cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A small-molecule catalyst of protein folding in vitro and in vivo

Abstract Background: The formation of native disulfide bonds between cysteine residues often limits the rate and yield of protein folding. The enzyme protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) catalyzes the interchange of disulfide bonds in substrate proteins. The two -Cys-Gly-His-Cys- active sites of PDI provide a thiol that has a low pK a value and a disulfide bond of high reduction potential (E°'). Results: A synthetic small-molecule dithiol, (±)- trans -1,2-bis(2-mercaptoacetamido)cyclohexane (BMC), has a pK a value of 8.3 and an E°' value of −0.24 V. These values are similar to those of the PDI active sites. BMC catalyzes the activation of scrambled ribonuclease A, an inactive enzyme with non-native disulfide bonds, and doubles the yield of active enzyme. A monothiol analog of BMC, N-methylmercaptoacetamide, is a less efficient catalyst than BMC. BMC in the growth medium of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells increases by > threefold the heterologous secretion of Schizosaccharomyces pombe acid phosphatase, which has eight disulfide bonds. This effect is similar to that from the overproduction of PDI in the S. cerevisiae cells, indicating that BMC, like PDI, can catalyze protein folding in vivo. Conclusions: A small-molecule dithiol with a low thiol pK a value and high disulfide E°' value can mimic PDI by catalyzing the formation of native disulfide bonds in proteins, both in vitro and in vivo.
Competition-Based Learning

This paper summarizes recent research on competition-based learning procedures performed by the Navy Center for Applied Research in Artificial Intelligence at the Naval Research Laboratory. We have focused on a particularly interesting class of competition-based techniques called genetic algorithms. Genetic algorithms are adaptive search algorithms based on principles derived from the mechanisms of biological evolution. Recent results on the analysis of the implicit parallelism of alternative selection algorithms are summarized, along with an analysis of alternative crossover operators. Applications of these results in practical learning systems for sequential decision problems and for concept classification are also presented.
The Role(s) Of The International Travel Agent In The Travel Decision Process Of Client Families

Traditionally, travel promoters seeking to market their products to an international clientele have engaged the services of selected local travel agents already serving the pro moters' target customers. It is commonly assumed that these local representatives are knowledgeable about their clients' concerns and preferences and can use this information to benefit the promoters' marketing efforts. This study presents evidence which challenges these widely held beliefs. These data suggest that international travel agents are actually unfamiliar with the travel behaviors of their clients and therefore are less than effective it? their market intermediary roles.
The effect of fertilization on sap flux and canopy conductance in a Eucalyptus saligna experimental forest

Land devoted to plantation forestry (50millionha) has been increasing worldwide and the genus Eucalyptus is a popular plantation species (14millionha) for its rapid growth and ability to grow well on a wide range of sites. Fertilization is a common silvicultural tool to improve tree growth with potential effects on stand water use, but the relationship between wood growth and water use in response to fertilization remains poorly quantified. Our objectives in this study were to determine the extent, timing and longevity of fertilization effects on water use and wood growth in a non-water limited Eucalyptus saligna experimental forest near Hilo, HI. We evaluated the short- and longterm effects of fertilization on water use by measuring sap flux per unit sapwood area, canopy conductance, transpiration per unit leaf area and water-use efficiency in control and fertilized stands. Short-term effects were assessed by comparing sap flux before and after fertilizer application. Long-term effects were assessed by comparing control plots and plots that had received nutrient additions for 5 years. For the short-term response, total water use in fertilized plots increased from 265 to 487mmyr � 1 during the 5 months following fertilization. The increase was driven by an increase in stand leaf area accompanied by an increase in sap flux per unit sapwood area. Sap flux per unit leaf area and canopy conductance did not differ during the 5 months following fertilizer additions. For the last 2 months of our short-term measurements, fertilized trees used less water per unit carbon gain (361 compared with 751kgH2OkgC � 1 in control stands). Trees with 5 years of fertilization also used significantly more water than controls (401 vs. 302mmyr � 1 ) because of greater leaf area in the fertilized stands. Sap flux per unit sapwood area, sap flux per unit leaf area, and canopy conductance did not differ between control and fertilized trees in the long-term plots. In contrast to the short-term response, the long-term response of water use per unit wood growth was not significant. Overall, fertilization of E. saligna at our site increased stand water use by increasing leaf area. Fertilized trees grew more wood and used more water, but fertilization did not change wood growth per unit water use.
Phase I study of terameprocol in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma

Terameprocol is a global transcription inhibitor that affects cell division apoptosis, drug resistance, hypoxia responsive genes, and radiation resistance in hypoxia. A multicenter, dose-escalation study was conducted in heavily pretreated patients with recurrent, measurable, high-grade gliomas. Terameprocol was administered intravenously for 5 consecutive days each month and discontinued for toxicity or progression. Patients taking enzyme-inducing antiseizure drugs (EIASDs) were escalated independently. Thirty-five patients with a median Karnofsky performance status of 80, median age of 46 years, and median of 2 prior treatment regimens were accrued. Doses of 750, 1100, 1700, and 2200 mg/day were administered. Terameprocol was reformulated to avoid acidosis related to the excipient and was well tolerated at 1700 mg/day. Hypoxia and interstitial nephritis were noted at 2200 mg/day. Concurrent administration of EIASD did not significantly affect the serum pharmacokinetics of the terameprocol. Although no responses were seen, stable disease was noted in 9 (28%) of 32 evaluable patients, with 5 (13%) continuing treatment for >6 months (≥6, 8, 10, 10, and ≥21 months). The overall median survival was 5.9 months. This phase I study defined the toxicity of terameprocol, determined that EIASDs do not affect its pharmacokinetics, and identified 1700 mg/day as the dose for future studies. Preclinical and human data suggest that this novel transcription inhibitor is worthy of further study. The long-term stability noted in some patients and the lack of associated myelosuppression suggest that terameprocol could be safely combined with radiation and temozolomide in newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas.
Assessing Women's Feminist Identity Development: Studies of Convergent, Discriminant, and Structural Validity

Researchers have called for increasing sophistication in the assessment of women's feminist identity development (Enns & Hackett, 1990; Hackett, Enns, & Zetzer, 1992) to understand important psychological processes. This series of studies examined recent efforts to operationalize Downing and Roush's (1985) model of feminist identity development. Specifically, the psychometric properties of two existing measures—the Feminist Identity Development Scale (Bargad & Hyde, 1991) and the Feminist Identity Scale (Rickard, 1987)—were examined in two studies with separate samples of women (total N = 486). Results of Study 1 indicated the strengths and significant limitations associated with each scale (e.g., low internal consistency for some subscales, item-subscale inconsistency). A composite measure (derived from these scales) with better overall psychometric properties is described. In Study 2, we found good support for the composite instrument's internal consistency, as well as convergent, discriminant, and fact...
Augustine: On the Free Choice of the Will, On Grace and Free Choice, and Other Writings.

As Peter King states at the opening of his study, “the difficult task of reconciling free will with God’s grace occupied Augustine for much of his life” (xvi). His extensive notes and chronicle of ...
Direct and Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis of Multibody Systems Using Maggi’s Equations

The importance of the sensitivity analysis of multibody systems for several applications is well known, concretely design optimization based on the dynamics of multibody systems usually requires the sensitivity analysis of the equations of motion. A broad range of methods for the dynamics of multibody systems include the state space formulations based on Maggis equations, nullspace methods or coordinate partitioning. Dynamic sensitivities, when needed, are often calculated by means of finite differences but, depending of the number of parameters involved, this procedure can be very demanding in terms of CPU time and the accuracy obtained can be very poor in many cases. In this paper, several ways to perform the sensitivity analysis are explored and analytical expressions for the direct and adjoint sensitivity analysis of multibody systems are presented, all of them based on Maggi’s formulations. Moreover, two different approaches to the adjoint sensitivity analysis of multibody systems are presented.Although particularized to one formulation, the general expressions provided in the paper, are intended to be easily generalized and applied to any other formulation that can be expressed as an ODE-like system of equations, including penalty formulations.Besides, to check the validity and correctness of the proposed equations, the solutions of all the methods proposed are compared: 1) between them, 2) with the third party code FATODE and 3) with the numerical solution using real and complex perturbations.Finally, all the techniques proposed are applied to the dynamical optimization of a multibody system.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Abnormalities in the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle in Huntington Disease and in a Huntington Disease Mouse Model

Glucose metabolism is reduced in the brains of patients with Huntington disease (HD). The mechanisms underlying this deficit, its link to the pathology of the disease, and the vulnerability of the striatum in HD remain unknown. Abnormalities in some of the key mitochondrial enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, including the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, may contribute to these deficits. Here, activities for these enzymes and select protein levels were measured in human postmortem cortex and in striatum and cortex of an HD mouse model (Q175); mRNA levels encoding for these enzymes were also measured in the Q175 mouse cortex. The activities of PDHC and nearly all of the TCA cycle enzymes were dramatically lower (-50% to 90%) in humans than in mice. The activity of succinate dehydrogenase increased with HD in human (35%) and mouse (23%) cortex. No other changes were detected in the human HD cortex or mouse striatum. In Q175 cortex, there were increased activities of PDHC (+12%) and aconitase (+32%). Increased mRNA levels for succinyl thiokinase (+88%) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (+64%) suggested an upregulation of the TCA cycle. These patterns of change differ from those reported in other diseases, which may offer unique metabolic therapeutic opportunities for HD patients.
Play Therapists' Demonstration of the Attitudinal Conditions in Child-Centered Play Therapy

Although the attitudinal conditions of congruence, unconditional positive regard, and empathy are essential to the therapeutic process in child-centered play therapy (CCPT) there is limited underst...
Interactions among Four Species of Stored-Product Insects in Corn: a Multifactorial Study

