cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Symbolic Protest and Calculated Silence

The reasons for protesting a serious injustice are usually not hard to find. One wants to put an end to the wrongdoing, to prevent its recurrence, or at least touch some consciences in a way that may prove beneficial in other contexts. But sometimes there seems to be no reasonable hope of achieving these ends. The perpetrators of injustice will not be moved, protest may be inconvenient or risky to oneself, and its long-range effects on others may be minimal or may include as much harm as help. To protest in these circumstances seems at best a symbolic gesture. But is it a gesture worth making? Attitudes about this diverge sharply. Some say that, despite the consequences, protest is called for: “One cannot stand silently by.” To denounce injustice at a risk to oneself is morally admirable, they say, whether or not it produces a positive net utility. Others see symbolic protest as pointless and at times reprehensible. If the overall effects for others are not better and it entails harm or risk to oneself, is it not foolish? And isn't the motive simply a self-righteous desire to be, or appear, morally “pure”? These conflicting attitudes pose a problem of understanding for moral philosophy. The point of view behind the second attitude is clear enough: acts, including speech acts, are to be evaluated by their probable consequences; no one is morally required to take risks unless the probable consequences are beneficial; what is commendable is regard for the best results, not futile gestures.
The effects of pre-task planning on L2 writing: Mind-mapping and chronological sequencing in a 1st-year German class

Abstract Grounded in scholarship on task-based language learning (Ellis, 2003; Robinson & Gilabert, 2007; Skehan & Foster, 2001; Skehan, 2003) and second language (L2) writing (Byrnes & Manchon, 2014; Ojima, 2006), this quasi-experimental study examines the performance of 26 first-year learners of German on three written summary tasks with different levels of complexity. The first task served to establish a baseline for subsequent analyses. For the second and third tasks, participants completed either a mind-mapping pre-task or a chronological sequencing pre-task, using a counterbalanced design. All essays were analyzed for complexity, grammatical accuracy, fluency, lexical choice, lexical accuracy and propositional content. Results from non-parametric Friedman's ANOVAs indicated several significant differences between participants' performance on the baseline task compared to both treatments, but no significant differences between the pre-task types. Further analyses revealed significant correlations between the amount of ideas learners generated on the pre-task and on the subsequent writing tasks. These findings offer new insights into the role of pre-tasks in the L2 writing process, especially among first-year learners, a population in need of further study (Adams, Amani, Newton, & Alwi, 2014; Manchon & de Haan, 2008; Nitta & Baba, 2014; O'Brien, 2004).
Modulatory effects of perforin gene dosage on pathogen-associated blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption.

Background CD8 T cell-mediated blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption is dependent on the effector molecule perforin. Human perforin has extensive single nucleotide variants (SNVs), the significance of which is not fully understood. These SNVs can result in reduced, but not ablated, perforin activity or expression. However, complete loss of perforin expression or activity results in the lethal disease familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 2 (FHL 2). In this study, we address the hypothesis that a single perforin allele can alter the severity of BBB disruption in vivo using a well-established model of CNS vascular permeability in C57Bl/6 mice. The results of this study provide insight into the significance of perforin SNVs in the human population.
Telehealth Mindfulness Meditation Improves Cognitive Performance in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (P3.092)

Objective: To assess the feasibility and benefit of the remote delivery of mindfulness training to multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Background: Mindfulness meditation is a stress reduction technique that has been shown to reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life for those living with MS. However, the requirement to attend weekly group sessions can limit access to patients with mobility or transportation barrier. We sought to evaluate the feasibility and benefit by remotely-delivering access to mindfulness training to reach participants in their homes using a group teleconference platform. Methods: MS participants were 2:1 randomized to either active training (one hourly phone session per week) or a control condition of initial instruction only (with no further training) for six weeks. A battery of cognitive tests and self-reported symptom and quality of life measures were administered at baseline and study end. Results: A total of n=30 MS participants completed the study (mean age 49.92 ± 9.9 years, 77[percnt] female) with subtypes of relapsing remitting (n=25; all treated with glatiramer acetate), secondary progressive (n=4), or primary progressive (n=1). Expanded Disability Status Scale scores ranged from 1.0 to 6.0 with a median score of 3.00. Active (n=20) vs. control (n=10) condition participants had significant improvement in cognitive measures of information processing (Symbol Digit Modalities Test, p=0.003; Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, p=0.002). Those in the active condition also reported greater reduction in fatigue, depressive symptoms and improved sleep quality after the mindfulness training. Fidelity to daily meditation practice was greatest for those who were initially seeking stress reduction training. Conclusions: Mindfulness meditation has the potential to improve cognitive functioning and symptoms of depression and fatigue for those living with MS. Providing instruction and practice through a telemedicine platform greatly improves access and lowers the cost of this symptomatic treatment approach. Disclosure: Dr. Frontario has nothing to disclose. Dr. Feld has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sherman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Krupp has received licensing and/or royalty fees from Johnson and Johnson, AbbVie, and Grifols. Dr. Leigh Elkins Charvet has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen as a consultant.
Traumatic intracranial displacement of the ventriculoperitoneal valve chamber in a child—a report of 2 cases

