cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 27: Dok-1 Negatively Regulates Integrin aIIbß3 Outside-in Signaling and Inhibits Thrombosis

Background Platelet agonists activate integrin αIIbβ3 to allow the binding of soluble fibrinogen (a process known as inside-out signaling). Subsequent platelet aggregation leads to αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling, which results in tyrosine phosphorylation of β3 and other proteins, cytoskeletal reorganization, and platelet spreading. It has been reported that the adapter protein Dok-1 binds to the cytoplasmic tail of β3 and inhibits αIIbβ3 activation, but the specific role of Dok-1 in regulating inside-out or outside-in platelet signaling remains undefined. Methods We assessed the effects of Dok-1 on platelet signaling and thrombosis in Dok-1 null (Dok-1-/-) mice. Inside-out signaling was assessed by measuring αIIbβ3 activation (using the JON/A antibody) and fibrinogen binding by flow cytometry after stimulation of platelets with thrombin, ADP, and/or the thromboxane A2 receptor agonist [U46619.][1] Outside-in signaling was examined by measuring platelet spreading and clot retraction. Tail-transection bleeding time and susceptibility to thrombotic occlusion of the carotid artery in response to photochemical injury (rose bengal) were also measured. Results No significant differences in JON/A or fibrinogen binding were detected between wild-type (Dok-1+/+) and Dok-1-/- platelets, suggesting that Dok-1 does not regulate inside-out signaling. In contrast, Dok-1-/- platelets exhibited increased clot retraction and enhanced spreading on fibrinogen upon thrombin stimulation compared to Dok-1+/+ platelets (P<0.05), suggesting that Dok-1 negatively regulates outside-in signaling. Compared with Dok-1+/+ mice, Dok-1-/- mice had shorter bleeding times (181±168 vs. 379±193 seconds; P<0.001) and Dok-1-/- mice had shorter times to stable occlusion times of the carotid artery after photochemical injury compared with Dok-1+/+ mice (16.4±6.1 vs. 25.0±8.1 minutes; P<0.05). Conclusions The adaptor protein Dok-1 functions to negatively regulate integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling. Deficiency of Dok-1 results in a prothrombotic phenotype, with shorten bleeding times and enhanced arterial thrombosis. [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=GEN&access_num=U46619.&atom=%2Fatvbaha%2F33%2FSuppl_1%2FA27.atom
Ancient genetic redundancy of eyeless and twin of eyeless in the arthropod ocular segment

Pax6 transcription factors are essential upstream regulators in the developing anterior brain and peripheral visual system of most bilaterian animals. While a single homolog is in charge of these functions in vertebrates, two Pax6 genes are in Drosophila: eyeless (ey) and twin of eyeless (toy). At first glance, their co-existence seems sufficiently explained by their differential involvement in the specification of two types of insect visual organs: the lateral compound eyes (ey) and the dorsal ocelli (toy). Less straightforward to understand, however, is their genetic redundancy in promoting defined early and late growth phases of the precursor tissue to these organs: the eye-antennal imaginal disc. Drawing on comparative sequence, expression, and gene function evidence, I here conclude that this gene regulatory network module dates back to the dawn of arthropod evolution, securing the embryonic development of the ocular head segment. Thus, ey and toy constitute a paradigm to explore the organization and functional significance of longterm conserved genetic redundancy of duplicated genes. Indeed, as first steps in this direction, recent studies uncovered the shared use of binding sites in shared enhancers of target genes that are under redundant (string) and, strikingly, even subfunctionalized control by ey and toy (atonal). Equally significant, the evolutionarily recent and paralog-specific function of ey to repress the transcription of the antenna fate regulator Distal-less offers a functionally and phylogenetically well-defined opportunity to study the reconciliation of shared, partitioned, and newly acquired functions in a duplicated developmental gene pair.
Employee Engagement for an Increasingly Educated Workforce: The Impact of Competitive Team Climate

Abstract. As organizations strive to increase employee engagement, they must seek to activate potentially underutilized employee resources. Over the past few decades, employees have become more educated. Through pursuing more education, individuals garner valuable personal resources such as experience managing competitive environments. Simultaneously, organizations also increasingly use team structures, posing new demands for employees. Using the job demands-resources perspective, we investigated how the interaction between education and team competitive climate impacts employee engagement. Using a multilevel dataset including 274 employees working for 64 teams in 44 organizations, we found that people with more years of education are more engaged in their work when working in a competitive team climate. Our findings suggest the importance of work demands for activating personal resources.
Targeting of cadherin-11 decreases skin fibrosis in the tight skin-1 mouse model.

