obsoleta

Haemodynamic responses to graded haemorrhage were studied in unanaesthetized black ratsnakes ( Elaphe o. obsoleta ) wherein fixed percentages of the blood volume were removed at regular intervals over periods which varied from one to several hours. Initially measured whole blood volumes averaged about 6% of the body mass and were determined from plasma dilutions of Evans blue dye or the bleeding and washing out of red cells. In response to haemorrhage, heart rate increased, haematocrit decreased, plasma protein concentration decreased, and arterial pressure remained relatively constant until a critical blood loss at which pressure dropped precipitously. Critical volume deficits occurred at the withdrawal of 63–122% of the initially measured blood volume. It appears that cardiovascular reflexes assist the regulation of arterial pressure during haemorrhage; additionally, there occurs a progressive and significant restitution of plasma volume owing to the absorption of extravascular fluid. Fluid volumes absorbed by the circulation during haemorrhage replaced 20–71% of the haemorrhaged blood loss and were correlated with the magnitude of the critical volume deficit. Body movements increased arterial pressure by improving venous cardiac return.
"Harry Potter" and the First Order of Business: Using Simulation to Teach Social Justice and Disability Ethics in Business Communication.

Despite the excellent work by scholars who invite us to consider disability, social justice, and business and professional communication pedagogy, little attention has been given to what a disabili...
54Fe neutron elastic and inelastic scattering differential cross sections from 2–6 MeV

Abstract Measurements of neutron elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections from 54Fe were performed for nine incident neutron energies between 2 and 6 MeV. Measured differential scattering cross sections are compared to those from previous measurements and the ENDF, JENDL, and JEFF data evaluations. TALYS calculations were performed and modifications of the default parameters are found to better describe the experimental cross sections. A spherical optical model treatment is generally adequate to describe the cross sections in this energy region; however, in 54Fe the direct coupling is found to increase suddenly above 4 MeV and requires an increase in the DWBA deformation parameter by approximately 25%. This has little effect on the elastic scattering differential cross sections but makes a significant improvement in both the strength and shape of the inelastic scattering angular distribution, which are found to be very sensitive to the size and extent of the surface absorption region.
Rare-Earth Metal Substitutions in Ca9–xRExMn4Sb9 (RE = La–Nd, Sm; x ≈ 1). Synthesis and Characterization of a New Series of Narrow-Gap Semiconductors

This paper details the synthesis and the structural characterization of the new antimonides with general formulas Ca9–xRExMn4Sb9 (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, and Sm; x ≈ 1). The synthesis of these phases was accomplished by both high temperature reactions of the respective elements and by Pb-flux experiments. The structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. All title compounds are isostructural and crystallize with the orthorhombic space group Pbam (No. 55). The structure is similar, but not isotypic to Ca9Mn4Bi9 (same space group; Pearson code oP44). On the basis of that, Ca9–xRExMn4Sb9 can be considered as new derivatives of this structure type, presenting the first examples of rare-earth metal substitutions within the “9-4-9” family of compounds. Electrical resistivity measurements confirm the successful electron doping, achieved by the aliovalent replacement of Ca2+ with RE3+ cations in the structure, leading to the emergence of narrow band-gap semiconducting behavior. Temperature-...
Efficacy of two cleaning and sanitizing combinations on Listeria monocytogenes biofilms formed at low temperature on a variety of materials in the presence of ready-to-eat meat residue.

Biofilms in the food-processing industry are a serious concern due to the potential for contamination of food products, which may lead to decreased food quality and safety. The effect of two detergent and sanitizer combinations on the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes biofilms was studied. Combination A uses a chlorinated-alkaline, low-phosphate detergent, and dual peracid sanitizer. Combination B uses a solvated-alkaline environmental sanitation product and hypochlorite sanitizer. The survival of bacterial biofilms placed at 4 and 10 degrees C and held for up to 5 days was also addressed. To simulate conditions found in a ready-to-eat meat-processing environment, biofilms were developed in low-nutrient conditions at 10 degrees C (with and without meat and fat residue) on a variety of materials found in a plant setting. Included were two types of stainless steel, three materials for conveyor use, two rubber products, a wall, and floor material. Biofilms developed on all surfaces tested; numbers at day 2 ranged from 3.2 log on silicone rubber to 4.47 log CFU/cm2 on Delrin, an acetal copolymer. Biofilm survival during storage was higher at 4 degrees C (36.3 to 1,621%) than 10 degrees C (4.5 to 83.2%). Small amounts of meat extract, frankfurters, or pork fat reduced biofilm formation initially; with time, the biofilm cell number and survival percentage increased. Cleaning efficacy was surface dependent and decreased with residue-soiled surfaces; biofilms developed on the brick and conveyor material were most resistant. Both detergents significantly (P 3-log reduction, combination A was only effective on 50.0% of the samples, Combination B, at 86.1%, was more effective.
Thermodynamic Potentials and Derivative Properties

