cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Repeated horizontal transfer of a DNA transposon in mammals and other tetrapods

Horizontal transfer (HT) is central to the evolution of prokaryotic species. Selfish and mobile genetic elements, such as phages, plasmids, and transposons, are the primary vehicles for HT among prokaryotes. In multicellular eukaryotes, the prevalence and evolutionary significance of HT remain unclear. Here, we identified a set of DNA transposon families dubbed SPACE INVADERS (or SPIN) whose consensus sequences are ≈96% identical over their entire length (2.9 kb) in the genomes of murine rodents (rat/mouse), bushbaby (prosimian primate), little brown bat (laurasiatherian), tenrec (afrotherian), opossum (marsupial), and two non-mammalian tetrapods (anole lizard and African clawed frog). In contrast, SPIN elements were undetectable in other species represented in the sequence databases, including 19 other mammals with draft whole-genome assemblies. This patchy distribution, coupled with the extreme level of SPIN identity in widely divergent tetrapods and the overall lack of selective constraint acting on these elements, is incompatible with vertical inheritance, but strongly indicative of multiple horizontal introductions. We show that these germline infiltrations likely occurred around the same evolutionary time (15–46 mya) and spawned some of the largest bursts of DNA transposon activity ever recorded in any species lineage (nearly 100,000 SPIN copies per haploid genome in tenrec). The process also led to the emergence of a new gene in the murine lineage derived from a SPIN transposase. In summary, HT of DNA transposons has contributed significantly to shaping and diversifying the genomes of multiple mammalian and tetrapod species.
Three-dimensional vector coupled-wave analysis of planar-grating diffraction

Diffraction by an arbitrarily oriented planar grating with slanted fringes is analyzed using rigorous three-dimensional vector coupled-wave analysis. The method applies to any sinusoidal or nonsinusoidal amplitude and/or phase grating, any plane-wave angle of incidence, and any linear polarization. In the resulting (conical) diffraction, it is shown that coupling exists between all space-harmonic vector fields inside the grating (corresponding to diffracted orders outside the grating). Therefore the TE and TM components of an incident wave are each coupled to all the TE and TM components of all the forward- and backward-diffracted waves. For a general Bragg angle of incidence, it is shown that the diffraction efficiency can approach 100% for a lossless grating if either the incident electric field or the magnetic field is perpendicular to the grating vector. Maximum coupling between incident and diffracted waves is shown to occur when the incident electric field is perpendicular to the grating vector. In general, the diffracted waves are shown to be elliptically polarized. The three-dimensional vector coupled-wave analysis presented is shown to reduce to ordinary rigorous coupled-wave theory when the grating vector lies in the plane of incidence.
Optimization of a low jitter, 50 kV, 100 Hz triggered spark gap with high pressure gas mixtures

Recent research efforts at Texas Tech University on impulse antenna phased array has needed to develop a reliable high voltage, high repetition rate switch that will operate with ultra low jitter. An ideal jitter of a small fraction of the risetime is required to accurately synchronize the array to steer and preserve the risetime of the radiated pulse. In, we showed the initial test system with sub-ns results for operations in different gases and gas mixtures. This paper discusses in detail 50 kV, 100 Hz switch operations with different gases. The effects of gases and gas mixtures have on switch performance which includes recovery rate and in particular jitter will be investigated. Gases tested include, dry air, H2, N2, and SF6, as well as H2-N2, and N2-SF6 gas mixtures. Switch jitter as a result of triggering conditions is discussed, also including a comprehensive evaluation of jitter as a function of formative delay in the various gases. The temperature of gas and its effects on switch jitter is also documented in this paper. A 50 ?, 1 nF pulse forming line is charged to 50 kV and provides the low inductance voltage source to test the different gases. Triggering is provided by a solid state opening switch voltage source that supplies ~150 kV, 10 ns risetime pulses at a rep rate up to 100 Hz in burst mode. A hermetically sealed spark gap with a Kel-F-PCTFE (polychlorotrifluoroethylene) lining is used to house the switch and high pressure gas.
Running over rough terrain: guinea fowl maintain dynamic stability despite a large unexpected change in substrate height

