cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen vs. phosphorus limitation across an ecotonal gradient in a mangrove forest

Mangrove forests are characterized by distinctive tree-height gradientsthat reflect complex spatial, within-stand differences in environmentalfactors,including nutrient dynamics, salinity, and tidal inundation, across narrowgradients. To determine patterns of nutrient limitation and the effects ofnutrient availability on plant growth and within-stand nutrient dynamics, weused a factorial experiment with three nutrient treatment levels (control, N,P)and three zones along a tree-height gradient (fringe, transition, dwarf) onoffshore islands in Belize. Transects were laid out perpendicular to theshoreline across a mangrove forest from a fringe stand along the seaward edge,through a stand of intermediate height, into a dwarf stand in the interior ofthe island. At three sites, three trees were fertilized per zone for 2yr. Although there was spatial variability in response, growth byR. mangle was generally nitrogen (N) -limited in thefringe zone;phosphorus (P) -limited in the dwarf zone; and, N- and/or P-limited in thetransition zone. Phosphorus-resorption efficiency decreased in all three zones,and N-resorption efficiency increased in the dwarf zone in response to Penrichment. The addition of N had no effect on either P or N resorptionefficiencies. Belowground decomposition was increased by P enrichment in allzones, whereas N enrichment had no effect. This study demonstrated thatessential nutrients are not uniformly distributed within mangrove ecosystems;that soil fertility can switch from conditions of N to P limitation acrossnarrow ecotonal gradients; and, that not all ecological processes respondsimilarly to, or are limited by, the same nutrient.
Overexpression of CsrA (BB0184) Alters the Morphology and Antigen Profiles of Borrelia burgdorferi

Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, alters its gene expression in response to highly disparate environmental signals encountered in its hosts. Among the relatively few regulators of adaptive gene expression present in the borrelial genome is an open reading frame (ORF), BB0184, annotated as CsrA (carbon storage regulator A). CsrA, in several bacterial species, has been characterized as a small RNA binding protein that functions as a global regulator affecting mRNA stability or levels of translation of multiple ORFs. Consistent with known functions of CsrA, overexpression of CsrA from B. burgdorferi (CsrABb) in Escherichia coli resulted in reduced accumulation of glycogen. We determined that csrABb is part of the flgK motility operon and that the synthesis of CsrABb was increased when B. burgdorferi was propagated under fed-tick conditions. Overexpression of CsrABb in B. burgdorferi strain B31 (ML23, lp25-negative clonal isolate) resulted in a clone, designated ES25, which exhibited alterations in colony morphology and a significant reduction in the levels of FlaB. Several lipoproteins previously characterized as playing a role in infectivity were also altered in ES25. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR analysis of RNA revealed significant differences in the transcriptional levels of ospC in ES25, while there were no such differences in the levels of other transcripts, suggesting posttranscriptional regulation of expression of these latter genes. These observations indicate that CsrABb plays a role in the regulation of expression of pathophysiological determinants of B. burgdorferi, and further characterization of CsrABb will help in better understanding of the regulators of gene expression in B. burgdorferi.
1014 Spiral imaging at 3 T for the measurement of endothelial-dependent coronary arterial function

Invasive measures of endothelial-dependent coronaryartery vasoreactivity predict cardiovascular event rates[1,2]. We previously demonstrated that endothelial-dependent coronary vasoreactivity (EDCV) can be meas-ured non-invasively by combining 3 T coronary MRI andisometric handgrip exercise [3]. Although coronary vaso-reactivity is likely a stronger a predictor of cardiac eventsthan similar measures in peripheral arteries such as thebrachial, there are several coronary MRI techniques in usebut no currently standardized protocol for non-invasivelyassessing EDCV. We assessed EDCV with 3 T MRI at regu-lar time intervals before, during and after isometric hand-grip exercise using two different cine pulse sequences,gradient echo (TFE) and spiral.
VISCERAL FAT AND PARTS FROM CARCASSES OF TURKEYS FED THREE SOURCES OF SUPPLEMENTAL FAT

Turkeys were fed diets containing supplemental (2% to 6%) soybean oil, a blend of soybean oil and poultry fat, or poultry fat for 22 weeks. At 2 week intervals, beginning at week 12, two to four male and female turkeys fed each diet were processed. Source of fat did not affect total weight of parts, yield of visceral fat, or yield of breast, drum/thigh, wing, back, or neck for either sex. Total weight of parts, yield of visceral fat, and neck yield were affected by sex. Total weight of parts and visceral fat from both sexes, along with breast yield from toms increased over time; wing yield from both sexes and drum/thigh yield from males declined. Yields of breast and drum/thigh from hens along with back and neck from toms remained constant overtime. Neck yield from hens declined during weeks 12 through 16, then remained constant.
Comparison of Physiological Motion Filters for In Vivo Cardiac ARFI

Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging is being utilized to investigate mechanical properties of cardiac tissue. The underlying physiological motion, however, presents a major challenge. This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of various physiological motion filters using in vivo canine data with a simulated ARFI push pulse. Ideally, the motion filter will exactly model the physiological motion and, when subtracted from the total displacement, leave only the simulated ARFI displacement profile. We investigated three temporal quadratic motion filters: (1) interpolation, (2) extrapolation and (3) a weighted technique. Additionally, the various motion filters were compared when using 1-D versus 2-D autocorrelation methods to estimate motion. It was found that 2D-autocorrelation always produced better physiological motion estimates regardless of the type of filter used. The extrapolation filter gives the most accurate estimate of the physiological motion at times immediately after the ARFI push (0.1 ms) while a close-time interpolation filter using displacement estimates at times before full tissue recovery gives the most accurate estimates at later times after the ARFI push (0.7 ms). While improvements to the motion filter during atrial systole and the onset of ventricular systole are needed, the weighted, close-time interpolation and extrapolation motion filters all offer promising results for estimating cardiac physiological motion more accurately, while allowing faster ARFI frame rates than previous motion filters. This study demonstrates the ability to eliminate physiological motion in a clinically-feasible manner, opening the door for more extensive clinical experimentation.
The Influence of Red on Perceptions of Relative Dominance and Threat in a Competitive Context

Recent research has revealed that a person or team wearing red is more likely to win a physical contest than a person or team wearing another color. In the present research, we examined whether red influences perceptions of relative dominance and threat in an imagined same-sex competitive context, and did so attending to the distinction between wearing red oneself and viewing red on an opponent. Results revealed a bidirectional effect: wearing red enhanced perceptions of one's relative dominance and threat, and viewing an opponent in red enhanced perceptions of the opponent's relative dominance and threat. These effects were observed across sex, and participants seemed unaware of the influence of red on their responses. Our findings lead to practical suggestions regarding the use of colored attire in sport contexts, and add to an emerging, provocative literature indicating that red has a subtle but important influence on psychological functioning.
Endoscopic Photography, Biopsy, and Cytology of the Esophagus and Stomach with the Olympus Fiberesophagoscope

Clinical experience with the recently introduced Olympus EF Fiberesophagoscope is described in 125 examinations. It allows ease of passage, minimal patient distress, and examination of the entire esophagus and often the upper one-half of the stomach. The instrument allows 90-degree bending angle of its head, fully automatic exposure control of light source with direct, through an external camera observation, pushbutton control of aspiration, insufflation of fluid feeding, and a separate biopsy channel. Comprehensive study can involve observation, biopsy, cytology, and photography of esophageal and gastric lesions. We believe that the Olympus EF Fiberesophagoscope is a valuable addition to esophageal endoscopy.
Paleolimnological study of copper mining around Lake Superior: Artificial varves from Portage Lake provide a high resolution record

On the Keweenaw Peninsula region of Lake Superior, -0.5 Gt of copper mine tailings were dumped along rivers, lakes, and connecting waterways between 1850 and 1968 -an era of active copper and silver mining. In the low-energy environment of Portage Lake, a part of the Keweenaw Waterway, clay particles from stamp sand discharges created artificially varved lake sediments that preserved a remarkably detailed record. Measurements of these varves, in conjunction with radiodating techniques, allow precise detcrminations of deposition rates, sediment, and Cu fluxes. Concentration and flux profiles produce fundamentally different patterns. Copper concentrations have remained high in sediments despite complete cessation of active tailings discharge. However, densitometer scans of X-rayed cores and flux calculations at sites closest to sluicing locations reveal a good correspondence with the historic record of stamp sand production. Sedimentation rates and Cu fluxes have declined steadily since cessation of native copper mining, although elevated Cu levels continue to circulate in the ecosystem. Comparisons of Cu profiles from sediment cores across eastern Lake Superior suggest widespread signatures of mining and major contribution to sediments.
Insects, instincts and boundary work in early social psychology

Insects factored as ‘symbols of instinct’, necessary as a rhetorical device in the boundary work of early social psychology. They were symbolically used to draw a dividing line between humans and animals, clarifying views on instinct and consciousness. These debates were also waged to determine if social psychology was a subfield of sociology or psychology. The exchange between psychologist James Mark Baldwin and sociologist Charles Abram Ellwood exemplifies this particular aspect of boundary work. After providing a general background of the debates, I turn specifically to the writings of Baldwin and Ellwood between 1890 and 1936, tracing the use of insects as ‘symbols of instinct’.
A Review and Empirical Comparison of Bayesian and Classical Approaches to Inference on Efficiency Levels in Stochastic Frontier Models with Panel Data

