cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring the joint agreement between multiple raters and a standard

A FORTRAN subroutine is presented to calculate a generalized measure of agreement between multiple raters and a set of correct responses at any level of measurement and among multiple responses, along with the associated probability value, under the null hypothesis.
EGG DESTRUCTION AND EGG REMOVAL BY AVIAN BROOD PARASITES: ADAPTIVENESS AND CONSEQUENCES

AVIAN BROOD PARASITES possess an array of adaptations that help them to succeed at their alternative breeding strategy, and these adaptations reduce host fitness in several ways. Host eggs may not hatch because brood parasites have relatively short incubation periods that allow them to hatch sooner, and this may cause hosts to stop incubating their eggs (Briskie and Sealy 1990, Hauber 2003). If host eggs hatch, their nestlings may be outcompeted by parasitic nestlings that are often larger (reviewed in Lorenzana and Sealy 1999, Peer et al. 2005). Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) nestlings eliminate competition by evicting host nestlings or eggs, and Honeyguide (Indicator spp.) and Striped Cuckoo (Tapera naevia) nestlings have specialized mandibular hooks used to kill host young (Davies 2000). Brood parasites also remove or puncture host eggs, and this reduces the host's clutch size and sometimes causes the host to abandon its nest (Davies and Brooke 1988, Sealy 1992, Peer and Sealy 1999a). Some parasites may occasionally depredate nests, thereby causing total nest failure (Soler et al. 1995, Arcese et al. 1996). Egg removal and egg puncture are among the least understood of these adaptations. In a study published in this issue of The Auk, Astie and Reboreda (2006) investigated the effects of egg puncture by Shiny Cowbirds (Molothrus bonariensis). Shiny Cowbirds punctured host eggs in parasitized as well as unparasitized nests, which reveals that the effects that parasites have on hosts are complex and cannot always be fully understood simply by comparing host reproductive success at parasitized and unparasitized nests.
A Phylogenetic Analysis and Taxonomic Revision of Bartonia (Gentianaceae: Gentianeae), Based on Molecular and Morphological Evidence

A phylogenetic study and taxonomic revision of the four currently accepted species of Bartonia (Gentianaceae, subtribe Swertiinae) were conducted in order to test species boundaries and interspecific relationships. Species boundaries were examined based on measurements of key quantitative and qualitative morphological characters as given in the original descriptions. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using molecular data from the nuclear internal transcribed spacer region and chloroplast DNA ( trnL intron through the trnL-F spacer), separately and combined using parsimony and Bayesian methodologies, incorporating outgroups from subtribes Swertiinae and Gentianinae. The mor- phological study revealed that characters of one species, B. texana , represent a subset of the morphological variation found within B. paniculata , but that B. paniculata , B. verna, and B. virginica could all be separated from one another. The molecular phylogenetic analyses all found B. texana to nest in a clade with the two recognized subspecies of B. paniculata (subsp. paniculata and subsp. iodandra ), making the latter paraphyletic. Bartonia texana is here reduced to subspecific rank, as Bartonia paniculata subsp. texana . Also, the phylogenetic analyses showed strong sup- port for a sister group relationship between B. verna and B. virginica , as opposed to between B. paniculata and B. virginica as has been previously suggested.
Good Teaching Starts Here: Applied Learning at the Graduate Teaching Assistant Institute.

Increasingly, graduate teaching assistants serve as the primary instructors in undergraduate courses, yet research has shown that training and development for these teaching assistants is often lacking in programs throughout the United States and Canada. Providing mentoring and skill development opportunities for graduate teaching assistants is vital, as many will become the next generation of faculty. This paper discusses the literature on effective training programs, which underscores the importance of consistent feedback from mentors, intrinsic motivation, and practical applications. Afterwards, we examine an existing training program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Specifically, we focus on an institute for teaching assistants that helps graduate students understand applied learning as an effective pedagogical modality and helps them implement applied learning lesson plans tailored to their disciplines. Suggestions for strengthening training programs are discussed. Il est de plus en plus courant que des assistants a l’enseignement soient charges de donner des cours de premier cycle universitaire. Cependant, des etudes ont demontre le manque de formation et de progres de ces assistants a l’enseignement, aux Etats-Unis comme au Canada. Il est donc indispensable d’offrir des occasions de mentorat et de perfectionnement a ces assistants, puisqu’un grand nombre d’entre eux deviendront la prochaine cohorte de professeurs. Cet article traite des recherches effectuees sur les programmes de formation efficaces, ce qui souligne l’importance des commentaires des mentors, de la motivation et de la mise en pratique. Ensuite, nous etudions l’evolution d’un programme de formation a l’Universite de Wilmington de la Caroline du Nord. Notre etude se concentre sur un institut pour les assistants a l’enseignement, qui leur montre que l’apprentissage applique est un outil pedagogique efficace. Par la suite, cet institut les aide a mettre en œuvre un plan de lecon d’apprentissage adapte a leur discipline. L’article s’acheve par des suggestions d’amelioration des programmes de formation.
Effects of click polarity on the auditory brainstem responses of older men.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of stimulus polarity on the auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) in the older population. Nine men between the ages of 40 and 69 years participated in the study. Rarefaction and condensation clicks were delivered at 70 and 80 dB nHL to elicit the ABRs. The latencies were significantly earlier for rarefaction clicks for components II and V. The inter-peak interval I–II was significantly shorter for rarefaction clicks than for condensation clicks. The amplitudes of the IV-V complex did not change with stimulus polarity at 80 dB nHL, but at 70 dB nHL larger amplitudes were observed with rarefaction clicks yielding a significant polarity-intensity interaction. The IV-V/I ratio elicited by rarefaction clicks was larger than that produced by condensation clicks at 80 dB nHL, but it was much larger for rarefaction clicks at 70 dB nHL resulting in a significant polarity-intensity interaction. The waveform morphology also changed with click polarity, with the most pro...
Vedolizumab Effectiveness and Safety Over the First Year of Use in an IBD Clinical Practice.