SUMMARY In the natural world, animals must routinely negotiate varied and unpredictable terrain. Yet, we know little about the locomotor strategies used by animals to accomplish this while maintaining dynamic stability. In this paper, we perturb the running of guinea fowl with an unexpected drop in substrate height (Δ H ). The drop is camouflaged to remove any visual cue about the upcoming change in terrain that would allow an anticipatory response. To maintain stability upon a sudden drop in substrate height and prevent a fall, the bird must compensate by dissipating energy or converting it to another form. The aim of this paper is to investigate the control strategies used by birds in this task. In particular, we assess the extent to which guinea fowl maintain body weight support and conservative spring-like body dynamics in the perturbed step. This will yield insight into how animals integrate mechanics and control to maintain dynamic stability in the face of real-world perturbations. Our results show that, despite altered body dynamics and a great deal of variability in the response, guinea fowl are quite successful in maintaining dynamic stability, as they stumbled only once (without falling) in the 19 unexpected perturbations. In contrast, when the birds could see the upcoming drop in terrain, they stumbled in 4 of 20 trials (20%, falling twice), and came to a complete stop in an additional 6 cases (30%). The bird9s response to the unexpected perturbation fell into three general categories: (1) conversion of vertical energy ( E V = E P + E Kv ) to horizontal kinetic energy ( E Kh ), (2) absorption of E V through negative muscular work (-Δ E com ), or (3) converting E P to vertical kinetic energy ( E Kv ), effectively continuing the ballistic path of the animal9s center of mass (COM) from the prior aerial phase. However, the mechanics that distinguish these categories actually occur along a continuum with varying degrees of body weight support and actuation by the limb, related to the magnitude and direction of the ground reaction force (GRF) impulse, respectively. In most cases, the muscles of the limb either produced or absorbed energy during the response, as indicated by net changes in COM energy ( E com ). The limb likely begins stance in a more retracted, extended position due to the 26 ms delay in ground contact relative to that anticipated by the bird. This could explain the diminished decelerating force during the first half of stance and the exchange between E P and E K during stance as the body vaults over the limb. The varying degree of weight support and energy absorption in the perturbed step suggests that variation in the initial limb configuration leads to different intrinsic dynamics and reflex action. Future investigation into the limb and muscle mechanics underlying these responses could yield further insight into the control mechanisms that allow such robust dynamic stability of running in the face of large, unexpected perturbations.
A novel vein graft model: adaptation to differential flow environments

Accelerated intimal hyperplasia in response to altered flow environment is critical to the process of vein bypass graft failure. Lack of a reproducible animal model for dissecting the mechanisms of...
Aspects of poetic imitation in 15th–17th-century Turkish romances. The case of the Gul u Navrūz

The paper discusses the Gul u Navrūz romance cycle, presenting its reception history in Caġatay and Ottoman literature. Comparing the elaborations of this picaresque mystical love story, it tries to understand (1) what might have appealed to poets to write their own version of it, (2) how the story found its way from Persian into the Caġatay and Ottoman Turkish literary canon, (3) how it disappeared from court literature, to resurface in East Anatolian folk literature, and (4) what the aesthetic concepts of the individual authors were and how they differed from one another. Also elaborated is the interrelation of Persian and Turkish literature on the one hand, and of Ottoman and Timurid literature on the other.
What is the effect of establishing programs that address sense of belonging on undergraduate engineering retention

Research ascribes that a variety of factors (e.g. course load, poor instruction, financial restraints) contribute to students' decisions to change majors and to drop out of college. Less well understood, however, is the influence of a sense of belonging on student persistence, particularly within engineering. Several studies have connected sense of belonging with retention, but few have focused on the relationship between specific programs and longitudinal retention among engineering students. In this study, researchers examined the long-term effects of a suite of strategies designed to enhance a sense of belonging of engineering students. To evaluate these reforms, an interrupted time series approach was utilized. Fourteen annual cohorts were examined from 1998 through 2013. Trends were first evaluated among the engineering students as a whole, and then by gender and ethnicity. Overall, the rate of retention increased at an average rate of 1.1% per year. Prior to reforms, retention was on the upswing but only at a rate of 0.9% per year. Following the new strategies, this rate nearly doubled to 1.6% per year. Finally, it is noted that the increase in retention occurred alongside an increase in the overall size of the engineering student body.
Neutron Scattering from an Asymmetric Rotor: 197Au

Differential neutron elastic-scattering cross sections of 197 Au are measured from ≈4.5 to 10.0 MeV at incident-neutron energy intervals of ≈0.5 MeV. These results are combined with previous lower-energy work by the author and associates to form a neutron-scattering database extending from ≈0.3 to 10.0 MeV. A few elastic-scattering distributions and total cross sections from the literature are added to it, and the composite is interpreted in terms of optical-statistical, dispersion, and coupled-channels models. The results are compared with models in the literature and with relevant portions of the ENDF/B-VI nuclear data file. A collective rotational model for the prediction of neutron interactions in this mass-energy region is suggested.
Digital Storytelling as Racial Justice Digital Hopes for Deconstructing Whiteness in Teacher Education

Teacher education is replete with an overwhelming presence of Whiteness, a presence that if not explicitly interrogated indefinitely recycles hegemonic Whiteness. Needed are pedagogical strategies that expose the hegemonic invisibility of Whiteness. This critical reflection examines the utilization of digital storytelling by teacher educators of color to pedagogically deconstruct Whiteness in a predominately White, urban-focused teacher education course—a necessary deconstruction if these teacher candidates are to effectively teach urban students of color. Particularly, this article deconstructs four academic years of digital stories produced in a mandatory diversity course in an urban teacher education program and illustrates how digital storytelling itself promotes a critical self-revelation that confront Whiteness in White teacher candidates. The preliminary analyses suggest that digital storytelling is a racially just way of having White teacher candidates self-reflect on their own Whiteness in a mult...
Pressure-Velocity Correlation in a Reactive Turbulent Flow

