cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association Between the Ubiquitin Carboxyl-Terminal Esterase L1 Gene (UCHL1) S18Y Variant and Parkinson's Disease: A HuGE Review and Meta-Analysis

The ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal esterase L1 gene, UCHL1, located on chromosome 4p14, has been studied as a potential candidate gene for Parkinson's disease risk. The authors conducted a Human Genome Epidemiology review and meta-analysis of published case-control studies of the UCHL1 S18Y variant and Parkinson's disease in Asian and Caucasian samples. The meta-analysis of studies in populations of Asian ancestry showed a statistically significant association between the Y allele and reduced risk of Parkinson's disease under a recessive model (odds ratio (OR) for YY vs. SY + SS = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67, 0.94; P = 0.006). For a dominant model, the association was not significant in Asian populations (OR for YY + SY vs. SS = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.68, 1.14; P = 0.33). For populations of European ancestry, the meta-analysis showed a significant association between the Y allele and decreased risk of Parkinson's disease under a dominant model (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81, 0.98; P = 0.02) but not under a recessive model (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.66, 1.30; P = 0.65). Using the Venice criteria, developed by the Human Genome Epidemiology Network Working Group on the assessment of cumulative evidence, the authors concluded that moderate evidence exists for an association between the S18Y variant and Parkinson's disease.
A review of genetic methods and models for analysis of coronavirus-induced severe pneumonitis

Coronaviruses (CoVs) have been studied for over 60 years, but have only recently gained notoriety as deadly human pathogens with the emergence of severe respiratory syndrome CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome virus. The rapid emergence of these viruses has demonstrated the need for good models to study severe CoV respiratory infection and pathogenesis. There are, currently, different methods and models for the study of CoV disease. The available genetic methods for the study and evaluation of CoV genetics are reviewed here. There are several animal models, both mouse and alternative animals, for the study of severe CoV respiratory disease that have been examined, each with different pros and cons relative to the actual pathogenesis of the disease in humans. A current limitation of these models is that no animal model perfectly recapitulates the disease seen in humans. Through the review and analysis of the available disease models, investigators can employ the most appropriate available model to study various aspects of CoV pathogenesis and evaluate possible antiviral treatments that may potentially be successful in future treatment and prevention of severe CoV respiratory infections.
Modeling conical indentation in homogeneous materials and in hard films on soft substrates

Dimensional analysis and finite element modeling were conducted to examine conical indentation in homogeneous materials and in hard films on soft substrates. In this paper, the solid materials modeled follow the incremental theory of plasticity with a von-Mises yield surface. The validity of the Oliver–Pharr method was examined. It was found that, for hard films on soft substrates, the Oliver–Pharr method is applicable only when the indentation depth is less than 10% of the film thickness. A linear relationship between the ratio of hardness to reduced modulus and the ratio of reversible work to total work was observed for conical indentation in homogeneous materials and in hard films on soft substrates. This relationship can be used to analyze instrumented indentation experiments.
A fundamental theorem for direct blind equalization

In a multiple-source multiple-receiver wireless network, it is proved in this paper that, under mild conditions, the multiple-equalizer "equalizes" the multiple-channel if, and only if, its output is uncorrelated. Hence, the inter-symbol interference (ISI) due to multi-path can be circumvented.
Massive, solidified bone in the wing of a volant courting bird

One pervasive morphological feature of tetrapods is the pipe-like, often marrow-filled, structure of the limb or long bones. This ‘hollow’ form maximizes flexural strength and stiffness with the minimum amount of bony material, and is exemplified by truly hollow (air-filled), or pneumatic, humeri in many modern birds. High-resolution microCT scans of the wings of two male club-winged manakins (Machaeropterus deliciosus) uncovered a notable exception to the hollow-tube rule in terrestrial vertebrates; males exhibited solidified ulnae more than three times the volume of birds of comparable body size, with significantly higher tissue mineral densities. The humeri exhibited similar (but less extreme) modifications. Each of the observed osteological modifications increases the overall mass of the bone, running counter to pervasive weight-reducing optimizations for flight in birds. The club-winged manakin is named for a pair of unique wing feathers found in adult males; these enlarged feathers attach directly to the ulna and resonate to produce a distinctive sound used in courtship displays. Given that the observed modifications probably assist in sound production, the club-winged manakin represents a case in which sexual selection by female choice has generated an ecologically ‘costly’ forelimb morphology, unique in being specialized for sound production at a presumed cost in flight efficiency.
Energy Geographies: Thinking Critically about Energy Issues in the Classroom.

