cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The availability heuristic in the classroom: How soliciting more criticism can boost your course ratings

This paper extends previous research showing that experienced difficulty of recall can influence evaluative judgments (e.g., Winkielman & Schwarz, 2001) to a field study of university students rating a course. Students completed a midcourse evaluation form in which they were asked to list either 2 ways in which the course could be improved (a relatively easy task) or 10 ways in which the course could be improved (a relatively difficult task). Respondents who had been asked for 10 critical comments subsequently rated the course more favorably than respondents who had been asked for 2 critical comments. An internal analysis suggests that the number of critiques solicited provides a frame against which accessibility of instances is evaluated. The paper concludes with a discussion of implications of the present results and possible directions for future research.
The Systems Approach as a Paradigm for Pharmaceutical Research: A Proposal

A new paradigm is needed for successful pharmaceutical research. The systems approach, a broad, holistic approach that integrates laboratory and computational approaches, is proposed as a candidate for this paradigm. The use of this approach will provide a more rational means of understanding disease mechanisms and finding how to target these mechanisms pharmacologically.
Discharge-Based Pressure Sensors for High-Temperature Applications Using Three-Dimensional and Planar Microstructures

Two versions of microdischarge-based pressure sensors, which operate by measuring the change, with pressure, in the spatial current distribution of pulsed dc microdischarges, are reported. The inherently high temperatures of the ions and electrons in the microdischarges make these devices amenable to high-temperature operation. The first sensor type uses 3-D arrays of horizontal bulk metal electrodes embedded in quartz substrates with electrode diameters of 1-2 mm and 50-100-mum interelectrode spacing. These devices were operated in nitrogen over a range of 10-2000 torr, at temperatures as high as 1000degC. The maximum measured sensitivity was 5420 ppm/torr at the low end of the dynamic range and 500 ppm/torr at the high end, while the temperature coefficient of sensitivity ranged from -925 to -550 ppm/K. Sensors of the second type use planar electrodes and have active areas as small as 0.13 mm2. These devices, when tested in a chemical sensing system flowing helium as a carrier gas, had a maximum sensitivity of 9800 ppm/torr, a dynamic range of 25-200 torr, and a temperature coefficient of sensitivity of approximately -1412 ppm/K.
Co-reconstitution of Phospholamban Mutants with the Ca-ATPase Reveals Dependence of Inhibitory Function on Phospholamban Structure

Phospholamban (PLB), a 52-amino acid integral membrane protein, regulates the Ca-ATPase (calcium pump) in cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum through PLB phosphorylation mediated by b-adrenergic stimulation. Based on site-directed mutagenesis and coexpression with Ca-ATPase (SERCA2a) in Sf21 insect cells or in HEK 293 cells, and on spin label detection of PLB oligomeric state in lipid bilayers, it has been proposed that the monomeric form of PLB is the inhibitory species, and depolymerization of PLB is essential for its regulatory function. Here we have studied the relationship between PLB oligomeric state and function by in vitro co-reconstitution of PLB and its mutants with purified Ca-ATPase. We compared wild type-PLB (wt-PLB), which is primarily a pentamer on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) at 25 °C, with two of its mutants, C41L-PLB and L37A-PLB, that are primarily tetramer and monomer, respectively. We found that the monomeric mutant L37A-PLB is a more potent inhibitor than wt-PLB, supporting the previous proposal that PLB monomer is the inhibitory species. On the other hand, C41L-PLB, which has a monomeric fraction comparable to that of wt-PLB on SDS-PAGE at 25 °C, has no inhibitory activity when assayed at 25 °C. However, at 37 °C, a 3-fold increase in the monomeric fraction of C41L-PLB on SDS-PAGE resulted in inhibitory activity comparable to that of wt-PLB. Upon increasing the temperature from 25 to 37 °C, no change in fraction monomer or inhibitory activity for wt-PLB and L37A-PLB was observed. Based on these results, the extent of inhibition of Ca-ATPase by PLB or its mutants appears to depend not only on the propensity of PLB to dissociate into monomers but also on the relative potency of the particular PLB monomer when interacting with the Ca-ATPase.
Evaluating the Benefits of a Hybrid Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Combined Heat and Power Plant for Energy Sustainability and Emissions Avoidance

Recent developments in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology have increased interest in their application toward distributed electricity generation. In addition to the demonstrated SOFC fuel-to-electricity conversion advantages over conventional generation methods, heat from SOFC exhaust can be recovered for combined heat and power (CHP) operations to improve overall system efficiency. This paper presents a system model, developed using MATLAB/Simulink, for a 1.0-MW SOFC-CHP power plant and evaluates its ability to provide electricity and hot water to a 500-home residential neighborhood more sustainably and avoiding substantial environmental emissions when compared to conventional power delivery. Actual residential electrical and hot water end-usage profiles are utilized for simulations of the SOFC-CHP plant operating interconnected with the utility power system. Results are compared to data from conventional electricity regional suppliers in the United States. The simulation findings indicate the suitability of SOFC technology with CHP for distributed generation applications, highlight unique benefits of CHP operations for the residential case, and show the functional value of SOFC-CHP technology in the broader context of energy sustainability goals while significantly reducing emissions.
Using external coils to correct field errors in tokamaks

