cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stage-Specific Modulation of IFN-Regulatory Factor 4 Function by Krüppel-Type Zinc Finger Proteins

Optimal humoral responses depend on the activation of Ag-specific B cells, followed by their progression toward a fully differentiated phenotype. Acquisition of stage-appropriate patterns of gene expression is crucial to this differentiation program. However, the molecular mechanisms used by B cells to modulate gene expression as they complete their maturation program are poorly understood. IFN-regulatory factor 4 (IRF-4) plays a critical role in mature B cell function. Using the transcriptional regulation of the human B cell activation marker CD23 as a model system, we have previously demonstrated that IRF-4 is induced in response to B cell-activating stimuli and that it acts as a transactivator of CD23 gene expression. We have furthermore found that IRF-4 function can be blocked by B cell lymphomas 6 (BCL-6) protein, a Kruppel-type zinc finger repressor normally expressed in germinal center B cells. However, CD23 expression is known to be down-regulated in plasma cells despite high level expression of IRF-4 and the lack of BCL-6, suggesting that in plasma cells the IRF-4-mediated induction of CD23 is prevented by its interaction with a distinct repressor. In this set of studies, we demonstrate that IRF-4 interacts with B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein/positive regulatory domain I-binding factor 1 (Blimp1/PRD1-BF1), a Kruppel-type zinc finger protein whose expression correlates with terminal B cell differentiation. Functional studies indicate that Blimp1, like BCL-6, can block IRF-4-transactivating ability. These findings thus support a model whereby IRF-4 function is modulated in a stage-specific manner by its interaction with developmentally restricted sets of Kruppel-type zinc finger proteins.
A LytM Domain Dictates the Localization of Proteins to the Mother Cell-Forespore Interface during Bacterial Endospore Formation

A large number of proteins are known to reside at specific subcellular locations in bacterial cells. However, the molecular mechanisms by which many of these proteins are anchored at these locations remains unclear. During endospore formation in Bacillus subtilis, several integral membrane proteins are located specifically at the interface of the two adjacent cells of the developing sporangium, the mother cell and forespore. The mother cell membrane protein SpoIIIAH recognizes the cell-cell interface through an interaction with the forespore membrane protein SpoIIQ, and then the other proteins are positioned there by the SpoIIIAH-SpoIIQ complex. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of the SpoIIIAH-SpoIIQ complex. Using gel filtration chromatography and isothermal titration calorimetry, we measured the binding parameters that characterize the SpoIIIAH-SpoIIQ interaction in vitro. We also demonstrated that the interaction of SpoIIIAH and SpoIIQ is governed by their YscJ and degenerate LytM domains, respectively. Therefore, the LytM domain of SpoIIQ provides the positional cue that dictates the localization of mother cell membrane proteins to the mother cell-forespore interface.
Highly reliable and high yield 1300 nm InGaAlAs directly modulated ridge Fabry-Perot lasers, operating at 10 Gb/s, up to 110/spl deg/C, with constant current swing

Transceivers for 300 m multimode links, based on a serial 10 Gb laser source and incorporating receiver based electronic dispersion compensation (EDC) are creating the first high volume application for 10 Gb FP (Fabry Perot). A highly reliable and high yield uncooled ridge FP laser is presented. The device shows excellent power characteristics in the 25-150/spl deg/C temperature range with very high T0 (95 K in the temperature range 0-85/spl deg/C and still 78 K at 150/spl deg/C). Outstanding dynamic performances are also shown: 6 dB of extinction ratio can be achieved up to 110/spl deg/C, by using a constant current swing of 50 mA.
MECHANISM OF ACTION OF MIGRATION INHIBITORY FACTOR (MIF) I. EVIDENCE FOR A RECEPTOR FOR MIF PRESENT ON THE PERITONEAL MACROPHAGE BUT NOT ON THE ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGE

The initial interaction between migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and the guinea pig alveolar and peritoneal macrophage was studied. MIF-containing supernatants were generated from sensitized lymph node lymphocytes obtained from guinea pigs immunized with bovine gamma globulin in complete Freund's adjuvant. MIF-containing supernatants were markedly inhibitory for the migration of the peritoneal macrophage but had no effect on the alveolar macrophage. A linear relationship was observed between per cent inhibition of migration and serial twofold dilution of supernatant. Reexpressed in arbitrary MIF units, this relationship reflects a dose-response relationship with saturation characteristics. Pulse exposure of peritoneal macrophages to MIF resulted in adsorption of MIF onto both viable and nonviable cells with corresponding depletion of supernatant MIF. The alveolar macrophage did not adsorb MIF. Pulse adsorption of MIF onto the peritoneal macrophage is dependent on time, temperature, and cell number. Pretreatment of the cells with proteolytic enzyme prevents the adsorption of MIF while leaving migration unaffected. These observations support the existence of a specific cell surface receptor for MIF. The existence of such a receptor provides selectivity of immune modulation of macrophage populations by lymphocytes in delayed hypersensitivity reactions.
Neural network based fault detection in robotic manipulators

