cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tensile Deformation Behavior of Al-rich Ferritic Steels for Advanced Light Water Reactors

Following the Fukushima Daiichi incident, there has been considerable interest in developing accident-tolerant fuel cladding materials to make light water reactors (LWRs) more resistant to such accidents. Traditionally, zirconium-based alloys are used as the fuel cladding material in these reactors. Exothermic reaction with steam under accident conditions may lead to production of hydrogen with the possibility of catastrophic consequences. Hence, aluminum-rich (around 5 wt%) ferritic steels such as FeCralloy, APMTTM and APMTM have potential for accident-tolerant fuel cladding applications. These materials create an aluminum-based oxide scale protecting the alloy at elevated temperatures. Tensile deformation behavior of FeCralloy and APMTTM alloy was compared at different temperatures (25–500 °C) and strain rates, and correlated with microstructural characteristics. Serrations appeared in the stress–strain curves of these alloys tested in a limited temperature range (300–400 °C). Presence of serrations did not lead to a decrease in elongation to fracture despite showing negative strain rate sensitivity behavior. The appearance of serrations is explained on the basis of dynamic strain aging (DSA) effect due to solute–dislocation interactions.
Probing Denatured State Conformational Bias in a Three-Helix Bundle, UBA(2), Using a Cytochrome c Fusion Protein

Previous work with the four-helix-bundle protein cytochrome c′ from Rhodopseudomonas palustris using histidine–heme loop formation methods revealed fold-specific deviations from random coil behavior in its denatured state ensemble. To examine the generality of this finding, we extend this work to a three-helix-bundle polypeptide, the second ubiquitin-associated domain, UBA(2), of the human DNA excision repair protein. We use yeast iso-1-cytochrome c as a scaffold, fusing the UBA(2) domain at the N-terminus of iso-1-cytochrome c. We have engineered histidine into highly solvent accessible positions of UBA(2), creating six single histidine variants. Guanidine hydrochloride denaturation studies show that the UBA(2)–cytochrome c fusion protein unfolds in a three-state process with iso-1-cytochrome c unfolding first. Furthermore, engineered histidine residues in UBA(2) strongly destabilize the iso-1-cytochrome c domain. Equilibrium and kinetic histidine–heme loop formation measurements in the denatured state a...
Pitfalls of post-treatment PET after de-intensified chemoradiotherapy for HPV-associated oropharynx cancer: Secondary analysis of a phase 2 trial

Abstract Objectives We evaluated patterns of nodal response and positive predictive value (PPV) of 3 month post-treatment PET in patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer treated on a multi-institutional de-intensification trial. Materials and methods Eligibility criteria included: (1) T0-3, N0-2c, M0, (2) HPV+/p16+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, and (3) ≤10 pack-years smoking or ≤30 pack-years and abstinent ≥5 years. Patients received 60 Gy radiation alone (T0-2, N0-1) or with concurrent weekly cisplatin 30 mg/m2 and surveillance PET three months post-radiation. Nodal responses were categorized as complete (CR), equivocal (ER), or incomplete (IR) using both local and central radiographic review. A “true positive” was ER/IR with clinical/radiographic progression or positive pathology. Results 79 node-positive pts (84% N2) were analyzed. Distribution of nodal CR, ER, and IR was 44 (56%), 27 (34%), and 8 (10%), respectively. 29 (37%) had ER/IR in pre-treatment node-positive neck levels, whereas 14 (18%) had ER/IR in pre-treatment node-negative levels. Of patients with ER/IR, 5 were observed clinically, 19 received repeat imaging, and 11 received either biopsy (1) or neck dissection (10). The PPV was 9% for ER/IR and 13% for IR, with 3 patients found to have persistent disease on neck dissection. There was no difference in nodal relapse rate in patients with nodal CR vs. nodal ER/IR. Conclusion Post-treatment PET may not accurately predict the presence of persistent disease in patients with favorable-risk oropharynx cancer. These results support close surveillance rather than surgical evaluation in most favorable-risk patients.
Clinical applications of diffusion weighted imaging in neuroradiology

