cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Roles as resources: A social roles perspective of change in value networks

This paper contributes to the understanding of value co-creation and co-production by exploring how social roles can be drawn upon as resources for change in value networks. By broadening the marketing emphasis on dyadic perspectives of social roles to that of a network perspective, a social role is conceptualized as a particular set of practices that connects one actor to one or more other actors. In this way, social roles act as resources for change in value networks because they can lead to social norms and establish social positions, or sets of value-creating relationships connected to a particular actor. The proposed framework suggests that actors continually draw on social roles and social positions as resources in their efforts to co-create value with different actors. Given this, we argue that recent, notable changes in social roles within value networks can be more specifically associated with co-production, or the joint development of potential, exchangeable resources.
Mechanism of nicotine-induced pulmonary fibroblast transdifferentiation.

We tested the hypothesis that in vitro nicotine exposure disrupts specific epithelial-mesenchymal paracrine signaling pathways and results in pulmonary interstitial lipofibroblast (LIF)-to-myofibro...
Mitochondrial building blocks

Despite many genomic and proteomic attempts, approximately half of all mitochondrial proteins remain unidentified. Moreover, the composition of mitochondria varies in different mammalian cell types and the details of this tissue specificity are unclear. Two recent reports provide a major advance in our understanding of mitochondrial function. Sickmann et al. used an exhaustive proteomic approach and came very close to identifying the complete set of yeast mitochondrial proteins. Mootha et al. examined mitochondria from mouse brain, heart, kidney and liver cells, finding that a surprising fraction of the proteins are expressed in only a subset of tissues.
Unsolved Problems in the Theory of Non-Linear Wave Equations

The purpose of these first two lectures is to describe several unsolved problems in the general theory of non-linear wave equations. By “general”, I mean techniques which are not too sensitive to the form of the equation. So I will not discuss the inverse scattering method or the recent work on the Korteweg-de Vries or Sine-Gordon equations which exploits the special properties of those equations. Today I will lecture on the local and global existence theory and tomorrow on the scattering theory. A note of warning is in order perhaps. The problems have varying degrees of difficulty. Some of them are difficult indeed and have resisted the efforts of many analysts. Others are reasonably straightforward problems on which it should be easy to make substantial and interesting progress. Still others are so vaguely stated that they could be easy or hard depending on how they are interpreted.
Optimal P‐Wave Duration for Bedside Diagnosis of Interatrial Block

BACKGROUND Interatrial block (IAB; P wave > or = 110 ms) is highly prevalent and associated with atrial tachyarrhythmias, left atrial electromechanical dysfunction and is a potential risk for embolism. Investigators have often used different parameters for P-wave duration to define IAB, and this causes confusion further adding to clinician ignorance of IAB. We therefore appraised the mode P-wave duration in IAB and evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of using previously used durations. METHODS We prospectively evaluated 225 electrocardiograms (ECGs) of patients at a tertiary care general hospital for P-wave duration. Of these, 49 were excluded because of severe motion artifact, errors in lead placement, absence of adequate patient identification, and atrial flutter or fibrillation. Mean, standard error of mean (SEM), standard deviation (SD), mode P-wave duration, specificity, and sensitivity were calculated of the remaining 176 ECGs. RESULTS From the sample (N = 176; ages 15-95 years; mean +/- SD = 69.15 +/- 16.53 years, female 50.3%), measured P-wave durations ranged from 50 ms to 230 ms (mean +/- SD = 113.75 +/- 30.56 ms, SEM 2.30 ms). 96 patients (54.55%) showed IAB (P wave > or = 110 ms) with the mode P-wave duration being 120 ms. Sensitivity and specificity of using P wave > or = 110 ms is 100% and 88.9%, respectively (accuracy 94.31%), while P wave > or =130 ms yielded 64% and 100%, respectively (accuracy 82.38%). CONCLUSIONS Mode P-wave duration in IAB is 120 ms, and thus, for all practical reasons, it may be used to clinically diagnose IAB using ECGs recorded at the bedside at 25 mm/s with 10 mm/mV standardization.
Unconscionability in American Contract Law: A Twenty-First Century Survey

The notion that a court tasked with enforcing a private agreement should be allowed – or even, in some cases, required – to withhold enforcement because of the unfairness of the agreement is not a new one; scholars have traced it back well beyond the earliest days of the Anglo-American legal system. In the United States, the current formulation of that idea can be found principally in the doctrine of unconscionability, which has enjoyed since its incorporation into the Uniform Commercial Code a place in the menu of contract law doctrines, even if a somewhat insecure and sometimes disputed one. This Chapter summarizes with a few broad strokes the earlier story of modern unconscionability law in the U.S. It then focuses on the history of that doctrine in American courts over the last two decades, identifying those situations in which it has been most frequently advanced, and those where it has been most likely to succeed. This also entails exploring the interaction of that doctrine with the federal law favoring enforcement of private contractual agreements to submit future disputes to arbitration. Finally, the Chapter considers generally the possible future development of unconscionability law, with particular regard to the continued utility of the “procedural/substantive” dichotomy, and the employment of unconscionability as a tool for policing contracts of adhesion.
GENETIC CONTROL OF RESPONSES TO BACTERIAL LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDES IN MICE I. Evidence for a Single Gene that Influences Mitogenic and Immunogenic Respones to Lipopolysaccharides