This paper applies a large number of models to three previously-analyzed data sets, and compares the point estimates and confidence intervals for technical efficiency levels. Classical procedures include multiple comparisons with the best, based on the fixed effects estimates; a univariate version, marginal comparisons with the best; bootstrapping of the fixed effects estimates; and maximum likelihood given a distributional assumption. Bayesian procedures include a Bayesian version of the fixed effects model, and various Bayesian models with informative priors for efficiencies. We find that fixed effects models generally perform poorly; there is a large payoff to distributional assumptions for efficiencies. We do not find much difference between Bayesian and classical procedures, in the sense that the classical MLE based on a distributional assumption for efficiencies gives results that are rather similar to a Bayesian analysis with the corresponding prior.
Phylogeography of the Narrow Endemic, Helenium virginicum (Asteraceae), Based upon ITS Sequence Comparisons

Abstract The federally listed threatened species, Helenium virginicum, is endemic to 30 sinkhole ponds in two counties in Virginia, but a Helenium population in Pomona, Missouri, differs scarcely from H. virginicum from Virginia in morphology, ecology, and non-coding nrDNA ITS sequences. In response to continuing taxonomic uncertainty regarding the Missouri population, we enlarged our ITS comparisons from our previous work to include 48 populations, more than doubling the number of H. virginicum populations, and including populations of H. autumnale and H. flexuosum from 12 states in the United States and two Canadian provinces. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using Bayesian, maximum-likelihood, and maximum-parsimony methods, and showed strong support for a monophyletic species of all H. virginicum from Virginia, the Pomona population and 29 other recently discovered populations in Missouri. We conclude that H. virginicum is narrowly endemic and disjunct between Virginia and Missouri. Additionally, o...
Comparison of The Performance of Drag Reducing Agent Between 2.5 Cp Oil And 6.0 Cp Oil in Multiphase Flow in Horizontal Pipes

Experimental studies have been performed in a 10 em diameter, 36 m long, multiphase flow loop to examine the effect of drag reducing agents using 6 cP oil. Studies were performed for superficial liquid velocities of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m/s and superficial gas velocities between 2 and 12 mls. Carbon dioxide was used as the gas phase. The drag reducing agent (DRA) concentrations were 20 and 50 ppm. The system was maintained at a pressure of 0.13 MPa and a temperature of 25 0c.The comparison of the conditioning of flow with DRA between 2.5 cP oil and 6 cP oil is presented. The results show that pressure drop in both 2.5 cP oil and 6 cP oil was reduced significantly in multiphase flow with addition of DRA. A DRA concentration of 50 ppm was more effective than 20 ppm DRA for all cases. As the oil viscosity was increased from 2.5 cP to 6 cP oil, the transition to annular flow was observed to occur at lower superficial gas velocities. For slug flow and lower superficial gas velocities, the effectiveness in 2.5 cP oil was much higher than that in 6 cP oil with addition of DRA. However, for higher superficial gas velocities, the effectiveness in both oils was similar. For annular flow, the effectiveness in 2.5 cP oil was higher than in 6 cP oil with 50 ppm DRA. At low superficial gas velocities, DRA in 2.5 cP oil was more effective in reducing the slug frequency. This led to a higher average pressure drop reduction in 2.5 cP oil. However, at higher superficial gas velocities, the slug frequency
p53 mutations in advanced cancers: Clinical characteristics and outcomes in a phase I setting.

10607 Background: p53 mutation is one of the most common mutations in human tumors and plays an important role in apoptosis, genomic stability and inhibition of angiogenesis. Methods: We retrospect...
Mercury, Risk, and Justice

In December 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled its long-awaited proposal for regulating mercury emissions from coal-fired utilities, which it later dubbed the "Clean Air Mercury Rule." Methylmercury is a potent neurotoxin, leading to irreversible neurological damage; humans are exposed primarily through consuming contaminated fish. The EPA rule relies on a creative interpretation of the Clean Air Act to enlist a cap-and-trade approach for mercury emissions from these sources. The rule sets forth a cap in two phases, ultimately targeting a 70% reduction in mercury emissions by 2018. EPA's rule, however, raises a host of environmental justice issues. First, emissions reductions are more modest and significantly delayed when compared to reductions expected under section 112 of the Clean Air Act. Second, the cap-and-trade approach raises the specter of "hot spots" - local or regional instances of relatively high emissions and, ultimately, exposure - as a result of emissions trading. Third, the EPA's proposal relies heavily on risk avoidance in the form of fish consumption advisories, which ask people to reduce or eliminate fish from their diets in order to avoid exposure to methylmercury. Each of these three features of the rule disproportionately burdens fishing tribes and their members, as well as some communities of color and low-income communities that depend on fish. This article discusses these environmental justice issues, highlighting the particular case of the Ojibwe and other fishing peoples in the Great Lakes.
Rumination and Moderators of Multifinality: Predicting Internalizing Symptoms and Alcohol Use During Adolescence

