cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CUPROUS SEBACATE TREATMENT OF MENKES' DISEASE

In 1962, Menkes et al, first described an inherited disorder that was characterized by severe neurologic, integumentary, skeletal, and developmental abnormalities and that was also associated with early death in male infants.1 In 1972, Danks and his group demonstrated that this disorder was associated with abnormal copper metabolism.2–11 Copper absorption was impaired in affected infants, with resultant hypocupremia and hypocerulo-plasminemia. Since then, a number of attempts have been made to correct the abnormalities of Menkes’ disease with copper administration.3–11 In general, these attempts have been successful in raising levels of serum copper and ceruloplasmin to normal levels, but convincing changes in the clinical course of treated patients has not been demonstrated. (Table 1)
Responsible for the state: The case of obedient subjects:

This article explains how we ordinary subjects of a state who are neither political leaders nor functionaries are responsible for outcomes that are properly attributed to that state and that took place during our adult lifetime. Its focus is on the connection we forge to those outcomes via our obedience alone. If our responsibility as subjects is justified, it would apply under all regime types including oppressive and authoritarian ones. The argument is that this responsibility can only be justified within a minimal account of agency and a bare-bones account of responsibility. Thus, while we incur a burden of responsibility for the state via our obedience alone, that burden does not suffice to either blame us or extract remedies from us for state injustices. For us obedient subjects, however, it is important that we be cognizant of this burden as it marks the most minimal agency we exercise in the state.
Enhanced Coercivity in BiFeO3/SrRuO3 heterostructures

Transition metal oxide thin film heterostructures have garnered increasing research interest in the last decade due to their multifunctional properties, such as ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity, which may be utilized in next generation device applications. Many previous works reported on the deposition of such structures on oxide substrates such as SrTiO3, which are not compatible with CMOS applications where Si(100) is the mainstay substrate material. BiFeO3 (BFO) is a room temperature insulating ferroelectric and antiferromagnet, a well-known multiferroic material. SrRuO3 (SRO) is a ferromagnetic metal with the Curie temperature (TC) of 165K. Unexpected properties emerge when these two dissimilar materials are conjoined. However, there has been no report on exploring the magnetic properties of BFO when it is in contact with SRO, and particularly when they are integrated with Si(100) substrates, which is the subject of present study. BFO/SRO thin films have been epitaxially grown on Si (100) substrates by introducing MgO/TiN epitaxial buffer layers using pulsed laser deposition. BFO thin films show room temperature ferroelectricity as observed from piezo force microscopy (PFM) measurements. The magnetic data collected from BFO thin films show typical antiferromagnetic features as expected. The TC of SRO in all the samples studied was found be ∼ 170K, close to the reported value of 165K. Interestingly, we have noticed that the coercive field of SRO layer increased from 4 kOe to 15 kOe (nearly fourfold) by reducing its thickness from 180 to 23nm, while keeping the thickness of BFO layer constant at 100nm. Pinning of Ru ions by ferroelectric domain walls in BFO, strong interfacial exchange coupling and SRO layer thickness could cause the observed enhancement in coercivity. Our near future work will address the precise underlying mechanisms in greater detail.
Results of Dusting Experiments to Control the Blueberry Maggot

In order to meet the standards established by the Food and Drug Administration of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, the production of maggot-free (Rhagoletis pomonella) blueberries for canning purposes in eastern Maine has become virtually a requisite. Experiments conducted during 1931 demonstrated that two applications of calcium arsenate will accomplish this under conditions of moderate infestation, although the insect may not be completely eradicated. Three applications of calcium arsenate will further reduce the maggot infestation, but there is increased danger of excessive arsenical residue. One application of calcium arsenate was found to be inadequate under ordinary circumstances. The calcium arsenate may be diluted with an equal quantity of hydrated lime and remain effective. Copper carbonate used as a dust in one field test reduced the number of maggots 97.11 per cent.
Quantitative trait locus(QTL) detection for rice yield-related traits using chromosome segment substitution lines

To identify the quantitative trait locus( QTL) referring to yield and its components for improvement of yield,a population of chromosome segment substitution lines( CSSLs) derived from backcross between indica recipient 9311 and japonica donor Nipponbare were employed,and the yield-related traits,such as grain yield per plant( GY),grain number per plant( GN),spikelet number per plant( SN),seed setting rate( SSR),grain number per panicle( GPP),effective panicles number( EPN),spikelet number per panicle( SPP),and 1 000-grain weight( TGW) were measured. A total of ten QTLs for the yield-related traits except for EPN and GPP were located at seven regions on chromosomes 1,2,5,7 and 8,with explained phenotypic variations( EPV) ranging from 7. 52% to 44. 59%,four of which with EPV above 10. 00%. q GY1,q GN1,q SSR1. 2,q SSR2 and q SSR8 derived from 9311 allele showed negative effect,while the others,including q SN2,q SSR1. 1,q TGW5,q SPP5 and q SPP7 derived from Nipponbare allele,exhibited positive effect. Three QTLs,q SN2,q TGW5,q SPP5 were located on the same regions as the reported cloned loci LP,q SW5,Os NADH-GOGAT2,respectively,and the rest seven QTLs were not cloned or fine mapped.
Differentiation defect in neural crest-derived smooth muscle cells in patients with aortopathy associated with bicuspid aortic valves

