cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of a nisI Promoter within the nisABCTIP Operon That May Enable Establishment of Nisin Immunity Prior to Induction of the Operon via Signal Transduction

Certain strains of Lactococcus lactis produce the broad-spectrum bacteriocin nisin, which belongs to the lantibiotic class of antimicrobial peptides. The genes encoding nisin are organized in three contiguous operons: nisABTCIP, encoding production and immunity (nisI); nisRK, encoding regulation; and nisFEG, also involved in immunity. Transcription of nisABTCIP and nisFEG requires autoinduction by external nisin via signal transducing by NisRK. This organization poses the intriguing question of how sufficient immunity (NisI) can be expressed when the nisin cluster enters a new cell, before it encounters external nisin. In this study, Northern analysis in both Lactococcus and Enterococcus backgrounds revealed that nisI mRNA was present under conditions when no nisA transcription was occurring, suggesting an internal promoter within the operon. The nisA transcript was significantly more stable than nisI, further substantiating this. Reverse transcriptase PCR analysis revealed that the transcription initiated just upstream from nisI. Fusing this region to a lacZ gene in a promoter probe vector demonstrated that a promoter was present. The transcription start site (TSS) of the nisI promoter was mapped at bp 123 upstream of the nisI translation start codon. Ordered 5′ deletions revealed that transcription activation depended on sequences located up to bp −234 from the TSS. The presence of poly(A) tracts and computerized predictions for this region suggested that a high degree of curvature may be required for transcription initiation. The existence of this nisI promoter is likely an evolutionary adaptation of the nisin gene cluster to enable its successful establishment in other cells following horizontal transfer.
Listeria monocytogenes Cholecystitis: A Possible New Syndrome.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently added potentially fatal Listeria monocytogenes infection to the list of opportunistic infections that can occur in patients who receive tumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy. In this study, the first reported case of L monocytogenes cholecystitis associated with etanercept use is described. It also appears that tumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy likely increases the risk for Listeria cholecystitis. Clinicians need to be aware of this association when selecting antimicrobial therapy for these patients.
A New Point Mutation (P157S) in the Reverse Transcriptase of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Confers Low-Level Resistance to (−)-β-2′,3′-Dideoxy-3′-Thiacytidine

A P157S mutation in the reverse transcriptase (RT) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 conferred fivefold resistance to (−)-β-2′,3′-dideoxy-3′-thiacytidine in cell culture. Interestingly, the P157S mutation resulted in increased sensitivity (two- to threefold) to 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT) and to (R)-9-(2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine (PMPA). A similar increase in susceptibility to AZT and to PMPA was also conferred by the M184V mutation in RT.
Damião de Gois: The Life and Thought of a Portuguese Humanist, 1502–1574

I. The Court of Manuel I.- II. The Diplomat.- III. Gois's Intellectual and Spiritual Development.- IV. Damiao de Gois and the Arts.- V. Gois and the Diplomatic Community.- VI. Erasmus and Damiao de Gois.- VII. Italy (1534-1538).- VIII. Louvain (1538-1544).- IX. Damiao de Gois's Humanist Thinking.- X. Humanism in Portugal under King John III (1521-1557).- XI. Damiao de Gois's Contribution to Historiography.- XII. Trial and Death.- Epilogue.- Author Index.- Name Index.
25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Deficiency Following Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

Children may be at increased risk for vitamin D deficiency following HSCT because of lack of sun exposure, the recommended use of sunscreen, dietary insufficiency, malabsorption, and the use of certain medications. We prospectively assessed the prevalence of and risk factors for 25-hydroxy (25-OH) vitamin D deficiency in 67 patients transplanted at our institution. 25-OH vitamin D levels were checked during 3 separate 4-week periods in the spring, autumn, and winter. Subjects were
Mothers’ Part-time Employment: Associations with Mother and Family Well-being

The associations between mothers' part-time employment and mother well-being, parenting, and family functioning were examined using seven waves of the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development data (N = 1,364), infancy through middle childhood. Concurrent comparisons were made between families in which mothers were employed part time and both those in which mothers were not employed and those in which mothers were employed full time. Using multivariate analysis of covariance with extensive controls, results indicated that mothers employed part time had fewer depressive symptoms during the infancy and preschool years and better self-reported health at most time points than did nonemployed mothers. Across the time span studied, mothers working part time tended to report less conflict between work and family than those working full time. During their children's preschool years, mothers employed part time exhibited more sensitive parenting than did other mothers, and at school age were more involved in school and provided more learning opportunities than mothers employed full time. Mothers employed part time reported doing a higher proportion of child care and housework than mothers employed full time. Part-time employment appears to have some benefits for mothers and families throughout the child rearing years.
Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase catalyzed proton and hydride transfers: Temporal order and the roles of Asp27 and Tyr100