Fault detection, diagnosis, and accommodation play a key role in the operation of autonomous and intelligent robotic systems. System faults, which typically result in changes in critical system parameters or even system dynamics, may lead to degradation in performance and unsafe operating: conditions. This paper investigates the problem of fault diagnosis in rigid-link robotic manipulators. A learning architecture, with neural networks as online approximators of the off-nominal system behaviour, is used for monitoring the robotic system for faults. The approximation (by the neural network) of the off-nominal behaviour provides a model of the fault characteristics which can be used for detection and isolation of faults. The stability and performance properties of the proposed fault detection scheme in the presence of system failure are rigorously established, simulation examples are presented to illustrate the ability of the neural network based fault diagnosis methodology described in this paper to detect and accommodate faults in a simple two-link robotic system.
Prognostic Significance of Weight Changes during Treatment of Feline Lymphoma

The study purpose was to determine the prognostic significance of weight changes during feline lymphoma treatment. A secondary purpose was to compare weight changes according to baseline body weight, cell type and location. Records of 209 cats treated for lymphoma with chemotherapy from 1995 to 2007 were evaluated. Signalment, cell type, lymphoma location, baseline body weight, weight during treatment, and outcome information were collected. Lymphoma specific survival (LSS) was compared according to baseline weight and weight changes during treatment. Weight change over time was compared according to cell type (small versus large), location (gastrointestinal versus non-gastrointestinal) and baseline weight. Cats with large cell lymphoma that lost ≥ 5% body weight at 1 month had significantly shorter LSS than those that gained or had stable weight (P = 0.004). Percentage weight change over time differed significantly according to baseline weight group. These findings demonstrate the prognostic importance of weight loss in feline large cell lymphoma.
Catastrophic outcomes of noncardiac surgery soon after coronary stenting.

Objectives To assess the clinical course of patients who have undergone coronary stent placement less than six weeks before noncardiac surgery. Background Surgical and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty revascularization performed before high-risk noncardiac surgery is expected to reduce perioperative cardiac morbidity and mortality. Perioperative and postoperative complications in patients who have undergone coronary stenting before a noncardiac surgery have not been studied. Methods Forty patients who underwent coronary stent placement less than six weeks before noncardiac surgery requiring a general anesthesia were included in the study (1-39 days, average: 13 days). The records were screened for the occurrence of adverse clinical events, including myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, peri- and postoperative bleeding and death. Results In 40 consecutive patients meeting the study criteria, there were seven myocardial infarctions (MIs), 11 major bleeding episodes and eight deaths. All deaths and MIs, as well as 8/11 bleeding episodes, occurred in patients subjected to surgery fewer than 14 days from stenting. Four patients expired after undergoing surgery one day after stenting. Based on electrocardiogram, enzymatic and angiographic evidence, stent thrombosis accounted for most of the fatal events. The time between stenting and surgery appeared to be the main determinant of outcome. Conclusions Postponing elective noncardiac surgery for two to four weeks after coronary stenting should permit completion of the mandatory antiplatelet regimen, thereby reducing the risk of stent thrombosis and bleeding complications.
Are Private Government, the Nonprofit Sector, and Civil Society the Same Thing?

This article argues that the concept of private government contributes to an elegant framework for understanding the public and private nature of American civil society. Private government has two distinct elements comprised of the interests of businesses and nonprofit organizations that exercise power to interact with government to achieve their specific goals and objectives. This new, yet familiar, lens on which to consider the role of the nonprofit sector in the United States and the manner in which it interacts with government policy makers and business decision makers adds clarity to the muddle of terminology scholars have assembled to classify and characterize one of American society’s most distinguishing features. The article will be of interest to domestic and international scholars seeking yet another tool to compare nongovernmental organizations and the particular character of civil society in countries that do not have the same political traditions as the United States.
Wetland Restoration Response Analysis using MODIS and Groundwater Data

Vegetation cover and groundwater level changes over the period of restorationare the two most important indicators of the level of success in wetland ecohydrologicalrestoration. As a result of the regular presence of water and dense vegetation, the highestevapotranspiration (latent heat) rates usually occur within wetlands. Vegetation cover andevapotranspiration of large areas of restoration like that of Kissimmee River basin, SouthFlorida will be best estimated using remote sensing technique than point measurements.Kissimmee River basin has been the area of ecological restoration for some years. Thecurrent ecohydrological restoration activities were evaluated through fractional vegetationcover (FVC) changes and latent heat flux using Moderate Resolution ImagingSpectroradiometer (MODIS) data. Groundwater level data were also analyzed for selectedeight groundwater monitoring wells in the basin. Results have shown that the averagefractional vegetation cover and latent heat along 10 km buffer of Kissimmee River betweenLake Kissimmee and Lake Okeechobee was higher in 2004 than in 2000. It is evident thatover the 5-year period of time, vegetated and areas covered with wetlands have increasedsignificantly especially along the restoration corridor. Analysis of groundwater level data(2000-2004) from eight monitoring wells showed that, the average monthly level ofgroundwater was increased by 20 cm and 34 cm between 2000 and 2004, and 2000 and2003, respectively. This change was more evident for wells along the river.
Efficient analysis for FMEA (Space Shuttle reliability)