Individuals with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) are at a higher risk of developing thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) than patients with trileaflet aortic valves (TAV). The aneurysms associated with BAV most commonly involve the ascending aorta and spare the descending aorta. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the ascending and descending aorta arise from neural crest (NC) and paraxial mesoderm (PM), respectively. We hypothesized defective differentiation of the neural crest stem cells (NCSCs)-derived SMCs but not paraxial mesoderm cells (PMCs)-derived SMCs contributes to the aortopathy associated with BAV. When induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from BAV/TAA patients were differentiated into NCSC-derived SMCs, these cells demonstrated significantly decreased expression of marker of SMC differentiation (MYH11) and impaired contraction compared to normal control. In contrast, the PMC-derived SMCs were similar to control cells in these aspects. The NCSC-SMCs from the BAV/TAA also showed decreased TGF-β signaling based on phosphorylation of SMAD2, and increased mTOR signaling. Inhibition of mTOR pathway using rapamycin rescued the aberrant differentiation. Our data demonstrates that decreased differentiation and contraction of patient's NCSC-derived SMCs may contribute to that aortopathy associated with BAV.
Determining users' motivations to participate in online community archives: a preliminary study of documenting ferguson

The shooting death of teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, spurred an immediate national and international response in the fall of 2014. Washington University Libraries in St. Louis, Missouri, established the Documenting Ferguson web archive to gather digital media documenting local protests and demonstrations as captured by community members in order to archive the materials for future research and scholarly use. This preliminary study identified the factors that motivated participants to contribute content to the Documenting Ferguson online community archive, uncovering themes of altruism, reciprocity, and personal development.
Behavior of railroads on shrink-swell soils

Shrink-swell soils are characterized by significant volume expansions and contractions during wetting and drying processes, respectively. Railroads on shrink-swell soils are subjected to huge solicitations associated with the volume change of the soil. The highly permeable ballast layer exacerbates soil volume changes due to moisture variation, which generally lead to unacceptable uneven settlement. The mechanism behind the observed railroads problems on expansive soils, and the associated (possible) remedial solutions, are still unclear. A site in Texas has been chosen recently to study in detail the aforementioned problems. In this paper, the typical geomechanical problems associated with railroads on shrink-swell soils in Texas are discussed. We also presented the test site information and preliminary lab tests to obtain water retention curve of the site soils.
Interference-induced DCO spur mitigation for digital phase locked loop in 65-nm CMOS

This work proposes a DSP technique to mitigate the interference-induced spurious tones coupled to the digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) of a digital phase locked loop (DPLL). We leverage the digitized phase information at the time-to-digital converter (TDC) output, and formulate an adaptive algorithm to identify the interference pattern from any electrical or magnetic coupling path, and inject the cancellation signal accordingly. The proposed algorithm also keeps track of the magnitude and phase variation in the background. We experiment with the algorithm in a 65nm 3–5 GHz DPLL prototype and observe 10 ∼ 30 dB spur reduction from different coupling paths to the DCO over various interference frequencies. Additionally, the prototype measures reference spur of <−110dBc and phase noise of − 129dBc/Hz at 3MHz offset frequency.
Biochemistry and biophysics of viruses

Studies on the effect of different chemical and physical agents on the activity of viruses were in progress even before viruses were recognized as a separate group of infectious entities and have been continued to the present time. During the earlier work two objectives were sought, one the preparation of immunizing antigens and the other the elucidation of the nature of viruses. These have continued to remain as objectives and recently a third has been added; during the past few years studies on the effect of different agents on viruses have been made with a view towards establishing conditions and reagents that could be used in the purification and concentration of viruses. Considerable difficulty has been encountered, not only during the progress of the studies but also in the interpretation of the results that were obtained. Much of this has been due to the great variation in the physical and chemical properties of the different viruses and to an apparent variation in the properties of the same virus in different preparations. The latter appears to have been due to the presence of varying amounts of extraneous material in the different virus preparations. For a great many years the presence of extraneous material made it impossible to be certain that any given physical or chemical property was one of the virus itself. This point is discussed at somewhat greater length in the third section of this chapter. Recently the effect of enzymes on viruses has been studied in an effort to learn something of their nature. However, until very recently only crude enzyme preparations containing a mixture of materials were available, and there is considerable doubt concerning the significance of results obtained with such preparations, for Pirie’s work indicates that the inaetivation of some viruses was due to extraneous material rather than to the enzymes. The isolation within the past few years of several enzymes in crystalline and apparently pure form has made it possible to study more accurately the effect of enzymes on viruses.
Estimation of on-road NO2 concentrations, NO2/NOX ratios, and related roadway gradients from near-road monitoring data

