cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of HS6ST3 gene polymorphisms with obesity and triglycerides: Gene × gender interaction

The heparan sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase 3 (HS6ST3) gene is involved in heparan sulphate and heparin metabolism, and has been reported to be associated with diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that HS6ST3 gene polymorphisms might play an important role in obesity and related phenotypes (such as triglycerides). We examined genetic associations of 117 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the HS6ST3 gene with obesity and triglycerides using two Caucasian samples: the Marshfield sample (1442 obesity cases and 2122 controls), and the Health aging and body composition (Health ABC) sample (305 cases and 1336 controls). Logistic regression analysis of obesity as a binary trait and linear regression analysis of triglycerides as a continuous trait, adjusted for age and sex, were performed using PLINK. Single marker analysis showed that six SNPs in the Marshfield sample and one SNP in the Health ABC sample were associated with obesity (P < 0.05). SNP rs535812 revealed a stronger association with obesity in meta-analysis of these two samples (P = 0.0105). The T–A haplotype from rs878950 and rs9525149 revealed significant association with obesity in the Marshfield sample (P = 0.012). Moreover, nine SNPs showed associations with triglycerides in the Marshfield sample (P < 0.05) and the best signal was rs1927796 (P = 0.00858). In addition, rs7331762 showed a strong gene × gender interaction (P = 0.00956) for obesity while rs1927796 showed a strong gene × gender interaction (P = 0.000625) for triglycerides in the Marshfield sample. These findings contribute new insights into the pathogenesis of obesity and triglycerides and demonstrate the importance of gender differences in the aetiology.
Dysfunctional T regulatory cells in multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the production of monoclonal immunoglobulin and is associated with suppressed uninvolved immunoglobulins and dysfunctional T-cell responses. The biologic basis of this dysfunction remains ill defined. Because T regulatory (Treg) cells play an important role in suppressing normal immune responses, we evaluated the potential role of Treg cells in immune dysfunction in MM. We observed a significant increase in CD4+CD25+ T cells in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and in patients with MM compared with healthy donors (25% and 26%, respectively, vs 14%); however, Treg cells as measured by FOXP3 expression are significantly decreased in patients with MGUS and MM compared with healthy donors. Moreover, even when they are added in higher proportions, Treg cells in patients with MM and MGUS are unable to suppress anti-CD3–mediated T-cell proliferation. This decreased number and function of Treg cells in MGUS and in MM may account, at least in part, for the nonspecific increase in CD4+CD25+ T cells, thereby contributing to dysfunctional T-cell responses.
A Graft, Physiological and Philosophical: Jean‐Luc Nancy's L'Intrus

Jean‐Luc Nancy begins his essay L'Intrus with a definitive statement: ‘The intruder enters by force, through surprise or ruse […]’1 In this philosophical reflection on a heart transplant he had rec...
Generating stereochemically acceptable protein pathways

We describe a new method for rapidly generating stereochemically acceptable pathways in proteins. The method, called geometric targeting, is publicly available at the webserver http://pathways.asu.edu, and includes tools for visualization of the pathway and creating movie files for use in presentations. The user submits an initial structure and a target structure, and a pathway between the two input states is generated automatically. Besides visualization, the structural quality of the pathways makes them useful as input pathways into pathway refinement techniques and further computations. The approach in geometric targeting is to gradually change the system's RMSD relative to the target structure while enforcing a set of geometric constraints. The generated pathways are not minimum free energy pathways, but they are geometrically plausible pathways that maintain good covalent bond distances and angles, keep backbone dihedral angles in allowed Ramachandran regions, avoid eclipsed side-chain torsion angles, avoid non-bonded overlap, and maintain a set of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts. Resulting pathways for over 20 proteins featuring a wide variety of conformational changes are reported here, including the very large GroEL complex.
Recursive partitioning multicast: A bandwidth-efficient routing for Networks-on-Chip

Chip Multi-processor (CMP) architectures have become mainstream for designing processors. With a large number of cores, Networks-on-Chip (NOCs) provide a scalable communication method for CMP architectures. NOCs must be carefully designed to meet constraints of power consumption and area, and provide ultra low latencies. Existing NOCs mostly use Dimension Order Routing (DOR) to determine the route taken by a packet in unicast traffic. However, with the development of diverse applications in CMPs, one-to-many (multicast) and one-to-all (broadcast) traffic are becoming more common. Current unicast routing cannot support multicast and broadcast traffic efficiently. In this paper, we propose Recursive Partitioning Multicast (RPM) routing and a detailed multicast wormhole router design for NOCs. RPM allows routers to select intermediate replication nodes based on the global distribution of destination nodes. This provides more path diversities, thus achieves more bandwidth-efficiency and finally improves the performance of the whole network. Our simulation results using a detailed cycle-accurate simulator show that compared with the most recent multicast scheme, RPM saves 25% of crossbar and link power, and 33% of link utilization with 50% network performance improvement. Also RPM is more scalable to large networks than the recently proposed VCTM.
Molecular Virology of Feline Calicivirus