This chapter deals with the derivations of thermodynamic potentials (Gibbs free energy, Helmholtz free energy and Enthalpy), the conditions of thermodynamic equilibrium at different sets of state conditions from the second law, Maxwell relations, and a mnemonic scheme for recalling a variety of thermodynamic relations and operations. The chapter also introduces the concept of fugacity, isobaric and isochoric heat capacities, thermal expansion, compressibility and their P-T dependencies, the thermodynamic Gruneisen parameter and some of its applications to geophysical problems.
Separate and Unequal Access and Quality of Care in Nursing Homes: Transformation of the Long Term Care Industry and Implications of the Research Program for Aging Hispanics

This chapter will review several important themes concerning long term care availability, quality of care, and market changes, with special reference to frail aging Hispanics. This review will be based on work performed by Brown University researchers under the aegis of an NIA Program Project, “Shaping Long Term Care in America” (1PO1 AG027296-01A1). Our review will include a brief historical overview of patterns in nursing home use, more recent analyses on racial/ethnic disparities in care access, and current trends in the composition of nursing home residents. We will also examine differences in nursing home performance for homes with different proportions of Hispanic and black residents. Finally, we will review results from a recent study of nursing home closure, which clearly shows differences in closure rates correlated with larger proportions of Hispanic and black residents. Implications of these trends will be discussed for the future of long term care availability and the needs of frail Hispanic elderly.
Continued Presence of Period Limb Movements During REM Sleep in Patients With Chronic Static Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS)

Study Objectives:A major component of pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) is disruption of sleep. These disturbances have been reported in the acute phase of diagnosis but it is ...
Drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis associated with turmeric dietary supplement use.

Turmeric dietary supplement sales, which accounted for US$69 million in spending in 2016, have been increasing exponentially in the USA, making this one of the most popular botanical supplements sold in the USA. Herbal supplement use, which is generally regarded as safe by consumers, is not usually reported to healthcare providers. We reported here on a case of autoimmune hepatitis, occurring in a 71-year-old woman taking turmeric dietary supplements for the maintenance of cardiovascular health, which resolved rapidly following discontinuation of the turmeric supplements. Of particular note, turmeric use was not documented in the patient’s medical records and the potential causative role of the turmeric supplementation was ultimately identified by the patient rather than the healthcare providers. To our knowledge, this is the first documented report of turmeric supplement-induced autoimmune hepatitis.
Hierarchical spidroin micellar nanoparticles as the fundamental precursors of spider silks

Many natural silks produced by spiders and insects are unique materials in their exceptional toughness and tensile strength, while being lightweight and biodegradable–properties that are currently unparalleled in synthetic materials. Myriad approaches have been attempted to prepare artificial silks from recombinant spider silk spidroins but have each failed to achieve the advantageous properties of the natural material. This is because of an incomplete understanding of the in vivo spidroin-to-fiber spinning process and, particularly, because of a lack of knowledge of the true morphological nature of spidroin nanostructures in the precursor dope solution and the mechanisms by which these nanostructures transform into micrometer-scale silk fibers. Herein we determine the physical form of the natural spidroin precursor nanostructures stored within spider glands that seed the formation of their silks and reveal the fundamental structural transformations that occur during the initial stages of extrusion en route to fiber formation. Using a combination of solution phase diffusion NMR and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), we reveal direct evidence that the concentrated spidroin proteins are stored in the silk glands of black widow spiders as complex, hierarchical nanoassemblies (∼300 nm diameter) that are composed of micellar subdomains, substructures that themselves are engaged in the initial nanoscale transformations that occur in response to shear. We find that the established micelle theory of silk fiber precursor storage is incomplete and that the first steps toward liquid crystalline organization during silk spinning involve the fibrillization of nanoscale hierarchical micelle subdomains.
Left-Right SU(4) Vector Leptoquark Model for Flavor Anomalies