This paper describes a new regression modeling approach to estimate on-road nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOX) concentrations and near-road spatial gradients using data from a near-road monitoring network. Field data were collected in Las Vegas, NV at three monitors sited 20, 100, and 300 m from Interstate-15 between December, 2008 and January, 2010. Measurements of NO2 and NOX were integrated over 1-hour intervals and matched with meteorological data. Several mathematical transformations were tested for regressing pollutant concentrations against distance from the roadway. A logit-ln model was found to have the best fit (R2 = 94.7%) and also provided a physically realistic profile. The mathematical model used data from the near-road monitors to estimate on-road concentrations and the near-road gradient over which mobile source pollutants have concentrations elevated above background levels. Average and maximum on-road NO2 concentration estimates were 33 ppb and 105 ppb, respectively. Concentration gradients were steeper in the morning and late afternoon compared with overnight when stable conditions preclude mixing. Estimated on-road concentrations were also highest in the late afternoon. Median estimated on-road and gradient NO2 concentrations were lower during summer compared with winter, with a steeper gradient during the summer, when convective mixing occurs during a longer portion of the day On-road concentration estimates were higher for winds perpendicular to the road compared with parallel winds and for atmospheric stability with neutral-to-unstable atmospheric conditions. The concentration gradient with increasing distance from the road was estimated to be sharper for neutral-to-unstable conditions when compared with stable conditions and for parallel wind conditions compared with perpendicular winds. A regression of the NO2/NOX ratios yielded on-road ratios ranging from 0.25 to 0.35, substantially higher than the anticipated tail-pipe emissions ratios. The results from the ratios also showed that the diurnal cycle of the background NO2/NOX ratios were a driving factor in the on-road and downwind NO2/NOX ratios.
Distribution of fluorescent nanoparicles in mouse and breast cancer cell model

B77 Purpose: Over the years, despite progress in understanding the molecular mechanism of cancer, targeted delivery of anticancer drugs remains a challenge. Attempts have been made to overcome this challenge by developing biodegradable nanoparticles which have been conjugated with breast cancer cell specific antibodies. In order to facilitate the study of cancer cell specific uptake, such particles are also labeled with fluorescent markers. This report describes our efforts in developing fluorescent tagged biodegradable nanoparticles of PLGA and to study: i) their uptake by cancer cells, and ii) their biodistribution in mouse following systemic delivery. Methods: Particles of PLGA 50:50 containing Coumarin-6 as a fluorescent marker were fabricated using a double emulsion-solvent evaporation technique. The fractionation of larger and smaller particles was achieved by two-step differential centrifugation. The morphology of nanoparticles was determined by scanning electron microscopy and zeta potential (surface charge) was measured by a Zetasizer. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of cellular uptake was done by fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry using a murine breast cancer cell line (4T1). Tissue distribution of the nanoparticles after systemic delivery was studied in BALB/C female mice by injecting the particles via tail vein. Results: Solvent evaporation method yielded fluorescent PLGA particles with heterogeneous sizes. The median size of the particles was between 500 nm and 7 µm. Scanning electron microscope pictures showed that the particles were smooth and spherical. The average zeta potential of the particles was approximately -6.2 mV. Quantitative FACS analysis showed that smaller size nanoparticles were highly efficient for intracellular delivery to breast cancer cells compared to larger particles. Image analysis of the frozen tissue sections of BALB/C mice showed that fluorescent particles were distributed preferentially into the lungs followed by the liver, spleen, kidney and heart. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the nano-particles of PLGA were efficiently taken up by the mammary breast cancer cells and that they were distributed preferentially to the sites frequently seen as sites of cancer metastasis in the BALB/C mice following the tail vein injection of breast cancer cells. Moreover, both the cellular uptake and the biodistribution were found to be more efficient with smaller sized fraction of nanoparticles. Acknowledgement: This work was funded in part by the NIH/NIGMS Grant # GM08008-32, NASA Grant # NCC3-946-S4, Louisiana Board of Regents RC/EEP (2006-16), NIH Grant# 5P20CA118768-02, and Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium.
A utopia como a cicatrização do espírito: Prolegômenos para um diálogo entre Fiódor Dostoiévski, Hegel e Allan Kardec