Non axisymmetric correction coils can be highly effective at canceling the low order magnetic islands generated by magnetic field errors. Correction coil currents which, by themselves, mould produce an island of the same size and opposite phase as the error field, will result in cancelled magnetic islands. In computing the magnetic island sizes and toroidal phases of perturbations, the use of a straight-cylinder approximation can cause substantial error. An n=1 error with arbitrary phase can be corrected at a single resonant surface with one set of four correction coils. Correcting higher n harmonics requires more coils toroidally. Correcting same-n errors at more than one rational surface requires more correction coil sets.
Vps10p Transport from the trans-Golgi Network to the Endosome Is Mediated by Clathrin-coated Vesicles

A native immunoisolation procedure has been used to investigate the role of clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs) in the transport of vacuolar proteins between the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and the prevacuolar/endosome compartments in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We find that Apl2p, one large subunit of the adaptor protein-1 complex, and Vps10p, the carboxypeptidase Y vacuolar protein receptor, are associated with clathrin molecules. Vps10p packaging in CCVs is reduced in pep12 Delta and vps34 Delta, two mutants that block Vps10p transport from the TGN to the endosome. However, Vps10p sorting is independent of Apl2p. Interestingly, a Vps10C(t) Delta p mutant lacking its C-terminal cytoplasmic domain, the portion of the receptor responsible for carboxypeptidase Y sorting, is also coimmunoprecipitated with clathrin. Our results suggest that CCVs mediate Vps10p transport from the TGN to the endosome independent of direct interactions between Vps10p and clathrin coats. The Vps10p C-terminal domain appears to play a principal role in retrieval of Vps10p from the prevacuolar compartment rather than in sorting from the TGN.
Tailoring the intergranular phases in silicon nitride for improved toughness

Intergranular glass phases can have a significant influence on fracture resistance (R-curve behavior) of Si nitride ceramics and appears to be related to debonding of the {beta}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}/oxynitride-glass interfaces. Applying the results from {beta}- Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}-whisker/oxynitride-glass model systems, self- reinforced Si nitrides with different sintering additive ratios were investigated. Si nitrides sintered with a lower Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}: Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} additive ratio exhibited higher stead-state fracture toughness together with a steeply rising R-curve. Analytical electron microscopy suggested that the different fracture behavior is related to the Al content in the SiAlON growth band on the elongated grains, which could result in differences in interfacial bonding structures between the grains and the intergranular glass.
Three-dimensional organization of nuclei of differentiated cells in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract Several lines of evidence have indicated the possibility that differentiated nuclei possess a unique three-dimensional structure, and that each nuclear type may have a precise configuration. Nuclei from various organs of Drosophila melanogaster were examined in an attempt to analyze the arrangement of chromosome arms. Radioactive probes, chromocenter position, and nucleolar location provided the triangulation needed to obtain consistent localizations. The nuclei most amenable for this analysis were those of the malpighian tubes. These nuclei have widely differing shapes and asymmetric patterns. An advantage of using salivary-gland cell nuclei is that the radioactive signals from probes, are easily detected but these nuclei have fewer distinguishing features. Each nuclear type from different tissues seems to have its own topology. Theoretically, at least two possibilities should be considered, i.e., nuclear topology is either an end-point of cell differentiation or it is a regulatory feature for nuclear determination. Chromosome-arm and chromocenter associations are initiated during the blastoderm stage. These associations may be causally related to nuclear determination. The present experiments were concerned with chromosome-arm locations in several cell types as well as their connections and orientation at the chromocenter. No attempt was made to interpret the findings in terms of gene regulation or molecular mechanisms.
Complications of celiotomy incisions in horses.

Complications of celiotomy incisions were evaluated retrospectively in 274 horses that survived at least 1 month after surgery, or died or were euthanatized within 1 month of surgery, as a direct result of these complications. Horses were divided into four groups; group A, a ventral median celiotomy for intestinal disease; group B, ventral median celiotomy for nonintestinal disease; group C, repair of an umbilical hernia; and group D, celiotomy in a region other than the midline. Specific incisional complications were peri-incisional edema, drainage, incisional abscess, suture sinus, and dehiscence. Incision-related complications occurred in 30% of the horses (group A, 40%; group B 18%; group C, 7%; and group D, 88%). Complications occurred more frequently in group D than group A (P = .009), which were higher than in groups B and C (P < .00001). Incisional hernia occurred in 28 of 256 (11%) horses that survived at least 4 months and were available for follow-up. Hernia formation was more common P < .00001) in horses that had other incisional complications (23 horses) than those without (5 horses). Serous or purulent incisional drainage, were more likely to be associated with hernia formation than was serosanguineous drainage or other incisional complications.
Orthogonal transformation based robust adaptive close formation control of multi-UAVs