Caliciviridae are small, nonenveloped, positive-stranded RNA viruses. Much of our understanding of the molecular biology of the caliciviruses has come from the study of the naturally occurring animal caliciviruses. In particular, many studies have focused on the molecular virology of feline calicivirus (FCV), which reflects its importance as a natural pathogen of cats. FCVs demonstrate a remarkable capacity for high genetic, antigenic, and clinical diversity; "outbreak" vaccine resistant strains occur frequently. This article updates the reader on the current status of clinical behavior and pathogenesis of FCV.
Base ratio, DNA content, and quinacrine-brightness of human chromosomes

Human chromosomes were labeled with base-specific radioactive DNA precursors and examined autoradiographically to measure their DNA content and base ratio (percentage A-T base pairs). The requirement that incorporation of labeled bases be uniform during DNA synthesis was met by the use of inhibitors of de novo synthesis of DNA precursors. The genome was subdivided into 75 segments based on quinacrine banding, and the base ratio of each was calculated by a method that corrects for bias due to the scatter of grains about their source. Estimates of base ratio are shown to be sufficiently precise to detect variability among chromosomes and among segments within a chromosome. Analysis of these data and of measurements of the quinacrine fluorescence intensity of segments leads to the following conclusions. Base ratio is positively correlated with brightness, as predicted from independent in vitro studies. Larger chromosomes tend to have higher base ratios and to be brighter than smaller ones. The best prediction of the brightness of a segment must take into account not only its base ratio but also its DNA content. To explain these results, we suggest an evolutionary model in which chromosomes containing repeated sequences of A-T-rich DNA tend to grow by means of unequal sister chromatid and meiotic exchanges.
Automatic Control of Solvent Density in Grand Canonical Ensemble Monte Carlo Simulations

We present automated methods for determining the value of Adams' B parameter corresponding to a target solvent density in grand canonical ensemble Monte Carlo simulations. The method found to work best employs a proportional-integral control equation commonly used in industrial process control applications. We show here that simulations employing this method rapidly converge to the desired target density. We further show that this method is robust over a wide range of system sizes. This advance reduces the overall CPU time and user effort in determining the equilibrium excess chemical potential in these systems.
Strategy Development in a Turbulent Business Climate: Concepts and Methods

The accelerating speed of change in the food and agribusiness industries is resulting in more risk and uncertainty – the future is becoming much less predictable. The drivers of these uncertainties are also changing – strategic risk which generally has a low probability of occurrence, but large consequences has begun to replace tactical risk. Managing these risks requires not only new assessment tools such as scorecarding and mapping, but also more systematic decision frameworks. In essence, strategic risk management involves using the proper assessment and management tools so as to truncate the loss exposure and capture the profit potential of these risks.
Comparative Study of Implicit and Subgrid-Scale Model LES Techniques for Low-Reynolds Number Airfoil Applications

A computational study of the standard large eddy simulation (LES) technique employing the dynamic Smagorinsky subgrid scale (SGS) model is compared to results using a highorder, implicit LES (ILES) technique with no SGS modeling. It has been shown in the past that ILES presents a viable substitute to the standard LES technique on canonical turbulent problems. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the use of implicit LES with and without explicit subgrid scale models applied to problems of transitional ow over the SD7003 airfoil for various grid resolutions and Reynolds numbers. It will be shown that the addition of the SGS model does not oer a signicant advantage on coarser meshes when compared to the ILES approach. The ILES technique is shown to be an attractive alternative to SGS modeling in solution quality and computational cost and robustness for the ows examined.
Utilization of an Intracellular Bacterial Community Pathway in Klebsiella pneumoniae Urinary Tract Infection and the Effects of FimK on Type 1 Pilus Expression

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important cause of urinary tract infection (UTI), but little is known about its pathogenesis in vivo. The pathogenesis of the K. pneumoniae cystitis isolate TOP52 was compared to that of the uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) isolate UTI89 in a murine cystitis model. Bladder and kidney titers of TOP52 were lower than those of UTI89 at early time points but similar at later time points. TOP52, like UTI89, formed biofilm-like intracellular bacterial communities (IBCs) within the murine bladder, albeit at significantly lower levels than UTI89. Additionally, filamentation of TOP52 was observed, a process critical for UTI89 evasion of neutrophil phagocytosis and persistence in the bladder. Thus, the IBC pathway is not specific to UPEC alone. We investigated if differences in type 1 pilus expression may explain TOP52's early defect in vivo. The type 1 pilus operon is controlled by recombinase-mediated (fimE, fimB, and fimX) phase variation of an invertible promoter element. We found that K. pneumoniae carries an extra gene of unknown function at the 3′ end of its type 1 operon, fimK, and the genome lacks the recombinase fimX. A deletion mutant of fimK was constructed, and TOP52 ΔfimK had higher titers and formed more IBCs in the murine cystitis model than wild type. The loss of fimK or expression of E. coli fimX from a plasmid in TOP52 resulted in a larger phase-ON population and higher expression levels of type 1 pili and gave TOP52 the ability to form type 1-dependent biofilms. Complementation with pfimK decreased type 1 pilus expression and biofilm formation of TOP52 ΔfimK and decreased UTI89 biofilm formation. Thus, K. pneumoniae appears programmed for minimal expression of type 1 pili, which may explain, in part, why K. pneumoniae is a less prevalent etiologic agent of UTI than UPEC.
Snow Water Equivalence Retrieval Using X and Ku band Dual-Polarization Radar