The reaction catalyzed by Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (ecDHFR) has become a model for understanding enzyme catalysis, and yet several details of its mechanism are still unresolved. Specifically, the mechanism of the chemical step, the hydride transfer reaction, is not fully resolved. We found, unexpectedly, the presence of two reactive ternary complexes [enzyme:NADPH:7,8-dihydrofolate (E:NADPH:DHF)] separated by one ionization event. Furthermore, multiple kinetic isotope effect (KIE) studies revealed a stepwise mechanism in which protonation of the DHF precedes the hydride transfer from the nicotinamide cofactor (NADPH) for both reactive ternary complexes of the WT enzyme. This mechanism was supported by the pH- and temperature-independent intrinsic KIEs for the C-H→C hydride transfer between NADPH and the preprotonated DHF. Moreover, we showed that active site residues D27 and Y100 play a synergistic role in facilitating both the proton transfer and subsequent hydride transfer steps. Although D27 appears to have a greater effect on the overall rate of conversion of DHF to tetrahydrofolate, Y100 plays an important electrostatic role in modulating the pKa of the N5 of DHF to enable the preprotonation of DHF by an active site water molecule.
A novel role for the mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase PARP14/ARTD8 in promoting homologous recombination and protecting against replication stress

Genomic instability, a major hallmark of cancer cells, is caused by incorrect or ineffective DNA repair. Many DNA repair mechanisms cooperate in cells to fight DNA damage, and are generally regulated by post-translational modification of key factors. Poly-ADP-ribosylation, catalyzed by PARP1, is a post-translational modification playing a prominent role in DNA repair, but much less is known about mono-ADP-ribosylation. Here we report that mono-ADP-ribosylation plays an important role in homologous recombination DNA repair, a mechanism essential for replication fork stability and double strand break repair. We show that the mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase PARP14 interacts with the DNA replication machinery component PCNA and promotes replication of DNA lesions and common fragile sites. PARP14 depletion results in reduced homologous recombination, persistent RAD51 foci, hypersensitivity to DNA damaging agents and accumulation of DNA strand breaks. Our work uncovered PARP14 as a novel factor required for mitigating replication stress and promoting genomic stability.
Intimate indigeneities: race, sex and history in the small spaces of Andean life, by Andrew Canessa

In this finely detailed ethnography, anthropologist Andrew Canessa explores the meaning of indigeneity for the people of Wila Kjarka, an Aymara-speaking community located in the northern Andean hig...
From Biophilia to Cosmophilia: The Role of Biological and Physical Sciences in Promoting Sustainability

Ideas from the life sciences and the physical sciences, particularly the ideas that ecosystems, the planet itself, and eventhecosmosareinterconnectedand ‘organismic’, have influenced the development of sustainability discourse.Sustainability advocates strategically deploy such scientific concepts through subtly spiritualized language and metaphors to advance their arguments. Even when the language of sustainability advocacy is not explicitly religious, it reflects core values and deep beliefs of particular individuals, communities, or groups. In such cases, sustainability movements derive their power by following a neo-religious narrative, and when deployed in the public sphere, such narratives are performing religious work.
The potential role of natural tumor promoters in marine turtle fibropapillomatosis

Abstract Fibropapillomatosis (FP) in green turtles Chelonia mydas is a debilitating, neoplastic disease that has reached worldwide epizootic levels. The etiology of FP is unknown but has been linked to oncogenic viruses. Toxic benthic dinoflagellates (Prorocentrum spp.) are not typically considered tumorigenic agents, yet they have a worldwide distribution and produce a tumor promoter, okadaic acid (OA). Prorocentrum spp. are epiphytic on macroalgae and seagrasses that are normal components of green turtle diets. Here we show that green turtles in the Hawaiian Islands consume Prorocentrum and that high-risk FP areas are associated with areas where P. lima and P. concavum are both highly prevalent and abundant. The presence of presumptive OA in the tissues of Hawaiian green turtles further suggests exposure and a potential role for this tumor promoter in the etiology of FP.
Oxidation of c -axis-oriented epitaxial YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7–δ thin films in ozone-containing atmospheres

Oxygen diffusion into c-axis-oriented YBa2Cu3O7−δ epitaxial thin films was observed using real-time spectroscopic ellipsometry. The experiments were conducted under controlled atmospheres of 10% O3/90% O2 and 80% O3/20% O2. At 2 × 10−5 torr, oxidation of the films began at temperatures as low as 100–125 °C for heating rates ≤3 °C/min. Full oxidation was seen by 190 °C at these rates. Based on these data, the activation energy of oxygen diffusion into YBa2Cu3O7−δ from an ozone/oxygen atmosphere was found to be between 0.43 and 0.52 eV. This was appreciably smaller than for in-diffusion in a molecular oxygen atmosphere. Higher ozone content atmospheres did not improve the oxidation kinetics. These atmospheres did, however, delay the onset of reduction in the films by 60–70 °C at higher temperatures.
Molecular basis of Williams-Beuren syndrome: TFII-I regulated targets involved in craniofacial development.