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has revolutionised stroke imaging since its introduction in the mid-1980s, and it has also become a pillar of current neuroimaging. Diffusion abnormalities represent alterations in the random movement of water molecules in tissues, revealing their microarchitecture, and occur in many neurological conditions. DWI provides useful information, increasing the sensitivity of MRI as a diagnostic tool, narrowing the differential diagnosis, providing prognostic information, aiding in treatment planning and evaluating response to treatment. Recently, there have been several technical improvements in DWI, leading to reduced acquisition time and artefacts and enabling the development of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) as a tool for assessing white matter. We aim to review the main clinical uses of DWI, focusing on the physiological mechanisms that lead to diffusion abnormalities. Common pitfalls will also be addressed. • DWI includes EPI, TSE, RESOLVE or EPI combined with reduced volume excitation. • DWI is the most sensitive sequence in stroke diagnosis and provides information about prognosis. • DWI helps in the detection of intramural haematomas (arterial dissection). • In diffusion imaging, ADC is inversely proportional to tumour cellularity. • DWI and DTI derived parameters can be used as biomarkers in different pathologies.
Group III–V and Group IV Quantum Dot Synthesis

Semiconductor structures that exhibit quantum confinement effects in three dimensions have attracted considerable attention owing to their potential as tools for exploration of conceptually simple mesoscopic systems, and also because of their potential for new optoelectronic devices. In order to observe unique quantum dot transport and optical properties at room temperature, the characteristic dimensions of the carrier confining potentials and structures should be less than 10–20 nm. Although the electronic structure issues are quite different for group III–V semiconductors (prototypically GaAs/AlGaAs) than for group IV semiconductors (prototypically Si and Ge), growth of dense arrays of small (≤ 10 nm), uniformly-sized structures are important goals for both materials systems. In particular, there is a compelling need for development of synthesis techniques capable of making denselypacked,uniformly-sized structures which are less than 10–15 nm in size, over large areas.
Dialysis Catheter–related Bloodstream Infections in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis on an Emergency-only Basis: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis

Background An estimated 6500 undocumented immigrants with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) live in the United States. Those living in states that do not provide undocumented immigrants scheduled hemodialysis receive intermittent hemodialysis only when life-threatening conditions arise. Little is known about catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in this population. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of emergency-only hemodialysis patients in the Harris Health System in Houston, Texas, between January 2012 and December 2015. We assessed CRBSI risk factors including demographics, comorbidities, and duration and frequency of hemodialysis. We investigated the microbiologic etiology of these infections, rates of recurrent CRBSI, and associated morbidity and mortality. Results The cohort included 329 patients; 90% were Hispanic, 60% had diabetes, and the average age was 51 years. A total of 101 CRBSIs occurred, with a rate of 0.84 infections per 1000 catheter-days. Cirrhosis and duration of hemodialysis during the study period were associated with increased risk of CRBSI. Seventeen CRBSIs were recurrent; infection with gram-positive bacteria predicted recurrence. Adherence to catheter-related infection guidelines was improved by infectious diseases consultation and associated with fewer recurrent infections. CRBSI was associated with prolonged hospitalization (mean, 15 days), composite complication rate of 8%, and a 4% mortality rate. Conclusions Patients receiving emergency-only hemodialysis via tunneled catheters have a high CRBSI rate compared with infection rates previously reported in patients receiving scheduled maintenance hemodialysis. Increased CRSBI risk likely contributes to the increased morbidity and mortality seen in ESRD patients receiving emergency-only hemodialysis.
Identification and quantification of phytosterols in black walnut kernels

This study aimed to identify and quantify phytosterols of six black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) varieties, and compare the levels of these phytosterols between black walnuts and English walnut (Juglans regia L.). Totally, 13 phytosterols were identified in the black walnut kernels, with β-sitosterol predominating over the other sterols. The analysis also revealed the presence of 3 phytosterols, Δ5,23-stigmastadienol, cycloeucalenol and 28-methylobtusifoliol, which have never been reported in black walnuts. The average levels of total sterols ranged from 1236.0 mg/kg to 1542.3 mg/kg. No significant differences were noted in total sterol levels between the studied black walnut varieties and English walnut. Through untargeted metabolomics analysis, five additional glycosylates and hydroxycinnamates of phytosterols were putatively identified in the black walnuts. The findings from this research suggest black walnuts are rich in phytosterols most of which have been demonstrated to exert bioactivities. Future studies should be focused on seasonal and geographic variations in phytosterol content of black walnuts, and bioassay-guided purification to assess potential health-promoting properties of these phytosterols.
Abstract A150: Enhancing abscopal responses to radiation therapy by manipulating autophagy