In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of using the dual frequency (X-band 9.6 GHz and Ku-band 17 GHz) and dual polarization (W and VH) radar to estimate snow water equivalence through numerical simulations.
Statistical Properties of SEE Rate Calculation in the Limits of Large and Small Event Counts

We develop a maximum likelihood method for bounding single-event effect (SEE) rates at a particular confidence level. The method is useful for test planning, reliability estimates and investigating rare SEE modes and part-to-part and lot-to-lot variability.
Classification of clothing using interactive perception

We present a system for automatically extracting and classifying items in a pile of laundry. Using only visual sensors, the robot identifies and extracts items sequentially from the pile. When an item has been removed and isolated, a model is captured of the shape and appearance of the object, which is then compared against a database of known items. The classification procedure relies upon silhouettes, edges, and other low-level image measurements of the articles of clothing. The contributions of this paper are a novel method for extracting articles of clothing from a pile of laundry and a novel method of classifying clothing using interactive perception. Experiments demonstrate the ability of the system to efficiently classify and label into one of six categories (pants, shorts, short-sleeve shirt, long-sleeve shirt, socks, or underwear). These results show that, on average, classification rates using robot interaction are 59% higher than those that do not use interaction.
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the Extended Amygdala is Recruited During the Transition to Alcohol Dependence

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is abundant in the extended amygdala, a conceptual macrostructure in the basal forebrain important for regulation of negative affective states. NPY has been attributed a central role in anxiety-like behavior, fear, nociception, and reward in rodents. Deletion of the NPY gene in mice produces a high-anxiety high-alcohol-drinking phenotype. NPY infused into the brains of rats selectively bred to consume high quantities of alcohol suppresses alcohol drinking by those animals, an effect that is mediated by central amygdala (CeA). Likewise, alcohol-preferring rats exhibit basal NPY deficits in CeA. NPY infused into the brains of alcohol-dependent rats blocks excessive alcohol drinking by those animals, an effect that also has been localized to the CeA. NPY in CeA may rescue dependence-induced increases in anxiety and alcohol drinking via inhibition of downstream effector regions that receive GABAergic inputs from CeA. It is hypothesized here that NPY modulates anxiety-like behavior via Y2R regulation of NPY release, whereas NPY modulation of alcohol-drinking behavior in alcohol-dependent animals occurs via Y2R regulation of GABA release.
Harnessing Chaotic Flow Effects in Microscale Natural Convection to Achieve Accelerated Biochemistry

The lack of rapid, affordable, and easy to use medical diagnostic technologies is a critical issue confronting global public health. A major challenge to these efforts lies in the design of instrumentation used to perform a key step in the analysis. This step, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), involves a sequence of thermally activated biochemical processes that selectively replicate well-defined sub regions within a longer DNA strand. Although PCR is generally considered to be a mature technology from a biochemical standpoint, many limitations are still imposed by the highly inefficient design of conventional PCR thermocycling hardware that is slow, expensive, and consumes considerable electrical power to repeatedly heat and cool the reagent mixture. Here we describe an alternative thermocycling approach that has the potential to addresses these needs by harnessing thermally driven natural convection to perform rapid DNA amplification via the PCR. A buoyancy driven instability is induced within a confined volume of fluid by imposing a spatial temperature gradient. Under the right conditions (fluid properties, geometry, temperature gradient, etc.) a stable circulatory flow pattern can be established that will repeatedly transport PCR reagents through temperature zones associated with each stage of the reaction. The inherently simple design (similar in principle to a lava lamp) and minimal electrical power consumption make this approach well-suited for use in portable applications. We also describe our computational and experimental studies of the flow fields established within convective thermocycling reactors, revealing a rich complexity not found in most steady laminar flows. These complexities arise because, under the thermal conditions associated with PCR, the nature of the buoyancy driven instabilities that initiate and sustain motion make it necessary to operate in a transition regime associated with the onset of convective turbulence. These unique characteristics can be harnessed to guide the design of new devices capable of generating optimal conditions for ultra-rapid PCR replication.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Series expansion approach for singular integrals

A class of surface integral equations (SIE) for certain electromagnetic problems requires the numerical integration of singular kernels. Previously, the author showed how one type of singular, four-dimensional, double surface integral could be reduced to a non-singular one-dimensional numerical integration. A series expansion of the integrand and term-by-term integration was found to be superior to traditional Gauss-Legendre quadrature for this integral.
Identification of miR-21 targets in breast cancer cells using a quantitative proteomic approach

