cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phage HK022 Nun protein arrests transcription on phage lambda DNA in vitro and competes with the phage lambda N antitermination protein.

Abstract Phage HK022 Nun protein excludes phage λ by terminating transcription near the λ nut sites. We have established a purified in vitro system that reproduces the in vivo sequence and factor requirements of Nun. Nun arrests transcription by E. coli RNA polymerase at or near elongation pause sites distal to the nut sites. The box B sequence of nut is required for optimal Nun activity; box A plays a lesser role. The efficiency of transcription arrest is strongly enhanced by the four E. coli Nus factors. The factors increase the specific activity of Nun, and allow it to act at higher ribonucleoside triphosphate concentrations. A wild-type box A is required for stimulation by Nus factors. Nun and the λ N antitermination protein compete for their opposing reactions. This competition may be at the level of binding of box B RNA.
The Retinal Determination Gene eyes absent Is Regulated by the EGF Receptor Pathway Throughout Development in Drosophila

Members of the Eyes absent (Eya) protein family play important roles in tissue specification and patterning by serving as both transcriptional activators and protein tyrosine phosphatases. These activities are often carried out in the context of complexes containing members of the Six and/or Dach families of DNA binding proteins. eyes absent, the founding member of the Eya family is expressed dynamically within several embryonic, larval, and adult tissues of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Loss-of-function mutations are known to result in disruptions of the embryonic head and central nervous system as well as the adult brain and visual system, including the compound eyes. In an effort to understand how eya is regulated during development, we have carried out a genetic screen designed to identify genes that lie upstream of eya and govern its expression. We have identified a large number of putative regulators, including members of several signaling pathways. Of particular interest is the identification of both yan/anterior open and pointed, two members of the EGF Receptor (EGFR) signaling cascade. The EGFR pathway is known to regulate the activity of Eya through phosphorylation via MAPK. Our findings suggest that this pathway is also used to influence eya transcriptional levels. Together these mechanisms provide a route for greater precision in regulating a factor that is critical for the formation of a wide range of diverse tissues.
Emerging Technologies Research in Accounting: JETA's First Decade

ABSTRACT: The Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting (JETA), an American Accounting Association journal, reached its ten-year milestone in 2013. This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric and comparative analysis of the 66 main research articles and citations of the contributions, which were published from 2004 to 2013. The analysis of the characteristics of the articles comprises the research methodologies and accounting areas as used in the Brigham Young University Accounting Research Rankings, novel classifications based on an expansion of the Brown and Vasarhelyi (1994) accounting research taxonomy, and the AACSB A7 data terms, artificial intelligence, contributing authors, and institutions. The citation analysis reports and compares scholarly and patent results. Some major differences between the citations in Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus came to light.
Cave-epigean behavioral variation of the whip spider Phrynus longipes (Arachnida: Amblypygi) evidenced by activity, vigilance, and aggression

Abstract Caves are peculiar ecosystems; they are most often small, isolated habitats that lack the energy that sunlight provides. Cave-adapted species, isolated from epigean (i.e., surface) selection pressures, have been discovered with aphotic adaptations like blindness, depigmentation, and enhanced extra-optic sensory systems. This evolutionary process, however, only occurs in a fraction of cave ecosystems. Many cave species, especially those in tropical latitudes, occur with epigean conspecifics with ongoing gene flow and epigean migration. This includes populations of the amblypygid Phrynus longipes (Pocock 1894), which occur in both epigean and cave environments. I hypothesized that cave and epigean populations exhibit behavioral variation to meet the selection pressures of their respective environments. I conducted open-arena and interaction behavioral assays to test for behavioral variation between populations. Assays revealed that cave and epigean amblypygids exhibited environment-specific behavio...
Preface: Artificial Intelligence of Humor — Computational Humor

The general goal of the symposium was to advance the state of the art in the direction of developing an AI system (the system) capable of understanding the mechanism of a joke at a level sufficient for providing a punch line to a human generated setup (even if unintentional) and conversely, for computer reacting competently to a human generated punch line that follows a setup, generated by either participant. The effort is multidisciplinary in nature, and the participants from several of the contributing disciplines, viz., computational semantics, knowledge representation, computational psychology, humanoid robotics, human-computer interface, human factors, to name just a few, took part in the work of the symposium.
2,3 Diphosphoglyzerat und Sauerstoffaffinität des Haemoglobins nach Infusion von Vollblut, konserviert in ACD oder CPD