The interactions of 4 species of stored-product insects reared in whole corn or cracked corn were studied in a 24 multi-factorial experiment. The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), was the dominant species and reduced the numbers of all others in both types of corn. The sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), reduced the numbers of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), in whole corn and cracked corn, whereas the Indian meal moth reduced the numbers of the flat grain beetle, Cryptolestes pusillus (Schonherr), in whole corn but caused an increase in the numbers of the red flour beetle in cracked corn. The flat grain beetle reduced the numbers of the red flour beetle in cracked corn. The red flour beetle, combined with either the sawtoothed grain beetle or the Indian meal moth, significantly increased the weight loss of whole corn. When the red flour beetle was combined with either 2 or 3 other species, there was no significant effect on weight loss of the corn.
Histochemistry of odoriferous secretions from integumentary glands in three species of bats.

Secretions from the gular gland of male molossid bats ( Tadarida brasiliensis and Molossus bondae ) and pararhinal glands of male big brown bats ( Eptesicus fuscus ) were analyzed histochemically. Proteins and phospholipids were apparently absent from secretions of the glands of all three species. Sebaceous portions of the gular gland of both molossids contained unsaturated neutral lipids; older secretion in distal portions of their ducts consisted of unsaturated neutral and acidic lipids. Cholesterol and its esters and carbohydrates were not detected in sebaceous cells of gular glands. Apocrine secretions from Molossus contained neutral lipids and carbohydrates. Pararhinal glands from Eptesicus consisted of sebaceous and apocrine portions. The former contained neutral lipids and cholesterol esters throughout. Fatty acids were present in apical cells; unsaturated lipids were more prevalent in apical than in basal cells. Apocrine portions of pararhinal glands contained saturated fatty acids, but tests for carbohydrates, proteins, and phospholipids and cholesterol compounds were negative. Histochemical results indicate that at least some of the ester molecules from sebaceous glands are hydrolyzed before release from the gland. Unsaturated, probably short-chain, fatty acids thus released are the most likely components responsible for the well-known odor of these secretions.
Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome in a Healthy Young Man.

Objective The purpose of this case report is to describe a patient who presented with symptoms of exercise-induced compartment syndrome and was later referred for bilateral fasciotomy surgery.
Detecting damped Ly α absorbers with Gaussian processes

We develop an automated technique for detecting damped Lyman-$\alpha$ absorbers (DLAs) along spectroscopic lines of sight to quasi-stellar objects (QSOs or quasars). The detection of DLAs in large-scale spectroscopic surveys such as SDSS-III sheds light on galaxy formation at high redshift, showing the nucleation of galaxies from diffuse gas. We use nearly 50 000 QSO spectra to learn a novel tailored Gaussian process model for quasar emission spectra, which we apply to the DLA detection problem via Bayesian model selection. We propose models for identifying an arbitrary number of DLAs along a given line of sight. We demonstrate our method's effectiveness using a large-scale validation experiment, with excellent performance. We also provide a catalog of our results applied to 162 858 spectra from SDSS-III data release 12.
Inhibition of phagocytosis and interleukin-1 production in pulmonary macrophages from rats with sialodacryoadenitis virus infection.

To test whether or not sialodacryoadenitis virus (SDAV) infection in rats affects pulmonary macrophage function, we intranasally inoculated pathogen-free F344 rats with SDAV and collected alveolar and interstitial macrophages 5 d later. We assessed Fc receptor-mediated attachment and phagocytosis by phase-contrast microscopic examination of monolayers of alveolar and interstitial macrophages incubated with zymosan, nonopsonized sheep erythrocytes, or erythrocytes opsonized with rabbit antisheep-erythrocyte IgG. Alveolar macrophages from virus-infected rats had significantly (P less than or equal to .05) lower indices of attachment and phagocytosis of opsonized erythrocytes than control macrophages, but there was no difference in attachment of zymosan particles. Interstitial macrophages were not affected. Alveolar macrophages from SDAV-infected rats produced significantly less interleukin-1 than those from control rats, as assessed by testing supernatants from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage cultures for induction of mouse thymocytes to take up tritiated thymidine. Effects of SDAV infection on lung macrophages could increase host susceptibility to other pathogens or complicate studies of respiratory tract immunity.
Effects of fluprazine hydrochloride on three aversively motivated tasks

Treatment with 8.0 mg/kg fluprazine hydrochloride had no effect on the acquisition of a step-down avoidance response but retarded its extinction. The drug also impaired acquisition of a jump-up active avoidance response if the rats received inescapable footshock 30 min prior to training, but had no effect if inescapable shock immediately preceded acquisition or was absent. In contrast, fluprazine treatment produced an immediate impairment on the acquisition of an escape response in a water maze. The results are consistent with earlier findings in suggesting that fluprazine produces a prolonged, and perhaps delayed, increase in responsiveness to shock. This pattern of reactivity may be restricted to painful stimuli. The combined effects of fluprazine on both painful and nonpainful sources of aversive stimuli may contribute to its disruption of aggression and other social behaviors in an important way.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness: a Jeffersonian approach to development indicators