Background and aims: Vedolizumab inhibits leucocyte vascular adhesion and migration into the gastrointestinal tract through α4β7 integrin blockade. This agent became available in mid-2014 for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn’s disease (CD) and UC (UC). The aim of this study was to assess the patterns of use, effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab in an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) clinical practice. Methods: Patients beginning vedolizumab were enrolled with informed consent. A prospective cohort was followed with laboratory, disease activity and quality-of-life assessments made during infusion visits up to week 14. Duration of vedolizumab use, mucosal healing and safety were analysed retrospectively for all patients not captured in the prospective component of this study. Results: One hundred and two patients started vedolizumab, with 51 patients (30 CD, 21 UC) followed prospectively. The CD patients exhibited a significant decrease in Crohn’s Disease Activity Index ( p = 0.04) and Harvey–Bradshaw index ( p < 0.01) by week 14. The UC patients demonstrated improved partial Mayo scores at weeks 6 ( p < 0.01) and 14 ( p < 0.001). Ninety percent of all CD and UC patients remained on vedolizumab up to week 14. IBD-related quality of life was improved by week 6 in CD and UC cohorts ( p = 0.02 and p < 0.01 respectively). Colectomy for lack of response and systemic histoplamosis were notable reasons for early discontinuation of vedolizumab, which was otherwise well tolerated. Conclusions: Vedolizumab was efficacious and a high percentage of patients continued this therapy beyond induction dosing. Observed safety signals may be attributed to the refractory IBD disease state of this early-adopting clinical cohort.
Effects of Antidepressants on DSP4/CPT-Induced DNA Damage Response in Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells

DNA damage is a form of cell stress and injury. Increased systemic DNA damage is related to the pathogenic development of neurodegenerative diseases. Depression occurs in a relatively high percentage of patients suffering from degenerative diseases, for whom antidepressants are often used to relieve depressive symptoms. However, few studies have attempted to elucidate why different groups of antidepressants have similar effects on relieving symptoms of depression. Previously, we demonstrated that neurotoxins N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP4)- and camptothecin (CPT) induced the DNA damage response in SH-SY5Y cells, and DSP4 caused cell cycle arrest which was predominately in the S-phase. The present study shows that CPT treatment also resulted in similar cell cycle arrest. Some classic antidepressants could reduce the DNA damage response induced by DSP4 or CPT in SH-SY5Y cells. Cell viability examination demonstrated that both DSP4 and CPT caused cell death, which was prevented by spontaneous administration of some tested antidepressants. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that a majority of the tested antidepressants protect cells from being arrested in S-phase. These results suggest that blocking the DNA damage response may be an important pharmacologic characteristic of antidepressants. Exploring the underlying mechanisms may allow for advances in the effort to improve therapeutic strategies for depression appearing in degenerative and psychiatric diseases.
Extrapolating dynamic leidenfrost principles to metallic nanodroplets on asymmetrically textured surfaces

In an effort to enhance our knowledge on how to control the movement of metallic nanodroplets, here we have used classical molecular dynamics simulations to investigate whether Cu nanostructures deposited on nanopillared substrates can be made to jump at desired angles. We find that such control is possible, especially for Cu nanostructures that are symmetric; for asymmetric nanostructures, however, control is more uncertain. The work presented here borrows ideas from two seemingly different fields, metallic droplets and water droplets in the dynamic Leidenfrost regime. Despite the differences in the respective systems, we find common ground in their behavior on nanostructured surfaces. Due to this, we suggest that the ongoing research in Leidenfrost droplets is a fertile area for scientists working on metallic nanodroplets.
Commentary: The devastating effects of ignoring child maltreatment in psychiatry--a commentary on Teicher and Samson 2016.