In vivo immune responses and in vitro mitogenic responses to bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) have been compared in strains of C3H mice. C3H/HeJ spleen cultures did not support mitogenic responses to LPS and in vivo these mice produce low IgM responses to LPS. On the basis of these two responses, C3H/HeJ mice have been termed low LPS responders. All other strains of C3H mice tested (C3HeB/FeJ, C3H/DiSn, C3H/Str, CWB, CSW, and C3H/Sf and its H-2 congenics) are high LPS responders supporting large in vitro mitogenic and in vivo immune responses to LPS. The immune response difference between low and high LPS responders is a quantitative one. IgM responses are observed in C3H/HeJ mice in the range of 1.0–10 µg LPS. At lower and higher LPS concentrations, immune responses are not observed. In contrast, high LPS responders elicit LPS immune responses over a much wider dose range (0.1–200 µg). The ability to respond well to LPS is dominant as shown by the response of F1 hybrid mice of low responder and high responder strains. The linkage relationships of mitogenic and immune responsiveness to LPS have been investigated in backcross (C3H/HeJ x CWB)F1 x CWB mice. All mice that gave in vivo immune responses to LPS also supported mitogenic responses to LPS. The defect in C3H/HeJ mice that limits mitogenic and immune responsiveness to be due to a single autosomal gene which is not linked to the H-2 histocompatibility or heavy-chain allotype loci.
Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Emergency Service Triage Patterns and the Associated Emergency Department Outcomes

Abstract Paralysis is an indication for trauma patients to be preferentially triaged by emergency services to designated level I or II trauma centers (TC). We sought to describe triage practices for patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) and its associated emergency department (ED) outcomes. Adults ages ≥18 years with a diagnosis of acute TSCI (International Classification of Diseases-9: 806 and 952) in the 2006–2011 United States Nationwide Emergency Department Sample were included in these analyses. Outcomes assessed include triage to non-trauma centers (NTC), which is referred to as “under-triage,” and ED mortality. Of 117,444 adults with TSCI, 33.4% were under-triaged to NTC. Under-triage was more prevalent with increasing age. Among patients under-triaged to NTC, 37.4% had new injury severity score (NISS) >15, representing severe injuries or polytrauma. Among patients with NISS >15, the odds of ED mortality in NTC were four-fold greater compared to level I trauma centers (TC-I) (adju...
A comparison of three linear equating methods for the common-item nonequivalent-populations design

Three linear equating methods for the common-item nonequivalent-populations design are compared using an analytical method. The analysis investigated the behavior of the three methods when the true-score correlation between the test and anchor was less than unity, a situation that may occur in practice. The analysis is graphically illustrated using data from a test equating situation. Conclusions derived from the analysis have implications for the practical application of these
Piecewise linear autoregressions through threshold decomposition

In practical applications, signals very often come from nonlinear systems and exhibit features such as limit cycles, bifurcations, time irreversibility, and others that cannot be reproduced by linear models. The authors introduce a method to develop piecewise linear approximations to nonlinear autoregressive processes. The method is based on the threshold decomposition algorithm which can provide multivariate linear-spline characterization of functions. Signal models obtained through piecewise linear autoregressions (PARs) constitute better and more robust representations of unknown nonlinear operators, as is shown using examples from time series prediction. >
Outcome of fulminant bacterial meningitis in adult patients.

Background and purpose The objective of our study was to identify neurological factors associated with poor outcome in adult patients with fulminant bacterial meningitis. Methods This was a retrospective review of consecutive adult patients with fulminant bacterial meningitis, defined as meningitis causing coma within 24–48 h of hospitalization, at Mayo Clinic Rochester between January 2000 and November 2010. Functional status was assessed at discharge and upon last follow-up using the modified Rankin scale (mRS). The primary end-point was death or new major disability (increase of >2 on the mRS) at last follow-up. Results Thirty-nine patients were identified. Encephalopathy (44%), coma (28%), focal seizures (3%) or a combination of these (26%) were present on admission. The most common pathogen was Streptococcus pneumoniae (57%). All patients were treated with broad spectrum antibiotics and 51% received steroids. Serious systemic complications were seen in 23 patients. Sixteen patients (41%) died during hospitalization. Median mRS at hospital discharge for surviving patients was 3; four patients had new major disability with a mean follow-up of 11 months. Predictors of death or new major disability included lower Glasgow Coma Scale score at nadir [P = 0.002; age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28–0.48], longer duration of symptoms before hospitalization (P = 0.045; adjusted OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.02–5.37), abnormal head imaging at presentation (P = 0.008; adjusted OR 9.40, 95% CI 1.78−49.6) and use of intracranial pressure monitoring (P = 0.010, adjusted OR 51.0, 95% CI 2.51−1036). Conclusion Many adult patients who survive hospitalization are able to regain their pre-morbid level of function. Aggressive management of bacterial meningitis is justified even in comatose adult patients.
Kinetic study of nickel-thiolate oxygenation by hydrogen peroxide. Implications for nickel-containing superoxide dismutase

