cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonuniform sampling schemes of the Brillouin zone for many-electron perturbation-theory calculations in reduced dimensionality

First-principles calculations based on many-electron perturbation theory methods, such as the ab initio $GW$ and $GW$ plus Bethe-Salpeter equation ($GW$-BSE) approach, are reliable ways to predict quasiparticle and optical properties of materials, respectively. However, these methods involve more care in treating the electron-electron interaction and are considerably more computationally demanding when applied to systems with reduced dimensionality, since the electronic confinement leads to a slower convergence of sums over the Brillouin zone due to a much more complicated screening environment that manifests in the ``head'' and ``neck'' elements of the dielectric matrix. Here we present two schemes to sample the Brillouin zone for $GW$ and $GW$-BSE calculations: the nonuniform neck subsampling method and the clustered sampling interpolation method, which can respectively be used for a family of single-particle problems, such as $GW$ calculations, and for problems involving the scattering of two-particle states, such as when solving the BSE. We tested these methods on several few-layer semiconductors and graphene and show that they perform a much more efficient sampling of the Brillouin zone and yield two to three orders of magnitude reduction in the computer time. These two methods can be readily incorporated into several ab initio packages that compute electronic and optical properties through the $GW$ and $GW$-BSE approaches.
Ifenprodil infusion in agranular insular cortex alters social behavior and vocalizations in rats exposed to moderate levels of ethanol during prenatal development

Moderate exposure to alcohol during development leads to subtle neurobiological and behavioral effects classified under the umbrella term fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Alterations in social behaviors are a frequently observed consequence of maternal drinking, as children with FASDs display inappropriate aggressive behaviors and altered responses to social cues. Rodent models of FASDs mimic the behavioral alterations seen in humans, with rats exposed to ethanol during development displaying increased aggressive behaviors, decreased social investigation, and altered play behavior. Work from our laboratory has observed increased wrestling behavior in adult male rats following prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), and increased expression of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in the agranular insular cortex (AIC). This study was undertaken to determine if ifenprodil, a GluN2B preferring negative allosteric modulator, has a significant effect on social behaviors in PAE rats. Using a voluntary ethanol exposure paradigm, rat dams were allowed to drink a saccharin-sweetened solution of either 0% or 5% ethanol throughout gestation. Offspring at 6-8 months of age were implanted with cannulae into AIC. Animals were isolated for 24h before ifenprodil or vehicle was infused into AIC, and after 15min they were recorded in a social interaction chamber. Ifenprodil treatment altered aspects of wrestling, social investigatory behaviors, and ultrasonic vocalizations in rats exposed to ethanol during development that were not observed in control animals. These data indicate that GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in AIC play a role in social behaviors and may underlie alterations in behavior and vocalizations observed in PAE animals.
Stress Kinase GCN2 Controls the Proliferative Fitness and Trafficking of Cytotoxic T Cells Independent of Environmental Amino Acid Sensing

Summary GCN2 is one of four "stress kinases" that block translation by phosphorylating eIF2α. GCN2 is thought to bind uncharged tRNAs to "sense" amino acid availability. In mammals, myeloid cells expressing indoleamine dioxygenases locally deplete tryptophan, which is detected by GCN2 in T cells to cause proliferative arrest. GCN2-deficient T cells were reported to ectopically enter the cell cycle when tryptophan was limiting. Using GCN2-deficient strains crossed to T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic backgrounds, we found GCN2 is essential for induction of stress target genes such as CHOP. However, GCN2-deficient CD8 + T cells fail to proliferate in limiting tryptophan, arginine, leucine, lysine, or asparagine, the opposite of what previous studies concluded. In vitro and in vivo proliferation experiments show that GCN2-deficient CD8 + T cells have T cell-intrinsic proliferative and trafficking defects not observed in CD4 + T cells. Thus, GCN2 is required for normal cytotoxic T cell function.
Endo-β-Mannanase Activity During Lettuce Seed Germination at High Temperature in Response to Ethylene

The role of endo-β-mannanase (EBM) during lettuce seed germination at 35°C and the influencele of ethylene in EBM regulation were investigated. Seeds of ‘Dark Green Boston’ (DGB) and ‘Everglades’ (EVE) were germinated in water, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), or aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG). Seeds were also primed in polyethylene glycol (PEG), or PEG + ACC, PEG + AVG. Untreated seeds germinated 100% at 20°C. At 35°C, EVE germinated 100%, whereas DGB germinated only 4%. Seed priming or adding ACC during incubation increased germination at 35°C. AVG inhibited seed germination of DGB at 35°C. Higher enzyme activity was observed in EVE compared with DGB seeds. Providing ACC either during priming or during germination increased EBM activity, whereas AVG decreased activity. Higher ethylene production was detected in EVE than DGB during germination at 35°C. The results suggest that ethylene overcomes the inhibitory effect of high temperature in thermosensitive lettuce seeds by weakening of endosperm due to increased EBM activity.
Munc13-4 functions as a Ca2+ sensor for homotypic secretory granule fusion to generate endosomal exocytic vacuoles