Acompanharemos o homem ridiculo, protagonista do conto O sonho de um homem ridiculo (1877), de Fiodor Dostoievski (1821-1881), do (anti) climax de seu niilismo a beira do suicidio ate a retomada de sua vinculacao historico-espiritual com a vida. A trajetoria redentora do homem ridiculo sera analisada em dialogo com o filosofo alemao Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770-1831), a partir de sua Filosofia da Historia (1837), e com o educador frances Hippolyte Leon Denizard Rivail, mais conhecido como Allan Kardec (1804-1869), o codificador da doutrina espirita. Assim, a reconciliacao utopica em Dostoievski – a redencao do choro e do ranger de dentes dos humilhados e ofendidos que permeiam a obra do escritor russo – sera iluminada pela nocao de eternidade como caminho para a cicatrizacao do espirito. We will follow the ridiculous man, protagonist of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s (1821-1881) short story The Dream of a Ridiculous Man (1877), from the (anti)climax of his nihilism towards suicide to his historical and spiritual reconnection with life. The ridiculous man’s redeeming trajectory will be analyzed in dialogue with German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770-1831), from his Philosophy of History (1837), and with French educator Hippolyte Leon Denizard Rivail, better known as Allan Kardec (1804-1869), the encoder of Spiritism. Thus, utopian reconciliation in Dostoevsky – the redemption of the weeping and gnashing of teeth which permeates the Russian author’s works – will be illuminated by the notion of eternity as the path towards the healing of the spirit.
The aggregation equation with Newtonian potential: The vanishing viscosity limit

Abstract The viscous and inviscid aggregation equation with Newtonian potential models a number of different physical systems and has close analogs in 2D incompressible fluid mechanics. We consider a slight generalization of these equations in the whole space establishing well-posedness of the viscous and inviscid equations, spatial decay of the viscous solutions, and the convergence of viscous solutions to the inviscid solution as the viscosity goes to zero.
Considerations in selecting a radiotherapy computer system

Considerations used to select minicomputer software and hardware appropriate for radiotherapy patients’ records storage and retrieval are discussed. (AIP)
Position statements from panelists: Ubiquitous sensing and privacy: Can the twains meet?

This document contains position statements from the panel chair and the different panelists on the panel “Ubiquitous sensing and privacy: Can the twains meet?” held on January 06, 2017 during the 9th International Conference on Communication Systems and Networks (COMSNETS), held in Bangalore, India.
Perceived Discrimination among Black Youth: An 18-Year Longitudinal Study

Background: Recent research has suggested vulnerability to perceived racial discrimination (PRD) as a mechanism behind high levels of depression seen in high socioeconomic status (SES) Black males. To better understand the effects of gender and SES on shaping experiences of PRD among Black youth in the United States, we used data from the Family and Community Health Study (FACHS) to explore the trajectory of PRD in Black youth by gender, SES, and place. Methods: Data came from FACHS, 1997–2017, which followed 889 children aged 10–12 years old at Wave 1 (n = 478; 53.8% females and n = 411; 46.2% males) for up to 18 years. Data were collected in seven waves. The main predictors of interest were gender, SES (parent education and annual family income), age, and place of residence. Main outcomes of interest were baseline and slope of PRD. Latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) was used for data analysis. Results: Gender, SES, place, and age were correlated with baseline and change in PRD over time. Male, high family income, and younger Black youth reported lower PRD at baseline but a larger increase in PRD over time. Youth who lived in Iowa (in a predominantly White area) reported higher PRD at baseline and also an increase in PRD over time. High parental education was not associated with baseline or change in PRD. Conclusion: In the United States, Black youth who are male, high income, and live in predominantly White areas experience an increase in PRD over time. Future research is needed on the interactions between gender, SES, and place on exposure and vulnerability of Black youth to PRD. Such research may explain the increased risk of depression in high SES Black males.
Perceived Attitudes About Substance Use in Anonymous Social Media Posts Near College Campuses: Observational Study.

Background: Substance use is a major issue for adolescents and young adults, particularly college students. With the importance of peer influence and the ubiquitous use of social media among these age groups, it is important to assess what is discussed on various social media sites regarding substance use. One particular mobile app (Yik Yak) allowed users to post any message anonymously to nearby persons, often in areas with close proximity to major colleges and universities. Objective: This study describes the content, including attitude toward substances, of social media discussions that occurred near college campuses and involved substances. Methods: A total of 493 posts about drugs and alcohol on Yik Yak were reviewed and coded for their content, as well as the poster’s attitude toward the substance(s) mentioned. Results: Alcohol (226/493, 45.8%), marijuana (206/493, 41.8%), and tobacco (67/493, 13%) were the most frequently mentioned substances. Posts about use (442/493) were generally positive toward the substance mentioned (262/442, 59.3%), unless the post was about abstinence from the substance. Additionally, posts that commented on the substance use of others tended to be less positive (18/92, 19.6% positive) compared to posts about one’s own use (132/202, 65.3% positive). Conclusions: This study provides a description of anonymous discussions on or near college campuses about drugs and alcohol, which serves as an example of data that can be examined from social media sites for further research and prevention campaigns.
The Motivational Impairment Effect in the Communication of Deception

In the communication of deception, there is a “motivational impairment” effect: people who are more highly motivated to succeed with their lies (compared to those who are less motivated) are less successful at doing so whenever observers can see or hear their nonverbal behaviors. The impairment may be a consequence of the liars deliberate attempts to control their expressive behaviors which result in performances that appear overcontrolled and inhibited. Variables such as confidence, experience at deceiving and physical attractiveness can moderate the impairment effect.
Kinetics of Intratumoral Immune Cell Activation During Chemoradiation for Cervical Cancer.