The rate of metal-thiolate oxygenation by hydrogen peroxide has been measured for a model complex of nickel-containing superoxide dismutase (NiSOD) as 0.47 ± 0.03 M−1 s−1 at 303 K. Under typical synthetic conditions the reaction proceeds within seconds yielding S-oxygenate products. At biologically relevant H2O2 concentrations, half-life times extend to several hours or days. The results suggest H2O2 oxidation of NiSOD is not kinetically competent on the SOD timescale accounting for the lack of S-oxygenation byproducts.
Determinants of colorectal cancer screening use, attempts, and non-use.

Abstract Background. Relatively little is known about the experiences and preferences of users and those who attempt colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. This study describes factors influencing CRC screening decisions among users, attempters, attempter users (individuals who both attempted and completed at least one screening procedure), and non-users; identifies factors interfering with test completion; and describes correlates of screening preferences. Methods. A primarily stratified random sample of patients from the University of Michigan Health System clinics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, with oversampling of FOBT attempters, completed a mailed questionnaire in fall, 2003. Descriptive and multivariate approaches evaluated factors influencing screening use and preferences. Results. “Accuracy of results” was reported most often as important when deciding about CRC screening regardless of screening status. The importance of psychological decisional factors differed significantly by screening status (P Conclusions. To improve adherence to CRC screening recommendations, physicians should tailor discussions to patients' prior experiences and test-specific concerns and elicit preferences for screening.
A novel patch antenna with switchable slot (PASS): dual-frequency operation with reversed circular polarizations

In this paper, the recently proposed patch antenna with switchable slot (PASS) concept is implemented to design a novel reconfigurable antenna with both frequency and polarization diversities. Using only one switch and a single patch, the antenna operates at 4.20 GHz with right-handed circular polarization and at 4.55 GHz with left-handed circular polarization. The fabricated antenna has both an acceptable return loss and a broadside axial ratio (AR) lower than 2 dB at each operation frequency. The frequency and polarization diversities of this design could potentially improve the reliability of wireless communication systems
Evaporative derivatization of phenols with 2-sulfobenzoic anhydride for detection by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

RATIONALE Phenols are an important class of analytes, for example as bioactive environmental contaminants. Towards a goal of improving their detection by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) or MALDI-tandem time-of-flight (TOF/TOF)-MS, we studied their derivatization with 2-sulfobenzoic anhydride (SBA). We chose SBA for this purpose since it is commercially available, inexpensive, and forms an anionic derivative. METHODS Under the selected conditions developed here for phenols, a reaction mixture of one or more of such compounds in acetonitrile containing SBA and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) is evaporated to a solid, heated at 60 °C for 1 h, redissolved in 50% acetonitrile containing matrix, spotted onto a MALDI target, and subjected to negative ion MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS. RESULTS While conventional (solution-phase) reaction of 4-phenylphenol (model analyte) with SBA and DMAP only gave a 47% yield of SBA-tagged 4-phenylphenol, evaporative derivatization as above gave a 96% yield, and 25 pmol (4.3 ng) of 4-phenylphenol could be detected in this way by MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS at signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) = 260, whereas even 1 nmol of the nonderivatized phenol was not detected in the absence of derivatization. A wide range of responses was observed when a mixture of 15 phenols was derivatized, with the higher responses coming from phenols with a pKa value above 9. Without derivatization, phenols with pKa values below 5 were the most readily detected. CONCLUSIONS Evaporative derivatization with SBA (a convenient reagent) can improve the detection of phenols with relatively high pKa values (above 9) by negative ion MALDI-TOF-MS, and accomplish this in the absence of post-derivatization reaction cleanup.
Changing patterns of otosclerosis surgery in teaching institutions.

The rapidly dwindling number of patients with otosclerosis suitable for surgery has made a severe impact on this aspect of training and experience in our medical centers. Results secured in the past and expected in the future are now difficult to achieve. This trend has been analyzed with particular reference to the experience in the last 3 years at the University of Miami--Jackson Memorial Hospital--Veterans Administration Hospital Medical Center. The analysis of results and complications also compared patients operated on by residents vs. faculty. Hearing loss as a consequence of improperly performed stapes surgery or complications thereof can seldom be salvaged. Stapes surgery should be performed in medical centers and community hospitals only by designated "stapes surgeons."
Effects of Cytokines on Glucocorticoid Receptor Expression And Function