Acid-Citrat-Dextrose (ACD) und Citrat-Phosphat-Dextrose (CPD) sind die beiden wichtigsten Antikoagulantien zur Konservierung von frischem Vollblut. In ACD-Blut sinkt die Konzentration des Glycolysemetaboliten 2, 3-Diphosphoglycerat (2, 3-DPG) zeitabhangig sehr schnell. Dadurch erhoht sich die Affinitat des Hamoglobins fur Sauerstoff. In CPD-konserviertem Blut bleibt, verursacht durch die Phosphatkomponente und geringere Aciditat, der 2, 3 — DPG-Spiegel uber langere Zeit im Normalbereich (1, 4). Es wurde daher gepruft, inwieweit sich nach Transfusion von unterschied-lich konserviertem Spenderblut die Sauerstoffaffinitat von Hamoglobin verandert.
Incorporating Analogies and Worked Out Examples as Pedagogical Strategies in a Computer Science Tutoring System

Analogies and worked out examples are effective means of instruction in a wide variety of learning environments. However, the extent of their effectiveness in Computer Science (CS) education has not been fully explored. We extended our intelligent tutoring system (ITS) for CS data structures, ChiQat-Tutor, to incorporate worked out examples and analogy as teaching strategies. We compare three versions of the system: one that uses standard worked out examples, one that uses analogical worked out examples, and one that uses a pure analogical explanation with separate worked out examples. A study with 66 students showed that students using the standard worked out examples had greater learning gains than students in both analogy conditions. We also found that analogy can be less effective for students with higher prior knowledge. Additionally, we show that some interaction patterns highly correlate with student gains. Overall, the system implementation and results represent a step towards exploring the use of well-established instructional strategies in a computer science ITS.
The Relationship Between Distance to Water Source and Moderate-to-Severe Diarrhea in the Global Enterics Multi-Center Study in Kenya, 2008-2011.

In the developing world, fetching water for drinking and other household uses is a substantial burden that affects water quantity and quality in the household. We used logistic regression to examine whether reported household water fetching times were a risk factor for moderate-to-severe diarrhea (MSD) using case-control data of 3,359 households from the Global Enterics Multi-Center Study in Kenya in 2009-2011. We collected additional global positioning system (GPS) data for a subset of 254 randomly selected households and compared GPS-based straight line and actual travel path distances to fetching times reported by respondents. GPS-based data were highly correlated with respondent-provided times (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.81, P 30 minutes was reported by 25% of cases versus 15% of controls and was significantly associated with MSD where rainwater was not used in the last 2 weeks (odds ratio = 1.97, 95% confidence interval = 1.56-2.49). These data support the United Nations definition of access to an improved water source being within 30 minutes total round-trip travel time.
Investigation of Mn, Fe, and Ni incorporation in CeCo2Al8.

Single crystals of CeCo2–xMxAl8 (M = Mn, Fe, Ni; 0 ≤ x < 1) were grown and characterized by X-ray diffraction and magnetic susceptibility. The unit cell volumes of Mn-doped compounds increase and t...
Research on Key Technologies for Smart Residential Community

The orderly grid-integration of solar and other clean energy,the orderly charging of electric vehicle(EV),the implementation of synthetical management of various information related to power supply and consumption and service,the enhancement of power supply and service ability for residential community and improvement of power supply reliability are key objectives to be researched for smart residential community(SRC).On the basis of analyzing present situation of SRC and by means of synthetically utilizing advanced technologies of smart grid,the connotation and features of SRC are clarified;the business flow and information flow in SRC are analyzed and a flexible and interactive architecture of SRC is proposed,meanwhile the business functions and corresponding configuration are designed;a key technical structure for SRC is given and the integrated communication in SRC,interactive service,distribution automation of SRC,operation control of distributed generation and smart house are researched to support the development of key devices for SRC.
Impacts of demand-control time period on distribution system and consumer comfort

Demand response (DR) is one of the central pieces of the smart grid initiative. Several DR schemes have been proposed in the literature. This work focuses on determining the benefits of DR to the power grid and the associated comfort restrictions. Based on the literature, a heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC) system is chosen in this work as a suitable application. Demand is scheduled a day ahead and is based on the forecasted outdoor temperature, day-ahead retail price signal, and consumer preference. Different control intervals were chosen based on consumer comfort standards, and the benefits to the grid and consumer are quantified and compared. A time-sequential Monte Carlo simulation is applied to incorporate dynamic nature of the system. Outcomes show that demand response models needs to be evaluated by considering those benefits that are important to a particular utility.
Face transplantation: Complications, implications, and an update for the oncologic surgeon

Clinical face transplantation, only 10 years old, has evolved into a safe and preferred reconstructive option for the most severe facial defects, in which traditional reconstructive methods have yielded poor outcomes. The ability to simultaneously restore facial function and aesthetics has shown to improve patient's quality of life. Its applicability to post-oncologic resection, however, remains guarded given the current international experience with respect to long term outcomes. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:971-975. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human sperm penetration in bovine cervical mucus clinical studies. II: Use of split ejaculates