Rumination, a perseverative cognitive process that involves repetitively and passively focusing on negative emotions, is a transdiagnostic risk factor for the development of psychopathology. Although rumination has been linked to various forms of psychopathology including depression, anxiety, and alcohol misuse, little is known about the conditions that lead to multifinality. Here, we test putative moderators (Nolen-Hoeksema & Watkins, 2011) of the association between rumination and subsequent internalizing symptoms and frequency of alcohol use during adolescence. Participants included 388 youth (52% girls; 90% Caucasian) in a longitudinal birth cohort study who completed questionnaires in Grades 9 and 11. Brooding, a maladaptive form of rumination measured in Grade 9, was associated with greater internalizing symptoms in Grade 11 and greater perceived peer rejection in Grade 9 amplified this association. Brooding was also associated with greater frequency of alcohol use among adolescents who reported hav...
Partial least squares analysis of rocket Propulsion fuel data using diaphragm valve-based comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection

Abstract The chemical composition and several physical properties of RP-1 fuels were studied using comprehensive two-dimensional (2D) gas chromatography (GC×GC) coupled with flame ionization detection (FID). A “reversed column” GC×GC configuration was implemented with a RTX-wax column on the first dimension (1D), and a RTX-1 as the second dimension (2D). Modulation was achieved using a high temperature diaphragm valve mounted directly in the oven. Using leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV), the summed GC×GC–FID signal of three compound-class selective 2D regions (alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatics) was regressed against previously measured ASTM derived values for these compound classes, yielding root mean square errors of cross validation (RMSECV) of 0.855, 0.734, and 0.530 mass%, respectively. For comparison, using partial least squares (PLS) analysis with LOOCV, the GC×GC–FID signal of the entire 2D separations was regressed against the same ASTM values, yielding a linear trend for the three compound classes (alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatics), yielding RMSECV values of 1.52, 2.76, and 0.945 mass%, respectively. Additionally, a more detailed PLS analysis was undertaken of the compounds classes (n-alkanes, iso-alkanes, mono-, di-, and tri-cycloalkanes, and aromatics), and of physical properties previously determined by ASTM methods (such as net heat of combustion, hydrogen content, density, kinematic viscosity, sustained boiling temperature and vapor rise temperature). Results from these PLS studies using the relatively simple to use and inexpensive GC×GC–FID instrumental platform are compared to previously reported results using the GC×GC–TOFMS instrumental platform.
Methyl Cellulose as a Colloid Laxative.

Conclusions1. Methyl cellulose is a synthetic material having physical and chemical properties which would make it suitable for use as a colloid laxative. 2. Feeding it in a 10% concentration in the diet of rats, so they ingested an average of 11.4 g per kilo daily for 95 days, caused no change in the growth rate of the males, but decreased the growth of females about 14%, apparently as a result of decreased food intake. There were no significant pathological changes in the medicated animals observed at autopsy. 3. In doses of 10 g a day methyl cellulose approximately doubled the volume of the stools and increased their frequency in normal human subjects, a desirable clinical result sought by the use of colloidal laxatives. Each gram of methyl cellulose ingested increased the stools approximately 10 g. 4. Both the toxicological and clinical studies should be extended before a general therapeutic use of the drug as a laxative is approved.
Differential Expression of Genes Involved in Host Recognition, Attachment, and Degradation in the Mycoparasite Tolypocladium ophioglossoides

The ability of a fungus to infect novel hosts is dependent on changes in gene content, expression, or regulation. Examining gene expression under simulated host conditions can explore which genes may contribute to host jumping. Insect pathogenesis is the inferred ancestral character state for species of Tolypocladium, however several species are parasites of truffles, including Tolypocladium ophioglossoides. To identify potentially crucial genes in this interkingdom host switch, T. ophioglossoides was grown on four media conditions: media containing the inner and outer portions of its natural host (truffles of Elaphomyces), cuticles from an ancestral host (beetle), and a rich medium (Yeast Malt). Through high-throughput RNASeq of mRNA from these conditions, many differentially expressed genes were identified in the experiment. These included PTH11-related G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) hypothesized to be involved in host recognition, and also found to be upregulated in insect pathogens. A divergent chitinase with a signal peptide was also found to be highly upregulated on media containing truffle tissue, suggesting an exogenous degradative activity in the presence of the truffle host. The adhesin gene, Mad1, was highly expressed on truffle media as well. A BiNGO analysis of overrepresented GO terms from genes expressed during each growth condition found that genes involved in redox reactions and transmembrane transport were the most overrepresented during T. ophioglossoides growth on truffle media, suggesting their importance in growth on fungal tissue as compared to other hosts and environments. Genes involved in secondary metabolism were most highly expressed during growth on insect tissue, suggesting that their products may not be necessary during parasitism of Elaphomyces. This study provides clues into understanding genetic mechanisms underlying the transition from insect to truffle parasitism.
Time-Resolved (2 s) Study of the Initial Steps of the Catalytic Hydrogenation of CO: From Branched Isomers to Unsaturated Molecules

The catalytic hydrogenation of carbon monoxide, known as the Fischer–Tropsch process, is a technologically important, complex multipath reaction which produces long-chain hydrocarbons. In order to ...
Weight support and balance during perturbed stance in the chronic spinal cat.