MicroRNA (miRNA) play essential roles in biological processes ranging from cellular proliferation to apoptosis. Recently, miRNA have also been implicated in a number of diseases including cancers. However, the targets of most miRNA remain unknown. The majority of reports describing identification of miRNA targets are based on computational approaches or detection of altered mRNA levels despite the fact that most miRNA are thought to regulate their targets primarily at the level of translational inhibition in animals. miR-21 is a miRNA with oncogenic activity that is involved in various cancer-related processes such as invasion and migration. Given the importance of miR-21 in tumorigenesis, we employed a quantitative proteomic strategy to systematically identify potential targets of miR-21. By knocking down the expression of endogenous miR-21 in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, we observed an increase in the abundance of 58 proteins, implying that they could be potential targets of miR-21. Validation of 12 of these candidate targets in luciferase assays showed that 6 of them were likely direct targets of miR-21. Importantly, the mRNA of the majority of the candidate targets tested did not show a concomitant increase in abundance. Overall, our results demonstrate that miR-21 affects the expression of many of its targets through translational inhibition and highlights the utility of proteomic approaches for identifying miRNA targets.
Distribution and systemic effects of intranasally administered 25 nm silver nanoparticles in adult mice.

Previous work indicates that silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) given IP to mice alter the regulation of inflammation- and oxidative stress–related genes in brain. Here we assessed the distribution and t...
Optimal rejection of persistent and bounded disturbances: continuity properties and adaptation

Continuity properties of the problem of optimal rejection of bounded persistent disturbances, otherwise known as l/sup 1/-optimal control, are furnished for discrete-time, single-input, single-output systems. It is shown that for any plant with no zeros on the unit circle, the l/sup 1/-optimal design is continuous as a map from the plant to the optimal closed-loop solution if the plant has a unique optimal solution. In the case of nonuniqueness, a superoptimal criterion is proposed that will always lead to a unique solution; however, it still fails to supply continuity. A characterization of a general class of adaptive controllers in the presence of bounded disturbances is given. Using this characterization, an adaptive/robust scheme based on the l/sup 1/ design methodology is proposed, and it is shown to be globally convergent. >
Immunolocalization of Influenza A Virus and Markers of Inflammation in the Human Parkinson's Disease Brain

Although much is known regarding the molecular mechanisms leading to neuronal cell loss in Parkinson's disease (PD), the initiating event has not been identified. Prevailing theories including a chemical insult or infectious agent have been postulated as possible triggers, leading to neuroinflammation. We present immunohistochemical data indicating the presence of influenza A virus within the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) from postmortem PD brain sections. Influenza A virus labeling was identified within neuromelanin granules as well as on tissue macrophages in the SNpc. Further supporting a role for neuroinflammation in PD was the identification of T-lymphocytes that colocalized with an antibody to caspase-cleaved Beclin-1 within the SNpc. The presence of influenza A virus together with macrophages and T-lymphocytes may contribute to the neuroinflammation associated with this disease.
Paper: An adaptive robustizing approach to kalman filtering

The performance of a linear Kalman filter will degrade when the dynamic noise is not Gaussian. A robust Kalman filter based on the m-interval polynomial approximation (MIPA) method for unknown non-Gaussian noise is proposed. Two situations are considered: (a) the state is Gaussian and the observation noise is non-Gaussian; (b) the state is non-Gaussian and the observation noise is Gaussian. It is shown, as compared with other non-Gaussian filters, the MIPA Kalman filter is computationally feasible, unbiased, more efficient and robust. For the scalar model, Monte Carlo simulations are given to demonstrate the ideas involved.
An Electrothermally Actuated Vo 2 -Based Mems Using Self-Sensing Feedback Control

A self-sensing approach is used to accurately control the large displacements observed in VO 2 -based microelectromechanical systems actuators. The device is operated electrothermally using integrated resistive heaters. The coupling of the abrupt electrical and mechanical changes in VO 2 films across its phase transition allow for the estimation of the device's deflection by monitoring the film's resistance. Furthermore, the typical hysteretic behavior observed in VO 2 films is significantly reduced in the present device and the need for optical testing equipment is eliminated. The displacement-resistance relationship is modeled by a memoryless Boltzmann function consisting of four parameters, which are optimized to fit the experimental data with an average error of 1.1 μm throughout the complete actuation range of 95 μm. The estimated deflection is used as feedback to achieve closed-loop micropositioning control of the device, which is designed from the system dynamics obtained experimentally. Closed-loop sinusoidal and step reference response experiments are performed in order to show the effectiveness of the self-sensing feedback technique used. In the closed-loop sinusoidal frequency response, a cutoff frequency of 43 Hz is observed with a maximum actual deflection error of 0.19 dB up to the phase margin frequency of 30 Hz. In the step response, an average actual displacement steady-state error of ±1.15 μm is obtained with response times ranging from 5 to 12 ms.
Approaches to systematic and evolutionary studies of perplexing groups; an example using fenestrate Bryozoa