Traditional coordination control of UAVs has been developed mainly based on linear models, giving local results. This paper presents an orthogonal transformation-based robust adaptive control method for close formation flight of multi-UAVs, and the result is global. Uncertain dynamics and disturbances due to vortex are explicitly addressed in control design. The overall control scheme proposed herein has simple structure and does not demand detail system dynamic information. There is no need to re-design and reprogram the control strategy even when flight condition changes. Simulation verification is included.
Prophylactic IVIG and corticosteroids for severe skin reactions post radio-contrast

### Learning Points for Clinicians Delayed skin reactions to radio contrast media (RCM) arise 1 h to 1 week after RCM administration. We describe the first report of successful prophylactic use of low-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in preventing severe late onset skin reaction to RCM despite conventional prophylaxis. An 81-year-old Caucasian male presented with acute coronary syndrome, requiring high-dose radio contrast media (RCM) life-saving catheterization. He had a history of diffuse maculo-papular rash 24 hr after an RCM procedure. The patient had a total of four RCM procedures at outside facility with the use of ionic, hyper osmolar, iodinated RCM and non-ionic, non-iodinated low-osmolar contrast. Despite pretreatment with a conventional prophylactic regimen of antihistamine and corticosteroid medications1 and use of non-iodinated low-osmolar RCM, he developed a delayed skin rash …
CONSERVATION OF PERIPHERAL PLANT POPULATIONS IN CALIFORNIA

The conservation of peripheral plant populations is paradoxical. Populations occurring on the edge of a species’ range tend to be smaller, more isolated, and more genetically and ecologically divergent than central populations. The combination of these characteristics can impart novel evolutionary potential and local ecological significance, thus heightening their conservation value, while also making them less viable and more prone to local extinction. Public policy supports the conservation of peripheral populations, despite the commonness of the species elsewhere. However, the conservation of significant peripheral populations of nonlisted plants has been arbitrary and ineffective. The absence of explicit criteria to determine the conservation value of peripheral plant populations, the lack of finer-scale data on plant distributions, and a general unawareness of their value have hindered efforts to conserve them. We review the conservation value of peripheral plant populations and, using California as an example, describe regulatory methods to improve their conservation. We also propose a scheme to assess a population’s conservation value.
Genomics Algebra: A New, Integrating Data Model, Language, and Tool for Processing and Querying Genomic Information

The dramatic increase of mostly semi-structured genomic data, their heterogeneity and high variety, and the increasing complexity of biological applications and methods mean that many and very important challenges in biology are now challenges in computing and here especially in databases. In contrast to the many query-driven approaches advocated in the literature, we propose a new integrating approach that is based on two fundamental pillars. The Genomics Algebra provides an extensible set of high-level genomic data types ( GDTs) (e.g., genome, gene, chromosome, protein, nucleotide) together with a comprehensive collection of appropriate genomic functions (e.g., translate, transcribe, decode). The Unifying Database allows us to manage the semi-structured contents of publicly available genomic repositories and to transfer these data into GDT values. These values then serve as arguments of Genomics Algebra operations, which can be embedded into a DBMS query language.
Percutaneous Vein Occlusion with Small Intestinal Submucosa: An Experimental Pilot Study in Swine and Sheep

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility, outcomes, and amount of small intestinal submucosa (SIS) material needed for embolization of jugular vein (JV) in a swine and sheep model. Our hypothesis was that SIS would cause vein occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The external JVs (EJV) in swine (n = 6) and JVs in sheep (n = 6) were occluded with SIS fan-folded compressed strips. After percutaneous puncture of the peripheral portion of the EJV or JV, a TIPS set was used to exit their lumen centrally through the skin. The SIS strips were delivered into the isolated venous segment with a pull-through technique via a 10-Fr sheath. Follow-up venograms were done immediately after placement and at the time of sacrifice at 1 or 3 months. Gross examinations focused on the EJV or JV and their surrounding structures. Specimens were evaluated by histology. RESULTS: SIS strip(s) placement was successful in all cases, with immediate vein occlusion seen in 23 of 24 veins (95.8%). All EJVs treated with two strips and all JVs treated with three or four strips remained closed on 1- and 3-month follow-up venograms. Two EJVs treated with one strip and one JV treated with two strips were partially patent on venograms at 1 and 3 months. There has been one skin inflammatory reaction. Necropsies revealed excluded EJV or JV segments with SIS incorporation into the vein wall. Histology demonstrated various stages of SIS remodeling with fibrocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, capillaries, and inflammatory cells. CONCLUSION: We conclude that EJV and JV ablation with SIS strips using percutaneous exit catheterization is feasible and effective in animal models. Further exploration of SIS as vein ablation material is recommended.
The effect of hybridization-induced secondary structure alterations on RNA detection using backscattering interferometry