Objective: The aim of this study is to identify gene targets of TFII-I transcription factors involved in craniofacial development. Design: Recent findings in individuals with Williams-Beuren syndrome who show facial dysmorphism and cognitive defects have pointed to TFII-I genes (GTF2I and GTF2IRD1) as the prime candidates responsible for these clinical features. However, TFII-I proteins are multifunctional transcriptional factors regulating a number of genes during development, and how their haploinsufficiency leads to the Williams-Beuren syndrome phenotype is currently unknown. Results: Here we report the identification of three genes with a well-established relevance to craniofacial development as direct TFII-I targets. These genes, craniofacial development protein 1 (Cfdp1), Sec23 homolog A (Sec23a), and nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 1 (Nsd1), contain consensus TFII-I binding sites in their proximal promoters; the chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that TFII-I transcription fac...
Physiological Gradients of Voltage as Controls of Neural Morphogenesis

It has long been suspected that endogenous steady ionic currents and natural voltage gradients may play a role in the early development of animals and plants9,10,13,15. For example, the cytoplasmic localizations in germinating fucus eggs may be controlled by a steady transcellular calcium current11,18, and a steady outwardly directed ionic current predicts the exact locus of limb development in both frog and salamander embryos4,5,19.Transcellular currents also play a critical role in cell and tissue reactions to injury and in their subsequent regeneration1,3,14. These experiments also provide insights into the use of imposed voltage gradients as a clinical treatment for nervous system trauma3. More recently, new studies provide direct evidence for a controlling role of endogenous currents and voltages in vertebrate morphogenesis, particularly when we restrict our attention to the early nervous system.
Measured Enforcement: A Policy Shift in the ICE 287(G) Program

This Article explores an Executive Branch policy shift evident during 2009 regarding state and local law enforcement as relates to federal immigration violations. It examines the evolving Executive Branch enforcement policy and the shifting legal framework for detention-setting enforcement. It considers these issues in the context of three Southern California communities which are home to a large segment of the immigrant population in the U.S., and evaluates these emerging policies against the backdrop of a variety of stakeholder criticisms.
Fundamental Freedoms Versus Religious Commandments

In an evolved and civilized society, legal rules exist to regulate social relations. Also, there can be found along them, religious norms that stem from much later and which were printed in people’s consciousness and in their lives through constant practice and moral coercion.The moral represents a form of social conscience, which reflects and sets in principles and rules the behavioral requirements concerning the relationship between individuals and between individuals and society.The Legal and the Religious Commandments are more than often assigned with the name of Rules. However, it has to be revealed a distinction between them, even if the similarity comes from their common basis which is the morality.
Emissions performance of two catalyzed trap oxidizers on a bus engine

Performances antipollution de deux filtres a particules avec oxydation catalytique pour moteurs de bus
A New Species and Two New Subspecies of Adelpha Hübner, [1819] From the Tropical Andes (Nymphalidae: Limenitidinae)

ABSTRACT. A new species, Adelpha margarita Willmott & Hall, new species, is described from Andean cloud forest habitats from southern Ecuador to Bolivia. Adelpha margarita garleppi Willmott, new subspecies, is described for southern Peruvian and Bolivian individuals, which differ from the nominate subspecies in having complete orange postdiscal bands on the dorsal surface. The new species differs from related species in the Adelpha serpa group in wing pattern, DNA sequence data and habitat. A lectotype is designated for Adelpha seriphia therasia Fruhstorfer, because the type series of this name contains individuals of both A. seriphia and A. margarita. Neighbor-joining and maximum parsimony analyses of 579 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) ‘barcode’ region, for 27 Adelpha specimens representing 9 species and 13 taxa, suggest that the closest relative to A. margarita is the Central American to west Andean taxon A. seriphia godmani Fruhstorfer. The DNA sequence data, coupled with a re-analy...
Transfusion Therapy for the Immunosuppressed Patient

Patients who are immunosuppressed require special considerations for their transfusion therapy. These considerations present challenges to transfusion services. Immune function may be compromised in many conditions, although the degree and duration of immune dysfunction vary considerably. This review focuses on adult patients who are undergoing bone marrow or peripheral stem cell transplantation, patients with cancer who are receiving intensive chemotherapy, and patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. We provide an overview of the special considerations necessary for ensuring that the appropriate products are provided for such a patient population.
Pyrolytic Laser Direct Writing of Nickel Over Polyimides

Polyimides are of great interest as insulators for microelectronic fabrication due to their low dielectric constant and planarizing properties. However, they are thermally sensitive films. Nonetheless, preliminary results clearly demonstrate that nickel lines readily can be laser-pyrolytically drawn over polyimide films. While elevated laser power will damage underlying polyimide films, microelectronic quality nickel lines can be drawn using nickel carbonyl at relatively low laser intensities over polyimides with little or no change in the electrical characteristics. Polyimide’s lower thermal conductivity relative to silicon dioxide facilitates increased nickel deposition rates. Self-limiting effects have been observed during the deposition that can lead to near microelectronically ideal line cross sections.
African-American and African perspectives on mental health: A pilot study of the pre and post colonial and slavery influences and their implications on mental health

