cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Superinfection Exclusion of the Ruminant Pathogen Anaplasma marginale in Its Tick Vector Is Dependent on the Time between Exposures to the Strains

ABSTRACT The remarkable genetic diversity of vector-borne pathogens allows for the establishment of superinfection in the mammalian host. To have a long-term impact on population strain structure, the introduced strains must also be transmitted by a vector population that has been exposed to the existing primary strain. The sequential exposure of the vector to multiple strains frequently prevents establishment of the second strain, a phenomenon termed superinfection exclusion. As a consequence, superinfection exclusion may greatly limit genetic diversity in the host population, which is difficult to reconcile with the high degree of genetic diversity maintained among vector-borne pathogens. Using Anaplasma marginale, a tick-borne bacterial pathogen of ruminants, we hypothesized that superinfection exclusion is temporally dependent and that longer intervals between strain exposures allow successful acquisition and transmission of a superinfecting strain. To test this hypothesis, we sequentially exposed Dermacentor andersoni ticks to two readily tick-transmissible strains of A. marginale. The tick feedings were either immediately sequential or 28 days apart. Ticks were allowed to transmission feed and were individually assessed to determine if they were infected with one or both strains. The second strain was excluded from the tick when the exposure interval was brief but not when it was prolonged. Midguts and salivary glands of individual ticks were superinfected and transmission of both strains occurred only when the exposure interval was prolonged. These findings indicate that superinfection exclusion is temporally dependent, which helps to account for the differences in pathogen strain structure in tropical compared to temperate regions. IMPORTANCE Many vector-borne pathogens have marked genetic diversity, which influences pathogen traits such as transmissibility and virulence. The most successful strains are those that are preferentially transmitted by the vector. However, the factors that determine successful transmission of a particular strain are unknown. In the case of intracellular, bacterial, tick-borne pathogens, one potential factor is superinfection exclusion, in which colonization of ticks by the first strain of a pathogen it encounters prevents the transmission of a second strain. Using A. marginale, the most prevalent tick-borne pathogen of cattle worldwide, and its natural tick vector, we determined that superinfection exclusion occurs when the time between exposures to two strains is brief but not when it is prolonged. These findings suggest that superinfection exclusion may influence strain transmission in temperate regions, where tick activity is limited by season, but not in tropical regions, where ticks are active for long periods.
The Structure and Function of Type III Secretion Systems

Type III secretion systems (T3SSs) afford Gram-negative bacteria an intimate means of altering the biology of their eukaryotic hosts--the direct delivery of effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm to that of the eukaryote. This incredible biophysical feat is accomplished by nanosyringe "injectisomes," which form a conduit across the three plasma membranes, peptidoglycan layer, and extracellular space that form a barrier to the direct delivery of proteins from bacterium to host. The focus of this chapter is T3SS function at the structural level; we will summarize the core findings that have shaped our understanding of the structure and function of these systems and highlight recent developments in the field. In turn, we describe the T3SS secretory apparatus, consider its engagement with secretion substrates, and discuss the posttranslational regulation of secretory function. Lastly, we close with a discussion of the future prospects for the interrogation of structure-function relationships in the T3SS.
Tobacco Use Pattern Among a National Firefighter Cohort

Introduction To date, there have been no large-scale, national epidemiological studies of tobacco use patterns among firefighters, particularly with a focus on smokeless tobacco (SLT) and dual use with cigarettes. While rates of firefighters' smoking are relatively low compared to the general population, SLT use typically is substantially higher than the populations they protect. In the current study, we systemically examine tobacco use, including SLT and dual use, and the health-related profiles of various tobacco use groups in a national sample of career firefighters. Methods Data are from a national cohort study of career departments (N = 20) comprised of 947 male firefighters. Results Among 947 participants, 197 (21%) were tobacco users, of which, 34.5% used cigarettes, 53.2% used SLT, and 12.2% used both cigarettes and SLT. Adjusted rates of smoking, SLT use, and dual use were 13.2%, 10.5%, and 12.2%, respectively. Tobacco users of all types were significantly younger and had served fewer years in fire service and were significantly more likely to engage in heavy and binge drinking, as well as more likely to show signs of depressive symptoms compared to nontobacco users. Conclusions Detailed information on tobacco use pattern will aid in better understanding what factors are contributing to the high rates of SLT and dual use among firefighters in order to guide and develop an appropriate treatment program for the fire service.
On Rural Workers' Education Demand and Higher Vocational Education Innovation

In this essay,the importance of enhancing the education of new generation rural workers is discussed from the aspects of building country of profound human resources,rural workers in short supply,aging of urban population,etc.Through the analysis on rural workers' education demand,the essay proposes the specific measures for adults' vocational education innovation from the following aspects: enrollment policy innovation;flexible teaching management implementation;construction of teaching staff,etc.
Combined Ionic and Hydrogen Bonding in Polymer Multilayer Thin Film for High Gas Barrier and Stretchiness

