cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intraspecific Plant–Soil Feedbacks Link Ecosystem Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

The interactions among plants, soil biotic communities, and soil are increasingly shown to be important in ecology but are underappreciated in evolutionary biology. Through genetic interactions among co-occurring taxa, plants and the biotic soil community influence the fitness and performance of each over time. At the intraspecific level, variation in plant traits leads to conditioning of soil physical and chemical properties and biotic communities which can have positive, neutral, or negative feedbacks to plants. These feedbacks can have positive fitness effects that lead to divergence of traits in plants. Building on the growing literature showing the genetic basis to plant conditioning of soils and the role of plant–soil feedback in determining plant performance and fitness, we review: (1) evolutionary theory linking plants and soils (which broadly includes soil physical and chemical properties as well as the biotic community); (2) provide examples of genetically based variation in plant–soil feedback (PSF); and (3) identify the evolutionary consequences of PSF. Together, modeling and empirical results show that intraspecific interactions among plants and soils vary across environments that can lead to geographic variation in feedback responses and evolutionary divergence. Both local adaptation and maladaptation are equally likely to occur which can drive divergence in plant traits and ecosystem function in different directions. Overall these results demonstrate that plant–soil interactions are ideal for demonstrating eco-evolutionary feedbacks which has implications for understanding a range of population, community, and ecosystem outcomes in a changing world.
Adolescent Perceptions of an Interactive Mobile Application to Respond to Teen Dating Violence

Although research and intervention efforts in the United States have aimed to reduce teen dating violence (TDV), 10-year prevalence estimates suggest that TDV persists. Safety planning is an advocated intervention to reduce intimate partner abuse; yet, safety planning services for adolescents have not been systematically developed or tested. Personalized safety planning interventions that reflect teens' immediate risk, priorities, and resources may be a key prevention and empowerment tool. Thus, the current study examined adolescent perceptions of an existing safety planning app, myPlan. A small convenience sample of adolescents participated in focus groups. Focus groups investigated the feasibility of an app for TDV intervention and elicited feedback on how apps can better assist adolescents experiencing dating violence. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify themes and patterns in the data. The following themes emerged: (a) careful and thoughtful inclusion of diverse adolescents, (b) capturing unique safety dilemmas encountered by adolescents, (c) clarifying the signs of an unhealthy and abusive relationship, and (d) resources for immediate help. Adolescents were thoughtful in their consideration of the myPlan app and articulated specific ways in which future applications could be more responsive to their lived experiences and challenges. Mobile app or electronic interventions that are developed with an eye toward empowering adolescents to understand how abusive behaviors may manifest in their relationships, weigh the risk and benefits of intervening, and are informed about local resources available to them for help may be most successful in reducing TDV.
Next-generation RNA sequencing versus RNA microarray gene expression profiling for personalized medicine approaches in oncology: Lessons from relapsed and refractory neuroblastoma patients from the Neuroblastoma Medulloblastoma Translational Research Consortium (NMTRC).

e22083 Background: RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) based on next generation approaches has emerged with several advantages to microarrays. We explored the differences in transcriptome analysis of neurobla...
Abstract 2028: CCL18 signaling from breast tumor-associated macrophages fosters the activation of fibroblasts into a chemoresistance-inducing phenotype

Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are abundant and heterogeneous stromal cells in tumor microenvironment critically involved in cancer progression. Our recent study identified a specific CAFs subset by two cell-surface molecules, CD10 and GPR77. We proved that CD10+GPR77+CAFs could promote tumor formation and chemoresistance by providing a survival niche for cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, their origin and underlying activating initiation mechanism are unclear. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune-related stromal cells and the important source of inflammatory cytokine. Here, we demonstrated that CCL18 secreted by TAMs could induces the activation of normal breast fibroblasts into a CD10+GPR77+CAFs phenotype, which are not only resistant to chemotherapy themselves, but also can induce chemoresistance in cancer cells by abundantly producing IL-8 and IL-6 and enriching the population of cancer stem cells. In conclusion, our studies have identified an inflammatory signaling network in the interaction of different kind of stroma cells in tumor microenvironment and highlighted its potential values as predictive markers and therapeutic targets to abrogate tumor formation and improve chemotherapeutic efficacy. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Erwei Song, Jianing Chen, Shicheng Su. CCL18 signaling from breast tumor-associated macrophages fosters the activation of fibroblasts into a chemoresistance-inducing phenotype [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2028.
The Revised Hearing Handicap Inventory and Screening Tool Based on Psychometric Reevaluation of the Hearing Handicap Inventories for the Elderly and Adults.