AbstractIntroduction: African-Americans, though approximately 13% of the overall US population, make up nearly half of all the incarcerated persons (one out of the 2.3 million people), while the leading cause of incarceration is related to illicit drug use and/ or possession. Substance abuse in this population has been linked to increased mental health disorders; however, most do not receive the appropriate services that they need. This phenomenon may be due to different mental illness perceptions among minority groups, inaccurate representation of other groups with the umbrella term ‘African-American,’ and limited access to culturally sensitive treatment in consideration of slavery and colonialism.Methods: Using semi-structured surveys, 31 African-Americans and 29 Nigerian-Americans were interviewed. These two populations were chosen on the basis that slavery would influence African-Americans and colonialism would influence Nigerian-Americans.Results: Results show that Nigerian-Americans and Africans Ame...
Clinical Research on the Role of Point Geshu in Activating Blood and Removing Stasis

Purpose To prove the role of point Geshu (BL 17) in activating blood and removing stasis by observing the clinical curative effect of needling point Geshu on blood stasis syndrome, and immunological indices. Methods Sixty five patients with blood stasis syndrome were randomly divided into a point Geshu acupuncture group of 33 cases and an orally administered Longxuejie of 32 cases. Observation was carried out of the clinical curative effect, and plasma 6 K P and TXB 2 contents and 6 K P/TXB 2 before and after treatment. Twenty healthy persons were selected as a control group. Results The curative effect of needling point Geshu on blood stasis syndrome was better than that of orally administered Longxuejie ( P 0.01). Needling point Geshu could markedly increase plasma 6 K P content and 6 K P/TXB 2 ( P 0.01) and decrease plasma TXB 2 content ( P 0.05) in patients with blood stasis syndrome. Conclusion Point Geshu plays a role in activating blood and removing stasis.
On the Justification of Antitrust: A Matter of Rights and Wrongs

Antitrust law exemplifies the fundamental contrast between economics, based on welfare and efficiency, and law, traditionally rooted in rights and justice, although the latter has been mostly ignored in the scholarly, legislative, and judicial history of antitrust. This paper adopts the perspective of property rights and corrective justice to explore the interrelated concepts of capitalism, antitrust, and democracy. After presenting the nature of capitalism and the role of the state as seen from each perspective, the paper examines antitrust law and policy through the lens of rights and justice, specifically asking which and whose rights are violated by the behavior forbidden by antitrust. Next, the paper responds to recent suggestions that antitrust can be understood as a valid response of a democratic government to the concerns of its citizens, which returns to the issues of the function of capitalism and the market with which the paper began.
What can in vitro methods tell us about mineral availability

In vitro studies of mineral bioavailability are useful because they are faster and less expensive than in vivo studies and because they offer better control over experimental variables. Selection of conditions for in vitro assays of mineral availability is arbitrary. Conditions vary widely among laboratories and with the mineral of interest. Absorption takes place in vivo under conditions that allow ongoing influx and efflux of nutrients and digestive secretions. Conditions in the digestive tract respond to the bulk and nutrient composition of a meal. How does one reproduce these conditions in a closed in vitro system? Correlations between in vivo and in vitro assays may depend on choice of conditions for in vivo studies. Studies of mineral bioavailability from soils have developed to the point that mathematical models have been developed that predict the bioavailability of various minerals to plants under field conditions. Definition of such a model for mineral bioavailability to animals or humans will probably be more difficult to achieve. More information is needed on the nature of nonmineral components of foods and how they interact with minerals.
Treatment and prevention of target organ damage.

Target organ damage to the brain, heart or kidneys due to hypertension appears to differ in various ethnic groups. Prevention of such damage is by early recognition of mild hypertension and institution of treatment primarily by non-pharmacologic and if required drugs. Treatment of established damage is by both these methods. In the choice of drugs 24-hour control of blood pressure is essential as Is regression of left ventricular hypertrophy. Other desirable qualities of the drugs are their anti-ischaemic and anti-atherogenic effects.
Prevention of Peroxide Produced DNA Strand Scission in Human Tumor Cells by Lipoxygenase Inhibitors

Hydrogen peroxide, radiation, and many cancer chemotherapy drugs cause oxidative damage to cells including DNA strand breaks. Hydrogen peroxide is several orders of magnitude more toxic to cells at 37° C than at 0° C (1). At low doses, these agents produce mutation and transformation in various cells. The phorbol esters, transforming agents which are structurally unrelated to peroxide have also been reported to produce oxidative damage in cells. Many of the actions of tumor necrosis factor, a peptide with diverse cellular effects, appear to be mediated through “free radical-like” damage. Other cellular events, including protein kinase C translocation, the induction of proto-oncogene fos, and intracellular Ca2+ increase result from treatment with peroxides, transforming agents and various growth factors (2). It seems likely then that the DNA strand breaks produced by radiation, xenobiotics, or peroxides cannot be exclusively attributed to chemical interactions. That is, the “indirect” action of radiation may be mediated through rapidly initiated cellular mechanisms which lead to DNA scission rather than by hydroxyl radical reactions on the DNA molecule itself. The following experiments support these hypotheses.
Electron Backscatter Diffraction Analysis of Inconel 718 Parts Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting Additive Manufacturing