International comparisons of societal development are traditionally based, at least partially, on per capita GDP. This paper develops an alternative approach to evaluating human progress using crit...
Out-of-Network Emergency-Physician Bills — An Unwelcome Surprise

Patients who seek care at in-network emergency departments may learn later that they owe thousands of dollars for a treating physician who isn't in their plan's network. But states could require hospitals to sell a bundled ED care package including physician services.
Variability of cholesterol accessibility in human red blood cells measured using a bacterial cholesterol-binding toxin

Cholesterol partitions into accessible and sequestered pools in cell membranes. Here, we describe a new assay using fluorescently-tagged anthrolysin O, a cholesterol-binding bacterial toxin, to measure accessible cholesterol in human red blood cells (RBCs). Accessible cholesterol levels were stable within individuals, but varied >10 fold among individuals. Significant variation was observed among ethnic groups (Blacks>Hispanics>Whites). Variation in accessibility of RBC cholesterol was unrelated to the cholesterol content of RBCs or plasma, but was associated with the phospholipid composition of the RBC membranes and with plasma triglyceride levels. Pronase treatment of RBCs only modestly altered cholesterol accessibility. Individuals on hemodialysis, who have an unexplained increase in atherosclerotic risk, had significantly higher RBC cholesterol accessibility. Our data indicate that RBC accessible cholesterol is a stable phenotype with significant inter-individual variability. Factors both intrinsic and extrinsic to the RBC contribute to variation in its accessibility. This assay provides a new tool to assess cholesterol homeostasis among tissues in humans.
Ultrasonographic Detection of Airway Obstruction in a Model of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Purpose Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common clinical disorder characterized by repetitive airway obstruction during sleep. The gold standard for diagnosis of OSA, polysomnogram (PSG), cannot anatomically localize obstruction. Precise identification of obstruction has potential to improve outcomes following surgery. Current diagnostic modalities that provide this information require anesthesia, involve ionizing radiation or disrupt sleep. To mitigate these problems, we conceived that ultrasound (US) technology may be adapted (i) to detect, quantify and localize airway obstruction and (ii) for translational application to home-based testing for OSA. Materials and Methods Segmental airway collapse was induced in 4 fresh cadavers by application of negative pressure. Following visualization of airway obstruction, a rotary US probe was used to acquire transcervical images of the airway before and after induction of obstruction. These images (n=800) were analyzed offline using image processing algorithms. Results Our results show that the non-obstructed airway consistently demonstrated the presence of a US air-tissue interface. Importantly, automated detection of the air-tissue interface strongly correlated with manual measurements. The algorithm correctly detected an air-tissue interface in 90% of the US images while incorrectly detecting it in 20% (area under the curve=0.91). Conclusion The non-invasive detection of airway obstruction using US represents a major step in expanding OSA diagnostics beyond PSG. The preliminary data obtained from our model could spur further research in non-invasive localization of obstruction. US offers the benefit of precise localization of the site of obstruction, with potential for improving outcomes in surgical management
Shape Control of Compliant, Articulated Meshes: Towards Modular Active-Cell Robots (MACROs)

In this letter, we explore the shape control of compliant, articulated meshes created from shape memory alloy (SMA)-based linear actuators (Active Cells). These compliant meshes form the mechanical subsystem of a class of proposed modular active-cell robots (MACROs). Our “Active Cells” are centimeter-scale SMA actuators capable of ~25% linear strain. The deformation of MACRO meshes in response to current inputs at the passive nodes are modeled and validated for accuracy in prior work. In this letter, we investigate an efficient and scalable control policy that allows us a given MACRO to be electrically-driven to achieve a specified shape. Validation experiments on a range of MACRO simulations establish a high degree of accuracy and repeatability of the controller. The control strategy is shown to be efficient and robust to variations in start- and target-shapes, and in mesh complexity.
Comparison study of the flux pinning enhancement of YBCO superconductor with BZO and BZO + Y2O3 mixed phase additions

Adding nanophase defects to YBa2Cu3O7-δ (YBCO) superconductor thin films is well-known to enhance flux pinning, resulting in an increase in current density (J ct ). While many previous studies focused on single phase additions, the addition of several phases simultaneously shows promise in improving current density by combining different pinning mechanisms. This paper compares the effect of the addition of two insulating, nonreactive phases of barium zirconium oxide (BZO) and yttrium oxide Y2O3, both as a single addition of BZO and as a double addition in conjunction with Y2O3. Processing parameters vary the target composition volume percent of BZO from 2-6 vol. %, while maintaining 3 vol. % Y2O3, and the remaining vol. % YBCO. Pulsed laser deposition produced thin films on LaAlO3 (LAO) and SrTiO3 (STO) substrates at various deposition temperatures. Comparison of strong and weak flux pinning mechanisms, current densities, critical temperatures, and microstructures of the resulting films will be presented. Films produced from the 2 vol. % BZO + 3 vol. Y2O3 doped YBCO target at a deposition temperature of 825 °C attained the highest current density. The addition of second phase Y2O3 impacted the film microstructure, resulting in more isotropic behavior when compared to the YBCO films doped with only BZO.
Cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) mapping by combining quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and quantitative blood oxygenation level-dependent imaging (qBOLD)