Munc13-4 is a Ca2+-dependent SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor)- and phospholipid-binding protein that localizes to and primes secretory granules (SGs) for Ca2+-evoked secretion in various secretory cells. Studies in mast cell-like RBL-2H3 cells provide direct evidence that Munc13-4 with its two Ca2+-binding C2 domains functions as a Ca2+ sensor for SG exocytosis. Unexpectedly, Ca2+ stimulation also generated large (>2.4 μm in diameter) Munc13-4+/Rab7+/Rab11+ endosomal vacuoles. Vacuole generation involved the homotypic fusion of Munc13-4+/Rab7+ SGs, followed by a merge with Rab11+ endosomes, and depended on Ca2+ binding to Munc13-4. Munc13-4 promoted the Ca2+-stimulated fusion of VAMP8-containing liposomes with liposomes containing exocytic or endosomal Q-SNAREs and directly interacted with late endosomal SNARE complexes. Thus Munc13-4 is a tethering/priming factor and Ca2+ sensor for both heterotypic SG-plasma membrane and homotypic SG-SG fusion. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy imaging revealed that vacuoles were exocytic and mediated secretion of β-hexosaminidase and cytokines accompanied by Munc13-4 diffusion onto the plasma membrane. The results provide new molecular insights into the mechanism of multigranular compound exocytosis commonly observed in various secretory cells.
Japanese wh-phrases as operators with unspecified quantificational force

Japanese wh-expressions appear in various kinds of operator-variable structures, including wh-questions and sentences with universal and existential quantification. The nature of the operator-variable relation is determined by an associated particle, such as the question marker ka or the universal particle mo . Given this, it has been widely assumed since Kuroda (1965) that the wh-expressions are to be interpreted as variables bound by those quantificational particles. This paper argues against this prevailing view by proposing that these wh-expressions are operators with unspecified quantificational force. Building on an insight by Nishigauchi (1990) , I argue that they must covertly move to positions that allow them to probe particles and to acquire specific quantificational forces from them. I demonstrate that this analysis captures the main properties of Japanese wh-expressions as well as the differences between them and their Chinese counterparts. Huang (1982) proposed a covert movement analysis for argument wh-phrases in Chinese, which was extended to Japanese, for example, in Lasnik & Saito (1984) and Richards (2001) . But Tsai (1999) has convincingly shown that they are subject to unselective binding and are interpreted in situ as variables. If the analysis for Japanese in this paper is correct, it shows that Huang’s approach can be – and should be – maintained for wh-phrases in Japanese with some refinements.
Acquired Hemophilia A: A Single Institution’s Experience.

Background: Acquired Hemophilia A (AH) due to factor VIII inhibitor is a rare life threatening disorder. If not diagnosed and treated urgently, significant mortality and morbidity results. AH can occur in setting of old age, autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, medication, malignancy, and lymphoproliferatve disorders. In majority of cases it is idiopathic. Objective: Review the treatment modalities and outcome of AH patients at our institution. Methods: A retrospective review of the data pertaining to patients who were diagnosed with AH at our institution between 1993–2004. Results: There were 5 patients diagnosed with AH, 3 female and 2 male. The median age was 67 years (range 30–84 years) the setting for development of AH in these patients was as follows: 1- postpartum, 1-HIV, 3 idiopathic. All patients presented with varying degree of spontaneous hemorrhage. The median Factor VIII inhibitor level was 16 Bethesda Unit (BU)(range 7. 2–31). Acute control of hemorrhage was achieved in all patients using either FEIBA (Factor eight inhibitor bypass activity) alone (1 patient), FEIBA and Novo seven (VIIa)(4 patients). Chronic immunosuppressive therapy was given as follows: Steroid alone (2 patients), Steroid and IVIG (1 patients), Steroid and Cyclophospamide (1 patient) and Steroid, Cyclophospamide and Rituximab (1 patient). Complete remission (CR) was obtained in 4 patients and with the final patient still receiving treatment. In one patient, the dose of Cyclophospamide was decreased due to Leucopenia. The median time to elimination of inhibitors was 5 month (range 1–10 month). There have been no mortalities. Conclusions: AH is a life threatening condition if not promptly diagnosed and treated, mortality remains significantly high. Treatment with factors replacement and immunosuppressive therapy was effective in all our patients
Human Mobility Modeling on Metropolitan Scale Based on Multiple Cellphone Networks: Poster Abstract

Modeling human mobility patterns from CDR(Call Detail Record) data is an efficient way to understand the effects of human movements on transportation, society and the environment. Previous human mobility models are focused on single cellphone network CDR data. In the poster, we present a framework to model human mobility patterns on CDR data from multiple cellphone networks. Based on data analysis from multiple cellphone networks, our target is to provide statistic features and mobility patterns in multiple granularities of spatio-temporal resolutions to support novel urban services. Compared with previous work, our approaches aim to establish a more diverse and more stable framework, which is a crucial prerequisite for various smart city services and applications.
Predictive Modeling of a Buoyancy-Operated Cooling Tower Under Saturated Conditions—II: Optimal Best-Estimate Results with Reduced Predicted Uncertainties