A large body of data has been amassed which convincingly demonstrates that the immune system and the nervous system extensively interact (Ader, Cohen, & Felten, 1991; Miller, In Press). Immune cells and tissues express receptors for a wide range of transmitters associated with and regulated by the nervous system including neuro-transmitters, peptides and hormones, and nervous system innervation of lymphoid tissues has been well characterized. Moreover, the presence of soluble immune products (cytokines) and their receptors have been found in multiple nervous system and endocrine tissues (Besedovsky & del Rey, 1996). Alterations of nervous system function by exposure to a variety of stressors has been shown to result in dramatic changes in immune system function, and exposure to cytokines or various types of immune activation has been shown to significantly alter CNS function (Miller, In Press; McEwen, Biron, Brunson, Bulloch, Chambers, Dhabhar, Goldfarb, Kitson, Miller, Spencer, & Weiss, 1997; Kent, Bluthe, Kelley, & Dantzer, 1992). Given the vast potential for mutual regulation involving the immune system and the brain, there has been considerable interest in the possibility that immune system processes may be involved in the pathophysiology of psychiatric syndromes including major depression. One possible mechanism whereby the immune system might contribute to the development of pathology which manifests as depressive symptomatology involves the capacity of cytokines to inhibit functioning of the receptors for glucocorticoids, thus inducing a state of glucocorticoid resistance.
Greater Ethiopia: Evolution of a Pluralist Politico-Legal System in a Pluralist Polity

This paper aims to address two distinct, but related, questions about the emergence of a pluralist politico-legal order in the last decade of the last century in Ethiopia. The first question has to do with why the Ethiopian state, as opposed to the society, remained unitarist, as opposed to pluralist, for most of its history, despite its mosaic diversity and what prompted the adoption of ethnic federalism? The aim of this short essay is thus to throw light on why it remained unitarist for most of its history, how political history conspired with legal history in the making of a unitarist politico-legal order, and what prompted the emergence of a pluralist politico-legal order recently. This I shall do by telling two distinct, but not unrelated, accounts regarding Ethiopia’s politics and law with a focus on the center-periphery cleavage. In so doing, the political history of Ethiopia will be analyzed through the evolution of the center-periphery cleavage.
The Muscle Mechanical Basis of Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome

We have generated the first animal models for Distal Arthrogryposis type 2A, commonly known as Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome (FSS). FSS is characterized by congenital contractures resulting from point mutations in skeletal muscle contractile proteins, yet how these mutations alter muscle contractile properties is not known. We created two myosin heavy chain transgenes containing point mutations Y583S and T178I, each known to cause dominant FSS. We expressed them in Drosophila muscles, isolated the indirect flight muscles from heterozygous mutant flies (mutation/+), and performed skinned muscle fiber mechanics. The most striking mechanical alteration was a dramatic increase in muscle stiffness. Y583S and T178I fibers’ elastic moduli increased 40% and 30%, respectively, under relaxed conditions and 70% and 46% when activated. The increased stiffness contributed to decreased work and power generation. Maximum power decreased by 45% and 62% because elevated stiffness increased work absorbed values during the lengthening portion of work-loop power measurements. A contributing factor to both decreased power and increased active stiffness was a reduction in rate for at least one strongly-bound cross-bridge cycle transition. This was inferred from 17% and 31% decreases in optimal frequency for power generation, and 27% and 39% decreases in apparent muscle rate constant 2πb. Another possible contributor to the stiffness changes might be muscle ultrastructure alterations. While we performed mechanics experiments on fibers from 2-hour-old flies, which showed normal muscle ultrastructure, disruption in myofibril hexagonal packing and morphology appeared at 2-days and increased with age. Impaired muscle function caused 29% and 63% decreases in flight ability for Y583S and T178I heterozygotes, respectively. We conclude that Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome likely results from highly elevated muscle fiber stiffness and decreased ability of the muscles to power limb movement. Supported by NIH grants R01 AR064274 to D.M.S. and R01 GM32443 to S.I.B.
Ultramicrodetermination of Reducing Carbohydrates

One of the most sensitive methods for the determination of reducing carbohydrates was elaborated by Park and Johnson (1949). Reducing mono- and oligosaccharides will form potassium ferro-cyanide with potassium ferricyanide in alkaline solution. The addition of ferric ammonium sulfate in a detergent such as sodium lauryl sulfate (or Duponol) will form a colloidal dispersion of ferric-ferrocyanide. The intense blue color of this compound can be measured quantitatively on a spectrophotometer.
Power spectrum scale invariance as a neural marker of cocaine misuse and altered cognitive control.