Analysis is made of the often-neglected correlation between velocity and pressure gradient fluctuations which occurs in the turbulent kinetic energy equation (TKEE). Restricting attention to this correlation for normal turbulent flames in premixed gases using high activation energy asymptotics, a model is generated for the correlation. Splitting the velocity field into solenoidal and irrotational components, it is shown that the acoustic field can dominate the vortical field under several circumstances, in which case the TKEE is not a turbulence equation but an acoustic equation. Under conditions where the vortical field is dominant the pressure-velocity correlation is shown to be essential to the TKE balance.
The Future of Enterprise Organization

This book review essay argues that Henry Hansmann's The Ownership of Enterprise and G.P. Stapledon's Institutional Shareholders and Corporate Governance reflect two directions in legal analysis. Hansmann's book illustrates a "microanalysis of institutions," and Stapledon's follows a "macroanalysis of society." Hansmann explains varying legal forms of enterprise in terms of the costs of contracting and ownership. The reviewer finds Hansmann's analysis persuasive for the most part, but argues that he does not fully account for the benefits of enterprise organization and the nature of legal ownership. Stapledon's macroanalysis traces the rise of institutional investors in Great Britain and Australia comparatively. The reviewer focuses on Stapledon's suggestion that Australia may offer a "hybrid" species of corporate governance between the Anglo-American and German/Japanese models. The review concludes with an account of the "uneasy case for investor ownership" that supports Hansmann's analysis and a normative argument in favor of the public corporation as the best form of large-scale enterprise for the future.
The Promise and Problems of Provisional Voting

This piece examines the first major test of provisional voting after the enactment of the Help American Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). The 2004 presidential election demonstrated the HAVA system of provisional voting is seriously underdeveloped, in large part because of ambiguities and gaps in HAVA itself. These deficiencies prevent provisional voting from serving as the "insurance policy" HAVA intended it to be. The article recommends that, before the 2008 presidential election, new legislation should be enacted that would establish preelection mechanisms for verifying voter eligibility and that these preelection verification procedures be used to streamline postelection disputes over provisional ballots.
Experimental Jejunal Ulcer Relative Importance of Mechanical and Chemical Factors.

Conclusions1. In a total series of 47 animals, the duodenal drainage operation of Mann and Williamson resulted in jejunal ulcer formation in 38 instances, 70.2%. 2. The incidence of death from peritonitis secondary to perforation was 34%. 3. There was no relationship between the site of drainage, i. e., whether high or low in the intestine, and the incidence or rapidity of ulcer formation. 4. Traumatic lesions of the jejunum healed promptly in spite of the formation of new ulcers in adjacent areas. 5. The experimental ulcers under consideration are not due to operative trauma, or merely to the chemical digestive action of the gastric juice, or to the two together. It is quite possible, however, that the continued mechanical and chemical trauma inflicted on the cells of the jejunal mucosa by the ejected acid chyme may be entirely responsible for the formation of the lesions.
Some Perspectives on Participatory Ergonomics in High Technology Organizations

Foreign competition, a changing work force, societal and technological changes all serve to create an environment of change. Accordingly, concerns about improved human resource productivity have emerged. An increasing number of new management practices emphasize more participative approaches. Local plants of three high technology organizations were examined to determine management practices, policies, and programs. Each was found to employ participative techniques in the reaching of decisions which affect the employee in his or her daily work. An atmosphere of trust and mutual respect was common across the three organizations. Impacts of technological change were discussed with officials, and in each firm participative management systems were successfully employed in terms of organizational effectiveness and quality of work life.
American Acceptance of Global Warming Retreats in Wake of Winter 2014

The winter of 2014 took its toll on many aspects of life in the United States. From individual level costs such as increased heating expenses and disrupted work schedules to broad economic effects including strained public works budgets and slower than expected growth in gross domestic product, the generally cold and snowy winter left a substantial impact on the lives of many Americans. Along with the numerous economic and fiscal effects the last winter left behind has been an erosion in public acceptance of the existence of global warming. In the wake of winter 2014 Americans are less likely to say that there is solid evidence of global warming than at any point measured since the spring of 2011. These are among the key findings of the latest round of the National Surveys on Energy and Environment (NSEE) from the University of Michigan and Muhlenberg College.
Arsenic exposure, genetic susceptibility and leukocyte telomere length in an Italian young adult population