Objective Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease clinically manifesting as progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Cadherin-11 (CDH11) expression is increased in fibrotic skin and lung tissue. Targeting CDH11 may be an effective approach to treating fibrosis. We hypothesize that targeting CDH11 will decrease fibrosis in the tight skin-1 (Tsk-1) mouse model. Methods CDH11 expression was determined in the Tsk-1 mouse model using quantitative real time PCR and immunofluorescence (IF). Inhibitory anti- CDH11 monoclonal antibodies were tested in Tsk-1 mice for their ability to decrease hypodermal fibrosis. Results Expression of CDH11 was increased in fibrotic skin from Tsk-1 mice compared to pallid controls. IF staining demonstrated that CDH11 expression localized to fibroblasts within the hypodermis of fibrotic skin. Treatment with inhibitory anti-CDH11 monoclonal antibodies decreased hypodermal thickness and fibrotic mediators in Tsk-1 mice compared to control antibodies. Conclusions These data demonstrate an important role for CDH11 in the development of skin fibrosis in Tsk-1 mice. These data add to the growing evidence for the important role of CDH11 in tissue fibrosis and fibrotic disease such as systemic sclerosis.
Impact of a Father’s Mixed-Sex and Son Preference on Mother’s Experience in Physical Domestic Violence, Evidence from India

Sex preference and domestic violence are both rich literature, but there is no stream of prior studies linking the two. This paper addresses this gap by investigating whether a father's preference regarding the sex of children affects the probability of the mother experiencing domestic violence. Using the random nature of the gender of newborn children, this study quantifies the causal impact of having a third same-sex child on the probability that the mother will experience domestic violence. The empirical results suggest that among women who already have given birth to two girls, giving birth to a third girl increases the probability of domestic violence compared to giving birth to a son. After controlling for factors related to sex-selective abortion, domestic violence indicators for households with three consecutive female births increase by 0.147, which is a 13.4% increase from the average score. For households with two boys, having a third boy (compared to a third girl) also increases the domestic violence. The sub-sample analysis shows that the increase in domestic violence due to girl births are especially large for households with a husband who has a son-preference. This finding emphasizes the social burden of gender inequality and contributes knowledge regarding another cause of domestic violence.
Validation of AAST EGS Grade for Acute Pancreatitis

The AAST recently developed an emergency general surgery (EGS) disease grading system to measure anatomic severity. We aimed to validate this grading system for acute pancreatitis and compare cross sectional imaging-based AAST EGS grade and compare with several clinical prediction models. We hypothesize that increased AAST EGS grade would be associated with important physiological and clinical outcomes and is comparable to other severity grading methods. Single institution retrospective review of adult patients admitted with acute pancreatitis during 10/2014–1/2016 was performed. Patients without imaging were excluded. Imaging, operative, and pathological AAST grades were assigned by two reviewers. Summary and univariate analyses were performed. AUROC analysis was performed comparing AAST EGS grade with other severity scoring systems. There were 297 patients with a mean (±SD) age of 55 ± 17 years; 60% were male. Gallstone pancreatitis was the most common etiology (28%). The overall complication, mortality, and ICU admission rates were 51, 1.3, and 25%, respectively. The AAST EGS imaging grade was comparable to other severity scoring systems that required multifactorial data for readmission, mortality, and length of stay. The AAST EGS grade for acute pancreatitis demonstrates initial validity; patients with increasing AAST EGS grade demonstrated longer hospital and ICU stays, and increased rates of readmission. AAST EGS grades assigned using cross sectional imaging findings were comparable to other severity scoring systems. Further studies should determine the generalizability of the AAST system. Level of Evidence: IV Study Type: Single institutional retrospective review
Assessment of risk for transplant-transmissible infectious encephalitis among deceased organ donors.

Background There were 13 documented clusters of infectious encephalitis transmission via organ transplant from deceased donors to recipients during 2002-2013. Hence, organs from donors diagnosed with encephalitis are often declined because of concerns about the possibility of infection, given that there is no quick and simple test to detect causes of infectious encephalitis. Methods We constructed a database containing cases of infectious and non-infectious encephalitis. Using statistical imputation, cross-validation, and regression techniques, we determined deceased organ donor characteristics, including demographics, signs, symptoms, physical exam, and laboratory findings, predictive of infectious vs non-infectious encephalitis, and developed a calculator which assesses the risk of infection. Results Using up to 12 predictive patient characteristics (with a minimum of 3, depending on what information is available), the calculator provides the probability that a donor may have infectious vs non-infectious encephalitis, improving the prediction accuracy over current practices. These characteristics include gender, fever, immunocompromised state (other than HIV), cerebrospinal fluid elevation, altered mental status, psychiatric features, cranial nerve abnormality, meningeal signs, focal motor weakness, Babinski's sign, movement disorder, and sensory abnormalities. Conclusion In the absence of definitive diagnostic testing in a potential organ donor, infectious encephalitis can be predicted with a risk score. The risk calculator presented in this paper represents a prototype, establishing a framework that can be expanded to other infectious diseases transmissible through solid organ transplantation.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizae and Their Role in Plant Restoration in Native Ecosystems