Purpose To map the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2 ) by estimating the oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) from gradient echo imaging (GRE) using phase and magnitude of the GRE data. Theory and methods 3D multi-echo gradient echo imaging and perfusion imaging with arterial spin labeling were performed in 11 healthy subjects. CMRO2 and OEF maps were reconstructed by joint quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) to process GRE phases and quantitative blood oxygen level-dependent (qBOLD) modeling to process GRE magnitudes. Comparisons with QSM and qBOLD alone were performed using ROI analysis, paired t-tests, and Bland-Altman plot. Results The average CMRO2 value in cortical gray matter across subjects were 140.4 ± 14.9, 134.1 ± 12.5, and 184.6 ± 17.9 μmol/100 g/min, with corresponding OEFs of 30.9 ± 3.4%, 30.0 ± 1.8%, and 40.9 ± 2.4% for methods based on QSM, qBOLD, and QSM+qBOLD, respectively. QSM+qBOLD provided the highest CMRO2 contrast between gray and white matter, more uniform OEF than QSM, and less noisy OEF than qBOLD. Conclusion Quantitative CMRO2 mapping that fits the entire complex GRE data is feasible by combining QSM analysis of phase and qBOLD analysis of magnitude.
Auxiliary and autonomous proteoglycan signaling networks.

Abstract Proteoglycans represent a structurally heterogeneous family of proteins that typically undergo extensive posttranslational modification with sulfated sugar chains. Although historically believed to affect signaling pathways exclusively as growth factor coreceptors, proteoglycans are now understood to initiate and modulate signal transduction cascades independently of other receptors. From within the extracellular matrix, proteoglycans are able to shield protein growth factors from circulating proteases and establish gradients that guide cell migration. Extracellular proteoglycans are also critical in the maintenance of growth factor stores and are thus instrumental in modulating paracrine signaling. At the cell membrane, proteoglycans stabilize ligand–receptor interactions, creating potentiated ternary signaling complexes that regulate cell proliferation, endocytosis, migration, growth factor sensitivity, and matrix adhesion. In some cases, proteoglycans are able to independently activate various signaling cascades, attenuate the signaling of growth factors, or orchestrate multimeric intracellular signaling complexes. Signaling between cells is also modulated by proteoglycan activity at the cell membrane, as exemplified by the proteoglycan requirement for effective synaptogenesis between neurons. Finally, proteoglycans are able to regulate signaling from intracellular compartments, particularly in the context of storage granule formation and maintenance. These proteoglycans are also major determinants of exocytic vesicle fate and other vesicular trafficking pathways. In contrast to the mechanisms underlying classical ligand–receptor signaling, proteoglycan signaling is frequently characterized by ligand promiscuity and low-affinity binding; likewise, these events commonly do not exhibit the same degree of reliance on intermolecular structure or charge configurations as other ligand–receptor interactions. Such unique features often defy conventional mechanisms of signal transduction, and present unique challenges to the study of their indispensable roles within cell signaling networks.
Lives within lives: Hidden fungal biodiversity and the importance of conservation

Abstract Nothing is sterile. Insects, plants, and fungi, highly speciose groups of organisms, conceal a vast fungal biodiversity. An approximation of the total number of fungal species on Earth remains an elusive goal, but estimates should include fungal species hidden in associations with other organisms. Some specific roles have been discovered for the fungi hidden within other life forms, including contributions to nutrition, detoxification of foodstuffs, and production of volatile organic compounds. Fungi rely on associates for dispersal to fresh habitats and, under some conditions, provide them with competitive advantages. New methods are available to discover microscopic fungi that previously have been overlooked. In fungal conservation efforts, it is essential not only to discover hidden fungi but also to determine if they are rare or actually endangered.
Techno-economic analysis of future precision field robots

Abstract. Precision agriculture (PA) technology provides a means to increase equipment productivity and field efficiency, and input efficiency; however, the potential of PA technologies to enable smaller, autonomous machines has yet not been realized in the market place. In developed countries, the size of tractors and implements continue to increase. Such trend cannot continue indefinitely because of size, technical and cost constraints. A long operating life for agricultural equipment enables a greater benefit relative to the high initial cost and investment. However, long equipment life can lead to technologically obsolete machines with potential incompatibility and sub-optimality, since machinery and PA technology should evolve together and be used as a package. Similarly, power system technologies with potential application in agricultural machines are also evolving quickly and issues of renewability and sustainability are becoming common priorities, with demands for standardization and certification. The concept of small modular and scalable intelligent machines tries to address the challenge of gaining higher productivity with reduced costs and power. In particular, in this paper different weeding technologies were compared using performance metrics including work rate and energy density. Conventional processes, using common tractors were compared with robotic weeder designs to evaluate performance, size and energy requirements. Forecasts of possible future trends of agricultural machine size, PA technology integration and power system technology deployment were derived from this work.
Laparoscopic Renal Extirpative Surgery