Despite the numerous studies over the past 30 years that have clarified the devastating effects of child maltreatment on mental and physical health, the role of trauma within the caregiving system remains unrecognized both in our diagnostic systems and in our dominant treatment paradigms. Research of people with histories of caregiver abuse and neglect consistently demonstrates problems with concentration, anger, panic, depression, food intake, drugs, and sleep, as well as decreased Heart RateVariability, higher levels of stress hormones, and reduced or impaired immune response. Their relationship between documented brain changes and psychopathology is complex. Traumatic life experiences during childhood and adolescence are far more common than expected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that child maltreatment may be the most costly public health issue in the United States, Eradicating child abuse in America would reduce the overall rate of depression by more than half, alcoholism by two-thirds, and suicide, serious drug abuse, and domestic violence by three quarters. It would also have a significantly positive effect on workplace performance, and vastly decrease the need for incarceration. The current practice of applying multiple distinct comorbid diagnoses to traumatized children prevents a comprehensive treatment approach. Approaching their problems from a framework of memories of discreet traumatic ignores the fact that the damage affects the brain's neural circuitry and goes well beyond dealing with discrete painful events. Our great challenge is to learn to utilize the brain's neuroplasticity to reorganize defective brain circuits.
Yield and quality of cyanobacteria : spirulina maxima in continuous culture in response to light intensity

CynobacteriaSpirulina maxima was evaluated in an effort to increase the growth rate, biomass yield in continuous cultures. The light efficiency was dependent on the light energy absorbed by the cultures. Cultures with optical densities of 0.48 and 0.49 were considered the ones in which most of the incident light energy was converted to chemical energy (mass). Low-light experiments (30 μEm−2s−1) were efficient in terms of mass output and absorbed light energy (calorie). Low-light cultures did not require high calories to produce the same yield as high-light ones (100 μEm−2s−1). In addition, the total protein percentage was higher in low-light cultures, whereas the total carbohydrate percentage was higher in high-light cultures. In conclusion,Spirulina maxima responds the same way as many other alga and cyanobacteria.
A Place to Get Worse: Perspectives on Avoiding Hospitalization from Patients with End-Stage Cardiopulmonary Disease.

Much of what is known about delay in seeking medical care has been from patients with acute coronary syndromes. Less is known about why patients living with chronic cardiopulmonary illnesses delay seeking care for worsening symptoms. The aim of this study was to describe the perspectives of patients
LES Model Assessment for High Speed Combustion

This work focuses on a posteriori testing of a simple approach designed to account for the effects of unresolved fluctuations on filtered chemical production rates used in large-eddy simulations with finite-rate chemistry. The model, termed LSM-SS, combines least-squares minimization (LSM) with scale-similarity (SS) modeling concepts to arrive at an ‘enhancement factor’ that multiplies the chemical production terms evaluated using filteredmean data. The model form was developed based on extensive a priori analyses, described in [1], which utilized simultaneous coarse-and fine-mesh realizations to down-select among candidate model forms. Three test cases are chosen for evaluating the model. Two involve different configurations of a hydrogen-fueled scramjet combustor, while the third involves cavity-stabilized ethylene combustion. Each test case compares experimental data with predictions from LES/RANS simulations using laminar chemistry and using the LSM-SS model. The results indicate that the LSM-SS model provides noticeable improvement for each test case for a relatively modest increase in computational cost.
The role of cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis: inhibition of cytokines in therapeutic trials.

Although the precise role(s) of cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is still being investigated, increasing evidence implicates interleukin (IL)-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha as contributing importantly to the inflammatory, and perhaps destructive manifestations of the disease. Several natural endogenous inhibitors of IL-1 and TNF-alpha have been identified; these include interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), soluble IL-1 receptors (sIL-1R), and soluble TNF-alpha receptors (sTNFR). Although increased levels of these natural inhibitors occur in sera and at sites of inflammation in patients with RA, there is an excess of IL-1 and TNF-alpha in comparison with their respective natural inhibitors that favors the proinflammatory actions of these cytokines. Therefore, a potential therapeutic maneuver for treating RA is to neutralize these implicated cytokines. Biologic agents aimed at inhibiting the proinflammatory activities of these cytokines thus far have included cytokine receptor antagonists, anticytokine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), fusion molecules consisting of soluble cytokine receptors combined with human fusion protein (Fc) constructs or polyethylene glycol (PEG), and counterregulatory cytokines which oppose actions of the target cytokine (e.g., IL-10, IL-4 and IL-11). Inhibitors of the processing and synthesis of IL-1 and TNF-alpha are also under development. The encouraging clinical results observed in short-term trials of TNF-alpha and IL-1 inhibitors using sTNFR:Fc fusion proteins, anti-TNF MAbs and recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist (rhuIL-1RA) clearly warrant further studies not only to determine whether these agents are capable of modifying the destructive component of the disease, but also whether they can be administered safely for long periods. Pivotal trials with these agents have potential therapeutic applicability to other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
Acoustic Property of an Anechoic Room