The use of minimal knowledge in mechanical systems reliability assessment is considered. The design analysis of the US space shuttle solid rocket booster joint is used as an example of this approach and an approximate shell analysis of the joint is presented. Approximate analysis methods, it is argued, are well suited to the breadth-first reliability assessment required early in the design process for failure prevention. Implications of this approach are discussed for other engineering failures and the mechanical design process in general. >
Applying qualitative reasoning techniques for analysis and evaluation in structural design

The authors discuss the qualitative reasoning methodologies for analyzing building structures during the preliminary design process. The objective is to build a general tool, an interactive design assistant (IDA) that focuses on the analysis and evaluation aspects of the design process (as opposed to being an automated decision maker). This framework covers a wide variety of situations in the design spectrum. The framework performs the synthesis-analysis-evaluation iteration qualitatively at different levels of abstraction. Trends observed by simulating the effects of changes in design parameter values at a level give useful directions to refine an existing design. The QSIM approach developed by B. Kuipers (1986) models the feasibility, compatibility, and optimizing constraints as a set of qualitative differential equations. QSIM builds a tree of possible behaviors of the mechanism, starting with an initial state defined by an operating region and a set of qualitative values for the physical parameters. Qualitative simulation makes explicit interactions among structural parameters based on which appropriate design choices can be made. >
Arabidopsis thaliana calcium-dependent lipid-binding protein (AtCLB): a novel repressor of abiotic stress response

Ca 2+ is an important second messenger in plant signal transduction pathways regulating stress-induced gene expression. Functional analysis of plant proteins containing Ca 2+ -binding domains (C2 domains) will help us understand the mechanisms behind the role of transcriptional regulators in the Ca 2+ signalling pathway and open new perspectives for crop genetic improvement. We identified a novel transcriptional regulator, a Ca 2+ -dependent lipid-binding protein (AtCLB) containing a C2 domain. AtCLB binds specifically to the promoter of the Arabidopsis thalianol synthase gene (AtTHAS1), whose expression is induced by gravity and light. Here we describe the role of the Atclb gene encoding the AtCLB protein. Expression of the Atclb gene was documented in all analysed tissues of Arabidopsis (leaf, root, stem, flower, and silique) by real-time PCR analysis. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that AtCLB protein is localized in the nucleus of cells in Arabidopsis root tips. We demonstrated that the AtCLB protein was capable of binding to the membrane lipid ceramide. The role of the Atclb gene in negatively regulating responses to abiotic stress in Arabidopsis thaliana was identified. The loss of the Atclb gene function confers an enhanced drought and salt tolerance and a modified gravitropic response in T-DNA insertion knockout mutant lines. Expression of AtTHAS1 in Atclb knockout mutant lines was increased compared with wild type and a 35S–Atclb overexpression line suggesting AtCLB as a transcriptional repressor of AtTHAS1.
Competition and Monopoly in the Federal Reserve System, 1914–1951: A Microeconomic Approach to Monetary History

Competition among central banks in a monetary union is thought to result in an over issue problem, which has its roots in the view that moneys produced by competitive central banks are perfect substitutes for each other. In the conventional set-up over issue can be overcome by granting a central bank exclusive rights to conduct monetary policy. In this book Mark Toma explores the workings of the early Federal Reserve System as a basis for challenging the conventional wisdom. He is able to show that competition among reserve banks in the 1920s did not result in an issue of Fed money. Rather the main effect of competitive structure was to cause reserve banks to make substantial interest payments to the private banking system in place of transfers to the US government. The book emphasizes the evolution of the Federal Reserve from a competitive to a monopolistic structure.
Race, Ethnicity, Species, Breed: Totemism and Horse-Breed Classification in America

Totem: the iconic representation of a specific ordering of plant and animal species. Clan: the representation of a group identity. Totemism: the relationship between totem and clan. From Emile Durkheim and his nineteenthcentury antecedents to Claude Levi-Strauss, the discussion of totemism has addressed the way in which people classify themselves with reference to the animal and plant world. This discussion began with the observation among different exotic peoples of the widespread practice of arranging certain animal and plant species into a pattern that, while differing from culture to culture in content, seemed to indicate a consistent formal relationship between totem and clan. The iconic representation of so-called nature—the totem—seemed invariably the model for the representation of intra- or intergroup identity—for the clan.
Corrosion Performance of Concrete Cylinder Piles