AbstractThis paper provides the results of the adjoint sensitivity model developed in the accompanying Part I for a natural draft counter-flow cooling tower. The selected responses are (1) outlet air temperature, (2) outlet water temperature, (3) outlet water mass flow rate, (4) air outlet relative humidity, and (5) air mass flow rate. Explicit expressions for the best-estimate nominal values of the model parameters and responses are also provided, together with the best-estimate reduced standard deviations of the predicted model parameters and responses. The results stemming from this work show that the PM_CMPS procedure reduces the predicted standard deviations of all responses and model parameters.
Cryptography classes in bugs framework (BF): Encryption bugs (ENC), verification bugs (VRF), and key management bugs (KMN)

Accurate, precise, and unambiguous definitions of software weaknesses (bugs) and clear descriptions of software vulnerabilities are vital for building the foundations of cybersecurity. The Bugs Framework (BF) comprises rigorous definitions and (static) attributes of bug classes, along with their related dynamic properties, such as proximate, secondary and tertiary causes, consequences, and sites. This paper presents an overview of previously developed BF classes and the new cryptography related classes: Encryption Bugs (ENC), Verification Bugs (VRF), and Key Management Bugs (KMN). We analyze corresponding vulnerabilities and provide their clear descriptions by applying the BF taxonomy. We also discuss the lessons learned and share our plans for expanding BF.
Mass Exchange and Equilibration Processes in AOT Reverse Micelles

Reverse micelles (RMs) made with sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate suspended in isooctane are commonly used experimental models of aqueous microenvironments. However, there are important unanswered questions about the very characteristic that makes them of interest, namely their size. To explore the factors that determine the size of RMs, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of RMs with different sizes but the same water-loading ratio were performed. An Anton 2 machine was used so that systems of the necessary size could be extended into the microsecond timescale, and mass exchange processes could be observed. Contrary to hypothesis, there were no net gains or losses of water by diffusion between RMs of different size. However, gains and losses did occur following fusion events. RM fusion followed RM contact only when waters were present among the hydrophobic surfactant chains at the point of contact. The presence of an encapsulated 40-residue amyloid beta peptide did not directly promote RM fusion, but it quickly and efficiently terminated each fusion event. Before fusion terminated, however, the size of the peptide-containing RM increased without a corresponding change in its water-loading ratio. We conclude that the mass transfer between RMs is most likely accomplished through transient fusion events, rather than through the diffusion of component molecules through the organic phase. The behavior of the amyloid beta peptide in this system underscores its propensity to embed in, and fold in response to, multiple interactions with the surfactant layer.
Recollections on Implementing the Ideas of Conceptual Foundations

William C. Frederick made it quite clear in his paper why Conceptual Foundations of Business was a book that made a difference.1 With its publication in 1961 Richard Eells and Clarence Walton provided “much food for thought” for the leaders of the corporate community, schools of business administration, and makers of public policy. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on what it was like trying to implement these and similar ideas. Would these ideas encounter a friendly or hostile environment? Would business school faculties be eager to present them to their students and to embrace and expand upon them in their research? Who would teach and research these new, multidisciplinary concepts, ideas and theories? Would an infrastructure develop to support an emerging business and society field of management study? If so, would it become an integral part of the management education establishment? Was the national accrediting agency for collegiate schools of business prepared to provide the leadership needed to meet the challenges that these ideas presented to management education. These ruminations about such issues span a period of approximately twenty years beginning around 1960.
Shape Compression using Spherical Geometry Images

We recently introduced an algorithm for spherical parametrization and remeshing, which allows resampling of a genus-zero surface onto a regular 2D grid, a spherical geometry image. These geometry images offer several advantages for shape compression. First, simple extension rules extend the square image domain to cover the infinite plane, thereby providing a globally smooth surface parametrization. The 2D grid structure permits use of ordinary image wavelets, including higher-order wavelets with polynomial precision. The coarsest wavelets span the entire surface and thus encode the lowest frequencies of the shape. Finally, the compression and decompression algorithms operate on ordinary 2D arrays, and are thus ideally suited for hardware acceleration. In this paper, we detail two wavelet-based approaches for shape compression using spherical geometry images, and provide comparisons with previous compression schemes.
Selenoprotein loss resulting from Alkbh8 deficiency engages senescence and metabolic programming and predicts poor clear cell renal cancer cell survival

Over 14,000 Americans die each year from kidney cancer with clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) being the most prevalent and malignant type. Disruptions in glutathione (GSH) metabolism have emerged as predictors of poor survival in ccRCC. Critically important to the maintenance of the GSH redox cycle are the activities of many selenocysteine-containing GSH metabolizing enzymes whose translation is controlled by the tRNA methyltransferase alkylation repair homolog 8 (Alkbh8). Epitransciptomic marks, in the form of tRNA modifications, can regulate gene expression at the level of translation. Our studies indicate that defective epitranscriptomic regulation and impairment in selenocysteine (SEC) incorporation, resulting from a deficiency in tRNA methytransferase Alkbh8 (Alkbh8-/-), alters glutathione (GSH) metabolism (4) and triggers a gene signature that is highly predictive (Hazard Ratio 2.65, p
Acute toxicity testing of TiO2-based vs. oxybenzone-based sunscreens on clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris).