We present two cases of traumatic intracranial migration of the ventriculoperitoneal (VPS) valve chamber without malfunction of the system. In both patients, a shunt reservoir was surgically repositioned without a burr hole expansion and with no implantation of a new VPS system. We discuss a role of a head trauma and repeated valve palpation in this rare complication.
Decisions, Decisions: African American Families’ Responses to Mild Cognitive Impairment

African American families’ experiences with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have received little attention in the research literature. Guided by the life-course perspective, we analyzed qualitative...
Induction time of a polymorphic transformation

When a solution is supersaturated with respect to multiple polymorphs, the polymorph with the lowest nucleation barrier will form first. If this is a metastable polymorph, it will persist until the induction of nuclei of a lower free-energy phase, marking the onset of a polymorphic transformation. Induction of a more stable polymorph can occur under two conditions: a.) during steady-state nucleation, or b.) after complete crystal growth of the metastable phase. Using the theory of competing stochastic processes, we derive the rare probability of forming a higher-barrier, more-stable polymorph during steady-state nucleation, and use this to explain variations in crystallization products between repeat experiments, which may underlie the phenomenon of “Disappearing Polymorphs”. We also derive the induction time of a stable phase from a solution equilibrated with a metastable phase, and show that once the stable phase nucleates, bulk metastable crystals will spontaneously ripen onto nanoscale nuclei or seeds of a more stable phase, thermodynamically driving dissolution–reprecipitation processes. Existing strategies to prolong or shorten the lifetimes of transient metastable phases are reviewed and interpreted within the context of polymorphic induction. The analyses in this work are conducted from classical nucleation and crystal growth theories, suggesting that paradigms shifts to ‘non-classical’ nucleation theories may not be necessary to rationalize multistage crystallization.
Fitness band accuracy in older community dwelling adults

Fitness bands are widely available and assist with tracking the number of steps taken. However, for older people with slow gaits, shorter step widths and/or use of ambulatory devices, the accuracy ...
Experimental analysis of photovoltaic integration with a proton exchange membrane electrolysis system for power-to-gas

Abstract A proton exchange membrane electrolyzer is integrated with a photovoltaic system using Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) power electronics systems in several configurations to evaluate the extent to which the system can respond to the dynamics of photovoltaic power. Both direct current from the solar photovoltaics (DC) and alternating current rectified to DC from the grid (AC) configurations are evaluated and the overall efficiency and dynamic hydrogen production capabilities are assessed. Performance characteristics as a function of weather (winter vs. summer; cloudy vs. sunny) and as a function of operating conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, stack temperature) are evaluated. The direct DC configuration was found to provide the highest energy transfer efficiency from electrical power to hydrogen, with a relative increase of 7–8% compared to the AC configuration. The grid-connected AC configuration produced a baseline case to compare the characteristic losses, efficiency, and dynamics of the PV integrated DC case. The highly dynamic PV production during cloudy weather was handled by the system, accommodating input power ramp rates as high as 1270 W/s, and part load conditions as low as 7.6% of rated power. Transient operation exhibited small performance degradation compared to steady solar conditions. Hydrogen production was more efficient for high stack operating temperatures and high ambient temperatures.
Control of Infections by NK Cells

The natural immune system consists of preexisting or rapidly inducible effector components as a first line of defense against pathogens to which the host has not previously been exposed. Such a system is necessary as the B and T cell specific responses to any pathogen require the selective expansion of high-affinity antigen-specific clones which take several days to develop. An unimpeded replication of a virus producing 105 progeny per cell could potentially infect all of the cells in the host after only three or four replication cycles. Without the natural immune system holding infections in check, pathogens could overwhelm the host before the T and B cell responses become effective.
Geographically Weighted Elastic Net: A Variable-Selection and Modeling Method under the Spatially Nonstationary Condition

This study develops a linear regression model to select local, low-collinear explanatory variables. This model combines two well-known models: geographically weighted regression (GWR) and elastic n...
Are Employers Omniscient? Employer Learning About Cognitive and Noncognitive Skills

Do employers recognize noncognitive skills at the beginning of a career or is there a learning process? Does learning transfer perfectly across employers or is there a degree to which learning resets as employees change jobs throughout their careers? This paper uses data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1979 to incorporate measures of noncognitive skills into a model of symmetric employer learning described originally by Altonji and Pierret () and nested in a model of asymmetric employer learning as in SchA¶nberg (). I find evidence that employers reward selfâ€ esteem, internal control, and schooling initially, while rewarding cognitive skills and motivation over time.
Visualizing water infrastructure with Sankey maps: a case study of mapping the Los Angeles Aqueduct, California

