cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanical properties of compliant composite particles effective in toughening glassy polymers

Abstract The mechanical properties of compliant composite particles incorporating block components of rubbery and glassy polymer phases, with two morphologies, different from that in high impact polystyrene (HIPS), have been studied in detail. By a combination of analytical and numerical modelling, it is demonstrated that block copolymer particles with the same volume fraction of rubber as HIPS are ineffective in craze nucleation when the rubbery component is dispersed in a topologically continuous glassy component, but are very much more effective when the two components are distributed in a concentric spherical shell morphology. These two morphologies achieve roughly upper and lower bounds to the stiffness of the particle. While thermal expansion misfit stresses make an important contribution to the stress state outside a particle, the main stress concentrating effectiveness of the particle comes from its increased tensile compliance. Analysis further shows that viscoplastic relaxation of the thermal stresses outside the particle improves its effectiveness somewhat, if such stress relaxation can produce proto-pores, that are the forerunners to craze initiation.
Eshelby problem of polygonal inclusions in anisotropic piezoelectric bimaterials

This paper studies the two–dimensional Eshelby problem in anisotropic piezoelectric bimaterials. Assuming that the inclusion is an arbitrarily shaped polygon with uniform eigenstrain and eigenelectric fields, we derive the exact closed–form solution by integrating analytically the line–source Green functions in the corresponding bimaterials. The required line–source Green functions are obtained in terms of the Stroh formalism and include six different interface models. Since the induced elastic and piezoelectric fields due to the eigenstrain and eigenelectric fields are given in the exact closed form in terms of simple elementary functions, those due to multiple inclusions can be superposed together. Benchmark numerical examples are also presented for the induced elastic and piezoelectric fields within a square inclusion due to a uniform hydrostatic eigenstrain with the bimaterials being made of typical quartz and ceramic.
The spatial manifestation of forest succession in optical imagery: The potential of multiresolution imagery

Forest succession is a fundamental ecological phenomenon, which has significant implications for sustainable ecosystem management as well as biological, biophysical, and biogeochemical processes. Remote sensing is perhaps the only viable option for monitoring changes in forest ecosystems over large areas in a timely and cost efficient manner. This study investigates the spatial manifestation of forest succession in optical imagery through three types of models: a two-component spatial model, a canopy reflectance model (Geometric–Optical and Radiative Transfer, GORT) and a forest ecosystem dynamics model (ZELIG). The latter two models provide inputs to the former one to predict the spatial properties of images as a function of the combined effects of tree size and density, the spectral signatures of scene components and pixel size. An important source of information that is diagnostic of canopy structure has been identified: the spatial properties of multiresolution imagery. The sill of variograms of images of forest stands decrease with regularization, and in particular the rate of decrease is related to the size of trees. For stands with larger trees the sills of variograms decrease more slowly with increasing regularization than for stands with smaller trees. However, the spatial patterns for a scene with multiresolution imagery are also dependent on tree cover. This implies that the use of spatial patterns to estimate tree size will require independent estimates of tree cover as a preliminary step. Concept verification with an Ikonos 1-m panchromatic image for stands at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest in the Cascade Range of Oregon indicates the simulated spatial patterns exist in multiresolution imagery. This study demonstrates the potential to map tree size automatically from multiresolution imagery.
Female Snake Sex Pheromone Induces Membrane Responses in Vomeronasal Sensory Neurons of Male Snakes

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is important for activating accessory olfactory pathways that are involved in sexually dimorphic mating behavior. The VNO of male garter snakes is critically important for detection of, and response to, female sex pheromones. In the present study, under voltage-clamp conditions, male snake VNO neurons were stimulated with female sexual attractiveness pheromone. Thirty-nine of 139 neurons exhibited inward current responses (reversal potential: 10.6 ± 2.8 mV). The amplitude of the inward current was dose dependent, and the relationship could be fitted by the Hill equation. Under current-clamp conditions, application of pheromone produced membrane depolarizing responses and increases in firing frequency. These results suggest that the female pheromone directly affects male snake VNO neurons and results in opening of ion channels, thereby converting the pheromone signal to an electrical signal. The response to female pheromone is sexually dimorphic, that is, the pheromone does not evoke responses in VNO neurons of female snakes. An associated finding of the present study is that the female sex pheromone, which is insoluble in aqueous solutions, became soluble in the presence of Harderian gland homogenate.
Effects of Immunization with Human Placental Lactogen on Reproduction in Female Rats

The effects of active immunization of adult and immature female rats with human placental lactogen (HPL) on subsequent reproductive performance were studied. All immunized rats produced antibodies against HPL. Immunization produced altered or prolonged estrous cycles in both age groups of animals. Although control animals receiving injections of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) exhibited longer estrous cycles than non-injected rats, animals immunized with HPL had longer cycles than the FCA controls. Some rats immunized with HPL failed to exhibit any regular cyclic change in vaginal cytology following immunization and vaginal smear patterns persisted in estrus, diestrus or an abnormal pattern. Only 50 % of adult rats and 65 % of immature immunized rats conceived following mating as compared to 70 and 80 % for controls, respectively. There was a slight reduction in the number of implantations/animal in immunized rats. Gestation was interrupted by partial or complete fetal resorption in the immunized rats. G...
Providing application QoS through intelligent sensor management