Abstract Posttensioned concrete cylinder piles produced using a centrifugally cast, vibrated, roller-compacted process have shown promising corrosion resistance in marine environments. Three bridges in the Florida panhandle with ∼40 years in aggressive marine service and one newly constructed marine bridge utilizing concrete cylinder piles were examined. The older marine bridges showed minimal corrosion distress despite a low design concrete cover over the steel hoop reinforcement (2 cm to 4 cm). Typical concrete distress included minor rust staining (not necessarily indicating corrosion of reinforcement steel) and thin longitudinal cracks (likely caused by mechanical damage from pile driving). Chloride ion diffusivity was low, in the order of 1 × 10−9 cm2/s. Other measured parameters such as concrete resistivity, porosity, and water absorption indicate low permeability. Chloride analysis of cracked and uncracked concrete cores from the older bridges in this study did not show pronounced preferential chlo...
Dynamics of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) in a migratory grazer: a laboratory simulation study

Laboratory experiments were conducted to simulate an environment in which the copepod Acartia tonsa (Dana) migrates between food-abundant, low salinity water and food-limiting, high salinity water. The goal of this study is to understand how migratory grazers influence the dynamics of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) in a vertically stratified water column. Results show that the DMSP content of A. tonsa was determined mostly by food availability instead of salinity. Individual copepods accumulated DMSP in their bodies during feeding, but most of the ingested DMSP was not retained in their body tissues. The percentage of ingested DMSP not incorporated into body tissues is estimated to range from 88 to 100%; hence, the percentage of ingested DMSP transported to deep waters by actively migrating copepods is estimated to be less than 10%. Therefore, it is suggested that grazers like A. tonsa help mediate the downward flux of DMSP by producing fast sinking fecal pellets when they are feeding in the surface waters.
Choice of Imaging Modality in the Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease Risk in Extreme Obesity

) occurs in 1 in 20 American adults, and this population is especially at risk of poor health out­comes and increased cost of health care (2). CAD and its risk factors including diabetes mellitus, high blood cholesterol, and high blood pressure increase across weight classes (3,4). It is therefore of utmost importance that accurate risk assessment and stratification is able to be performed in this population at risk for greater morbidity and mortality from CAD.Despite as increased risk, evaluation of CAD in the EO population presents unique challenges. Symptoms con­cerning for CAD, such as dyspnea and reduced exercise tolerance, occur at a high frequency in those with extreme obesity with or without the presence of significant CAD (5), and may lower the sensitivity and specificity of the history and physical exam. In a cohort of class 2 and 3 obesity, dyspnea climbing two flights of stairs occurred in 69–87% and with bathing or dressing in 12–24% of patients (5). Determining the etiology of reduced exercise tolerance in this cohort is further confounded by increased prevalence of sedentary lifestyle as well as arthritis, which occurs in 44% of those with class 3 obesity (4). Assessment of symptoms can be further complicated by the increased incidence of chest pain with exertion (5) as well as left ventricu­lar (LV) hypertrophy and repolarization abnormalities on electrocardiogram (6). Incident obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs in 50% of the EO population (7), can masquerade as systolic heart failure with nocturia, lower extremity edema, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (8).Given these limitations to the history and physical exam, cardiovascular imag­ing is a vital modality to objectively and quantitatively characterize CAD risk. However, common techniques to assess CAD are often limited by body mass of individuals with extreme obes­ity (9). Although advances in imaging techniques have improved the accuracy and lessened the artifacts previously seen in class 1 and 2 obesity, few stud­ies have included significant numbers of extremely obese patients (2). Better patient care and resource allocation when assessing CAD in extreme obesity require an understanding of the limita­tions and advantages of various imaging modalities.It is evident that the risks of CAD are elevated in the EO, but the signs and symptoms concerning for CAD may be even more common and not neces­sarily related to CAD; this requires a knowledgeable approach to the evalu­ation of CAD in EO. In advanced obesity, a multidisciplinary approach is frequently necessary to discern the etiol­ogy of possible cardiac symptoms and to make a timely diagnosis. Cardiac assess­ment in the extreme obese population represents well the current challenge of appropriate resource allocation and utilization of technological advances in patient care. The following is a detailed review of imaging options and the cur­rent literature to assist the physician and researcher in care of this unique patient population as well as highlight needed future investigations.
Gene expression profile of human lung epithelial cells chronically exposed to single-walled carbon nanotubes

A rapid increase in utility of engineered nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), has raised a concern over their safety. Based on recent evidence from animal studies, pulmonary exposure of CNTs may lead to nanoparticle accumulation in the deep lung without effective clearance which could interact with local lung cells for a long period of time. Physicochemical similarities of CNTs to asbestos fibers may contribute to their asbestos-like carcinogenic potential after long-term exposure, which has not been well addressed. More studies are needed to identify and predict the carcinogenic potential and mechanisms for promoting their safe use. Our previous study reported a long-term in vitro exposure model for CNT carcinogenicity and showed that 6-month sub-chronic exposure of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) causes malignant transformation of human lung epithelial cells. In addition, the transformed cells induced tumor formation in mice and exhibited an apoptosis resistant phenotype, a key characteristic of cancer cells. Although the potential role of p53 in the transformation process was identified, the underlying mechanisms of oncogenesis remain largely undefined. Here, we further examined the gene expression profile by using genome microarrays to profile molecular mechanisms of SWCNT oncogenesis. Based on differentially expressed genes, possible mechanisms of SWCNT-associated apoptosis resistance and oncogenesis were identified, which included activation of pAkt/p53/Bcl-2 signaling axis, increased gene expression of Ras family for cell cycle control, Dsh-mediated Notch 1, and downregulation of apoptotic genes BAX and Noxa. Activated immune responses were among the major changes of biological function. Our findings shed light on potential molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in SWCNT oncogenic potential.
Self-perceptions and social–emotional classroom engagement following structured physical activity among preschoolers: A feasibility study