The intact cat maintains balance during unexpected disturbances of stance through automatic postural responses that are stereotyped and rapid. The extent to which the chronic spinal cat can maintai...
Introduction. GERD warrants increased physician appreciation and improved treatment.

Many primary care physicians and the public have long considered GERD to be a nuisance disorder that has a modest negative impact and few long-term complications. Until just recently, both groups also underappreciated the significance of nocturnal heartburn. However, the information presented in this Special Report shows that nocturnal heartburn has a major adverse effect on patients' lives. In fact, most experts in the field of gastroenterology believe that prolonged exposure of the esophagus to the acidic contents of the stomach eventually leads to Barrett's esophagus in certain patients. Over time, Barrett's metaplasia may become dysplastic and then malignant. In addition to the increased risk of these long-term complications, the significant detrimental effects of heartburn on patients' daily activities and quality of life point to the need for more aggressive treatment with more powerful acid suppressants. The efficacy of PPI therapy is dependent on H+/K+ ATPase proton pump kinetics and the AUC of the PPI prescribed. Therefore, administration of a PPI before the first meal of the day is critical, as is careful selection of an agent that will control nocturnal heartburn.
The Effect of Comorbid Conditions on Hemodialysis Access Patency

Vascular access complications are a continuing source of hospitalization and morbidity in chronic dialysis patients. Several factors have been identified that are associated with complications in patients with native vein and prosthetic bridge arteriovenous graft fistulas. Early failure of native vein arteriovenous fistulas most consistently are related to small blood vessels. It remains unclear whether other comorbid factors play a role in complications of this fistula type. Prosthetic bridge fistulas are frequently placed in the United States and are associated with frequent complications. Factors most consistently associated with higher complication rates are diabetes mellitus, older age, and black race. Antiphospholipid antibody-associated syndromes and erythropoietin therapy have also been suggested as contributing factors. In addition, elevated lipoprotein(a) and hypoalbuminemia have been found to be associated with an increase of prosthetic graft thrombosis in white and Hispanic dialysis patients. This information strongly suggests that fistula complications are multifactorial. An improved understanding of the mechanisms of these associations may aid in the delineation of the pathogenesis and an improvement in the outcome of this important problem.
Charles Bonnet Syndrome and Herpes Encephalitis

Pediatric neurologists at Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey report a 4- year-old boy who presented with fever, headache, drowsiness, and seizures.
Images in cardiovascular medicine. Left atrial fibroma in gardner syndrome: real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echo imaging.

A 72-year-old man with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia was referred for bradycardia and ectopic atrial rhythm on his ECG. His past medical history was remarkable for recurrent multiple colonic adenomatous polyps, multiple subcutaneous lipomas, seborrheic keratoses, an atrophic left kidney from retroperitoneal fibrosis, and left Bell palsy. He had a family history of colon polyps in his brother and a benign cecal mass in his son. Conventional 2-dimensional transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) with contrast revealed a left atrial (LA) mass (4.0×3.7 cm2) attached to the atrial septum (Figure 1). Cardiac computed tomography suggested a LA mass encroaching toward the entrance of the right pulmonary veins with nearly total obstruction (Figure 2). A coronary angiogram showed neither significant coronary arterial stenosis nor feeding arteries for the mass. The patient was referred to a cardiac surgeon with a presumptive diagnosis of LA myxoma; however, intraoperative TEE and surgical inspection revealed a large and hard mass between the right superior and inferior pulmonary veins that did not impinge on their inflows, involving the posterior and superior LA walls, atrial septum, and the right atrial wall. Multiple echo-guided biopsies of the mass confirmed the mass to be a benign cardiac fibroma …
How Little Is Too Much? How Transient Tumor-Stromal Crosstalk Can Control Tumor Progression

Tumorigenesis is driven by genetic and physiological alterations of tumor cells as well as by the host microenvironment. In a co-culture of breast cancer cells and fibroblasts, short term interactions between tumor cells and stromal fibroblasts increase levels of active, fibroblast derived TGF-β in the extracellular medium, which in turn induces an expanded metastatic pattern of MCF10CA1a cells. These findings suggest that the effects of stromal TGF-β on tumor cell phenotype can be modeled as a dynamical system rather than a continuous linear system. In such a model, small changes of certain parameters of a system that is at a critical point can cause sudden changes of the system, explaining why experimentally and clinically observed small changes in the tumor environment can cause dramatic changes in cell phenotype or disease outcome.
Atypical Activation of Plasma Membrane-Bound ERK1/2 Is Associated with Regulation of Sickle Red Cell Adhesion to Endothelium

