cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generating random graphs with tunable clustering coefficients

Abstract Most real-world networks exhibit a high clustering coefficient—the probability that two neighbors of a node are also neighbors of each other. We propose two algorithms, Conf and Throw , that take triangle and single edge degree sequences as input and generate a random graph with a target clustering coefficient. We analyze them theoretically for the case of a regular graph. Conf generates a random graph with the input degree sequence and the clustering coefficient anticipated from the input. Experimental results match quite well with the anticipated clustering coefficient except for highly dense graphs, in which case the experimental clustering coefficient is higher than the anticipated value. For Throw , the degree sequence and the clustering coefficient of the generated graph varies from the input. However, it maintains the expected degree distribution, and the clustering coefficient of the generated graph can also be predicted using analytical results. Experiments show that, for Throw , the results match quite well with the analytical results. Typically, only information about degree distribution is available. We also propose an algorithm Deg that takes degree sequence and clustering coefficient as input and generates a graph with the same properties. Experiments show results for Deg that are quite similar to those for Conf .
Protein fabrication automation.

Facile “writing” of DNA fragments that encode entire gene sequences potentially has widespread applications in biological analysis and engineering. Rapid writing of open reading frames (ORFs) for expressed proteins could transform protein engineering and production for protein design, synthetic biology, and structural analysis. Here we present a process, protein fabrication automation (PFA), which facilitates the rapid de novo construction of any desired ORF from oligonucleotides with low effort, high speed, and little human interaction. PFA comprises software for sequence design, data management, and the generation of instruction sets for liquid-handling robotics, a liquid-handling robot, a robust PCR scheme for gene assembly from synthetic oligonucleotides, and a genetic selection system to enrich correctly assembled full-length synthetic ORFs. The process is robust and scalable.
Oxidation–reduction assisted exfoliation of LiCoO2 into nanosheets and reassembly into functional Li-ion battery cathodes

A common approach used to obtain 2D nanosheet materials is through the exfoliation of layered compounds by osmotic, chemical/electrochemical, or mechanical means, with a proton exchange step usually implemented for materials characterized by strong interlayer ionic bonding. However, in lithium metal oxides, due to the strong adsorption of protons at Li+ sites, this approach is less effective for obtaining nanosheets with good electrochemical properties that can be used in Li-ion battery applications. Here LiCoO2 (LCO) was exfoliated into nanosheets using electrochemical oxidation followed by intercalation of tetraethylammonium cations. The nanosheets were purified using dialysis and electrophoresis. The nanosheets were successfully restacked into the O2-polytype of LCO with microwave hydrothermal assistance, indicating that non-equilibrium structures can be obtained by reassembling nanosheets. After high temperature annealing, the materials exhibited electrochemical properties characteristic of O3-type LCO with good capacity retention when passivated with atomic layer deposition Al2O3 coatings. This work shows that the proton exchange step usually required for the exfoliation of layered metal oxides can be circumvented, and moreover, that the obtained nanosheets could be restacked into functional electrode materials. This could pave the way for the synthesis of materials with novel structures and electrochemical properties, as well as facilitate the fabrication of hybrid and composite structures from different nanosheets as building blocks.
What Have We Learned From The Codling Moth

Over the years the codling moth ( Corpocapsa pomonella (L.)) has occupied a prominent place in the field of economic entomology. This insect may be found throughout the world, in almost all areas in which apples or pears are grown commercially. It occurs in all States or Provinces in the United States and Canada, and is of economic importance in most of them. Uncontrolled, the codling moth will destroy the greater part of an apple or pear crop. In some areas where conditions have been especially favorable, the codling moth has been one of the important causes of a decline in apple production.
A survey of the interaction of calcium ions with mitochondria from different tissues and species

A survey was made of the capacity of mitochondria isolated from a number of different tissues and species to accumulate Ca(2+) from the suspending medium during electron transport. The species examined included the rat, mouse, rabbit, hamster, guinea pig, cow, chicken, turtle, blowfly, yeast and Neurospora crassa. The tissues examined included vertebrate liver, kidney, brain, heart, spleen, thyroid and adrenal cortex, and the flight muscle of the blowfly. The mitochondria from all vertebrate tissues examined showed: (a) stimulation of State 4 respiration by added Ca(2+) (Ca(2+)/~ activation ratio about 2.0), accompanied by accumulation of Ca(2+) and ejection of H(+), with a H(+)/Ca(2+) ratio about 1.0; (b) a requirement of phosphate for accumulation of large amounts of Ca(2+); (c) respiration-independent high-affinity binding sites for Ca(2+); (d) endogenous Ca(2+), which is largely released by uncoupling agents. However, mitochondria from yeast and blowfly flight muscle are unable to accumulate Ca(2+) in a respiration-dependent process and possess no high-affinity Ca(2+)-binding sites. These findings support the view that the high-affinity sites represent the ligand-binding sites of a specific Ca(2+) ;permease' or transport system in the membrane. The relatively high affinity for Ca(2+), which equals or exceeds the affinity for ADP, and the generally uniform characteristics of Ca(2+) transport in all the vertebrate mitochondria tested strongly suggest that respiration-linked Ca(2+) accumulation plays a general and fundamental role in vertebrate cell physiology.
A Review of the Efficacy of Thalidomide and Lenalidomide in the Treatment of Refractory Prurigo Nodularis