In addition to its established advantages, laparoscopic renal surgery poses a unique set of challenges over traditional open surgery. This chapter discusses the detailed steps for laparoscopic renal extirpative surgeries for both benign and malignant processes. Transabdominal approaches are described first and include the details imperative for surgeons including patient positioning, equipment, and port placement in addition to the surgical steps. The retroperitoneal approach is described in this manner as well. Important to each surgeon is not only knowing how to approach each surgery but also some of the commonly encountered issues and their management. Finally, complications of renal extirpative, their diagnosis, and their management are summarized.
A president, A scholar, and an immigration bill

ABSTRACTIn this paper I look critically at George Borjas's scholarship on immigration. Borjas is widely considered to be academia's leading immigration skeptic. He consistently contends that low sk...
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and the Risk of Allograft Rejection: A Comprehensive Analysis on an Emerging Issue

Background It is well known that the state of immune tolerance induced by broad immunosuppression to prevent allograft rejection leads to an increased risk of the development of cancer. One of the most promising new areas of cancer treatment has been the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors that target the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 and programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathways. As a logical consequence, growing interest in these agents translated into their implementation in patients with transplant-related malignancies. Because of overlapping and perhaps mutually exclusive mechanisms of action of transplant immunosuppression and cancer immunomodulation, it is critical to examine these interactions. Materials and methods We carried out a systematic search for review articles and case reports published between July 2014 and November 2017 using three engines: Usearch, PubMed, and Up-to-date. Results Overall, there were 20 cases with 12 allograft rejections. The rejection rate associated with nivolumab was 73% (8/11) and with pembrolizumab it was 100% (2/2). The use of ipilimumab did not lead to rejection in any instance (0/4, 0%). Of the two patients treated with the sequential use of ipilimumab/nivolumab, one lost his allograft, yielding a rejection rate of 50%. The sequential use of ipilimumab/pembrolizumab led to a rejection rate of 100% (1/1, 100%). Conclusion The use of agents that act on the PD-L1 pathway are contraindicated in the face of solid organ allografts because of unacceptably high rates of irreversible allograft rejection. It appears that the use of ipilimumab may be tolerated as the mechanism is different from that of the PD-L1 agents. Implications for practice Transplant rejection is a complex process that puts stress on patients and their families and can lead to tragic results. Significant advancements in the field of immunosuppression have led to the engenderment of agents devised to extend the survival of transplant recipients. The advent of immunomodulators in cancer therapy has been paradigm-shifting; however, because of their mechanism of action, their use must be carefully considered in patients with allografts and concomitant cancer. It appears that ipilimumab can be administered safely in these patients but that agents acting on the programmed death-ligand 1 pathway are contraindicated because of high rates of irreversible rejection.
Identification and Characterization of Resistance to Soybean Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Plant Introductions of Wild Soybean

The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, is a serious pest of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in the USA and Canada, and a sporadic pest of soybean in Asia. Infestations by soybean aphid cause economic loss to soybean through reductions in seed yield and oil concentration. Aphid-resistant soybean lines are needed to supplant insecticides for managing soybean aphid, and resistant lines may be developed from both domesticated and wild soybean lines. Free-choice assays of 42 lines of wild soybean (Glycine soja Siebold and Zucc.) in this study identified line 99PI522233 as resistant to soybean-aphid biotype 1. That line was advanced for follow-up assays with wild soybean lines PI 469399 B, PI 507825, PI 507840 and PI 507843, which had previously been screened as aphid resistant. Line 99PI522233 had significantly fewer soybean aphids than other lines except the resistant check in the second and third weeks of a no-choice assay, but the four other putatively resistant lines did not show resistance in the no-choice assay. Thus, line PI99522233 may be advanced for genetic characterization of its resistance, and it should be tested for resistance against virulent soybean aphid biotypes.
Alcançando a Accountability: Uma Abordagem para o Planejamento e Implementação de Estratégias Anticorrupção

Casos historicos de excitacao e fracassos na luta contra uma licao fundamental: uma campanha anticorrupcao (ou que chamarei de estourar a politica) altera alteracoes duradouras no nivel de equilibrio da legislacao, ainda mais se essas politicas nao forem inseridas em um amplo esforco de responsabilizacao. Este artigo oferece suporte a uma serie de exemplos de luta contra corrupcao que foram bem-sucedidos, na tentativa de desenvolver uma abordagem de responsabilidade que possa ser amplamente aplicada em diferentes contextos e setores. O artigo tambem aplica uma abordagem iterativa e estrategica, utilizando uma estrutura basica de equacao da responsabilidade para orientar os agentes de anticorrupcao. O intuito e eliminar progressivamente os obstaculos para atingir uma responsabilidade efetiva. Palavras-chave: Corrupcao; Responsabilizacao; Transparencia; Monitoramento; Punicao
Changes in Parameters of Aqueous Humor Dynamics Throughout Life