Sperm penetration through bovine cervical mucus was determined and correlated with the sperm characteristics in three fractions of the split ejaculate and in the whole ejaculate from 40 men of infertile couples in which a female cause of infertility had been ruled out. Sperm concentration and motility were found to be significantly higher in the first fraction (n=40) as compared with the rest of the fractions and the whole ejaculate, whereas normal sperm morphology was not significantly different among the various fractions and the whole ejaculate. The bovine cervical mucus penetration (RCMP) test was found to be normal in a significantly high percentage (58%) of samples of the first fraction as compared with the other two fractions (32% and 17%, respectively) and the whole ejaculate (35%) (n=17). Moreover, in the first fraction of the split ejaculate, the results of the RCMP test were correlated significantly with sperm concentration (p The data demonstrate the superiority of the first fraction of the split ejaculate in terms of cervical mucus penetrability and sperm characteristics.
Transurethral needle ablation for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

SUMMARY The TUNA device is a unique system that uses radiofrequency energy to ablate the obstructing prostate adenoma. Although the clinical data are preliminary, they appear to provide improvement in symptom scores and peak flow rates, although somewhat less than TURP. A prospective, randomized trial comparing TUNA to TURP is under way, which should answer many of the questions regarding the safety and efficacy of this device for BPH. It is a potentially attractive device because of the limited anesthesia requirements, ease of the procedure, and the possibility of making this an office-based technique. The definitive role of this unique device awaits the results of ongoing clinical trials.
2D Resonant Nanophotonics

Semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides exhibit very interesting optical properties, however their ultimate monolayer thickness limits their potential in real applications. To this end, we will discuss our attempts to address such issues by taking advantage of resonant nanophotonics to enhance light-matter interactions in such material systems. Article not available.
When a Baby Dies: A Systematic Review of Experimental Interventions for Women After Stillbirth.

Objectives:To identify and evaluate intervention studies (ie, experimental study in which the participants undergo some kind of intervention in order to evaluate its impact) that target mental and/...
Some Technical Notes on Psychophysical Scaling

A simple theory of psychophysical scaling is presented. It is based on the power law and a multiplicative error model that treats magnitude judgments as lognormal variates. Conventional techniques for estimating power-law exponents are reviewed along with a solution to the problem of estimating parameters of psychophysical relationships when both variables in the relationship are measured with error. This problem arises when validating ratio scales of opinion by matching sensory magnitudes to social stimuli and thereby producing psychophysical cross-modality matching functions. The regression problem is reconsidered in this context and a method for dealing with it is proposed.
Dislocation of the Sacro-iliac Joint: A Complication of Bone-grafting

1. Dislocation of the sacro-iliac joint and stress fractures of both rami of the opposite pubis are reported as unusual complications of a bone-grafting procedure. 2. This case report demonstrates that the superior portion of the sacroiliac articulation, with its architectural and ligamentous support, plays a prominent part in maintaining the integrity of the pelvis.
Polar Intermetallics Pr5Co2Ge3 and Pr7Co2Ge4 with Planar Hydrocarbon-Like Metal Clusters

Planar hydrocarbon-like metal clusters may foster new insights linking organic molecules with conjugated - bonding interactions and inorganic structures in terms of their bonding characteristics. However, such clusters are uncommon in polar intermetallics. Herein, we report two polar intermetallic phases, Pr5Co2Ge3 and Pr7Co2Ge4, both of which feature such planar metal clusters, viz., ethylene-like [Co2Ge4] clusters plus the concatenated forms and polyacene-like [Co2Ge2]n ribbons in Pr5Co2Ge3, and 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene-like [Co4Ge6] cluster in Pr7Co2Ge4. Just as in the related planar organic structures, these metal-metalloid species are dominated by covalent bonding interactions. Both compounds magnetically order at low temperature with net ferromagnetic components: Pr5Co2Ge3 via a series of transitions below 150 K; and Pr7Co2Ge4 via a single ferromagnetic transition at 19 K. Spin-polarized electronic structure calculations for Pr7Co2Ge4 reveal strong spin-orbit coupling within Pr and considerable magnetic contributions from Co atoms. This work suggests that similar structural chemistry can emerge for other rare earth-late transition metal-main group systems.
Some extremal problems for simple two-complexes

A variety of extremal problems are considered for the members of two particular families of simple 2-complexes. We let Bk denote the complex consisting of k 2-cells all sharing one single edge in common and Wk the complex consisting of k 2-cells sharing exactly one vertex in common. The problems treated here include the following questions for the Bk and the corresponding questions for the Wk.
Preemption in the Face of Shifting Dilemmas: Comparing Accountability Policies at Adams (WITHDRAWN)

A large body of research has made great strides in identifying the numerous factors that may contribute to unintended consequences of policy implementation. Whereas these studies provide great insight into policy implementation and the importance of local context, they typically define the cutoff point for policy implementation as beginning on the first day of implementation. I take the logically prior step and examine what a high-stress school, Adams School , did in anticipation of policy change. I call this period the “pre- implementation phase.” During this time, schools are aware of an upcoming policy shift, prior to the policy being formally implemented. As they are operating in this period of time, schools might engage in reactive behavior oriented to their current metrics while engaging in anticipatory behavior, or “preemptive reactivity,” oriented to upcoming policy requirements. I compare two eras of accountability policy – NCLB and the Common Core Standards – to unpack the ways reactivity and or...
Sex differences in daily life stress and craving in opioid-dependent patients.