Wireless sensor networks are uniquely characterized by tight energy and bandwidth constraints. These networks should be designed to provide enough data to their application so that a reliable description of the environment can be derived, while operating as energy-efficiently as possible and at the same time meeting bandwidth constraints. These goals are typically contradicting and must be balanced at the point where the application is best satisfied. In this paper, we address the problem of maximizing lifetime for a wireless sensor network while meeting a minimum level of reliability. This maximization is achieved by jointly scheduling active sensor sets and finding paths for data routing. Simulation results show that network lifetime can be significantly increased through such methods.
Cost-competitive RF wafer test methodology for high volume production of complex RF ICs

The need for radio frequency (RF) test at the wafer level in high-volume production has increased in response to the growing demand for delivering complex "good known dies" (KGD). To keep pace with the market, innovative test solutions need to be developed to meet tighter electrical specifications while maximizing yields and profit margins. This paper presents a versatile test platform built upon low- cost, custom circuitry combined with high performance membrane probes to achieve the lowest test cost per die. In a case study for testing global positioning system (GPS) RF integrated circuit (IC) the proposed methodology implements a quad-site solution to demonstrate superior test time and accuracy compared to traditional approaches.
Virginity and virginity pledges

Virginity refers to the state of having never had sex. Historically, spiritual and moral definitions of virginity prevailed, but definitions shifted to focus on physical acts in the early 1900s. Present-day debates include whether LGBQ individuals can lose their virginity through sexual activity with same-sex partners and whether anal sex, oral sex, or rape can result in virginity loss. Individuals tend to interpret virginity through one of four metaphors: as a gift, a stigma, a step in the process of growing up, or a sign of commitment to God. The 1990s saw the emergence of a virginity pledge movement, which recruits adolescents to save their virginity for marriage. However, whether virginity pledges are effective, and by what measures, remains controversial and depends on one's definition of virginity. Keywords: abstinence; adolescent sexuality; chastity; gender
Generation of Singlet Oxygen and Hydroxyl Radical from Sodium Chlorite and Lactic Acid

Reperfusion of ischemic tissue is associated with the formation of hydroxyl radical (OH.). In this report, a novel mechanism for (OH.) generation from (1O2) is proposed based on the experimental evidence from the present study. A number of experiments were performed which conclusively demonstrated the formation of 1O2 from the reaction of lactic acid and hypohalite radical. Singlet oxygen attacks the unsaturated olefinic derivatives, which are also formed during reperfusion of ischemic tissue. The reaction between 1O2 and olefinic compounds produces hydroperoxides, which ultimately form OH. radical. The validity of the above mechanism of OH. radical formation is warranted from our experimentsl results.
Multiply Bonded Compounds of Group 15 Elements

Multiple-bonded compounds of the heavier group 15 elements phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth represent an important group of materials. This chapter presents key developments in this field from 2000 to 2010, focusing largely on doubly and triply bonded compounds having coordination numbers 1 and 2. In particular, developments in the synthesis, reactivity, and use in functional materials are highlighted.
Aromatic amino acid biosynthesis in Trichophyton rubrum. I. Phenylalanine and tyrosine biosynthesis.

WhenTrichophyton rubrum is grown in a minimal medium containing glucose, the carbon skeleton of fungal phenylalanine and tyrosine is derived from the glucose carbon. Tracer experiments with variously labeled glucose-C14 indicate that phenylalanine synthesis is linked to glycolysis, but suggest that the pentose phosphate pathway is not involved. These findings suggest that aromatic amino acid biosynthesis may not be linked to the shikimic acid pathway inT. rubrum.
Bone Metastases of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Appearance on MRI Using a Standard Abdominal Protocol

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to describe the MRI features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) bone metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Thirty-three consecutive patients were included. Two radiologists performed qualitative and quantitative analysis. The coordinator searched for clinical and epidemiologic features related to patients and their primary liver tumors. Earlier MRI studies were also reviewed to determine whether bone metastases were already present and prospectively identified. Descriptive statistics and the Lin concordance correlation coefficient were used. RESULTS. Chronic hepatitis C virus infection was the most common cause of liver disease (20/32; 62.5%), and diffuse and multifocal HCC were the most frequent types of liver HCCs (28/33; 84.8%). Most lesions were located at the spine (109/155; 70.3%), with high signal intensity on fat-suppressed T1-weighted (54/62; 87.1%) and T2-weighted (53/62; 85.5%) images. Bone metastases were predominantly nodular (48/62; 77.4%), confined to the...
Silicon MEMS Disk Resonator Gyroscope With an Integrated CMOS Analog Front-End