Building on our recent proposal to explain the experimental hints of new physics in $B$ meson decays within the framework of Pati-Salam quark-lepton unification, through the interactions of the $(3,1{)}_{2/3}$ vector leptoquark, we construct a realistic model of this type based on the gauge group $\mathrm{SU}(4{)}_{L}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}(4{)}_{R}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}(2{)}_{L}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}(1{)}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ and consistent with all experimental constraints. The key feature of the model is that $\mathrm{SU}(4{)}_{R}$ is broken at a high scale, which suppresses right-handed lepton flavor changing currents at the low scale and evades the stringent bounds from searches for lepton flavor violation. The mass of the leptoquark can be as low as 10 TeV without the need to introduce mixing of quarks or leptons with new vectorlike fermions. We provide a comprehensive list of model-independent bounds from low energy processes on the couplings in the effective Hamiltonian that arises from generic leptoquark interactions, and then apply these to the model presented here. We discuss various meson decay channels that can be used to probe the model and we investigate the prospects for discovering the new gauge boson at future colliders.
A General Approach to Adding Differential Privacy to Iterative Training Procedures

In this work we address the practical challenges of training machine learning models on privacy-sensitive datasets by introducing a modular approach that minimizes changes to training algorithms, provides a variety of configuration strategies for the privacy mechanism, and then isolates and simplifies the critical logic that computes the final privacy guarantees. A key challenge is that training algorithms often require estimating many different quantities (vectors) from the same set of examples --- for example, gradients of different layers in a deep learning architecture, as well as metrics and batch normalization parameters. Each of these may have different properties like dimensionality, magnitude, and tolerance to noise. By extending previous work on the Moments Accountant for the subsampled Gaussian mechanism, we can provide privacy for such heterogeneous sets of vectors, while also structuring the approach to minimize software engineering challenges.
Efficient Delivery of Plasmid DNA Using Incorporated Nucleotides for Precise Conjugation of Targeted Nanoparticles

Many obstacles restrict development of DNA plasmid-based therapeutic delivery, involving but not limited to poor cellular uptake, premature material dissociation, and inefficient response. Additionally, lack of precision loading of the plasmids on the carrier nanoparticle may affect the overall nonspecificity in terms of loading as well as the site of loading. Here we report a strategy using the incorporation of a biotin-modified nucleotide into a 4.7 kb plasmid sequence for the site-specific nanoparticle conjugation as an improvement on targeted DNA plasmid delivery. Initially, a designed 80-nucleotide sequence was elongated by incorporating biotin-16-aminoallyl-2′-dCTP that facilitated streptavidin binding as determined via polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). This modified sequence was ligated into a specific location of the EGFP plasmid to avoid possible interference with important functional elements and gene expression off of the plasmid. In parallel, a gold nanoparticle complex comprising of ...
In Vitro Selection of Catalytic RNA

After the first examples of catalytic RNAs raised to prominence earlier proposals that RNA was a likely protagonist in the dawn of evolution, molecular biologists began to ask in earnest about the range of possible RNA activities. This question provided much of the impetus for the development of in vitro RNA selection (Ellington and Szostak 1990; Green et al. 1990; Robertson and Joyce 1990; Tuerk and Gold 1990). With the ability to isolate rare functional individuals from vast pools of sequence variants, investigators have generated molecules that dramatically extend the known range of RNA catalytic and binding activities. The ability to venture further into sequence space has also facilitated study of the sequence and structural requirements of present-day biological RNAs. The technique has recently been extended to the isolation of catalytic DNAs, and may someday generate products useful in clinical, industrial, or research settings.
Preparation and optimization of MEPEG-PLGA nanoparticles for gene delivery