Background The well-rounded development of the child, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social health, may be the most efficient route to well-being and academic success. The primary goal was to investigate the feasibility of implementing a 12-week structured program of physical activity (PA) incorporating cognitive, social, and emotional elements in preschool. Additionally, this study, using a within-subject design, examined the acute effects of a PA session on classroom engagement and changes on perceived competence and peer acceptance from the first to the last week of the program.
A Unified Architecture for Cognition and Motor Control Based on Neuroanatomy Psychophysical Experiments and Cognitive Behaviors.

Overview: A Brain-Emulating Cognition and Control Architecture (BECCA) is presented. It is consistent with the hypothesized functions of pervasive intra-cortical and cortico-subcortical neural circuits. It is able to reproduce many salient aspects of human voluntary movement and motor learning. It also provides plausible mechanisms for many phenomena described in cognitive psychology, including perception and mental modeling. Both “inputs” (afferent channels) and “outputs” (efferent channels) are treated as neural signals; they are all binary (either on or off) and there is no meaning, information, or tag associated with any of them. Although BECCA initially has no internal models, it learns complex interrelations between outputs and inputs through which it bootstraps a model of the system it is controlling and the outside world. BECCA uses two key algorithms to accomplish this: S-Learning and Context-Based Similarity (CBS). S-Learning: S-Learning is an experience-based learning approach in which sequences of states (the set of inputs and outputs at discrete time intervals) are recorded directly into a library. During goal-directed behavior, the library is searched for sequences that begin at the current state and end at a goal state. These successful sequences are replicated as nearly as possible in order to achieve the goal again. SLearning’s lack of an a priori model of the system allows it to learn hard non-linear, time-delayed, and stochastically varying dynamics. S-Learning is demonstrated controlling a simulated 7 degree of freedom robotics arm. Context-Based Similarity: CBS uses the library created by the S-Learning algorithm to form abstract concepts. CBS assumes that states are likely to be similar if they are preceded and followed by the same state prefix and state postfix. For instance, given two sequence of three states, A-B-C and A-Z-C, the states B and Z are assumed to be related. Taken over a large library, CBS can form an extensive set of abstract concepts based only on raw observations. These concepts can be then be used as the inputs to another instance of S-Learning and CBS which in turn create higher-level con-
Use of the fluorescent antibody technic to identify weak subgroups of erythrocytes.

Erythrocytes, which appeared to belong to a weak A subgroup, were studied by the indirect immunofluorescence technic utilizing anti-A typing serum and fluorescein-conjugated anti-IgG/IgM. Rare, single fluorescing cells, similar to Ax control cells, were observed in preparations of erythrocytes from three members of the family studied, the father and two sons. The mode of inheritance of the weak A (Aw) gene, presumably allelic at the ABO locus, was elucidated by direct observation of fluorescent patterns in erythrocytes of family members. This technic can be useful in detecting weak subgroups of the ABO blood group system. However, it is not possible to classify these weak subgroups into specific categories, e.g ., A3, Am, or Ax, using this technic, since they do not segregate into well-defined subgroups but show considerable degree of overlap. The fluorescent antibody technic, as opposed to the absorption and elution methods commonly used to identify weak subgroups, allows direct observation of the antigens present on erythrocytes. Furthermore, saliva studies used for identifying ABO subgroups can be employed only for those individuals who secrete soluble blood-group substances. Since the fluorescent antibody technic is not dependent on secretor status, it is valuable for investigating weak subgroups in these persons.
Mathematical modelling in health risk assessment: The use of mathematical models in carcinogenesis risk assessment

Mathematical models have played a key role in health risk assessment. Most quantitative risk assessments for carcinogens rely on dose response data from either animal bioassays or epidemiology studies to predict risk at low human exposure levels. Various mathematical models have been proposed for extrapolating from risks at the high observed exposure levels to risks at the much lower exposure levels likely to be of concern for human health. The most widely used model has been the so-called linearized multistage model. This model combines the widely held multistage theory of carcinogenesis with the notion of low dose linearity to provide upper bounds on excess risk at exposure levels below the observed dose range. The multistage model has also been proposed for predicting risks from short-term exposures based on observed risks from long-term exposures. Recently the multistage model has been criticized for its lack of ability to characterize the processes of initiation and promotion in carcinogenesis. Models that do permit such characterization are receiving much interest and attention.
Near infrared laser annealing of CdTe and in-situ measurement of the evolution of structural and optical properties