AbstractEnergy issues are becoming increasingly common subjects of instruction in undergraduate- and graduate-level classrooms across a variety of disciplines. The interdisciplinary character of energy studies provides geographers with a great opportunity to present different applied and theoretical approaches to help students conceptualize energy issues from a critical perspective. This article presents a class intervention as an example of how to incorporate geographic concepts and political economic theory into the classroom to help students understand the social, political, economic, and environmental implications of energy production, distribution, and consumption at multiple scales from a critical perspective.
Sex Chromosomes in the Germ Cells of the Chicken, Turkey and Japanese Quail,

Abstract In all the reported cases of the class Aves, it is the male which is the homogametic sex with two Z chromosomes, while the female is heterogametic with one Z and one W chromosome. In the species under study (Gallus domesticus; Meleagris gallopavo; and Coturnix coturnix), the Z is metacentric and is the fourth or fifth largest chromosome in the complement. The W is much smaller (8th to 10th in size) with a median or sub-median centromere. The question of whether the W and Z chromosomes exist singly or in the form of a ZW bivalent during oogenesis is the issue of the present study. The material for oogenesis came from developing ovaries of 1–3 days old chicks or from embryos, 1–2 days prior to hatching. The material for spermatogenesis came from testes of sexually mature males. The material was given 10 minutes hypotonic treatment in 0.45 percent …
Diffusion and Electromigration of Cu in Single Crystal Al Interconnects

The electromigration-induced transport properties of Cu in Al-Cu alloys, and their effect on electromigration lifetimes in interconnects with bamboo grain structures are not well understood. To isolate and study the mechanisms and kinetics of Cu diffusion and electromigration in interconnects for which grain boundary transport is not dominant, we have developed a test structure consisting of parallel Al single crystal lines, with every alternate line terminating in contact pads. Cu is locally added to the same regions in all the lines, and the effect of temperature and electric field can be simultaneously characterized by analyzing the Cu concentration profile measured using electron-probe microanalysis. Comparison of the calculated values of diffusivities with the diffusivity of Cu through the Al lattice, and through dislocation cores in Al, suggests that the path of diffusion of Cu in Al single crystals is along the Al/AlOx interface.
Experimental modification of appraisal style : benefits of seeing the big picture

Big picture appraisal (BPA) entails viewing difficult situations and one's reactions to them in terms of a larger context. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether big picture appraisal could be induced using cognitive bias modification (CBM); whether the trained appraisal style could be observed on other tasks; and whether emotional reactivity would be affected. Participants read vignettes that differed between conditions only by the final word or phrase, presented as a to-be-completed fragment. As predicted, participants showed generalization of training effects to the interpretations of new vignettes and showed effects of training on the Scrambled Sentences Test, a measure of cognitive bias that entailed unscrambling sentences under time pressure to form statements that were consistent or not with big picture thinking. In addition, participants in the big picture as compared to the control condition showed a trend toward less negative mood following failure feedback.
Enancement of uptake of Simian virus 40 by nuclei of permissive cells.

SummarySimian virus 40 uptake by the nuclei of permissive monkey kidney cells was enhanced by infecting in the presence of MgSO4, DEAE-dextran, or arginine-rich histones, but not in the presence of lysine-rich histones. Nuclear uptake of virus was found to be more efficient in aged monolayer cultures than in freshly formed cell monolayers. Inhibition of cellular protein, RNA, or DNA synthesis did not prevent virus uptake. “Empty” capsids, which are essentially devoid of viral DNA, were taken up by the nuclei of permissive cells even more efficiently than infectious virus. Undegraded polypeptides of parental virus could be detected in the nuclei up to 24 hr after infection.We thank M. McFalls for technical assistance. This study was supported by U.S. Public Health Service Research Grants CA-10594 and CA-10815 from the National Cancer Institute.
Controller Integrity Monitoring in Adaptive Learning Systems Towards Trusted Autonomy

This paper presents a controller integrity monitoring method for a class of second-order nonlinear uncertain systems incorporating neural network-based adaptive control algorithms. The adaptive neural network model is employed to ensure robust tracking performance in the presence of certain modeling uncertainty under consideration during the offline controller design process. Based on Lyapunov stability analysis, an online controller integrity monitoring scheme is developed to detect the occurrence of controller software/algorithm faults and unanticipated physical component faults, which may lead to unstable learning behaviors and malfunctions of the adaptive controller. Adaptive thresholds for detecting controller malfunctions are derived, ensuring the robustness with respect to modeling uncertainty and neural network approximation error. Additionally, the detectability conditions are investigated, characterizing the class of detectable software faults and unanticipated physical faults. An upper bound on the fault detection time is also established. Simulation results are shown to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Characterization and identification of ammunition by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy was used to characterize bullets, jackets, and cartridge cases from a small number of different manufacturers. LIBS spectra of these samples showed significant differences and could be accurately classified by source.
A Language-Based Approach to Content Instruction (LACI) for English Language Learners: Examples from Two Elementary Teachers.