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic dermatoses characterized by intensely pruritic, excoriated, or lichenified nodules. Standard therapy includes corticosteroids, antihistamines, and phototherapy; however, treatment results are often inadequate or transient. Thalidomide and its analogue lenalidomide are immunomodulatory drugs that have successfully been used to treat refractory cases of PN. A systematic review was performed evaluating the use of thalidomide and lenalidomide for PN. Eighteen articles were included in this study in which a total of 106 patients were evaluated, of whom 76 (71.7%) had moderate to significant improvement of PN with the use of thalidomide, lenalidomide, or both. Patients given thalidomide were treated with doses of 50–300 mg daily for 1–142 months, with the majority being treated for less than 1 year. Patients treated with lenalidomide were given a daily dose of 5–10 mg from 3 to 24 months. The most common side effects observed were sedation, gastrointestinal symptoms, and transient peripheral neuropathy. While thalidomide and lenalidomide are drugs that have shown promising results in these studies, caution should be taken in prescribing these medications and patients should be informed about the potential side effects. As such, large-scale randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed to determine appropriate dosing, efficacy, and toxicity profiles.
Effect of alertness level and backrest elevation on skin interface pressure.

INTRODUCTION Critically ill patients may experience reduced mobility and sensation related to various pharmacologic therapies and treatments, making this patient population especially susceptible to pressure ulcers. An alert patient may be better able to reposition in response to discomfort, therefore preventing the development of pressure ulcers. However, little is known about the effect of an individual's alertness level on skin interface pressures. This study describes the effect of alertness level and backrest elevation on skin interface pressures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty healthy participants were recruited from the Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA) population. Participants simulated each of 2 alertness levels (sedated or alert) while in 3 backrest elevations (30°, 45°, or 60°). Activity level, backrest elevation, and interface pressures were recorded continuously for 30 seconds. Random effects models were used to examine the effects of alertness level and backrest elevation on average and peak pressure. Participants had a mean age of 30 and 82% were female. RESULTS There was a significant interaction between alertness level and angle as related to average pressure (P < 0.0001) and peak pressure (P < 0.0001). Increases in backrest elevation increased average pressure and peak pressure. Interface pressures were generally greater when participants were simulating the alert state. CONCLUSION These findings may indicate that interface pressure is a poor indicator of patient discomfort. Higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with higher average pressure (P < 0.0001), but lower peak pressure (P < 0.0001), suggesting better pressure distribution across the patient's body area. These findings are similar to previous studies in which low BMI is associated with increased pressure ulcer risk. ﻿﻿﻿.
A QTL on chromosome 2DS of ‘Sumai 3’ increases susceptibility to Fusarium head blight in wheat

Much effort has been invested in identifying molecular markers in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) linked to quantitative trait loci (QTL) that confer resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe [teleomorph Gibberella zeae (Schwein) Petch]. Even after several generations of crossing and selection by many wheat breeding programs, resistance of the Chinese spring wheat cultivar ‘Sumai 3’ (PI 481542) remains among the most effective. It therefore seems that undocumented resistance QTL present in Sumai 3 were not detected in various mapping studies. Using an extremely susceptible Tibetan landrace (‘Y1193-6’; unknown pedigree) in the creation of a mapping population with Sumai 3, the objective of this research was to identify undocumented resistance QTL in Sumai 3. This was accomplished through collecting disease index (DI) and Fusarium damaged kernel (FDK) phenotypic values along with 305 Diversity Array Technology (DArT) and 52 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) marker genotypes on 160 F2:6 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Disease response evaluations were based on four (two greenhouse and two field) experiments where spray inoculation methods were used. Three QTL were identified on chromosome arms 3BS, 6BL and 2DS explaining 26.1, 10.7 and 18.9% of the phenotypic variation for DI, respectively. The same QTL were also significantly associated with reduced FDK scores and explained 28.0, 11.0 and 23.0% of phenotypic variation. Lines within the mapping population were placed in eight categories with respect to their various QTL combinations. Lines with no QTL were the most susceptible, whereas those with the Sumai 3-derived 3BS and 6BL QTL combined with the 2DS QTL from Y1193-6 were the most resistant. Though the 3BS and 6BL QTL are well-documented, the 2DS resistance QTL, which was contributed by the susceptible parent, confers increased susceptibility when derived from Sumai 3. In this study no new FHB QTL from Sumai 3 was discovered, but results suggest that Sumai 3 contains a QTL for susceptibility on chromosome arm 2DS. Selection against this QTL may potentially increase resistance levels among Sumai 3-derived populations.
Synthesis of Micron and Submicron Nickel and Nickel Oxide Particles by a Novel Laser–Liquid Interaction Process