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has highlighted the effects of chronic cocaine exposure on cerebral structures and functions, and implicated the prefrontal cortices in deficits of cognitive control. Recent investigations suggest power spectrum scale invariance (PSSI) of cerebral blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signals as a neural marker of cerebral activity. We examined here how PSSI is altered in association with cocaine misuse and impaired cognitive control.
A Procedure for Determining the Critical Load for a Column of Varying Section

This manuscript presents an approximate method for determining the critical load for a pinned end column of varying cross section. Although there are various procedures available for obtaining a solution to the problem, the author believes tha t the application of the method suggested here is simpler in principle and tha t it requires relatively less calculation for the degree of accuracy obtained. The following examples of pinned end columns have been solved in the paper: (1) Columns of constant section. (2) Symmetrical columns of varying section. (3) Unsymmetrical columns of varying section.
Invited editorial on "Surface tension in situ in flooded alveolus unaltered by albumin".

acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a disorder that significantly impacts approximately 200,000 individuals annually in the US and has an associated mortality rate of over 30%. The etiology of ARDS is complex but is frequently caused by sepsis, aspiration, or smoke inhalation. In vitro
Revisiting the effects of sequence and structure on the hydrogen bonding and π-stacking interactions in nucleic acids.

Calculated electron densities from PBE0/6-31+G(d,p) were analyzed with respect to the hydrogen bonding within a nucleic acid base pair and the π-stacking between sets of base pairs. From published X-ray crystallographic data, base pairs were isolated from a total of 11 DNA and RNA duplexes, and their experimental geometry was maintained throughout the analyses. Focusing solely on Watson–Crick base pairs, from the values of the electron density between interacting nuclei (at the bond critical points), we provide quantitative data on individual weak interactions. For hydrogen bonding, in addition to quantifying the scissoring effect in GC base pairs, the origin of the controversy around the relative stability of AT and AU base pairs is identified and resolved. Thus, it is illustrated how the conclusion as to their relative stability rests on the specific choice of oligonucleotides compared. For π-stacking, sequence effects for tandem AT base pairs are captured, quantified, and explained, and the greater sen...
A method to shift moiré fringes using gap effect

A new method to shift moire fringes using the gap effect is proposed. It is shown that the shift of fringe is linearly related to the shift of optical axis. The method can also be used for the determination of sign.
Analysis of acute occupational poisoning events reported in China during 2009—2013

Objective To analysis the characteristics of acute occupational poisoning reported in China during 2009—2013through the national management information system for public health emergencies,thereby provide some scientific evidences for control and prevention of acute occupational poisoning. Methods According to the data about acute occupational poisoning events from national public health emergency reporting system,the distribution situations about the event grade endemic region,occurrence time main hazards,fatality rate and death causes were all got and analyzed. Results The results showed that there were 138 acute occupational poisoning events were reported in a total from 19 provinces or autonomous regions during 2009—2013,the annual average number of the events were 28,majority of them were higher grade events; the cumulative incidence number and death toll were 1121 and 170,respectively; the overall fatality rate was 15. 2%; the leading occupational hazards for the events were carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. Conclusion The survey suggested that the acute occupational poisoning is still serious in China,therefore,it is still necessary to strengthen the surveillance on the hazards of the events.
Dyslipoproteinemia in the elderly. Should it be treated

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in both older men and women. Elevated cholesterol and especially elevated low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein (LDL/HDL) ratios may be significant risk factors, although less so than among middle-aged persons. No formal study has yet demonstrated the efficacy of lipid lowering in the prevention of CHD in persons over 65 or in women at any age. The maximal age for treatment of an elevated LDL/HDL ratio is probably age 70 or less. In older women, the most effective and cost-effective pharmacologic means to prevent atherosclerosis and heart attacks is most likely estrogen therapy.
Avoiding Breast Animation Deformity with Pectoralis-Sparing Subcutaneous Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction

There is renewed interest in sparing the pectoralis major muscle in implant breast reconstruction, placing the implant in the subcutaneous position. This advance is made reliable by improvements in mastectomy skin flap quality, evolution of technique, and increased awareness of breast animation deformity. This retrospective review presents 13 patients (23 breasts) reconstructed immediately with placing the definitive implant in the subcutaneous space without disruption of the underlying chest muscles. None of the 13 patients had breast animation deformity postoperatively. One patient experienced an early hematoma, and 3 patients had small seromas that resolved uneventfully. One morbidly obese patient undergoing chemotherapy using a nearby chest port experienced infection requiring implant removal. This study describes an early experience, demonstrates feasibility, and discusses patient selection considerations that are important because we continue to evolve breast reconstruction approaches.
Phylogenetic Analyses of Ecological Communities Using DNA Barcode Data

Ecologists and conservation biologists are increasingly focusing on quantifying the phylogenetic component of biodiversity in order to inform basic and applied research. A major obstacle of this approach in tropical ecosystems has been the difficulty of generating high-quality phylogenetic trees for the vast numbers of species in these systems. Phylogenetic trees inferred from DNA barcodes hold the potential to overcome this obstacle. Here, I present a methodological framework for analyzing the phylogenetic alpha and beta diversity of ecological communities using a phylogenetic tree. The analytical approach is presented using the freely available and widely used software platform "R".
Comparison of the Diets of Sympatric Erythristic and Striped Morphs of Plethodon cinereus (Eastern Red-backed Salamander)