The high performance of polycrystalline CdTethin film solar cells is enabled by annealing in the presence of Cl. This process is typically carried out for tens of minutes resulting in reduction of defect states within the bandgap among other beneficial effects. In this work, we investigate laser annealing as a means of rapidly annealing CdTe using a continuous wave sub-bandgap 1064 nm laser. The partial transmission of the beam allows us to monitor the annealing process in-situ and in real time. We find that optoelectronic and structural changes occur through two distinct kinetic processes resulting in the removal of deep defects and twinned regions, respectively. A multilayer optical model including surface roughness is used to interpret both the in-situ transmission as well as ex-situreflectivitymeasurements. These experiments demonstrate beneficial material changes resulting from sub-bandgap laser-driven CdCl2 treatment of CdTe in minutes, which is an important step towards accelerating the processing of the CdTe absorber layer.
Treatment of Hypothyroidism: Utility of Adding T3 (Liothyronine)

A 41-year-old man presented initially for the evaluation and management of a thyroid nodule, which was noted incidentally on imaging. Further evaluation revealed the presence of a papillary thyroid carcinoma. A total thyroidectomy was performed and he immediately started taking levothyroxine as the standard replacement therapy. Based on his stage of cancer, TSH suppression was not required and therefore the TSH goal was to remain within the normal reference range. The initial dose was calculated based on his weight, and he started taking 150 μg of levothyroxine daily.
Recent Advances in Regression Testing Techniques

Abstract Software systems and their environment change are continuous. They are enhanced, corrected, and ported to new platforms. These changes can affect a system adversely, thus software engineers perform regression testing to ensure the quality of the modified systems. Regression testing is an integral part of most major software projects, but as projects grow larger and the number of tests increases, performing regression testing becomes more costly. To address this problem, many researchers and practitioners have proposed and empirically evaluated various regression testing techniques, such as regression test selection, test case prioritization, and test suite minimization. Recent surveys on these techniques indicate that this research area continues to grow, heuristics and the types of data utilized become diverse, and wider application domains have been considered. This chapter presents the current status and the trends of three regression testing techniques and discusses recent advances of each technique.
Methodology for Characterizing Representativeness Uncertainty in Orifice Plate Mass Flow Rate Measurements Using CFD Simulations

The measurement of the steam generator feedwater mass flow rate is a dominant source of uncertainty in the nominal thermal power calculation of a plant. In this paper, mass flow rate measurement by...
Self Talk: A New Theory to Understanding and Treating Sexual Problems

AbstractRational therapy has shown self-talk primarily causes our emotions and action. This principle is applied to sexuality. It is shown that sexual deviations, sexual dysfunctions and problems involving the emotion of love are primarily determined by irrational self-talk, and that such difficulties can be treated by changing the underlying self-talk.
Extracting Social Dimensions Using Fiedler Embedding

In this paper, we present and evaluate the use of a Fiedler embedding representation for multi-label classification of social media. Networked data, such as data from social media, contains instances of multiple types that are related through different types of links. The network structure causes these data instances to no longer remain independently identically distributed (i.i.d.). Relational learning succeeds in improving the classification performance by leveraging the correlation of the labels between linked instances. However, instances in a network can be linked for different causal reasons, hence treating all links in a homogeneous way limits the performance of relational classifiers on such datasets. Social-dimension based approaches address this problem by extracting a feature space which captures the pattern of prominent interactions in the network. In this paper, we propose an alternate low-dimensional social feature representation that can be extracted from edge-based social dimensions using Fiedler embedding. This embedded feature space encodes the relations between people and their connections (nodes and links). Experiments on two real-world social media datasets demonstrate that our proposed framework offers a better feature representation for multi-label classification problems on social media.
Programmed Cell Death-ligand 1 (pd-l1) Expression in Anal Cancer

To evaluate the expression of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in anal cancer. In a retrospective cohort analysis, subjects with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal were tested for PD-L1 expression, then followed for recurrence and survival. Crude recurrence rates (CRRs), crude mortality rates (CMRs), and crude event rates (CERs) were assessed for PD-L1-dependent differences using Poisson regression. All 3 types of crude rate were expressed as the number that occurred per hundred person-years (hPY) of follow-up. Samples from 41 subjects were evaluated for PD-L1 expression; 23 (56%) were positive. Subjects with PD-L1-expressing versus PD-L1-negative tumors respectively had CRRs of 30.8 versus 12.1 recurrences/hPY (P=0.082), CMRs of 16.7 versus 12.0 deaths/hPY (P=0.47), and CERs of 39.2 versus 16.9 events/hPY (P=0.069). PD-L1 positivity was associated with worse CRR and CER, and marginally worse CMR. The effect on progression-free and overall survival needs to be validated in a study with a larger sample size.
MafG-Null Mice Show Delayed Leukocyte Engraftment Following Whole Bone Marrow Transplant.