The laser–liquid–solid interaction is a new technique for synthesis of nickel and nickel oxide particles. The process uses a continuous-wave CO2 laser beam as the source of thermal energy required to induce precipitation reactions in solution. The uniqueness of the process is the synthesis reaction taking place in a localized region, which allows better control of the chemical reaction. Porous nickel and nickel oxide powders have been synthesized by laser-induced reactions between a nickel nitrate hexahydrate [Ni(NO3)2·6H2O] precursor and 2-ethoxyethanol-based mixtures. Nickel powders were produced after irradiating a solution of the precursor salt and a 2-ethoxyethanol and d-sorbitol mixture. Crystalline nickel oxide (NiO) powders were isolated after irradiating a solution containing the precursor salt and a 2-ethoxyethanol and water mixture. Powders containing both nickel and nickel oxide crystalline phases were produced after irradiating a solution of the precursor salt and 2-ethoxyethanol. The mean particle diameter is found to be sensitive to irradiation time, substrate thermal conductivity, irradiation power density, and solution concentration. It is hypothesized that nucleation and growth of crystalline phases occurring in irradiated solutions are thermal driven.
The Contrast Gain Control and Feedback Within the Retina

Abstract The retina of the cat contains a contrast gain control which measures the average contrast over a wide area of the retina and adjusts the dynamics of retinal signal processing. This mechanism is a feedback mechanism. It seems to be a nonlinear feedback which modulates the gain-bandwidth product of linear feedbacks within the retina. The existence and properties of the contrast gain control have been discovered by applying techniques of nonlinear systems analysis to the study of the retina.
A Phase II Study of the TNF-α Inhibitor Etanercept and Thrice Weekly Rituximab in Relapsed CLL/SLL: Clinical Activity in the Absence of Del(17p13) Genomic Abnormalities.

Background: The monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody rituximab induces the death of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in part through apoptosis. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and other cytokines up-regulate bcl-2 and other anti-apoptotic proteins, thereby inhibiting apoptosis. In addition, TNF-α may play a role in the cytokine release syndrome and infusion toxicity associated with monoclonal antibody therapy. Therefore, antagonists of TNF-α represent potential therapeutic agents that may decrease infusion toxicity and enhance rituximab-induced apoptosis. Methods: We conducted a phase II trial of the TNF-α inhibitor etanercept in combination with rituximab in patients (pts) with relapsed CLL or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), to determine if inhibition of TNF-α by etanercept increases the clinical activity of rituximab and reduces infusion toxicity. Pts received etanercept, 25 mg subcutaneously (SC) twice weekly during weeks 1–5, and rituximab, 375 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) three times weekly during weeks 2–5. Stepped up dosing was utilized with the first two rituximab treatments. Results: Thirty-six pts (25 male) with a median of 2 prior therapies (range 1–8) were enrolled; 23 pts had previously received rituximab. Therapy was generally well tolerated. Infusion reactions were mild and were not associated with severe adverse events. Fourteen pts experienced grade 1 (n=5) or grade 2 (n=9) infusion reactions. These infusion reactions extinguished with subsequent does of rituximab. Twelve pts developed grade 4 neutropenia, and neutropenic infections occurred in 4 pts, with 3 of these infections occurring during rapid CLL progression. Twelve pts developed grade 2 (n=10) or grade 3 (n=2) non-neutropenic infections. Nine of 32 evaluable pts (28%) achieved an NCI 96 response, with 8 partial responses (PR) and 1 complete response (CR). Median duration of response was 10 months. Eighteen pts had stable disease (SD), while 5 pts had progressive disease (PD). No responses were observed in 8 pts with del(17p13). In contrast, 9 of 24 pts (38%) without del(17p13) responded, including 3 pts with complex karyotypes. Sixteen pts with responsive or stable disease did not require additional treatment for CLL for 6 months after end of therapy, and the median treatment free survival for this group was 12 months. Eight of these 16 pts have not yet required other CLL therapy. Conclusions: This study confirms our previous finding that single agent thrice weekly rituximab is ineffective in relapsed CLL with del(17p13) (Cancer Res 63: 36, 2003). The combination of rituximab and etanercept was well tolerated and demonstrated clinical activity in relapsed CLL pts without del(17p13). However, the addition of etanercept did not improve the clinical response rate beyond that expected with single agent thrice weekly rituximab.
Analysis of somatic mutations across the kinome reveals loss-of-function mutations in multiple cancer types