Backscattering interferometry (BSI) has been used to successfully monitor molecular interactions without labeling and with high sensitivity. These properties suggest that this approach might be useful for detecting biomarkers of infection. In this report, we identify interactions and characteristics of nucleic acid probes that maximize BSI signal upon binding the respiratory syncytial virus nucleocapsid gene RNA biomarker. The number of base pairs formed upon the addition of oligonucleotide probes to a solution containing the viral RNA target correlated with the BSI signal magnitude. Using RNA folding software mfold, we found that the predicted number of unpaired nucleotides in the targeted regions of the RNA sequence generally correlated with BSI sensitivity. We also demonstrated that locked nucleic acid (LNA) probes improved sensitivity approximately 4-fold compared to DNA probes of the same sequence. We attribute this enhancement in BSI performance to the increased A-form character of the LNA:RNA hybrid. A limit of detection of 624 pM, corresponding to � 10 5 target molecules, was achieved using nine distinct � 23-mer DNA probes complementary to regions distributed along the RNA target. Our results indicate that BSI has promise as an effective tool for sensitive RNA detection and provides a road map for further improving detection limits.
Optical properties of two-dimensional polymer photonic crystals after deformation-induced pattern transformations

Abstract The photonic band structure and optical transmittance of two-dimensional periodic elastomeric photonic crystals are studied computationally to understand the effects of large strains on optical properties of the structures. The large compressive deformation patterns of the two-dimensional periodic structure studied by Mullin and coworkers [Mullin, T., Deschanel, S., Bertoldi, K., Boyce, M.C., 2007. Pattern transformation triggered by deformation. Physical Review Letters 99(8), 084301] are first reproduced using hyperelastic material models for the elastomer SU-8. Finite element analysis is then used to solve Maxwell's equations to obtain light transmittance through both the undeformed and deformed structures; simultaneously the wave equation resulting from the appropriate two-dimensional form of Maxwell's equations is solved as an eigenvalue problem to obtain the band structure. The deformation-induced shift in transmission spectrum valleys for different bands is calculated, and the changes in the width of these reflectance peaks are also obtained. The band structure calculation shows that there are no complete photonic band gaps as expected for the low dielectric contrast system. However, the effect of the observed reversible, symmetry-breaking deformation pattern is to uncouple many of the photonic bands in all three high symmetry directions, i.e. Γ–X, X–M, and Γ–M. New non-degenerate deformation-induced optical modes appear in both the real space transmittance spectra and the band structure with lower reflectance values. Analyses of the deformation pattern, the optical mode shapes, and the photonic band structure reveal that localized regions of large rotation are responsible for the significant changes in optical transmittance. The results have practical importance for the design of strain-tunable optomechanical materials for sensing and actuation.
Growth of diamond and nickel carbide crystals in the NiCH system

Abstract Simultaneous growth of diamond and nickel carbide on a graphite substrate was observed. Nickel carbide appeared as a nonstoichiometric interstitial solid solution possessing the NaCl-type structure. The nucleation and growth of diamond was conducted by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition. The CH 4 -H 2 plasma produces intensive mass transport in the separate nickel carbide crystals resulting in coalescence. A hypothesis of the formation of gaseous organometallic molecules is described and the role of atomic hydrogen which alters the NiCH equilibria is discussed.
Decreased gastric secretory activity following injection of lignin sulfonates.

SummarySolutions of calcium lignin sulfonates injected immediately after ligation in the Shay rat (20 mg/100 g rat weight) afforded pronounced protection against ulceration as compared with controls. The same material given per osalso protected Shay rats against ulceration, probably by a different mechanism.
Performance of a Q-switched Yb:Sr5(PO4)3F laser

We report on the performance of a Q-switched Yb:SFAP laser using an end-pumped cavity geometry with a lens duct for irradiance conditioning of the diode pump light.
SuMT: A Framework of Summarization and MT

We present a novel system combination of machine translation and text summarization which provides high quality summary translations superior to the baseline translation of the entire document. We first use supervised learning and build a classifier that predicts if the translation of a sentence has high or low translation quality. This is a reference-free estimation of MT quality which helps us to distinguish the subset of sentences which have better translation quality. We pair this classifier with a stateof-the-art summarization system to build an MT-aware summarization system. To evaluate summarization quality, we build a test set by summarizing a bilingual corpus. We evaluate the performance of our system with respect to both MT and summarization quality and, demonstrate that we can balance between improving MT quality and maintaining a decent summarization quality.
Distributed visualization of gridded geophysical data: the Carbon Data Explorer, version 0.2.3