Purpose Radiation therapy has direct cytotoxic effects on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, but it also has immune stimulatory effects that increase immune cell infiltration. The dynamics of these competing effects on immune cells at the site of the tumor are poorly characterized during chemoradiation treatment (CRT) because of the difficulty of obtaining consecutive tumor biopsies. We used a minimally invasive cervical cytobrushing method to analyze the kinetics of intratumoral immune cell changes in patients with cervical cancer during CRT. Methods and Materials Cervical brushings were obtained from 20 patients with cervical cancer at baseline and during fractionated radiation therapy and cisplatin (weeks 1, 3, and 5). Matching peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from 9 patients at the same time points. Cells were analyzed using multispectral flow cytometry to identify T cell and myeloid cell subsets and their activation status. Changes in immune cell subsets throughout treatment were calculated using matched-pair analysis with Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results We observed a significant decline in CD3+ total T cells, as well as CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell subsets in the first week of treatment from baseline, followed by variable expansion at weeks 3 and 5. This coincided with higher levels of proliferating CD8+ T cells expressing Ki67 at week 3 of treatment. The percentages of activated CD8+ T cells expressing CD69 continuously increased over the course of treatment, whereas the percentage of activated CD11c+CD11b– dendritic cells was highest during the first week. Many of these changes were not observed in the blood. Conclusions Our results identified immune dynamic changes during CRT, indicating that CRT may be immune activating at the site of the tumor. This study also suggests the importance of sequential analyses of the local tumor microenvironment in addition to peripheral blood.
THE BEST DOCTOR FOR MY SOUL

AbstractThis article contributes to the revaluation of the much-maligned figure of Rene Descartes, by interpreting his relationship with Princess Elisabeth of Bohemia through Michel Foucault’s late work on the “care of the self” and parrēsia. In addition to challenging Descartes’s reputation for endorsing a rigid mind–body dualism, the essay also challenges those who interpret Foucault’s work on ancient techniques of the self as supportive of neoliberalism. On the contrary, this essay argues that Foucault’s turn to ancient sources was offered as a critique of neoliberalism, and uses the mutually beneficial relationship between Descartes and Elisabeth as a counter-example to neoliberalism’s individualistic, entrepreneurial conception of the self. The essay concludes with a brief examination of Elisabeth’s exercise of power in a manner that both Descartes and Foucault could endorse, and which can serve as a challenge to the xenophobic, nationalistic leadership that has arisen of late.
Energy-related emissions from commercial buildings: Comparing methods for quantifying temporal indirect emissions associated with electricity purchases

Abstract The emissions associated with purchased electricity in a specific location are determined by the emission factors attributed to power generators on the electrical grid serving a facility. Averaged, flat rate emission factors consider a representative fuel mix in a region, usually averaged over many years, and are often used in conjunction with building energy analysis. Time-varying power generation data is needed to determine the effect of power generation dispatch on marginal emission factors, but such data is rarely publicly available. This work provides a critical comparative analysis of two types of temporal emission factors with the goal of understanding how indirect emissions relate to the energy usage of commercial buildings in the U.S. Every building’s consumption of electricity also varies temporally, so we use representative electric loads on an hourly basis using stock building model simulations. The methods compared are: (1) regional factors provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) power generation data and (2) city-specific factors derived from the Locational Emissions Estimation Methodology (LEEM). The emissions resulting from alternate calculation methods are presented for CO 2 , NO x , and SO x . These locally specified, hourly resolved methods of indirect emissions calculation were found to differ from the simple flat rate emissions calculation method (4%–20%). On an annual basis, the difference in calculated emissions using hourly emission factors versus annually averaged LEEM and EPA factors differed by less than 2%, indicating that they provide similar information on an annual basis.
Cornual Abscess Rupture: A Rare Etiology of Acute Abdomen

Ruptured cornual abscess or pyometra can resemble other more common causes of acute abdomen, including appendicitis, diverticulitis, tubo-ovarian abscess, and perforated viscus. Despite its rarity, the diagnosis of ruptured pyometra should always be considered in females presenting with acute abdominal pain, particularly in the setting of a retained intrauterine device.
Facial Action Unit Recognition Using Data Mining Integrated Deep Learning

Facial action unit detection is an ongoing research area in image processing and computer vision. Different methods have been proposed in the recent years for accurate detection of action units in facial images for various views and lighting conditions. In this paper, we propose a new deep learning scheme that integrates convolutional neural networks with association rule mining. Convolutional neural network is used for automatic extraction of features from input images, and the results are exploited to build two different association rule mining-based classifiers. The obtained results show an improvement compared to a fully connected neural network, for which the features are originally designed, for some action units.
CSF pharmacokinetics of high-dose pulsatile tyrosine kinase therapy in brain cancer patients.