In this study, the crystallographic texture of an Inconel 718 part fabricated by selective laser melting was investigated. The front surface (X–Z plane) microstructure is characterized by the columnar grains growing along the build direction, and the width of columnar grains is in the range of about 75–150 µm, with the bottom layers having narrower grains as a result of a higher cooling rate. In addition to equiaxed grains, the top surface (X–Y plane) has a feature of patch patterns resulting from the laser scanning strategy. Based on the electron backscatter diffraction results, there appears only weak crystallographic texture in both the X–Z plane and the X–Y plane of the part. From the grain boundary map, the microstructures are composed of high-angle boundaries with a larger fraction of subgrain boundaries.
Guidance for identifying corridor conditions that warrant deploying transit signal priority and queue jump

Nowadays, our streets and highways are growing in traffic congestion as large number of cars are entering the transportation system due to rise in population. The high volume of vehicles and numerous signalized intersection the traffic congestion is causing huge problems to schedule reliability. As transportation demand is increasing various road networks are facing increasing congestion. To mitigate the high-density congestion transit signal priority (TSP) and queue jumper are significant solution. Transit signal priority is providing solutions according to many variables, and it is pursuing several valuable objectives such as: reduced transit travel times, better schedule adherence, better transit efficiency, and increased road network efficiency by car mobility. Our objective is to compare and evaluate existing guidelines or form new guidelines for TSP and Queue jump. In addition, in this research, we study various findings from a series of gap filling research efforts of various guidelines strategies which are not in common use in the United States; a simulation platform will be used to study transit signal priority and their guidelines. The preliminary results show improvement in travel times in each directional of travel and various scenario that implemented some of the transit preferential treatments, when compared to base scenario.
Host Cell S Phase Restricts Legionella pneumophila Intracellular Replication by Destabilizing the Membrane-Bound Replication Compartment.

Legionella pneumophila grows within cells ranging from environmental amoebae to human macrophages. In spite of this conserved strategy of pathogenesis, identification of host factors that restrict L. pneumophila intracellular replication has not been extended outside components of the mammalian innate immune response. We performed a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) screen against more than 50% of the Drosophila melanogaster annotated open reading frames (ORFs) to identify host cell factors that restrict L. pneumophila The majority of analyzed dsRNAs that stimulated L. pneumophila intracellular replication were directed against host proteins involved in protein synthesis or cell cycle control. Consistent with disruption of the cell cycle stimulating intracellular replication, proteins involved in translation initiation also resulted in G1 arrest. Stimulation of replication was dependent on the stage of cell cycle arrest, as dsRNAs causing arrest during S phase had an inhibitory effect on intracellular replication. The inhibitory effects of S phase arrest could be recapitulated in a human cell line, indicating that cell cycle control of L. pneumophila replication is evolutionarily conserved. Synchronized HeLa cell populations in S phase and challenged with L. pneumophila failed to progress through the cell cycle and were depressed for supporting intracellular replication. Poor bacterial replication in S phase was associated with loss of the vacuole membrane barrier, resulting in exposure of bacteria to the cytosol and their eventual degradation. These results are consistent with the model that S phase is inhibitory for L. pneumophila intracellular survival as a consequence of failure to maintain the integrity of the membrane surrounding intracellular bacteria.IMPORTANCELegionella pneumophila has the ability to replicate within human macrophages and amoebal hosts. Here, we report that the host cell cycle influences L. pneumophila intracellular replication. Our data demonstrate that the G1 and G2/M phases of the host cell cycle are permissive for bacterial replication, while S phase is toxic for the bacterium. L. pneumophila replicates poorly within host cells present in S phase. The inability of L. pneumophila to replicate relies on its failure to control the integrity of its vacuole, leading to cytosolic exposure of the bacteria and eventual degradation. The data presented here argue that growth-arrested host cells that are encountered by L. pneumophila in either the environment or within human hosts are ideal targets for intracellular replication because their transit through S phase is blocked.
Nacre * * Nacre, or mother-of-pearl, is one of nature's remarkable examples of a durable and break-resistant structure. : Durable, Secure and Energy-Efficient Non-Volatile Memory Utilizing Data Versioning