ABSTRACTThe number of English language learners (ELLs) in the United States has increased dramatically. Given this increase it is vital for teacher education programs at the pre-service level and professional learning programs at eh in-service level to address the needs of ELLs. This article presents a teacher preparation model—a language-based approach to content instruction (LACI)—developed over the past 10 years of research in content area classrooms with ELLs and based on scholarship on the language demands of schooling. LACI building on six principles—connection, culture, code-breaking, community and collaboration, challenge, and classroom interactions—that have identified specific elements of instructional activities for culturally and linguistically diverse students. Drawing on cases of two elementary mainstream content are teachers, the article shows how this approach can be applied in mainstream content area classrooms with ELLs.
Compartmental kinetic modeling of dynamic 18FMISO PET data in clinical NSCLC

1290 Objectives To conduct compartmental kinetic analysis (CA) of 18FMISO dynamic PET (dPET) in stage III-IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patientts. Methods 15 patients diagnosed with NSCLC underwent 2 PET/CT scans (1-2 days apart) before radiation therapy (RT):a 3-min static 18FDG (S1) and 18FMISO dPET (S2).All patients were scanned in the RT position. Data acquisition for S2 was initiated at time of injection (~10mCi FMISO) and the acquired data were binned as follows: 12x10 sec, 10x1min, and 5x5min (37min).Static images (10 min) were acquired at 90±10 and at 150±10min. For both, a free-breathing time-averaged CT was acquired and used for attenuation correction and S1-S2 co-registration. The target volume was segmented on the registered S1 usimg a 50% threshhold. Average time-activity curves (TAC) were extracted from the corresponding FMISO VOI (VOIavg).Each VOIavg was further segmented using k-means into 4 clusters (C1-C4).Finally, a copy of VOIavg was placed on the contralateral healthy lung (VOIN).Plasma Input functions (IF) were deduced from the hottest 20 voxels in the aorta.CA was performed for VOIavg,C1-C4 and VOIN using PMOD with a 2-tissue, 3-compartment irreversible model (k4=0) and kinetic parameters (KP) (vB (blood volume),K1,K1/k2,k3) estimated for all patient TACs Results All patients exhibited FMISO uptake in the target volumes. The mean KPs values and their range (in min-1 for all but vB which is unitless) for VOIavg TACs for the 15 patient are: vB = 0.080 (0.018-0.15), K1 = 0.19 (0.092-0.33), K1/k2) = 0.66 (0.39-0.82), and k3 = 0.009 (0.002-0.022). For the highest-k3 cluster, the relevant KP values are: vB = 0.076 (0.0070-0.20), K1 = 0.14 (0.028-0.29), K1/k2 = 0.72 (0.45-0.96), and k3 = 0.0078 (0.0014-0.024). For VOIN k3 was an average of 38% higher in the tumor vs normal tissue. Conclusions The lesions in all patients exhibited relatively high perfusion as indicated by the K1. Nevertheless, for all patients, tumors exhibited some degree of hypoxia as indicated by 38% higher value of k3 in tumor vs normal targets. Research Support This work was partially supported by NIH grant 1U01CA157442-01A1
Probenecid pharmacokinetics in cystic fibrosis.

Probenecid pharmacokinetics were studied in 5 cystic fibrosis (CF) subjects and 5 control subjects at oral dosages of 5, 15, and 30 mg/kg. Serum and urine samples were collected for 8 h after administration and assayed by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by model-independent methods. All parameters were compared by 2-tailed analysis of variance with two major groupings: patient and dose. Both CF subjects and controls demonstrated dose-dependent kinetics, i.e., decreased elimination constant and decreased total body clearance with increasing dosage. The volume of distribution and time to peak were the only parameters that were not significantly dose dependent. At all dosages studied, we found no significant difference in total body clearance by CF subjects. Urinary recovery in an 8-hour period was not significantly different between CF subjects and controls nor was the percentage of dose recovered in the urine at each dosage level. Time to peak concentration varied widely between 0.5 and 4 h in both CF subjects and controls. We conclude, that CF patients have normal probenecid clearance, and that the standard dose for a CF patient is sufficient to attain a serum area under the curve equivalent to that of controls.
Altered metabolic function of the pulmonary microcirculation. Early detection of lung injury and possible functional significance.