In this study we use somatic cancer mutations to identify important functional residues within sets of related genes. We focus on protein kinases, a superfamily of phosphotransferases that share homologous sequences and structural motifs and have many connections to cancer. We develop several statistical tests for identifying Significantly Mutated Positions (SMPs), which are positions in an alignment with mutations that show signs of selection. We apply our methods to 21,917 mutations that map to the alignment of human kinases and identify 23 SMPs. SMPs occur throughout the alignment, with many in the important A-loop region, and others spread between the N and C lobes of the kinase domain. Since mutations are pooled across the superfamily, these positions may be important to many protein kinases. We select eleven mutations from these positions for functional validation. All eleven mutations cause a reduction or loss of function in the affected kinase. The tested mutations are from four genes, including two tumor suppressors (TGFBR1 and CHEK2) and two oncogenes (KDR and ERBB2). They also represent multiple cancer types, and include both recurrent and non-recurrent events. Many of these mutations warrant further investigation as potential cancer drivers.
Bilingual and monolingual adults learning an additional language: ERPs reveal differences in syntactic processing

It has been suggested that bilinguals learn additional languages ‘better’ than monolinguals. However, evidence is sparse, particularly for grammar. We examined behavioral and neural correlates of learning an additional (artificial) language in early Mandarin–English bilinguals, compared to English monolinguals. Following grammar instruction, participants practiced comprehension and production, and judged grammaticality at low and high proficiency while event-related potentials (ERPs) were acquired. Bilinguals and monolinguals did not differ on behavioral measures, but showed distinct ERP patterns. At low proficiency only bilinguals showed a P600, a common ERP correlate of syntactic processing in native speakers of languages. At high proficiency both groups showed P600s, though the monolinguals also evidenced an anterior positivity not typically found in native speakers of languages during syntactic processing. These findings suggest that, even without bilingual/monolingual behavioral differences, bilinguals show ERP patterns for an additional language that are more similar to those of native speakers of languages.
Public Knowledge of Cardiovascular Risk Numbers: Contextual Factors Affecting Knowledge and Health Behavior, and the Impact of Public Health Campaigns

Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality globally. A critical component of American Heart Association (AHA) efforts to reduce cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality involves enhancing the public's knowledge and management of modifiable risk factors. Studies have been mixed with regard to the knowledge of personal and target levels in the general community for key cardiovascular indicators. The present chapter is a review of the recent literature (2005–17) on adults' knowledge/awareness for personal and target levels of four key cardiovascular metrics identified by AHA (blood pressure, lipids, body mass, and glucose) and relationships of knowledge to health behaviors. We also address some of the potential determinants of knowledge that have been suggested (i.e., race/ethnicity and level of risk). In addition, we review the current literature on the effectiveness of interventions for enhancing knowledge/awareness.
Using Allostatic Load to Validate Self-rated Health for Racial/Ethnic Groups in the United States.

This study evaluates the validity of subjective health measurement for racial/ethnic comparisons in the United States, by assessing whether allostatic load (AL) is equally associated with poor/fair...
Campus sustainability in the US: Environmental management and social change since 1970

Abstract In the US, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have occupied a distinct role in the social contract: they have been predisposed to be at the forefront of social change and to addressing “wicked” problems. Over the last four decades sustainability has emerged as one such problem, and HEIs have practiced campus sustainability to improve environmental management and foster social change on campuses and beyond. Understanding the development of campus sustainability in the US during these years is essential for scholars and practitioners looking to make sense of its present state and to map out future pathways. There is, however, no comprehensive analysis of campus sustainability's development in the U.S. Here we ask how campus sustainability has developed in the US since the early 1970s. To answer our research question, we analyze scholarly works and reports and use the epochs approach to build a chronological narrative. Our analysis results in the identification of three distinct and overlapping epochs of campus sustainability: greening the campus (1970s-1990s), the growth of campus sustainability (1990s-2010s), and transforming HEIs to implement sustainability on campus and beyond (since 2010s). We conclude by analyzing the nature of changes that campus sustainability has undergone over time, in terms of both managing the environment and fostering social change. We argue that campus sustainability initially emerged as informal, ecologically-focused, campus-confined initiatives at HEIs that prioritized educating agents of change and modeling change. Over time campus sustainability has evolved towards more formal, holistic, extramural policies at HEIs that assume the role of agents of change. Here, we provide the first historical narrative of campus sustainability in the US. As such, this work is likely to be of value to scholars and practitioners alike as they grapple with the past, present, and future of campus sustainability.
Embrittlement of Molybdenum by Neutron Radiation

Commercially pure molybdenum specimens were irradiated in the Materials Testing Reactor for an estimated exposure of 1.9 to 5.9×1020 thermal nvt. Prior to irradiation, the material was ductile in the tension test; whereas after irradiation, it was brittle. The results of tension tests conducted at various temperatures revealed that the transition temperature for this material had been increased from −30° to +70°C as a result of the radiation exposure. From metallographic studies, it is concluded that the embrittlement is due to submicroscopic changes which raise the flow stress-temperature curve of the material.
Police and Court Dispositions