Background: Responses to stress and drug craving differ between men and women. Differences in the momentary experience of stress in relation to craving are less well-understood. Objectives: Using e...
Treatment Approaches to Sexual Dysfunction in Late Life

This review provides an overview of the latest treatment options for sexual dysfunction in the elderly, specifically the DSM-5 male and female sexual disorders, medication-induced sexual dysfunction, and inappropriate sexual behaviors in dementia. Despite the increasing prevalence of sexual dysfunction with age, various factors including ageism, misconceptions about sexual behavior in the elderly, and discomfort discussing these issues can lead to under-recognition and under-treatment. This review highlights the importance of sexual health at any age and the available pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for these conditions. Research is robust for some disorders, like erectile dysfunction, but overall lacking for most disorders of sexual function in the elderly. Few FDA-approved treatments exist, but multiple treatments have been studied with varying results. A thorough evaluation of biological, psychological, and social factors should be completed prior to treatment. Psychiatrists should keep in mind that these conditions may be influenced by psychological factors, secondary to psychiatric illness, worsened or improved with psychotropic medications, and may be responsive to psychotherapy. Inappropriate sexual behaviors in dementia that are unresponsive to behavioral interventions may also respond to a number of psychotropic medications. Sexual dysfunction in the elderly remains understudied. However, several pharmacological and non-pharmacological options are available that may be of benefit.
Oral creatine supplements lower plasma homocysteine concentrations in humans.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if oral creatine supplements will lower the concentration of total plasma homocysteine (tHcy). SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Apparently healthy volunteers, at least 19 years old, were recruited from the University of South Alabama and surrounding community. DESIGN/INTERVENTION/MAIN OUTCOME: Participants took multi-vitamins daily for four weeks, then were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (C) continued to take multi-vitamins daily for an additional four weeks. The experimental group (EX) took multivitamins plus an amount of creatine each day equal to twice their daily creatinine excretion, for the additional four weeks. Total plasma homocysteine concentrations were measured in all participants at the beginning and at the end of the second four week interval. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in age, initial tHcy, serum folate, erythrocyte folate, serum vitamin B12, or creatinine excretion. After four weeks of creatine supplements, tHcy in EX changed by an average of −0.9 μmol/L (range: -1.8 to 0.0), compared to an average change of +0.2 μmol/L in C (range: −0.6 to 0.9) during the same four weeks. The difference in the changes in tHcy between the two groups was statistically significant (p CONCLUSION: Creatine supplements may be an effective adjunct to vitamin supplements for lowering tHcy. ABBREVIATIONS:C = group of participants taking only multivitamins; EX = group of participants taking multivitamins plus creatine; Hcy = homocysteine; SAH = S-adenosylhomocysteine; SAM = S-adenosylmethionine; tHcy = concentration of total plasma homocysteine.
Modeling of Tephra Fallout from Explosive Eruptions

Fallout of tephra from explosive eruption poses a significant threat to communities around and downwind of active volcanoes. It also creates a hazard to air traffic if flight paths intersect particle-laden plumes. Models of tephra fallout can be used to predict the areas that are likely to be impacted and to reconstruct the dynamics and environmental conditions of ancient eruptions based on the dispersal characteristics of fall deposits.
A Rigidity Theorem for Ricci Flat Metrics

A rigidity result of the complete n-dimensional spin Ricci flat manifolds admitting a certain smooth S1 action is proved, provided that the action has fixed points and the metric is asymptotically flat. Such manifolds are isometric to the n-dimensional Riemannian Schwarzschild metric.
The Transition to Adoptive Parenthood

The transition to parenthood is generally regarded as a major life event that necessitates change and readjustment on the part of individuals and couples in order to negotiate a successful transition (Belsky et al. 1985). Specifically, the dyadic (couple) unit must evolve from a two-person to a three-person system; in turn, partners must expand their repertoire of roles to include that of a parent. New parents experience change and reorganization in many aspects of their lives, which can produce both rewards and stresses. While parenthood is experienced as a valued and desirable role by many (Landridge et al. 2000), the transition to parenthood is often associated with emotional and physical fatigue, increased strain between work and family responsibilities, and compromised well-being (Ballard et al. 1994; Costigan et al. 2003; and Schulz et al. 2004). The addition of a child can also result in at least temporary declines in marital intimacy and communication, which arise from the drains on couples’ psychological, emotional, physical, and material resources that accompany this transition (Demo and Cox 2000; Pacey 2004). Indeed, studies of both heterosexual (Belsky and Rovine 1990) and lesbian (Goldberg and Sayer 2006) couples during the transition to parenthood have documented declines in relationship quality and increases in relationship conflict. While not all couples experience deterioration in their relationship quality (Belsky and Rovine 1990) and some couples recover relatively quickly, others experience persistent relationship instability, which in turn poses risk to child and family adjustment (Pacey 2004).
Characterization of a preferred site on human chromosome 19q for integration of adeno-associated virus DNA by non-homologous recombination.