The normal lung is the site of intense metabolic activity, largely associated with the microvascular endothelial cells. Depressed pulmonary metabolic function is demonstrated in a wide variety of animal models of acute lung injury, and is also seen in preliminary studies of patients with the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The evaluation of lung metabolic function may prove to be a sensitive probe for the clinical detection of the earliest phases of acute lung injury. Furthermore, depressed lung metabolic function may play a role in the intrapulmonary and/or systemic pathophysiology of ARDS.
More About Photographs Than You Ever Cared to Know

Chapter 2 presents the geometry of aerial photographs, defining the principal point, nadir point, and vertical and oblique photographs. Image scale is covered, because, surprisingly, many people, even at the Ph.D. level, misunderstand that concept. The most important quality for interpreting aerial photographs is parallax. Parallax makes stereoscopic vision possible. An image interpreter who can view photographs in 3-dimensions will out perform one using only 2-dimensions every time. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how to compute stereoscopic photo coverage of a project area, and my recommendation to purchase color aerial photographs over panchromatic (black &white) aerial photographs.
Muscle Activation Associated with Scapular Function and Dysfunction

This chapter discusses the role of muscles involved with the production and control of scapulothoracic and glenohumeral joint movements. The role of the primary muscles and muscle force couples involved with scapulothoracic and glenohumeral movements is presented. Specifically, production and control of the scapulothoracic movement by the trapezius, levator scapulae, rhomboids, serratus anterior, and pectoralis minor is offered. The role of the deltoid and rotator cuff muscles as the primary muscles that produce glenohumeral movements and provide glenohumeral stability is detailed. In addition, muscle force couples that allow smooth glenohumeral elevation through a coordinated balance of scapulothoracic and glenohumeral movements are reviewed. Neuromuscular lesions such as nerve entrapment, neuritis, or nerve lesions result in altered muscle activation that in turn produces aberrant kinematics. Impairment to the long thoracic nerve, spinal accessory nerve, dorsal scapular nerve, and suprascapular nerve is examined. Impaired flexibility of soft tissues associated with the shoulder girdle has been proposed to influence the position and movement of the scapula. The pectoralis minor muscle and posterior rotator cuff musculature/posterior glenohumeral joint capsule are discussed along with clinical implications for rehabilitation guidelines.
Abstract 160: Impact of Medication Adherence on Risk of Stroke, Major Bleeding and Other Outcomes in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Using Novel Oral Anticoagulants (Dabigatran and Rivaroxaban)

Introduction: Dabigatran and Rivaroxaban have shown better or similar efficacy to lower stroke risk compared to warfarin in clinical trials. Evidence suggests adherence to cardiac drugs tend to red...
Efficiently finding all power flow solutions to tree networks

In this paper we present an algorithm which provably finds all voltage solutions to the power flow equations on tree networks. Our algorithm uses elimination theory to reduce the equations to univariate polynomials whose roots govern the voltages of the entire tree. The algorithm utilizes the sparse structure of the tree to decrease its computational cost. We show that the runtime of the algorithm depends on the degrees of the vertices in the tree. This implies that in physically motivated distribution networks, our algorithm runs much faster than in the worst-case scenario, scaling more like the number of real solutions as opposed to the number of complex solutions. Finally, we compare our algorithm to common approaches to finding all voltage solutions, including homotopy continuation methods and Grobner basis methods. We show that our algorithm outperforms these other methods in the low-, medium-, and high-degree settings and scales better with the number of buses.
Association of conformality index and post-treatment radiation pneumonitis in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy

Conformality index of the 50% prescription isodose volume (CI50) is an important variable in lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) planning but has not been previously correlated to radiation pneumonitis (RP). We hypothesized that adherence to recommended CI50 for patients undergoing lung SBRT would result in decreased incidence and/or severity of RP compared to that for patients with minimal deviations and unacceptable deviations. We retrospectively identified patients treated between 2006 and 2016, with > 3 months follow up from lung SBRT treatment. CTCAE v4.0 toxicity grades were used to classify RP. Clinically significant RP was defined as grade ≥ 2 toxicity. Using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group CI50 planning guidelines, patients were separated into three groups: acceptable, minor deviation, and unacceptable deviation. CI25 and CI75 values in patients with and without clinically significant RP were also reported in this study. One hundred seventy-four patients with a median follow-up time of 26.8 months were included in this analysis. Overall incidence of grade ≥ 2 RP was 12.7%. Thirty-eight (21.8%) patients had acceptable CI50, 100 (57.5%) had minor deviations, and 36 (20.7%) had unacceptable deviations. Incidence of RP did not significantly differ between patients with acceptable, minor deviation, and unacceptable CI50. Additionally, CI25 and CI75 did not significantly differ between patients with and without clinically significant RP. Adhering to recommended CI50 values does not significantly decrease the incidence of clinically significant RP in patients with NSCLC treated with SBRT. To the authors’ knowledge, this observation has not been published previously.
SSN Simulator Architecture