Arsenic-induced health effects may be associated with critically shortened telomeres. However, few data are available on the effects of arsenic exposure on telomere length. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic arsenic exposure on leukocyte telomere length (LTL) as well as the contribution of common polymorphisms in genes implicated in arsenic metabolism (GSTT1 and GSTM1) and DNA repair (hOGG1 and XRCC1). A group of 241 healthy subjects was enrolled from four areas of Italy known to be affected by natural or anthropogenic arsenic pollution. Urine samples were tested for inorganic As (iAs), monomethylarsinic (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). LTL was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Genotyping was carried out by PCR-RFLP on leukocyte DNA. In multiple linear regression analysis, LTL was significantly and inversely correlated with age (β = -0.231, P = 0.006) and showed a certain trend toward significance with iAs urinary concentration (log10 iAs, β = -0.106, P = 0.08). The genotype distribution showed significant associations between GSTT1 and the As concentration (log10 iAs, P = 0.01) and metabolite patterns (log10 DMA, P = 0.05) in the urine. However, GST genes did not interact with arsenic exposure in the modulation of LTL. Conversely, the combined presence of a higher level of iAs + MMA + DMA ≥ 19.3 μg/l (F = 6.0, P interaction = 0.01), Asi ≥ 3.86 (F = 3.9, P interaction = 0.04) μg/l, iAs + MMA + DMA ≥ 15 μg/l (F = 4.2, P interaction = 0.04) and hOGG1 Cys allele was associated with a significantly lower LTL. An interaction between XRCC1 Arg399Gln and arsenic exposure was also observed (all P interaction = 0.04). These findings suggest that telomere shortening may represent a mechanism that contributes to arsenic-related disease. The interaction of hOGG1 and XRCC1 DNA repair polymorphisms and exposure enhances telomeric DNA damage. Future studies are warranted to understand better the epidemiologic impact of arsenic on telomere function as well as to identify the subgroups of exposed subjects who need better health surveillance.
Three-dimensional Electric Field Simulation and Inner Shielding Structure Optimization of ±1 100 kV Wall Bushing with RBF Neural Network and NSGA-II Algorithm

The 3-D electrostatic field simulation and the intelligent optimization of inner shielding structure of ±1 100 kV UHVDC wall bushing are seldom reported. Thus, we established a 3D model of wall bushing to simulate the bushing and electric field of its inner shielding structure using the finite element method. We also proposed the multi-objective optimization of the inner shielding structure on the basis of the RBF neural network and NSGA-II hybrid algorithm, which were verified through some classical functions. Moreover, we established the mathematical model of the multi-objective optimization, and used it to optimize a wall bushing's inner shielding structure, where the electric field met the control requirements. The results show that, compared with the free meshing, the rotational sweeping meshing approach can effectively reduce the number of meshing nodes by 58.2%. The wall and grading rings have good shielding effects on the composite jackets of bushing. The optimization reduces the highest field intensity by 14.5%, and the intensive parts of the electric field are mainly on the surface of the shielding. The simulative results provide certain data and theoretical basis for the design, manufacture, and operation of wall bushing. Moreover, the proposed algorithm effectively solves the time-consuming problem of optimizing the complex large multi-dielectric models.
Epidemiology of bacteremic urinary tract infections in chronically hospitalized elderly men.

Abstract We sought to determine the contribution of. pathogen-specific factors to the pathogenesis of invasive urinary tract infections in chronically institutionalized elderly men with symptomatic bacteriuria. We found that Escherichia coli was the most invasive pathogen, being found in 46% of the bacteremic as opposed to 25% of the nonbacteremic, rigorously defined urinary tract infections (p
Integrated Microfluidic DNA Array Biochips

Two microfluidic DNA array devices that integrate massively parallel microfluidic channels with conventional DNA microarray technology have been developed. These devices allow DNA hybridization assays to be performed in a miniaturized and highly parallel fashion. The microfluidic arrays are a new DNA diagnostics platform that has several desirable features such as single-use and cost-effective, highly parallel (up to 52 protocols in parallel), and processed rapidly. Additionally, only nanoliter-volumes (∼100 nL) of DNA sample/reagents are consumed per array.
Effect of Out-of-Pocket Cost on Medication Initiation, Adherence, and Persistence among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: The Diabetes Study of Northern California (DISTANCE)

Objective To estimate the effect of out-of-pocket (OOP) cost on nonadherence to classes of cardiometabolic medications among patients with diabetes. Data Sources/Setting Electronic health records from a large, health care delivery system for 223,730 patients with diabetes prescribed 842,899 new cardiometabolic medications during 2006–2012. Study Design Observational, new prescription cohort study of the effect of OOP cost on medication initiation and adherence. Data Collection Adherence and OOP costs were based on pharmacy dispensing records and benefits. Principal Findings Primary nonadherence (never dispensed) increased monotonically with OOP cost after adjusting for demographics, neighborhood socioeconomic status, Medicare, medical financial assistance, OOP maximum, deductibles, mail order pharmacy incentive and use, drug type, generic or brand, day's supply, and comorbidity index; 7 percent were never dispensed the new medication when OOP cost ≥$11, 5 percent with OOP cost of $1–$10, and 3 percent when the medication was free of charge (p < .0001). Higher OOP cost was also strongly associated with inadequate secondary adherence (≥20 percent of time without adequate medication). There was no clinically significant or consistent relationship between OOP costs and early nonpersistence (dispensed once, never refilled) or later stage nonpersistence (discontinued within 24 months). Conclusions Cost-sharing may deter clinically vulnerable patients from initiating essential medications, undermining adherence and risk factor control.
Magnetoelectric Laminate Composites – Enhanced Magnetic Field Sensitivity, and High Voltage Gain