Abstract The human parvovirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV), has been shown to integrate preferentially into human chromosome 19 q13.3-qter. The human target sequence for AAV integration (AAVS1) was cloned and sequenced. By analysis of the proviral junctions it was determined that integration of the AAV DNA occurred via a non-homologous recombination pathway although there were either four or five identical nucleotides at the junctions. Integration was a multistep, concerted process that resulted in cellular sequence rearrangements. The sequence of the integration locus was analyzed for possible recombination signals. Direct repeats at a much greater than random occurrence were found distributed non-uniformly throughout the AAVS1 sequence. A CpG island containing transcription factor binding site elements is suggestive of a TATA-less promoter. Evidence for transcriptional activity was provided by PCR amplification of reverse transcribed RNA.
Optical Activity of Nucleoproteins and Histones

Nucleoproteins are complex macromolecular substances composed of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA) and histones. While DNA is known to be the carrier of the genetic code, the role of histones is still imperfectly understood. Two main functions of histones have been considered: (1) regulation of gene activity, either by suppressing DNA replication or by controlling DNA-dependent RNA synthesis, and (2) regulation of the structural integrity of the nucleoprotein complex as a building block for chromosomes. Histones are composed chiefly of alanine, arginine, and lysine; and, because of the excess of basic groups at their side chains (R-groups), they react with nucleic acids. According to Zubay and Doty (1959), the histones in the DNA—protein complex are largely in helical form with their basic side chains electrostatically linked to the phosphate groups of DNA, and they fill the major groove in double-stranded DNA. On the basis of X-ray diffraction studies, Wilkins, Zubay, and Wilson (1959) suggested that intra- and inter-DNA histone bridges control the multistranded organization in the chromosomes. Extensive recent reviews on nucleoproteins and histones are available (Bonnerand Ts’o, editors, 1964; Busch, 1965; Phillips, 1971; Hnilica, 1967, 1972).
CEO Non-Compete Agreements, Job Risk, and Compensation

Using hand-collected data on chief executive officer (CEO) non-compete agreements (NCAs), we find that NCAs are less likely when CEOs expect to incur greater personal costs from reduced job mobility and more likely when firms expect to suffer greater economic harm if departing CEOs work for competitors. Additionally, turnover–performance sensitivity is stronger when CEOs have NCAs. Finally, total compensation and incentive pay are higher if CEOs have more enforceable NCAs. Our identification strategy exploits staggered state-level changes in NCA enforceability. Overall, our findings suggest that restrictions on job mobility have important implications for how CEOs are monitored and compensated.
Digital Books with Dynamic Text and Speech Output: Effects on Sight Word Reading for Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Despite the importance of literacy in today's educational curriculum, learning to read is a challenge for many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One of the foundational skills of early literacy learning is the ability to recognize sight words. This study used a single-subject, multiple-probe, across-participants design, to investigate the effects of a new software feature, dynamic text and speech output, on the acquisition of sight words by three pre-literate preschoolers with ASD during shared digital book reading experiences. All participants demonstrated successful acquisition of the target sight words with minimal exposure to the words. Limitations and future research directions are discussed, including the importance of investigating how the new software feature can be integrated into a more comprehensive literacy curriculum.
Feline Interstitial Cystitis Enhances Mucosa-Dependent Contractile Responses to Serotonin

Purpose To determine whether responses to serotonin are altered in bladder strips from cats diagnosed with a naturally occurring form of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis termed feline interstitial cystitis (FIC). Methods Full thickness bladder strips were isolated from aged matched healthy control cats and cats with clinically verified FIC. Bladder strips were mounted in an organ bath and connected to a tension transducer to record contractile activity. A serotonin dose response (0.01-10μM) was determined for each strip with the mucosa intact or denuded. Results Bladder strips from control and FIC cats contracted in response to serotonin in a dose-dependent manner. The normalized force of serotonin-evoked contractions was significantly greater in bladder strips from cats with FIC (n=7) than from control cats (n=4). Removal of the mucosa significantly decreased serotonin-mediated responses in both control and FIC bladder preparations. Furthermore, the contractions in response to serotonin were abolished by 1μM atropine in both control and FIC bladder strips. Conclusion The effect of serotonin on contractile force, but not sensitivity, was potentiated in bladder strips from cats with FIC, and was dependent upon the presence of the mucosa in control and FIC groups. As atropine inhibited these effects of serotonin, we hypothesize that, serotonin enhances acetylcholine release from the mucosa of FIC cat bladder strips, which could account for the increased force generated. In summary, FIC augments the responsiveness of bladder to serotonin, which may contribute to the symptoms associated with this chronic condition.
Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for tyrphostin A9.