We present a 2-mm diameter, 35-μm-thick disk resonator gyro (DRG) fabricated in silicon with integrated 0.35-μm CMOS analog front-end circuits. The device is fabricated in the commercial InvenSense Fabrication MEMSCMOS integrated platform, which incorporates a wafer-level vacuum seal, yielding a quality factor (Q) of 2800 at the DRGs 78-kHz resonant frequency. After performing electrostatic tuning to enable mode-matched operation, this DRG achieves a 55 μV/°/s sensitivity. Resonator vibration in the sense and drive axes is sensed using capacitive transduction, and amplified using a lownoise, on-chip integrated circuit. This allows the DRG to achieve Brownian noise-limited performance. The angle random walk is measured to be 0.008°/s/√(Hz) and the bias instability is 20°/h.
International Business and Perceptions of Country Similarity

The concepts of ‘psychic distance’ and ‘cultural distance’ have been used to explain a wide range of firm decisions and their outcomes. However, as we propose and test in this study, the distance construct is based on a set of oversimplified assumptions. In particular we investigate the assumptions of symmetry and context independence. While previous research in international business has already identified the nationality of the observers as a source of asymmetry, we build on studies cognitive psychology to postulate the presence of other, systematic sources of asymmetry. We argue also that perceptions of ‘distance’ are not just a function of the features of the countries in the dyad. They depend also on the features of other countries that are considered in a particular context. We develop appropriate instruments and conduct empirical tests. Our results provide support for both hypotheses.
Abstract 2758: Mitomycin C potentiates TRAIL-induced apoptosis through p53-independent upregulation of death receptors: Evidence for the role of C-Jun N-terminal kinase activation

Discovery of the molecular targets of chemotherapeutic medicines and their chemical footprints can validate and improve the use of such medicines. In the present study, we investigated the effect of mitomycin C (MMC), a well-known chemotherapeutic agent on cancer cell apoptosis induced by TRAIL. We found that MMC not only potentiated TRAIL-induced apoptosis in HCT116 (p53-/-) colon cancer cells but also sensitized TRAIL-resistant colon cancer cells HT-29 to the pro-apoptotic cytokine. MMC also improved the pro-apoptotic effects of two TRAIL receptor agonists, the antibodies mapatumumab and lexatumumab. At a mechanistic level, MMC downregulated cell survival proteins including Bcl2, Mcl-1 and Bcl-XL, upregulated cell pro-apoptotic proteins including Bax and Bim, and induced the cell surface expression of TRAIL death receptors DR4 and DR5. Gene silencing of DR5 by short hairpin RNA reduced the apoptosis induced by combination treatment of MMC and TRAIL. Induction of DR4 and DR5 was independent of p53, Bax and Bim, but was dependent on c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) as JNK pharmacologic inhibition and the JNK siRNA abolished the induction of the TRAIL receptors by MMC. The results provide insights into strategies for the development of novel combinatorial cancer therapy combinations that may be further tested in the clinic. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2758. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2758
Monitoring of mosquito vectors of Japanese encephalitis in different habitats of Zibo,Shandong

Objective To survey the species,distribution,habitat,behavior of vectors of Japanese encephalitis in Zichuan district and Gaoqing county of Zibo,Shandong.Methods The human baited net traps,mosquito nets,lamp baited traps and labor - hour methods were employed to investigate the mosquito counts of three habitats - rice field,domestic fowls shed,and household.The environmental factors were documented.Fifty mosquitoes from each group were preserved in liquid-nitrogen jars for viral isolation under laboratory settings.Results Of the 3116 mosquitoes collected,7 species of 5 genera were found.Most mosquitoes were captured from the rice field,followed by the domestic fowl shed and the household,accounting for 61.6%,24.1% and 14.3%,respectively.Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Cx.pipiens pallens were dominant species,accounting for 66.1%and 19.1%,respectively.In Zichuan district where there were no rice fields,Cx.pipiens pallens was dominant(43.6%).In contrast,in Gaoqing county where rice field was common,Cx.tritaeniorhynchus was dominant(68.5%).Of the mosquitoes captured,62.4% were by the human baited net traps,16.6%by lamp baited traps,14.6%by labor-hour methods,and only 6.4%by net traps.The peak of activity of Cx.tritaeniorhynchus and Cx.pipiens pallens occurred 0.5-1 h after sunset,while the latter showed obviously activity 20 min later than the former.Conclusion The probable main vector was Cx.tritaeniorhynchus.Human baited net trap and lamp baited trap could be most suitable for investigation and surveillance of mosquitoes in field,combined with the labor-hour and net catching approaches.
Measuring student engagement in technology-mediated learning