Objectives The present study evaluates the items of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly and Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIE/A) using Mokken scale analysis (MSA), a type of nonparametric item response theory, and develops updated tools with optimal psychometric properties. Design In a longitudinal study of age-related hearing loss, 1447 adults completed the HHIE/A and audiometric testing at baseline. Discriminant validity of the emotional consequences and social/situational effects subscales of the HHIE/A was assessed, and nonparametric item response theory was used to explore dimensionality of the items of the HHIE/A and to refine the scales. Results The HHIE/A items form strong unidimensional scales measuring self-perceived hearing handicap, but with a lack of discriminant validity of the two distinct subscales. Two revised scales, the 18-item Revised Hearing Handicap Inventory and the 10-item Revised Hearing Handicap Inventory-Screening, were developed from the common items of the original HHIE/A that met the assumptions of MSA. The items on both of the revised scales can be ordered in terms of increasing difficulty. Conclusions The results of the present study suggest that the newly developed Revised Hearing Handicap Inventory and Revised Hearing Handicap Inventory-Screening are strong unidimensional, clinically informative measures of self-perceived hearing handicap that can be used for adults of all ages. The real-data example also demonstrates that MSA is a valuable alternative to classical psychometric analysis.
In-hospital Mortality Following Pancreatoduodenectomy: a Comprehensive Analysis.

While patient- and hospital-level factors affecting outcomes of patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) have been well described separately, the relative impact of these factors on in-hospital mortality has not been comprehensively assessed. Retrospective review of the National Inpatient Sample database (January 2004–December 2014) was conducted to identify patients undergoing PD. Factors associated with in-hospital mortality after PD were analyzed after adjusting for previously defined patient- and hospital-level risk factors. A total of 9639 patients who underwent a PD at 2325 hospitals were identified. Median patient age was 57 years (IQR 66–73). Overall, mortality following PD was 3.2%. When patient- and hospital-level characteristics were analyzed in the same model, patient-level characteristic associated with increased odds of in-hospital mortality included increasing patient age (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03–1.06/per 5 years increase), male sex (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.16–1.86), the presence of liver disease (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.99–4.61), chronic kidney disease (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.18–2.68), and congestive heart failure (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.65–3.74). The only hospital characteristic associated with odds of mortality following PD included compliance with Leapfrog volume standards (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.54–0.92). Patient-level factors, such as advanced comorbidities, male sex, and increased age, contributed the most to increased risk of mortality after PD. Hospital volume was the only hospital-level factor contributing to risk of in-hospital mortality following PD.
Hashtag homophily in twitter network: Examining a controversial cause-related marketing campaign

Abstract Social media such as Twitter generate vibrant discussions related to key sociopolitical issues and have great ability to project various discourses into public arena. Yet, these discourses can be overwhelming and heated, in particular when controversial events happen. In this study, we performed topic modeling on more than 100,000 original tweets to examine Twitter discourses around Gillette's controversial cause-related marketing in 2019 and conducted network analysis through exponential random graph models (ERGM) to investigate the homophily tendency of users who used certain hashtags. Results show that users' discourses were mostly within the message frameworks of the campaign but users strongly reacted to others and top influencers in their online discussions. In addition, the mention network of these users showed homophily tendency based on hashtags. Homophily in this study was distinguished based on attraction of common users (i.e. increased chance of ties for users who both engage the hashtag) and alienation of nonusers (i.e. decreased chance of ties for users neither of whom engages the hashtag), and the comparison between ideological hashtags and conceptual hashtags revealed that homophily only manifested through ideological hashtags.
Organic management promotes natural pest control through enhanced plant resistance to insects

Abstract Lower insect pest populations found on long-term organic farms have largely been attributed to increased biodiversity and abundance of beneficial predators. However, potential induction of plant defenses has largely been ignored. This study aims to determine whether host plant resistance mediates decreased pest populations in organic systems, and to identify the underpinning mechanisms. We demonstrate that greater numbers of leafhoppers (Circulifer tenellus) settle on tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) grown using conventional management as compared to organic. Soil microbiome sequencing, chemical analysis, and transgenic approaches, coupled with multi-model inference, suggest that changes in leafhopper settling between organically and conventionally-grown tomatoes are dependent on salicylic acid accumulation in the plant, likely mediated by rhizosphere microbial communities. These results suggest that organically-managed soils and microbial communities may play an unappreciated role in reducing plant attractiveness to pests by increasing plant resistance.
Activated human astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles modulate neuronal uptake, differentiation and firing

Astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) provide supportive neural functions and mediate inflammatory responses from microglia. Increasing evidence supports their critical roles in regulating brain homoeostasis in response to pro-inflammatory factors such as cytokines and pathogen/damage-associated molecular pattern molecules in infectious and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms of the trans-cellular communication are still unclear. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can transfer a large diversity of molecules such as lipids, nucleic acids and proteins for cellular communications. The purpose of this study is to characterize the EVs cargo proteins derived from human primary astrocytes (ADEVs) under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. ADEVs were isolated from human primary astrocytes after vehicle (CTL) or interleukin-1β (IL-1β) pre-treatment. Label-free quantitative proteomic profiling revealed a notable up-regulation of proteins including actin-associated molecules, integrins and major histocompatibility complex in IL-1β-ADEVs compared to CTL-ADEVs, which were involved in cellular metabolism and organization, cellular communication and inflammatory response. When fluorescently labelled ADEVs were added into primary cultured mouse cortical neurons, we found a significantly increased neuronal uptake of IL-1β-ADEVs compared to CTL-ADEVs. We further confirmed it is likely due to the enrichment of surface proteins in IL-1β-ADEVs, as IL-1β-ADEVs uptake by neurons was partially suppressed by a specific integrin inhibitor. Additionally, treatment of neurons with IL-1β-ADEVs also reduced neurite outgrowth, branching and neuronal firing. These findings provide insight for the molecular mechanism of the ADEVs' effects on neural uptake, neural differentiation and maturation, and its alteration in inflammatory conditions.
Three-Dimensional Volumetric Changes in Posterior Vault Distraction With Distraction Osteogenesis.

OBJECT Distraction osteogenesis (DO) may allow for maximal volumetric expansion in the posterior vault (PV) by overcoming viscoelastic forces of overlying soft tissues. Little evidence exists regarding surgical planning and anticipated 3D volumetric changes pre- and post-operatively. We aim to study the volumetric changes occurring in PV distraction in lambdoid craniosynostosis. METHODS From 2007 to 2019, a single institution retrospective review revealed 232 craniosynostosis patients. Fourteen demonstrated lambdoid synostosis (6%), and of those, 11 patients were included in the study due to treatment with PVDO or representative sample. Six patients had unilateral synostosis and 5 had bilateral synostosis. Imaging protocol for PVDO patients included preoperative head CT within 1 month of surgery and 8 weeks following distraction cessation with weekly skull plain films. 3D volumetric analyses were performed on pre and postoperative head CT using 3D Slicer software. RESULTS Posterior fossa volume (PFV) increased by 38.7% and foramen magnum area increased by 26.9% postoperatively. Unilateral lambdoid craniosynostosis patients had greater increases in PFV versus bilateral lambdoid craniosynostosis patients (63.5% versus 8.9%, P = 0.007). Osteotomy to the asterion was more effective in increasing PFV versus osteotomy to foramen magnum (P = 0.050). Placement of distractor in the inferior third of the lambdoid suture is more effective in increasing PFV versus placement in the middle or top third of the suture (P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS Highest volumetric increases are seen in unilateral lambdoid synostosis. Extending osteotomy beyond the asterion is not necessary for maximal PV volumetric gain. Placement of distractor in the inferior third of the suture leads to maximal PV volumetric gains.
Clinical application of low-dose spiral CT for orthodontics

Objective To determine the effect of reducing the value of mA or kV on the image quality and the radiation dose of the patients undergoing low-dose spiral CT for orthodontics.Methods Thirty patients were divided into three groups,each group has 10 patients.They were group 1(80 kV and 200 mA),group 2 (120 kV and 80 mA),group 3(120 kV and 200 mA)The volume CT dose index(CTDI)was recorded and the average dose-length produce(DLP)was calculated in three groups,respectively.Image quality of three groups were compared and scored by two radiologists,and the results were statistically analysed.Results The CTDI among three groups in diagnostic image quality.Conclusions Low-dose spiral CT for orthodontics,especially the low-kV scan,may decrease the radiation exposure and guarantee the image quality. Key words: Orthodontics; Tomography; X-ray computed; Image processing; Radiation dosage
Multiple MitraClips: The balancing act between pressure gradient and regurgitation

Abstract Objective Transcatheter mitral valve repair with the MitraClip is used for the symptomatic management of mitral regurgitation (MR). The challenge is reducing MR while avoiding an elevated mitral valve gradient (MVG). This study assesses how multiple MitraClips used to treat MR can affect valve performance. Methods Six porcine mitral valves were assessed using an in vitro left heart simulator in the native, moderate-to-severe MR, and severe MR cases. MR cases were tested in the no-MitraClip, 1-MitraClip, and 2-MitraClip configurations. Mitral regurgitant fraction (MRF), MVG, and effective orifice area (EOA) were quantified. Results Native MRF, MVG, and EOA were 14.22%, 2.59 mm Hg, and 1.64 cm2, respectively. For moderate-to-severe MR, MRF, MVG, and EOA were 34.07%, 3.31 mm Hg, and 2.22 cm2, respectively. Compared with the no-MitraClip case, 1 MitraClip decreased MRF to 18.57% (P Conclusions There is limited concern regarding elevation of MVG when reducing MR using 1 or 2 MitraClips, although 2 MitraClips did not significantly continue to reduce MRF.
Got Ice? - A Statistical Approach to Marking Sea Ice and Atmospheric Conditions with a Low-Powered Imaging Sonar