Abstract Here we have presented a sensitive and selective LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of tyrphostin A9, which is a selective inhibitor for platelet derived growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase and has been investigated in vitro as a potent oxidative phosphorylation uncoupler. The murine analytical method was developed for three biological matrices: cell culture media, 3T3-L1 cell lysate, and murine plasma. For each matrix the limit of detection and the limit of quantification were found to be 0.5 ng/mL and 1.0 ng/mL, respectively. The range of standard curve for each matrix was 1.0–100 ng/mL, linearity was >0.99, and the precision and accuracy were within 20%. 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid was found to be the most suitable internal standard. The validated LC-MS/MS method was used to investigate stability and in vitro pharmacokinetics of tyrphostin A9. It was found that tyrphostin A9 is susceptible to hydrolysis, and the degradation product was identified as 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde. Tyrphostin A9 was not stable in biological matrices, and the rate of its degradation in murine plasma was faster than that in cell culture media. In vitro pharmacokinetic studies revealed that tyrphostin A9 concentrations in the cell culture media declined in a bi-exponential manner and the concentrations inside the adipocytes remained constant, suggesting tyrphostin A9 has an intracellular binding site and is retained within the cell. The LC-MS/MS method presented here paves the way for further quantitative investigations involving tyrphostin A9.
Catalytst-Controlled Wacker-Type Oxidation of Protected Allylic Amines.

Allylic amines are selectively oxidized to methyl ketones in the presence of tBuOOH and the [2-(oxazolin-2-yl)quinoline]palladium catalyst.
Dynamic multiatlas selection‐based consensus segmentation of head and neck structures from CT images

PURPOSE Manual delineation of head and neck (H&N) organ-at-risk (OAR) structures for radiation therapy planning is time consuming and highly variable. Therefore, we developed a dynamic multiatlas selection-based approach for fast and reproducible segmentation. METHODS Our approach dynamically selects and weights the appropriate number of atlases for weighted label fusion and generates segmentations and consensus maps indicating voxel-wise agreement between different atlases. Atlases were selected for a target as those exceeding an alignment weight called dynamic atlas attention index. Alignment weights were computed at the image level and called global weighted voting (GWV) or at the structure level and called structure weighted voting (SWV) by using a normalized metric computed as the sum of squared distances of computed tomography (CT)-radiodensity and modality-independent neighborhood descriptors (extracting edge information). Performance comparisons were performed using 77 H&N CT images from an internal Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center dataset (N = 45) and an external dataset (N = 32) using Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Hausdorff distance (HD), 95th percentile of HD, median of maximum surface distance, and volume ratio error against expert delineation. Pairwise DSC accuracy comparisons of proposed (GWV, SWV) vs single best atlas (BA) or majority voting (MV) methods were performed using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. RESULTS Both SWV and GWV methods produced significantly better segmentation accuracy than BA (P < 0.001) and MV (P < 0.001) for all OARs within both datasets. SWV generated the most accurate segmentations with DSC of: 0.88 for oral cavity, 0.85 for mandible, 0.84 for cord, 0.76 for brainstem and parotids, 0.71 for larynx, and 0.60 for submandibular glands. SWV's accuracy exceeded GWV's for submandibular glands (DSC = 0.60 vs 0.52, P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS The contributed SWV and GWV methods generated more accurate automated segmentations than the other two multiatlas-based segmentation techniques. The consensus maps could be combined with segmentations to visualize voxel-wise consensus between atlases within OARs during manual review.
Social Support Networks Among Young Men and Transgender Women of Color Receiving HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was to characterize perceived social support for young men and transgender women who have sex with men (YM/TWSM) taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Methods Mixed-methods study of HIV-negative YM/TWSM of color prescribed oral PrEP. Participants completed egocentric network inventories characterizing their social support networks and identifying PrEP adherence support figures. A subset (n = 31) completed semistructured interviews exploring adherence support and qualities of PrEP support figures. We calculated proportions of role types (e.g., family), individuals disclosed to regarding PrEP use, and PrEP-supportive individuals within each participant network. Interviews were analyzed using an inductive approach. Results Participants (n = 50) were predominately African American men who have sex with men. Median age was 22 years (interquartile range: 20–23). Biologic family were the most common support figures, reported by 75% of participants (mean family proportion .37 [standard deviation (SD): .31]), followed by 67% reporting friends (mean friend proportion .38 [SD: .36]). Most network members were aware (mean disclosed proportion .74 [SD: .31]) and supportive (mean supportive proportion .87 [SD: .28]) of the participants’ PrEP use. Nearly all (98%) participants identified ≥1 figure who provided adherence support; more often friends (48%) than family (36%). Participants characterized support as instrumental (e.g., transportation); emotional (e.g., affection); and social interaction (e.g., taking medication together). Key characteristics of PrEP support figures included closeness, dependability, and homophily (alikeness) with respect to sexual orientation. Conclusions Although most YM/TWSM identified family in their support networks, friends were most often cited as PrEP adherence support figures. Interventions to increase PrEP adherence should consider integrated social network and family-based approaches.
Applying Compiler-Automated Software Fault Tolerance to Multiple Processor Platforms