Using digital technology to deliver content, connect learners, and enable anytime, anywhere learning is increasing, but keeping students engaged in technology-mediated learning is challenging. Instructional practices that encourage greater engagement are essential if we are to effectively use digital instructional technologies. To determine the impact of innovative instructional practices on learning, we need useful measures of student engagement. These measures should be adaptable to the unique challenges to studying technology-mediated learning, such as when students learn at a distance or in a blended learning course. In this review, we examine existing approaches to measure engagement in technology-mediated learning. We identify strengths and limitations of existing measures and outline potential approaches to improve the measurement of student engagement. Our intent is to assist researchers, instructors, designers, and others in identifying effective methods to conceptualize and measure student engagement in technology-mediated learning. Consensus is needed for the definition and operationalization of student engagement.Most technology-mediated learning research uses self-report measures of engagement.Physiological and systems data offer an alternative method to measuring engagement.More research is needed to study the role of emotional engagement in learning.More research needed to determine value of physiological and systems data.
Optimizing sequence coverage for a moderate mass protein in nano-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Abstract Sample pretreatment was optimized to obtain high sequence coverage for human serum albumin (HSA, 66.5 kDa) when using nano-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (nESI–Q-TOF–MS). Use of the final method with trypsin, Lys-C, and Glu-C digests gave a combined coverage of 98.8%. The addition of peptide fractionation resulted in 99.7% coverage. These results were comparable to those obtained previously with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF–MS). The sample pretreatment/nESI–Q-TOF–MS method was also used with collision-induced dissociation to analyze HSA digests and to identify peptides that could be employed as internal mass calibrants in future studies of modifications to HSA.
The Greater Jihad And Conversion

Modernist interpretations of Islam often depict West Africa’s Sufi orders as remnants of a bygone era, with Senegal seen as a stronghold of this quaint and non-threatening maraboutic Islam. Although nineteenth-century jihad leaders are seen as bearers of orthodox Islam (despite the fact that they led Sufi orders), most Sufis emerge tainted with the brush of heterodoxy and saint worship or are praised for their pragmatic accommodation with colonial rule and their economic dynamism rather than their orthodoxy. Whatever the merits of modernism for understanding contemporary developments in parts of West Africa, it fails as a historical approach to conversion as it introduces anachronistic debates and misleading conclusions about jihad.
Abstract 2176: Targeting eEF-2Kinase by thymoquinone in triple negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) constitute a heterogeneous subtype of breast cancers that present a significant challenge for the treatment and management, and have a poor clinical outcome. Eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF-2K) is an atypical calcium/calmodulin (Ca2++/CaM)-dependent Ser/Thr-kinase that regulates peptide chain elongation by phosphorylating its substrate elongation factor 2 (eEF2), resulting in decreased protein translation. Recently, we have reported that eEF-2K expression is significantly upregulated in TNBC cell lines and is associated with poor survival and worse prognosis, indicating that eEF-2K is a potential therapeutic target in TNBC. Moreover, we demonstrated that eEF-2K promotes TNBC cell proliferation, invasion/migration, and tumorigenesis. Its inhibition by systemically administered liposomal siRNA resulted in marked inhibition of tumor growth and enhancement in the efficacy of chemotherapy in orthotopic TNBC mouse models (Tekedereli 2012). Currently, there are no reported inhibitors of eEF-2K. Natural dietary poly phenolic compounds have been shown to inhibit various cancers by regulating various kinases and molecular targets, with both in-vitro and in-vivo activity. Thymoquinone (TQ) is an active ingredient isolated from Nigella sativa and has been investigated for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities in several in-vitro and in-vivo models. However, the mechanism by which TQ mediates its effects not well understood. Here, we investigated if TQ inhibits eEF-2K in TNBC cells. We demonstrated, for the first time, that treatment with TQ decreases the expression of eEF-2K in a dose dependent manner as wells as its downstream targets, resulting in decreased proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of TNBC cells. Furthermore, eEF-2K knockdown by siRNA recapitulates the effects of TQ, including cell proliferation, migration/invasion, and correlated events. Additionally, TQ treatment inhibits Src activity and other molecular targets, and induces significant apoptosis in TNBC cells in a caspase independent manner. Currently, we are investigating the downstream effects of TQ by RPPA analysis and its in-vivo efficacy in orthotopic xenograft mouse models of TNBC. Overall, our studies suggest that TQ could present a novel therapeutic strategy in targeting eEF-2K and inhibition of TNBCs. Citation Format: Nashwa N. Kabil, Recep Bayraktar, Nermin Kahraman, Bulent Ozpolat. Targeting eEF-2Kinase by thymoquinone in triple negative breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2176.
Electroreduction of Er3+ in nonaqueous solvents