ABSTRACTCreating resilience for urban water supply systems requires innovative thematic visualizations of the interface between infrastructure, ecology, and culture to viscerally engage lay audiences in the policy making process. Sankey maps (a hybrid Sankey diagram/flow map) embed the systemic accounting of flows between sources and sinks into a spatial framework. This allows a hierarchy of visual variables to encode environmental conditions and historical data, providing a rich multivariate context supporting public discourse, policy making, and system operations. The article features a Sankey map of the Los Angeles Aqueduct system (California, USA) (not to scale).
Cryo-mechanics of ex vivo porcine femoral artery

CryoPlasty is a therapeutic technique which combines cryo-therapy with angioplasty [1]. The technique helps to make angioplasty more effective by limiting dissection, vessel recoil, and restenosis [2]. Cryotherapy uses a gas to freeze the tissue to about −10 to −20°C at the balloon inflation site [1]. Another benefit is that it does not leave a foreign object implanted in the body [2]. Cryopreservation is also used to keep whole tissues for extended periods of time. Whole artery sections are preserved in this manner at approximately −80 to −190°C to be used as grafts [3]. Prior experiments have examined total cryofreeze-thaw afftect on the mechanical behavior of arteries [3]. Further studies are needed to determine if cryo-damaging an artery has adverse affects on the regional properties of arteries which could lead to changes in how the artery functions mechanically.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Microwave Sintering of Simulated Moon Rock

The focus of this research was to determine the feasibility of using microwave energy to sinter simulated moon rock.Microwave processing is often used as an alternative to traditional sintering of ceramic materials for its energy efficiency and decreased sintering times.In lunar applications, microwaves would be a more useful for sintering than traditional methods because microwave devices may be transported more easily and with less cost.As found, moon rock does not have the needed physical and thermal properties suitable for its use as a structural material for a lunar base or orbiting structure.[1,2] However, sintered moon rock may have those required characteristics.To evaluate the potential for using microwave energy to sinter simulated moon rock, both stand-alone and hybrid heating methods were tested.Based on collected data, an 1100-watt commercial microwave oven can emit enough energy to rapidly reach the sintering temperature of moon rock using hybrid heating methods.Further research needs to be conducted to compare the physical characteristics of moon rock sintered conventionally and with microwave energy.
It's risky, therefore I do it: Counterfinality as a source of perceived instrumentality of risk behavior as means to goals

Abstract People engage in risk behavior as a means to different goals they may pursue. This research investigates why people choose risk behavior as opposed to finding alternative means to fulfill these goals. One intuitive answer is that they are not aware of the negative consequences of these behaviors. However, there is now substantial research suggesting that, in fact, people know and understand the consequences of risk behavior. We propose that risk behavior may be perceived as particularly instrumental to certain goals because of its potential negative consequences. This possibility is suggested by the principle of counterfinality whereby, a means' perceived instrumentality to one's goals may increase to the extent to which it is detrimental to alternative goals. To support this argument, we present evidence from five studies showing that: 1) people are more likely to engage in risk behavior when relevant goals become accessible; 2) this effect is stronger when the negative consequences of risk behavior are emphasized and 3) it is explained by an increase in perceived instrumentality of risk behaviors to the current goals; 4) people who are more concerned with finding the “best” means to fulfill their goals (i.e., people high in a regulatory mode characterized by assessment) are more likely to engage in risk behavior. These findings offer preliminary support for the notion of counterfinality as a source of perceived instrumentality of risk behavior to people's goals and may explain engagement in risk behavior despite potential negative consequences.
Opportunities and challenges to utilization of quantitative imaging: Report of the AAPM practical big data workshop.

Background This article is a summary of the quantitative imaging subgroup of the 2017 AAPM Practical Big Data Workshop (PBDW-2017) on progress and challenges in big data applied to cancer treatment and research supplemented by a draft white paper following an American Association of Physicists in Medicine FOREM meeting on Imaging Genomics in 2014. Aims The goal of PBDW-2017 was to close the gap between theoretical vision and practical experience with encountering and solving challenges in curating and analyzing data. Conclusions Recommendations based on the meetings are summarized.
Determination of surgical exposure obtained with integrated endoscopic thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy in large-breed cadaveric dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To define boundaries of minimally invasive integrated endoscopic hemilaminectomy at 4 sites in the canine thoracolumbar spine. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental, randomized cadaveric study. ANIMALS: Six cadaver dogs that had been humanely euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study. METHODS: Hemilaminectomy was performed with an integrated endoscopic system at T11‐12, T12‐13, L1‐2, and L2‐3, 1 at each site, on the left or right side of each dog. Each site was randomly assigned either a 19‐mm or a 23‐mm cannula. The entire procedure, including soft tissue dissection, was performed through the cannula. Afterward, spines were imaged by computed tomography (CT) to measure the cranial and caudal extent of the hemilaminectomy from the center of the disc space. RESULTS: The mean ± SD cranial extent of the hemilaminectomy was 4.5 ± 1.4 mm for the 19‐mm cannula and 5.6 ± 1.4 mm for the 23‐mm cannulas (P = .0757). The caudal extent of the hemilaminectomy was 9.5 ± 2.2 mm for the 19‐mm cannula and 10.3 ± 1.6 mm for the 23‐mm cannula (P = .206). The mean length of the hemilaminectomy was 13.0 ± 1.5 mm for the 19‐mm cannula and 15.0 ± 2.1 mm for the 23‐mm cannula (P = .022). CONCLUSION: Integrated endoscopic systems were reliably used to access the spinal canal within the range of the above measurements relative to the disc space as identified by CT or magnetic resonance imaging. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Integrated endoscopy can be considered as an option in dogs with thoracolumbar disc extrusions or other pathology measuring within the parameters defined by this study. Access may be possible beyond the dimensions defined in this study with probing and repositioning.
Explaining harvests of wild-harvested herbaceous plants: American ginseng as a case study