A unique polymer multilayer thin film with high gas barrier at high strain (>10%) was achieved with a combination of ionic and hydrogen bonding. Layer-by-layer assembly was used to deposit quadlayers (QL) of polyethylenimine (PEI), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), and PAA. Altering the deposition pH of the various layers resulted in different physical and mechanical properties. PEI/PAA/PEO/PAA quadlayers assembled at pH 10/4/2.5/2.5 grow much thicker than the same film with all components deposited at pH 3, which is due to a porosity transition during assembly and in-and-out diffusion of the partially charged polyelectrolytes with high chain mobility (PEI at pH 10 and PAA at pH 4). The change in pH during the film assembly induces a porous structure in the 10/4/2.5/2.5 film that results in poor gas barrier. Films deposited on 1 mm thick polyurethane rubber at pH 3 have a densely packed structure with no pores. A 20 QL film (∼1 μm thick) achieves an oxygen transmission rate 15 times lo...
Aflatoxin-Exposure of Vibrio gazogenes as a Novel System for the Generation of Aflatoxin Synthesis Inhibitors

Aflatoxin is a mycotoxin and a secondary metabolite, and the most potent known liver carcinogen that contaminates several important crops, and represents a significant threat to public health and the economy. Available approaches reported thus far have been insufficient to eliminate this threat, and therefore provide the rational to explore novel methods for preventing aflatoxin accumulation in the environment. Many terrestrial plants and microbes that share ecological niches and encounter the aflatoxin producers have the ability to synthesize compounds that inhibit aflatoxin synthesis. However, reports of natural aflatoxin inhibitors from marine ecosystem components that do not share ecological niches with the aflatoxin producers are rare. Here we show that a non-pathogenic marine bacterium, Vibrio gazogenes, when exposed to low non-toxic doses of aflatoxin B1, demonstrates a shift in its metabolic output and synthesizes a metabolite fraction that inhibits aflatoxin synthesis without affecting hyphal growth in the model aflatoxin producer, Aspergillus parasiticus. The molecular mass of the predominant metabolite in this fraction was also different from the known prodigiosins, which are the known antifungal secondary metabolites synthesized by this Vibrio. Gene expression analyses using RT-PCR demonstrate that this metabolite fraction inhibits aflatoxin synthesis by down-regulating the expression of early-, middle- and late- growth stage aflatoxin genes, the aflatoxin pathway regulator, aflR and one global regulator of secondary metabolism, LaeA. Our study establishes a novel system for generation of aflatoxin synthesis inhibitors, and emphasizes the potential of the under-explored Vibrio’s silent genome for generating new modulators of fungal secondary metabolism.
The Human Capital of Knowledge Brokers: An analysis of attributes, capacities and skills of academic teaching and research faculty at Kenyan schools of public health

Academic faculty involved in public health teaching and research serve as the link and catalyst for knowledge synthesis and exchange, enabling the flow of information resources, and nurturing relations between ‘two distinct communities’ – researchers and policymakers – who would not otherwise have the opportunity to interact. Their role and their characteristics are of particular interest, therefore, in the health research, policy and practice arena, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. We investigated the individual attributes, capacities and skills of academic faculty identified as knowledge brokers (KBs) in schools of public health (SPH) in Kenya with a view to informing organisational policies around the recruitment, retention and development of faculty KBs. During April 2013, we interviewed 12 academics and faculty leadership (including those who had previously been identified as KBs) from six SPHs in Kenya, and 11 national health policymakers with whom they interact. Data were qualitatively analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to unveil key characteristics. Key characteristics of KBs fell into five categories: sociodemographics, professional competence, experiential knowledge, interactive skills and personal disposition. KBs’ reputations benefitted from their professional qualifications and content expertise. Practical knowledge in policy-relevant situations, and the related professional networks, allowed KB’s to navigate both the academic and policy arenas and also to leverage the necessary connections required for policy influence. Attributes, such as respect and a social conscience, were also important KB characteristics. Several changes in Kenya are likely to compel academics to engage increasingly with policymakers at an enhanced level of debate, deliberation and discussion in the future. By recognising existing KBs, supporting the emergence of potential KBs, and systematically hiring faculty with KB-specific characteristics, SPHs can enhance their collective human capital and influence on public health policy and practice. Capacity strengthening of tangible skills and recognition of less tangible personality characteristics could contribute to enhanced academic–policymaker networks. These, in turn, could contribute to the relevance of SPH research and teaching programs as well as evidence-informed public health policies.
Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper reflectance and NDVI 27-year time series inconsistencies due to satellite orbit change