The electroreduction of Er3+ in propylene carbonate, N,N-dimethylformamide, or a variety of quaternary ammonium ionic liquids (ILs) was investigated using [Er(OTf)3] and [Er(NTf2)3]. Systematic variation of the ILs' cation and anion, Er3+ salt, and electrode material revealed a disparity in electrochemical interactions not previously seen. For most ILs at a platinum electrode, cyclic voltammetry exhibits irreversible interactions between Er3+ salts and the electrode at potentials significantly less than the theoretical reduction potential for Er3+. Throughout all solvent–salt systems tested, a deposit could be formed on the electrode, though obtaining a high purity, crystalline Er0 deposit is challenging due to the extreme reactivity of the deposit and resulting chemical interactions, often resulting in the formation of a complex, amorphous solid–electrolyte interface that slowed deposition rates. Comparison of platinum, gold, nickel, and glassy carbon (GC) working electrodes revealed oxidation processes unique to the platinum surface. While no appreciable reduction current was observed on GC at the potentials investigated, deposits were seen on platinum, gold, and nickel electrodes.
The Political Pollution Cycle

Scholars have documented extensively the economic effects induced by election and promotion cycles. Rather, this paper delves into the unintended environmental consequences of such political cycles, drawing evidence from local air pollution control in China between 2000 and 2010. This paper employs the classic principal-agent model, but refines it by taking into account the temporal aspect of local policy implementation. Using remote sensing technique to generate high-resolution satellite estimates for air pollution and economic measures, I argue that career-minded prefectural leaders in China boosted economic activities significantly in their third and fourth years, albeit it contributing inconveniently to annual pollution level. The strength of such cycle is determined by regional economic structure. Recent rather than average economic growth during a leader’s tenure is highly correlated with promotion outcomes, while the effect of air pollution control is negative yet largely insignificant. Strategic planning and bureaucratic capture explain this “political pollution cycle.”
The Significance of Hepatic Iron Overload in Allogenic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients.

Abstract 4313 Introduction Iron overload has increasingly been recognized as a cause of morbidity and mortality among allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Estimation of liver iron is considered the gold standard method that reflects the overall body iron burden. Aim We attempted to correlate the severity of liver iron overload to various clinical parameters in allogenic HSCT recipients. Methods We studied 49 adult allogenic HSCT recipients who had a minimum of one liver biopsy performed after transplant. All patients had been diagnosed, transplanted and followed up in our institution since 1998. Biopsies were performed due to abnormal liver function tests under the initial clinical suspicion of GVHD with a mean of 185 days (range: 23-844 days) post-transplant. Sections from each biopsy were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichome and Perl9s iron stains. We used the histological semiquantitative grading of liver iron (grade 0-4), evidence of GVHD (score 0-3) and fibrosis (stage 0-4). Iron overload was defined as a score of 2 and above (correlating with hepatic iron concentration >1.4 mg/g dry weight). Various clinical parameters were also assessed including age, sex, underlying malignancy, number of transfusions, source and type of stem cell transplant, liver function tests, clinical grading of GVHD, significant bacteremia, other infections, survival and cause of death. Results In this cohort, 28 of 49 patients had iron overload. The overall prevalence of iron overload was 57% (95% confidence interval, 42%-71%). Iron overload in 7 of the 49 patients (14%) was the only histological explanation of liver dysfunction. The degree of iron overload was directly correlated to the number of transfusions (r=0.69, p Conclusion Iron overload is a common adverse effect of allogenic HSCT (57% prevalence). Iron overload occurred in some of our patients after as few as 10 red blood cell units. In this cohort, iron overload statistically correlated to the number of transfusions, development of significant bacteremia and clinical acute GVHD. We did not find a statistically significant association with mortality, likely due to our small sample size and complex clinical picture. Iron overload was the only histological explanation of abnormal liver functions in 14% of our patients. More studies are needed to determine the impact of iron overload in long-term morbidity and mortality in allogenic transplant patients. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
A generalized Ewald decomposition for screened Coulomb interactions.

Medium-range interactions occur in a wide range of systems, including charged-particle systems with varying screening lengths. We generalize the Ewald method to charged systems described by interactions involving an arbitrary dielectric response function ϵ(&#x1d424;). We provide an error estimate and optimize the generalization to find the break-even parameters that separate a neighbor list-only algorithm from the particle-particle particle-mesh algorithm. We examine the implications of different choices of the screening length for the computational cost of computing the dynamic structure factor. We then use our new method in molecular dynamics simulations to compute the dynamic structure factor for a model plasma system and examine the wave-dispersion properties of this system.
Updates on the Recognition, Prevention and Management of Hypertension in Pregnancy

Systematic reviews with meta-analysis represent the highest level of evidence used to guide clinical practice. The defining criteria used to diagnose preeclampsia have evolved, and will likely continue to evolve. Proteinuria is sufficient but not necessary when defining preeclampsia. Hypertension without proteinuria but with severe features is diagnostic. The methods used to measure urinary protein have changed. The gold standard remains the 24-hour urine test. The efficacy of low-dose aspirin in preventing preeclampsia is a function of baseline risk. Data suggest that treating mild to moderate blood pressure has clear maternal benefits with little fetal or neonatal risk.
PNLDC1 is essential for piRNA 3′ end trimming and transposon silencing during spermatogenesis in mice