Since the noise level of textile machinery has become more important factor to evaluate the mechanical performance, it is necessary to provide an uniform basis for both machinery producers and textile manufacturers to measure and communicate the noise information.From this necessity, I.R.I.I.P.has made a semi-anechoic room aiming mainly the acoustic investigation of textile machinery.The present investigation was planned to examine the acoustic property of this facility.To carry out the investigation planned, the free field property and noise reduction factor of the facility were examind.From the results obtained, it was found that the semi-anechoic room of I.R.I.I.P. would be effective for the noise measurement and analysis of the textile machinery proposed.
Design, Modeling, Fabrication and Characterization of 2–5- $\mu \text{m}$ Redistribution Layer Traces by Advanced Semiadditive Processes on Low-Cost Panel-Based Glass Interposers

This paper presents the latest advances in extending semiadditive process (SAP) methods to 2–5 $\mu \text{m}$ lines and spaces, achieved using dry film photoresists on thin glass substrates, toward meeting the routing requirements for 20- $\mu \text{m}$ bump pitch interposers. High-density chip-to-chip interconnections on 2.5-D interposers are a key enabler to meet the high logic to memory bandwidth needs of next-generation electronic systems. Such 2.5-D interposers require ultrafine redistribution layer (RDL) traces with line widths and spacing below $5~\mu \text{m}$ . This paper reports on the extension of panel scale and lower cost SAPs to achieve less than $5~\mu \text{m}$ lines and spaces, based on the ultrasmooth surface and improved dimensional stability of thin glass panels. A modified low-cost SAP method with newly developed differential seed layer etching was employed to fabricate the fine line and space patterns and coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission on thin glass panels. Fine lines down to 2- $\mu \text{m}$ lines and spaces and CPW lines with signal lengths up to 5 mm and ground-to-signal gaps down to $5.5~\mu \text{m}$ at 15- $\mu \text{m}$ signal widths were successfully fabricated on ultra-thin glass panels. For comparison, the same processes were also applied to a silicon wafer. The signal insertion losses of CPW lines on the glass were 0.024 dB/mm better at 15 GHz than those on the silicon, as confirmed by simulations as well as VNA measurements. The measured insertion loss of 5-mm long CPW lines on glass interposer was 0.7 dB at 10 GHz and matched well to the simulated values.
118 MALIGNANT ESOPHAGOPERICARDIAL FISTULA PRESENTING AS CARDIAC TAMPONADE: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Malignant esophageal diseases can cause esophagopericardial fistulas. This is a rare complication associated with an extremely high mortality rate. Covered self-expanding metal stents have been considered as the treatment of choice for palliation of malignant esophageal obstructions and for malignant esophago-respiratory fistulas. Leakage of food and secretion into the pericardium is life-threatening; in addition, patients are typically unable to eat due to esophageal obstruction. Few data exist for the optimal treatment of malignant esophagopericardial fistula. We describe a rare case of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma complicated by an esophagopericardial fistula presenting as cardiac tamponade. After placement of a covered self-expanding esophageal metal stent, along with aggressive antibiotic therapy and pericardial drainage, the patient was able to resume oral intake and was later discharged from the hospital to hospice care. The patient survived 5 weeks, which is longer than similar cases documented in the English literature.
A combination analysis of fault tree and Fuzzy comprehensive estimation for the ring valve of piston compressors

This paper investigates that fault tree and fuzzy comprehensive estimation combines to establish the combination analysis for the reliability of the ring valve of the piston compressor.Based on the analysis results of the relational literature,put on a reality analysis and calculation.Practical applications indicates that it is feasible to evaluate and analyze the reliability of the ring valve of compressors using fuzy comprehensive evaluation method.
The imaging analysis of pseudomyxoma peritoneum(report of 25 cases)

Objective:To investigate the imaging features and value of imaging modality for the diagnosis of pseudomyxoma peritoneum(PMP).Methods:The imaging appearances of 25 patients with histologically proved PMP were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.Results:PMP had such typical imaging findings as diffuse ascites and scalloping margin on the edge of liver and spleen,in which CT value was higher than other lesions lying in abdomen and pelvis.There were multiple metastasis in liver and spleen,especially in spleen;multiple spotted and irregular calcification were found in abdomen and pelvis;invasions and metastasis were not found in retroperitonium;the were multiple irregular septa in the lesions on T2WI.Conclusion:CT is the preferred imaging for the diagnosis of PMP;Combined with MR imaging appearances,most PMP can be correctly diagnosed,and the lesion's extent and the patient's conditions can also be evaluated,which also helps to find out the recurrence of PMP.
Heterogenization of a macrocyclic cobalt complex for photocatalytic CO2 reduction