Recognition of discrete taxa is an enduring problem in the biological sciences, especially for taxonomists who work with groups that display a great degree of homeomorphy at low taxonomic levels. Selection of the type and number of characters used to make taxonomic distinctions is important because it reflects taxonomic concepts for a group as a whole. Often the validity of characters used to develop classifications is not documented and resulting classifications are therefore suspect. However, classifications can be tested for their objectivity with numerical analysis and characters can be evaluated for their relative value for making taxonomic splits by a variety of statistical techniques. In addition, evaluation of the distribution of character states can lead to insights into evolutionary histories of any group. This study provides such an analysis. Fenestrate cryptostome Bryozoa are abundant and diverse in many upper Paleozoic rocks, and are therefore potentially highly useful for a variety of paleontologic studies. However, study of fenestrates is hampered by necessary complex preparation techniques and problems encountered with homeomorphy. In addition, inconsistent applications of inadequate methodologies have contributed to an unsatisfactory taxonomy. Results from cluster and discriminant analyses demonstrate that fenestrate species can be objectively recognized. Species distinctions are most clear when all available characters are used, although some characters are more diagnostic than others. Results from cluster and discriminant analyses suggest that fenestrate genera represent major evolutionary shifts associated with the development of key character(s) that allowed entry into new adaptive zones. Key characters allow for an oligothetic classification of genera, which is not merely an artifact created to simplify taxonomic analysis. Diversification of species within adaptive zones resulted in a natural hierarchy of genus-level and species-level characters. Iterative evolution at the species level within separate adaptive zones resulted in a great deal of homeomorphy. Morphometric analysis provides insights into several aspects of the paleobiology of this traditionally problematic group. Similar comprehensive studies may prove equally productive for other groups.
Prenatal and postnatal findings in monochorionic, monoamniotic twins discordant for bilateral renal agenesis-dysgenesis (perinatal lethal renal disease)

AbstractWe report on a male twin born with no functional renal tissue and without the extrarenal manifestations of Potter facies, skin changes, club feet and pulmonary hypoplasia. The monoamniotic co-twin had normal renal function, thereby maintaining sufficient amnniotic fluid to avoid the classic presentation of Potter’s syndrome. Prenatal diagnosis of this condition allowed prompt confirmation of these findings and support for the parents without unnecessary intervention. This experiment of nature demonstrates the necessity of normal renal function in the maintenance of amniotic fluid and its relationship to the proper development of the pulmonary and integumentary systems.
Trends and correlates of substance use disorders among probationers and parolees in the United States 2002-2014

Abstract Background Substance use and crime/recidivism are irrevocably linked. We explore the nuances of this association by highlighting the prevalence, trends, and correlates of substance use dsorders in a large group of probationers/parolees. Methods We examined SUDs among probationers and parolees in the United States using data from the National Study on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Logistic regression models were computed to examine eight distinct outcomes: alcohol abuse, illicit drug abuse, marijuana/hashish abuse, comorbid alcohol and illicit drug abuse, alcohol dependence, illicit drug dependence, marijuana/hashish dependence, and comorbid alcohol and illicit drug dependence. Results Probationers/parolees have high prevalence rates across all SUDs categories and these trends have been relatively constant. Prevalence rates for alcohol abuse and dependence are two to six times higher than for marijuana and other illicit drug abuse and dependence. Key correlates of substance abuse for probationers/parolees include: age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, income, risk propensity, crime/violence measures, and comorbid substance abuse. Similar correlates were found for substance dependence, in addition to employment and mental health treatment. Conclusions This study indicates that SUDs are higher among probationer/parolees as compared to their non-supervised counterparts − between four and nine times higher − and these levels have changed little in recent years. Effectively responding to SUDs in this population may enhance adherence to supervision requirements, prevent recidivism, and improve public safety. We may be better served using limited funds for further development of evidence-based policies and programs, such as drug courts, which demonstrate reductions in both drug use and recidivism.
A Study of VITOM in Pediatric Surgery and Urology: Evaluation of Technology Acceptance and Usability by Operating Team and Surgeon Musculoskeletal Discomfort.

Abstract Introduction: We studied operating team acceptability of Video Telescopic Monitor (VITOM®) exoscope by exploring the ease of use of the device in two centers. We also assessed factors affecting surgeon musculoskeletal discomfort. Methods: We focused on how the operating team interacted with the VITOM system with surrogate measures of usefulness, image quality, ease of use, workload, and setup time. Multivariable linear regression was used to model the relationships between team role, experience, and setup time. Relationships between localized musculoskeletal discomfort and use of VITOM alone, and with loupes, were also analyzed. Results: Four surgeons, 7 surgical techs, 7 circulating nurses, and 13 surgical residents performed 70 pediatric surgical and urological operations. We found that subjective views of each team member were consistently positive with 69%–74% agreed or strongly agreed that VITOM enhanced their ability to perform their job and improved the surgical process. Unexpectedly, the ...
Management of Tuberculosis in Special Populations