e13032 Background: Previous studies have shown improvement in patients with leptomeningeal metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following high-dose gefitinib therapy. Based on these d...
The RNA i-Motif in the Primordial RNA World

The primordial RNA world is a hypothetical era prior to the appearance of protein and DNA, when RNA molecules were the sole building blocks for early forms of life on Earth. A critical concern with the RNA-world hypothesis is the instability of the cytosine nucleobase compared to the other three bases (adenine, guanine, and uracil). The author proposes that cytosine residues could have stably existed in the primordial world in the RNA i-motif, a four-stranded quadruplex structure formed by base-pairing of protonated and unprotonated cytosine residues under acidic conditions. The i-motif structure not only increases the lifetime of cytosine residues by slowing their deamination rate, but could also allow RNA polymers to bind to certain ligands (e.g., anions) to perform critical functions. Future studies focused on determining the rate of cytosine deamination in RNA i-motifs over a range of pH, temperature, and pressure conditions, and on interrogating the interactions between ligands and RNA i-motifs, could uncover new evidence of the origin of life on Earth.
Predictors of morbidity and mortality among patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy treated surgically.

The aim of this study is to report and quantify the associated factors for morbidity and mortality following surgical management of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was use to retrospectively review all patients over 25 years of age with a diagnosis of CSM who underwent anterior and/or posterior cervical fusion or laminoplasty between 2001 and 2010. The main outcome measures were total procedure-related complications and mortality. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify demographic, comorbidity, and surgical parameters associated with increased morbidity and mortality risk [reported as: OR (95 % CI)]. A total of 54,348 patients underwent surgical intervention for CSM with an overall morbidity rate of 9.83 % and mortality rate of 0.43 %. Comorbidities found to be associated with an increased complication rate included: pulmonary circulation disorders [6.92 (5.91–8.12)], pathologic weight loss [3.42 (3.00–3.90)], and electrolyte imbalance [2.82 (2.65–3.01)]. Comorbidities found to be associated with an increased mortality rate included: congestive heart failure [4.59 (3.62–5.82)], pulmonary circulation disorders [11.29 (8.24–15.47)], and pathologic weight loss [5.43 (4.07–7.26)]. Alternatively, hypertension [0.56 (0.46–0.67)] and obesity [0.36 (0.22–0.61)] were found to confer a decreased risk of mortality. Increased morbidity and mortality rates were also identified for fusions of 4–8 levels [morbidity: 1.55 (1.48–1.62), mortality: 1.80 (1.48–2.18)] and for age >65 years [morbidity: 1.65 (1.57–1.72), mortality: 2.74 (2.25–3.34)]. An increased morbidity rate was found for posterior-only [1.55 (1.47–1.63)] and combined anterior and posterior fusions [3.20 (2.98–3.43)], and an increased mortality rate was identified for posterior-only fusions [1.87 (1.40–2.49)]. Although revision fusions were associated with an increased morbidity rate [1.81 (1.64–2.00)], they were associated with a decreased rate of mortality [0.24 (0.10–0.59)]. The NIS database was used to provide national estimates of morbidity and mortality following surgical management of CSM in the United States. Several comorbidities, as well as demographic and surgical parameters, were identified as associated factors.
Sex, Stress, and Neuropeptides Interact to Influence Alcohol Consumption

Abstract Preclinical findings suggest that males and females exhibit different patterns of alcohol sensitivity and consumption, including accompanying alterations in brain function. However, the neurobiological substrates of these sex differences remain unknown. We propose that interactions between stress systems and neuropeptides underlie sex-specific impacts on alcohol intake. First, we discuss evidence that corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mediates excessive alcohol consumption in rodent models of alcohol dependence and that CRH signaling is also engaged following short-term, binge-like alcohol drinking. We then describe findings that the endogenous opioid peptide, b-endorphin (b-E), influences alcohol consumption in a sex-specific manner. Because b-E also regulates CRH and the stress response we argue that interactions between b-E and CRH may determine sex-specific patterns of alcohol consumption. In this chapter, we outline the evidence suggesting that neuropeptides exert sex-specific effects on alcohol intake, affirming the need to study both sexes for proper characterization of individual susceptibility to excessive alcohol use.
Employee Inclusion During Change: The Stories of Middle Managers in Non-Profit Home Care Organizations:

Although extensive studies have provided valuable information to establish a strong relationship between the success of change and variables like communication, employee commitment, and leadership,...
Preventing College Sexual Victimization by Reducing Hookups: a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Personalized Normative Feedback Intervention