AbstractHeterogenization could potentially improve the stability and recyclability of molecular catalysts. In this study, a Co(III) cyclam complex, where cyclam is 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, was grafted on a mesoporous silica surface via two different covalent linkages. The resulting heterogenized catalysts were characterized with a variety of techniques and tested in photocatalytic CO2 reduction in the presence of p-terphenyl as a molecular photosensitizer. Linking strategies were shown to be important for the preparation of highly active surface Co(III) sites. In particular, derivatizing one of the amines on the cyclam ligand resulted in a detrimental effect on the activity of the molecular Co(III) catalyst. Improved activity was achieved by reacting the Co(III) catalyst with surface silanol groups, forming Si–O–Co linkages. A catalyst loading effect was observed, where the best catalytic activity was achieved when the surface Co(III) sites likely formed a monolayer in silica mesopores. Our resu...
Molecular analysis of interferon-induced suppression of Philadelphia chromosome in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.

Treatment with recombinant human interferon alpha-A (Roferon-A) is associated with stable suppression of the population of cells that display the Philadelphia (Ph1) chromosome in some patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) as defined by cytogenetic analysis. Southern blot analyses employing a 3′ breakpoint cluster region (bcr) probe (Pr- 1) were performed to confirm a complete suppression of the Ph1+ chromosome-positive clone of cells at the DNA level. The complete disappearance of rearranged restriction fragments of the bcr gene, which were a characteristic of the disease prior to Roferon-A therapy, was accompanied by the restoration of normal bone marrow and achievement of durable ongoing complete remission for 9 and 6 months, respectively, in two patients with Philadelphia-positive (Ph1+) CML. Molecular analysis is a valuable probe for monitoring the clinical course of disease in patients with Ph1+ CML.
Can Legislation Prohibiting Weight Discrimination Improve Psychological Well‐Being? A Preliminary Investigation

Weight-based discrimination is pervasive and increases vulnerability to poor mental health among targeted individuals. Legislation prohibiting weight discrimination has been proposed as an avenue for reducing social injustice. The present research examines how mere knowledge of such legislation may improve the psychological well-being of individuals who have experienced unfair treatment due to weight. In an experiment administered online, 214 adults with overweight/obesity read a vignette exemplifying weight discrimination and were randomly assigned to one of two conditions, in which they were informed that weight discrimination was illegal or legal, and then responded to questionnaires assessing internalized weight bias, affect, perceived pervasiveness of weight discrimination, and support for anti-discrimination legislation. Analysis of covariance revealed that participants with obesity in the Illegal condition exhibited lower levels of internalized weight bias than did participants in the Legal condition. Participants in the Illegal condition also exhibited less negative affect and more positive affect than did those in the Legal condition. No significant effects of condition on perceived pervasiveness of weight discrimination or legislation support emerged. Findings suggest that mere knowledge of legislation prohibiting weight discrimination has the potential to reduce weight bias internalization and improve affective responses among individuals with obesity.
High body mass index is associated with increased risk of treatment failure and surgery in biologic-treated patients with ulcerative colitis

Background Though pharmacokinetic studies suggest accelerated biologic drug clearance with increasing body weight, evidence of obesity's impact on clinical outcomes in biologic-treated patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is inconsistent. Aim To evaluate the impact of obesity on real world response to biological therapy in patients with UC. Methods In a single-centre retrospective cohort study between 2011-2016 of biologic-treated patients with UC, we evaluated treatment response by baseline body mass index (BMI). Primary outcome was treatment failure (composite outcome of IBD-related surgery/hospitalisation or treatment modification including dose escalation, treatment discontinuation or addition of corticosteroids); secondary outcomes were risk of IBD-related surgery/hospitalisation and endoscopic remission. We conducted multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses to evaluate the independent impact of BMI on clinical outcomes. Stratified analysis by weight-based regimens (infliximab) or fixed-dose regimens (adalimumab, golimumab, vedolizumab, certolizumab pegol) was performed. Results We included 160 biologic-treated UC patients (50% males, 55% on infliximab) with median (IQR) age 36 y (26-52) and BMI 24.3 kg/m2 (21.4-28.7). On multivariate analysis, each 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI was associated with 4% increase in the risk of treatment failure (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.04 [95% CI, 1.00-1.08]) and 8% increase in the risk of surgery/hospitalisation (aHR, 1.08 [1.02-1.14]). The effect on treatment failure was seen in patients on weight-based dosing regimens or fixed-dose therapies. Conclusion BMI is independently associated with increased risk of treatment failure in biologic-treated patients with UC, independent of dosing regimen.
Listeria Monocytogenes: A Model Pathogen Continues to Refine Our Knowledge of the CD8 T Cell Response