Abstract Wild-harvested plants face increasing demand globally. As in many fisheries, monitoring the effect of harvesting on the size and trajectory of resource stocks presents many challenges given often limited data from disparate sources. Here we analyze American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) harvests from 18 states in the eastern U.S. 1978–2014 to infer temporal patterns and evidence of population declines, and we test the effects of local environmental and socioeconomic factors on ginseng harvesting at the county level 2000–2014. Despite rising prices, annual wild ginseng harvests decreased from a high point in the late 1980s to early 1990s, then, in most, increased after 2005 or 2010 - suggesting range-wide overexploitation notwithstanding federal regulations that, since 1999, restrict minimum harvest age. County-level harvest rates increased with available habitat, road density, poverty and unemployment, but decreased when public land formed a large proportion of county area. Harvests were largest in the Southern Appalachian region. Poverty and accessibility were strongly related to high levels of harvesting. A key implication is that to conserve valuable wild native plant products while also improving local livelihoods, wild cultivation and good stewardship practices must be strongly promoted. Our approach to assessing the condition of wild populations offers a broad template that could be adapted to other wild-harvested plants.
Performance and stability of co-evaporated vapor deposited perovskite solar cells

In this work, we report on the influence of fabrication conditions and on the performance and stability of co-evaporated vapor deposited methyl ammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite solar cells. It is shown that as the substrate temperature increases, one has to increase the flux of MAI as indicated by higher vapour pressure in the reactor to maintain the appropriate stoichiometry of the devices. The pressure of MAI was maintained at 5.5–6 × 10−5 Torr and PbI2 rate of deposition was maintained at 0.75 A/s for a room temperature substrate deposition. For higher substrate temperature depositions at 50 °C and 75 °C we had to elevate the MAI pressure because of re-evaporation of MAI from the substrate at higher temperatures. A power conversion efficiency of > 17.4% has been achieved with a p-i-n device architecture of FTO/PTAA (polytriaryl amine)/MAPbI3/PCBM (phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester)/Al through careful control of the MAI pressure and PbI2 evaporation rate. Higher substrate temperature devices showed improved grain sizes. The devices do not show any hysteresis. Devices deposited at higher substrate temperatures are significantly more photo stable over 100 h of continuous light exposure in nitrogen ambient.
Aberrant Epigenomic Regulatory Networks in Multiple Myeloma and Strategies for Their Targeted Reversal

Multiple Myeloma (MM), a subset of genetically complex paraproteinaemias, is characterized by abnormal clonal plasma cell expansion in the bone marrow, and accounts for about 13% of all patients with hematological malignancies. Primary genomic abnormalities include IgH translocations to MMSET/FGFR3 (4p16), CCND1 (11q13), MAF (16q23), or MAFB (20q12), as well as aneuploidy involving trisomies of several chromosomes, known as hyperdiploidy, and together are the hallmarks of the disease. Besides these structural abnormalities, recurrent mutations affecting key oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are found, as well as aberrant modifications in epigenetic marks which deregulate key oncogenes in MM. Herein, we undertake to review the global epigenetic regulatory landscape of MM including DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding miRNA mechanisms or interactions from regulatory proteins such as CTCF and super-enhancers (SE), in conjunction with gene expression and function in MM molecular subgroups at different stages of disease progression. Additionally, we discuss new perspectives in designing CRISPR/TAL-based synthetic proteins or novel small molecular drugs to target aberrant epigenetic marks with locus-specific precision, which may be an option for therapeutic intervention.
Arthroscopic Microfracture of Osteochondral Lesions of the Elbow

Arthroscopic debridement of microfracture of osteochondral lesions remains the most commonly used method. The elbow joint anatomically is a more difficult access arthroscopically. This chapter aims to provide a practical approach to optimizing success for the patient.
Jet Ventilation in the Pregnant Patient with Airway Stenosis: Surgical Safety and Outcomes:

Objective:To review pregnancy outcomes and the safety of jet ventilation use in the gravid patient undergoing surgical airway intervention.Methods:A multi-institutional retrospective review of medi...
Identification of spin diffusion pathways in proteins by isotope-assisted NMR cross-relaxation network editing.