Abstract The Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) sensor provided the longest single mission terrestrial remote sensing data record but temporally sparse station keeping maneuvers meant that the Landsat 5 orbit changed over the 27 year mission life. Long-term Landsat 5 TM reflectance inconsistencies may be introduced by orbit change induced solar zenith variations combined with surface reflectance anisotropy, commonly described by the Bi-directional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF). This study quantifies the local overpass time and observed solar zenith angle changes for all the Landsat 5 TM images available at two latitudinally separated locations along the same north-south Landsat path (27) in Minnesota (row 26) and Texas (row 42). Over the 27 years the Landsat 5 orbit changed by nearly 1 h and resulted in changes in the Landsat 5 observed solar zenith angle of > 10°. The Landsat 5 orbit was relatively stable from 1984 to 1994 and from 2007 to 2011, but changed rapidly from 1995 to 2000, and from 2003 to 2007. Rather than directly examine Landsat 5 TM reflectance time series a modelling approach was used. This was necessary because unambiguous separation of orbit change induced Landsat reflectance variations from other temporal variations is non-trivial. The impact of Landsat 5 orbit induced observed solar zenith angle variations on the red and near-infrared reflectance and derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values were modelled with respect to different Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) BRDF land cover types. Synthetic nadir BRDF-adjusted reflectance (NBAR) for the Landsat 5 TM observed and a modelled reference year 2011 solar zenith were compared over the 27 years of acquisitions. Ordinary least squares linear regression fits of the NBAR difference values as a function of the acquisition date indicated an increasing trend in red and near-infrared NBAR and a decreasing trend in NDVI NBAR due to orbit changes. The trends are statistically significant but small, no more than 0.0006 NDVI/year. Comparison of certain years of Landsat 5 data may result in significant reflectance and NDVI differences due only to Landsat 5 orbit changes and cause spurious detection of “browning” vegetation events and underestimation of greening trends. The greatest differences will occur when 1995 Landsat 5 TM data are compared with 2007 to 2011 data; NDVI values could be up to 0.11 greater in 1995 than in 2011 for anisotropic land cover types and up to 0.05 greater for average CONUS land cover types. A smaller number of Landsat 5 TM images were also examined and provide support for the modelled based findings. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of the research findings for Landsat 5 TM time series analyses.
A Bounded Derivative That Is Not Riemann Integrable

We present an example, different from Volterra's, of a bounded derivative that is not Riemann integrable. The existence of such functions was one of the motivations for Lebesgue to devise a stronge...
Virtualization of Industrial Control System Testbeds for Cybersecurity

With an immense number of threats pouring in from nation states and hacktivists as well as terrorists and cybercriminals, the requirement of a globally secure infrastructure becomes a major obligation. Most critical infrastructures were primarily designed to work isolated from the normal communication network, but due to the advent of the "Smart Grid" that uses advanced and intelligent approaches to control critical infrastructure, it is necessary for these cyber-physical systems to have access to the communication system. Consequently, such critical systems have become prime targets; hence security of critical infrastructure is currently one of the most challenging research problems. Performing an extensive security analysis involving experiments with cyber-attacks on a live industrial control system (ICS) is not possible. Therefore, researchers generally resort to test beds and complex simulations to answer questions related to SCADA systems. Since all conclusions are drawn from the test bed, it is necessary to perform validation against a physical model. This paper examines the fidelity of a virtual SCADA testbed to a physical test bed and allows for the study of the effects of cyber- attacks on both of the systems.
3D printed conformal array antenna: Simulations and measurements

A conformal array antenna has been investigated using a combination of 3D printer and copper plating techniques. Circular patch antenna elements were copper plated onto a 3D printed dielectric substrate made of ABS-M30 material. Measured and simulated element reflection coefficient, element gain patterns, and array scanned beam radiation patterns at L band are in good agreement.
Intracranial Pressure Monitoring

Intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP) is a fundamental component of the modern neurosurgical practice, and its implications for clinical applications must be understood. The indications for ICP monitoring are discussed, and ICP devices and technologies are described. Clinical assessment remains critical in the decision to insert a monitoring device and in analysis of the reported ICP.
Renal biopsy in patients with lupus: Not just lupus nephritis!

Interpretation of renal biopsies from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is often challenging. The reasons for this complexity are many and varied. Lupus itself is a heterogeneous dis...
Impact of the Economic Downturn on Elective Lumbar Spine Surgery in the United States: A National Trend Analysis, 2003 to 2013.

Study Design:Retrospective database analysis.Objective:The impact of the 2008-2009 economic downtown on elective lumbar spine surgery is unknown. Our objective was to investigate the effect of the ...
Incorporating big data into treatment plan evaluation: Development of statistical DVH metrics and visualization dashboards.