There is high plant biodiversity in southern Florida, due to the floristic mixing of warm temperate Southeastern North America and tropical Caribbean. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi were found in the roots of native plants in the families Anacardiaceae, Arecaceae (Palmae), Cactaceae, Convolvulaceae, Cycadaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Lauraceae, Rubiaceae, Simarubaceae and Smilacaeae that grow in the coastal maritime and inland hammocks of southern Florida. Seedlings of the following genera: Amorpha, Coccothrinax, Gymnanthes, Hamelia, Jacquemontia, Licaria, Nectandra, Opuntia, Picramnia, Psychotria, Rhus, Sabal, Serenoa and Zamia inoculated with AM fungi showed enhancement of growth and phosphorus uptake on local sandy, nutrient poor soils. Most native species were depend on AM fungi under natural conditions of poor or no soils, phosphorus limitations and often water stress. Restoration of endangered species of Amorpha (Fabaceae), Jacquemontia (Convolvulaceae), Opuntia (Cactaceae) and Pseudophoenix (Arecaceae) was considered using AM fungi. The symbiotic relationship between AM fungi and native plants is important in the low P ecosystem and also useful for restoration of native plants.
Deducing connexin stoichiometry in isolated liver gap junction plaques from images obtained with scanning transmission electron microscopy

Gap junction structures are formed from a family of related proteins, the connexins. Different connexins localize to the same tissue or junctional plaque. Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) is a direct method for determining the masses of macromolecular complexes. Here, I describe this technique and how it has been applied to gap junctions and split junctions to determine their connexin stoichiometry. Analysis of STEM images shows that isolated liver gap junction membrane plaques contain both heterotypic and homotypic cell-cell channels. This finding implies that cells could adjust the physiological properties of their membrane channels by mixing connexins within individual gap junctions.
Managing Drug Dependence

Drug dependence involves the repetitive use of substances that produce reinforcing effects in the CNS. Drug dependence disorders can often be more effectively and less expensively treated than the consequences of dependence (e.g. HIV infection, liver cirrhosis, lung cancer). Systematic psychotherapy or behavioural intervention is the most widely studied and used treatment for drug dependence. Medications can be used to treat aspects of drug dependence by reducing withdrawal symptoms, blocking the addicting effects of the drugs, and by protracting episodes of remission.
Cu(0)-mediated reversible-deactivation radical polymerization of n-butyl acrylate in suspension

Abstract Cu(0)-mediated reversible-deactivation radical polymerization of n-butyl acrylate was performed in suspension without the use of an organic solvent. In all cases, a 5 v% organic phase (monomer, initiator, and ligand) was used with respect to 95 v% aqueous phase. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a suspension stabilizer has been shown to be able to control the polymerization for the degree of polymerizations of 222 and higher. The polymerization reaction showed linear first-order kinetics for a PVA concentration range of 1–10 wt%, leading to polymers with dispersities from 1.22 to 1.43. Conversions as high as 96% were obtained in 55 min. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the suspensions confirmed the formation of micron-sized polymer particles dispersed in aqueous media, and that the size of the particles decreased with increasing PVA concentration. Rheometry measurements of the aqueous phase containing PVA before and after polymerization demonstrated the increase in the viscosity of the reaction mixture after polymerization. The difference between the viscosity of the PVA solution in water and the same solution after polymerization decreased as the PVA decreased, which indicates smaller particle sizes formed with increasing PVA content. All suspensions were stable over a period of three months storage at room temperature without any precipitation or sedimentation. The maximum copper species concentration in the reaction medium and water can be as low as 7 ppm. This Cu(0)-mediated reversible-deactivation radical polymerization in suspension has the potential for industrial use, especially for paint and adhesives.
Antibiotic prophylaxis is not associated with reduced urinary tract infection-related complications after cystectomy and ileal conduit

Objectives: Majority of complications after ileal conduit urinary diversion with cystectomy are related to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Controversy exists regarding use of prophylactic antibiotics after surgery. We determined if prophylactic antibiotic use during ureteral stent placement after ileal conduit urinary diversion decreased incidence of UTI-related complications. Methods: We retrospectively identified 75 consecutive patients who underwent ileal conduit urinary diversion with cystectomy at our institution from 2010 to 2016. Patients were stratified based on presence or absence of a UTI-related complication in the 90-day postoperative period. Means were compared with independent t-test and proportions with chi-square analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine independent predictors of UTI-related complications. Results: Forty-five patients (60%) were prescribed prophylactic antibiotics after surgery. Mean duration of antibiotic use was 15 d, and mean duration of ureteral stenting was 25 d. Most common antibiotics used included fluoroquinolones ( n = 23, 30.7%) followed by sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim ( n = 14, 18.7%). Rate of 90-day UTI-related complications was 36% ( n = 27), and 90-day UTI-related readmission rate was 14.7% (n = 11). On bivariate and multivariate analysis, prophylactic antibiotic use was not associated with reduced 90-day UTI-related complications ( P > 0.05). Patients prescribed prophylactic antibiotics had increased incidence of Clostridium difficile infections in the 90-day postoperative period compared to controls (20% vs . 3.3%; P = 0.038). Conclusions: Prophylactic antibiotic use after ileal conduit urinary diversion with cystectomy was not associated with reduced UTI-related complications, and rate of Clostridium difficile infections was higher in this patient cohort. The effect of early removal of ureteral stents on UTI risk still has to be elucidated.
Greatest common divisors and Vojta’s conjecture for blowups of algebraic tori