A new isotope-assisted cross-relaxation editing experiment, [1H-13C]DINE-NOESY[1H-15N]HSQC (DINE = Double INEPT Edited), is proposed. It is based on the selectiveinversion of CH/CH3 or CH2 protons in the middle of the mixing time. The experiment sortsout the spin diffusion paths according to the principal mediators, either the CH/CH3 or theCH2 protons. This is useful in the structure refinement process, as it enables proper alignmentof the aliphatic protons in the vicinity of NH protons.
Michael Polanyi: A Scientist Against Scientism

Michael Polanyi (1891–1976), a scientist and philosopher, shows that Enlightenment standards for knowledge hold distortions that can have destructive effects. He admired the Enlightenment’s political ideals, but its critical rationalism brought a "scientism" that justifies only facts based on physics and considers meaning and human values to be illusory. Polanyi's post-critical philosophy revises Enlightenment standards to more accurately reflect the limits of knowledge and how science actually proceeds. He critiques (1) the viability of complete objectivity, (2) the adequacy of Cartesian explicit analysis to simple self-evident truths, (3) the concomitant reductive analysis of reality to smallest physical components, and (4) reductive dichotomies between mind and matter, and fact and value. He opposes and balances these with conceptions of (1) personal knowledge, (2) tacit knowing, (3) emergent being, and (4) discovery and indwelling. Polanyi shows that science moves toward truth and better contact with reality by using the same tools of practical reason that produce understanding in traditions open to dialogue and discovery. Values—not just physical facts—can be real discoveries about the world. Post-critical epistemology thus provides a non-skeptical fallibilism that opens new possibilities for understanding. Polanyi hoped it would both combat nihilism and renew hope in human progress.
Vascular Plant Species New to the Flora of Alabama

Three species of vascular plants and one hybrid are reported here as new to Alabama: (Lycopodium clavatum, Pterocaulon virgatum, Chrysopsis lanuginosa, and Asimina ×piedmontana). The Pterocaulon virgatum records represent the first collections of this species from east of the Mississippi River. The Chrysopsis lanuginosa record is the first for that species outside of Florida. Based on habitat, population size, and/or previous collections, all of these species are considered to be native to the flora of Alabama.
Development of Rice Leaves: How Histocytes Modulate Leaf Polarity Establishment

Abstract An ideal leaf shape is beneficial to the yield of rice. Molecular understanding of the leaf primordia and polarity establishment plays a significant role in exploring the genetic regulatory network of leaf morphogenesis. In recent years, researchers have cloned an array of coding genes and a few non-coding small RNAs involved in rice leaf development through regulating the development of leaf primordia, vascular bundles, sclerenchyma cells, bulliform cells, cell walls and epidermis cells. These genes and their interactions play critical roles in rice leaf development through the determination and regulatory role in gene expression, and their coordination with other genetic networks or signal pathways. But the relationship among these genes is poorly defined and the underlying network is still unclear. In this review, we introduced the regulatory pathways of leaf primordium development and leaf polarity establishment, mainly the relationship between cell development mechanism and leaf polarity establishment, focusing on how leaf tissue affects leaf shape. Hopefully, the regulation network reviewed here has immediate implications for future research and genomic design breeding.
Four Years after Donor Milk Implementation in Our Mother-Baby Unit: How Are We Doing?

Title: Four Years after Donor Milk Implementation in Our Mother-Baby Unit: How Are We Doing? Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life minimum. Many studies showed that in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding after birth is the key for a successful 6 months and beyond duration of exclusive …
A novel NFkB1 mutation linking pyoderma gangrenosum and common variable immunodeficiency.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a sterile neutrophilic dermatosis manifesting as painful inflammatory plaques and ulcers, frequently associated with inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, myelodysplastic syndrome, and acute myeloid leukemia.1 We present a case of a young woman with a novel mutation in NFkB1 who experienced common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and severe recurrent PG episodes.
Differential alterations of tissue T-cell subsets after sepsis

Among immune cells in responding to sepsis, macrophages and neutrophils have been extensively studied, while the contribution of T lymphocytes and natural killer T (NKT) cells is less well characterized. Here we monitored tissue specific changes of T cell subsets in male C57BL/6 mice subjected to sham operation or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce polymicrobial sepsis. Thymus, spleen, liver, lungs and blood were processed and analyzed 20h later. Total lymphocyte count showed a significant reduction in septic thymus, spleen and blood but not in lungs and liver. The septic thymi were hypocellular with severe reduction in cell numbers of immature CD4(+)CD8(+) subset. CD4(+) T and CD8(+) T lymphocyte numbers in septic spleens were also significantly reduced, but the frequency of CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs was significantly increased. In addition, naive and Tcm CD4(+) T cell numbers were significantly reduced in the septic spleens. By contrast, in septic liver the CD8(+) T cell numbers were significantly increased, whereas NKT cell numbers were reduced, but more activated with increased CD69 and CD25 expression. In the septic lungs, the CD4(+) T and CD8(+) T cell numbers showed no significant change, whereas they were severely reduced in the septic blood. Overall, this study provides important information on the alterations of different T-cell subsets in various tissues after sepsis.
Modular domain structure in the Candida glabrata adhesin Epa1p, a β1,6 glucan-cross-linked cell wall protein