In previous Chapters, methods of calculating Simultaneous Switching Noise (SSN) for CMOS based systems, and some techniques to reduce SSN were discussed. Note that these techniques require some trade-offs in the maximum clock frequency or in the silicon area to reduce SSN. As we scale down CMOS devices (L eff 32–b switching), SSN to signal ratio increases rapidly. Increase in noise to signal ratio can be a limitation in high level integration Multi-Chip Modules (MCMs) [8.1][8.2]. For high level in?tegration CMOS systems, it is essential to minimize SSN by using several techniques, such that SSN is minimized and within the acceptable limits. For a given number of bond-pad and package-pin V DD /V SS connections, SSN can be reduced with proper placement of bond-pad and package-pin connections. An optimal placement minimizes the effective inductance “L V SS ” by mini?mizing the mutual inductive elements in the inductance network. In addition, SSN can also be minimized by using application specific output drivers in?stead of conventional output drivers [8.3]. Measurements and simulations have demonstrated that the use of internal (plane-to-plane) and/or external decoupling capacitors also reduce the overall SSN [8.4] [8.5]. To implement any of these techniques to reduce SSN, system designers need to incorporate these techniques at the early stages of the system design. This is because these implementations may alter other performance metrics (mechanical, thermal, reliability and cost), and may require formal reliability and quality assurance verifications [8.6]. A Simultaneous Switching Noise Simulator (SSNS) based on a trial architecture was designed to calculate SSN and to minimize SSN by using several techniques explained in the previous Chapters. A software tool (C program) was developed to verify the functionality of each modules in the architecture, and to assure the overall flow through this architecture. Note that this tool is intented for early system simultaneous switching noise analy?sis, and/or to guide system designers in the selection of appropriate detailed (computationally expensive) simulations for final verifications.
Coexistence of Localized and Extended States

The localized electronic states of a simple model of a substitutional alloy are studied in the strong scattering or separated subband limit, using the tight-binding approximation. We observe states localized in small isolated clusters (as studied in percolation theory), and localized states decaying exponentially at large distances (as in the Anderson model), plus a class of small localized states which have not been discussed before. These last states occur at special energies in the middle of the band, yet are not physically isolated from the rest of the material, or from the extended states of the system.
Cometary Rotation: an Overview

I discuss our current understanding of the spin states of cometary nuclei. Cometary spin influences the temporal and spatial patterns of outgassing from the nucleus (through diurnal and seasonal effects) and is in turn influenced by outgassing-driven torques. The current challenge to cometary astronomers is to quantify the interactions between the spin, the outgassing, and the resultant torques on the nucleus, and to understand the role of rotation in determining the basic physical properties of the nucleus.
Transversal Rationality, Rhetoric, and the Imagination

Nietzsche tells us that if we cannot be absolutely certain in our judgments, then perhaps we should not judge at all; he quickly follows, however, with “would that it were possible.”1 This insight highlights not only the risk and danger of post-metaphysical projects, but shows also the necessity of those risks. Rhetoric, by dealing specifically with that which must be probable and possible, rather than certain, understands the necessity of risks. Because a rhetorical thinking toward liberation understands that cynicism and quietism have not avoided risks, it therefore does not see risk as a prohibition from action. In the following reflections I would like to sketch the ground of judgment, the logos of judgment as transversal rationality, and the future’s role in judgment via the imagination.
Performance Feedback Type and Employees Subsequent Willingness to Help Other Employees

ABSTRACT We investigate whether the type of performance feedback (individual versus relative) firms provide employees on one task alters employees' willingness to help other employees on a subseque...
Understanding Social Roles in an Online Community of Volatile Practice: A Study of User Experience Practitioners on Reddit

Community of practice (CoP) is a primary framework in social computing research that addresses learning and organizing specific practices in online communities. However, the classic CoP theory does not provide a detailed account for how practices change or evolve. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing occupational landscape, it is crucial to understand how people participate in online communities focused on practices that have a volatile nature, as well as how social computing tools can best support them. In this article, we examine user experience (UX) design as a volatile practice that has no coherent body of knowledge and lacks a concrete path for newcomers to become a UX professional. Our study site is the “/r/userexperience” subreddit, an online UX community where practitioners socialize and learn. Using a mixed-methods approach, we identified five distinct social roles in relation to knowledge production and dissemination in the online community of volatile practice. We demonstrate that knowledge production is highly distributed, involving the participation and sensemaking of community members of varied levels of experience. We discuss how online platforms support online community of volatile practice and how our findings contribute to the CoP literature.
Covering Lemmas, Gaussian Maximal Functions, and Calderón–Zygmund Operators

Maximal functions are among the most important operators in harmonic analysis and are some of those that are most studied. Averaging is an important operation in analysis and to understand and simplify its study, maximal functions are introduced. Moreover, for any limit process such as almost sure convergence, there is a maximal function that controls it; therefore, the study of their properties is crucial.
The glutathione mimic ebselen inhibits oxidative stress but not endoplasmic reticulum stress in endothelial cells