Sexual activity, including hooking up, increases college women’s vulnerability to sexual victimization. Reducing hookups may reduce rates of sexual victimization among this vulnerable population. Because college students overestimate how frequently their peers hook up, correcting their misperceptions may lead to more accurate perceived social norms, and consequently, less hookup behavior. The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of a brief, computer-administered personalized normative feedback (PNF) intervention regarding hookups during the first semester of college. We tested an indirect effects model in which PNF was hypothesized to predict perceiving fewer peer hookups, which were expected to predict fewer actual hookups and consequently, less sexual victimization during the first semester of college. Entering first-year women (N = 760) were randomly assigned to receive web-delivered PNF or no information. At the end of the semester, perceived number of hookups of others, number of hookups during the semester, and sexual victimization experiences were assessed. Women who received the intervention perceived that their peers engaged in significantly fewer hookups than did control women. Consistent with the proposed indirect effects model, intervention had a significant indirect effect on the odds of first-semester victimization via lower perceived descriptive norms, which in turn predicted fewer hookups. The study provides proof of concept for the importance of hookups as a risk factor for sexual victimization and provides novel, preliminary support for intervention to change descriptive norms as a way of reducing hookups and consequently, sexual vulnerability.
Impacts and Incidence of Agricultural Commodity Programs

Since the passage of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933, commodity programs have had a major impact on resource use and returns to factors in U.S. agriculture. While the need to insulate domestic agricultural markets from the vagaries of international price movements has been emphasized in developing countries,2 farm price supports are often justified as a means of redistributing income from consumers to commodity producers.3 An important issue is whether producers are the ultimate beneficiaries of commodity programs. John E. Floyd, Paul R. Johnson, T. D. Wallace, and Gordon C. Rausser and J. W. Freebairn investigated social costs of commodity programs.4 These studies are based on estimates of producer and consumer surpluses that depend on price elasticities of demand and shortrun supply curves. For example, Floyd employed linearly homogeneous production functions and demonstrated that in the short run farm-price supports benefit landowners more than producers.5 Recently, D. Gale Johnson focused on long-run distributional consequences of commodity programs and argued that in the long run landowners are the recipients of all commodity program benefits. If they do not benefit in the long run, why do producers advocate price support programs for agricultural commodities? The puzzle is resolved (1) if rent adjustment is slow and producers gain in the short run or (2) if producers are also landowners. Although the short-run incidence of the benefits of commodity programs is influenced by the speed of
Empirical Association between Education and Happiness in a Social Context

Education level and the number of school years completed have an important function in each persons’ life and is considered as one of the most important aspects of socialization, fulfilment, income level, and general happiness. In particular, the number of school years completed is an important indicator which we intend to utilize to estimate educations’ impact on one’s life in general. Differently put, among many other aspects of educations’ impact on humans’ life, this article focuses on the relation between the highest numbers of school year completed and the general happiness of a person. The purpose of the article is to find evidence which proves that the general happiness and the highest school year completed are not statistically independent. Finding the correlation between these two variables is the objective of the article. For that purpose, we analyzed the empirical data provided by the General Social Survey (GSS) by conducting a chi-square statistics test to prove the existence of a relationship between the variables. Put another way, the research intends to analyze data provided by GSS2008.dta and test the null and alternative hypothesis by using chi-square statistics test and by applying the quantitative methodology of research. The data collected from 2,018 respondents provided by GSS are analyzed by utilizing State Software - as one of the most reliable and contemporary tools used by scientists nowadays.
Fluoroscopically-guided interventions with radiation doses exceeding 5000 mGy reference point air kerma: a dosimetric analysis of 89,549 interventional radiology, neurointerventional radiology, vascular surgery, and neurosurgery encounters

To quantify and categorize fluoroscopically-guided procedures with radiation doses exceeding 5000 mGy reference point air kerma (Ka,r). Ka,r > 5000 mGy has been defined as a “significant radiation dose” by the Society of Interventional Radiology. Identification and analysis of interventions with high radiation doses has the potential to reduce radiation-induced injuries. Radiation dose data from a dose monitoring system for 19 interventional suites and 89,549 consecutive patient encounters from January 1, 2013 to August 1, 2019 at a single academic institution were reviewed. All patient encounters with Ka,r > 5000 mGy were included. All other encounters were excluded (n = 89,289). Patient demographics, medical specialty, intervention type, fluoroscopy time (minutes), dose area product (mGy·cm2), and Ka,r (mGy) were evaluated. There were 260 (0.3%) fluoroscopically-guided procedures with Ka,r > 5000 mGy. Of the 260 procedures which exceeded 5000 mGy, neurosurgery performed 81 (30.5%) procedures, followed by interventional radiology (n = 75; 28.2%), neurointerventional radiology (n = 55; 20.7%), and vascular surgery (n = 49; 18.4%). The procedures associated with the highest Ka,r were venous stent reconstruction performed by interventional radiology, arteriovenous malformation embolization performed by neurointerventional radiology, spinal hardware fixation by neurosurgery, and arterial interventions performed by vascular surgery. Neurointerventional radiology had the highest mean Ka,r (7,799 mGy), followed by neurosurgery (7452 mGy), vascular surgery (6849 mGy), and interventional radiology (6109 mGy). The mean Ka,r for interventional radiology performed procedures exceeding 5000 mGy was significantly lower than that for neurointerventional radiology, neurosurgery, and vascular surgery. Fluoroscopically-guided procedures with radiation dose exceeding 5000 mGy reference point air kerma are uncommon. The results of this study demonstrate that a large proportion of cases exceeding 5000 mGy were performed by non-radiologists, who likely do not receive the same training in radiation physics, radiation biology, and dose reduction techniques as radiologists.
Facilitating Spaces of Urban Agroecology: A Learning Framework for Community-University Partnerships