Abstract. Due to the proliferation of geophysical models, particularly climate models, the increasing resolution of their spatiotemporal estimates of Earth system processes, and the desire to easily share results with collaborators, there is a genuine need for tools to manage, aggregate, visualize, and share data sets. We present a new, web-based software tool – the Carbon Data Explorer – that provides these capabilities for gridded geophysical data sets. While originally developed for visualizing carbon flux, this tool can accommodate any time-varying, spatially explicit scientific data set, particularly NASA Earth system science level III products. In addition, the tool's open-source licensing and web presence facilitate distributed scientific visualization, comparison with other data sets and uncertainty estimates, and data publishing and distribution.
Participant Satisfaction With a Preference-Setting Tool for the Return of Individual Research Results in Pediatric Genomic Research

The perceived benefit of return of individual research results (IRRs) in accordance to participants' preferences in genomic biobank research is unclear. We developed an online preference-setting tool for return of IRRs based on the preventability and severity of a condition, which included an opt-out option for IRRs for mental illness, developmental disorders, childhood-onset degenerative conditions, and adult-onset conditions. Parents of patients <18 years of age at Boston Children's Hospital were randomized to the hypothetical scenario that their child was enrolled in one of four biobanks with different policies for IRRs to receive (a) "None," (b) "All," (c) "Binary"--choice to receive all or none, and (d) "Granular"--use the preference-setting tool to choose categories of IRRs. Parents were given a hypothetical IRRs report for their child. The survey was sent to 11,391 parents and completed by 2,718. The Granular group was the most satisfied with the process, biobank, and hypothetical IRRs received. The None group was least satisfied and least likely to agree that the biobank was beneficial (p < .001). The response to the statement that the biobank was harmful was not different between groups. Our data suggest that the ability to designate preferences leads to greater satisfaction and may increase biobank participation.
Demographic and Behavioral Factors Linked to Obesity Among Inner-City Latino New Yorkers in the Bronx Community.

New York City (NYC) Latinos are disproportionately affected by obesity. However, little information is available on demographic and behavioral factors linked to body mass index (BMI) in this population. A community-based survey was conducted in the inner-city Bronx community of NYC to evaluate these factors among Latino New Yorkers. 738 Latinos completed the survey. 241 (32.7 %) participants were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) and 302 (41 %) individuals were overweight (BMI 25–30 kg/m2). Adjusted regression analyses show that Latinos who are overweight or obese were found at greater odds of being men, residing in the US for >10 years, in early stages 1–3 of change of physical activity behavior, and at lower odds of being young adults aged 10 years in the US. With respect to diet, subjects in preliminary stages were at greater odds of being young adults <35 years of age or in early SOC of physical activity and at lower odds of low income <20 dollars per year. The survey shows that Latino New-Yorkers in the Bronx with high prevalence of overweight status and obesity have unique demographic, socio-economic, behavioral and cultural factors that can be linked to excessive body weight.
The Characteristic Study of Pulsed Laser Light Back-scattering of the Simulated Wake Bubbles

Based on Mie scattering theory,the scattering characteristics of wake bubbles is analyzed in theory,and the experiment of the detection of simulated wake bubbles′ light back-scattering is done in this paper.The experiment result shows the value of bubbles′ back-scattering signal is obviously stronger than that of water′s scattering signal,and the peak value of this signal is different when the parameters.for example the position of the bubble film.are changed.Another result is also found that the multiple scattering is important when the distance between bubbles film and the detector is small,which willchange the signal value obviously.
Requirements for papers focusing on new or improved global optimization algorithms

The No-Free Lunch theorem (Wolpert and Macready 1997) provides an important limitation of global optimization algorithms. Improving an algorithm for one class of problem is likely to make it perform more poorly for other problems. This may explain the much larger number of popular global optimizat ion algorithms compared to local optimization algorithms. This means that when we propose a new or improved global optimization algorithm, it should be targeted towards a particular application or set of applications rather than tested against a fixed set of problems. For a paper describing such an algorithm for Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, it should target an application including solid or fluid mechanics models that is not solved well by existing algorithms. This has become difficult to demonstrate because of the large number of available global optimization algorithms. Problems where the objective function and constraints are differentiable are not likely to satisfy the above requirement. This is because gradient based local optimizers are very efficient in finding solutions for such problems even with large number of design variables. Unless the number of local optima is very high, multi-start execution of local search techniques is likely to yield a solution more efficiently than a global search algorithm. Problems with discrete or combinatorial design variables are more likely to satisfy the requirement. Finally, many global search algorithms are stochastic in nature. This means that to demonstrate their effectiveness, one must run them multiple times so as to establish the statistical distribution of the solution as function of the design parameters.
Quality and adequacy of training of expanded function dental auxiliaries in the U.S. Army