The yeast pathogen Candida glabrata adheres avidly to cultured human epithelial cells. This interaction depends on the expression of EPA1, which encodes a lectin belonging to a large family of GPI-anchored glucan-cross-linked cell wall proteins (GPI-CWPs) found in diverse fungal species. To understand the relationship between different domains of EPA1 and its function, we have mapped functional domains of Epa1p and analysed their contribution to Epa1p function. We found that the N-terminal third of the protein contains the ligand-binding domain, and that the GPI anchor is essential both for cross-linking in the cell wall and for Epa1p-mediated adherence. We also found that the C-terminal Ser/Thr-rich domain, characteristic of many GPI-CWPs, was absolutely essential for function. Although Epa1p derivatives lacking the Ser/Thr domain were expressed abundantly in the cell wall, they were localized to internal layers of the cell wall; such constructs were unable to mediate adherence. The outer layer of the yeast cell wall is known to act as a permeability barrier; we found that the C-terminal Ser/Thr-rich region was absolutely required to project the N-terminal domain of Epa1p through this permeability barrier and into the external environment. Thus, the Ser/Thr-rich domain of Epa1p and, presumably, of other related GPI-CWPs serves an essential structural role in localization of the protein at the external surface of the yeast cell where it can interact with its ligand. In conclusion, Epa1p has a modular structure, with each domain serving a distinct and essential role in the function of the adhesin.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

Electronic data interchange (EDI), the computer-to-computer exchange of business transactions in standardized formats, is one of the earliest forms of electronic commerce. Business benefits of EDI include reduced costs, improved accuracy, and support for just-in-time (JIT) inventory management and continuous replenishment process (CRP) strategies. EDI also has the potential to drive up costs, particularly for smaller organizations. This article provides an understanding of how EDI works and explains the technical and administrative aspects of implementing EDI. The article covers the standards developed for EDI and provides example applications of EDI. Although EDI pre-dates commercial use of the Internet, Internet-based EDI is rapidly evolving and offers the potential to make it easier and less expensive to attain the benefits of EDI. Organizations that implement EDI need to consider business process reengineering and trading partner relationships to be successful. Keywords: computer-to-computer exchange; EDI standards; Internet-based EDI; just-in-time (JIT); value-added network (VAN)
Numerical Identification of Linear Dynamic Systems from Normal Operating Records

Abstract A technique for numerical identification of a discrete time system from input/output samples is described. The purpose of the identification is to design strategies for control of the system. The strategies are obtained using linear stochastic control theory. The parameters of the system are estimated by Maximum Likelihood. An algorithm for solving the M.L. equations is given. The estimates are in general consistent, asymptotically normal and efficient for increasing sample lengths. These properties and also the parameter accuracy are determined by the information matrix. An estimate of this matrix is given. The technique has been applied to simulated data and to plant data.
Sequence comparisons of the anemia- and polycythemia-inducing strains of Friend spleen focus-forming virus.

A nucleotide sequence analysis carried out on the envelope gene of the anemia-inducing strain of the Friend spleen focus-forming virus (F-SFFVA) reveals that its product has some unique features in common with previously described polycythemia-inducing strains of F-SFFV (F-SFFVP). (i) It contains an amino terminus that is highly related to the gp70 of mink cell focus-inducing viruses, (ii) it is a fusion protein containing the amino terminus of gp70 and the carboxy terminus of p15E, and (iii) it lacks the R-peptide normally found at the carboxy end of the p15E region. Although the envelope genes of F-SFFVA and F-SFFVP are quite similar overall, they do show sequence variation, particularly at the 39 end in the p15E-related region. These variations may contribute to previously observed differences in the response of F-SFFVP- and F-SFFVA-infected erythroid cells to regulatory hormone or to differences in the way the envelope glycoproteins are processed. The long terminal repeat regions of F-SFFVA and the Lilly-Steeves strain of F-SFFVP were also sequenced and compared with each other and with a previously published sequence of another F-SFFVP long terminal repeat. The sequences were found to be reasonably similar to each other but different from their ecotropic parent, Friend murine leukemia virus, as a result of a deletion of one copy of the direct tandem repeat in the enhancer regions. The observation that all SFFVS have this common change in the long terminal repeat enhancer region raises the possibility that it is required for pathogenicity. Images
Surgical management of bowel obstruction in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis

Background Due to low life expectancy, treatment strategies for malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) due to peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) emphasize improved quality of life and symptom relief. Currently, the value of palliative surgery to treat obstructive PC is unclear. Methods A prospectively registered search strategy (PROSPERO) was utilized to identify articles examining outcomes of patients undergoing surgical palliation for MBO from PC in PubMed (2003–2013). Primary outcomes of interest were median overall survival (OS) and treatment complications. Results Of 730 articles screened, 64 were selected for full-text review and 5 were quantitatively synthesized. This comprised 313 patients with MBO, of which 249 (79.5%) presented with PC. The mean age was 61.4 years (range 51–67). The OS for surgical patients was 6.4 months (2.8–19.7, n = 190). Stratification by surgical technique suggested an OS of resection, ostomy, and enteral bypass as 7.2 months (n = 174), 3.4 months (n = 9), and 2.7 months (n = 7), respectively. Major complications occurred in 37.0% of patients that underwent resection. Conclusions This study supports surgical resection over surgical bypass to treat obstructive PC, as it offered better OS with fewer complications. Higher quality studies are needed to conclusively assess the role of surgery in patients with obstructive PC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:666–669. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PI3K/PTEN/AKT signaling regulates prostate tumor angiogenesis.