This chapter will address the police and juvenile court dispositions applied to the offenses in the cohorts. Before discussing the disposition findings, however, it is necessary to review the procedures surrounding the police handling of juveniles in Philadelphia. When a juvenile in Philadelphia is apprehended for a delinquent act, the initial disposition of the offense is handled by the Juvenile Aid Division officer. Like most jurisdictions, Philadelphia police officers confronted with a juvenile delinquent have wide discretion in choosing a disposition. That is, the police officer can let the offender go with a warning, or the police can make an official arrest. Unlike other jurisdictions, however, the two particular choices open to the Philadelphia police officer—“remedial” (no official arrest, no further processing in the juvenile justice system) or “arrest”—allow the officer to be lenient, but still preserve a record of the case. Thus, remedial processing is a way of “letting the offender go,” but at the same time making note of the contact for future use.
Three-Dimensional-Printed Sustainable Biochar-Recycled PET Composites

Recently, the demand for high-performance, 3D-printable polymer composites has grown exponentially. The objective of this work is to develop a novel low cost and sustainable biochar-recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) composite with improved mechanical and thermal performance. Biochar was derived from the pyrolysis of packaging waste at a high temperature and autogenic pressure. The typical temperature and pressure of the reaction are ∼1100 °C and 150 bar. Biochar was ground and sieved to below 100 μm, and it was melt compounded with recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) derived from postconsumer PET bottles (Aquafina). Biochar/PET composite filaments of 1.75 mm were produced using a melt extruder. The filaments were used to 3D print tensile, DMA, and TMA sample coupons using a Hyrel 30 M printer. Biochar was analyzed for its textural properties, thermal stability, and surface morphology. The as-prepared polymer composite was studied for its thermal, mechanical, and dynamic mechanical properties. ...
A numerical study of sensitivity coefficients for a model of amyloid precursor protein and tau protein transport and agglomeration in neurons at the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Modeling of intracellular processes occurring during the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be instrumental in understanding the disease and can potentially contribute to finding treatments for the disease. The model of intracellular processes in AD, which we previously developed, contains a large number of parameters. To distinguish between more important and less important parameters we performed a local sensitivity analysis of this model around the values of parameters that give the best fit with published experimental results. We show that the effect of model parameters on the total concentration of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and tau protein in the axon, respectively, is reciprocal to the effect of the same parameters on the average velocities of the same proteins during their transport in the axon. The results of our analysis also suggest that in the beginning of AD the aggregation of amyloid-s and misfolded tau protein have little effect on transport of APP and tau in the axon, which suggests that early effects of AD may be reversible.
STAT2-mediated regulation of Macrophage Phenotype during Influenza and Bacterial Super-infection

Influenza is a common contagious respiratory illness that affects people worldwide. Secondary bacterial infection is a major complication during influenza infection that causes significant morbidity and mortality. We have previously shown that influenza induces type I interferon (IFN)-mediated inhibition of Type17 immune responses, resulting in exacerbation of bacterial burden during influenza and Staphylococcus aureus super-infection in mice. Here, we investigated the role of the signaling mediator, STAT2, downstream of type I IFN signaling in both influenza infection and bacterial super-infection. Influenza-infected STAT2 −/− mice had increased weight loss, increased viral burden, and increased inflammatory responses when compared to influenza-infected WT mice. Despite an exaggerated inflammatory response to influenza infection alone, influenza and methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) super-infected STAT2 −/− mice had lower bacterial burden, morbidity, and mortality than WT mice. STAT2−/− mice had an increased expression of markers associated with M1 (classical) and M2 (alternative) macrophages in lung during influenza or influenza-bacterial super infection compared to WT mice. Next, we found neutralization of IFNγ or Arginase1 decreased bacterial clearance in STAT2−/− mice in influenza-bacterial super-infection, suggesting that both M1 and M2 phenotype mediate host defense during influenza-bacterial super-infection. These data demonstrate a clear role for type I IFN induced STAT2 signaling in suppression of macrophage function during influenza, MRSA super-infection. Further, these studies reveal novel mechanistic insight into the roles of macrophage subpopulations in pulmonary host defense.
First-order Horner’s Syndrome and Cognitive Impairments from Thalamic-Hypothalamic Stroke (P3.248)