As we begin to utilize non-volatile memory (NVM) technologies as main memory elements, new challenges will emerge. While non-volatility is a desirable feature to save energy, it creates security vulnerabilities since data will persistent after system power-off. Data stored in NVMs can be secured using data encryption. However, side effects imposed by memory encryption result in excessive bit writes, which will drastically reduce NVM lifetimes and increase energy consumption. In this paper, we propose Nacre to bridge the gap between fully encrypted and unencrypted NVMs. Nacre exploits standard counter-mode encryption to maintain security. By tracking the different versions of the modified data in each memory writeback, Nacre attempts to limit the number of bit writes. Selective re-encryption is performed based on the history of the modified data in cache lines. We show that on average, Nacre improves memory lifetime by 53 percent (2.87x) as compared to state-of-the-art (full encryption) schemes. In addition, Nacre only increases energy consumption by 6 percent versus an unencrypted memory system.
Nonlinear Analysis and Digital Pre-Distortion of the SC-FDMA Signals in LTE Uplink System

Single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) has become a popular alternative to orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDM) in multi-user communication on LTE uplink systems. This is primarily due to the low peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of SC-FDMA compared to that of OFDM. Long-term evolution (LTE) uses SC-FDMA on the uplink to exploit this PAPR advantage to reduce transmit power amplifier (PA) back-off in mobile user terminals. However, the latest generation of communication systems requires high power efficiency and a large quantity of capacity in transmitting mobile data, bringing out some other critical problems: 1) the nonlinearity of Radio Frequency (RF) power amplifiers inevitably affects the power efficiency. Working beyond the saturation point is the main reason for power amplifiers having nonlinear properties; 2) In order to obtain adequate capacity, wide bandwidth is applied to the latest communication systems. Since in previous systems the pre-distorter would focus on memory-less distortion with relatively narrow bandwidth, this change makes memory distortion become a serious issue, degrading the transmission quality in the wireless communication systems. The intent of this thesis is to present nonlinear analysis of the SC-FDMA Spectrum with the RF power amplifier. Relevant mathematical models were considered and applied to the RF power amplifier in terms of intermodulation products and the third-order intercept point. The equivalent mathematical model is applied for the first time to SC-FDMA signals and with the previous formulation of the PA model, the derivation of the expressions for spectrum regrowth of amplified SC-FDMA signals was first established and finally simulated with Matlab software. The digital pre-distortion (DPD) technology was also applied to SC-FDMA signals for the first time in this thesis. An inverse intermodulation and Autoregressive Moving-Average (IM-ARMA) model was introduced to linearize the PA distortion with memory in the LTE uplink system. The DPD was finally implemented by Matlab R2010b. Conclusions are drawn that amplified power emission levels can be expressed by the form of third-order intercept point (IP_3). The expressions for spectrum regrowth of amplified SC-FDMA signals have been verified for the first time with the comparison of simulation, measurement and calculation results. The effects of third order intermodulation have a greater impact than higher order components with respect to out-of-band emission power levels. Furthermore, the DPD algorithm reduced the spectrum regrowth of SC-FDMA signals by 12 dB. The proposed pre-distorter can effectively solve the distortion problem caused by the memory effect in RF power amplifier.
Language in Computer-Mediated Communication

The rising popularity of the Internet and related technologies has led to increased research into the language form and style in these media. This essay identifies the major forms of such technologies and the salient characteristics of such media that may impact language style. It then addresses the dominant research concerns, including the primacy of English versus other languages, comparisons between CMC and speech and writing, online playfulness, hostility, and the influence of gender on online language use. The essay concludes with a consideration of the influence online language use is likely to have on offline language.
The Structure of Grandparental Role Meaning

The present study explored the viability of Kivnick's 5-factor model of grandparental meaning (Kivnick, 1983), wherein this model was tested and subsequently refined on a sample of traditional grandparents (N = 102), and then cross-validated using a sample of custodial grandparents (N = 101). The data suggested that Kivnick's model of grandparental meaning was untenable in both grandparent samples. Instead, a single-factor model was supported in both samples. This suggests that grandparental meaning is best understood without regard to Kivnick's distinctions (Kivnick, 1983). This may reflect a cohort effect in the meaning of grandparenting, as evidenced in the diversity of roles into which grandparents are thrust, increased role confusion, as well as the idiosyncratic manner in which grandparents are often forced to define their roles in today's society.
Influence of fitness on health status among survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Introduction We aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported adverse health status among childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors and to identify associations between components of physical fitness and health status. Methods Participants included 365 ALL survivors (mean age at evaluation of 28.6 ± 5.9 years) and 365 age-, sex-, and race-matched community controls. Self-report of poor general health, poor mental health, functional impairments, and activity limitations were used to describe adverse health status. Fitness was evaluated by assessing flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, peak oxygen uptake, and balance. Generalized linear models were used to examine associations between fitness metrics and health status. Results Survivors were more likely than controls to report poor general health (20.6% vs. 10.4%, risk ratio [RR] = 2.0, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.4-2.9), poor mental health (28.0% vs. 14.5%, RR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.4-2.6), functional impairments (10.5% vs. 4.1%, RR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.4-4.6), and activity limitations (29.0% vs. 14.4%, RR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.5-2.7). Survivors whose balance scores were more than 1.5 standard deviations below the mean of the control population were more likely to report poor general health (RR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1-2.8), poor mental health (RR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.3-2.8), and functional limitations (RR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.2-56). Survivors with low strength were more likely to report poor general health (RR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1-3.1), functional impairments (RR = 4.2, 95% CI = 1.7-10.4), and activity limitations (RR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.2-2.8). Conclusions ALL survivors, particularly those with poor balance and reduced muscular strength, are at increased risk for adverse health status.
Preparing Students for Success in STEM: Role of Professional Societies.