Given the prevalence of skin cancer, sunscreens are recommended by dermatologists including the American Academy of Dermatology to protect skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Unfortunately, this leads to an estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen entering waterways each year. Many of the chemicals in sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and benzophenone-2, are indicated to have adverse effects on corals and other aquatic life. As an eco-conscious alternative, physical barrier sunscreens, such as non-nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2), have been suggested as a replacement. This study examines the impact of a non-nano-TiO2-based sunscreen over a nationally sold brand of sunscreen containing oxybenzone, on clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris). Animals were evaluated for mortality, swimming behavior, and feeding behavior. Our data indicate that at an exposure level of 100 mg/L oxybenzone-containing sunscreen had a negative impact on mortality, leading to 25% death by the end of the 97-h testing period. Negative impacts on behavior were even more dramatic for the 100 mg/L oxybenzone-containing sunscreen, with 100% of the animals failing to feed over the first 49 h of testing and 100% of animals demonstrating abnormal swimming behavior over the entire testing period. By comparison, the non-nano-(TiO2) sunscreen at 100 mg/L had little (6.7%) negative impact on mortality and feeding. While swimming behavior was disrupted during the first 25 h of testing (26.7% abnormal movement), animals recovered well over the remainder of the testing period (out to 97 h).
Achieving Health Equity through Science, Policy, and Partnerships.

I am delighted to write the Foreword for this timely supplement to Ethnicity & Disease. The work of the Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for Health Disparities Research at Morehouse School of Medicine exemplifies the mission and scope of the journal, which includes understanding and addressing social and racial/ethnic factors related to health care access and outcomes. This supplement moves the field forward in its collective efforts toward disparity reduction and health equity, with a focus on health policy. The articles in this special issue have a common theme – health equity advancement and potential targets for policy interventions to eliminate disparities.
Dopamine and L-Dopa, Precursors of Norepinephrine: Effects on Thyroxine Release

Norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine, and their precorsors have been shown to enhance iodide organification in calf thyroid tissue through alpha-adrenergic receptors (1). In an in vitro mouse thyroid preparation, NE concomitantly stimulated iodide organification and inhibited thyrotropin (TSH)stimulated thyroxine (T4) release (2,3). Recently such inhibition of TSHstimulated T4 release was confirmed in vivo (4). In the present study, dopamine (DA) and L-DOPA also inhibited TSH-stimulated T4 release through alpha-adrenergic and dopaminergic receptors; cAMP appeared to be an unlikely mediator.
Introduction: Explaining Early America

The book’s Introduction briefly discusses the historical problem of understanding the history of early America, a problem which has been complicated by the still strongly held notion (in both public perception and in some academic circles) of an American historical exceptionalism. It sketches recent historiographical developments and scholarly trends, and it introduces historian David Day’s notion of a supplanting society. It presents the book’s main idea: early American history is a central part of—rather than an exception to—the emerging global histories of imperialism, colonialism, and genocide. It also presents its main argument: early American history is best understood as the story of a supplanting society, a society intent on a land grab of Indigenous space and driven by a logic of elimination and a genocidal imperative to rid the new settler living space of its existing Indigenous inhabitants.
Are Crossbar Memories Secure? New Security Vulnerabilities in Crossbar Memories

Memristors are emerging Non-Volatile Memories (NVMs) that are promising for building future memory systems. Unlike DRAM, memristors are non-volatile, i.e., they can retain data after power loss. In contrast to DRAM where each cell is associated with a pass transistor, memristor cells can be implemented without such transistor, and hence enable high density ReRAM systems. Moreover, memristors leverage a unique crossbar architecture to improve the density of memory modules. Memristors have been considered to build future data centers with both energy-efficiency and high memory capacity goals. Surprisingly, we observe that using memristors in multi-tenant environments, e.g., cloud systems, entails new security vulnerabilities. In particular, the crossbar contents can severely affect the write latency of any data cells within the same crossbar. With various memory interleaving options (to optimize performance), a single crossbar might be shared among several applications/users from different security domains. Therefore, such content-dependent latency can open new source of information leakage. In this article, we describe the information leakage problem in memristor crossbar arrays (MCAs), discuss how they can be potentially exploited from application level. Our work highlights the need for future research to mitigate (and potentially eliminate) information leakage in crossbar memories in future computing systems.
Multifactorial Pulmonary Hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis.

Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive disease often associated with multifactorial etiology. The impact of multiple causes contributing to rapid progression of the disease, to our knowledge has not been thoroughly reviewed in literature. The cause of pulmonary hypertension is often implied from pre-existing comorbidities. A diagnostic and management challenge exists when simultaneous presence of multiple plausible causes exist. Studies evaluating the rapid progression of symptoms in multifactorial pulmonary hypertension to this effect are lacking. We present a case of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in a patient with rapidly progressing symptoms to highlight the need for an early and thorough diagnostic workup.
Exploring ways to create 21st century digital learning experiences

An investigation of teacher and student use of digital devices and tools to inform others about ways to create twenty-first-century digital learning experiences in the classroom and at home. The re...
Necrotizing Lung Infections

Necrotizing lung infections (NLI) are rare occurrences; however, they can be devastating if not managed appropriately. NLI represent a spectrum of disease from lung abscess to pulmonary gangrene. The most common causes of NLI are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). The mainstay of treatment is the early and aggressive use of appropriate antibiotics. If the infection extends to the pleural space causing an effusion or an empyema, drainage of the pleural space is necessary. If drainage of the pleural space fails or if sepsis is not controlled with antibiotics, then surgical debridement or drainage is needed. These patients require a multi-disciplinary team to provide optimal critical care and often times have long-term pulmonary dysfunction. This chapter will focus on NLI and the nuances of treatment.
Heartbeat-Induced Corneal Axial Displacement and Strain Measured by High Frequency Ultrasound Elastography in Human Volunteers.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to establish in vivo data acquisition and processing protocols for repeatable measurements of heartbeat-induced corneal displacements and strains in human eyes, using a high-frequency ultrasound elastography method, termed ocular pulse elastography (OPE). Methods Twenty-four volunteers with no known ocular diseases were recruited for this study. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) were measured using a PASCAL Dynamic Contour Tonometer (DCT). An in vivo OPE protocol was developed to measure heartbeat-induced corneal displacements. Videos of the central 5.7 mm of the cornea were acquired using a 50-MHz ultrasound probe at 128 frames per second. The radiofrequency data of 1000 frames were analyzed using an ultrasound speckle tracking algorithm to calculate corneal displacements and quantify spectral and temporal characteristics. The intrasession and intersession repeatability of OPE- and DCT-measured parameters were also analyzed. Results The in vivo OPE protocol and setup were successful in tracking heartbeat-induced corneal motion using high-frequency ultrasound. Corneal axial displacements showed a strong cardiac rhythm, with good intrasession and intersession repeatability, and high interocular symmetry. Corneal strain was calculated in two eyes of two subjects, showing substantially different responses. Conclusions We demonstrated the feasibility of high-frequency ultrasound elastography for noninvasive in vivo measurement of the cornea's biomechanical responses to the intrinsic ocular pulse. The high intrasession and intersession repeatability suggested a robust implementation of this technique to the in vivo setting. Translational relevance OPE may offer a useful tool for clinical biomechanical evaluation of the cornea by quantifying its response to the intrinsic pulsation.
Temporary Labor Migration and Spouses' Marital Quality: Evidence from Nepal

Objective This study investigated the effect of temporary labor migration on spouses' marital quality. Background How temporary international labor migration affects the marital relationship remains unclear. Research shows migration increases couples' risk of dissolution, whereas studies of spouses' marital quality-much of which is cross-sectional and/or limited to either internal or joint migration-is more mixed. This lack of consensus masks the possibility that, under certain conditions, migration may improve spouses' marital quality. Method This study uses data from the Chitwan Valley Family Study, a panel study set in Nepal, and primary data collected among a subsample of migrant husbands (in East Asia, Middle East) and their wives and nonmigrant couples (in Nepal). Results Findings from linear regression models show that, relative to non-migrant spouses, spouses engaged in temporary international labor migration report significantly higher marital quality-less conflict and more love-net of marital quality assessed 6 years earlier. However, these benefits are not enjoyed equally between spouses: husbands' marital quality improves, whereas changes in their wives' are less conclusive. Conclusion The fact that these benefits (a) diverge from previous understandings and (b) vary by spouse's gender extends current understandings of the conditions shaping this association: social and structural forces supporting men as breadwinners, a strong husband-wife bond facilitating husbands' migration, and marriage-protective social environments at both ends of migration.
In-Situ Print Characterization and Defect Monitoring of 3D Printing via Conductive Filament and Ohm’s Law