Megakaryocytes, which give rise to platelets, constitute a small population of cells. However, molecular aspects of megakaryocyte development are poorly understood. MafG is the small subunit of the transcription factor, NF-E2, which plays a major role in terminal megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet release. We sought to determine the effect of impaired platelet release due to targeted ablation of the mafG gene following a hematopoietic stem cell transplant on engraftment kinetics. We performed three types transplants: C57Bl/6 Ly5.1 murine bone marrow (mafG WT/WT bm) into lethally irradiated mafG null hosts expressing green fluorescent protein, (GFP), mafG-null/GFP bm into lethally irradiated C57BL/6 mafG WT/WT hosts, and mafG WT/WT GFP bm into lethally irradiated C57BL/6 mafG WT/WT hosts. We measured peripheral cell counts, the presence of circulating donor-derived cells by flow cytometry, changes in the cellularity of the bone marrow and splenic weight, and megakaryocyte size and concentration on day 5, 7, 14, and 28 post transplant. We found: Platelet engraftment kinetics differed when mafG null animals served as donors or recipients. Specifically, platelets reached their lowest point at day 7 when mafG WT/WT or mafG null bm was transplanted into wildtype hosts. When mafG WT/WT bm was transplanted into mafG null hosts, platelets reached a low point on day 5. MafG null hosts transplant with mafG WT/WT bm had 5-fold lower circulating platelet levels than mafG WT/WT hosts at day 5. When mafG WT/WT served as donors, circulating platelets began to increase after day 7, while animals receiving mafG null donor cells had platelet counts that continued to diminish. Splenic hematopoiesis was markedly decreased when mafG WT/WT bm was transplanted into mafG null hosts. In contrast, when mafG null bm was transplanted into mafG WT/WT hosts, splenic hematopoiesis was increased 2.5 fold on day 28 compared to animals receiving mafG WT/WT donor cells. Mortality rate was much higher in mafG null hosts. Leukocyte engraftment was delayed when mafG WT/WT bm was transplanted into mafG null hosts. These results suggest that host factors determine the timing of the platelet nadir following bone marrow transplant. Furthermore, the mafG protein, contributes in previously unrecognized ways to splenic hematopoiesis and successful engraftment, possibly through its function in promoting megakaryocyte development and platelet release.
Distance Education in North America: An Update

Over the past decade, the Web has dramatically changed distance education in North America, greatly increasing the number and diversity of institutions involved in distance education, creating new institutions and models for institutional collaboration, and mainstreaming many facets of distance education into the fabric of traditional institutions. In the process, North American institutions, like their counterparts elsewhere around the globe, have begun to create a new pedagogy that uses the continually evolving new technologies to address the needs of a knowledge society.
For Method: Or, Against Feyerabend

During the last quarter century, the theory of scientific methodology has come in for more than its share of drubbing from a variety of sources. Polanyi, Quine, Hesse, Kuhn, Wittgenstein, and a host of others have urged the abandonment of the methodological enterprise. Most of the arguments against methodology boil down to one of two sorts. They typically allege either (a) that the rules of scientific investigation radically underdetermine theory choice (and are thereby presumed to be impotent), or else (b) that the explicit rules of methodology are so vague and ambiguous that they forbid nothing1. I have tried to show elsewhere that the arguments lying behind these particular allegations will not support the conclusions drawn from them.2 But I have yet to come to terms in print with the writings of the most forceful and persistent critic of methodology in our time, Paul Feyerabend.
Pattern-Directed Replication Scheme for Heterogeneous Object-based Storage

Data replication is a key technique to achieve data availability, reliability, and optimized performance in distributed storage systems and data centers. In recent years, with the emergence of new storage devices, heterogeneous object-based storage system, such as a storage system with the co-existence of hard disk drives and solid state drives, have become increasingly attractive as they combine merits of different storage devices to deliver better promise. However, existing data replication schemes do not place data based on heterogeneous device characteristics as well as considering distinct data access patterns. In this paper, we introduce a novel data replication scheme PRS to achieve efficient data replication for heterogeneous storage systems. Different from traditional schemes, the PRS groups objects according to data access patterns and distributes replicas to heterogeneous devices with their features. It uses a pseudo random algorithm to optimize replica layout by considering storage device performance and capacity. The experimental results confirm that PRS is a highly efficient replication scheme for heterogeneous storage systems.
Picky Attackers: Quantifying the Role of System Properties on Intruder Behavior

Honeypots constitute an invaluable piece of technology that allows researchers and security practitioners to track the evolution of break-in techniques by attackers and discover new malicious IP addresses, hosts, and victims. Even though there has been a wealth of research where researchers deploy honeypots for a period of time and report on their findings, there is little work that attempts to understand how the underlying properties of a compromised system affect the actions of attackers. In this paper, we report on a four-month long study involving 102 medium-interaction honeypots where we vary a honeypot's location, difficulty of break-in, and population of files, observing how these differences elicit different behaviors from attackers. Moreover, we purposefully leak the credentials of dedicated, hard-to-brute-force, honeypots to hacking forums and paste-sites and monitor the actions of the incoming attackers. Among others, we find that, even though bots perform specific environment-agnostic actions, human attackers are affected by the underlying environment, e.g., executing more commands on honeypots with realistic files and folder structures. Based on our findings, we provide guidance for future honeypot deployments and motivate the need for having multiple intrusion-detection systems.
SIMULATING LATTICE GAUGE THEORY WITH FERMIONS