Abstract Aims Reactive oxygen species are associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, yet the use of antioxidants in clinical trials has been ineffective at improving outcomes. In endothelial cells, high-dextrose-induced oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress promote endothelial dysfunction leading to the recruitment and activation of peripheral blood lymphocytes and the breakdown of barrier function. Ebselen, a glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) mimic, has been shown to improve β-cell function in diabetes and prevent atherosclerosis. Main methods To determine if ebselen inhibits both oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in endothelial cells, we examined its effects in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) with and without high-dextrose. Oxidative stress and ER stress were measured by 2-methyl-6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3,7-dihydroimidazo[1,2-A]pyrazin-3-one hydrochloride chemiluminescence and ER stress alkaline phosphatase assays, respectively. GPX1 over-expression and knockdown were performed by transfecting cells with a GPX1 expression construct or a GPX1-specific siRNA, respectively. Key findings Ebselen inhibited dextrose-induced oxidative stress but not ER stress in both HUVEC and HCAEC. Ebselen also had no effect on tunicamycin-induced ER stress in HCAEC. Furthermore, augmentation of GPX1 activity directly by sodium selenite supplementation or transfection of a GPX1 expression plasmid decreased dextrose-induced oxidative stress but not ER stress, while GPX1 knockout enhanced oxidative stress but had no effect on ER stress. Significance These results suggest that ebselen targets only oxidative stress but not ER stress.
Concordance and Isotopy of Metrics with Positive Scalar Curvature

Two positive scalar curvature metrics g0, g1 on a manifold M are psc-isotopic if they are homotopic through metrics of positive scalar curvature. It is well known that if two metrics g0, g1 of positive scalar curvature on a closed compact manifold M are psc-isotopic, then they are psc-concordant: i.e., there exists a metric \({\bar{g}}\) of positive scalar curvature on the cylinder \({M \times I}\) which extends the metrics g0 on \({M \times \{0\}}\) and g1 on \({M \times \{1\}}\) and is a product metric near the boundary. The main result of the paper is that if psc-metrics g0, g1 on M are psc-concordant, then there exists a diffeomorphism \({\Phi : M \times I \rightarrow M \times I}\) with \({\Phi|_{M \times \{0\}} = Id}\) (a pseudo-isotopy) such that the metrics g0 and \({(\Phi|_{M \times \{1\}})^{*}g_{1}}\) are psc-isotopic. In particular, for a simply connected manifold M with dim M ≥ 5, psc-metrics g0, g1 are psc-isotopic if and only if they are psc-concordant. To prove these results, we employ a combination of relevant methods: surgery tools related to the Gromov–Lawson construction, classic results on isotopy and pseudo-isotopy of diffeomorphisms, standard geometric analysis related to the conformal Laplacian, and the Ricci flow.
Review of Cashman, Holly R. (2018) Queer, Latinx, and Bilingual: Narrative Resources in the Negotiation of Identities

This article reviews Queer, Latinx, and Bilingual: Narrative Resources in the Negotiation of Identities
Surgery for epilepsy

Abstract Operations to resect areas of the cerebral cortex responsible for generating seizures can be extremely effective in controlling epilepsy that does not respond to medications. In order for these procedures to be successful, a preoperative evaluation must identify good surgical candidates and tentatively define the location of the cortex responsible for the seizures. Intraoperative neurophysiologic testing such as electrocorticography (ECOG) may help to further define the epileptogenic zone and decrease the probability of postoperative seizures. Current studies suggest that the use of spikes or seizures on the ECOG to tailor a resection may not be universally useful. However, it may be most helpful in determining the extent of the hippocampal resection in patients undergoing temporal lobectomy and in patients with structural lesions. Newer techniques such as the recording of high-frequency oscillations and the use of advanced signal processing or optical techniques may provide additional useful information. ECOG findings are dependent on both the anesthetics used, as well as the type of electrode employed for recording. Other techniques such as mapping of eloquent cortex are covered in other chapters.
‘Like a Cord Snapping’: Toward a grounded theory of how devout Mormons leave the LDS Church:

This study describes the cultural, cognitive, social, and emotional work that once-devout members of the LDS Church must engage in to leave the church and divest themselves of Mormon culture. A Gro...
Glass waste form options for rare-earth fission products from electrochemical reprocessing

Abstract This paper describes a first-of-a-kind study where lead tellurite (Pb-Te-O), iron phosphate (Fe-P-O), and lanthanide aluminoborosilicate (LABS) glass waste forms were evaluated for treating and/or immobilizing waste streams containing high rare-earth (RE) content in different forms, e.g., RECl3, REOCl, and/or REOx. Results from this study show that NdOCl can be immobilized in 78TeO2-22PbO glass at up to 10 mass%. Higher loadings of up to 15 mass% were demonstrated, but with a small fraction of crystallization. Two Fe-P-O glasses produced from either RECl3 (RE = Nd,Ce) or NdOCl revealed products with very similar properties, demonstrating that the phosphate process can be used to dechlorinate a variety of RE-containing halide-based waste streams. The LABS glasses produced from Nd2O3 or NdOCl showed similar properties, but the LABS-NdOCl glass did have some residual Cl present. Characterization is provided for all waste forms including chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, and bulk density.
Different tertiary interactions create the same important 3-D features in a divergent flavivirus xrRNA