Several recent works have explored the feasibility of using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) processing systems in radiation-prone environments, such as spacecraft. Typically, this approach requires some form of protection to ensure that the software can tolerate radiation upsets without compromising the system. Our recent work, COmpiler Assisted Software fault Tolerance (COAST), provides automated compiler modification of software programs to insert dual- or triple-modular redundancy. In this article, we extend COAST to support several new processing platforms, including RISC-V and Xilinx, San Jose, CA, USA, SoC-based products. The automated software protection mechanisms are tested for a variety of configurations, altering the benchmark and cache configuration. Across the different configurations, the cross sections were improved by $4\times $ to $106\times $ . In addition, a hardware-mitigation technique is tested using dual-lock-step cores on the Texas Instruments, Dallas, TX, USA, Hercules platform, which is compared with the software-only mitigation approach.
Refocusing Methods Courses on Workplace Applications

Social science research methods are increasingly central to a rigorous political science curriculum. This reflects a shift in both academia and in government toward an appreciation for quantitative...
Seasonal timing adaptation across the geographic range of Arabidopsis thaliana.

The most fundamental genetic program of an annual plant defines when to grow and reproduce and when to remain dormant in the soil as a seed. With the right timing, plants can even live in hostile regions with only a few months of growth-favorable abundant rains and mild temperatures. To achieve this, plants have evolved molecular pathways that sense environmental variables and trigger their two main lifecycle transitions: germination and flowering. Growing season length—which depends on photoperiod, temperature, and rainfall patterns—drastically changes even over short geographic distances, and therefore, it is common that populations of the same species vary genetically to adjust to the local seasons. The widespread annual plant Arabidopsis thaliana has been a key model to study these seasonal timing adaptations and dissect their genetic components. Previous work on seasonal adaptation heavily focused on temperature-dependent flowering time pathways, including the cold-sensing genes FRIGIDA ( FRI ) and FLOWERING LOCUS C ( FLC ). This knowledge pointed at two main strategies: winter and spring annual plants. A new study in PNAS from Martinez-Berdeja et al. (1) comprehensively documents germination timing across the geographic distribution of A. thaliana and supports the gene DELAY OF GERMINATION 1 ( DOG1 ) as one key genetic determinant of seasonal timing adaptation. Using their data, here I visualize the complex interactions of flowering and germination time and local climates across A. thaliana ’s native geographic range and synthesize its seasonal timing adaptation into four categories: Mediterranean rapid cyclers, facultative winter cyclers, weedy summer/spring cyclers, and strict Scandinavian winter cyclers. The extensive genetic knowledge of flowering time control in A. thaliana suggests two main seasonal timing strategies (2). Some genotypes have flowering repressors that are only released with experiencing winter (vernalization). Therefore, these plants germinate in fall, experience the winter cold, and flower in spring. These are called winter cyclers. Other … [↵][1]1Email: moisesexpositoalonso{at}gmail.com. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time (Hindsight is 2020)

Conference presentations usually focus on successful innovations: new ideas that yield significant improvements to current practice. Yet educators know that we often learn more from failure than from success. In this panel, we present four case studies of "good ideas" for improving CS education that resulted in failures. Each contributor will describe their "good idea", the failure that resulted, and wider lessons for the CS community.
Simulation analysis and optimization of fresh-slice multistage free-electron lasers

The generation of femtosecond soft x-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) pulses with an energy of hundreds of microjoules has been demonstrated at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) based on fresh-slice multistage amplifications. In this paper, we present a comprehensive simulation analysis and methods to improve fresh-slice multistage XFELs. A time-dependent transverse kick along the bunch is generated by two passive corrugated structures. The resulting oscillating orbit is controlled by downstream kickers, enabling different slices of the bunch to lase. The simulations reproduce the LCLS experimental results in terms of the pulse energy, bandwidth, and statistics of spectral spikes. The simulations reveal time-domain pulse profile properties, such as the pulse duration and structure, that were unavailable experimentally. We discuss possible issues connected with the accelerator setup and propose a simpler and more robust variation of the scheme to generate XFEL pulses shorter than 3 fs.
Social Media Use for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Rural Appalachian Population