PI3K pathway exerts its function through its downstream molecule AKT in regulating various cell functions including cell proliferation, cell transformation, cell apoptosis, tumor growth and angiogenesis. PTEN is an inhibitor of PI3K, and its loss or mutation is common in human prostate cancer. But the direct role and mechanism of PI3K/PTEN signaling in regulating angiogenesis and tumor growth in vivo remain to be elucidated. In this study, by using chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and in nude mice models, we demonstrated that inhibition of PI3K activity by LY294002 decreased PC-3 cells-induced angiogenesis. Reconstitution of PTEN, the molecular inhibitor of PI3K in PC-3 cells inhibited angiogenesis and tumor growth. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that PTEN expression suppressed HIF-1α, VEGF and PCNA expression in the tumor xenographs. Similarly, expression of AKT dominant negative mutant also inhibited angiogenesis and tumor growth, and decreased the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in the tumor xenographs. These results suggest that inhibition of PI3K signaling pathway by PTEN inhibits tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth. In addition, we found that AKT is the downstream target of PI3K in controlling angiogenesis and tumor growth, and PTEN could inhibit angiogenesis by regulating the expression of HIF-1 and VEGF expression through AKT activation in PC-3 cells.
Cross-presentation of a human tumor antigen delivered to dendritic cells by HSV VP22-mediated protein translocation

Dendritic cells (DC) capture antigens from apoptotic and/or necrotic tumor cells and cross-present them to T cells, and various ways of delivering tumor antigens to DC in vitro and in vivo are being pursued. Since fusions of antigenic proteins with the HSV integument protein VP22 are capable of intercellular trafficking, this approach has been exploited for delivery of antigens to antigen-presenting cells. Adenoviral vectors were used to express the tumor-associated-but-self-antigen MART-1 fused to HSV VP22 in MART-1-negative A375 melanoma cells and in DC. When expressed in A375 cells and allowed to spread to DC across a transwell barrier, the VP22-MART-1 fusion protein localized to both early and late endosomal structures of the DC. The DC loaded with the VP22-MART-1 fusion by intercellular trafficking efficiently presented the MART-127–35 epitope to MART-127–35-specific CTL. Furthermore, transloaded DC were capable of expanding the population of MART-127–35-specific CTL. Thus, a tumor antigen acquired by intercellular trafficking can be cross-presented by DC. This experimental approach should therefore be useful not only for studying the mechanism of cross-presentation but also for vaccine development.
Absorbency of Terry Towels: A Comparative Evaluation of Test Methods:

Five test methods were compared on their potential for measuring the moisture absorhency ("thirstiness") of terry towels. The comparison was made by using both survey and laboratory techniques to determine the overall utility of each test for research applications. The results indicate that the Porous Plate and Sliding Block Methods have potential for measuring the moisture absorbency of towels. However, both tests have strengths and limitations, and the particular test chosen will depend on the researcher's needs.
STATISTICAL INFERENCE FOR THE RELATIVE CONCENTRATION OF A SAMPLE DRAWN FROM A FINITE POPULATION

A permutation inference procedure is provided to calculate the probability of the relative concentration of a sample drawn from a finite population distributed over a space of any shape and any number of dimensions.
Ultra scanning geostationary orbiting radar: an array compensated spherical reflector antenna

Current advances in monitoring hurricanes and convective storms throughout their life cycles necessitate the development of technologies for high resolution spacecraft antennas with an ultra-scanning capability. Therefore for the first generation of geostationary orbiting radars, an antenna system is to be designed at 35 GHz. The feasibility of correcting phase aberration of spherical reflector antennas with planar array feeds is investigated. A synthesis procedure for the array excitation is developed which invokes the reciprocity theorem and phase conjugate matching. Using the synthesized compensating array-feed, the radiation characteristics of a compensated spherical reflector is simulated for both focus and 4/spl deg/ scan cases and results are compared with the uncompensated case to show performance improvement.
Nontraumatic injuries in amateur long distance bicyclists

All 132 participants in a 500 mile, 8 day bicycle tour were surveyed by questionnaire to characterize the demographics and bicycling experience of the riders, and to determine the frequency and severity of nontraumatic injuries they experienced. Riders who developed significant symptoms were interviewed and/or examined. Eighty-six percent of ride participants responded to the survey. The average age of the riders was 41.4 years (+/- 11.7 years). They rode an average of 95.8 miles per week on a routine basis, but the majority were new to long distance touring. Most were healthy, but 5% had serious cardiovascular disease and bicycled as part of a rehabilitation program. The most common nontraumatic injury was buttocks pain (experienced by 32.8% of riders); four had skin ulceration of the buttocks. Knee problems occurred in 20.7% of riders; patellar pain syndromes and lateral knee complaints were the most common knee problems. One cyclist withdrew from the tour because of knee pain. Neck-shoulder pain occurred in 20.4% of the riders. Groin numbness and palmar pain or paresthesias each occurred in approximately 10%. Other less common problems were foot and ankle symptoms and sunburn.
Quantum-mechanical interference in two-photon absorption: A nonlinear analog of the Hanle effect.