Piwi-interacting RNAs are small regulatory RNAs with key roles in transposon silencing and regulation of gametogenesis. The production of mature piwi-interacting RNAs requires a critical step of trimming piwi-interacting RNA intermediates to achieve optimally sized piwi-interacting RNAs. The poly(A)-specific ribonuclease family deadenylase PNLDC1 is implicated in piwi-interacting RNA trimming in silkworms. The physiological function of PNLDC1 in mammals remains unknown. Using Pnldc1-deficient mice, here we show that PNLDC1 is required for piwi-interacting RNA biogenesis, transposon silencing, and spermatogenesis. Pnldc1 mutation in mice inhibits piwi-interacting RNA trimming and causes accumulation of untrimmed piwi-interacting RNA intermediates with 3′ end extension, leading to severe reduction of mature piwi-interacting RNAs in the testis. Pnldc1 mutant mice exhibit disrupted LINE1 retrotransposon silencing and defect in spermiogenesis. Together, these results define PNLDC1 as a mammalian piwi-interacting RNA biogenesis factor that protects the germline genome and ensures normal sperm production in mice. piRNAs are regulatory RNAs that play a critical role in transposon silencing and gametogenesis. Here, the authors provide evidence that mammalian PNLDC1 is a regulator of piRNA biogenesis, transposon silencing and spermatogenesis, protecting the germline genome in mice.
A Genesis of the Platform Concept: i-mode and Platform Theory in Japan

Where does platform theory come from? What consequences does it have? This article offers one set of answers to these questions by looking at a body of platform theory that developed in Japan in the 1990s and arguably affected the rollout of internet-enabled mobile phones that were, in turn, models for the iPhone and Android phones several years later. Putting this body of theory in dialogue with managerial and economic theory of the platform from France and the United States, this article suggests an earlier genealogy of platform theory, a development that had immediate and long-lasting consequences for the contemporary media landscape.
Imbalance in the game of T cells: What can the CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio tell us about HIV and health?

Antiretroviral treatment (ART) has transformed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from a deadly disease to a chronic illness that potentially has little effect on life expectancy. Modern ART can eliminate viremia and lower the risk of transmission. National data from the United States demonstrate that 81% of infected individuals receiving ART are virally suppressed [1]. With treatment available, HIV morbidity and mortality are not determined by opportunistic infections or AIDS-defining illnesses but rather by non-AIDS–defining conditions, including cardiovascular disease, liver disease, kidney disease, malignancies, neurocognitive disorders, and even autoimmune diseases [2]. To some, autoimmunity coexisting with HIV may be surprising; however, its presence illustrates how HIV’s immunopathology is more consistent with immune dysfunction than immune suppression alone. HIV viral load and the resulting decrease in absolute CD4 T cells have historically served as biomarkers for HIV’s immune suppression and response to treatment. However, with successful modern ART and viral suppression, absolute CD4 count and HIV viral load may not accurately reflect the risks facing patients because immune dysfunction persists despite normalization of CD4 counts [3]. One explanation is that these markers fail to truly describe HIV’s overall immune dysfunction contributing to today’s morbidity and mortality. The CD4/CD8 ratio more accurately describes this overall immune dysfunction and may be a better biomarker for disease progression, response to treatment, morbidity, and mortality for the virally suppressed. A greater understanding of the CD4/CD8 ratio and the impact of its manipulation should be a target for future HIV research.
HOMOPLASY CONNECTIONS AND DISCONNECTIONS: GENES AND SPECIES, MOLECULES AND MORPHOLOGY

This chapter discusses some practical consequences of disconnections between organizational and hierarchical levels when molecular data are used to reconstruct phylogeny. Crossing from a lower to a higher level—from genes to species or from genotype to phenotype—can simultaneously introduce new kinds of homoplasy and mask homoplasy from the lower level. Sources of homoplasy in reconstructions of “phylogenies” of nucleic acid sequences are presented to illustrate the concept of gene trees. The relationship of homoplasy in single gene trees to homoplasy in multiple gene trees is also discussed. Combining the gene trees help in reconstructing the phylogeny of something other than that of genes themselves, resulting in “species trees” or “organism trees.” The chapter presents species-level problems and deals with the issue of homoplasy in combined data sets involving closely related species. The chapter also provides a discussion on the role of character independence in phylogeny.
Initiation of the ABCD3-I algorithm for expediated evaluation of transient ischemic attack patients in an emergency department