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) infection induces robust CD8 T cell responses, which play a critical role in resolving Lm during primary infection and provide protective immunity to re-infections. Comprehensive studies have been conducted to delineate the CD8 T cell response after Lm infection. In this review, the generation of the CD8 T cell response to Lm infection will be discussed. The role of dendritic cell subsets in acquiring and presenting Lm antigens to CD8 T cells and the events that occur during T cell priming and activation will be addressed. CD8 T cell expansion, differentiation and contraction as well as the signals that regulate these processes during Lm infection will be explored. Finally, the formation of memory CD8 T cell subsets in the circulation and in the intestine will be analyzed. Recently, the study of CD8 T cell responses to Lm infection has begun to shift focus from the intravenous infection model to a natural oral infection model as the humanized mouse and murinized Lm have become readily available. Recent findings in the generation of CD8 T cell responses to oral infection using murinized Lm will be explored throughout the review. Finally, CD8 T cell-mediated protective immunity against Lm infection and the use of Lm as a vaccine vector for cancer immunotherapy will be highlighted. Overall, this review will provide detailed knowledge on the biology of CD8 T cell responses after Lm infection that may shed light on improving rational vaccine design.
Bright and Nearby Stars

Data for named stars have been extracted from Hoffleit’s (1982) catalogue of bright stars, (BS), including the right ascension, R.A., and declination, Dec, for epoch 2000.0, the BS number, the apparent visual magnitude, V, and spectral class, Sp.
A Survey of Number Theory and Cryptography

Our purpose is to give an overview of the applications of number theory to public-key cryptography. We conclude by describing some tantalizing unsolved problems of number theory that turn out to have a bearing on the security of certain cryptosystems.
Distribution-Free Tests

Most of the methods we have covered until now are based on parametric assumptions; the data are assumed to follow some well-known family of distributions, such as normal, exponential, Poisson, and so on. Each of these distributions is indexed by one or more parameters (e.g., the normal distribution has μ and σ 2), and at least one is presumed unknown and must be inferred. However, with complex experiments and messy sampling plans, the generated data might not conform to any well-known distribution. In the case where the experimenter is not sure about the underlying distribution of the data, statistical techniques that can be applied regardless of the true distribution of the data are needed. These techniques are called distribution-free or nonparametric.
Treatment of Glottal Insufficiency Using Micronized Human Acellular Dermis (Cymetra)

Micronized acellular dermis (Cymetra) is an important material for all practitioners managing glottic insufficiency because of its overall safety and availability for immediate use. This latter point is a key advantage over bovine collagen. With the advent of other materials, such as non-donor human collagen protein (Cosmoplast, Inamed Corp., Santa Barbara, Calif.), this feature may no longer be unique. There are several technical issues with preparation that must be mastered to have predictable results. When used for vocal augmentation, the duration of clinical benefit from micronized acellular dermis is not well established scientifically. While it appears last about 3 months, this may not be true in all cases.
Late Arabian Littoral

There is no specific evidence on the climate during this period. It can be assumed that it was not that radically different than today.
Natural History and Contemporary Management of Recurrent Carotid Stenosis

Recurrent carotid disease occurs in 4–10% of patients following carotid endarterectomy. This chapter describes in-depth pathogenesis and types of carotid restenosis. Diagnosis of the disease and indications for the surgical interventions as well as types of interventions are discussed. The emphasis is on surgical management of the recurrent carotid disease. Due to the authors’ extensive experience in re-operative management of the carotid disease, the intricacies and step-by-step surgical approach are described, including pitfalls and complications.
Systematic analysis method for multilayer light field display

We propose a systematic analysis method for the multilayer light field display by simulating the retinal image of a 3D scene rendered at different depths. The retinal image is calculated by convoluting the reconstructed image at test depth and the accumulated point spread function. We evaluate the retinal image with a slope difference method. Then investigate the trade-offs and guidelines for optimal display design.
Leavitt path algebras over arbitrary unital rings and algebras

We expand the work of Tomforde by further extending the construction of Leavitt path algebras (LPAs) over arbitrary associative, unital rings. We show that many of the results over a commutative ri...
Sources of pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical errors in the microbiology laboratory

Abstract The microbiology laboratory plays an important role in overall patient care in the hospital because proper identification of microorganisms causing infection as well as selection of proper antibiotic for treating a life-threatening infection depends on accurate results provided by the microbiology laboratory to the clinical team. Submitting specimens to the clinical microbiology laboratory requires attention to many details during the pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic stages of the specimen life span. Appropriate collection is required for applicable interpretation of results, which helps direct proper therapy for the patient, and keeps cost for collection materials down to a minimum. Each laboratory is required to have a policy with criteria for acceptable submission, handling and if necessary, referral to a CLIA-certified laboratory. This policy should include patient preparation, specimen collection, labeling, storage, conditions for specimen transportation, processing, acceptability and rejection and documentation of date and time the specimen was received. Moreover, attention should be paid to eliminate pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical errors in the microbiology laboratory to improve patient care as well as patient safety.
Eye-Tracking Metrics Predict Perceived Workload in Robotic Surgical Skills Training:

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the relationship between eye-tracking measures and perceived workload in robotic surgical tasks.BackgroundRobotic techniques provide improved dexterity, ...
Genetic ablation of purine salvage in Cryptosporidium parvum reveals nucleotide uptake from the host cell

The apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium is a leading global cause of severe diarrheal disease and an important contributor to early-childhood mortality. Waterborne outbreaks occur frequently, even in countries with advanced water treatment capabilities, and there is currently no fully effective treatment. Nucleotide pathways are attractive targets for antimicrobial development, and several laboratories are designing inhibitors of these enzymes as potential treatment for Cryptosporidium infections. Here we take advantage of newly available molecular genetics for Cryptosporidium parvum to investigate nucleotide biosynthesis by directed gene ablation. Surprisingly, we found that the parasite tolerates the loss of classical targets including dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS) and inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH). We show that thymidine kinase provides a route to thymidine monophosphate in the absence of DHFR-TS. In contrast, only a single pathway has been identified for C. parvum purine nucleotide salvage. Nonetheless, multiple enzymes in the purine pathway, as well as the adenosine transporter, can be ablated. The resulting mutants are viable under normal conditions but are hypersensitive to inhibition of purine nucleotide synthesis in their host cell. Cryptosporidium might use as-yet undiscovered purine transporters and salvage enzymes; however, genetic and pharmacological experiments led us to conclude that Cryptosporidium imports purine nucleotides from the host cell. The potential for ATP uptake from the host has significant impact on our understanding of parasite energy metabolism given that Cryptosporidium lacks oxidative phosphorylation and glycolytic enzymes are not constitutively expressed throughout the parasite life cycle.
Estimating Change-Points Based on Defect Data

Software reliability is key in measuring software quality. Software Reliability Growth Models (SRGM), are widely used to predict growth in defect data. Changes due to major fixes or upgrades that cause change in the failure distribution, are called change-points. The number and locations of change-points affect reliability modeling. In our paper we examine the different change-point estimation methods used in software reliability modeling and compare them to the underlying change data that caused the change in defect distribution. The results show that data analysis of change in lines of code provides a credible indication of the existence of change-points.
Optimal control analysis of combined chemotherapy-immunotherapy treatment regimens in a PKPD cancer evolution model

The author constructs a mathematical model capturing tumor-immune dynamics, incorporating the evolution of drug resistance, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of administered drugs, and immunotherapy possibilities. Numerical simulations are performed to analyze the model under a variety of treatment possibilities. A sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the parameters contributing the most to the variance in effector cell, resistant, and sensitive tumor cell populations. Then, a detailed optimal control analysis is performed, along with a numerical simulation of optimal treatment profiles for a hypothetical patient.
A Computational Temporal Logic for Superconducting Accelerators

Superconducting logic offers the potential to perform computation at tremendous speeds and energy savings. However, a "semantic gap" lies between the level-driven logic that traditional hardware designs accept as a foundation and the pulse-driven logic that is naturally supported by the most compelling superconducting technologies. A pulse, unlike a level signal, will fire through a channel for only an instant. Arranging the network of superconducting components so that input pulses always arrive simultaneously to "logic gates'' to maintain the illusion of Boolean-only evaluation is a significant engineering hurdle. In this paper, we explore computing in a new and more native tongue for superconducting logic: time of arrival. Building on recent work in delay-based computations we show that superconducting logic can naturally compute directly over temporal relationships between pulse arrivals, that the computational relationships between those pulse arrivals can be formalized through a functional extension to a temporal predicate logic used in the verification community, and that the resulting architectures can operate asynchronously and describe real and useful computations. We verify our hypothesis through a combination of detailed analog circuit models, a formal analysis of our abstractions, and an evaluation in the context of several superconducting accelerators.
Critical Event Analysis in Case Study Research

This article develops a framework for the causal analysis of critical events in case study research. A critical event is defined as a contingent event that is causally important for an outcome in a...
Sexual Conflict in Mateships: From Mate Retention to Murder

In response to the tragically high incidence and negative consequences of femaledirected violence in intimate relationships, a large literature has investigated the predictors of men’s partner-directed violence and murder. Evolutionary psychology offers a framework for investigating the design of evolved information-processing mechanisms that motivate costly behaviors such as men’s partner-directed violence. We review several forms of men’s partner-directed violence, including insults, sexual coercion, physical violence, and homicide, with a particular focus on the adaptive problem of paternity uncertainty. The problem of paternity uncertainty is hypothesized to have selected for the emotion of male sexual jealousy, which in turn motivates men’s nonviolent and violent mate retention behaviors. We review empirical evidence for the relationships between paternity uncertainty, male sexual jealousy, and men’s partner-directed violence and the individual differences in men’s perpetration of violence. We propose that a comprehensive understanding of men’s partner-directed violence will be achieved only by careful consideration of both proximate and ultimate causes of such costly behaviors.
Inputs and outputs of craft beverage tourism: The Destination Resources Acceleration Framework