We give results and inequalities bounding the greatest common divisor of multivariable polynomials evaluated at S-unit arguments, generalizing to an arbitrary number of variables results of Bugeaud–Corvaja–Zannier, Hernandez–Luca, and Corvaja–Zannier. In closely related results, and in line with observations of Silverman, we prove special cases of Vojta’s conjecture for blowups of toric varieties. As an application, we classify when terms from simple linear recurrence sequences can have a large greatest common divisor (in an appropriate sense). The primary tool used in the proofs is Schmidt’s Subspace Theorem from Diophantine approximation.
Do Vaccines Cause Ataxia

Natural mumps and varicella infections are associated with acute cerebellar ataxia. Thus, mumps and varicella vaccines prevent ataxia by protecting against natural infection. Vaccines currently routinely recommended to the general population in the U.S. have not been shown to cause ataxia.
Introduction to Session 5

This session is a new entrant into the Symposium series and highlights an emerging but important area of materials applications through biotechnology—the biological production of materials. The use of biopolymers like cellulose derivatives and poly(lactide) copolymers in biomedical materials applications such as surgical sutures, surgical dressings, prosthetic devices, and drug delivery systems is well known. However, its applications in traditional materials areas such as plastics and electronics has received very little attention. It is this area to which the papers in this session are targeted. They cover a broad spectrum of materials related research. The topics covered are microbial oxygenation reactions leading to novel chemical intermediates like Benzene cis glycols, flurocatechol, and polymers/copolymers like PHB and PHBV (poly3-hydroxybutyrate-3-hyydroxyvalerate); biodegradable plastics, the preparation and properties of a composite photobioelectronic material, production of phenolics, and drag reducing polysaccharides from yeast.
How Does Infrastructure Investment Affect Macroeconomic Performance? Evidence from Portugal:

We use the industry-specific effects of 12 different types of infrastructure investment in Portugal to highlight the mechanisms through which such investments affect economic activity. Our main fin...
Methods of crop yield measurement on multi-cropped plots: Examples from Tanzania

Precise agricultural statistics are necessary to track productivity and design sound agricultural policies. Yet, in settings where multi-cropping is prevalent, even crop yield—perhaps the most common productivity metric—can be challenging to measure. In a survey of the literature on crop yield in low-income settings, we find that scholars specify how they estimate the area denominator used to measure yield in under 10% of cases. Using household survey data from Tanzania, we consider four alternative methods of allocating land area on multi-cropped plots, ranging from treatment of the entire plot as the yield denominator to increasingly precise approaches that account for the space taken up by other crops. We then explore the implications of this measurement decision for analyses of yield, focusing on one staple crop that is often grown on its own (rice) and one that is frequently found on mixed plots and in intercropped arrangements (maize). A majority (64%) of cultivated plots contain more than one crop, and average yield estimates vary with different methods of calculating area planted—particularly for maize. Importantly, the choice among area methods influences which of these two crops is found to be more calorie-productive per hectare. This choice also influences the statistically significant correlates of crop yield, such that the benefits of intercropping and including legumes on a maize plot are only evident when using an area measure that accounts for mixed cropping arrangements. We conclude that the literature would benefit from greater clarity regarding how yield is measured across studies.
Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear Treatment: A Matched Cohort Comparison of Nonoperative Management, Partial Meniscectomy, and Repair

Background:There are limited data comparing the outcomes of similarly matched patients with a medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) treated with nonoperative management, partial meniscectomy,...
Predicting Breakthrough Urinary Tract Infection: Comparative Analysis of Vesicoureteral Reflux Index, Reflux Grade and Ureteral Diameter Ratio

Purpose:The vesicoureteral reflux index is a simple, validated tool for predicting resolution of reflux. Along with likelihood of spontaneous resolution identification of children at risk for febri...
The Dark Side of Cultural Intelligence: Exploring Its Impact on Opportunism, Ethical Relativism, and Customer Relationship Performance

Employees who possess cross-cultural capabilities are increasingly sought after due to unparalleled numbers of cross-cultural interactions. Previous research has primarily focused on the bright side of these capabilities, including important individual and work outcomes. In contrast, the purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the cross-cultural capability of cultural intelligence (CQ) can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. Applying the general theory of confluence, we propose that expatriates high in CQ excel in customer relationship performance, while simultaneously behaving opportunistically. We also suggest that ethical relativism moderates these relationships. Using mixed methods, four separate studies generally support our predictions while also deepening our understanding of various forms of opportunism and the mechanism behind two seemingly opposing effects. Conceptual and managerial implications of CQ for opportunism, customer relationship performance, and ethics are discussed.
Genomics and Liver Transplantation: Genomic Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Acute Cellular Rejection