Abstract Purpose To develop statistical dose-volume histogram (DVH)–based metrics and a visualization method to quantify the comparison of treatment plans with historical experience and among different institutions. Methods and materials The descriptive statistical summary (ie, median, first and third quartiles, and 95% confidence intervals) of volume-normalized DVH curve sets of past experiences was visualized through the creation of statistical DVH plots. Detailed distribution parameters were calculated and stored in JavaScript Object Notation files to facilitate management, including transfer and potential multi-institutional comparisons. In the treatment plan evaluation, structure DVH curves were scored against computed statistical DVHs and weighted experience scores (WESs). Individual, clinically used, DVH-based metrics were integrated into a generalized evaluation metric (GEM) as a priority-weighted sum of normalized incomplete gamma functions. Historical treatment plans for 351 patients with head and neck cancer, 104 with prostate cancer who were treated with conventional fractionation, and 94 with liver cancer who were treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy were analyzed to demonstrate the usage of statistical DVH, WES, and GEM in a plan evaluation. A shareable dashboard plugin was created to display statistical DVHs and integrate GEM and WES scores into a clinical plan evaluation within the treatment planning system. Benchmarking with normal tissue complication probability scores was carried out to compare the behavior of GEM and WES scores. Results DVH curves from historical treatment plans were characterized and presented, with difficult-to-spare structures (ie, frequently compromised organs at risk) identified. Quantitative evaluations by GEM and/or WES compared favorably with the normal tissue complication probability Lyman-Kutcher-Burman model, transforming a set of discrete threshold-priority limits into a continuous model reflecting physician objectives and historical experience. Conclusions Statistical DVH offers an easy-to-read, detailed, and comprehensive way to visualize the quantitative comparison with historical experiences and among institutions. WES and GEM metrics offer a flexible means of incorporating discrete threshold-prioritizations and historic context into a set of standardized scoring metrics. Together, they provide a practical approach for incorporating big data into clinical practice for treatment plan evaluations.
STAT1-dependent and -independent pulmonary allergic and fibrogenic responses in mice after exposure to tangled versus rod-like multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

Pulmonary toxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is influenced by physicochemical characteristics and genetic susceptibility. We hypothesized that contrasting rigidities of tangled (t) versus rod-like (r) MWCNTs would result in differing immunologic or fibrogenic responses in mice and that these responses would be exaggerated in transgenic mice lacking the signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1), a susceptible mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis. Male wild type (Stat1 +/+ ) and STAT1-deficient (Stat1 −/− ) mice were exposed to 4 mg/kg tMWCNTs, rMWCNTs, or vehicle alone via oropharyngeal aspiration and evaluated for inflammation at one and 21 days post-exposure via histopathology, differential cell counts, and cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Granuloma formation, mucous cell metaplasia, and airway fibrosis were evaluated by quantitative morphometry. Airway epithelial cell proliferation was assessed by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. Cytokine protein levels in BALF and serum IgE levels were measured by ELISA. Lung protein Smad2/3 levels and activation were measured by Western blot. Lung mRNAs were measured by PCR. There was a 7-fold difference in rigidity between tMWCNTs and rMWCNTs as determined by static bending ratio. Both MWCNT types resulted in acute inflammation (neutrophils in BALF) after one-day post-exposure, yet only rMWCNTs resulted in chronic inflammation at 21 days as indicated by neutrophil influx and larger granulomas. Both MWCNTs induced BrdU uptake in airway epithelial cells, with the greatest proliferative response observed in rMWCNT-exposed mice after one-day. Only rMWCNTs induced mucous cell metaplasia, but this index was not different between genotypes. Stat1 −/− mice had higher levels of baseline serum IgE than Stat1 +/+ mice. Greater airway fibrosis was observed with rMWCNTs compared to tMWCNTs, and exaggerated airway fibrosis was seen in the Stat1 −/− mouse lungs with rMWCNTs but not tMWCNTs. Increased fibrosis correlated with elevated levels of TGF-β1 protein levels in the BALF of Stat1 −/− mice exposed to rMWCNTs and increased lung Smad2/3 phosphorylation. Rigidity plays a key role in the toxicity of MWCNTs and results in increased inflammatory, immunologic, and fibrogenic effects in the lung. STAT1 is an important protective factor in the fibroproliferative response to rMWCNTs, regulating both induced TGF-β1 production and Smad2/3 phosphorylation status. Therefore, both rigidity and genetic susceptibility should be major considerations for risk assessment of MWCNTs.
Cardiovascular risk screening for individuals with serious mental illness.

ABSTRACTCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant health risk for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). Screening for CVD risk factors is a key strategy to reduce this health disparity. This study examined medical, lifestyle, and access predictors for comprehensive screening. Data on 1036 adults were analyzed from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with individuals with SMI receiving CVD risk screening in the past 12 months. The presence of a metabolic disorder (diabetes or high cholesterol), increased age, increased outpatient visits, and seeing a primary care provider, either alone or in conjunction with a specialty care provider, were significantly associated with receiving all screening measures. Increasing provider awareness of additional CVD risk factors is an essential step to improving early detection of health risks for individuals with SMI. Integrated health settings that combine traditional ...
TOR, the Gateway to Cellular Metabolism, Cell Growth, and Disease