During infection by a flavivirus (FV), cells accumulate noncoding subgenomic flavivirus RNAs (sfRNAs) that interfere with several antiviral pathways. These sfRNAs are formed by structured RNA elements in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the viral genomic RNA, which block the progression of host cell exoribonucleases that have targeted the viral RNA for destruction. Previous work on these exoribonuclease-resistant RNAs (xrRNAs) from mosquito-borne FVs revealed a specific 3-dimensional fold with a unique topology in which a ring-like structure protectively encircles the 5' end of the xrRNA. Conserved nucleotides make specific tertiary interactions that support this fold. Examination of more divergent FVs reveals differences in their 3' UTR sequences, raising the question of whether they contain xrRNAs and if so, how they fold. To answer this, we demonstrated the presence of an authentic xrRNA in the 3' UTR of the Tamana Bat Virus (TABV) and solved its structure by x-ray crystallography. The structure reveals conserved features from previously characterized xrRNAs, but in the TABV version these features are created through a novel set of tertiary interactions not previously seen in xrRNAs. This includes two important A-C interactions, four distinct backbone kinks, several ordered Mg2+ ions, and a C+-G-C base triple. The discovery that the same overall architecture can be achieved by very different sequences and interactions in distantly related flaviviruses provides insight into the diversity of this type of RNA and will inform searches for undiscovered xrRNAs in viruses and beyond.
Activity measurement in pediatric chronic fatigue syndrome.

ObjectivesIndividuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) experience debilitating symptoms, including post-exertional malaise, an intensification of symptoms afte...
Students’ Expectations and Students’ Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Excellent Teacher Behaviors:

This study sought to investigate whether teacher behaviors, within the Teacher Behavior Checklist dimensions of caring and supportive and professional competency and communication skills, relate to...
Modeling, Design, and Implementation of a Novel Transformer-less Feedforward-controlled Active EMI Filter for AC-DC Power Converters

Conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI) has been a major concern in designing power converters, requiring additional filtering components. Passive EMI filters, which are composed of inductors and capacitors, usually occupy a great portion of the volume and weight in power converters. Active EMI filters (AEF) or hybrid EMI filters (HEF) are best candidates over traditional passive EMI filters to achieve higher power density in power converters. In this paper, a novel design of transformer-less AEF is proposed with the application in AC-DC power converters. The proposed design features feedforward control and is based on the concept of virtual impedance enhancement. A prototype of proposed AEF is built and tested with a commercial power adapter in the lab. The effectiveness of the proposed AEF in conducted EMI reduction is validated through simulation and experiment.
Sourcing bighorn sheep from the Homol’ovi Settlement Cluster, Northeastern Arizona, through strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) analysis

Abstract Archaeologists have recovered bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) remains from villages within the Homol’ovi Settlement Cluster (1260–1400 CE) in the Middle Little Colorado River Valley. Today, there are no extant populations of bighorn sheep in the middle Little Colorado River Valley, and the Grand Canyon is the nearest known living population, over a 100 km away. To determine the most likely procurement location for these animals, we integrated archaeological and ethnohistorical information with strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) analysis of bighorn sheep teeth from two sites within the Cluster. We consider four potential procurement locations: The Grand Canyon, San Francisco Peaks, White Mountains, and Black Mesa. The contemporary descendants of these villages, the Hopi, have unique ancestral and religious connections to each of these potential locations, which aids in the interpretation of 87Sr/86Sr values. When these different threads of evidence are examined, they indicate the most likely location of procurement of these animals is the wider Black Mesa area 84 km north, with procurement from the Grand Canyon or a locally extirpated population also being possible candidates.
Avoiding politics: The mysterious shrinking circle of concern

A puzzle: “close to home” Lisa, a volunteer with an anti-drugs group, circled over and over again to the topic of the local nuclear battleships base during an interview with me: There's probably at least four battleships over there at all times. You can see them … they're black, and there's scaffolding on them and stuff … They're dangerous … scary … I mean, half those shipyard workers are on dope all the time. It makes me nervous. There's a park on the top of the hill. They come up and smoke dope at lunch and go back to work on the battleship. They have spills quite often. I mean, we don't know about it, but my husband was on a battleship working, so I know. Another interviewee, Carolyn, lived closer to the base. A chemical plant just upstream from her had had a huge spill a few months earlier; oil lapped up onto her house, which jutted out on stilts over the bay. “The beach was covered with oil. You could see it on the rocks and in the water. It was sad, ” she told me as we sat at her kitchen table with her eighteen-year-old son, in front of a picture window with an eye-level view of the nuclear battleship base and the glimmering bay, under a big sky of rainclouds streaked with sunlight. Every twenty minutes or so a battleship slipped by.
A broadened perspective: teaching engineering design in a social context