In this paper, the magnetoelectric (ME) coupling and working modes are defined and discussed. Several types of ME laminate composites based on Terfenol-D, Fe-Ga magnetostrictive layers and piezoelectric Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 crystal, Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 ceramic layers have been developed. Our experiments confirm that these ME composites have giant magnetoelectric voltage coefficients of ∼0.43×103 mV/Oe in the frequency range of 10-2<f<104 Hz under low magnetic bias. When operated under resonant conditions, the ME voltage coefficient is dramatically enhanced to maximum values as high as ∼20×103 mV/Oe. At resonance, our ME laminates have (i) a strong voltage gain effect; and (ii) an ultrahigh magnetic field sensitivity of near 10-12 Tesla.
Novel vitexin-inspired scaffold against leukemia.

Abstract Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of leukemia in children. Up to a quarter of ALL patients relapse and face poor prognosis. To identify new compound leads, we conducted a phenotypic screen using terrestrial natural product (NP) fractions against immortalized ALL cellular models. We identified vitexin, a flavonoid, as a promising hit with biological activity (EC50 = 30 μM) in pre-B cell ALL models with no toxicity against normal human tissue (BJ cells) at the tested concentrations. To develop more potent compounds against ALL and elucidate its potential mode of action, a vitexin-inspired compound library was synthesized. Thus, we developed an improved and scalable protocol for the direct synthesis of 4-quinolone core heterocycles containing an N-sulfonamide using a one-pot condensation reaction protocol. The newly generated compounds represent a novel molecular scaffold against ALL as exemplified by compounds 13 and 15, which demonstrated EC50 values in the low micromolar range (0.3–10 μM) with little to no toxicity in normal cellular models. Computational studies support the hypothesis that these compounds are potential CDK inhibitors. The compounds induced apoptosis, caused cell arrest at G0/G1 and G2/M, and induced ROS in cancer cells.
Revising the Lubben Social Network Scale for use in residential long-term care settings.

Purposes: We revised the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS) to develop a measure of social support specific to residential long-term care (LTC) settings, the LSNS-LTC with five domains (i.e., famil...
Comparison of the Truview PCD™ and the GlideScope® video laryngoscopes with direct laryngoscopy in pediatric patients: a randomized trial

The GlideScope® video laryngoscope has a 60° angled blade and the blade of the Truview PCD™ video laryngoscope has an optical lens that provides a 46° refraction of the viewing angle. Despite successful results using the GlideScope in adults, few studies have been published regarding its use in pediatric patients. We therefore tested our joint primary hypothesis that the GlideScope and the Truview PCD video laryngoscopes provide superior visualization to direct laryngoscopy and are non-inferior regarding time to intubation. One hundred thirty-four patients (neonate to ten years of age, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III) scheduled for general surgical procedures were randomized to tracheal intubation using the Truview PCD or GlideScope video laryngoscope or direct laryngoscopy (Macintosh blade). The laryngoscopic view was scored using the Cormack-Lehane scale. Time to intubation (defined as the time from the moment the device entered the patient’s mouth until end-tidal CO2 was detected) and the number of attempts were recorded. The Cormack-Lehane views attained using the GlideScope (P > 0.99) and Truview PCD (P = 0.18) were not superior to the views attained with direct laryngoscopy. Furthermore, the view attained using the GlideScope was significantly worse than that attained using direct laryngoscopy (P < 0.001). Fewer patients showed Cormack-Lehane grade I views with the GlideScope than with the Truview PCD (14% vs 82%, respectively; 95% confidence interval [CI] −91% to −46%). The observed median [Q1, Q3] times to intubation were: 39 [31, 59] sec, 44 [28, 62] sec, and 23 [21, 28] sec with the GlideScope, Truview PCD, and direct laryngoscopy, respectively, with median differences of 14 sec (95% CI 7 to 26, GlideScope – direct laryngoscopy) and 17 sec (95% CI 6 to 28, Truview PCD – direct laryngoscopy). The Cormack-Lehane views attained using the GlideScope and the Truview PCD video laryngoscopes were not superior to views attained using direct laryngoscopy. Visualization with the GlideScope was significantly worse than with direct laryngoscopy. Use of the GlideScope and Truview PCD systems should be restricted to patients with specific indications.
A Boolean-Linear Model of the Subject

Consider a Boolean subject $$ {a_1}^{{a_2}^{W({x_3},{B_3})}} $$ (7.1) where all variables take on values from the set {0,1}.
Molecular Systematics: 1997–1999