Background: Macroautophagy (autophagy) is an evolutionary conserved cellular mechanism culminating with the lysosomal degradation of dispensable, damaged or potentially toxic cytoplasmic structures (e.g., permeabilized mitochondria). Autophagy helps cancer cells to adapt to harsh environmental conditions and to resist therapy. However, autophagy is also key for multiple steps of the anticancer immune response. Thus, whether autophagy should be inhibited or activated in the context of cancer therapy remains debated (Rybstein et al., Nat Cell Biol 2018). Since autophagy has been shown to play a key role in removal of cytosolic DNA, which is one mechanism leading to type I interferon (IFN) secretion, and since type I IFN is required for systemic immune responses activated by radiation therapy (RT), we asked the question as to whether selectively inhibiting autophagy in cancer cells may boost the ability of RT to initiate anticancer immunity. Methods/Tools: CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to render mouse mammary carcinoma TSA and EO771 cells autophagy-deficient and chemical inhibitors of autophagy were also employed. Autophagy-competent versus –deficient systems were characterized for autophagy proficiency (by immunoblotting), growth (in vitro and in vivo), resistance to cell death induced by starvation, chemotherapy and RT (by multicolor flow cytometry and clonogenic assays) and production of type I IFN (by PCR and ELISA). Abscopal responses have been assessed in vivo. Results: In line with previous observations, autophagy inhibition reduced the growth of mouse mammary carcinoma cells, in vitro and in vivo, limited their clonogenic potential (at baseline) and increased their sensitivity to multiple stressors. Moreover, pharmacologic and genetic autophagy inhibition increased the capacity of mouse mammary carcinoma cells to secrete type I IFN in response to radiation. Finally, immunocompetent mice bearing syngeneic autophagy-deficient mouse mammary carcinoma cells mounted improved abscopal responses to RT (in the context of CTLA4 blockade) as compared to immunocompetent mice bearing syngeneic autophagy-competent cells, as determined by growth inhibition of a distant, non-irradiated, autophagy-competent lesion. Perspectives: We will test the innovative hypothesis that selective autophagy inhibition in cancer cells may synergize with autophagy activation at the whole-body level (by nutrient restriction or physical exercise), hence enabling superior therapeutic responses to radiation. Citation Format: Marissa Rybstein, Takahiro Yamazaki, Aitziber Buque Martinez, Lorenzo Galluzzi. Enhancing abscopal responses to radiation therapy by manipulating autophagy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; Sept 30-Oct 3, 2018; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2019;7(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A150.
Stability analysis of a particle band on the fluid–fluid interface

We present experiments and theory for viscous fingering of a suspension of non-colloidal particles undergoing radial flow in a Hele-Shaw cell. As the suspension displaces air, shear-induced migration causes particles to move faster than the average suspension velocity and to accumulate on the suspension–air interface. The resultant particle accumulation generates a pattern in which low-concentration, low-viscosity suspension displaces high-concentration, high-viscosity suspension and is unstable due to the classic Saffman–Taylor instability mechanism. While the destabilising mechanism is well-understood, what remains unknown is the stabilising mechanism that suppresses fine fingers characteristic of miscible fingering. In this work, we demonstrate how the stable suspension–air interface interacts with the unstable miscible interface to set the critical wavelength. We present a linear stability analysis for the time-dependent radial flow and show that the wavenumber predicted by the analysis is in good agreement with parametric experiments investigating the effect of suspension concentration and gap thickness of the Hele-Shaw cell.
Management of Severe Anoperineal Disease

Perianal involvement can occur in up to 42% of patients with Crohn’s disease and has the potential to cause significant life impairment. Close to 90% of patients with anoperineal Crohn’s disease require surgical intervention at some point in their lifetime, and up to 38% of patients with complex perianal fistulas undergo fecal stream diversion. This chapter focuses on surgical treatment of severe perianal Crohn’s disease (pCD) with a goal to compare seton placement with temporary fecal diversion.
Energetic heavy ions with nuclear charge Z greater than or equal to 4 in the equatorial radiation belts of the earth - Magnetic storms

Direct in situ observations of trapped energetic heavy ions with nuclear charge Z greater than or equal to 4 at energies in the lower MeV range made with Explorer 45 during the period June-December 1972 are presented. It is noted that all measurements were carried out in the vicinity of the geomagnetic equatorial plane and that the data show the varying effects of four major magnetic storm periods. Orders of magnitude increases in the trapped heavy ion population are seen deep within the radiation belts following the August 1972 solar flare and magnetic storm events. Fluxes of the Z greater than or equal to 4 ions are found to decay faster than those of helium ions of comparable energies; typical decay times for these ions are found to be 24-40 days at L less than or equal to 4 and shorter at higher L shells. The observations are compared with the expected post-injection long-term behavior of atomic oxygen ions deduced from charge exhange, radial diffusive transport, and Coulomb collisions. Good agreement is found between theory and observations.
Abstract 3462: The F-box protein FBXL16 regulates the stability of c-myc oncoprotein