Abstract Additive manufacturing (AM), as a means for rapid product development, has seen continued growth in adoption to facilitate complex low volume part production. Fused deposition modelling (FDM), the AM fabrication of parts with thermoplastic and thermosetting materials, biomaterial, and metal, is popular due to its high level of precision and low cost. However, one of the downsides of AM, and FDM, is that any variance in extrusion consistency during the printing process can potentially alter a part in such a manner that any confidence in the parts durability and structural soundness becomes unsure. Not to mention, even the simplest of defects in the middle of a print quite often propagates and ruins the entire part. To combat these issues, printing methods are introduced so that an electrical signal can be obtained over the course of a print by using a sourcemeter and printing with conductive filament. In the following publication, this technique is shown to not only allow a manufacturer to characterize an AM part as it is being printed, but also monitor and alert the production team if any serious defects occur during the print. This concept in and of itself can surge the achievable resolution in AM to new heights.
Blockade of Autocrine CCL5 Responses Inhibits Zika Virus Persistence and Spread in Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a neurovirulent flavivirus that uniquely causes fetal microcephaly, is sexually transmitted, and persists in patients for up to 6 months. ZIKV persistently infects human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) that form the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and enables viral spread to neuronal compartments. We found that CCL5, a chemokine with prosurvival effects on immune cells, was highly secreted by ZIKV-infected hBMECs. Although roles for CCL5 in endothelial cell (EC) survival remain unknown, the presence of the CCL5 receptors CCR3 and CCR5 on ECs suggested that CCL5 could promote ZIKV persistence in hBMECs. We found that exogenous CCL5 induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation in hBMECs and that ERK1/2 cell survival signaling was similarly activated by ZIKV infection. Neutralizing antibodies to CCL5, CCR3, or CCR5 inhibited persistent ZIKV infection of hBMECs. While knockout (KO) of CCL5 failed to prevent ZIKV infection of hBMECs, at 3 days postinfection (dpi), we observed a >90% reduction in ZIKV-infected CCL5-KO hBMECs and a multilog reduction in ZIKV titers. In contrast, the addition of CCL5 to CCL5-KO hBMECs dose-dependently rescued ZIKV persistence in hBMECs. Inhibiting CCL5 responses using CCR3 (UCB35625) and CCR5 (maraviroc) receptor antagonists reduced the number of ZIKV-infected hBMECs and ZIKV titers (50% inhibitory concentrations [IC50s] of 2.5 to 12 μM), without cytotoxicity (50% cytotoxic concentration [CC50] of >80 μM). These findings demonstrate that ZIKV-induced CCL5 directs autocrine CCR3/CCR5 activation of ERK1/2 survival responses that are required for ZIKV to persistently infect hBMECs. Our results establish roles for CCL5 in ZIKV persistence and suggest the potential for CCL5 receptor antagonists to therapeutically inhibit ZIKV spread and neurovirulence. IMPORTANCE Our findings demonstrate that CCL5 is required for ZIKV to persistently infect human brain ECs that normally protect neuronal compartments. We demonstrate that ZIKV-elicited CCL5 secretion directs autocrine hBMEC activation of ERK1/2 survival pathways via CCR3/CCR5, and inhibiting CCL5/CCR3/CCR5 responses prevented ZIKV persistence and spread. Our findings demonstrate that ZIKV-directed CCL5 secretion promotes hBMEC survival and reveals an underlying mechanism of ZIKV pathogenesis and spread. We demonstrate that antagonists of CCR3/CCR5 inhibit ZIKV persistence in hBMECs and provide potential therapeutic approaches for preventing ZIKV persistence, spread, and neurovirulence.
High densification of BaZrS3 powder inspired by the cold-sintering process

We report on the sintering of powders of the chalcogenide perovskite BaZrS3 at low and intermediate temperatures. BaZrS3 is the most widely studied chalcogenide perovskite semiconductor. Most experimental results to-date have been made using loose powder and cold-pressed pellets (i.e. green bodies). Straightforward sintering methods to achieve dense ceramics are challenging because BaZrS3 decomposes and oxidizes in air above 550 °C. Here, we take inspiration from the cold-sintering process to develop a low-to-intermediate densification process for chalcogenide perovskites. Typical additives for cold sintering of oxides do not accelerate BaZrS3 sintering. At higher temperature, iodine is remarkably successful as an additive to accelerate densification. We achieve density up to 92% for sintering at 450 °C and 425 MPa. Our sintering process does not cause significant oxidation. Thermogravimetric measurements reveal the formation of an intergranular phase. Impedance spectroscopy measurements reveal that the bulk dielectric properties are unaffected by ball milling and subsequent sintering.
Radiation Augments the Local Anti-Tumor Effect of In Situ Vaccine With CpG-Oligodeoxynucleotides and Anti-OX40 in Immunologically Cold Tumor Models

Introduction: Combining CpG oligodeoxynucleotides with anti-OX40 agonist antibody (CpG+OX40) is able to generate an effective in situ vaccine in some tumor models, including the A20 lymphoma model. Immunologically “cold” tumors, which are typically less responsive to immunotherapy, are characterized by few tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), low mutation burden, and limited neoantigen expression. Radiation therapy (RT) can change the tumor microenvironment (TME) of an immunologically “cold” tumor. This study investigated the effect of combining RT with the in situ vaccine CpG+OX40 in immunologically “cold” tumor models. Methods: Mice bearing flank tumors (A20 lymphoma, B78 melanoma or 4T1 breast cancer) were treated with combinations of local RT, CpG, and/or OX40, and response to treatment was monitored. Flow cytometry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) experiments were conducted to study differences in the TME, secondary lymphoid organs, and immune activation after treatment. Results: An in situ vaccine regimen of CpG+OX40, which was effective in the A20 model, did not significantly improve tumor response or survival in the “cold” B78 and 4T1 models, as tested here. In both models, treatment with RT prior to CpG+OX40 enabled a local response to this in situ vaccine, significantly improving the anti-tumor response and survival compared to RT alone or CpG+OX40 alone. RT increased OX40 expression on tumor infiltrating CD4+ non-regulatory T cells. RT+CpG+OX40 increased the ratio of tumor-infiltrating effector T cells to T regulatory cells and significantly increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation in the tumor draining lymph node (TDLN) and spleen. Conclusion: RT significantly improves the local anti-tumor effect of the in situ vaccine CpG+OX40 in immunologically “cold,” solid, murine tumor models where RT or CpG+OX40 alone fail to stimulate tumor regression.
The Moderating Role of Espoused National Cultural Values on Perceptions of Privacy Assurance Mechanisms