Michael N. Hall is this year's recipient of the Lasker Basic Medical Research Award for the identification of the target of rapamycin, TOR. TOR is a master regulator of the cell's growth and metabolic state, and its dysregulation contributes to a variety of diseases, including diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative disorders, aging, and cancer, making the TOR pathway an attractive therapeutic target.
Sequencing support for sense making and perceptual induction of connections among multiple visual representations

Making connections among multiple visual representations is key to students’ learning. This article considers two learning processes involved in connection making: explicit sense making of connections and implicit perceptual induction of connections. Instructional interventions support these processes via different problem types: sense-making problems ask students to verbally explain connections, whereas perceptual-induction problems ask students to quickly categorize numerous representations. Prior research shows that sense-making and perceptual-induction problems enhance students’ learning of domain knowledge—but only if both problem types are combined. Thus, one must ask whether the ability to make sense of connections enhances students’ ability to perceptually induce connections, or vice versa, and, consequently, which problem type students should receive first. This article investigates these questions in the context of undergraduate chemistry. Three experiments with 691 students compare instructional sequences that provide sense-making problems first or perceptual-induction problems first. Effects are assessed on problem-solving performance during the intervention and on chemistry knowledge learning gains after the intervention. Causal path analyses test whether working on sense-making problems first enhances (or impedes) students’ learning from subsequent perceptual-induction problems and vice versa. Results show that sequence interacts with prior chemistry knowledge: High prior-knowledge students show higher learning gains if they receive sense-making problems first. Low-prior-knowledge students show higher learning gains if they receive perceptual-induction problems first. Causal path analyses suggest that sense-making problems enhance students’ learning from subsequent perceptual-induction problems more so than the other way around. However, costs of switching between problem types interfere with low-prior-knowledge students’ ability to take advantage of this effect. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
Effect of medium physical support, shoot length and genotype on in vitro rooting and plantlet morphology of sweetgum.

Abstract Adventitious shoots (1 cm and 2 cm long) from 10 clones of sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) were rooted on rockwool-supported Woody Plant Medium (WPM) and agar-solidified WPM in vitro...
Modelling Nonlinearities in RF Photonic Links

We introduce an idealized model of a photonic link comprised of a Mach–Zehnder modulator, described by sinusoidal nonlinearity, and a photodiode, with a memoryless nonlinearity described by a Taylor expansion about the operation point. The model uses an unconventional expansion that simultaneously, versus sequentially, incorporates both modulator and photodiode nonlinearities, truncates naturally at the order of the photodiode nonlinearity, and gives a simple closed-form expression for those expansion coefficients. We illustrate the model's utility by extending an earlier analysis of a predistortion technique.
PRESENTATION OF MULTILEAD EEG BY TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS OF ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY

Multilead EEG recordings result in a large volume of data that is not easily digested. It is now possible to produce grey scale maps that show the topographical relation of electrical activity from different recording sites. These maps form a succinct presentation of multilead EEG that more readily shows the spatial relations of activity than standard polygraph recordings. A laboratory computer system rapidly generates surface distribution maps derived from measures related to electrical activity. The system is flexible in allowing specification of the number of electrodes and their placement. A two dimensional projection is utilized which results in a naturalistic view of the final map.
GENETIC RESOLUTION OF THE PRODUCTS AND FUNCTIONS OF I AND S REGION GENES OF THE MOUSE H-2 COMPLEX

Abstract The mouse major histocompatibility complex (H–2) encompasses a short segment of chromosome 17 which includes multiple genetic loci controlling a variety of discrete products and functions. Two subdivisions of the complex, the S and I regions, have been under intensive study for the past few years. The nature and functions of their products are now becoming understood to some degree. The S region controls variations in several serum proteins that have recently been found to be related to the complement system. Evidence is presented which indicate that the principal marker for the S region, the Ss protein, is the mouse homologue of the complement component C4 defined in human serum. The I region controls a variety of traits that relate to histocompatibility and to certain fundamental functions of T lymphocytes in the immune response. A set of serologically defined products of genes in the I region (the Ia antigens) has been defined during the past three years. A review of the serological, genetic and biochemical data on the Ia antigens indicate that the antigens detected by anti-la sera in the lymphocytotoxicity test can be ascribed primarily to two structural genes located in the I-A and I-C subregions of the I region. However, it is quite possible that these antisera also contain antibodies to other molecules not yet so clearly defined serologically. The use of anti-Ia sera to inhibit a variety of assays of lymphocyte function show very clearly that the Ia antigens play a key role in the cellular interactions that are involved in all immune responses, although the specific role(s) of the Ia antigens in these processes are not yet conclusively determined. The possible functional and genetic relationships of the Ia molecules to the various known I region traits and their implications for the genetic organization of the entire H-2 complex are discussed.
Light and Space in Genesis 1