This study explores the quality and adequacy of training U.S. Army expanded function dental auxiliaries (X2s). Data were collected in the spring of 1989 using self-administered questionnaires from dental commanders, clinic chiefs, X2 graduates, dentists working with X2s, and potential X2 students. Nearly all (94.2%) dental activities personnel responded. Results show overall performance of X2s was rated excellent or very good by 76% of commanders, 70% of clinic chiefs, and 42% of dentists. Of 23 job-specific tasks assessed, X2s received lowest performance ratings for placement of complex composite restorations and highest ratings for individual topical fluoride application. Of X2 graduates, 82% rated the overall quality of X2 training as very good or excellent. X2 graduates and their supervisors recommend retaining each job-specific skill in the X2 training program while lengthening the program from 16 to 28-30 weeks. Training of U.S. Army X2s may offer a model to other dental care systems with limited resources.
Natural Products and the Gene Cluster Revolution

Genome sequencing has created unprecedented opportunities for natural-product discovery and new insight into the diversity and distributions of natural-product biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). These gene collectives are highly evolved for horizontal exchange, thus providing immediate opportunities to test the effects of small molecules on fitness. The marine actinomycete genus Salinispora maintains extraordinary levels of BGC diversity and has become a useful model for studies of secondary metabolism. Most Salinispora BGCs are observed infrequently, resulting in high population-level diversity while conforming to constraints associated with maximum genome size. Comparative genomics is providing a mechanism to assess secondary metabolism in the context of evolution and evidence that some products represent ecotype-defining traits while others appear selectively neutral.
The Gini coefficient and segregation on a continuous variable

Purpose – The Gini coefficient is a widely used measure of income inequality. It has also been used as a segregation measure, but only in the case of binary variables, for example race or gender. We develop a general version of the Gini Segregation Index (Gs) that can accommodate either continuous or binary variables, and discuss its relationship to existing measures. Methodology – The Gini Index of Segregation is developed graphically and derived mathematically, illustrating the relationship between Gini's use in segregation and inequality applications. Findings – Using the Public Use Microdata Sample for 25 U.S. metropolitan areas from the 2000 Census, we illustrate the calculation of the index and show that it is highly correlated with an existing measure of economic segregation. Originality – This paper develops and illustrates a measure of segregation for continuous variables, a task for which there are few alternative measures.
Interfacial Sliding in Back-End Interconnect Structures in Microelectronic Devices

Deformation of interconnect structures at the back-end of microelectronic devices during processing or service can have a pronounced effect on component reliability. Here, we use atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study plastic deformation and interfacial sliding of Cu interconnects lines on Si. The behavior of both stand-alone Cu lines and lines embedded in a low K dielectric was studied. Following thermal cycling, changes were observed in the in-plane Cu line dimensions, as well as the out-of plane step height between Cu and dielectric in single layer structures. These were attributed to differential deformation of the Cu/Si and Cu/dielectric material pairs due to thermal expansion mismatch, accommodated by interfacial creep. These results are discussed in light of previous work on the mechanism of interfacial creep. Some preliminary results on the distortion of Cu lines due to package-level stresses are also presented.
Knowledge of curriculum embedded mathematics: exploring a critical domain of teaching

This paper proposes a framework for identifying the mathematical knowledge teachers activate when using curriculum resources. We use the term knowledge of curriculum embedded mathematics (KCEM) to refer to the mathematics knowledge activated by teachers when reading and interpreting mathematical tasks, instructional designs, and representations in mathematics curriculum materials. The KCEM framework is situated within existing research on content-specific teacher knowledge. Through analysis of elementary mathematics teacher’s guides from the USA, we identified elements of curriculum resources teachers interact with when using them to plan instruction. These findings were complemented by interviews of teachers using curriculum guides to plan lessons, uncovering how they interacted with different elements of their guides. From this analysis, we propose four overlapping dimensions of KCEM: foundational mathematical ideas, representations and connections among these ideas, problem complexity, and mathematical learning pathways. Using an excerpt from one elementary curriculum guide and one of the teacher interviews on using this guide to plan a lesson, we illustrate how these dimensions might be activated as teachers read and use their guides.
Spirituality and Medicine

Ways to incorporate notions of spirituality into patient conversations. Spirituality can aid in conversations with challenging patients. Acknowledging spirituality in ourselves and our patients contributes to our sense of professional satisfaction.
Hybrid Equity: A New Approach to Equity Compensation

Equity compensation can provide some of the consideration needed to attract and retain talent while greatly contributing to the ongoing alignment of management and shareholder interests. Until now, managers and boards have utilized what one might call borrowed instruments, such as common stock or standard options (granted at-the-money), i.e., instruments they saw being utilized in other contexts when they began rewarding their managers with equity. Boards have layered various restrictions on these instruments to improve retention or alignment, or mixed and matched them according to taste or fashion. Unfortunately, each of these instruments poses certain well-understood limitations.We can overcome these limitations with an equity instrument designed specifically for executive compensation. After satisfying certain accounting and tax constraints, this instrument could function as an in-the-money, indexed option, capable of being tailored to the particular needs of any corporation. Since this single instrument would meet all the equity-based compensation objectives for a given company, it could also greatly simplify the firm's compensations plans, while enabling it to more optimally balance its governance requirements of retention, alignment, and cost control.
Adoptive cell transfer enhances antitumor response generated by Cytomegalovirus-based vaccine