Abstract Background The use of ABCD3-I score for Transient ischemic attack (TIA) evaluation has not been widely investigated in the ED. We aim to determine the performance and cost-effectiveness of an ABCD3-I based pathway for expedited evaluation of TIA patients in the ED. Methods We conducted a single-center, pre- and post-intervention study among ED patients with possible TIA. Accrual occurred for seven months before (Oct. 2016–April 2017) and after (Oct. 2017–April 2018) implementing the ABCD3-I algorithm with a five-month wash-in period (May–Sept. 2017). Total ED length of stay (LOS), admissions to the hospital, healthcare cost, and 90-day ED returns with subsequent stroke were analyzed and compared. Results Pre-implementation and post-implementation cohorts included 143 and 118 patients respectively. A total of 132 (92%) patients were admitted to the hospital in the pre-implementation cohort in comparison to 28 (24%) patients admitted in the post-implementation cohort (p 0.05). The mean ABCD2 scores were 4.5 (1.4) in pre- and 4.1 (1.3) in post-implementation cohorts (p = 0.01). The mean ABCD3-I scores were 4.5 (1.8) in post-implementation cohorts. Total ED LOS was 310 min (201, 420) in pre- and 275 min (222, 342) in post-implementation cohorts (p > 0.05). Utilization of the ABCD3-I algorithm saved an average of over 40% of total healthcare cost per patient in the post-implementation cohort. Conclusions The initiation of an ABCD3-I based pathway for TIA evaluation in the ED significantly decreased hospital admissions and cost with similar 90-day neurological outcomes.
Protein Binding Characteristics of the Principal Green Tea Catechins: A QCM Study Comparing Crude Extract to Pure EGCG.

Label-free detection methods such as the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) are well suited to the analysis of molecular interactions in complex mixtures such as crude botanical extracts. In the present study, the binding characteristics of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and crude green tea extract solutions to bovine serum albumin (BSA) have been investigated. The adsorbed mass levels onto BSA-functionalized surfaces were measured at various solution concentrations. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to model the adsorption data. The Langmuir isotherm better described the adsorption behavior with correlations of 0.68 and 0.70 for the EGCG and the crude extract solutions, respectively. The better fit of the Langmuir model indicates that adsorption occurs homogeneously and that aggregation is negligible. The mass saturation is estimated to be 58% higher for the crude green tea solution as compared to the pure EGCG solution (7.9 ng/cm2 for green tea and 5 ng/cm2 for EGCG). The increased adsorption for the crude extract indicates that the additional tea chemical constituents are binding to alternate sites on the protein molecule and that competitive binding is a nondominant effect. However, a reduced adsorption rate for the crude extract was also observed, indicating some presence of competitive mechanisms. The results demonstrate the utility of the QCM for the analysis of protein binding in crude mixtures as well as pure compounds.
Arsenic and birth outcomes in a predominately lower income Hispanic pregnancy cohort in Los Angeles.

Abstract Prenatal arsenic exposure has been associated with reduced fetal growth and increased risk for preterm birth, but most studies have been conducted in highly exposed populations outside the U.S. or in non-Hispanic populations in the rural U.S. The objectives of the current study were to: 1) examine the impact of early pregnancy exposure to arsenic on birth weight and gestational age at birth in a predominately lower income Hispanic pregnancy cohort in urban Los Angeles and 2) compare multiple biomarkers of arsenic exposure (blood, urine, and hair) assessed in early pregnancy (mean ± SD gestational age at biospecimen collection: 14 ± 4 weeks). Total arsenic (blood, hair) was measured by ICP-MS and speciated arsenic (urine) was measured by HPLC coupled to ICP-MS. Associations between log2-transformed arsenic measures and birth outcomes were evaluated using multivariable linear regression. A doubling in hair arsenic was associated with a 72.2 g (95% CI: −144.3, −0.1, P = 0.05) lower birth weight, after adjusting for potential confounders and gestational age at birth. A similar but non-significant trend was observed for blood arsenic, but not urine arsenic. The inverse association between hair arsenic and birth weight was more pronounced among infants whose mothers gained greater amounts of weight during pregnancy (Pinteraction = 0.02). The association between urinary monomethyl arsenic and GA at birth differed by pre-pregnancy BMI (Pinteraction
Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating the Upcoming OpenSHMEM Teams API

For many years, the OpenSHMEM parallel pro- gramming interface has provided a high-performance alternative to MPI that emphasizes one-sided messaging, simplifies com- munication across a global memory space, and bolsters the capabilities of rapidly evolving fabric interconnect technolo- gies. The OpenSHMEM specification standardizes the library interfaces, prioritizing a performant and portable API. The specification continues to mature with vigorous support from several authoritative vendors and researchers. For example, the OpenSHMEM specification committee is actively standardizing a unique teams API that enables user-defined subsets of application processes to efficiently and productively perform communication operations, such as collectives routines, remote memory accesses, and remote atomic operations. This paper describes the OpenSHMEM teams interface and several interesting aspects and challenges in implementing the API, as well as possible extensions that could improve the pro- grammability and/or performance. We evaluate the performance of a preliminary implementation and show that using teams effectively can facilitate impressive improvements of collective operations at scale (2-16x speedup, depending on the algorithm, node count, and buffer size), even while simplifying the under- lying programming model.
Varying Trends In The Financial Viability Of US Rural Hospitals, 2011-17.