Acute cellular rejection (ACR) is a common complication in liver transplantation recipients (LTRs), especially within the first 12 months, and it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Although abnormalities in standard liver biochemistries may raise the clinical suspicion for ACR, it lacks specificity, and invasive liver biopsies, which are associated with numerous risks, are required for definitive diagnoses. Biomarker discovery for minimally invasive tools for diagnosis and prognostication of ACR after liver transplantation (LT) has become a rapidly evolving field of research with a recent shift in focus to omics-based biomarker discovery. Although none are yet ready to replace the standard of care, there are several promising minimally invasive, blood-derived biomarkers that are under intensive research for the diagnosis of ACR in LTRs. These omics-based biomarkers, encompassing DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites, hold tremendous potential. Some are likely to become integrated into ACR diagnostic algorithms to assist clinical decision making with a high degree of accuracy that is cost-effective and reduces or even obviates the need for an invasive liver biopsy.
A Comparison of the Female and Male Racial Disparities in Imprisonment

We examine the behavior of the incarceration rate and the racial disparity in imprisonment for black women and compare this to the results for black men over the period 1978-2016. At the beginning of our sample, the racial disparity is high and of similar magnitude for both groups. Black women and black men both experience a large run-up in incarceration between 1978-1999, where this run-up can be entirely explained by the increase in overall incarceration in the United States during this period. Black women and black men both experience a decrease in incarceration between 1999 and 2016, but the decline for women is much steeper. The decline in incarceration for black women is entirely explained by a decline in the racial disparity, where for men, a decline in the disparity and a decline in the overall male incarceration rate are both important. At the state level, there are frequent upturns in the racial disparity in the 1980s for both black women and black men, followed by frequent downturns in the 1990s. The data provide no prima facie evidence that the 1994 Crime Bill exacerbated the racial disparity in imprisonment. By the end of the sample, the racial disparity for females is 1.8, and the disparity for males is 5.2, where this disparity measures the per capita black imprisonment rate divided by the per capita white imprisonment rate for each group.
Downscaling a Human Well-Being Index for Environmental Management and Environmental Justice Applications in Puerto Rico.

Abstract Human well-being is often an overarching goal in environmental decision-making, yet assessments are often limited to economic, health, or ecological endpoints that are more tangible to measure. Composite indices provide a comprehensive approach to measuring well-being in terms of multi-dimensional components, such as living standards, health, education, safety, and culture. For example, the Human Well-Being Index (HWBI) framework, initially developed for the U.S. fifty states, was recently applied to quantify human well-being for Puerto Rico. However, the paucity of data at spatial scales finer than state or county levels, particularly for social metrics, poses a major limitation to quantifying well-being at neighborhood-scales relevant to decision-making. Here we demonstrate a spatial interpolation method to fill in missing fine-scale data where coarser-scale data is available. Downscaling from municipio (i.e., county-equivalent) to census-tract revealed a greater range of variability in well-being scores across Puerto Rico, in particular, a larger proportion of low well-being scores. Furthermore, while some components of wellbeing (e.g., Education, Health, Leisure Time, Safety and Security, Social Cohesion) showed consistent improvement over time from 2000 to 2017 across Puerto Rico, others (e.g., Connection to Nature, Cultural Fulfillment, Living Standards) were variable among census tracts, increasing for some but declining for others. We use a case study in the San Juan Bay estuary watershed to illustrate how approaches to quantify baseline levels of well-being can be used to explore potential impacts of management actions on communities, including to identify environmental justice inequalities among neighborhoods. Spatial clustering analysis was used to identify statistically significant cold or hot spots in well-being. This study demonstrates how indicators of well-being, coupled with interpolation methods to overcome limitations of data availability, can help to monitor long-term changes over time and to better communicate the potential value of ecosystem restoration or resource management.
Comment on oscillatory optical and acoustical radiation pressure

Abstract This comment is timely because of a paper [JQSRT 250 (2020) 106994] on the time dependence of optical radiation forces resulting from modulated illumination. While the acoustic analog of oscillatory radiation pressure was mentioned, the omission of early developments contributes to the introduction of terminology that is not sufficiently descriptive. For example, the illumination considered was double-sideband suppressed carrier modulation (DSB-SCM), as distinct from conventional “amplitude modulation” (AM), contrary to the impression given. Properties of DSB-SCM and AM radiation pressure are reviewed along with some early acoustical and optical modulated radiation pressure experiments, selected recent research, and some analytical and related concerns.
Media use for children with disabilities in the United States during COVID-19

My son is 18 months old. Experts recommend no screen time for children under 2. However, he is partially deaf and enjoys watching videos. I regularly show him one that teaches sign language and he ...
The prevalence and distribution in genomes of low-complexity, amyloid-like, reversible, kinked segment (LARKS), a common structural motif in amyloid-like fibrils