Steady-state intraocular pressure (IOP) results from the interplay of the inflow, outflow, facility, and pressure of aqueous humor dynamics. A change in any one of these parameters may greatly affect IOP, while a simultaneous change in a second parameter might negate the effect of the first leaving IOP undisturbed. Some IOP changes could be rapid as when moving from a seated to a supine position. Other IOP changes are gradual such as seen seasonally. There is general agreement on the nighttime reduction in aqueous humor production but not on changes that occur during aging. Aging is confounded by many factors affecting IOP including systemic and ocular health, ethnic background, and recreational activities. Evidence suggests that aqueous humor dynamics in children may change rapidly until sexual maturity is reached, but the scarcity of research on children has left a void in our understanding of the developing eye. Efficacy of IOP-lowering treatments can be altered by fluctuations in aqueous humor dynamics, especially at night. The molecular and cellular aspects underlying the changes in aqueous humor dynamics is a rapidly growing field. Effective mathematical modeling of ocular fluid dynamics will benefit from a clearer understanding of the changes in aqueous humor dynamics throughout life.
Adult breakfast habits and nutritional status: A household based cross-sectional study in Zhejiang Province, China.

Background and Objectives: Although Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents offers advice for breakfast in China, current breakfast consumption habits are unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of breakfast consumption among adults and explore its associations with daily food consumption and daily nutrient intake. Methods and Study Design: A stratified cluster sampling technique was employed in this cross-sectional study. Demographic characteristics, breakfast consumption, and daily food and nutrient intake were investigated. Results: Dietary data were collected for 3251 adult residents through interviews. We determined that residents with an annual income of ＜CN¥10000 were the group with the highest rate of breakfast consumption. Among adults living at home, those who were retired had the highest proportion of breakfast eaters (92.1%), whereas among adults not living at home, commercial services and production personnel had the highest proportion of breakfast eaters (83.8%). Residents who never ate breakfast had a lower daily intake of rice, dark-colored vegetables, pork, poultry, and fish and shrimp and a higher daily intake of bean products and instant foods (p＜0.05). Residents who never ate breakfast had a higher daily intake of energy, fat, and carbohydrates, and a lower intake of protein, retinol, vitamins A and C, carotene, Ca, P, K, Mg, Zn, Se, and Mn (p＜0.05). Conclusions: Breakfast skipping may influence the daily intake of nutrients. A simple and important public health message should be delivered to target populations.
Relationship among maximum hip isometric strength, hip kinematics, and peak gluteal muscle force during running.

Abstract Objective To determine if there is a relationship among isometric hip strength, hip kinematics, and peak gluteal muscle forces in cross-country runners during running. Design Cross Sectional. Setting University Biomechanics Laboratory. Participants Forty-six NCAA Division III collegiate cross-country runners (18 males, 28 females). Main outcome measures Pearson correlation coefficients were used to describe relationships among isometric hip strength, hip kinematics, and peak gluteal muscle forces during the stance phase of running. Strength of correlations were interpreted as little to no relationship (r Results Little to no relationships were found among isometric hip strength and gluteal muscle forces during running (r Conclusion Isometric hip strength does not appear to be related to gluteal muscle forces and hip kinematics during the stance phase of running while gluteal muscle force was moderately related to hip adduction. Factors other than strength may be related to muscle force production and hip kinematics during running.
Type 4 Hyperkalemic Renal Tubular Acidosis After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

SUMMARY Type 4 renal tubular acidosis is a rare condition that can result in a life threatening hyperkalemia. It is caused by an impaired response to aldosterone, or more commonly, an aldosterone deficiency. Known factors that can contribute to the development of hypoaldosteronism include adrenal insufficiency, diabetic nephropathy, and certain medications – including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and heparin. Many patients with significant coronary artery disease are exposed to multiple - if not all - of these risk factors, putting this population at a potentially increased risk for development of hypoaldosteronism and severe hyperkalemia. Here, we present a case of a patient with diabetic nephropathy and chronic lisinopril use who required systemic heparinization for a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. This was followed by coronary artery bypass grafting and the development of severe hyperkalemia requiring renal replacement therapy, and our patient was subsequently found to have hyporeninemic-hypoaldosteronism. We review the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of Type 4 hyperkalemic renal tubular acidosis.
Reflective spectra of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel A on sand substrates under ambient and cold conditions: Implications for detection using hyperspectral remote sensing and development of age estimation models