Methods for generating long-lived T cell responses to tumor antigen have been highly sought for potential therapy against many cancers. Our group has recently developed a novel vaccine against melanoma using recombinant Mouse Cytomegalovirus (MCMV) expressing a modified tumor antigen which generated life-long CD8+ T cell responses to the melanoma antigen, gp100. While this vaccine delays tumor growth in a mouse model of B16 metastatic melanoma, mice eventually succumb to the disease. Adoptive cell therapy has shown clinical efficacy in some patients with melanoma; however, it requires in vitro activation of large numbers of T cells to be effective. We hypothesized that combining these therapies would result in more effective tumor rejection by 1) increasing precursor frequency of tumor specific T cells, thus inducing a more robust T cell response following vaccination and 2) promoting life-long persistence of transferred cells following transfer. To test this, C57BL/6 mice received 105 CD8+ T cells expressing a transgenic T cell receptor recognizing gp100 (PMEL) followed by vaccination. Five days after transfer, PMEL cells constituted up to 20% of all CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood following MCMV vaccination in contrast to 7.5% following vaccination with another viral vaccine, Vesicular Stomatitis Virus. Our results also show that adoptive transfer and MCMV vaccination delays B16 tumor growth and improves survival in a solid tumor model. In summary, this study tests a novel method for stimulating adoptively transferred antitumor T cells, while avoiding the need for long-term in vitroculture of cells. Future work will also examine if immune checkpoint inhibitors or costimulatory agonists further improve this therapy.
Transgenerational Social Stress Alters Immune–Behavior Associations and the Response to Vaccination

Similar to the multi-hit theory of schizophrenia, social behavior pathologies are mediated by multiple factors across generations, likely acting additively, synergistically, or antagonistically. Exposure to social adversity, especially during early life, has been proposed to induce depression symptoms through immune mediated mechanisms. Basal immune factors are altered in a variety of neurobehavioral models. In the current study, we assessed two aspects of a transgenerational chronic social stress (CSS) rat model and its effects on the immune system. First, we asked whether exposure of F0 dams and their F1 litters to CSS changes basal levels of IL-6, TNF, IFN-γ, and social behavior in CSS F1 female juvenile rats. Second, we asked whether the F2 generation could generate normal immunological responses following vaccination with Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG). We report several changes in the associations between social behaviors and cytokines in the F1 juvenile offspring of the CSS model. It is suggested that changes in the immune–behavior relationships in F1 juveniles indicate the early stages of immune mediated disruption of social behavior that becomes more apparent in F1 dams and the F2 generation. We also report preliminary evidence of elevated IL-6 and impaired interferon-gamma responses in BCG-vaccinated F2 females. In conclusion, transgenerational social stress alters both immune–behavior associations and responses to vaccination. It is hypothesized that the effects of social stress may accumulate over generations through changes in the immune system, establishing the immune system as an effective preventative or treatment target for social behavior pathologies.
Perceptions of U.S. Veterans Affairs and community healthcare providers regarding cross-system care for heart failure.

ObjectivesThis study explores perceptions of US Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA healthcare providers caring for Veterans with heart failure (HF) regarding Veteran knowledge and motivations for dua...
Over-modulation associated to flash memory based multi-optimal PWM for three-phase inverters

This paper further develops the concept of very large size flash-memory-based pulse-width-modulation (PWM) with the implementation of an over-modulation algorithm for a three-phase inverter. The compensation of voltage for linearization is incorporated within the same flash memory with a multi-optimal PWM generator. Using flash memory demonstrates a low cost alternative to advanced processors. This approach is proposed to solve the contradiction between the requirement for advanced DSP processors able to control the nonlinearity over the two possible operation modes at over-modulation and the low-cost goal of low-power drives where the DC bus has limited voltage and over-modulation is mandatory. Analytical demonstration of over-modulation and the detailed design of PWM generator complete the paper.
Increased Mortality Rates With Prolonged Corticosteroid Therapy When Compared With Antitumor Necrosis Factor-α-Directed Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Increased Mortality Rates With Prolonged Corticosteroid Therapy When Compared With Antitumor Necrosis Factor-α-Directed Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The distressed (Type D) personality factor of social inhibition, but not negative affectivity, enhances eyeblink conditioning.