Professional societies play a critical role in the preparation and support of students for success in STEM. Outlined in this essay is an example of how the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) t...
Biliary Decompression in Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma Improves Survival: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis.

The complex biliary strictures of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma present significant challenges for providing adequate and long-lasting biliary drainage. The best approach to relieve obstruction remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess stenting outcomes in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. This study was approved by the center’s institutional review board. Subjects with a diagnosis of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were identified from endoscopic and pathologic databases from 1997 to 2014. Patient characteristics, endoscopic data, and follow-up evaluation data were retrospectively collected via review of available medical records. A total of 199 patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma who underwent a total of 504 ERCPs were included in the study. Nine of 504 (1.8%) procedures were technical failures. Among the 495 technically successful procedures, 347 (70.1%) procedures were clinical successes. Clinical success was significantly associated with longer overall survival (HR 0.57; p = 0.002). A higher proportion of patients with bilateral drainage had clinical success, compared with those with unilateral drainage. Cholangitis was not more common in the bilateral group compared to the unilateral group except in the group where a segment was not drained (1.9% vs 1.6% vs 7.1%, respectively). Patients with metal stents were 3.8 times more likely to have clinical success than those with plastic stents. In conclusion, adequate biliary drainage improves overall survival. Bilateral stenting if anatomy permits with self-expanding metal stents rather than plastic stents appears to provide the optimal chance of clinical success.
Lage von externen Beckenstabilisatoren bei polytraumatisierten Patienten

Die schwere Hamorrhagie ist eine gefurchtete Komplikation von Beckenringfrakturen. Sie stellt einen wesentlichen Faktor der traumabedingten Fruhletalitat dar. Durch Beckenringfrakturen ausgeloste Blutungen sind prinzipiell durch die Anlage von externen Beckenstabilisatoren reduzierbar. Trotz industriell verfugbarer Systeme erfolgt ihre Anlage weiterhin selten. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war, retrospektiv, anhand computertomographischer Daten das Anlageverhalten der Anwender von externen Beckenstabilisatoren zu untersuchen. Aus dem Zeitraum vom 01.01.2011 bis zum 31.12.2015 wurden an einem uberregionalen Traumazentrum retrospektiv und vollstandig anonymisiert alle Befunde der computertomographischen Traumaspiralen auf anliegende externe Beckenstabilisatoren untersucht. Erfasst werden konnten das verwendete System, die Anlageposition, Abweichungen von der laut Literatur optimalen Anlageposition, pelvine Parameter sowie eingetretene Komplikationen. Bei 67 von 982 mit Verdacht auf eine Polytraumatisierung untersuchten Patienten waren externe Beckenstabilisatoren angelegt worden (6,82 %). Bei 41,8 % wurden die Schlingen nicht gemas aktueller wissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse, bei 53,73 % nicht gemas Herstellerempfehlungen angelegt. Bei 51,85 % der Schlingen mit pneumatischen „Cuffs“ kam es zu deutlichen Malrotationen. Bei einem dieser Patienten kam es durch einen Cuff zu einer Hypoperfusion des Beines, jedoch ohne weitere Folgen. Die praklinische Verwendung von Beckenschlingen nimmt zu. Fehllagen sind zu berucksichtigen. Die von den wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen abweichenden Anlagevorgaben der Hersteller fuhren offenbar zu einer Irritation der Anwender. Hier ist eine Anpassung erforderlich. Bei Beckenschlingen mit pneumatischen Cuffs sind Malrotationen des „device“ haufig und klinisch relevant: Hypoperfusionen der unteren Extremitaten sind moglich und sollten seitens der Anwender als Komplikation Beachtung finden.
Open Bankart Repair: A Reproducible Technique

Shoulder instability is one of the most common complaints seen by orthopaedic surgeons taking care of an athletic patient mix. The management of shoulder instability has varied over the years and significant controversy and debate surrounds the proper management of this pathology. Traditionally, open Bankart surgical repair was the gold standard of care; however, over the past 20 years with the advancement of arthroscopic surgery, arthroscopic shoulder stabilization has become more popular. Furthermore, a soft-tissue stabilization procedure versus a bony procedure is another consideration that the treating orthopaedic surgeon must consider when taking care of this pathology. Patient selection, risk factors, and pathology are crucial in making the correct treatment decision. Short- and long-term data regarding open Bankart repair including the indications of open Bankart repair will be discussed. Additionally, a reliable surgical technique for open Bankart repair will be presented.
Interindividual differences in the ischemic stimulus and other technical considerations when assessing reactive hyperemia.