Abstract This paper demonstrates a method to prepare a cationic methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid polyglycolic acid block polymer (MePEG-PLGA) nanoparticle by a nanoparticle precipitation method was established. This study used single factor design and orthogonal experiment to select the optimal experimental scheme and examined the physical properties of the nanoparticles such as surface morphology, particle size distribution, zeta potential, DNA binding rate, and DNA protection ability. Results indicate that the optimal size of the prepared nanoparticles was 89.7 nm and the surface potential was 28.3 mV. The nanoparticles were scattered under transmission electron microscope, the size was uniform, the surface was smooth, and the distribution was spherical. The DNA binding rate was 80.2 %, and can well protect the contained genes from nuclease degradation. Conclusion The cationic nanoparticles prepared by nanoparticle precipitation method are expected to be highly efficient gene carriers. The preparation of cationic methoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid polyglycolic acid block polymer (MePEG-PLGA) by nanoparticle precipitation method. Nanoparticle method. Method This study used single factor design and orthogonal experiment to select the optimal experimental scheme, and examined the physical properties of the nanoparticles such as surface morphology, particle size distribution, Zeta potential, DNA binding rate, and DNA protection ability. Results The optimal size of the prepared nanoparticles was 89.7 nm and the surface potential was 28.3 mV. The nanoparticles were scattered under transmission electron microscope, the size was uniform, the surface was smooth, and the distribution was spherical. The DNA binding rate was 80.2 %, and can well protect the contained genes from nuclease degradation. Conclusion The cationic nanoparticles prepared by nanoparticle precipitation are expected to be efficient gene carriers.
Enantioselective iridium-catalyzed allylic amination of ammonia and convenient ammonia surrogates.

Iridium-catalyzed, asymmetric allylation of ammonia as a nucleophile occurs with stereoselectivity to form a symmetric diallylamine, and related allylation of the inexpensive ammonia equivalent potassium trifluoroacetamide or the highly reactive ammonia equivalent lithium di-tert-butyliminodicarboxylate forms a range of conveniently protected, primary, α-branched allylic amines in high yields, high branched-to-linear regioselectivities, and high enantiomeric excess. The reactions of ammonia equivalents were conducted with a catalyst generated from a phosphoramidite containing a single stereochemical element.
Neutron irradiation response of a Co-free high entropy alloy

Abstract Low dose neutron irradiation has been conducted on a NiFeMnCr (Co-free) high entropy alloy (HEA) near room temperature. Post-irradiation examination (PIE) at room temperature revealed that this HEA exhibited qualitatively similar change in mechanical properties (hardness, strength and ductility) as conventional austenitic stainless steels. Isochronal annealing was performed to determine the hardness, electrical resistivity and defect property evolution with respect to annealing temperature. Different annealing behavior was observed. Irradiation hardening nearly completely anneals by 650 °C, although the annealing trend is different following exposure to 0.1 and 1 displacements per atom (dpa). Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy (PAS) measurements indicate that the temperature to initialize vacancy cluster (stage V) recovery is ∼400 °C, and that the density of vacancy-type defects is reduced to that of the unirradiated control specimen at 500 °C. No significant change in the chemical ordering near defects was measured by PAS after neutron irradiation or after isochronal annealing up to 700 °C. Electrical resistivity measurements revealed a large increase in resistivity following irradiation, and this resistivity increase does not significantly recover even after the 700 °C anneal. Overall, these annealing results indicate the HEA vacancy cluster annealing behavior is similar to conventional face centered cubic (FCC) alloys whereas solute diffusion is limited up to 700 °C (significantly more sluggish than conventional FCC alloys). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results indicated that this HEA exhibit good phase stability upon neutron irradiation up to 1 dpa and post-irradiation annealing up to 700 °C.
Linking a hierarchy of attitude effect to student engagement and chemistry achievement