The Arctic is an increasingly important region in the world and draws interest from the scientific community, the commercial sector, and many of the world’s militaries. Autonomous underwater gliders (AUGs) are a promising platform for operations in the Arctic. When outfitted with a low-power imaging sonar and designed to analyze acoustic data in a statistical manner and in the frequency domain, AUGs can measure ice thickness distribution and other oceanographic properties in the marginal ice zone. In the proposed configuration, the sonar is mounted coaxially within the AUG’s nose cone and scans the surface in configurable-sized sweeps. The on-board processor extracts the range to the surface from the raw acoustic data and compares those values to the depth registered from a pressure sensor on board to quantify the keel depth of ocean ice. Initial testing in indoor tanks indicates that surface displacements on the order of 2-3 centimeters are detectable in both calm and energetic sea states by signal averaging multiple scans. Testing in a coastal environment demonstrated the sonar’s ability to determine the characteristic frequencies of ocean waves, the direction of a wave front, and detect the presence of a thin ice proxy. This was accomplished by transforming the time series data of the range to the surface to the frequency domain and analyzing the power spectral density. Depending on the direction of the sonar scanning relative to the direction of the wave front, the apparent frequencies will differ because of the Doppler effect. Based on the frequency dampening of the wind-generated waves detected by the sonar, a qualitative characterization of the surface can be made (thin ice or open water). The statistical analysis of sonar data in the frequency domain shows great promise in helping underwater vehicles navigate under-ice for extended periods of time by improving their observational capabilities as well as increasing their survivability.
Rational Inattention in the Frequency Domain

This paper solves the canonical dynamic rational inattention problem of Sims (2003) by formulating it in the frequency domain. The solution complements and extends existing results, which have been derived in the time domain. The paper provides a simple algorithm that quickly and accurately computes the solution numerically in the frequency domain, and shows how to obtain closed-form solutions when the target is an autoregressive moving average process. The key step to solve the problem is to correctly articulate the “no foresight” constraint. This constraint, often overlooked, restricts agents from processing information about future structural disturbances. The paper also analyzes the consequences of removing the no foresight constraint in a model of the real effects of nominal disturbances.
High-Frequency Jet Ventilation in Infants With Congenital Heart Disease

BACKGROUND: High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is primarily used in neonates but may also have a role in the treatment of infants with congenital heart disease and severe respiratory failure. We hypothesized that HFJV would result in improved gas exchange in these infants. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all pediatric patients with complex congenital heart disease treated HFJV in our pediatric cardiac ICU between 2014 and 2018. Patients in whom HFJV was started while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) were excluded. We extracted data on demographics, pulmonary mechanics, gas exchange, the subsequent need for ECMO, use of inhaled nitric oxide, and outcomes. RESULTS: We included 27 subjects (median [interquartile range {IQR}] weight 4.4 [3.3–5.4] kg; median [IQR] age 2.5 [0.3–5.4] months), 22 (82%) of whom had cyanotic heart disease. Thirteen subjects (48%) survived and 6 (22%) required ECMO. HFJV was started after a median (IQR) of 8.4 (2.1–26.3) d of conventional mechanical ventilation. The subjects spent a median (IQR) of 1.2 (0.5–2.8) d on HFJV. The median (IQR) pre-HFJV blood gas results (n = 25) were pH 7.22 (7.17–7.31), P aCO 2 69 (51–77) mm Hg, and P aO 2 51 (41–76) mm Hg. Median (IQR) initial HFJV settings were peak inspiratory pressure of 45 (36–50) cm H2O, breathing frequency of 360 (360–380) breaths/min, and inspiratory time of 0.02 (0.02–0.03) s. Compared with conventional mechanical ventilation, at 4–6 h after HFJV initiation, there were significant improvements in the median pH (7.22 vs 7.34; P = .001) and P aCO 2 (69 vs 50 mm Hg; P = .001), respectively, but no difference in median P aO 2 (51 vs 53 mm Hg; P = .97). CONCLUSIONS: HFJV was associated with a decrease in P aCO 2 and an increase in pH in infants with congenital heart disease who remained on HFJV 4 to 6 h after initiation.
Electronic, structural and magnetic properties of Mn (1+x) Pt (1-x) Sb

Abstract Electronic and magnetic properties of half-metallic Heusler alloys can be modified by tuning their chemical compositions. We have carried out a combined theoretical and experimental investigation of Mn(1+x)Pt(1-x)Sb (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) alloys. Our first-principles calculations indicate that the stoichiometric MnPtSb exhibits nearly half-metallic band structure, but a robust half-metallicity can be achieved in Mn-rich compositions Mn(1+x)Pt(1-x)Sb (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) with x = 0.25 and higher in their cubic structures. In addition, while MnPtSb exhibits ferromagnetic alignment, Mn(1+x)Pt(1-x)Sb are ferrimagnetic for all non-zero values of x. We have also synthesized cubic MnPtSb and Mn1.25Pt0.75Sb alloys using arc melting and annealing. The magnetic properties of these alloys are consistent with our theoretical predictions. These results indicate that the Mn-rich Mn(1+x)Pt(1-x)Sb alloys have potential for spin-transport-based devices.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus sepsis in an infant without probiotic use: A case report and literature review