Abstract Membraneless Organelles (MLOs) are vital and dynamic reaction centers in cells that organize metabolism in the absence of a membrane. Multivalent interactions between protein Low-Complexity Domains (LCDs) contribute to MLO organization. Our previous work used computational methods to identify structural motifs termed Low-complexity Amyloid-like Reversible Kinked Segments (LARKS) that can phase-transition to form hydrogels and are common in human proteins that participate in MLOs. Here we searched for LARKS in proteomes of six model organisms: Homo sapiens, Drosophila melanogaster, Plasmodium falciparum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Escherichia coli. We find LARKS are abundant in M. tuberculosis, D. melanogaster, and H. sapiens, but not in S. cerevisiae or P. falciparum. Abundant LARKS require high glycine content, which enables kinks to form in LARKS as is illustrated in the known LARKS-rich amyloid structures of TDP43, FUS, and hnRNPA2, three proteins that participate in MLOs. These results support the idea of LARKS as an evolved structural motif and we offer the LARKSdb webserver which permits users to search for LARKS in their protein sequences of interest.
Palliative Care Team Perceptions of Standardized Palliative Care Referral Criteria Implementation in Hospital Settings

Background: Standardized referral criteria can aid in identifying patients who would benefit from palliative care consultation. Little is known, however, on palliative care team members' perceptions of these criteria. Objective: Describe palliative care programs' reasons for referral criteria implementation and their perception of the benefits or disadvantages of its use. Design: Online survey of National Palliative Care Registry™ participants who use standardized referral criteria. Results: Fifty-three programs participated. Late referrals (64.2%) were the most commonly cited reason for referral criteria implementation. The majority (77.4%) felt that referral criteria lead to positive outcomes, including earlier referrals for palliative care-appropriate patients (71.7%). Increases in staff workload and inappropriate referrals were identified as disadvantages of referral criteria use.* Conclusion: Palliative care program members identified both benefits and disadvantages of referral criteria use, but felt they had mostly productive results. *Correction added on March 18, 2021 after first online publication of December 18, 2020: In the Results section of the abstract, the third sentence was changed from "Increases in clinical volume and inappropriate referrals were identified as disadvantages of referral criteria use." to "Increases in staff workload and inappropriate referrals were identified as disadvantages of referral criteria use."
Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as Photocatalysts for the Degradation of Agricultural Pollutants in Water

Increasing demand for food due to rapid population growth has exerted unprecedented pressure on the global agricultural industry. Agrochemicals are widely used to ensure productivity, leading to th...
Carotid Compliance and Parahippocampal and Hippocampal Volume over a 20-Year Period.

Introduction We evaluated the association between carotid compliance, a measure of arterial stiffness, to parahippocampal volume (PHV) and hippocampal volume (HV) over 20 years later in the Atherosclerosis Risk in the Community study. Methods We included participants with common carotid compliance measurements at visit 1 (1987-1989) and volumetric brain MRI at visit 5 (2011-2013). The primary outcomes are pooled bilateral PHV and HV. We performed linear regression models adjusting for age, sex, vascular risk factors, and total brain volume. Results Of the 614 participants, higher compliance was correlated with higher PHV (R = 0.218[0.144-0.291], p < 0.001) and HV (R = 0.181 [0.105-0.255, p < 0.001]). The association was linear and significant after adjusting for confounders. At follow-up MRI, 30 patients with dementia had lower PHV and HV than patients without dementia (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion Carotid compliance is associated with higher PHV and HV when measured 20 years later, further supporting the link between arterial stiffness and cognitive decline.
TWO MUMMIES FROM THE PITCHFORK ROCK SHELTER IN NORTHWESTERN WYOMING

A protohistoric rock shelter burial from the Pitchfork Site in northwestern Wyoming produced two partially mummified skeletons of young adult male American Indians. Preserved clothing, buffalorobes...
Thin-layer chromatography of carbonyl compounds

Abstract A procedure is described for the separation of the bis(2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones) of dicarbonyls into classes. The classes investigated were the 2,3-diketones, the α-keto aldehydes, and the dialdehyde, glyoxal. Separation was accomplished on weakened magnesia-Celite plates in an acetone-benzene-MeOH system in approximately 40 minutes. The method permits the classification of as little a 4 × 10−5 μmole of a bis(2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone). Diketone spots are violet; α-keto-aldehydes and glyoxal are blue.
Sequential k-nearest neighbor pattern recognition for usable speech classification

The accuracy of speech processing techniques degrades when operating in a co-channel environment. Co-channel speech occurs when more than one person is talking at the same time. The idea of usable speech segmentation is to identify and extract those portions of co-channel speech that are minimally degraded but still useful for speech processing application such as speaker identification. Usable speech measures are features that are extracted from the co-channel signal to distinguish between usable and unusable speech. In this paper, a new usable speech extraction technique is presented. The new method extracts features recursively and variable length segmentation is performed by making sequential decisions on the k-NN pattern classifier class assignments. This new approach is able to identify 79% of available usable speech segments with 21% false alarms and it requires lesser amount of data to make accurate decisions compared to previously presented methods.
Voices from Bird Bones