We present a progress report in lattice gauge theory computer simulations which include the effects of light, dynamical fermions. Microcanonical and hybrid microcanonical-Langevin alogrithms are presented and discussed. Physics applications such as the thermodynamics of Quantum Chromodynamics, hierarchal energy scales in unified gauge theories, and the phase diagram of theories with many fermion species are discussed. Prospects for future research are assessed.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Medical Therapy

In an acute angle-closure (AAC) attack, the goal of treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) and prevent progression to chronic angle-closure glaucoma and visual loss. Medication alone may break the AAC attack but the primary role of medical therapy is to optimize conditions so that definitive treatment (laser iridotomy) can be performed. Most classes of glaucoma medications may be utilized in the treatment of AAC glaucoma.
Blood pressure checks and diagnosing hypertension (BP-CHECK): Design and methods of a randomized controlled diagnostic study comparing clinic, home, kiosk, and 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring.

Abstract Background The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends out-of-office blood pressure (BPs) before making a new diagnosis of hypertension, using 24-h ambulatory (ABPM) or home BP monitoring (HBPM), however this is not common in routine clinical practice. Blood Pressure Checks and Diagnosing Hypertension (BP-CHECK) is a randomized controlled diagnostic study assessing the comparability and acceptability of clinic, home, and kiosk-based BP monitoring to ABPM for diagnosing hypertension. Stakeholders including patients, providers, policy makers, and researchers informed the study design and protocols. Methods Adults aged 18–85 without diagnosed hypertension and on no hypertension medication with elevated BPs in clinic and at the baseline research visit are randomized to one of 3 regimens for diagnosing hypertension: (1) clinic BPs, (2) home BPs, or (3) kiosk BPs; all participants subsequently complete ABPM. The primary outcomes are the comparability (with daytime ABPM mean systolic and diastolic BP as the reference standard) and acceptability (e.g., adherence to, patient-reported outcomes) of each method compared to ABPM. Longer-term outcomes are assessed at 6-months including: patient-reported outcomes, primary care providers' diagnosis of hypertension; and BP control. We report challenges experienced and our response to these. Results Enrollment began in May of 2017 with a target of randomizing 510 participants. BP thresholds for diagnosing hypertension in the US changed after the trial started. We discuss the stakeholder process used to assess and respond to these changes. Conclusion and public health impact BP-CHECK will inform which hypertension diagnostic methods are most accurate, acceptable, and feasible to implement in primary care.
Experimental Evidence of the Lorentz-Like Effective Medium Resonance in Semiconductor Hyperbolic Metamaterials Using Strong Coupling to Plasmonic Metasurfaces

The Lorentz-like effective medium resonance (LEMR) exhibited by the longitudinal effective permittivity of semiconductor hyperbolic metamaterials (SHMs) has been known for some time. However, direct observation of this resonance proved to be difficult. Herein, we experimentally demonstrate its existence by strongly coupling SHMs to plasmonic metasurfaces. We consider four strong coupling implementations of SHMs that exhibit different LEMR absorption profiles (both in frequency and in strength) to validate our approach.
Single cigarette purchasers among adult U.S. smokers

Abstract Cigarette smoking remains the leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. The purchase of single cigarettes, known as loosies, allows for a more affordable cost than a pack of cigarettes. Many of the existing studies on loose cigarettes have used a small non-generalizable sample. This study examined the sociodemographic characteristics of loosie purchasers among adult cigarette smokers in the United States. Data from the 2006/07–2014/15 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey were analyzed. The sociodemographic characteristics of loosie users were examined by multivariable logistic regression. In 2014–2015, approximately 5.4% of adult smokers reported purchasing loosies compared to 3.7% in 2006–2007. Men (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10–1.35), non-Hispanic Blacks (OR 3.30, 95% CI 2.89–3.77), Hispanics (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.67–2.32), and those living in a metropolitan area (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02–1.33) had significantly higher odds of single cigarette purchase. Single cigarette use also varied by age, marital status, employment, and geographic region. Menthol cigarette smokers had higher odds of purchasing loosies compared to non-menthol smokers. Likewise, cigarette quit intention was significantly associated with odds of buying loosies. The prevalence of single cigarette purchases among smokers appears to be lower in a national sample compared to previous estimates reported in specific populations. However, certain subpopulations were more likely to purchase a single cigarette and may contribute to persistent disparities among racial and ethnic minorities. Preventing the sale of loosies may improve the health outcomes of underserved communities, specifically those with low socioeconomic status.