Reactive hyperemia is an established, noninvasive technique to assess microvascular function and a powerful predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence from...
Stakeholder Interviews and University Collections: An Exploratory Methodology

AbstractThis essay provides an overview of how four MA students in Public Humanities centered the use of local stakeholder interviews to design a collecting plan for the LGBTQ collections at Brown ...
Comparative Performance of the 7th and 8th Editions of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual for Adrenocortical Carcinoma.

The American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition staging manual for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) redefines T stage to include large vessel invasion (T4, previously undescribed) and restricts stage IV to those with distant metastases. We evaluated the prognostic power of the 8th edition. Patients with ACC treated between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015, were identified. Overall survival (OS) was compared using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard models. Of 290 patients evaluated, the change in T stage nomenclature impacted 13 (4.5%) who were previously categorized as T3; 61 had large vessel involvement but were already T4 based on invasion of adjacent organs. The restriction of stage IV to patients with distant metastases downstaged 41 (14.1%; T4N0M0 or T3–4N1M0) to stage III. In the 7th edition, the hazard ratio (HR) for death was similar between patients with stage II and III disease, with 5-year OS 66.7%, 54.4%, 57.2%, and 14.0% (stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively). In the 8th edition, stages I and II remain unchanged, with 5-year OS for stage III and IV 44.1% and 9.2%, respectively. The c-index for the 7th and 8th editions was similar (83.4 and 82.7, respectively). While 8th edition changes impact a relatively small proportion of ACC patients, they represent progress toward a common staging system that accurately reflects prognosis. In the 8th edition, the inclusion of patients with T4 tumors or nodal disease as stage III rather than IV results in improved stratification between stages II and III.
Companion Dog Foster Caregiver Program for Older Veterans at the VA Maryland Health Care System: A Feasibility Study

Veterans experience mental health conditions at a disproportionate rate compared to their civilian counterparts, and approximately 60% of older veterans who receive their care through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) do not meet physical activity (PA) recommendations. We tested the Veterans as Foster Ambassadors program at the VA Maryland Health Care System to examine whether fostering a companion dog would improve PA and function, heart rate variability (HRV), balance, and quality of life (QOL) in older veterans. Participants wore an accelerometer for ≥10 days during each phase (30 day baseline vs. 60 day foster period) to measure daily PA (n = 4). Six-minute walk (6MW) and balance testing (n = 4) and 24 h heart rate (HR) and HRV (n = 2) were determined at baseline and during the foster period. Compared to baseline, there were significant increases in (a) distance during the 6MW, (b) daily steps, and (c) time spent in moderate activity during the foster period. 24 h HR decreased and time- and frequency-domain measures of HRV significantly increased in a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder during the foster period compared to baseline. All veterans offered positive feedback about the program and indicated that it was beneficial to them. The results from this pilot study provide evidence that fostering a companion dog can improve PA, health, and QOL in older veterans. Future research conducted with a larger sample size to validate the results is warranted.
Diagnosis can predict opioid usage and dependence in reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Introduction Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has seen exponential growth over the past 2 decades. In addition, the recent focus on opioid usage and dependence has led to an increased understanding of the risk factors that lead to dependence. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between diagnosis and opioid consumption and dependence in RSA. Methods A retrospective review was performed of 441 patients who had undergone a primary RSA from 2012 to 2016. Demographics were collected and patients were categorized based on top 4 diagnoses: glenohumeral osteoarthritis (n = 129), irreparable rotator cuff tear (n = 85), rotator cuff arthropathy (RCA) (n = 184), and proximal humerus fracture (n = 69). Opioid consumption within 90 days surrounding surgery was recorded from Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Logistic regression was performed. Results Baseline characteristics for sex (P = .0001), ethnicity (P = .04), age (P = .01), and preoperative opioid use (P = .029) were significantly different. Patients with osteoarthritis had the lowest preoperative total morphine equivalents (TMEs) at 22.82 compared with fractures (53.36, P = .02) and RCA (46.54, P = .02). There was no significant difference in preoperative opioid dependence based on diagnosis (P = .16); however, postoperatively, the RCA group had the highest dependence at 40.3% (P = .03). In addition, there were no significant differences postoperatively in TMEs prescribed (P = .197). The preoperatively dependent patients were 8 times more likely to remain dependent regardless of diagnosis. Conclusion Patients with fractures consume the highest amounts of opioids surrounding surgery. Surgeons should tailor their preoperative education and pain management protocols accordingly based on diagnoses for RSA. In addition, increased awareness and protocols need to be implemented for preoperative opioid-dependent patients regardless of diagnosis.