Extinct Birds of New Zealand. By Alan Tennyson and Paul Martinson. Te Papa Press, Wellington, New Zealand, 2006. 190 pp. NZ$65. ISBN 9780909010218. Extinction and Biogeography of Tropical Pacific Birds. By David W. Steadman. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2006. 608 pp. $110, £69.50. ISBN 9780226771410. Paper, $45, £28.50. ISBN 9780226771427. Steadman uses the paleontological and archaeological records to reconstruct the prehistoric avian communities of tropical Pacific islands, chart their postsettlement fates, and discuss the theories of island biogeography. Tennyson and Martinson describe and portray 58 endemic species of birds that disappeared within a few hundred years of the settlement of New Zealand.
Strontium isotopic geochemistry of the Devils Lake drainage system, North Dakota: A preliminary study and potential paleoclimatic implications

A series of water samples (precipitation, surface water and ground water) from the Devils Lake drainage basin in central North Dakota have been analyzed for their δ18O and δD and 87Sr/86Sr. The δ18O and δD of snow and most ground water samples fall near the meteoric water line, with the ground water being isotopically heavier than the snow, indicating that a portion of the recharge must come from non-winter precipitation events. One ground water and all the surface water samples fall below the meteoric water line, demonstrating extensive evaporation. The 87Sr/86Sr ratio of the snow is more radiogenic than those of the ground water samples, indicating that the ground water has increased its 86Sr content by the dissolution of mafic rock in the aquifer. Stump Lake has a much more radiogenic Sr isotopic ratio than the waters of Devils Lake suggesting a source of water different from that of Devils Lake. The East Stump Lake water, on the other hand, appears to be either a mix of Devils Lake and Stump Lake waters, or Devils Lake water diluted with precipitation.
Using Spoken Language Benchmarks to Characterize the Expressive Language Skills of Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Purpose Spoken language benchmarks proposed by Tager-Flusberg et al. (2009) were used to characterize communication profiles of toddlers with autism spectrum disorders and to investigate if there were differences in variables hypothesized to influence language development at different benchmark levels. Method The communication abilities of a large sample of toddlers with autism spectrum disorders (N = 105) were characterized in terms of spoken language benchmarks. The toddlers were grouped according to these benchmarks to investigate whether there were differences in selected variables across benchmark groups at a mean age of 2.5 years. Results The majority of children in the sample presented with uneven communication profiles with relative strengths in phonology and significant weaknesses in pragmatics. When children were grouped according to one expressive language domain, across-group differences were observed in response to joint attention and gestures but not cognition or restricted and repetitive be...
Characterization and optimization of the production probing process

In this work we illustrate a means of monitoring probing processes in-situ. In addition, we show meaningful ways of interpreting data gathered during the probing process that allow real time process modification that leads to increased yields and throughput. Through this new technique, a test operation is able to minimize yield loss due to the probing process.
Experimental delayed hypersensitivity following inhalation of dicyclohexylmethane-4,4′-diisocyanate: A concentration-response relationship☆

Exposure of workers to low-molecular-weight chemicals has been associated with delayed-onset hypersensitivity reactions in both the skin and the respiratory tract. The use of two animal models to examine factors affecting the production of delayed hypersensitivity to dicyclohexylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate (HMDI) is described. Guinea pigs were exposed to HMDI by a "head-only" method and mice in a "nose-only" procedure. All animals were subsequently tested for dermal sensitivity by topical challenge with the isocyanate. In both species, a concentration-response relationship and "no-effect" concentration was observed between chamber concentration of HMDI and (a) severity of the dermal response and (b) number of animals responding. Guinea pigs developed skin sensitivity following inhalation of 3 micrograms/liter or greater HMDI for 2 hr/day on 3 consecutive days. Inhalation of 1.25 micrograms/liter did not result in sensitization. Contact sensitivity was detected in BALB/cBy mice following inhalation of 17 micrograms/liter or greater HMDI. No reactions occurred as a result of exposure to 7 micrograms/liter or less HMDI. Dermal contact of the head, as would occur during inhalation exposures, also resulted in contact sensitization. Identification of the concentration-response relationship for contact sensitization following inhalation exposure implies that safe exposure levels can be proposed to prevent cases of dermal sensitization to HMDI.
Synthesis and evaluation of a series of novel 2-[(4-chlorophenoxy)methyl]benzimidazoles as selective neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor antagonists.