Abstract 266 Abnormal adhesion of erythrocytes homozygous for hemoglobin S (SS RBCs) and vaso-occlusion are hallmarks of sickle cell disease (SCD). SS RBC adhesion can be activated via stimulation of the cAMP/PKA pathway by the stress hormone epinephrine. We have found that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 and 2 (ERK1/2) is abundantly expressed in mature RBCs and is bound to the isolated plasma membrane. Because aberrations in ERK1/2 signaling are associated with various pathologies, we predicted that this prototypical molecular regulator of cell division and differentiation remained functional in terminally differentiated SS RBCs and plays a role in regulating RBC adherence. Western blot analysis of RBC ghosts showed that ERK1/2 was phosphorylated to some degree in SS but not normal RBCs. Although this basal ERK1/2 phosphorylation was not detected in all SS RBC samples tested, ERK1/2 underwent increased phosphorylation ( p p 2 ( p p 32 P-radiolabeled ICAM-4, which mediates SS RBC adhesion to ECs, showed that the previously described phosphorylation of ICAM-4 in response to epinephrine was dependent on PKA and MEK1/2/ERK1/2. Furthermore, addition of recombinant ERK2 to RBC ghosts, followed by mass spectrometric analysis, showed that ERK phosphorylated its consensus motif on adducins α and β and dematin; band 4.1 also underwent phosphorylation but not at an ERK consensus motif. This suggests that phosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins may induce membrane protein conformational changes that render ICAM-4 accessible to phosphorylation by an as yet unidentified kinase. Finally, SS RBC adhesion was closely related to the onset of ERK1/2 activation. Within 1 minute of stimulation, epinephrine induced a significant increase in both SS RBC adhesion to ECs and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 ( p p p Disclosures: Telen: GlycoMimetics: Consultancy.
Mammographic phenotypes of breast cancer risk driven by breast anatomy

Image-derived features of breast parenchymal texture patterns have emerged as promising risk factors for breast cancer, paving the way towards personalized recommendations regarding women’s cancer risk evaluation and screening. The main steps to extract texture features of the breast parenchyma are the selection of regions of interest (ROIs) where texture analysis is performed, the texture feature calculation and the texture feature summarization in case of multiple ROIs. In this study, we incorporate breast anatomy in these three key steps by (a) introducing breast anatomical sampling for the definition of ROIs, (b) texture feature calculation aligned with the structure of the breast and (c) weighted texture feature summarization considering the spatial position and the underlying tissue composition of each ROI. We systematically optimize this novel framework for parenchymal tissue characterization in a case-control study with digital mammograms from 424 women. We also compare the proposed approach with a conventional methodology, not considering breast anatomy, recently shown to enhance the case-control discriminatory capacity of parenchymal texture analysis. The case-control classification performance is assessed using elastic-net regression with 5-fold cross validation, where the evaluation measure is the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic. Upon optimization, the proposed breast-anatomy-driven approach demonstrated a promising case-control classification performance (AUC=0.87). In the same dataset, the performance of conventional texture characterization was found to be significantly lower (AUC=0.80, DeLong's test p-value<0.05). Our results suggest that breast anatomy may further leverage the associations of parenchymal texture features with breast cancer, and may therefore be a valuable addition in pipelines aiming to elucidate quantitative mammographic phenotypes of breast cancer risk.
Importance of Group Therapeutic Support for Family Members of Children with Alopecia Areata: A Cross‐Sectional Survey Study

Background/Objectives The psychological effect of alopecia areata (AA) is well documented, but group interaction may help lessen this burden. We aimed to determine factors that draw patients with AA and their families to group events. Methods Surveys were administered at the annual alopecia areata bowling social in 2015 and 2016. This event is a unique opportunity for children with AA and their families to meet others with the disease and connect with local support group resources from the Minnesota branch of the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. Data from 2015 and 2016 were combined. Comparisons of subgroups were performed using Fisher exact tests for response frequencies and percentages and two-sample t tests for mean values. Results An equal number of men and women participated in the study (n = 13 each). The average age was 41.1 years. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in survey responses based on respondent age or sex. Twenty-three (88.5%) attendees sought to connect with others with AA and met three or more people during the event. Seventeen (65.4%) also attended other support group events. Twelve respondents (46.2%) came to support a friend or family member. One hundred percent of attendees identified socializing with others with AA as important. Conclusions Group interaction is an important source of therapeutic support for people with AA and their families.
Early-stage non-small cell lung cancer in the USA: patterns of care and survival among elderly patients at least 80 years old