Background: Social media use is prevalent in our society and has become widely used in the health care community. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients constitute one of the patient populations that benefit from social media use to obtain information on their diseases. West Virginia (WV) is a rural Appalachian state with barriers to internet access and health care and we examined the role that social media plays in patients' lives in this state, which could be reflective of other rural states. Methods: Our patient population consisted of patients, 18-65 years old, who live in WV with a diagnosis of IBD. A 17-question survey was sent to 2,131 patients over a course of 4 weeks through an application called REDCap. Results: We received 624 responses with a 29% response rate. Approximately 30% of patients reported that they used Facebook for IBD-related information, while 4.3% used Instagram. While most (92%) patients preferred information coming from their physician, the majority judged information from the internet to be reliable (39.3%) or neutral (44.9%). Most patients believed that social media had no impact on their disease management (67%), while 30.3% believed it had a positive impact. Almost 45% of patients stated that they wished their physician had a social media account for IBD. Conclusions: Our study shows that patients are interested in obtaining health-related information from social media resources. As physicians, it is our job to point them in the right direction to be able to find reliable information.
The Collective Construction of Need: Group Styles of Determining Deservingness in Christian Social Service Agencies

Research finds that faith-based organizations (FBOs) serve highly disadvantaged populations, but few studies explore how such organizations decide who is deserving of assistance. Drawing on 12 mont...
Localized Intravascular Coagulopathy of Venous Malformation Involving the Labia as a Mimic of Child Sexual Abuse

Abstract Given location and relative rarity, anogenital injuries in children often prompt concern for maltreatment. We present a case of localized intravascular coagulopathy as a complication of venous malformation, which mimicked abusive trauma leading to an evaluation for maltreatment. Comprehensive assessment identified the underlying medical cause. This case represents an example of the importance of objective assessment in unusual case presentations to ensure diagnostic accuracy, and appropriate direction of medical and child protection resources.
Beyond Thrombosis: the Role of Platelets in Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a multifactorial and lethal disease, characterised by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and progressive right heart failure. PH pathobiology rests on four pillars: vascular remodelling, vasoconstriction, inflammation and thrombosis. While vascular and inflammatory cells have been the focus of PH research over the past decades, platelets have received relatively less attention, despite their associations with key pathophysiological processes of the disease. Platelets contain a wide range of vasoactive, inflammatory and pro-thrombotic mediators, likely to promote PH development and progression. There is currently no cure for PH, and platelet-associated pathways may help identify new therapeutic strategies. This review summarises available evidence on the role of platelets in different forms of PH, and comments on the current state of platelet-targeting therapies. It also describes the latest advances in the in vitro technologies that enable exploration of platelet function under dynamic and physiologically relevant conditions. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2020-0204-7 Full Text: PDF
Feedback as a two-way street: when and why rating consumers fails

In efforts to keep ill-behaving consumers in check, managers are increasingly implementing the practice of rating consumers. We develop and test an account of when and why the practice of rating consumers backfires. Study 1 shows that consumers are more likely to misbehave toward service providers after receiving a low rating (versus those who receive a high rating or those who are merely aware that they are being rated). These findings are robust to consumer inexperience. The negative impact of low ratings on subsequent behavior is especially likely to emerge when directed toward consumers (versus service providers; Study 2). Study 3 situates our findings in a real-world context through a survey of Uber customers. Taken together, we offer insight into how firms can realize the benefits of the practice of rating consumers while mitigating its risks.
Unsupervised Two-Stage Learning Framework for Cooperative Spectrum Sensing

A cognitive radio (CR) network consists of wireless devices that opportunistically borrow vacant licensed bands. Cognitive users adaptively employ a perception-action decision cycle. Learning-based CR networks use past acquired knowledge of the radio environment to make smarter decisions. CR systems that use supervised learning for spectrum sensing require labeled data for training purposes. Having readily available labeled data is a complex task for CR networks, as it requires cooperation between the primary and secondary users. Such cooperation is not possible in interweave CR networks and imposes a cooperation overhead. Motivated by the above, we tackle the problem of labeled data scarcity in practical learning-based CR networks. We propose an unsupervised two-stage learning framework for cooperative spectrum sensing. The system combines the superior performance of the Support Vector Machine (SVM) and low cost training data of the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM). A system model is proposed, and the system’s performance is evaluated based on the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) and Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC). We obtain an upper and a lower performance bounds in terms of the AUC. The detection performance is compared for the SVM, GMM, and the proposed two-stage system based on the ROC. Additionally, we evaluate the detection performance of the CR network under different primary network sizes. Our results show that the two-stage learning approach attains a higher detection performance than the GMM algorithm, and achieves the same or comparable performance to the SVM algorithm.