I address here the still-vexing problem of why the Priestly narrator in Genesis 1 separates the fiat lux that opens the process of creation from the creation of sun, moon, and stars three days later, on day four. I organize ancient and modern explanations under four rubrics (polemical; functional; phenomenological; mystical) and find them relevant but ultimately insufficient to explain the way light operates in the logic of the Priestly creation narrative. I argue instead that we must attend first to the logic and narrative irregularity of the text itself in order to discern compositional motivations. The structure of Genesis 1 points toward an understanding of the nonsolar light (and its separation from darkness) in spatial terms, analogous to the separation of waters on day two and dry land on day 3, the sun, moon, and stars populating their spaces as do the birds, fish, land animals and humans.
Synthesis and characterization of N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of 1,3,2-dioxaborolane-4,5-dione (NHC-boryl oxalates)

Abstract NHC-boranes react with oxalic acid in acetonitrile slowly at room temperature and rapidly at 80 °C to form NHC-boryl oxalates. For example, heating of 1,3-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene borane with oxalic acid in acetonitrile (80 °C, 2 h) provides the cyclic NHC-boryl oxalate derived from two sequential acid/base reactions in 59% isolated yield. The new NHC-boryl oxalates are robust white solids that are formally complexes of 1,3,2-dioxaborolane-4,5-dione, itself an unknown heterocycle.
192 Disparities of B-cell type I interferon production and responses in SLE

Background Dysregulated responses to type I interferons (IFNs) is a hallmark of autoreactive B-cell development in SLE. This study investigated the source of IFN, the major type I IFN responsive B cells, and the disparities associated with B-cell IFN production and type I IFN responses. Methods IFN expression in B, CD4 T and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in PBMCs were analyzed by flow cytometry. Single cell gene expression analysis was carried out using the Fluidigm/BioMark system for targeted expression of low abundance genes, and the 10x Chromium platform for unbiased transcriptome and BCR V(D)J analysis of approximately 2,000 B cells per subject. Autoantigen epitope targets were analyzed using a 4287 high-throughput PEPperPrint Autoimmune Epitope Microarray and a conventional ELISA analysis. Results IFN was analyzed in B cells, CD4 T cells and pDCs in PBMCs of SLE patients and healthy controls (HCs). Endogenous IFN was significantly increased in transitional (Tr), mature naive, and memory B cells of SLE patients compared to HCs. Endogenous IFN in B cells was equivalent to that in pDCs. B-cell endogenous IFN was highly correlated with renal disease, anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm and anti-SSA. Strikingly, the highest correlation of IFN with clinical manifestations was observed in African-American (AA) patients with IgG autoAbs against snRNP323-339, U1snRNP-C97-113. At the single cell transcriptome levels, Tr B cells could be divided into type I IFN expressing (IFN+) or type I IFN stimulated gene (ISG+) subpopulations. TLR7 and TLR3 were mainly expressed by IFN +cells whereas TLR9 was mainly expressed by ISG +B cells. Unbiased single cells analysis of B cells indicated highly expressed ISG gene set in IGHM+, IGHD+, and IGHG +B cells in AA patients with autoantibodies and renal disease. Further, ISG highly expressing SLE B cells exhibited unique heavy- and light-chain repertoires including expression of the autoreactive IGHV4-34 gene, targeted with the 9 G4 anti-idiotype antibody that recognizes DNA- and RBP-autoreactive B cells. Conclusions (i) B cells are an important source of type I IFNs in modulating TLR and BCR responses in SLE; (ii) there are well-orchestrated distinct programs in type I IFN expression and response genes in subsets of B cells, (iii) distinct pathways of autoreactive B cell survival and activation are effected by combined signaling through BCR, TLR, and IFNAR with resultant distinct BCR heavy- and light-chain repertoire. Funding Source(s): R01-AI-071110, R01 AI134023, LRA Distinguished Innovator Award and Novel Research Award, VA Merit Review Award I01B × 004049, Immunology T32 Training Grant 2T32AI007051-39, the LFA Finzi Summer Fellowship.
Comparative Effects of Spanish and English Vocabulary Instruction for English Language Learners with Moderate Intellectual Disability.

Schools across the country are inadequately prepared to meet the educational needs of English language learners (ELLs), much less the needs of ELLs who also have an intellectual disability (ID). In this exploratory study, three Mexican American elementary students with moderate ID were given vocabulary word instruction in English and Spanish using an alternating treatments design, and the effects of the number of words correctly identified per instructional strategy were measured. Two of the students acquired a greater number of English vocabulary words in the Spanish model-lead test intervention. Vocabulary scores increased for the third student under both conditions, but there was no differential advantage by language. Implications for future research and practice related to instructional strategies for this population are discussed.
Engendering a Difficult Past: Motherhood and Memory among Child Survivors of the Genocide in Bosnia–Herzegovina

The research that is presented here explores the place of maternal memory among child survivors of the Bosnian Muslim genocide that took place in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the 1990s. Using a qualit...
The Neighborhood as a Unit of Change for Health: Early Findings from the East Harlem Neighborhood Health Action Center