The purpose of this study was to analyze the patterns of care of local therapies and their impact on overall survival (OS) among elderly patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the USA. The National Cancer Database was queried for patients at least age 80 years with NSCLC diagnosed in 2004–2013 with clinical stage T1–3N0M0. Local therapy was analyzed over time and by age. Multivariable (MVA) models were performed to investigate the impact of prognostic factors on OS. Among 40,561 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 17,418 (43%), 13,008 (32%), and 10,135 (25%) of patients underwent surgical resection, radiotherapy, and observation, respectively, as their initial mode of local therapy. Overtime, while the utilization of surgical managements generally remained stable, the utilization of conventionally fractionated radiotherapy and observation decreased in favor of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT, p < 0.001). Among operable patients (n = 16,377), after MVA several factors were associated with OS including the choice of local therapy favoring resection over conventionally fractionated radiotherapy and observation (HR compared to lobectomy 1.362, and 2.656, respectively, each p < 0.001). In contrast, there was no statistical difference in OS between resection and SBRT among operable patients (HR for SBRT 1.128, p = 0.156). The utilization of SBRT as the definitive local therapy in elderly patients with early-stage NSCLC is increasing in the USA. Given its generally favorable toxicity profile, SBRT should be considered in the substantial proportion of elderly patients still not receiving any definitive local therapy. Among medically operable elderly patients, OS was similar between resection and SBRT.
Histone H2A monoubiquitination in neurodevelopmental disorders

Covalent histone modifications play an essential role in gene regulation and cellular specification required for multicellular organism development. Monoubiquitination of histone H2A (H2AUb1) is a reversible transcriptionally repressive mark. Exchange of histone H2A monoubiquitination and deubiquitination reflects the succession of transcriptional profiles during development required to produce cellular diversity from pluripotent cells. Germ-line pathogenic variants in components of the H2AUb1 regulatory axis are being identified as the genetic basis of congenital neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we review the human genetics findings coalescing on molecular mechanisms that alter the genome-wide distribution of this histone modification required for development.
The Role of Online Communities of Practice in Promoting Sociotechnical Capital Among Science Teachers

This study explores the diffusion of Web 2.0 technologies among science educators and the ways that these technologies are used to build teacher professional communities of practice (CoP) in life sciences and physical sciences. We used surveys and web analytics collected over a 21-month period to examine factors that motivate teachers to collaborate in these CoPs and the extent to which collaborative participation contributes to the development of sociotechnical capital and job outcomes, such as instructional practices and self-efficacy for science instruction. Results showed that only the lack of co-located peers at teachers’ schools predicted CoP participation. Participation did not predict job outcomes, but it did predict some aspects of sociotechnical capital, such as a cohesive climate and situated knowledge. In addition, sociotechnical capital was associated with job outcomes, including use of inquiry-based instruction, use of inquiry-based classroom activities and teacher self-efficacy. The lack of effect of most of the antecedent variables in predicting participation and the relatively minor role of participation in contributing to sociotechnical capital and job outcomes may be explained by floor effects on participation due to infrequent and ephemeral engagement of CoP members. Although participation rates were generally low, the positive association of participation with sociotechnical capital as well as generally favorable ratings of sociotechnical constructs suggest that online CoPs may have value for distributed science educators. Future research should address whether persistent participation by individuals is needed to build and sustain sociotechnical capital in online CoPs and to enhance development of participants’ teaching attitudes/practices.
Specification-Based Testing in Software Engineering Courses

In 2016 we introduced a tool called "Spest// for the automated generation of software tests from formal specifications. That introductory presentation of Spest described its basic functionality and our initial results of using Spest in software engineering courses. Here we describe further experience of using Spest in classes, including qualitative and quantitative analyses of its effectiveness. The analysis consists of a qualitative survey of students/ experience, a quantitative study of the readability of Spest-generated tests, and a quantitative analysis that compares the coverage quality of hand-written student tests with Spest-generated tests. The results of the analyses are mixed. The experience survey finds that a majority of students did not enjoy using Spest nor fully understand how to use it effectively. The results of the readability study show that Spest-generated tests are not as readable for students as tests written by human experts, however the differences in readability are not extreme. Finally, the results of the coverage comparison are good, showing that Spest-generated tests achieve better code coverage than students/ hand-written tests. Given the mixed results, we discuss how we are moving forward to make Spest a more usable and effective tool.
More Than a Show: Using Personalized Immersive Theater to Educate and Engage the Public in Technology Ethics

Devising strategies to engage the public in discussions around the design and development of technology is critical to building a future that works for everyone. This paper presents a novel case study, an immersive theater experience, "Quantified Self," that combines aspects of design fiction and user enactments to construct a public engagement opportunity about technology ethics. Our audience supplied their social data (Facebook, Twitter...) and received a personalized experience where they interacted with a narrative and technology exhibits. We used a design model targeting goals of engagement, education, and discussion. Here we overview the design and production of Quantified Self and report on the results (240 participants over 6 performances) and findings from audience surveys (n=179/240) and cast/crew interviews (n=15/22). We found our approach attracted a wide audience interested in different elements of the show. Affordances and challenges of our model are discussed in detail.
DNA content analysis of colorectal serrated lesions detects an aneuploid subset of inflammatory bowel disease-associated serrated epithelial change and traditional serrated adenomas