Abstract Recent work has focused on a learning diathesis model in which specific personality factors such as behavioral inhibition (BI) may influence associative learning and in turn increase risk for the development of anxiety disorders. We have found in a series of studies that individuals self-reporting high levels of BI exhibit enhanced acquisition of conditioned eyeblinks. In the study reported here, hypotheses were extended to include distressed (Type D) personality which has been found to be related to BI. Type D personality is measured with the DS-14 scale which includes two subscales measuring negative affectivity (NA) and social inhibition (SI). We hypothesized that SI, which is similar to BI, would result in enhanced acquisition while the effect of NA is unclear. Eighty nine participants completed personality inventories including the Adult Measure of Behavioral Inhibition (AMBI) and DS-14. All participants received 60 acquisition trials with a 500 ms, 1000 Hz, tone CS and a co-terminating 50 ms, 5 psi corneal airpuff US. Participants received either 100% CS-US paired trials or a schedule of partial reinforcement where 50% US alone trials were intermixed into CS-US training. Acquisition of CRs did not differ between the two training protocols. Whereas BI was significantly related to Type D, SI, and NA, only BI and SI individuals exhibited enhanced acquisition of conditioned eyeblinks as compared to non-inhibited individuals. Personality factors now including social inhibition can be used to identify individuals who express enhanced associative learning which lends further support to a learning diathesis model of anxiety disorders.
Modified Two-Incision Approach for Repair of Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture

Abstract Rupture of the distal biceps tendon is an uncommon injury that usually results from an excessive eccentric load across the biceps tendon. Various operative techniques have been described but anatomical repair is preferred to restore near native function in patients for whom such deficits would be debilitating. Boyd and Anderson originally described a 2-incision technique that minimizes the incidence of surgical complications while restoring anatomical function. This technique was further modified by Morrey to reduce the rate of ectopic bone formation that has been observed in the original Boyd-Anderson approach. With Morrey’s modification, the 2-incision approach is a safe and effective method for repair of a distal biceps tendon rupture. We describe the modified procedure in full and report on recovery, complications, and comparative outcomes.
Intrinsic magnetic properties of Ce2(Fe, Co)14B and its modifications by Ni and Cu

Abstract The intrinsic magnetic properties of Ce2Fe14-xCoxB (x ≤ 4.76) are studied at 25 °C using key alloys annealed at 900 °C for 25 days. The saturation magnetization (Ms) and the Curie temperature (Tc) of Ce2Fe14-xCoxB increase with Co content. However, the anisotropy field (Ha) of Ce2Fe14-xCoxB diminishes precipitously with Co content. The process of crystal structure refinement indicates that the saturation magnetization of Ce2Fe14-xCoxB is related to the site occupancy of Co atoms at different Fe atomic sites. Co atoms prefer to occupy 8j2 site, followed by 16k2, 4e and 16k1 sites sequentially. Moreover, Co atoms occupying 8j2 site are more effective leading to an increase in the Ms. The individual effects of Ni or Cu on the intrinsic magnetic properties of Ce2Fe12.98-xCo1.02NixB and Ce2Fe12.98-yCo1.02CuyB are evaluated. The maximum solid solubilities of Ni and Cu in Ce2Fe12.98Co1.02B at 900 °C are found to be 8 at.% and 0.8 at.%, respectively. Ni or Cu enhances Tc, but decreases both Ms and Ha of Ce2Fe12.98Co1.02B. The paper also discussed the combined effects of Ni and Cu on the intrinsic magnetic properties of Ce2Fe12.98Co1.02B. The Ms of Ce2Fe12.98-x-yCo1.02NixCuyB (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.41, y ≈ 0.119) increases after doping with both Ni and Cu, reaching around 155 emu/g. Meanwhile, the Ha and the Tc are measured to be near 24 kOe and 280 °C, respectively.
Chapter 33. Plasma Protein Binding of Drugs

Publisher Summary The role of plasma protein binding is recognized as an important factor in drug disposition and efficacy. This chapter discusses the structures of drug-binding proteins, particularly human serum albumin (HSA) and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AAG), the relationship between ligand structure and protein binding and the effect of plasma protein binding on drug disposition and pharmacological activity. Human serum albumin (HSA) binds a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous ligands with association constants typically in the range of 10 4 to 10 6 M –1 . As the most abundant protein in plasma, it plays an important role in the maintenance of blood pH and colloidal osmotic pressure and accounts for most of the thiol content of plasma. Numerous competition and spectroscopic studies, using various ligands, have identified two sites (I and II) most relevant for drug binding. The interaction of various nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with HSA has been studied extensively. The interaction of other drug classes with HSA has also been investigated. Covalent modification of plasma proteins can be produced by direct attachment of an electrophilic moiety of the parent molecule to nucleophilic protein residues or by metabolic activation of the parent to a more reactive species. These reactions are important as their potential to form immunogenic adducts, with the possibility of producing idiosyncratic hypersensitivity reactions. Microdialysis is a potent technique to measure the extent of binding in vivo or in vitro in plasma. high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods, utilizing protein stationary phases, offer the potential for rapid screening, especially for those molecules bound to albumin. The blood brain barrier (BBB) effectively restricts the access of polar, hydrophilic drugs into the central nervous system (CNS), thus establishing a significant drug delivery impediment.