When an atom is irradiated by two light beams whose sum frequency corresponds to an allowed two-photon transition between two $^{1}\mathrm{S}$ states, no radiation is absorbed if the electric vectors of the two beams are perpendicular to each other. Application of a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the two electric vectors permits two-photon absorption to take place. According to quantum theory the effect is interpreted as an interference phenomenon. That is, if no field is applied, the intermediate states are degenerate and the interference is destructive; when a magnetic field is applied, two different paths through intermediate states are possible, permitting population of the upper state. The effect is related to the Hanle effect and likewise provides the basis for an experimental method of determining Land\'e factors.
phyB‐1 sorghum maintains responsiveness to simulated shade, irradiance and red light : far‐red light

The sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] phyB-1 mutant exhibits a constitutive shade-avoidance phenotype including excessive shoot elongation. It was previously shown that this mutant also overproduces ethylene. Although phytochrome B (phyB) is assumed to be the pigment most important in sensing and transducing shade signals, the sorghum phyB-1 mutant still responds to light signals characteristic of shade. Specifically, it was determined that the leaf blade : leaf sheath elongation of phyB-1 is responsive to red : far red (R : FR), but this response is opposite that of wild type (WT). Reducing the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) strongly reduced the leaf blade : leaf sheath of WT but did not affect phyB-1, demonstrating a role for phyB in sensing PPFD. Using light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, it was found that WT ethylene production was increased with low R : FR while PPFD had no effect. Conversely, phyB-1 ethylene production increased only with high PPFD, high R : FR which was the treatment resulting in the least ethylene production by WT. Elevated ethylene production inhibits shoot elongation, but may contribute to shade avoidance by reducing leaf blade : leaf sheath elongation. Ethylene responses to light treatments designed to promote or reduce phytochrome A (phyA) activity, and the analysis of PHYA levels in the two cultivars suggests that phyA could be involved in transducing shade signals in light-grown sorghum. Responses potentially tranduced by phyA are elevated in phyB-1 which also over-expresses PHYA.
The quantum dot spectrometer

We propose a novel photodetector capable of multi-spectral channel operation. The device makes use of the ability of a quantum dot plane to capture an optical spectrum, and of a resonant-tunneling structure to perform spectrally sensitive read-out. We present a design made out in the InAs–GaAs–AlxGa1−xAs system. We also present realistic simulations of the optical channel capabilities, as well as a discussion of the possible problems of the device.
Quantum mechanics of the fractional-statistics gas: Random-phase approximation

A description of the fractional-statistics gas based on the complete summation of Hartree, Fock, ladder and bubble diagrams is presented. The superfluid properties identified previously in the random-phase-approximation (RPA) calculation are substantially confirmed. The discrepancy between the RPA sound speed and the Hartree-Fock bulk modulus is found to be eliminated. The unusual Hall-effect behavior is found to vanish for the Bose gas test case but not for the fractional-statistics gas, implying that it is physically correct
Early-Life Iron Deficiency Anemia Alters Neurotrophic Factor Expression and Hippocampal Neuron Differentiation in Male Rats

Fetal-neonatal iron deficiency alters hippocampal neuronal morphology, reduces its volume, and is associated with acute and long-term learning impairments. However, neither the effects of early-life iron deficiency anemia on growth, differentiation, and survival of hippocampal neurons nor regulation of the neurotrophic factors that mediate these processes has been investigated. We compared hippocampal expression of neurotrophic factors in male rats made iron deficient (ID) from gestational d 2 to postnatal d (P) 7 to iron-sufficient controls at P7, 15, and 30 with quantitative RT-PCR, Western analysis, and immunohistology. Iron deficiency downregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus without compensatory upregulation of its specific receptor, tyrosine-receptor kinase B. Consistent with low overall BDNF activity, we found lower expression of early-growth response gene-1 and -2, transcriptional targets of BDNF signaling. Doublecortin expression, a marker of differentiating neurons, was reduced during peak iron deficiency, suggesting impaired neuronal differentiation in the ID hippocampus. In contrast, iron deficiency upregulated hippocampal nerve growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and glial-derived neurotrophic factor accompanied by an increase in neurotrophic receptor p75 expression. Our findings suggest that fetal-neonatal iron deficiency lowers BDNF function and impairs neuronal differentiation in the hippocampus.