Abstract Plethodon cinereus (Eastern Red-backed Salamander) exhibits 3 distinct color morphs across eastern North America. The ecology of the least-common phenotype (i.e., erythristic morph) is largely unknown and no study has tested for ecological differences between sympatric erythristic and striped morphs. In this study, we compared dietary contents of striped and erythristic P. cinereus. We identified 553 prey items from 12 prey groups. Mean number and volume of prey per stomach did not differ between the 2 morphs. Important prey types were similar for both morphs and included Acari, formicids, Collembola, Diptera larvae, and adult Coleoptera. Additional studies regarding erythristic P. cinereus ecology will provide a better understanding of the role of this morph in natural populations.
Ambiguity-based classification of phase modulated radar waveforms

Accurate classification or recognition of phase modulated radar waveforms, typically accomplished via the combination of pulse parameter estimates and matched filtering, poses a simple problem in ideal conditions. In less than ideal conditions, carrier frequency, time offset, pulse amplitude, initial phase, and bandwidth are unknown to the electronic warfare (EW) receiver rendering the application of a matched filter futile. Recognition of these waveforms is critical in various spectrum management, surveillance, and EW applications. This effort investigates the use of features extracted from the ambiguity function (AF) of an intercepted pulse. Specifically, this effort will expand upon the methodology of previous work done which uses the autocorrelation as a basis for extracting features. To test the efficacy of this work, extensive Monte Carlo testing employed. Simulation results prove that the methodology implemented herein achieves an overall correct classification rate of about 90% at a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of −2 dB on data similar to the training data.
Integrative Family Medicine - Are Louisiana Patients Ready?

PURPOSE The purpose of this preliminary study was to assess patient readiness to use a family medicine clinic that integrates complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with conventional medicine. METHODS A survey using the theory of planned behavior as a framework addressed patient attitudes and use of CAM. Descriptive statistics provided demographic characteristics. Additional analyses assessed differences among CAM users and responses to survey items. RESULTS Patients who self-reported as using CAM in the past 12 months were 39.8%. The majority of patients had favorable attitudes toward CAM use and integrative medicine; 62.7% reported they are likely to use CAM if offered at the clinic. Most patients want their physician to inquire about their use of CAM (61.5%) and to be trained to treat with CAM (64%). CONCLUSIONS Preliminary data from this study highlights patients' interest in a family medicine integrative center and may be used by providers to develop tailored messages for patients.
Functional diversity in cover crop polycultures increases multifunctionality of an agricultural system

Summary Ecological studies identifying a positive relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem services motivate projections that higher plant diversity will increase services from agroecosystems. While this idea is compelling, evidence of generalizable relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem services that could be broadly applied in agricultural systems is lacking. Cover crops grown in rotation with cash crops are a realistic strategy to increase agroecosystem diversity. We evaluated the prediction that further increasing diversity with cover crop polycultures would enhance ecosystem services and multifunctionality in a 2-year study of eighteen cover crop treatments ranging in diversity from one to eight species. Five ecosystem services were measured in each cover crop system and regression analysis used to explore the relationship between multifunctionality and several diversity indices. As expected, there was a positive relationship between species richness and multifunctionality, but it only explained a small fraction of variance in ecosystem services (marginal R2 = 0·05). In contrast, indices of functional diversity, particularly the distribution of trait abundances, were stronger predictors of multifunctionality (marginal R2 = 0·15–0·38). Synthesis and application. In a corn production system, simply increasing cover crop species richness will have a small impact on agroecosystem services, but designing polycultures that maximize functional diversity may lead to agroecosystems with greater multifunctionality.
Hail Suppression Concepts and Seeding Methods

Most hail suppression projects have been based upon the concepts that seeding to initiate freezing in supercooled clouds will 1) reduce the supply of supercooled cloud water available for hailstone growth; and 2) produce additional hail embryos to compete for the available supercooled water. Seeding methods used to implement these concepts have included the dispersal of AgI crystals in a broadcast mode, dispersal in the updraft areas of potential hailstorms, and direct injection of seeding agents into suspected regions of hail formation. Experimental results so far seem to favor the updraft seeding and direct injection approaches, but uncertainties about actual results persist.
612. Systemic AAV Injection in Guinea Pigs and Non-Human Primates Targets the Enteric Nervous System

We previously reported that intravenous delivery of AAV8 or AAV9 produces robust transduction in the enteric nervous system (ENS) of mice that is capsid dependent. The current proof-of-concept studies were to determine if intravenous AAV delivery transduces the ENS of two higher species, specifically guinea pigs, a commonly used species for ENS physiology studies, and cynomolgus macaques. Neonatal guinea piglets (P2) were intravenously injected with either of scAAV8 (2.8-3.1×1010 vg/g) or scAAV9-CB (2.8-3.4×1010 vg/g) expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) which was 3-10x lower than our previous mouse studies.
Microparticles in nasal lavage fluids in chronic rhinosinusitis: Potential biomarkers for diagnosis of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