Fuel spills are a very common occurrence globally and the traditional methods of identification and remediation can be expensive, hazardous, and time consuming. Hyperspectral remote sensing is a technology that utilizes images from a variety of air vehicles or satellites where each pixel in the image contains a quantitative reflected light spectrum that is a function of the materials in view. Laboratory and field experiments are desirable for building an effective reflective spectra library. This project evaluated the reflective spectra of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel A on the spectrally bright Ottawa sand and a darker silica-rich sand from New Mexico (New Mexico 15) under room temperature and cold weather conditions. For the room temperature experiments, gasoline was only detectable to 90 min after initial application, diesel fuel was detectable out to 11 weeks on Ottawa sand, as well as the New Mexico 15 samples. Jet fuel A was detectable out to 5 weeks on Ottawa sand and the New Mexico 15 samples. For all cold condition experiments, gasoline was identifiable on substrates up until the 72-h mark largely and diesel fuel and jet fuel A were identifiable on each substrate out to 5 weeks. Regressions were fit to vaporization curves for room temperature and cold weather conditions and all were logarithmic in nature except for jet fuel A under lab and cold weather conditions which were best fit by power functions. Unexpectedly, diesel fuel evaporated more under cold weather conditions. Results indicate that fuel-substrate experiments can provide critical data for hyperspectral remote sensing investigations and future detailed work on fuels and other organic compounds is warranted.
Pharmacokinetics of Ruxolitinib in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis Treated With Ruxolitinib Cream: Data from Phase II and III Studies

Pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) involves the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway. A cream formulation of ruxolitinib, a potent selective JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, was developed for topical delivery. Pharmacokinetic data were obtained from three double-blind, vehicle-controlled studies in patients with AD: a phase II study with ruxolitinib cream 0.15%, 0.5%, or 1.5% once daily or 1.5% twice daily (BID), and two phase III studies with 0.75% or 1.5% BID. Effects of baseline characteristics on pharmacokinetics were examined. Correlations were attempted between plasma concentrations and change in hematological parameters over time. Ruxolitinib plasma concentrations at steady-state (Css) increased with cream strength in a less-than-dose-proportional manner. In the phase III studies, overall mean (standard deviation [SD]) Css after ruxolitinib cream 0.75% and 1.5% BID (23.8 [35.0] and 35.7 [55.0] nM) were a fraction of the half-maximal inhibitory concentration for thrombopoietin-stimulated phosphorylated STAT3 inhibition (281 nM), a JAK/STAT signaling marker. Three covariates were identified for Css: dose, percent body surface area (%BSA) treated, and baseline Investigator’s Global Assessment score. Mean (SD) bioavailability of ruxolitinib cream 1.5% BID was 6.22% (7.66%). There were no correlations between Css and any hematological changes except for a transient increase in platelets at week 2. Plasma ruxolitinib concentrations after treatment with topical ruxolitinib cream in patients with up to 20% BSA affected by AD are not expected to lead to systemic plasma concentrations that may be associated with adverse effects commonly associated with oral JAK inhibitors. NCT03011892; NCT03745638; NCT03745651.
Secondary azoospermia after sleeve gastrectomy: a case report.

Objective To report the first case of secondary azoospermia after sleeve gastrectomy. Design Case report. Setting Academic male infertility clinic. Patient(s) A 33-year-old man with secondary azoospermia and primary testicular failure with testosterone deficiency after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Intervention(s) Hormonal therapy with anastrozole for 10 months and diagnostic testicular biopsy. Main Outcome Measure(s) Semen analyses and testicular histopathology. Result(s) Non-obstructive azoospermia persisted at 20 months after surgery despite hormonal therapy with anastrozole. Testicular histopathology revealed the presence of Sertoli cells only. Conclusion(s) Although further research is need to determine the relationship between sleeve gastrectomy and secondary infertility, men should be informed of the potentially deleterious effects of this surgery on semen parameters.
When Seconds Matter: Neonatal Resuscitation in the Prehospital Setting

Background: There are approximately 3500 out-of-hospital births per year in the United States. Up to 10% of newborns require some assistance to establish breathing at birth. Neonatal Resuscitation Program(NRP) guidelines recommend maintaining normothermia by drying and warming and initiating BVM within the first minute after delivery. Emergency medical services (EMS) responders must be prepared to provide expert resuscitative measures immediately after birth, but their effectiveness may be limited because pediatric calls are infrequent, age-appropriate pediatric equipment is sparse, and first responders face unpredictable settings. …
Revelation and the God of Israel

Revelation and the God of Israel explores the concept of revelation as it emerges from the Hebrew Scriptures and is interpreted in Jewish philosophy and theology. The first part is a study in intellectual history that attempts to answer the question, what is the best possible understanding of revelation. The second part is a study in constructive theology and attempts to answer the question, is it reasonable to affirm belief in revelation. Here Norbert M. Samuelson focuses on the challenges given from a variety of contemporary academic disciplines, including evolutionary psychology, political ethics, analytic philosophy of religion, and source critical studies of the Bible. This important book offers a unique approach to theological questions and fresh solutions to them and will appeal to those interested in the history of philosophy, religious thought, and Judaism.