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death among people living with HIV and/or AIDS (PLWHA) globally [1]. In 2014, of 9.6 million people with incident cases of TB worldwide, 1.2 million (12 %) were HIV infected. And of the 1.5 million TB-related deaths, 400,000 (33 %) had HIV coinfection [2]. Clearly, PLWHA bear a disproportionate burden of TB disease. Unlike other opportunistic infections in which the risk of disease is generally not elevated among those individuals with HIV infection with high CD4 counts, TB incidence increases substantially even within the first year of HIV infection, when CD4 counts are generally high [3]. Risk rises further with progressive immunodeficiency [4]. The annual risk of development of TB disease among persons with latent TB infection (LTBI) and untreated HIV infection is approximately 10 % [5].
Cronenberg’s anesthetics (virtual flesh)

AbstractThis essay investigates the marked disappearance of body horror elements in David Cronenberg’s films since A History of Violence (2005). While the absence of body horror’s conventional iconography is undeniable in Cronenberg’s recent cinema, I contest that this disappearance signals a departure from his longstanding investment in the politics and spectacular possibilities of flesh. By developing Jacques Derrida’s discussion of contemporary capital punishment’s ‘anesthesial logic’ in The Death Penalty Vol. 1, the essay contends that Cronenberg’s apparently fleshless cinema functions anesthetically whereby his avoidance of the shocking iconography that characterizes his archive does not signal its complete erasure. Rather than eradication, anesthetics redirect the anticipated avenues of synesthetic transmission and perception; in Cronenberg’s cinema, they generate an unseen or virtual encounter with the fleshiness distinguishing the ‘Cronenbergian’ signature. The essay begins its discussion of ‘Cron...
Ozone comparison between Pandora #34, Dobson #061, OMI, and OMPS in Boulder, Colorado, for the period December 2013–December 2016

Abstract. A one-time-calibrated (in December 2013) Pandora spectrometer instrument (Pan #034) has been compared to a periodically calibrated Dobson spectroradiometer (Dobson #061) co-located in Boulder, Colorado, and compared with two satellite instruments over a 3-year period (December 2013–December 2016). The results show good agreement between Pan #034 and Dobson #061 within their statistical uncertainties. Both records are corrected for ozone retrieval sensitivity to stratospheric temperature variability obtained from the Global Modeling Initiative (GMI) and Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA-2) model calculations. Pandora #034 and Dobson #061 differ by an average of 2.1 ± 3.2 % when both instruments use their standard ozone absorption cross sections in the retrieval algorithms. The results show a relative drift (0.2 ± 0.08 % yr−1) between Pandora observations against NOAA Dobson in Boulder, CO, over a 3-year period of continuous operation. Pandora drifts relative to the satellite Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and the Ozone Mapping Profiler Suite (OMPS) are +0.18 ± 0.2 % yr−1 and −0.18 ± 0.2 % yr−1, respectively, where the uncertainties are 2 standard deviations. The drift between Dobson #061 and OMPS for a 5.5-year period (January 2012–June 2017) is −0.07 ± 0.06 % yr−1.
Toll-like receptor pathway evolution in deuterostomes

Animals have evolved an array of pattern-recognition receptor families essential for recognizing conserved molecular motifs characteristic of pathogenic microbes. One such family is the Toll-like receptors (TLRs). On pathogen binding, TLRs initiate specialized cytokine signaling catered to the class of invading pathogen. This signaling is pivotal for activating adaptive immunity in vertebrates, suggesting a close evolutionary relationship between innate and adaptive immune systems. Despite significant advances toward understanding TLR-facilitated immunity in vertebrates, knowledge of TLR pathway evolution in other deuterostomes is limited. By analyzing genomes and transcriptomes across 37 deuterostome taxa, we shed light on the evolution and diversity of TLR pathway signaling elements. Here, we show that the deuterostome ancestor possessed a molecular toolkit homologous to that which drives canonical MYD88-dependent TLR signaling in contemporary mammalian lineages. We also provide evidence that TLR3-facilitated antiviral signaling predates the origin of its TCAM1 dependence recognized in the vertebrates. SARM1, a negative regulator of TCAM1-dependent pathways in vertebrates, was also found to be present across all major deuterostome lineages despite the apparent absence of TCAM1 in invertebrate deuterostomes. Whether the presence of SARM1 is the result of its role in immunity regulation, neuron physiology, or a function of both is unclear. Additionally, Bayesian phylogenetic analyses corroborate several lineage-specific TLR gene expansions in urchins and cephalochordates. Importantly, our results underscore the need to sample across taxonomic groups to understand evolutionary patterns of the innate immunity foundation on which complex immunological novelties arose.
Control of Cardiac Contraction by SR Ca Release and Sarcolemmal Ca Fluxes

In the preceding chapters the importance of both Ca current and SR Ca release in E-C coupling have been discussed and it was suggested that Ca from both sources could contribute to the activation of contraction. A major goal of this chapter is to clarify how these two sources of Ca may differ in particular cardiac muscle preparations and under different experimental situations. I will also discuss how the transsarcolemmal Ca fluxes and the SR Ca fluxes interact in a simple framework of overall Ca regulation in cardiac muscle.
Cold Hardiness of the Rare Dirca occidentalis: Comparisons to Dirca palustris from Disparate Provenances