The role and importance of design in engineering education is changing. Capstone design courses have become well established in many engineering programs in recent years, and their value has been realized by educators, students and employers alike. As such, many recognize the need to introduce the design process earlier than the senior year, and spurred on by changing ABET requirements, many engineering schools are beginning to explore methods for integrating design throughout engineering curricula. Exactly what form engineering curricula will take when design is integrated throughout remains to be seen, although they will surely be varied. Nevertheless, there will be trends, and these trends will shape the methods and approaches engineering graduates use in their careers. These trends will have an effect upon engineering as a profession and society as a whole, as well as the innovation and creativity of industry in the future. The author believes that as design is taught, students are socialized to behave in certain ways and not in others. By examining some of the commonalities in the well established capstone design courses that are offered by most engineering programs, the author argues that these courses take a narrower approach to design than they could and should. While there is much about these courses to be lauded, there are things that can and should change about the way design education is approached, especially as they begin to be integrated throughout entire curricula. By taking a broader perspective on design in engineering education, and treating design as a synthesis of many issues of a social and cultural, as well as technical and economic nature, students will be provided with fewer implicit constraints and an expanded concept of design. Students with broader perspectives on design will, the author believes, be better designers, and in the long run this will benefit engineering as a profession and society as a whole.
Matrix-dominated mechanical properties of a fiber composite lamina

Matrix-dominated mechanical properties of unidirectional fiber composite laminae were determined from hoop-wound tube specimens and cylindrical rods fabricated from both wet-filament winding and prepreg material systems. Longitudinal shear modulus and strength as well as transverse Young`s modulus, transverse tensile strength, and transverse compressive strength were obtained from a thin-walled tube specimen using a new fixturing design. Lamina properties are presented for several carbon fiber/epoxy composite materials. Longitudinal shear moduli were measured for both tubes and rods in torsion. Results obtained in the linear-elastic regimes above and below the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the matrix phase were compared with micromechanics predictions. Although agreement between predicted and measured shear moduli was reasonable below Tg, large discrepancies were observed when the matrix phase was elastomeric.
A knowledge driven stochastic active contour model (KDS-SNAKE) for contour finding of distinct features

Contour finding of distinct features in 2D/3D images is essential for image analysis and computer vision. To overcome the potential problems associated with existing contour finding algorithms, we propose a framework, called knowledge driven stochastic active contour model (KDS-SNAKE), which integrates a neural network classifier for systematic knowledge building, an active contour model (also known as "SNAKE") for automated contour finding using energy functions, and the Gibbs sampler to help the SNAKE to find the most probable contour using a stochastic decision mechanism. Successful application of the KDS-SNAKE to extraction of several types of contours in magnetic resonance (MR) images is presented.
Multiple system atrophy

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with the epidemiology, clinical features, pathological characteristics, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment approaches for multiple system atrophy (MSA). MSA is regarded as a distinct disease process with a complex combination of clinical presentations. The three syndromes―namely,sporadic OPCA with predominantly cerebellar dysfunction, Shy–Drager syndrome (SDS) with striking autonomic impairment, and striatonigral degeneration (SND) with rigid-akinetic Parkinsonism are considered together under the term MSA. The subsequent identification of α-synuclein as a major component of glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCI), established MSA as a member of the family of synucleinopathies. In addition to earlier age of onset, individuals with MSA possess a considerably poorer prognosis than persons with Parkinson's disease. They exhibit more rapid deterioration in neurological function. The clinical features of MSA are distinguished into four categories: (1) extrapyramidal, (2) cerebellar, (3) autonomic, and (4) pyramidal. Individuals can display any combination of these features and do not necessarily develop all of them during the course of their illness.
Tryptophanyl transfer ribonucleic acid synthetase of Escherichia coli. I. Purification of the enzyme and of tryptrophan transfer ribonucleic acid.

Abstract Tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase of Escherichia coli B was purified 1000-fold by MnCl2 precipitation and column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, hydroxylapatite, and Amberlite CG-50. The purified enzyme gave one peak of constant specific activity on Sephadex G-200, one protein band on disc gel electrophoresis, and contained no other aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. The rate of tryptophanyl-tRNA formation was optimal at pH 8.8. The kinetic constants for tryptophan, ATP, and tRNAtrp were determined at pH 7.0 and 8.8, and the turnover number was 1200 at pH 8.8. The amino acid composition is similar to the composition of other aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, except for a low tryptophan and half-cystine content. tRNAtrp was purified on benzoylated DEAE-cellulose and hydroxylapatite columns. The final product had a specific activity of 1.8 nmoles per A260 unit and an estimated purity of 100%. The calculated ratio of tRNAtrp to tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase in vivo is 1:1.