At the local scale in Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP), MN, urban farms, community gardens, and home gardens support diverse individual and community goals, including food access and sovereignty, recreation and outdoor activity, youth education, and racial, economic, and environmental justice. Collaborations between urban growers, policymakers, scholars, and communities that leverage urban farms and gardens as sites of ecological, social, and political transformation represent spaces of urban agroecology. Participatory research can play a vital role in urban agroecology by facilitating integration of science, movement, and practice, but frameworks to accomplish this are still emerging. This paper, therefore, proposes a “learning framework” for urban agroecology research that has emerged from our community-university partnership. We -- a group of growers, community partners, and researchers -- have worked with each other for five years through multiple projects that broadly focused on the socio-ecological drivers and impacts of urban farms and gardens in MSP. In fall 2019, we conducted our first formal evaluation of the participatory processes implemented in our current project with the objectives to 1) identify processes that facilitated or were barriers to authentic collaboration and 2) understand the role of relationships in the participatory processes. Qualitative surveys and interviews were developed and conducted with researchers, partners, and students. Analysis revealed that urban agroecology research provided a space for shared learning, which was facilitated through co-creation of research, embodied processes, and relationships with people, cohorts, and place. As part of our partnership agreements, we as researchers wrote this article -- in close consultation with partners -- to share this framework in the hopes that it will serve as a model for other research collaborations working within complex urban agroecological systems.
A SNAPSHOT OF THE MARKETING CAPSTONE COURSE AT U.S.-BASED AACSB SCHOOLS

This study provides an updated view of the marketing capstone course by sharing content including textbooks, cases, simulations, and engaged learning approaches and technologies used in teaching th...
A quality assurance tool for daily checks of the gamma knife high definition motion management system

Purpose This note describes the performance of a quality assurance (QA) tool built for daily checks of the Gamma Knife's high definition motion management (HDMM) system. Methods The tool is a three-dimensional (3D)-printed platform with a raised corner in the center. A reflector post is placed at the corner and the HDMM tool is zeroed to this position. Gage blocks produce very accurate gaps between the post and corner and the HDMM system's readout is compared to the gage block thickness. The HDMM system and tool were tested for noise, stability, reproducibility, linearity, accuracy and overall setup times plus ease of use. Results The QA tool performed with accuracies better than 0.1 mm. The setup and use of this tool take less than two minutes making it a suitable tool for daily use. Conclusion This QA tool is a cost-effective solution that provides a fast and easy confirmation of the HDMM accuracy, making it suitable for daily QA checks of the HDMM system.
Analysis of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Estuarine Sediments by Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation Coupled to Near-Infrared Fluorescence Spectroscopy Reveals Disassociation of Residual Metal Catalyst Nanoparticles

The continued growth of the nanotechnology industry and the incorporation of nanomaterials into consumer applications will inevitably lead to their release into environmental systems. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in particular have exhibited many attractive optical, mechanical, and electrical properties that lend themselves to new and exciting applications. Assessing their environmental impact upon release into the environment is contingent upon quantifying and characterizing SWCNTs in environmental matrixes. In this study, SWCNTs were isolated from estuarine sediments using density gradient ultracentrifugation (DGU), followed by online flow-through analysis of the density fractions via near-infrared spectroscopy. This approach yielded significant improvements in the quantitative detection limit, from 62 to 1.5 μg g-1. In addition, fractions of the density gradient were also obtained for further analysis by bulk inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and single-particle ICP-MS. Using fluorescent, semiconductive SWCNTs, the primary fluorescent nanotube fraction was found to be separated from the sediment matrix during DGU; however, the residual metal catalyst particles that had been assumed to be physically bound to the SWCNTs were found to form a separate band in the density gradient apart from the fluorescent SWCNTs. This result was repeated for a number of SWCNT types regardless of the metal catalyst and synthesis method, with a 0.1 g cm-3 density difference between most fractions. The apparent disconnect between the fluorescent fraction of SWCNTs and their metal-containing constituents potentially complicates CNT risk assessment as analysis techniques focusing solely on either CNT fluorescence or metal fingerprints may misrepresent exposure concentrations and their toxicological implications.