Abstract We determined the cold hardiness of Dirca occidentalis (western leatherwood) within its restricted natural distribution in northern California and made comparisons to Dirca palustris (eastern leatherwood) from northern (Iowa) and southern (Florida) provenances. Stems of western leatherwood were sampled twice while all or some plants were dormant (October 27 and December 8, 2004, respectively) and again on January 19, 2005, when flowering and incipient vegetative shoot growth of most plants had begun. Stems of D. palustris were sampled on the same schedule and on March 2, 2005 (Iowa and Florida) and April 13, 2005 (Iowa) such that the last sampling date coincided with flowering and incipient vegetative shoot growth. Lowest survival temperature was determined based on visual assessments of the viability of cambium and phloem of stems exposed to progressively lower temperatures in a freezer. Lowest survival temperature of western leatherwood was −6 to −3C (21 to 27F) regardless of date. Eastern leat...
K1ind of Elliptically Fibered K3 Surfaces: A Tale of Two Cycles

We discuss two approaches to the computation of transcendental invariants of indecomposable algebraic K 1 classes. Both the construction of the classes and the evaluation of the regulator map are based on the elliptic fibration structure on the family of K3 surfaces. The first computation involves a Tauberian lemma, while the second produces a “Maass form with two poles”.
Drug use is associated with anti-CD4 IgG-mediated CD4+ T cell death and poor CD4+ T cell recovery in viral-suppressive HIV-infected individuals under antiretroviral therapy

Background The role and mechanism of drug use or abuse in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)-treated HIV disease are not completely known. Methods To investigate the impact of drug use on HIV pathogenesis without confounding by HIV replication and ART adherence, we first analyzed the data from our clinical database in 103 HIV+ subjects with viral-suppressed ART treatment by a multiple regression test. Results We found that HIV+ drug users had lower CD4+ T cell counts but higher CD8+ T cell counts compared to HIV+ non-drug users, and both drug use and nadir CD4+ T cell counts was independently associated with CD4+ T cell recovery after controlling for sex and age. Next, we enrolled individuals from four study groups, HIV-negative and HIV+ subjects without any substance use, HIV-negative and HIV+ subjects with current illicit drug use (either non-injection cocaine or cannabis). All HIV+ subjects were viral-suppressed with ART treatment (≥ 2 years). Notably, HIV+ drug users had increased plasma anti-CD4 IgG levels compared to the other three study groups which were inversely correlated with decreased CD4+ T cell counts only in HIV+ drug users. There was a significant increase in CD4+ T cell recovery following ART in HIV+ non-drug users but not in HIV+ drug users. Anti-CD4 IgGs purified from plasma of HIV+ drug users induced CD4+ T cell death in vitro through Antibody-Dependent Cytotoxicity (ADCC). Conclusion These results suggest that drug use prevents immune reconstitution in HIV-infected individuals despite long-term ART treatment and viral suppression.
The Three Mindsets of Leadership: Autocratic, Paternalistic, and Servant

The concept and meaning of a mindset (paradigm) is presented and then applied to leadership. The three distinct mindsets of leadership—autocratic, paternalistic, and servant—have always existed and it is the choice of all leaders which mindset they adopt. Becoming aware of the existence of these mindsets is the first necessary step in the process. Though each mindset is explained and contrasted, the paternalistic mindset is highlighted as representing the majority of leadership practice in the world today and yet stands as the least understood mindset of all. Autocratic (toxic) leadership is explored with a focus on narcissistic, addictive, and self-absorbed leaders. The Parent-Adult-Child (PAC) model of relationship and communication is explained as a way to understand paternalistic leadership in practice in contrast to servant leadership.
Stone-free Outcomes of Flexible Ureteroscopy for Renal Calculi Utilizing Computed Tomography Imaging

ABSTRACT Objective To assess stone-free rates following ureteroscopy (URS) for renal calculi at our institution using low-dose renal only computed tomography (CT). Methods A retrospective review of patients undergoing flexible URS for renal stones only with subsequent CT scan within 3 months. Meticulous basketing of all stone fragments was performed whenever possible. A “true” zero-fragment stone-free rate was determined by reviewing the CT scan and radiologist's report. Patients with nephrocalcinosis (as determined by visual inspection of papilla at the time of URS) were assigned the “stone-free” category. Results Flexible URS was performed in 288 renal units of 214 patients with renal calculi from 2013 to 2016. Median preoperative stone size was 6.2 mm with the average kidney containing 6.4 stones. An access sheath was used in 92% of cases. A total of 73% (209/288) renal units were completely stone free by CT assessment. Patients with residual fragments were as follows: 1 mm in 2% (7/288), 2-4 mm in 16% (46/288), and >4 mm in 9% of kidneys (26/288). Conclusion The true stone-free rate in patients undergoing flexible URS for renal calculi utilizing active basketing of fragments as determined by strict CT assessment was 73%. In patients with residual fragments, the majority are 2-4 mm in size making URS a treatment option for renal calculi with excellent stone-free results.
Temporal Dynamics of an Integrated Laser Neuron