Individuals’ privacy concerns can inhibit their online purchasing behavior. This paper investigates the moderating role of espoused individualism and uncertainty avoidance in the effect of external persuasion cues (e.g., privacy policy statements and third-party assurance seals) on attitude toward a website. This study hypothesizes that individuals scoring high on individualism or uncertainty avoidance are more persuaded by central cues (privacy policy statements) while individuals who score high on collectivism or low on uncertainty avoidance are more persuaded by peripheral cues (third party assurance seals).
Thin-film piezoelectric transformers operating in harmonics of out-of-plane flexure modes

This paper documents disc-shaped flexure-mode piezoelectric transformers constructed with 0.5 µm lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) on 4-µm silicon resonators. The transformers are electrode shaped to excite out-of-plane flexure modes at ∼12, ∼34, and ∼63 MHz. The incorporation of silicon enables the excitation of out-of-plane flexural modes which exploit large quasi-static material coupling factors (using both e 31 and e 32 ). Transformer efficiencies >50% with ∼5X open-circuit voltage gains are predicted. Experimental transformer figures of merit equivalent to previously-reported extensional modes [1] are demonstrated with 3X−13X size reductions. Electromechanical coupling factors, k eff 2, of 3.4% exceed those measured for extensional modes (with 4 µm silicon) by ∼3.5X.
Bellum Sacrum, Bellum Justum, Bellum Optimum

What determines the national security policy of a state? One classic answer posits a spectrum of three schools of thought on this subject. The first stands for the proposition that the national security apparatus is responsive almost exclusively to domestic pressures such as class conflicts, with its primary objective self-perpetuation in power. The second school focuses on bureaucratic processes and organizational behavior in response to external pressures. And the third school argues that national security policy is largely responsive to the behavior of other, predominantly state actors on the international arena - to foreign policy, in other words. We adopt this trichotomy and advance two central theses. The first one is the positive claim that national security decisionmaking - and more narrowly, the framework for a state's decision to go to war - is largely a function of the specific form of government the state has. We consider the doctrine of bellum sacrum and its particular suitability to totalitarian modalities of government, ranging from ancient monarchies to modern non-state actors such as terrorist organizations. By contrast, the notion of bellum justum, we argue, is uniquely suitable for majoritarian states. We also suggest that nations with a republican form of government - possessing a strong, but elected executive - can aspire to improve on the bellum justum model. Our second thesis is the fundamentally normative proposition that a set of rules - similar to that devised by ancient societies for retributive punishment of crimes and torts - constitute an optimal strategy for a decision to go to war. These rules, which we term bellum optimum, are welfare-maximizing and distinct from the ostensibly dominant status quo policy for the use of force based loosely on the historical notion of bellum justum. We conclude with the conjecture that the explicit adoption of welfare-maximizing objectives in U.S. national security decisionmaking may plausibly yield policies of improved efficiency and consistent with our proposed notion of bellum optimum.
Diffraction interface theory: A nonlocal approach to metasurfaces

We present a novel formalism to describe diffractive optics of metasurfaces, diffractive interface theory (DIT).
qq̄ potential at finite T, and weak coupling in N=4 SUSY

We compute the potential between a qq-bar color-singlet state for N=4 SUSY with gauge group SU(N) at finite temperature T, large distances rT>>1, and weak coupling g. As a first step, we only consider the electric modes and compute the Debye mass m{sub D}, where we find that each of the 8(N{sup 2}-1) bosonic degrees of freedom contributes to m{sub D}{sup 2} (on average) with (N/N{sup 2}-1)(1/6)g{sup 2}T{sup 2}, while each of the 8(N{sup 2}-1) fermionic degrees of freedom contributes (on average) with (N/N{sup 2}-1)(1/12)g{sup 2}T{sup 2}, yielding m{sub D}{sup 2}=2Ng{sup 2}T{sup 2}. Then, motivated by results obtained in the literature from both the weak-coupling results in QCD and the large-coupling investigations of N=4 SUSY through AdS/CFT, we attempt to include magnetic mode corrections. Our results illustrate that, for this particular computation, N=4 SUSY is in striking qualitative agreement with QCD.
Music education technology for older elementary school aged children: playing around with mini Amadeus Jr.