There are numerous influential factors contributing to students’ successful learning in introductory chemistry courses. One popularized factor is mathematical preparedness as gauged by a prerequisite mathematics grade or a standardized exam score. Less well known factors are students’ attitude toward the subject of chemistry or students’ involvement with chemistry. In this replication and extension study, students’ attitude in introductory chemistry courses, including a chemistry course designed for nursing and allied health students, was measured using the Attitude toward the Subject of Chemistry Inventory. Results show that a low-involvement hierarchy of attitude effect for students’ attitude toward chemistry, previously observed after 5 weeks, persists throughout a semester, and is likely widespread in classes across our department. Results also suggest a measurable difference between students’ emotional satisfaction with chemistry and their emotional attachment to chemistry, the latter of which is connected with their engagement with chemistry rather than their achievement in chemistry. Students’ low-involvement influence on chemistry achievement is being mediated predominantly by the affective subcomponent of their attitude. Attitudes are learned and a low-involvement hierarchy of attitude effect is susceptible to positive change. The results presented herein cement the reliability and generality of previous findings and extend those findings. The hierarchy of attitude effect can serve as a bifocal lens to capture evidence of students’ engagement with chemistry learning (learning process) as well as their chemistry achievement (learning product).
Lasius nigroemarginatus Forel, 1874 is a F1 Hybrid between L. emarginatus (Olivier, 1792) and L. platythorax Seifert, 1991 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Es wird gezeigt, dass der in neueren taxonomischen Katalogen als jungeres Synonym von Lasius emarginatus (Olivier, 1792) gelistete Lasius nigroemarginatus Forel, 1874 ein F1-hybrid zwischen L. emarginatus und L. platythorax Seifert, 1991 ist. Diese Schlussfolgerung ergab sich aus der Position von vier Typusexemplaren von L. nigroemarginatus in dem durch 16 kontinuierliche phenotypische Merkmale charakterisierten Vektorraum der drei moglichen Elternarten. Diese waren im Untersuchungsmaterial vertreten durch 144 Arbeiterinnen von Lasius niger (Linnaeus, 1758), 90 Arbeiterinnen von L. emarginatus und 94 Arbeiterinnen von L. platythorax – wobei das Material aus dem gesamten palaarktischen Verbreitungsgebiet der betrachteten Arten stammte. Sowohl eine Nichtmetrische Multidimensionale Skalierung als auch ein hypothesenfreies (wild-card) Rechnen in einer linearen Diskriminanzanalyse platzierte die Typusexemplare zwischen den Clustern von L. emarginatus und L. platythorax und weit entfernt vom Cluster von Lasius niger. Eine gesonderte Betrachtung der Struktur- und Pigmentmerkmale zeigt, dass die Typen von L. nigroemarginatus in funf Merkmalen ideal intermediar zwischen L. emarginatus und L. platythorax, in vier Merkmalen naher zu L. emarginatus und in sieben Merkmalen naher zu L. platythorax positioniert waren. Die aus der Position im morphologischen Raum abgeleiteten Schlussfolgerungen werden durch Daten zu Schwarmzeiten und Mikrohabitatwahl sowie den durch Forel beim Offnen des Nestes wahrgenommenen Geruch bestatigt. Lasius niger konnte klar als Elternart ausgeschlossen werden. Es wird darauf hingewiesen, dass der Internationale Code fur Zoologische Nomenklatur (ICZN) logische Inkonsistenzen und Definitionsschwachen bezuglich der Behandlung von echten hybridogenen Arten aufweist und dass die Artikel 1.3.3, 17.2 und 23.8 des ICZN geandert oder neugeschrieben werden sollten.
Comparing Tense and Agreement Productivity in Boys with Fragile X Syndrome, Children with Developmental Language Disorder, and Children with Typical Development.

Purpose This study compared and characterized the tense and agreement productivity of boys with fragile X syndrome (FXS), children with developmental language disorder (DLD), and children with typi...
CREB-binding protein regulates metamorphosis and compound eye development in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti

Juvenile hormones (JH) and ecdysone coordinately regulate metamorphosis in Aedes aegypti. We studied the function of an epigenetic regulator and multifunctional transactivator, CREB binding protein (CBP) in A. aegypti. RNAi-mediated knockdown of CBP in Ae. aegypti larvae resulted in suppression of JH primary response gene, Kruppel-homolog 1 (Kr-h1), and induction of primary ecdysone response gene, E93, resulting in multiple effects including early metamorphosis, larval-pupal intermediate formation, mortality and inhibition of compound eye development. RNA sequencing identified hundreds of genes, including JH and ecdysone response genes regulated by CBP. In the presence of JH, CBP upregulates Kr-h1 by acetylating core histones at the Kr-h1 promoter and facilitating the recruitment of JH receptor and other proteins. CBP suppresses metamorphosis regulators, EcR-A, USP-A, BR-C, and E93 through the upregulation of Kr-h1 and E75A. CBP regulates the expression of core eye specification genes including those involved in TGF-β and EGFR signaling. These studies demonstrate that CBP is an essential player in JH and 20E action and regulates metamorphosis and compound eye development in Ae. aegypti.
Thermal imaging for microvascular free tissue transfer monitoring: Feasibility study using a low cost, commercially available mobile phone imaging system.