During the period of our last review of plant molecular systematics (in Progress in Botany, Volume 58; Sytsma and Hahn 1996), which covered 1994–1995, we indicated a number of areas that should emerge as important issues in the field of molecular systematics: 1. The analysis of DNA data 2. The search for alternative genes or DNA regions 3. Co-evolutionary studies using molecules to track the evolution of the different organisms involved 4. The interfacing of developmental genetics and phylogenetic systematics to understand morphological evolution 5. Adaptive radiations
Genetic diversity between mouse strains allows identification of the CC027/GeniUnc strain as an orally reactive model of peanut allergy

Background Improved animal models are needed to understand the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to food allergy. Objective We sought to assess food allergy phenotypes in a genetically diverse collection of mice. Methods We selected 16 Collaborative Cross (CC) mouse strains, as well as the classic inbred C57BL/6J, C3H/HeJ, and BALB/cJ strains, for screening. Female mice were sensitized to peanut intragastrically with or without cholera toxin and then challenged with peanut by means of oral gavage or intraperitoneal injection and assessed for anaphylaxis. Peanut-specific immunoglobulins, T-cell cytokines, regulatory T cells, mast cells, and basophils were quantified. Results Eleven of the 16 CC strains had allergic reactions to intraperitoneal peanut challenge, whereas only CC027/GeniUnc mice reproducibly experienced severe symptoms after oral food challenge (OFC). CC027/GeniUnc, C3H/HeJ, and C57BL/6J mice all mounted a TH2 response against peanut, leading to production of IL-4 and IgE, but only the CC027/GeniUnc mice reacted to OFC. Orally induced anaphylaxis in CC027/GeniUnc mice was correlated with serum levels of Ara h 2 in circulation but not with allergen-specific IgE or mucosal mast cell protease 1 levels, indicating systemic allergen absorption is important for anaphylaxis through the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, CC027/GeniUnc, but not C3H/HeJ or BALB/cJ, mice can be sensitized in the absence of cholera toxin and react on OFC to peanut. Conclusions We have identified and characterized CC027/GeniUnc mice as a strain that is genetically susceptible to peanut allergy and prone to severe reactions after OFC. More broadly, these findings demonstrate the untapped potential of the CC population in developing novel models for allergy research.
Large-Area Material and Junction Damage in c-Si Solar Cells by Potential-Induced Degradation

In this work, we discuss a new fundamental PID mechanism that has not been reported. We developed in-situ Kelvin probe force microscopy to monitor the potential evolution at nanometer scale under high-voltage stress. We observed large-area junction degradation during the stressing and junction recovery by heat treatment from the same location. Electron-beam induced current (EBIC) results support the large-area damage, which has a much lower collected current (dark region) and has an abrupt transition between the bright and dark areas, in addition to local shunts. Transmission electron microscopy does not find stacking faults in the dark-EBIC region. Furthermore, time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry indicates that the large-area damage correlates with more sodium content. The consistent results shed new light on PID mechanisms that are essentially different from the widely reported local-junction shunts.
The southern shift and regional identity in Appalachia

The Southern Vowel Shift (SVS) historically occurred across the Southern U.S. (e.g., Labov et al., 1972; Feagin, 1986). Several recent studies document the retreat of the SVS in the urban South (Fridland, 1999; Prichard, 2010; Dodsworth and Kohn, 2012). However, Irons (2007) found the SVS advancing in rural Kentucky. Thus, Fridland notes the SVS might not be "a supra-regional norm," serving rather as "an ecological distinction within the South" (2012:187). As an ecological distinction, SVS features might reflect a speaker’s orientation toward differing ecologies. Thus, a speaker with a rural orientation might use more SVS features than a speaker who is less rurally oriented. The present paper investigates the SVS in rural speech examining three features: monophthongization of /aI/, rotation of /E/ and /e/, and rotation of /I/ and /i/. Data come from sociolinguistic interviews, reading passages, and words lists from 25 speakers from rural northeast Tennessee. Additionally, every participant completed a Rootedness Metric, a psychometric survey that quantifies place-based orientation. Results indicate that speakers exhibit SVS features, with reversals of the relative front vowel positions and monophthongization of /aI/ in all positions (cf. Irons, 2007). However, more rooted speakers exhibited the most advanced SVS features. Thus, the central difference of SVS features may not merely be "ecological," rather the speaker’s relationship to the differing regional ecologies.The Southern Vowel Shift (SVS) historically occurred across the Southern U.S. (e.g., Labov et al., 1972; Feagin, 1986). Several recent studies document the retreat of the SVS in the urban South (Fridland, 1999; Prichard, 2010; Dodsworth and Kohn, 2012). However, Irons (2007) found the SVS advancing in rural Kentucky. Thus, Fridland notes the SVS might not be "a supra-regional norm," serving rather as "an ecological distinction within the South" (2012:187). As an ecological distinction, SVS features might reflect a speaker’s orientation toward differing ecologies. Thus, a speaker with a rural orientation might use more SVS features than a speaker who is less rurally oriented. The present paper investigates the SVS in rural speech examining three features: monophthongization of /aI/, rotation of /E/ and /e/, and rotation of /I/ and /i/. Data come from sociolinguistic interviews, reading passages, and words lists from 25 speakers from rural northeast Tennessee. Additionally, every participant completed a Roo...
Efficient stereoselective syntheses of isopanepoxydone and panepoxydone: a re-assignment of relative configuration