Background Microparticles (MPs) are submicron-sized shed membrane vesicles released from activated or injured cells and are detectable by flow cytometry. MP levels have been used as biomarkers to evaluate cell injury or activation in patients with pathological conditions. Objective We sought to compare MP types and levels in nasal lavage fluids (NLFs) from controls and patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Methods We collected NLFs from patients with CRSsNP (n = 33), CRSwNP (n = 45), and AERD (n = 31) and control (n = 24) subjects. Standardized flow cytometry methods were used to characterize the following MP types: endothelial MPs, epithelial MPs (epithelial cell adhesion molecule [EpCAM](+)MPs, E-cadherin(+)MPs), platelet MPs (CD31(+)CD41(+)MPs), eosinophil MPs (EGF-like module-containing mucin-like hormone receptor-like 1[EMR1](+)MPs), mast cell MPs (high-affinity IgE receptor [FceRI](+)c-kit(+)MPs), and basophil MPs (CD203c(+)c-kit(−)MPs). Basophil activation was evaluated by the mean fluorescence intensity of CD203c on basophil MPs. Results Activated mast cell MPs (CD137(+) FceRI(+)c-kit(+)MPs) were significantly increased in NLFs of controls compared with NLFs of patients with CRSsNP (2.3-fold; P P P P P P P P = .91) and lower than those in patients with CRSsNP ( P P Conclusions Based on released MPs, mast cells, platelets, and basophils were more highly activated in patients with AERD than in patients with CRS. Epithelial injury was lower in patients with CRSwNP than in patients with CRSsNP and AERD. MP analysis may help identify phenotypes of CRS, and in distinguishing AERD from CRSwNP.
Conformational States of a Soluble, Uncleaved HIV-1 Envelope Trimer.

The HIV-1 envelope spike [Env; trimeric (gp160)3 cleaved to (gp120/gp41)3] induces membrane fusion, leading to viral entry. It is also the viral component targeted by neutralizing antibodies. Vaccine development requires production, in quantities suitable for clinical studies, of a recombinant form that resembles functional Env. HIV-1 gp140 trimers-the uncleaved ectodomains of (gp160)3-from a few selected viral isolates adopt a compact conformation with many antigenic properties of native Env spikes. One is currently being evaluated in a clinical trial. We report here low-resolution (20 A) electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) structures of this gp140 trimer, which adopts two principal conformations, one closed and the other slightly open. The former is indistinguishable at this resolution from those adopted by a stabilized, cleaved trimer (SOSIP) or by a membrane-bound Env trimer with a truncated cytoplasmic tail (EnvΔCT). The latter conformation is closer to a partially open Env trimer than to the fully open conformation induced by CD4. These results show that a stable, uncleaved HIV-1 gp140 trimer has a compact structure close to that of native Env.IMPORTANCE Development of any HIV vaccine with a protein component (for either priming or boosting) requires production of a recombinant form to mimic the trimeric, functional HIV-1 envelope spike in quantities suitable for clinical studies. Our understanding of the envelope structure has depended in part on a cleaved, soluble trimer, known as SOSIP.664, stabilized by several modifications, including an engineered disulfide. This construct, which is difficult to produce in large quantities, has yet to induce better antibody responses than those to other envelope-based immunogens, even in animal models. The uncleaved ectodomain of the envelope protein, called gp140, has also been made as a soluble form to mimic the native Env present on the virion surface. Most HIV-1 gp140 preparations are not stable, however, and have an inhomogeneous conformation. The results presented here show that gp140 preparations from suitable isolates can adopt a compact, native-like structure, supporting its use as a vaccine candidate.
Conformational Heterogeneity and the Affinity of Substrate Molecular Recognition by Cytochrome P450cam

The broad and variable substrate specificity of cytochrome P450 enzymes makes them a model system for studying the determinants of protein molecular recognition. The archetypal cytochrome P450cam (P450cam) is a relatively specific P450, a feature once attributed to the high rigidity of its active site. However, increasingly studies have provided evidence of the importance of conformational changes to P450cam activity. Here we used infrared (IR) spectroscopy to investigate the molecular recognition of P450cam. Toward this goal, and to assess the influence of a hydrogen bond (H-bond) between active site residue Y96 and substrates, two variants in which Y96 is replaced by a cyanophenyl (Y96CNF) or phenyl (Y96F) group were characterized in complexes with the substrates camphor, isoborneol, and camphane. These combinations allow for a comparison of complexes in which the moieties on both the protein and substrate can serve as a H-bond donor, acceptor, or neither. The IR spectra of heme-bound CO and the site-sp...
Eye Movement Abnormalities in Movement Disorders

Eye movement abnormalities are common in movement disorders and may offer insight into neural mechanisms, assist with diagnosis, or result in visual complaints in the setting of normal visual function. The role of the basal ganglia in eye movement control and eye movement abnormalities common in various movement disorders are discussed.
Diarrhea prevention and prophylaxis with crofelemer in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer receiving trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and docetaxel or paclitaxel with or without carboplatin.