Place-based approaches have been promoted as one way to reduce health inequities by addressing community-level factors that shape health, such as housing quality, healthcare systems, the built environment, and social capital. In 2016-2017, the NYC Health Department's Center for Health Equity launched three Neighborhood Health Action Centers (Action Centers), which use a place-based approach to improve health in neighborhoods with disproportionate burdens of premature mortality. We describe this approach and the genesis of the Action Centers. We then describe the East Harlem Action Center, which was the first to open, and share findings from qualitative interviews with the East Harlem Action Center's Governance Council, a group comprised of Action Center staff and co-located partners and programs which supports Action Center coordination. Interviewees felt that collaboration, being responsive to community needs, and being community based were essential elements of the Action Center. Interviewees recognized the complex dynamic of a large city agency serving as the host for the Action Center while simultaneously aiming to establish more equitable relationships with partners. Governance Council members' expectations and hopes for the East Harlem Action Center were consistent with the overall vision and model for the Action Centers, which may facilitate implementation.
The relightables: volumetric performance capture of humans with realistic relighting

We present "The Relightables", a volumetric capture system for photorealistic and high quality relightable full-body performance capture. While significant progress has been made on volumetric capture systems, focusing on 3D geometric reconstruction with high resolution textures, much less work has been done to recover photometric properties needed for relighting. Results from such systems lack high-frequency details and the subject's shading is prebaked into the texture. In contrast, a large body of work has addressed relightable acquisition for image-based approaches, which photograph the subject under a set of basis lighting conditions and recombine the images to show the subject as they would appear in a target lighting environment. However, to date, these approaches have not been adapted for use in the context of a high-resolution volumetric capture system. Our method combines this ability to realistically relight humans for arbitrary environments, with the benefits of free-viewpoint volumetric capture and new levels of geometric accuracy for dynamic performances. Our subjects are recorded inside a custom geodesic sphere outfitted with 331 custom color LED lights, an array of high-resolution cameras, and a set of custom high-resolution depth sensors. Our system innovates in multiple areas: First, we designed a novel active depth sensor to capture 12.4 MP depth maps, which we describe in detail. Second, we show how to design a hybrid geometric and machine learning reconstruction pipeline to process the high resolution input and output a volumetric video. Third, we generate temporally consistent reflectance maps for dynamic performers by leveraging the information contained in two alternating color gradient illumination images acquired at 60Hz. Multiple experiments, comparisons, and applications show that The Relightables significantly improves upon the level of realism in placing volumetrically captured human performances into arbitrary CG scenes.
Design of a novel digital intervention to promote healthy weight management among postpartum African American women.

Abstract Background Excess weight retention among postpartum women is a risk factor for long term obesity, and African American women are at heightened risk. New solutions, including digital technologies and community-based approaches are needed. Digital platforms, like social media, provide opportunity for participant co-creation (i.e., content co-generated by users and investigators) of health messages and may allow for adaptation of evidence-based weight management interventions to reduce participant burden. The BeFAB intervention, a branded, digital weight management program, tests this hypothesis. Methods BeFAB content comprises culturally-specific nutrition, physical activity, stress management, health information seeking and related weight management messages and content designed for African American women. The intervention is 12 weeks in duration, delivered through a mobile phone app, and is designed to target specific behavioral predictor beliefs and attitudinal measures (e.g., self-efficacy to achieve weight management goals) based on the culturally-specific content. Use of personal, culturally-specific video-based narratives in the app, and through a secret Facebook group, are included to help model HEAL behaviors and brand BeFAB. Intervention development consisted of iterative formative research steps to engage African American women. The program will be evaluated in a small randomized trial among patients recruited at a clinical facility. Conclusions BeFAB applies evidence-based content using a promising digital approach. It is novel in its use of branding, culturally-tailored content, and digital technology for behavior change.Evaluation of BeFAB will contribute to the growing literature on digital health behavior change interventions for weight management.
Distributed Nash Equilibrium Seeking for a Dynamic Micro-grid Energy Trading Game with Non-quadratic Payoffs

Abstract To model energy trading interactions among prosumers, a generic non-quadratic dynamic game model is proposed and solved for a stable Nash equilibrium. The framework is modeled as a non-cooperative, infinite strategy, multiplayer game where the participating players can possess a non-quadratic payoff function. Moreover, the market framework realizes a dynamic mapping from strategy set to payoffs of the participating players. It also carries an embedded notion of reliability and fairness by utilizing the concept of market reputation index. The existence of multiple Nash equilibria is discussed as well as the criteria for stability of Nash equilibrium. It is demonstrated that when an extremum seeking approach is used to model Nash seeking behavior of the players, the system converges to one of the stable Nash equilibriums depending on the initial condition. Simulation results are presented to verify the theoretical results, and a complete day with multiple prosumers is simulated to demonstrate effectiveness of the approach. The results are evaluated using several reliability matrices to show that the proposed framework results in an increased local generation, increased payoffs for prosumers, lower market clearing prices, and higher reliability.
Physics-informed multi-LSTM networks for metamodeling of nonlinear structures