Background The use of infrared thermography to evaluate the perfusion of tissue flaps have been studied. This study aims to evaluate the utility of thermal imaging for flap monitoring with a low-cost, readily available smartphone imaging device. Methods Adult subjects who underwent head and neck reconstruction using a microvascular free flap with a cutaneous paddle were recruited. Thermal images were taken of the free flap before, during and after anastomosis. Thermal images were analyzed by measuring the average flap temperature minus the average surrounding tissue temperature (dT). Results Twenty-one patients were enrolled. The mean dT for flaps intraoperatively prior to anastomosis was -11.47 °F. For 20 patients, dT averaged between -0.30 to 0.12 °F. One flap was inadequately perfused and dT was found to be -4.35 °F. Conclusions Low cost, mobile smartphone devices such as the thermal camera may provide an objective method of monitoring microvascular free flaps. Level of evidence 2 Prospective Cohort Study.
Rationalized inhibition of mixed lineage kinase 3 and CD70 enhances life span and antitumor efficacy of CD8+ T cells.

Background The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are important for T cell survival and their effector function. Mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) (MAP3K11) is an upstream regulator of MAP kinases and emerging as a potential candidate for targeted cancer therapy; yet, its role in T cell survival and effector function is not known. Methods T cell phenotypes, apoptosis and intracellular cytokine expressions were analyzed by flow cytometry. The apoptosis-associated gene expressions in CD8+CD38+ T cells were measured using RT2 PCR array. In vivo effect of combined blockade of MLK3 and CD70 was analyzed in 4T1 tumor model in immunocompetent mice. The serum level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results We report that genetic loss or pharmacological inhibition of MLK3 induces CD70-TNFα-TNFRSF1a axis-mediated apoptosis in CD8+ T cells. The genetic loss of MLK3 decreases CD8+ T cell population, whereas CD4+ T cells are partially increased under basal condition. Moreover, the loss of MLK3 induces CD70-mediated apoptosis in CD8+ T cells but not in CD4+ T cells. Among the activated CD8+ T cell phenotypes, CD8+CD38+ T cell population shows more than five fold increase in apoptosis due to loss of MLK3, and the expression of TNFRSF1a is significantly higher in CD8+CD38+ T cells. In addition, we observed that CD70 is an upstream regulator of TNFα-TNFRSF1a axis and necessary for induction of apoptosis in CD8+ T cells. Importantly, blockade of CD70 attenuates apoptosis and enhances effector function of CD8+ T cells from MLK3−/− mice. In immune-competent breast cancer mouse model, pharmacological inhibition of MLK3 along with CD70 increased tumor infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, leading to reduction in tumor burden largely via mitochondrial apoptosis. Conclusion Together, these results demonstrate that MLK3 plays an important role in CD8+ T cell survival and effector function and MLK3-CD70 axis could serve as a potential target in cancer.
Muscle deformation correlates with output force during isometric contraction

Despite the utility of musculoskeletal dynamics modeling, there exists no safe, noninvasive method of measuring in vivo muscle output force in real time. In this paper, we demonstrate that muscle deformation constitutes a promising, yet unexplored class of signals from which to infer such forces. Through a preliminary case study of the elbow joint, in which we examine simultaneous flexion force, surface electromyography (sEMG), and ultrasound imaging data during isometric contraction, we provide evidence that even simple measures of deformation (including cross-sectional area and thickness variation in the brachioradialis muscle) correlate well with elbow output torque to an extent comparable with standard sEMG activation measures. We then show that these simple signals, as well as the overall brachioradialis contour, can be tracked over time via optical flow techniques, enabling the use of these signals in real-time applications (e.g., assistive device control), as well as larger-scale study of deformation signals without necessitating manual annotation. To enable such future work, all modeling and tracking software described in this paper, as well as all raw and processed data, have been made available on SimTK as part of the OpenArm project (https://simtk.org/projects/openarm) for general research use.