Abstract Recent efforts in our laboratories have resulted in efficient racemic syntheses of isopanepoxydone and panepoxydone, secondary metabolites isolated originally from the basidiomycete Panus conchatus . These synthetic efforts have led us to assign the structure of isopanepoxydone as that of 3 and re-assign the structure of panepoxydone as 2 .
Parental understanding of intoeing gait - A preliminary study.

Abstract Objective Evaluation of a child’s intoeing gait is one of the most common referrals made to a pediatric orthopedist. Families may have difficulty understanding the often transient and usually benign nature of intoeing. The purpose of this study was to investigate parental perceptions of an intoeing gait both before and after consultation with an orthopedic practitioner. Methods 48 parents of children referred to pediatric orthopedic surgeons for evaluation of intoeing gait completed a 22-item questionnaire that assessed demographics, anxiety, and parental perceptions of intoeing. Questionnaires were administered before and after visits. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and Fisher exact tests. Results Before their visits, parents reported similar levels of anxiety and understanding regarding intoeing, independent of their age or education. After the visits, anxiety decreased (P Conclusions Younger parents with lower education levels were more likely to leave visits with high anxiety and poor understanding. These parents were more likely to consider seeking further treatment for their child’s intoeing, placing additional stress on their child, themselves and an overburdened healthcare system.
First Report of Cucumber mosaic virus Infecting Siam Tulip (Curcuma alismatifolia) in Florida

Siam tulip (Curcuma alismatifolia) has become an important crop for breeding new varieties owing to its high economic value as a tropical ornamental. In September 2017, C. alismatifolia potted plan...
How logically impossible patents block biosimilars.

Deep patent portfolios help drugmakers block market entry by potential biosimilars, but many biologic patents logically cannot be valid barriers to competitive entry.
Meaning and Modularity: The Multivalence of “Mechanism” in Sociological Explanation:

Mechanisms are ubiquitous in sociological explanation. Recent theoretical work has sought to extend mechanistic explanation further still: into cultural and interpretative analysis. Yet it is not c...
Optical Coherence Tomography-Guided Robotic Ophthalmic Microsurgery via Reinforcement Learning from Demonstration

Ophthalmic microsurgery is technically difficult because the scale of required surgical tool manipulations challenge the limits of the surgeon's visual acuity, sensory perception, and physical dexterity. Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging with micrometer-scale resolution is increasingly being used to monitor and provide enhanced real-time visualization of ophthalmic surgical maneuvers, but surgeons still face physical limitations when manipulating instruments inside the eye. Autonomously controlled robots are one avenue for overcoming these physical limitations. In this article, we demonstrate the feasibility of using learning from demonstration and reinforcement learning with an industrial robot to perform OCT-guided corneal needle insertions in an ex vivo model of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) surgery. Our reinforcement learning agent trained on ex vivo human corneas, then outperformed surgical fellows in reaching a target needle insertion depth in mock corneal surgery trials. This article shows the combination of learning from demonstration and reinforcement learning is a viable option for performing OCT-guided robotic ophthalmic surgery.
Type 1 diabetes self-management behaviors among emerging adults: Racial/ethnic differences.

Background Emerging adulthood is a vulnerable period for poor blood glucose control and self-management behaviors (SMBs) among individuals with type 1 diabetes. Racial/ethnic minority young adults have poorer glycemic outcomes than non-Hispanic whites; however, little is known about possible racial/ethnic differences in frequency of SMBs among emerging adults (EAs). Objective To examine racial/ethnic differences in SMBs and to determine associations between SMBs and blood glucose control. Methods A sample of EAs (ages 18-25 years; N = 3,456) from the Type 1 Diabetes Exchange Registry was used to conduct multivariate analyses to examine a) racial/ethnic differences in SMBs and b) associations between SMBs and blood glucose control for each racial/ethnic group. Results Compared to non-Hispanic whites, African Americans and Hispanics less frequently took an insulin bolus for snacks, less frequently checked blood glucose with a meter, and were more likely to not use insulin to carbohydrate ratios. African Americans also less frequently checked blood glucose prior to mealtime boluses and more frequently missed insulin doses. SMBs that were associated with blood glucose control across groups were frequency of checking blood glucose at mealtime, missing an insulin dose, and checking blood glucose with a meter. Conclusions Promoting two SMBs: checking blood glucose and taking insulin doses as needed among African American EAs may be important to address racial disparities in glycemic outcomes. Future research should evaluate possible social and contextual mechanisms contributing to low engagement in these behaviors among African Americans to inform strategies to address racial differences in glycemic outcomes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Tracing a Path for Memory in the Hippocampus.