Objective: NA Background: A 37 year old right-handed previously healthy and cognitively intact male presented with left-sided Horner’s syndrome and altered mental status. His wife noticed left eyelid droop, inappropriate responses, and acute confusion 4 hours prior to admission. Soon after arrival to the hospital, he developed right lower facial weakness and neurological exam confirmed a left Horner’ syndrome. He was also found to be hypertensive to 219/130 mmHg. The NIH stroke scale score was 2. A non-contrast head CT was negative, and CTA showed a left PCA filling defect. Brain MRI revealed an acute left hypothalamus infarct extending to the anteriomedial thalamus. Additional workup included hypercoagulable panel, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms, RPR, HIV screen, TSH, EEG and continuous telemetry monitoring, all of which were negative. LDL cholesterol was 120 mg/dL and hemoglobin A1C of 6.1. He was treated with two antihypertensive agents, atorvastatin 80 mg, aspirin 81 mg and metformin. Throughout hospitalization, he showed significant cognitive impairments involving memory, orientation, visuospatial, executive function, and language domains. He required 24 hour supervision by family when discharged home. At one-month follow up he had unchanged persistent deficits. Design/Methods: NA Results: NA Conclusions: Thalamic-hypothalamic stroke is a rare etiology for first-order Horner’s syndrome that has only been documented in a few case reports. The infarct was in the territory of tuberothalamic arteries, which likely resulted from ostial stenosis at the origin of the posterior cerebral artery. It is uncommon for Horner’s syndrome to present in combination with cognitive deficits resulting from tuberothalamic infarction. This case illustrates the importance of considering stroke in the diagnosis of acute neurological symptoms even if considered rare in combination. Disclosure: Dr. Ng has nothing to disclose. Dr. Navarathna has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sharma has nothing to disclose. Dr. Romero has nothing to disclose.
Load Profile Based Electricity Consumer Clustering Using Affinity Propagation

With abundant availability of electricity customers load data, and the growing trend toward smart distribution grid, there is a need for more efficient approaches to exploit the valuable customer load information from the high-resolution data collected from customers by automatic meter reading (AMR). New effective clustering methods such as affinity propagation are one of the ways to tackle this issue by improving load prediction techniques and devising efficient pricing schemes. In this paper, an affinity propagation (AP) algorithm is used to cluster customer load data and generate typical load profiles (TLP) for clusters. AP is a new algorithm and has no need to have a predefined number of clusters. Clustering results are compared with some traditional methods such as k-mean, k-medoid, and spectral clustering. Also, the AP results are evaluated by computing a range of well-known clustering performance indices.
Long-term research needed to avoid spurious and misleading trends in sustainability attributes of no-till

ABSTRACT Agricultural management recommendations based on short-term studies can produce findings inconsistent with long-term reality. Here, we test the long-term relative profitability and environmental sustainability of continuous no-till agriculture practices on crop yield, soil moisture, and N2O fluxes. Using a moving window approach, we investigate the development and stability of several attributes of continuous no-till as compared to conventional till agriculture over a 29-year period at a site in the upper Midwest, U.S. We find that over a decade is needed to detect the consistent benefits of no-till on important attributes at this site. Both crop yield and soil moisture required periods 15 years or longer to generate patterns consistent with 29-year trends. Only marginally significant trends for N2O fluxes appeared in this period. Importantly, significant but misleading short-term trends appeared in more than 20% of the periods examined. Relative profitability analysis suggests that 10 years after initial implementation, 86% of periods recuperated the initial expense of no-till implementation, with the probability of higher relative profit increasing with longevity. Results underscore the essential importance of decade and longer studies for revealing the long-term dynamics and emergent outcomes of agricultural practices for different sustainability attributes and are consistent with recommendations to support the long-term adoption of no-till management. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT HIGHLIGHTS We test long-term effects of no-till on yield, soil moisture, and N2O fluxes We examine 29 years of data with a moving window and relative profitability method It takes at least a decade to detect consistent benefits of no-till Shorter studies can produce significant but misleading findings Long studies are essential to reveal the dynamics of agricultural management
Transforming growth factor-β promotes basement membrane fibrosis, alters perivascular cerebrospinal fluid distribution, and worsens neurological recovery in the aged brain after stroke

Aging and stroke alter the composition of the basement membrane and reduce the perivascular distribution of cerebrospinal fluid and solutes, which may contribute to poor functional recovery in elderly patients. Following stroke, TGF-β induces astrocyte activation and subsequent glial scar development. This is dysregulated with aging and could lead to chronic, detrimental changes within the basement membrane. We hypothesized that TGF-β induces basement membrane fibrosis after stroke, leading to impaired perivascular CSF distribution and poor functional recovery in aged animals. We found that CSF entered the aged brain along perivascular tracts; this process was reduced by experimental stroke and was rescued by TGF-β receptor inhibition. Brain fibronectin levels increased with experimental stroke, which was reversed with inhibitor treatment. Exogenous TGF-β stimulation increased fibronectin expression, both in vivo and in primary cultured astrocytes. Oxygen-glucose deprivation of cultured astrocytes induced multiple changes in genes related to astrocyte activation and extracellular matrix production. Finally, in stroke patients, we found that serum TGF-β levels correlated with poorer functional outcomes, suggesting that serum levels may act as a biomarker for functional recovery. These results support a potential new treatment strategy to enhance recovery in elderly stroke patients.
Microbiota-mediated mucosal inflammation in arthritis

Mucosal surfaces are a unique symbiotic environment between a host and a vast and diverse ecology of microbes. These microbes have great immunomodulatory potential with respect to the host organism. Indeed, the mucosal immune system strikes a delicate balance between tolerance of commensal organisms and overt inflammation to ward off pathogens. Disruptions of the microbial ecology at mucosal surfaces has been described in a vast number of different human disease processes including many forms of arthritis, and the resulting implications are still being understood to their fullest. Herein, we review the current state of knowledge in microbe-host interactions as it relates to the development of arthritis through bacterial translocation, bacterial metabolite production, education of the immune response, and molecular mimicry.
A comprehensive analysis comparing linear and generalized linear models in detecting adaptive SNPs.