AIMS Serrated lesions (SLs), including sessile serrated adenoma (SSA) and traditional serrated adenoma (TSA), are important premalignant lesions for colorectal cancer (CRC). Although a small subset of SLs are known to harbour TP53 mutations and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation, suggesting that they may develop dysplasia or CRC via a 'chromosomal instability (CIN)-like' pathway, it is unclear if aneuploidy (characteristic of conventional adenoma) ever develops in SLs and is associated with development of dysplasia or CRC, in this context. METHODS AND RESULTS DNA flow cytometry was performed on 31 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated SLs without dysplasia [including 10 non-targeted 'serrated epithelial change' (SEC), 14 SSAs and seven hyperplastic polyps (HPs)] as well as 48 dysplastic SSAs and TSAs. One (10%) of 10 SEC cases demonstrated aneuploidy and subsequently developed high-grade dysplasia (HGD) within 4 months, whereas the remaining SEC cases showed normal DNA content without evidence of dysplasia or CRC on follow-up. One (3.3%) of 30 TSAs without HGD and two (66.7%) of three TSAs with HGD also showed aneuploidy, but no patient developed CRC. By contrast, all SSAs (with or without dysplasia) and HPs showed normal DNA content, but four SSA cases still developed dysplasia or CRC on follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Unlike SSAs and HPs, a small subset of SEC and TSA cases demonstrated aneuploidy, suggesting that they can develop neoplasia via the CIN pathway. DNA content analysis of a larger number of SEC cases, with adequate follow-up, may allow for a more precise determination of aneuploidy incidence and neoplasia risk.
The Evolution of Vertebrate Hearing

The origin of the vertebrate ear is shrouded in the mystery of the origin of the vertebrates themselves. As with any problem of evolution, a consideration of vertebrate ancestry follows two procedures: the tracing among animals now living of likely lines of relationship, and an examination of the fossil record for evidence to verify and extend the living history. Here, however, we are faced with special difficulties, for the ancestors of the vertebrates were softbodied marine creatures that have left insignificant fossil remains and that have had few survivors.
Case Studies of Structural Health Monitoring of Bridges

Structural Health Monitoring of a number of bridges in Kentucky has proven to be an economical and effective method for extending the life of bridges and for providing the tools for immediate response and decision making. Three bridges are highlighted in this paper. The first bridge is on I-65 in Louisville where instrumentation that continuously monitors the bridge, permitted the design of an economical retrofit. The second bridge is on I-64 over US 60 where instrumentation continuously monitors the bridge for possible impact on the girders resulting from over the height limit trucks. The third bridge is on US 41 North over the Ohio River where instrumentation has been placed on the bridge piers to monitor for barge impact. For the I-64 and US 41 bridges, and in the case of an incident, selected personnel are notified via text messages on their cell phones along with e-mail messages. The messages identify the type of incident and its severity, and list the web site where the incident can be viewed along with data from the instrumentation on the bridge. Decisions can be made in minutes in regard to the course of action.
The role of ethanol in heroin deaths.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of ethanol in deaths due to heroin intoxication. Over a 12 month period, all cases investigated by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Maryland where a blood screen by Roche Abuscreen radioimmunoassay (RIA) was positive at a cutoff of 100 ng/mL were included in the study. Free morphine was quantitated using the Coat-A-Count RIA and ethanol was quantitated by head space gas chromatography. All presumptive morphine positive cases were confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Seventy of the 119 cases where death was attributed to narcotic or alcohol and narcotic intoxication had blood ethanol concentrations (BAC) greater than or equal to 0.02 g/dL; 48 had BAC ≥ 0.10 g/dL. Only 3 of 45 cases where morphine was identified but was unrelated to death had BAC ≥ 0.02 g/dL. At all ranges of free morphine concentrations, there was a greater percentage of narcotic deaths when ethanol was present. From the data, we conclude that 1) the use of even small amounts of ethanol with heroin is clearly a risk factor in deaths due to heroin, 2) there are some heroin deaths where no free morphine is identified in the blood. In these deaths, ethanol is unlikely to be present, 3) at blood ethanol concentrations between 0.20 and 0.29 g/dL, the morphine concentrations in heroin deaths increased significantly, 4) at blood ethanol concentrations greater than 0.30 g/dL, morphine became less of a factor than the ethanol in causing death.
The Method of Partial Regularity as Applied to the Navier-Stokes Equations

The solutions of a system of partial differential equations are frequently studied in two steps: first one proves the existence of a weak solution in a suitable Sobolev space; then one proves the regularity of this weak solution. For nonlinear systems the second step may be too difficult--indeed, it may be false, the solutions may have singularities. In such cases one seeks a partial regularity theorem, restricting the size of the set of possible singularities, and one attempts the local description, to leading order, of the behavior near a singularity.