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is usually regarded as a nonpathogenic, commensal organism. We report a case of L. rhamnosus sepsis in a preterm, extremely low birth weight infant not associated with probiotic administration. Our case and literature review indicate that L. rhamnosus should be considered a potentially pathogenic organism. Microbiologic identification is important for optimal treatment as many are resistant to commonly used antibiotic regimens.
A Type-based Analysis for Stack Allocation in Functional Languages

We consider the problem of detecting when bindings for variables in a higher-order, call-by-value functional language can be allocated on a stack. We use an annotated type system to infer information about the occurrence and extent of variables in a simple higher-order functional language and combine this system with a translation to an annotated language which explicitly indicates when stack allocation can be performed. This technique supports both stack and heap allocation of variable bindings. Only the stack allocated bindings need follow the protocol for stacks: their extent must coincide with their scope. Heap allocated bindings can have any extent and their allocation has no impact on the stack allocated ones. The type system uses a simple notion of annotated types in which types encode not only the typical simple type information, but also information about the use of variables. We demonstrate the use of our analysis by defining both an operational semantics and an abstract machine which utilize both a stack and an environment for variable allocation.
Silica Triggers Inflammation and Ectopic Lymphoid Neogenesis in the Lungs in Parallel with Accelerated Onset of Systemic Autoimmunity and Glomerulonephritis in the Lupus-Prone NZBWF1 Mouse

Genetic predisposition and environmental factors influence the development of human autoimmune disease. Occupational exposure to crystalline silica (cSiO2) has been etiologically linked to increased incidence of autoimmunity, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that early repeated short-term cSiO2 exposure will modulate both latency and severity of autoimmunity in the lupus-prone female NZBWF1 mouse. Weekly intranasal exposure to cSiO2 (0.25 and 1.0 mg) for 4 wk beginning at 9 wk of age both reduced latency and increased intensity of glomerulonephritis. cSiO2 elicited robust inflammatory responses in the lungs as evidenced by extensive perivascular and peribronchial lymphoplasmacytic infiltration consisting of IgG-producing plasma cells, and CD45R+ and CD3+ lymphocytes that were highly suggestive of ectopic lymphoid tissue (ELT). In addition, there were elevated concentrations of immunoglobulins and the cytokines MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. cSiO2-associated kidney and lung effects paralleled dose-dependent elevations of autoantibodies and proinflammatory cytokines in plasma. Taken together, cSiO2-induced pulmonary inflammation and ectopic lymphoid neogenesis in the NZBWF1 mouse corresponded closely to systemic inflammatory and autoimmune responses as well as the early initiation of pathological outcomes in the kidney. These findings suggest that following airway exposure to crystalline silica, in mice genetically prone to SLE, the lung serves as a platform for triggering systemic autoimmunity and glomerulonephritis.
Decentralized, dispersed exchange without an auctioneer

Abstract We stimulate exchange among geographically dispersed agents who face real costs of communication along with bounds to rationality and calculation. Exchange is entirely decentralized it is initiated by individual agents who broadcast costly messages indicating their interest in trade; it is accomplished by bilateral bargaining between pairs of agents; agents use the information gained from previous attempts at local trade to calculate their search strategies for succeeding rounds. This decentralized mechanism can achieve a substantial improvement in the allocation of resources and the average welfare of agents in comparison with a randomized initial endowment. But in comparison with Walrasian equilibrium agents who begin with endowments of equal value end up with substantially unequal wealth, although the initial inequality of utility is reduced.
Synthetic glycopeptide antigens for HIV vaccine design (469.1)

Heavy glycosylation of the HIV-1 outer envelope glycoprotein gp120 forms a dense glycan shield that constitutes a strong defense mechanism for viral immune evasion. Nevertheless, the recent discovery of a new class of glycan-dependent broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) from HIV-infected individuals, including PG9, PG16, PGT121, PGT128 and PGT135, suggests that the viral defensive carbohydrates can also serve as targets of vaccine. Epitope mapping indicates that these bNAbs target glycopeptide structures at the variable (V1V2 or V3) regions of gp120. However, further characterization of the fine epitopes is complicated by the glycosylation heterogeneity of gp120. We have launched a project aiming to characterize and reconstitute the minimal antigenic glycopeptide structures through synthetic chemistry. A series of homogeneous glycopeptides corresponding to the V1/V2 and V3 domains were synthesized by a chemoenzymatic method, in which defined N-glycans were installed selectively at the conserved glycos...
Interactive visual decision tree classification