Music education is essential to forming a well-rounded student. With this important concept in mind, our goal for this project was to produce an interactive tool for students and give them an opportunity to "play around with music." Free reign of a musical instrument is often the best way for children to develop cognitive skills essential for other facets in the classroom. Our "keyboard" will allow students, ideally in Grades 3 through 6, to compose and read introductory music with the chance to hear different instruments. Children during this time need exposure to music. In addition, children of this age group will have enough of an understanding of basic computing to enjoy this program. The program must be functionally sound and simple enough for all levels of included students to develop an appreciation for the program. Our program incorporates all of these aspects and goes beyond them.
Multiple spindle CNC machines

We introduce a unique scheduling and tool assignment problem that arises for multiple spindle machine tools. The capability of these machines to perform simultaneous operations on one or more parts creates constraints that are not found in the traditional scheduling literature. Two solution methodologies using a genetic algorithm with the random keys encoding are introduced for these problems. One is a hybrid genetic algorithm that incorporates a dispatching rule. The effectiveness of these methods is demonstrated on test problems with comparisons to lower bounds.
Glycogen synthase in diabetic rat skeletal muscle: activation by insulin

Glycogen synthase in skeletal muscle of 3-day alloxan-diabetic rats was found to be in a less active state than in normal muscle. Both the activity ratio (activity without G6P divided by activity with 7.2 mM G6P at 4.4 mM UDPG, pH 7.8) and fractional velocity (activity with 0.25 mM G6P divided by activity with 10 mM G6P at 0.03 mM UDPG, pH 6.9) were significantly lower in the diabetic tissue. Correspondingly, the S0.5 for UDPG and A0.5 for G6P were significantly higher in diabetic tissue, suggesting decreased affinity for substrate and activator, respectively. The kinetic changes in the diabetic synthase were identical whether the alloxan-treated animals were maintained on insulin for 7 days prior to withdrawal for 3 days, or studied 3 days immediately after alloxan treatment. The diabetes-induced changes in synthase could be reversed by injecting the diabetic rat with insulin 10 min prior to sacrifice. After insulin treatment, the S0.5 for UDPG and A0.5 for G6P decreased to control levels or lower and the activity ratios and fractional velocities increased to control levels or higher. The activity of glycogen synthase phosphatase was not decreased in diabetic skeletal muscle. This observation, coupled with the rapid response of the diabetic synthase to in vivo insulin treatment, suggests that, unlike the phosphatase in cardiac muscle and liver, the glycogen synthase phosphatase in skeletal muscle is not altered by the diabetic state.
Microbial metaproteomics: identifying the repertoire of proteins that microorganisms use to compete and cooperate in complex environmental communities

The availability of genome information for microbial consortia, including unculturable species, from environmental samples has enabled systems-biology interrogation by providing a means to access genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic information. This provides a unique opportunity to characterize the molecular activities and interactions of these microbial systems at a comprehensive level never before possible. Such information not only provides details about the organizational, functional, and metabolic activities of such systems, but also the untapped reserve of molecular activities that might be invoked and exploited under certain environmental conditions. Since bacteria naturally exist in complex ecosystems, it is imperative to develop and utilize analytical approaches that can provide molecular level details on systems consisting of mixed microbial membership. This is the realm of metaproteomics-the characterization of the complement of proteins expressed by a microbial community in an environmental sample.
HELICAL Learning Model Applied in a Nanotechnology for Science and Engineering Course

In education, a popular model employed to represent the learning process is typically portrayed as a four-stage process signified by a cycle in a two-dimensional circular path. This cycle can be repeated by revisiting topics at increasing levels of sophistication in order to produce what is known as a spiral curriculum. In this presentation, a variation of Kolb’s two-dimensional learning cycle model is offered that represents the learning cycle as if it were a three-dimensional spiral or helix, with successive turns associated with increases in Bloom’s Taxonomic level. This representation is explored and developed, with a specific example from a chemical engineering course offered in a Nanotechnology for Science and Engineering. This more comprehensive concept-centered model for the learning cycle explicitly includes higher order thinking skills to promote creative thinking, through the application of concepts and can be used to develop more effective curricula and course instruction. Specifically, our sample class consists of four teams, each of which is responsible for becoming expert in the concepts associated with an area of science and another of application. Transfer of content is student driven while topics are explored. Students teaching each other allows for synergistic enhanced motivation to explore, with concurrent ultimate improvement in the retention of core concepts by the entire course population.
Type of oral contraceptive in relation to acute, initial episodes of pelvic inflammatory disease

A case-control analysis of hospital-based data was conducted to evaluate whether low-dose combination oral contraceptives (OCs) protect against pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Other categories of combination OCs based on estrogen dose were also assessed. The results indicate no OC confers protection if taken for less than 12 months. In contrast, the education-adjusted relative risk (RR) estimates for continuous exposure of greater than or equal to 12 months for various categories of combination OCs based on estrogen dose all ranged from 0.2 to 0.4 with overlapping 95% confidence intervals (CIs); however, the adjusted RR for low-dose pills was not statistically significant (RR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2, 1.1). These data are consistent with the hypothesis that low-dose estrogen pills as well as higher dose estrogen OCs potentially protect against PID requiring hospitalization. Low-dose estrogen combination OCs deserve further study in relation to PID generally, and more particularly, in regard to specific microorganisms causing PID.