Abstract Craft beverage tourism is a growing niche in the United States and an attractive strategy for sustainable community development. A new integrated framework analyzes the development of craft beverage tourism by combining two theoretical models: The Community Capitals Framework and Creative Placemaking. The resulting Destination Resources Acceleration Framework was applied in North Carolina (United States). Semi-structured interviews with 30 craft beverage tourism stakeholders revealed creativity and meaning accelerate the generation of the community capitals which support and result from craft beverage tourism. This study contributes to the understanding of the resource inputs a community needs to develop a new economic activity such as craft beverage tourism, and the resources generated by this form of development.
Systems integration and environmental testing activities performed on the Space Exploration Synthetic Aperture Radar (SESAR)

Digital Beamforming has gained significant importance in radar applications in the past years. It helps improve radar performance while reducing mass and power. Improving these figures becomes even more important for space applications. The Space Exploration Synthetic Aperture Radar (SESAR) is a novel P-band (70 cm wavelength) radar instrument developed for planetary applications that will enable surface and near-subsurface measurements of Solar System planetary bodies. The radar will measure full polarimetry at meter-scale resolution, and perform beam steering through programmable digital beamforming architecture. The data obtained with SESAR will provide key information on buried ice and water signatures that can facilitate the design of future human and robotic exploration missions. In this paper we describe SESAR’s large antenna array, the sub-systems integration process, and the different environmental testing activities performed to the overall system in order to raise the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for its future inclusion in a space-proven system.
The Shope papilloma-carcinoma complex of rabbits: a model system of neoplastic progression and spontaneous regression.

Publisher Summary The majority of domestic rabbits developed invasive, metastatic, and, ultimately, lethal epidermoid carcinomas. The Shope papilloma has a restricted geographic range, mostly confined to the high plains of the western United States. SPV (Shope papilloma virus) produced papillomas with equal facility on the skins of laboratory-infected jackrabbits, snowshoe hares , domestic rabbits, and cottontails. Papillomas cannot be induced in fetal, neonatal, suckling, or adult rat skin by direct inoculation of SPV suspensions or infectious DNA. Susceptibility to SPV infection is also determined by factors related to cell phenotype. Rabbit epidermal cell transformation by SPV requires interaction with mesenchyme. Vitamin A deficiency or excess can produce striking alterations in the differentiation of epithelia of various types. SPV replication in cottontail papillomas is also modulated by phenotypic factors—namely, epidermal maturation and keratinization. Independent studies have confirmed the presence of arginase in Shope papilloma but have not supported the assertion that the enzyme is encoded by the SPV genome. The Shope papilloma-carcinoma complex is an excellent model of neoplastic progression. Papillomas that become malignant undergo a characteristic series of gross morphological changes.
Ballade of the Back Road

if you take it by steps. If I get to the bank on time," he says, "I'll be able to cover the checks I wrote to sell this pipe, buy lunch, drive back, not counting the dime I'll use to call this man who maybe owes me some. Tomorrow I'll pay off what I owe this other guy, but maybe I'll sell something before then, or maybe I'll take out another note," he says. "No problem. Everything touches everything.
Mental development of children with congenital rubella syndrome: A preliminary report

Abstract Neither intellectual development nor rate of development of children with congenital rubella syndrome has been well documented. The present study is a preliminary report on a prospective study of 12 such children diagnosed at birth and followed for 2 years. Mental and motor development and other handicaps were not related to duration of virus in the system, but gestational age at onset of maternal rubella was a significant variable, with the critical period for maximum impairment falling between 14 and 60 days. Perhaps the most important finding is the following: Of 12 live-born infants with rubella syndrome diagnosed at birth, 5 had the multiple handicaps of severe auditory deficit, microcephaly, and congenital heart disease although their adjusted intelligence quotient scores ranged from borderline to normal; another was mildly retarded and spastic diplegic; and the remaining half of the sample were either dead or were severely retarded, blind, and deaf by age 2. Further evaluation of the children at later ages is planned.
IEEE Industrial Electronics Conference 2003: development process for replacement of an obsolete microcontroller

Tarleton State University and FMCTI worked jointly to develop a combined education and technology solution to the problem of impending parts unavailability in a mature product. The rapid evolution of microcomputer technology has brought many new features, added speed and better-cost performance ratios for use in computer automation of industrial systems. However, this rapid change in technology presents a challenge for owners of stable systems with embedded processors when older parts are scheduled to be phased out. This paper covers the evolution of one such product with an emphasis on the decision-making process and the major steps involved in implementing the new product design. Of particular interest was the cooperation between a university and a local industrial partner in creation of educational resources in support of the general knowledge base required by the new technology chosen.