The financial viability of rural hospitals has been a matter of serious concern, with ongoing closures affecting rural residents’ access to medical services. We examined the financial viability of ...
Beyond objectivism: new methods for studying metaethical intuitions

Moral realists often assume that folk intuitions are predominantly realist, and they argue that this places the burden of proof on antirealists. More broadly, appeals to intuition in metaethics typ...
Current Use of Calcium Sulfate Bone Grafts

Bone graft placement is the most widely used therapeutic strategy for the surgical correction of osseous defects. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the development of synthetic bone grafts. Of those currently available, calcium sulfate materials exhibit several unique properties that warrant discussion. These include their intrinsic osteogenic potential, their stimulatory effect on angiogenesis, the fact that they are fully biodegradable, the lack of proinflammatory responses following their placement in situ, and their lost cost of production. However, despite the attractiveness of these features, the use of calcium phosphate materials for bone grafting continues to be more widespread. This review examines the current use of calcium sulfate bone grafts in regenerative medicine. It also considers their clinical drawbacks before providing insight into the development of new calcium sulfate grafting constructs that might address these concerns.
Vertebral Artery Dissections With Concurrent Intracranial Hemorrhage: A Case Series of 13 Patients Among a Cohort of 301.

Background Vertebral artery dissections (VADs) are a rare cause of ischemic stroke that can occasionally lead to intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). This study aims to identify differences in predisposing factors, event characteristics, and outcomes between patients with only a VAD and patients with VAD and concomitant ICH. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of 301 patients who presented with VADs at our institution from 2004–2018. A total of 13 patients were identified with VAD and concomitant ICH. Data were collected on demographics, event characteristics, treatments, and neurologic outcomes, measured using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results VAD+ICH and VAD-only groups were similar in terms of age, sex, and recorded comorbidities. Additionally, etiology of the dissections did not seem to vary between groups (P = 0.6), even when selecting for traumatic causes such as motor vehicle accidents (P = 0.22) and violence (P = 0.25). Concomitant strokes and aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms occurred in similar proportions as well, but cervical fractures were more common in the VAD+ICH group (P = 0.003). Using the mRS as a measure of neurological outcome, we found that the VAD+ICH group had worse neurologic function at discharge, 3-month follow-up, and last follow-up (P Conclusions Patients who experienced an ICH in addition to a VAD did not have any identifiable risk factors. Cervical spine fractures were more common in patients with VAD and ICH. VAD patients with a concomitant ICH have worse neurologic outcomes than patients with only a VAD.
Extended versus point light source: where does the difference in the illuminance exist?

In this paper we derive and analyse the expressions to find the illuminance from luminous ball, disc and line in the case of general position of the light receiver. We show that one can always replace a luminous ball with a point light source located at its center and having the appropriate luminous intensity. Any luminous disc or line can be considered, with reasonable accuracy (the relative error in the determination of the illuminance is less than $5 \%$ ), as the point light source with anisotropic (cosine) luminous intensity and placed at their center, if the distance to the observation point is approximately four times larger than their characteristic sizes. The issues outlined in this article will be useful for undergraduate students, who study the basics of photometry.
Deciding to Bribe: A Cross-Level Analysis of Firm and Home Country Influences on Bribery Activity

Local firms in their home countries often engage in behavior that constitutes corruption, at least through some cultural lenses. One such practice is bribery of public officials. This study uses multilevel theory to address the question of why bribery activity of this type differs among countries. We analyze responses from nearly 4,000 firms worldwide using hierarchical linear modeling to investigate cross-level predictions about bribery. Drawing from anomie theory, we find support for country-level cultural and institutional drivers of firm-level bribery. We extend anomie theory by showing how firm-level pressures can encourage the supplying of bribes as a firm strategy.
Moving Assessment Online: Experiences within a School of Pharmacy.

The COVID-19 pandemic required academic institutions to quickly transition to online learning and make changes to assessment procedures. This study examines how a school of pharmacy creatively approached the challenge of online assessment while maintaining the standards necessary to prepare practice-ready student pharmacists. To conduct traditional exams, instructors deployed two different types of methods utilizing testing software: a video conferencing technology approach which mimicked pre-pandemic, on-campus proctored exams; or open-book, internet access-enabled exams that ensured academic integrity and rigor through various testing strategies. To assess students’ clinical skills, faculty used a combination of techniques such as physical examinations, patient interviews, and patient presentations. To understand the student experience with these assessments, students were surveyed using a 12-item questionnaire. Overall, online video proctoring maintained consistency in exam structure and administration, but required extensive instruction for both students and proctors. Students preferred unproctored, open-book, internet access-enabled, standard time exams versus proctored, closed-book, internet-access disabled, extended time exams. Changes to testing procedures, whether with proctored or unproctored methods, appeared to increase student stress.