Abstract This paper introduces an innovative physics-informed deep learning framework for metamodeling of nonlinear structural systems with scarce data. The basic concept is to incorporate available, yet incomplete, physics knowledge (e.g., laws of physics, scientific principles) into deep long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, which constrains and boosts the learning within a feasible solution space. The physics constraints are embedded in the loss function to enforce the model training which can accurately capture latent system nonlinearity even with very limited available training datasets. Specifically for dynamic structures, physical laws of equation of motion, state dependency and hysteretic constitutive relationship are considered to construct the physics loss. In particular, two physics-informed multi-LSTM network architectures are proposed for structural metamodeling. The satisfactory performance of the proposed framework is successfully demonstrated through two illustrative examples (e.g., nonlinear structures subjected to ground motion excitation). It turns out that the embedded physics can alleviate overfitting issues, reduce the need of big training datasets, and improve the robustness of the trained model for more reliable prediction with extrapolation ability. As a result, the physics-informed deep learning paradigm outperforms classical non-physics-guided data-driven neural networks.
Neural production of kynurenic acid in Caenorhabditis elegans requires the AAT-1 transporter

Kynurenic acid (KynA) levels link peripheral metabolic status to neural functions including learning and memory. Since neural KynA levels dampen learning capacity, KynA reduction has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for conditions of cognitive deficit such as neurodegeneration. While KynA is generated locally within the nervous system, its precursor, kynurenine (Kyn), is largely derived from peripheral resources. The mechanisms that import Kyn into the nervous system are poorly understood. Here, we provide genetic, anatomical, biochemical, and behavioral evidence showing that in C. elegans an ortholog of the human LAT1 transporter, AAT-1, imports Kyn into sites of KynA production.
Preganglionic and Postganglionic Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Effects on Shoulder Muscle Growth.

Purpose Brachial plexus birth injury can differ in presentation, depending on whether the nerve ruptures distal to, or avulses proximal to, the dorsal root ganglion. More substantial contracture and bone deformity at the shoulder is typical in postganglionic injuries. However, changes to the underlying muscle structure that drive these differences in presentation are unclear. Methods Seventeen Sprague-Dawley rats received preganglionic or postganglionic neurectomy on a single limb on postnatal days 3 and 4. Muscles crossing the shoulder were retrieved once the rats were sacrificed at 8 weeks after birth. External rotation range of motion, muscle mass, muscle length, muscle sarcomere length, and calculated optimal muscle length were measured bilaterally. Results Average shoulder range of motion in the postganglionic group was 61.8% and 56.2% more restricted at 4 and 8 weeks, respectively, compared with that in the preganglionic group, but affected muscles after preganglionic injury were altered more severely (compared with the unaffected limb) than after postganglionic injury. Optimal muscle length in preganglionic injury was shorter in the affected limb (compared with the unaffected limb: –18.2% ± 9.2%) and to a greater extent than in postganglionic injury (–5.1% ± 6.2%). Muscle mass in preganglionic injury was lower in the affected limb (relative to the unaffected limb: –57.2% ± 24.1%) and to a greater extent than in postganglionic injury (–28.1% ± 17.7%). Conclusions The findings suggest that the presence of contracture does not derive from restricted longitudinal muscle growth alone, but also depends on the extent of muscle mass loss occurring simultaneously after the injury. Clinical relevance This study expands our understanding of differences in muscle architecture and the role of muscle structure in contracture formation for preganglionic and postganglionic brachial plexus birth injury.
Promoting Sustained and Exclusive Breastfeeding among Chinese American Pregnant Women

This study investigated prenatal goal setting and breastfeeding attitudes and intentions for 210 Chinese American pregnant women. In addition, this study assessed impact of person-centered versus factual messages on breastfeeding attitudes and intentions. While pregnant women reported receiving information about Baby-Friendly designated hospitals from healthcare providers, most received no breastfeeding information from those same providers. Although women had positive attitudes toward breastfeeding, they showed lack of knowledge about colostrum, general approval for using infant formula, as well as early introduction of complementary foods. By extension, these attitudes suggested they misunderstood the meaning of exclusive breastfeeding. No differences were observed based on parity, trimester of pregnancy, level of education or income. Person-centered and factual messages were judged as equally effective messages, but intention to breastfeed was more affected by the factual message. Reasons for this result are discussed. Healthcare providers are positioned to proactively engage in maternal preparedness for exclusive breastfeeding. These results suggested a missed opportunity for healthcare providers to communicate the value of sustained exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended first 6 months of an infant's life and underscore a need for all antenatal healthcare providers to collaboratively ensure that breastfeeding information is comprehensively provided throughout the span of antenatal care.