TPS628Background: Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) occurs in 40-80% of breast cancer patients on HER2 directed therapy with THP or TCHP. In the CLEOPATRA trial, 67% of patients who received THP ...
Nanosecond Time-Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy in Molecular Biology

Fluorescent dyes are capable of providing specific information concerning the physical and chemical character of macromolecules in biological systems. The unique feature o£ fluorescence spectroscopy is the creation of a new, short-lived chemical entity, the excited state. The lifetime of this species is several nanoseconds. This is sufficient time for the excited probe to interact with its immediate environment.
Kyphosis and Sleep Characteristics in Older Persons: The Rancho Bernardo Study.

Author(s): Wankie, Che; Kritz-Silverstein, D; Barrett-Connor, E; Kado, DM | Abstract: BackgroundKyphosis is a forward curvature of the thoracic spine that is associated with multiple adverse health outcomes. This cross-sectional study examined the association between kyphosis and sleep characteristics.MethodsParticipants were 468 white, community-dwelling individuals (women = 255; men = 213) from the Rancho Bernardo cohort who had kyphosis assessed using a flexicurve ruler at a 2007-09 follow-up research clinic visit and sleep quality assessed by mailed survey in 2010 with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), scored 0-18, with g5 indicative of poor sleep quality.ResultsWomen had a mean age of 73.3 ± 8.8 years; men 74.2 ± 8.1 years. Mean flexicurve measures were 12.6 ± 3.2 for women and 12.1 ± 2.6 for men. No significant associations were found between kyphosis and any self-reported sleep measure in men, but women with worse kyphosis had poorer sleep quality, based on total PSQI score and two PSQI subcomponents. In women, with each unit increase in kyphosis, after adjusting for age, marital status, height, general health, calcium supplement use, estrogen use, exercise, arthritis, and depression, there was an associated increase in total PSQI score, indicating worse sleep quality (standard β-estimate = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.82). Women with worse kyphosis were also more likely to sleep ≤ 7 hours (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.22) and report use of sleep medications (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.25).ConclusionsIn women only, those with worse flexicurve kyphosis had worse scores on the PSQI, slept fewer hours (≤ 7 hours) and were more likely to report sleep medication use than those with less kyphosis. The association between kyphosis and objective sleep measures in older persons deserves further investigation.
Mitigating VHF Lightning Source Retrieval Errors

AbstractThe problem of inferring the location and time of occurrence of a very high frequency (VHF) lightning source emission from Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) network time-of-arrival (TOA) measurements is closely examined in order to clarify the cause of retrieval errors and to determine how best to mitigate these errors. With regard to this inverse problem, the previous literature lacks a comprehensive discussion of the associated forward problem. Hence, the forward problem is analyzed in this study to better clarify why retrieval errors increase with increasing source horizontal range and/or decreasing source altitude. Further insight is obtained by performing carefully designed Monte Carlo inversion simulations that provide specific retrieval error plots, which in turn lead to clear recommendations for mitigating retrieval errors. Based on all of the numerical results, the following strategies are recommended for mitigating retrieval errors (when possible, and without obstructing the line of sight): ...
A note on estimating single-class piecewise mixed-effects models with unknown change points:

Piecewise mixed-effects models are useful for analyzing longitudinal educational and psychological data sets to model segmented change over time. These models offer an attractive alternative to com...
Drugs in Lactation

One impediment to breastfeeding is the lack of information on the use of many drugs during lactation, especially newer ones. The principles of drug passage into breastmilk are well established, but have often not been optimally applied prospectively. Commonly used preclinical rodent models for determining drug excretion into milk are very unreliable because of marked differences in milk composition and transporters compared to those of humans. Measurement of drug concentrations in humans remains the gold standard, but computer modeling is promising. New FDA labeling requirements present an opportunity to apply modeling to preclinical drug development in place of conventional animal testing for drug excretion into breastmilk, which should improve the use of medications in nursing mothers.
Let Me Paint You a Picture: Utilizing Visualizations to Make Data More Accessible

Data visualizations, consisting of the tools, techniques, and methodologies to display, explore, and communicate quantitative information in a visual format is a rapidly expanding field in Institutional Research. Several institutions are moving away from the production of static fact books, and utilizing current technologies to provide high quality, interactive and easily- explorable data visualizations for their consumers. The increased ability to easily produce high quality interactive data visualizations allows institutional research offices to better provide decision support services for their consumers. The interactive nature of the available new tools allows end users to explore sets of data in a structured environment without the intervention of an analyst, allowing institutional research offices to devote resources to more in-depth analytics. However, as with all tools, the key to driving high quality visualizations is a thoughtful institutional research analyst understanding their underlying data and making reasoned choices for their visualization. This chapter provides some tips on producing quality visualizations, as well as some examples of how modern tools allow for institutional research offices to provide greater interaction with their data.
Drug delivery via the blood-brain barrier.

The blood–brain barrier forms a buffer against the systemic circulation. Now drugs administered to the brain are shown to be exported by a transporter to act at peripheral sites.