To understand how organisms adapt to their environment, a gene-environmental association (GEA) analysis is commonly conducted. GEA methods based on mixed models, such as linear latent factor mixed models (LFMM) and LFMM2, have grown in popularity for their robust performance in terms of power and computational speed. However, it is unclear how the assumption of a Gaussian distribution for the response variables influences model performance. In this paper, we develop a generalized linear model (GLM) that allows for non-Gaussian distribution in the genotypic response variables, and treatment of multiallelic nucleotide polymorphisms. Moreover, this multinomial logistic regression model (MLR) is combined with an admixture-based model or principal components analysis to correct for population structure (MLR-ADM and MLR-PC). Using simulations, we evaluate the type 1 error, false discovery rates (FDR), and power to detect selected SNPs, to guide model choice and best practices. With genomic control, MLR-PC and LFMM2 have similar type 1 error, FDRs, and power when analysing biallelic SNPs, while dramatically outperforming models not accounting for population structure. Differences in performance occur under continuous population structure where MLR-PC outperforms LFMM/LFMM2, especially when a larger number of clusters or triallelic SNPs are analysed. The Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP) data set shows that both MLR-PC and LFMM2 control the inflation of P -values. Analysis of the 1,000 Genome Project Phase 3 data set illustrates that MLR-PC and LFMM2 produce consistent results for most significant SNPs, while MLR-PC discovered additional SNPs corresponding to certain genes, suggesting MLR-PC may be a useful alternative to GEA inference.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Treatment of Severe Clostridioides difficile Colitis in a Pediatric Patient With Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Background Patients with malignant diseases are at high risk for refractory Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI). Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) restores the gastrointestinal microbiome and may be an effective treatment for patients who fail pharmacotherapy. However, FMT is not commonly used in the oncology population because of risk for donor-derived infection. Observations The authors report successful use of FMT in a pediatric patient with refractory CDI actively receiving chemotherapy. The patient's symptoms improved 1 day following FMT. He did not experience infectious complications or other adverse effects. Conclusions FMT may be a feasible option for treatment of refractory CDI in pediatric oncology patients.
Anchoring bias in the TARP warrant negotiations

Abstract This paper finds that banks that offered lower opening bids were rewarded with significantly lower warrant repurchase prices in transactions that raised $2.856 billion in 2009. These results were scaled by third-party consultants’ and the Congressional Oversight Panel's estimates of the warrants’ value. In contrast to the experimental psychology studies on anchoring bias in negotiations, these are real transactions involving large sums of money. This paper finds that larger banks paid significantly higher prices after controlling for other factors, and the U.S. Treasury obtained better prices over time. The results on anchoring bias are strong even after controlling for bank managers’ potential informational advantages over U.S. Treasury negotiators.
Stereotypes from the Inside: Chinese International Students’ Experiences with Peers’ Outgroup Favoritism

Communication scholars often examine immigrants’ ingroup favoritism to study their intergroup/intercultural communication. Less is known about how some immigrants exhibit outgroup favoritism for the host culture and how outgroup favoritism relates to their ingroup communication. Drawn upon literatures on outgroup favoritism, this study understands international/intercultural communication in a global system where some immigrants favor the hosting outgroup. The researcher investigates how Chinese international students experience their peers’ performance of outgroup favoritism 崇洋媚外 in the U.S. Through in-depth interviews (n = 15), this study identified how outgroup favoritism enacts negative ingroup stereotyping and ingroup distancing. Students with outgroup favoritism strategically negotiate for less ingroup membership and more outgroup affiliation, creating mutual exclusion among ingroup members. Discussion focuses on Chinese international students’ communication dilemma with outgroup-favoring ingroup members
Thiazolidinediones as PPAR Agonists