Data mining (DM) modeling is a process of transforming information enfolded in a dataset into a form amenable to human cognition. Most current DM tools only support automatic modeling, during which uses have little interaction with computing machines other than assigning some parameter values at the beginning of the process. Arbitrary selection of parameter values, however, can lead to an unproductive modeling process. Automatic modeling also downplays the key roles played by humans in current knowledge discovery systems. Classification is the process of finding models that distinguish data classes in order to predict the class of objects whose class labels are unknown. Decision tree is one of the most widely used classification tools. A novel interactive visual decision tree (IVDT) classification process has been proposed in this research; it aims to facilitate decision tree classification process regarding enhancing users' understanding and improving the effectiveness of the process by combining the flexibility, creativity, and general knowledge of humans with the enormous storage capacity and computational power of computers. An IVDT for categorical input attributes has been developed and experimented on twenty subjects to test three hypotheses regarding its potential advantages. The experimental results suggested that compared to the automatic modeling process as typically applied in current decision tree modeling tools, IVDT process can improve the effectiveness of modeling in terms of producing trees with relatively high classification accuracies and small sizes, enhance users' understanding of the algorithm, and give them greater satisfaction with the task.
Fibroepithelioma of Pinkus with pleomorphic epithelial giant cells

Fibroepithelioma of Pinkus is a rare, indolent variant of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The presence of pleomorphic giant cells in such a tumor is extremely rare and to our knowledge, only one such case has been previously reported in the literature. We report another case occurring as a pedunculated, gluteal lesion in an 82-year-old man. The nodule was lightly pigmented, polypoid, and measured 1.0 cm in greatest dimension. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed that the giant cells were of epithelial origin and that the proliferative rate of these cells was low.
Competing Values in Serving Older and Vulnerable Adults: Adult Protective Services, Mandated Reporting, and Domestic Violence Programs

State mandatory reporting statutes may directly or indirectly list domestic violence programs as among those that are mandated reporters of cases of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older individuals and those with disabilities. Domestic violence programs, however, may not consider themselves to be mandated reporters, because the responsibility of reporting abuse may be contrary to their programmatic philosophy. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, the potential conflict between domestic violence programs and Adult Protective Services about the issue of mandated reporting has created tension between these organizations as each entity continues interpreting the issues and policies of mandated reporting through its own lens. The authors draw out some of the reasons for the conflict as well as make recommendations for improving relationships between the two organizations, which will ultimately benefit vulnerable adults who are experiencing abuse.
77 Let’s get twisted: the crystal structure of torsionally stressed DNA

The self-assembly of 3D crystalline structures is one of the main goals of structural DNA nanotechnology. We have shown previously that it is possible to design and self-assemble a well-ordered mac...
A Tale of Two Branches: Policy Framing & U.S. Energy Security

In political and academic circles, the concept of energy security has meant different things to different people. The definition has been both dynamic and malleable. It has changed over time in response to domestic and international events and has been adopted and adapted by a variety of causes. In the most simplistic of terms, energy security is the ability to provide for a population a reliable and adequate supply of energy at an acceptable cost. This definition has been expanded, for better or for worse and by particular groups in society, to include the desire to reduce US dependence on foreign oil, to reduce our impact on global climate change and the subsequent necessity to switch to both domestic and renewable sources of energy. This paper takes the evolving definition as a starting point and investigates how the energy security discussion has been framed in recent policy discussions. Via a content analysis of congressional hearings and presidential speeches, this paper addresses whether or not there has been continuity in how energy security has been framed in the two branches of government - by those giving testimony to federal legislators and by the president when giving speeches to the public. The analysis highlights the similarities and differences in frames used by the two branches as well as the how having different targets affected which frames they employed.
Down syndrome with an unusual etiology: case report and review.

Purpose To present the genetic etiology of an unusual case of Down syndrome, arising from translocation of chromosome 21 to chromosome 9; to discuss advanced genetic diagnostic techniques, focusing on how pinpointing a specific genetic mistake can influence treatment and outcome;and to review the role of the nurse practitioner (NP) in caring for families of children with Down syndrome. Data Sources Case report, literature review, and advanced genetic techniques. Conclusions NPs often answer patient questions regarding genetic abnormalities and risk factors for transmission of genetic errors to offspring. Advanced genetic analysis allows for the diagnosis of unusual causes of common genetic disorders. The ability to identify a specific genetic mistake and to predict the scope of its effect on an individual offers health care providers the opportunity to develop a case-by-case plan of care. Implications for Practice NPs have a responsibility to be informed about the processes involved in the transmission of genetic errors and about the subtleties of various expressions of a genetic disorder. The availability of new genetic-testing techniques allows NPs to individualize patient care and family teaching.
In contrast to glucocorticoid receptors, mineralocorticoid receptors are not autoregulated in rat distal colon epithelia.

Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids exert profound effects on electrolyte balance in the rat distal colon by binding with high affinity and specificity to intracellular receptor proteins, termed glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors, respectively. Hormonal regulation of GR and MR expression represents an important mechanism for maintaining appropriate tissue sensitivity to these two classes of adrenocorticosteroids. In the present study the corticosteroid regulation of the expression of these two rat colonic receptors has been evaluated at the protein and mRNA levels. Preliminary experiments demonstrated that colonic MR and GR binding levels are significantly increased (approximately 60%) after adrenalectomy (14 days). Experiments were therefore performed to test the hypothesis that these increases in binding levels correlate with increased GR and MR mRNA and protein levels. Receptor mRNA levels were quantitated via ribonuclease protection assays using [32P]cRNA probes specific for e...
Biology Wars: The Eukaryotes Strike Back

It is increasingly clear that eukaryotes have acquired bacterial DNA and function through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Chou et al. (2014) and Metcalf et al. (2014) report multiple HGTs of bacterial tae and lysozyme genes, respectively, to diverse eukaryotic and archaeal hosts that may complement their response to bacteria.
Toxicity of the herbicides endothall and diquat to benthic crustacea

Endothall and diquat are herbicides commonly applied in lakes to control troublesome macrophytes. Chemical treatments such as these, however, may perturb an aquatic ecosystem through toxic effects on non-target species. In this study endothall and diquat were tested and compared on a sample of freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates taken from Lake Waban, Wellesley, Massachusetts. Endothall and diquat control all the primary weed species (Myriop hy!lum spp., Potamogeton spp., Najas sp.) in Lake Waban except for Nymphaea sp. (New England Research Inc. 1978); in consequence, these two herbicides have in recent years been applied periodically in parts of this lake for the control of aquatic vegetation. Preliminary static studies indicated that there is a significant difference in the effects of the two herbicides and a difference in the responses of the experimental species. The same herbicides were subsequently tested with a flow-through protocol designed to approximate field conditions, and those results are reported here. MATERIALS AND METHODS The benthic invertebrates Hyalella azteca (Sassure) (Amphipoda) and Asellus communis Say (Isopoda) were chosen as the test organisms because these species are the most abundant benthic macroinvertebrates in the littoral zone of the source lake. In addition, Buikema and Cairns (1980) recommend the use of crustacea in bioassays, and the abundance and distribution of these species suggest that they are good indicator organisms for toxicity studies. H. azteca is widely distributed in North America (Chace et al. 1959), while A. communis is found throughout the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada and occasionally in the western U.S. (Williams 1972). Experimental animals were collected from Lake Waban using an Ekman dredge at a depth of approximately 2m, with all collecting away from areas of prior treatment. Organisms were separated from bottom material with a imm sieve. Commercially available forms of the herbicides were tested. Aquathol-K is a dipotassium salt of endothall (7-oxabicyclo(2, 2,1)-heptane-2,3-dicarboxylie acid) in liquid form, with 40.3% active ingredient. Diquat dibromide (6,7-dihydrodipyrido(l,2-a:
Structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies of 3-(2-amino-ethyl)-5-(4-ethoxy-benzylidene)-thiazolidine-2,4-dione: Development of potential substrate-specific ERK1/2 inhibitors

A series of analogs of 3-(2-amino-ethyl)-5-(4-ethoxy-benzylidene)-thiazolidine-2,4-dione, a putative substrate-specific ERK1/2 inhibitor, were synthesized and biologically characterized in human leukemia U937 cells to define its pharmacophore. It was discovered that shift of ethoxy substitution from the 4- to the 2-position on the phenyl ring significantly improved functional activities of inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. This may provide access to a new lead for developing ERK1/2 substrate-specific inhibitors.
EFFICACY OF IVERMECTIN POUR-ON AGAINST OSTERTAGIA OSTERTAGI INFECTION AND RESIDUES IN THE AMERICAN BISON, BISON BISON

Sixteen American bison, Bison bison, were artificially infected with 105 infective stage larvae of Ostertagia ostertagi on 21 April 1993. At 42 days post-infection eight bison were treated with 0.5% ivermectin pour-on (500 μg/kg bodyweight) and eight treated with the carrier only. Bison were necropsied 17 and 18 days post-treatment (21 and 22 June 1993, respectively). Mean (±SE) of 5,413 (±1,716) adults and 565 (±305) immature O. ostertagi were recovered at necropsy from bison treated with the carrier. No O. ostertagi were detected in bison treated with ivermectin pour-on. Based on the levels of the ivermectin marker metabolite in liver and adipose tissue 18 days post-treatment, the established bovine withdrawal time of 48 days appears adequate to insure that violative residues do not occur.
Metabolic syndrome and salivary cortisol: Is there dysregulation among a group of active duty urban police officers?