A series of novel benzimidazoles (BI) derived from the indole 2 was synthesized and evaluated as selective neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 receptor antagonists with the aim of developing antiobesity drugs. In our SAR approach, the (4-chlorophenoxy)methyl group at C-2 was kept constant and a series of BIs substituted with various piperidinylalkyl groups at N-1 was synthesized to identify the optimal spacing and orientation of the piperidine ring nitrogen relative to the benzimidazole. The 3-(3-piperidinyl)propyl in 33 was found to maximize affinity for the Y1 receptor. Because of the critical importance of Arg 33 and Arg 35 of NPY binding to the Y1 receptor, the incorporation of an additional aminoalkyl functionality to the structure of 33 was explored. Methyl substitution was used to probe where substitution on the aromatic ring was best tolerated. In this fashion, the C-4 was chosen for the substitution of the second aminoalkyl functionality. Synthesis of such compounds with a phenoxy tether using the 4-hydroxybenzimidazole 11 was pursued because of their relative ease of synthesis. Functionalization of the hydroxy group of 45 with a series of piperidinylalkyl groups provided the dibasic benzimidazoles 55-62. Among them, BI 56 demonstrated a K i of 0.0017 μM, which was 400-fold more potent than 33. To evaluate if there was a stereoselective effect on affinity for these BIs, the four constituent stereoisomers (69-72) of the BI 60 were prepared using the S- and R-isomers of bromide 17. Antagonist activity of these BIs was confirmed by measuring the ability of selected compounds to reverse NPY-induced forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP. The high selectivity of several BI antagonists for the Y1 versus Y2, Y4, and Y5 receptors was also shown.
College Sports, Losing Seasons, and Image Repair Through Open Letters to Fans

College sports coaches and administrators can use open letters to repair images and weather crises, especially during losing seasons. Our rhetorical analysis uses Benoit’s typology of image repair ...
Effect of chronic maternal dietary magnesium deficiency on placental calcium transport.

Metabolisms of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are closely interrelated in the intestine, bone, and kidney. Interaction of Ca and Mg at the placental level, however, is not well defined. The occurrence of decreased bone mineral content and hypocalcemia in infants of hypomagnesemic mothers led us to test the hypothesis that chronic dietary maternal Mg deficiency decreases placental Ca transport. On day 10 of gestation, 20 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to a Mg-deficient diet (3.3 mg/day, n = 10) or to a control diet (70 mg/day, n = 10). On day 20 of gestation (term = 22 days), intact placentas were perfused in situ through the umbilical artery and perfusate was collected through the umbilical vein. Calcium 45 (45Ca) and chromium 51-EDTA (51Cr-EDTA) (a diffusional marker for placental membrane integrity) were injected to the dam and steady state maternofetal clearance (Kmf45Ca, microliter/min/g placenta) of both isotopes were calculated. There was no difference in the clearance of 45Ca and 51Cr in both...
Integral Equation Based Domain Decomposition Method for Solving Electromagnetic Wave Scattering From Non-Penetrable Objects

The integral equation (IE) method is commonly utilized to model time-harmonic electromagnetic (EM) problems. One of the greatest challenges in its applications arises in the solution of the resulting ill-conditioned matrix equation. We introduce a new domain decomposition method (DDM) for the IE solution of EM wave scattering from non-penetrable objects. The proposed method is a non-overlapping/non-conformal DDM and it provides a computationally efficient and effective preconditioner for the IE matrix equations. Moreover, the proposed approach is very suitable for dealing with multi-scale electromagnetic problems since each sub-domain has its own characteristics length and will be meshed independently. Furthermore, for each sub-domain, we are free to choose the most effective IE sub-domain solver based on its local geometrical features and electromagnetic characteristics. Additionally, the multilevel fast multi-pole algorithm (MLFMA) is utilized to accelerate the computations of couplings between sub-domains. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed method yields rapid convergence in the outer Krylov iterative solution process. Finally, simulations of several large-scale examples testify to the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed IE based DDM.
Axonal regeneration of descending and ascending spinal projection neurons in spinal cord-transected larval lamprey

Abstract The distributions of descending and ascending spinal projection neurons (i.e., spinal neurons with moderate to long axons) were compared in normal larval lamprey and in animals that had recovered for 8 weeks following a complete spinal cord transection at 50% body length (BL, normalized distance from the anterior head). In normal animals, application of HRP to the spinal cord at 60% BL (40% BL) labeled an average of 713.8 ± 143.2 descending spinal projection neurons (718.4 ± 108.0 ascending spinal projection neurons) along the rostral (caudal) spinal cord, most of which were unidentified neurons. Some of these neurons project for at least ∼50–60 spinal cord segments (∼36–47 mm in animals with an average length of ∼90 mm used in the present study). At 8 weeks posttransection, the numbers of HRP-labeled descending or ascending spinal neurons that extended their axons through the transection were about 40% of those in similar areas of the spinal cord in normal animals. Thus, in larval lamprey, axonal regeneration of descending and ascending spinal projection neurons is incomplete, similar to that found for descending brain neurons (Davis and McClellan, 1994a) . The majority of restored projections were from unidentified spinal neurons that have not been documented previously. In contrast to results from several other lower vertebrates, in the lamprey ascending spinal neurons exhibited substantial axonal regeneration. Identified descending spinal neurons, such as lateral interneurons and crossed contralateral interneurons, and identified ascending spinal neurons, such as giant interneurons and edge cells, regenerated their axons at least 9 mm beyond the transection site in animals with an average length of ∼90 mm, which is appreciably farther than previously reported. In contrast, most dorsal cells, which are centrally located sensory neurons, exhibited very little axonal regeneration.