The hippocampal activity supporting trace fear conditioning has long been mysterious, but a leading hypothesis posits "time-cell"-like sequential patterns. In this issue of Neuron, Ahmed et al. (2020) present new data suggesting that, at least during the first session of learning, a subset of neurons coalesce to selectively encode the task but without expressing reliable sequences.
Association Between Implementing Comprehensive Learning Collaborative Strategies in a Statewide Collaborative and Changes in Hospital Safety Culture

Importance Hospital safety culture remains a critical consideration when seeking to reduce medical errors and improve quality of care. Little is known regarding whether participation in a comprehensive, multicomponent, statewide quality collaborative is associated with changes in hospital safety culture. Objective To examine whether implementation of a comprehensive, multicomponent, statewide surgical quality improvement collaborative is associated with changes in hospital safety culture. Design, Setting, and Participants In this survey study, the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire, a 56-item validated survey covering 6 culture domains (teamwork, safety, operating room safety, working conditions, perceptions of management, and employee engagement), was administered to a random sample of physicians, nurses, operating room staff, administrators, and leaders across Illinois hospitals to assess hospital safety culture prior to launching a new statewide quality collaborative in 2015 and then again in 2017. The final analysis included 1024 respondents from 36 diverse hospitals, including major academic, community, and rural centers, enrolled in ISQIC (Illinois Surgical Quality Improvement Collaborative). Exposures Participation in a comprehensive, multicomponent statewide surgical quality improvement collaborative. Key components included enrollment in a common standardized data registry, formal quality and process improvement training, participation in collaborative-wide quality improvement projects, funding support for local projects, and guidance provided by surgeon mentors and process improvement coaches. Main Outcomes and Measures Perception of hospital safety culture. Results The overall survey response rate was 43.0% (580 of 1350 surveys) in 2015 and 39.0% (444 of 1138 surveys) in 2017 from 36 hospitals. Improvement occurred in all the overall domains, with significant improvement in teamwork climate (change, 3.9%;P = .03) and safety climate (change, 3.2%;P = .02). The largest improvements occurred in individual measures within domains, including physician-nurse collaboration (change, 7.2%;P = .004), reporting of concerns (change, 4.7%;P = .009), and reduction in communication breakdowns (change, 8.4%;P = .005). Hospitals with the lowest baseline safety culture experienced the largest improvements following collaborative implementation (change range, 11.1%-14.9% per domain;P Conclusions and Relevance This survey study found that hospital enrollment in a statewide quality improvement collaborative was associated with overall improvement in safety culture after implementing multiple learning collaborative strategies. Hospitals with the poorest baseline culture reported the greatest improvement following implementation of the collaborative.
Impact Assessment of the Fiber Optic National Project on Student Academic Performance

Student academic performance is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, health, life quality and innovation. As a result, its enhancement has been a central issue in governments public policy debates in developed and under developed countries. Furthermore, the development of new technologies such as internet broadband access might challenge existing pedagogical methods and allowed the provision of high-quality education on a larger scale. The current study aims to determine if there is relationship between student academic performance and information and communication technologies, specifically through the delivery of internet broadband access. Their relationship was determined using the framework provided by the Fiber Optic National Project (FONP). Starting in 2013, the Colombian government implemented the FONP looking to increase competitiveness, lower poverty and enhance educational outcomes. The effect of the FONP was assessed through students’ performance at the Saber 11, the national standardized exam for high school students, in the fields of math, social sciences, natural sciences, critical reading and English. The study applied the quantitative method of differences in differences and conducted interviews and field study to the schools benefited by the FONP. In addition, the impact was studied with and without considering for the sections of the day in which students attend public schools in Colombia. The author does not find an impact of the FONP on any of the fields evaluated by the Saber 11 when not considering the role played by the section to which the school belongs. On the other hand, when taking the section of the day into account the results on student performance are mixed: Schools belonging to full-time section were positively affected by internet broadband access in all the fields evaluated by the Exam. Meanwhile, no effect was found for part-time afternoon and part-time morning sections.
The Zadar Fragment of the Collatio Legum Mosaicarum et Romanarum (or Lex Dei)

A fragment from the anonymous text known as the Collatio Legum Mosaicarum et Romanarum (The Collation of the Laws of Moses and of the Romans) or the Lex Dei (the Law of God) has recently been identified in the State Archives in Zadar, Croatia. The Collatio is a late antique collection of Old Testament strictures and passages from Roman jurists and Roman law which continues to be the subject of scholarly debate. Close examination of this new fragment in the context of the manuscript tradition of the work can give insight into the nature of the lost codex from which it came as well as shed light on the transmission of the Collatio in the Middle Ages.
Dissimilar biodiversity data sets yield congruent patterns and inference in lichens

Large-scale efforts to aggregate and promote the re-use of biodiversity data are leading to novel insights into biogeography and macroecology. However, secondary analyses must account for the trade...