Abstract Objective Examine metabolic syndrome risk and cortisol patterns in an actively employed group of urban police officers. Methods A total of 102 actively employed Upstate New York police officers were randomly selected. Metabolic syndrome risk factor determinations were obtained during a scheduled clinic visit and salivary cortisol measures were subsequently obtained over the next 24 h. Results 24% of male police offers demonstrated metabolic syndrome as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines. Only one female officer met the criteria for metabolic syndrome; however, she declined to participate in the cortisol portion of the study. Among male officers were the most prevalent risk factors, while female officers most often exhibited as the most commonly identified risk factors. The various cortisol measures produced mixed results. Area under the curve cortisol did demonstrate moderate dysregulation. Conclusion Cortisol dysregulation is evident among the male officers with metabolic syndrome who participated in the study. Of interest among those officers with only two syndrome characteristics, dysregulation of awakening area under the curve cortisol measures was also apparent. Continued monitoring of the officer population for manifest diabetic and cardiovascular disease should be undertaken.
The angle question

Abstract The main result of this paper concerns CAT (0) groups Γ which contain an infinite order element in the center. It suffices to consider the case Γ=G× Z here. We show that although the G -factor does not determine a quasi-convex subset inside the space Γ is acting on, we do show that there is a well-defined angle which, for a given action, describes how the G -factor sits inside the space.
Determination of lift and drag characteristics of Space Shuttle Orbiter using maximum likelihood estimation technique

This paper presents the technique and results of maximum likelihood estimation used to determine lift and drag characteristics of the Space Shuttle Orbiter. Maximum likelihood estimation uses measurable parameters to estimate nonmeasurable parameters. The nonmeasurable parameters for this case are elements of a nonlinear, dynamic model of the orbiter. The estimated parameters are used to evaluate a cost function that computes the differences between the measured and estimated longitudinal parameters. The case presented is a dynamic analysis. This places less restriction on pitching motion and can provide additional information about the orbiter such as lift and drag characteristics at conditions other than trim, instrument biases, and pitching moment characteristics. In addition, an output of the analysis is an estimate of the values for the individual components of lift and drag that contribute to the total lift and drag. The results show that maximum likelihood estimation is a useful tool for analysis of Space Shuttle Orbiter performance and is also applicable to parameter analysis of other types of aircraft.
Crossed Bragg cell processors

In optical signal processing applications, two Bragg cells are sometimes crossed at an angle to display a correlation function in space. In this paper we show how the angle can be adjusted to control the scale of the correlation function. For signal acquisition, the received signal and the reference signal must be synchronized electronically. If the reference signal is time-reversed, the crossed cell geometry displays the correlation function in both space and time so that the optical system indicates the time at which the signals are synchronized. If the reference signal has a clock rate difference relative to the received signal, the correlation function still exists in both space and time but with the additional advantage that acquisition can be obtained without the need to time-reverse the reference signal.
Five coplanar anion binding sites on one face of phospholipase A2: relationship to interface binding.

We report the structures of the crystallographic dimer of porcine pancreatic IB phospholipase A2 (PLA2) with either five sulfate or phosphate anions bound. In each structure, one molecule of a tetrahedral mimic MJ33 [1-hexadecyl-3-(trifluoroethyl)-sn-glycero-2-phosphomethanol] and the five anions are shared between the two subunits of the dimer. The sn-2-phosphate of MJ33 is bound in the active site of one subunit (A), and the alkyl chain extends into the active site slot of the second subunit (B) across the subunit−subunit interface. The two subunits are packed together with a large hydrophobic and desolvated surface buried between them along with the five anions that define a plane. The anions bind by direct contact with two cationic residues (R6 and K10) per subunit and through closer-range H-bonding interactions with other polarizable ligands. These features of the “dimer” suggest that the binding of PLA2 to the anionic groups at the anionic interface may be dominated by coordination through H-bonding...
The Rutgers Oral History Archives Of World War II

I think for one thing it will indicate the great variety of experience[s] that our classmates and others at Rutgers had in World War II . . . When we chat with one another and tell war stories . . . that's just among the very few. But I think people will learn that our experiences were all over the world and covered a great range. The other thing that I hope will come out will be how people perceived that experience and what it did to them, what they learned from it. We all came from different backgrounds, and we came to Rutgers and we went in the service and it will be interesting to see how our backgrounds affected what happened to us.
Transmission electron microscopy observations of CNT morphology before and after heating in vacuum

Abstract Heating of multi-walled carbon nanotubes is often required to obtain clean patterns in the field electron emission microscope (FEEM). A transmission electron micrograph study of morphological changes in the cap structure of multi-walled carbon nanotubes due to heating in vacuum is presented. The lack of significant structural change in the cap structure when specimens were heated to 1925 K for 2.5 h determines an upper bound for the diffusivity of multi-walled carbon nanotube surface atoms, of the order of 10 −16 cm 2 /s at 1925 K.
Symmetric motions for bimanual rehabilitation

Many daily tasks require that a person use both hands simultaneously, such as moving a large book or opening the lid on a jar. Such bimanual tasks are difficult for people who have a stroke, but the tight neural coupling across the body has been hypothesized to allow individuals to self-rehabilitate by physically coupling their hands. To examine potential methods for robot-assisted bimanual rehabilitation, we performed a haptic tracking task where individuals experience a one degree of freedom trajectory on one hand and attempt to recreate it with their other hand. Despite the biomechanical and neurological symmetries present across the human body, subjects performed this task worse when working in the joint space (i.e., mirrored motion) than they did in the visually centered space. We also examined multiple input paths and show alternative rhythmic motions that may aid in rehabilitation.