Temporal dynamics plays an important role in spike processing. We experimentally demonstrate various biologically-inspired processing tasks in a laser neuron in a photonic integrated circuit platform. Our system provides a platform for gigahertz signal processing and computing.
Cryptocurrency -- What Estate Planners Need to Know

Less than a decade ago, if an estate planner asked clients whether they owned any cryptocurrency, the most likely response would be, “You mean, money to buy a crypt?” Now, due to the widespread media coverage of Bitcoin, the most famous of all cryptocurrencies, most clients will have some basic idea about what the estate planner is inquiring. The use of cryptocurrency is increasing at a rapid pace. As of December 31, 2018, there were approximately 17.5 million Bitcoins in circulation worth over $67 billion. Although only a few cryptocurrencies in addition to Bitcoin are well-known outside the cryptocurrency community (e.g., XRP, Ethereum, EOS, and Stellar), over 2,000 different virtual currencies are actively traded. These other cryptocurrencies are sometimes referred to as altcoins, meaning that they are an alternative to Bitcoin. A recent survey revealed that 25% of individuals between the ages of 24 and 38 who either had $50,000 of investable assets or earned $100,000 or more per year own cryptocurrency. A growing number of mainstream businesses already accept Bitcoin such as Microsoft, Subway, KFC Canada, many Etsy vendors, Whole Foods, Dish Network, and Expedia. In addition, some law firms are already accepting Bitcoin in payment of legal services. This article starts by building a basic foundation about virtual currencies and how they operate. The article then reviews the estate planning and administration issues that arise with owning cryptocurrency and concludes with recommendations for how to address virtual currency in your practice.
Abstract WP190: Ipsilesional Mu Changes Track With Behavioral Changes in UE BCI Intervention in Stroke Survivors

Loss of motor function is a common deficit following stroke insult and often manifests as persistent upper extremity (UE) disability which can affect a survivor's ability to participate in activiti...
Structure of a six-coordinate rare earth complex: Trichlorotris(hexamethylphos-phoramide)praseodymium(III)☆

Abstract The crystal structure of trichlorotris(hexamethylphosphoramide)praseodymium(III), Pr(OPN3C6H18)3Cl3, has been determined from 4210 diffractometer data using direct methods and Fourier techniques. The compound crystallized in space group P2 1 c with z = 4 and a = 10·434(3)b = 16·693(5), c = 22·298(6) A , and β = 71·067(6) degrees. Full matrix anisotropic refinement of the 335 structural parameters led to an R value of 0·063 and a wR of 0·060. The structure consists of discrete monomeric units comprising a Pr(III) ion coordinated to three hexamethylphosphoramide molecules via the oxygen atoms and to three Cl− ions forming an octahedral coordination sphere of quasi-C2ν symmetry. Metal-ligand bond distances average 2·721(3) for PrCl and 2·353(6) for PrO.
PHF6: it is written in the stem cells.

In the current issue of Blood, Miyagi et al investigated the role of the plant homeodomain-like finger protein 6 (PHF6) in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal in an attempt to further clarify the previously suggested tumor suppressive role of this protein in human leukemia.1 Interestingly, Phf6 ablation rendered HSCs less responsive to inflammatory stress signals, but was able to increase HSCs proliferation rates, which might, at least in part, contribute to oncogenic transformation (see figure).
Discriminatory attitudes between ridesharing passengers

Prior studies have provided evidence of discrimination between drivers and passengers in the context of ridehailing. This paper extends prior research by investigating passenger-to-passenger discriminatory attitudes in the context of ridesharing. We conducted a survey of 1110 Uber and Lyft users in the US using Mechanical Turk, 76.5% of whom have used uberPOOL or Lyft Shared rides, and estimated two structural equation models. The first model examines the influence of one’s demographic, social and economic characteristics on discriminatory attitudes toward fellow passengers in ridesharing, and how such influence varies by the targets of discrimination (i.e., race and class). The second model examines the influence of one’s generic social dominance orientation on discriminatory attitudes in the ridesharing context. We find that discriminatory attitudes toward fellow passengers of differing class and race in the shared ride are positively correlated with respondents that are male or are women with children. A respondent’s race does not have a significant effect on discriminatory attitudes, but white respondents that live in majority white counties are more likely to hold discriminatory attitudes with regard to race (no effect is observed regarding class preferences). The same is true of respondents that live in counties in which a larger share of the electorate voted for the Republican candidate in the 2016 presidential election. Conversely, higher-income respondents appear more likely to hold discriminatory attitudes regarding class, but no effect is observed regarding racial preferences. We also find that one’s generic social dominance orientation strongly influences his/her discriminatory attitudes in ridesharing, supporting the claim that behavior in shared mobility platforms reflects long-standing social dominance attitudes. Further research is required to identify policy interventions that mitigate such attitudes in the context of ridesharing.