Type 2 diabetes has now reached epidemic proportions across the world and is the cause of substantial morbidity and mortality. It is now well established that intensive control of blood glucose can significantly reduce and ameliorate the microvascular complications of retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Unfortunately however, nearly 80% of type 2 diabetic patients die from macrovascular cardiovascular disease. This increased incidence of atherosclerotic disease is intricately associated with insulin resistance, which is a major pathophysiologic abnormality in type 2 diabetes. There is strong evidence that insulin resistance is intricately involved in the development of not only hyperglycemia, but also dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypercoagulation, vasculopathy, and ultimately atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This cluster of metabolic abnormalities has been termed the “insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome.” The thiazolidinediones (rosiglitazone and pioglitazone) constitute a new class of oral antidiabetic agents which are “insulin sensitizers” and exert direct effects on the mechanisms of insulin resistance. Through their PPAR-γ agonist effects, the thiazolidinediones not only improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control with reduced insulin requirements, but also have potentially favorable effects on other components of the metabolic syndrome. These beneficial effects on lipid metabolism, vascular tone, and endothelial function might directly and indirectly influence cardiovascular risk by favorably altering several proatherogenic metabolic processes. Long-term studies are needed to determine whether the insulin-sensitizing effects of the thiazolidinediones have the potential to prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes as well as premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, morbidity, and death. Keywords: type 2 diabetes; insulin sensitizers; thiazolidinediones; PPAR agonists
An innovative I-bumper concept for improved crashworthiness of military and commercial vehicles

The greatest demand facing the automotive industry has been providing safer vehicles with high fuel efficiency at minimum cost. Current automotive vehicle structures have one fundamental handicap: a short crumple zone for crash energy absorption. This leaves limited room for further safety improvement, especially for high-speed crashes. Breakthrough technologies are needed. One potential breakthrough is to use active devices instead of conventional passive devices. An innovative inflatable bumper concept, called the "I-bumper," is being developed by the authors for crashworthiness and safety of military and commercial vehicles. The proposed I-bumper has several active structural components, including a morphing mechanism, a movable bumper, two explosive airbags, and a morphing lattice structure with a locking mechanism that provides desired rigidity and energy absorption capability during a vehicular crash. It has additional innovative means for crashworthiness, which is to use tubes filled with a granular material to absorb crash energy. An analytical design model is developed in this paper for the optimal design of the I-bumper system, with a focus on up-front design. Major design variables include those for the explosive airbag, a morphing lattice structure, and granular material used in the front-rails (tubes) for further energy absorption. A new design model will be developed for the optimal design of the morphing lattice structure and external airbag, and for maximizing energy absorption in the active state. The use of granular material in the front-rails (tubes) will also be examined for crash energy management in the passive stage. The new design methodology will be implemented in Matlab. Validation will be conducted at a full-vehicle level in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the I-bumper for improved suitability in a high-speed crash.
Studies on the Origin of a Low Molecular Weight Ribonucleic Acid from Human Cells Infected with Adenoviruses

After infection with adenovirus 2 or adenovirus 7, human epithelioid cells (KB strain) synthesize a discrete species of low molecular weight RNA (VA RNA). Intact and disrupted nuclei from infected cells incorporate labeled nucleoside triphosphates into RNA with chromatographic and electrophoretic properties indistinguishable from VA RNA. VA RNA can be annealed to homologous virus DNA and, to a lesser extent, to KB cell DNA. Oligonucleotide maps of enzymatic digests of VA RNA from KB cells infected with adenovirus 7 were partially analyzed. The results indicate that this is a relatively homogeneous species of RNA which does not have many long sequences identical with VA RNA from cells infected with adenovirus 2. Thus, although we lack direct evidence that VA RNA is transcribed from virus DNA, the primary structure of VA RNA is directed by the infecting virus.
Emotion mirror: a novel intervention for autism based on real-time expression recognition

Facial expression perception and production are crucial for social functioning. Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are impaired in their ability to produce and perceive dynamic facial expressions, which may contribute to social deficits. Here we present a novel intervention system for improving facial expression perception and production in children with ASD based on computer vision. We present a live demo of the Emotion Mirror, a game where the children make facial expressions of basic emotions (anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise) that are "mirrored" by a cartoon character on the screen who responds dynamically in real-time. In the reverse mirror condition, the character makes an expression and children are rewarded when they successfully copy the expression of the character. This application demonstrates a novel intersection of computer vision and medicine enabled by real-time facial expression processing.
Disruption and Innovation: Online Learning and Degrees at Accredited Journalism Schools and Programs:

This study examined online journalism courses and degree programs (also known as distance learning or distance education) at the 113 programs accredited in 2008–2009 by the Accrediting Council on E...
Perceptually walking in another's shoes: goals and memories constrain spatial perception

Perceptual variables such as perceived distance contain information about future actions. Often our goals involve the integration of another's goals, such as lifting heavy objects together. The purpose of this study was to investigate how another's actions might influence one's own goal-oriented perceptions (i.e., verbal distance estimates). Using a within-subject paradigm, we replicated a well-known finding that carrying a weighted backpack results in larger distance estimates relative to not carrying a backpack. In a crucial second condition, this effect was reversed: distance estimates were significantly greater when not carrying a weighted backpack than when carrying a backpack. In this condition, participants provided distance estimates while wearing a weighted backpack during the first phase and then gave estimates while not wearing a backpack, but following an experimenter wearing a weighted backpack in the second phase. Three additional conditions systematically documented how the observation of another's actions influenced distance estimates.