F-box proteins are major components of the SCF (SKP1-CUL1-F-box) E3 ubiquitin ligases as they are responsible for substrate recognition. In this complex, F-box proteins bind to SKP1 through the F-box motif to bring the ubiquitination machinery and mediate protein ubiquitination of the substrates. So far, 69 F-box proteins are identified in humans, and they fall into 3 families depending on their substrate recognition domains: FBXLs (Leucine-Rich Repeats or LRR), FBXWs (WD repeats) and FBXOs (Other domains). FBXL16 is a poorly studied F-box protein which consists of an N-terminal Proline-rich domain, an F-box motif and a C-terminal domain of Leucine-rich repeats. FBXL16 was first identified as a transcriptional target of E2F1 (Sato et al, 2010) and was then showed as a binding partner of PP2A (Protein Phosphatase 2A) and as a regulator of its phosphatase activity (Honarpour et al, 2014). Interestingly, FBXL16 was shown to be overexpressed in a number of cancers, particularly invasive breast carcinoma (Oncomine) indicating that FBXL16 may play important roles in cancers. In this study, by both knockdown and overexpression experiments, we found that FBXL16 promotes cancer cell migration. To our surprise, we observed that knockdown of FBXL16 in cancer cells resulted in a strong decrease of c-myc protein level. Importantly, we also found that FBXL16 binds to and stabilizes c-myc protein. Mechanistically, FBXL16 overexpression decreased c-myc protein ubiquitination. Taken together, our study demonstrates a positive role of FBXL16 in regulating c-myc protein stability by inhibiting its ubiquitination. Citation Format: Marion Morel, Weiwen Long. The F-box protein FBXL16 regulates the stability of c-myc oncoprotein [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3462.
Optimizing Postcardiac Transplantation Outcomes in Children with Ventricular Assist Devices: How Long Should the Bridge Be?

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) decrease waitlist mortality and improve end-organ function. Therefore, we sought to determine the duration of VAD support that could allow for optimal posttransplant outcomes. Pediatric transplant recipients were identified from the United Network for Organ Sharing database. Inflection points were determined using hazard of mortality associated with support time fitted by cubic spline method. Of 685 patients, those supported for >2 months had a significant decrease in inotrope use and mechanical ventilation and an increase in functional status compared with those supported for 4 months (p = 0.012). In continuous flow devices, used in patients overall less ill, the inflection point was >3 weeks with improvement in most end-organ function (p < 0.001) and posttransplant survival (p = 0.014) compared with <3 weeks. In general, a period of VAD support is associated with improvement in pretransplant risk factors and better posttransplant survival. This suggests that most patients bridged to transplantation by VADs should be supported for some time before listing to optimize posttransplant outcomes.
Targeting Biofilms in Translational Research

Biofilms underpin the disease etiology of nearly all opportunistic bacterial infections especially when integumentary barriers are surgically breached and foreign materials remain implanted. Endogenous spread from the patient’s own microbial flora is the likely source of most surgical site infections. Biomaterials potentiate infection by providing a substrate for biofilm formation. The biofilm protects these pathogens from both host immunity and clinical interventions in a variety of ways. Biofilm-forming bacteria excrete sticky exopolysaccharides to form cohesive communal aggregates and adhesive attachments to foreign surfaces like devitalized tissues and implanted biomaterials; this strategy deranges phagocytic clearance by host immune cells. Quiescent phenotypic variants in the biofilm cells are tolerant of antibiotic concentrations many orders of magnitude greater than would otherwise kill planktonic phenotypes, concentrations greatly exceeding toxic thresholds bounding safe systemic antibiotic concentrations. Biofilms are, thus, a nidus for infection as tolerant cells can outlast clinical antibiotic courses to subsequently reseed infection. Much emphasis has been placed on preventing biofilm infections from occurring as clinical strategies for eradicating established biofilm infections frequently fail. Biofilm infections usually require extensive surgical intervention to remove implanted biomaterials and debride affected tissues. These procedures are costly and usually accompanied by high patient mortality and morbidity. There is a pressing need for strategies that specifically target the biofilm because clinical measures to prevent infection still fail in this antibiotic era at great financial and physical expense.
Understanding Veterans' Causal Attributions of Physical Symptoms.

Illness beliefs are significant contributors to health outcomes. Beliefs about the cause of physical symptoms are considered particularly important among those with medically unexplained symptoms and illnesses (MUS); yet little is known about causal beliefs among those with the most severe MUS (i.e., Veterans). The goal of the current study was to examine Veteran's causal attributions of their physical symptoms. A total of 91 combat Veterans with MUS were surveyed using a mixed-methods design about the cause of their physical symptoms, physical symptom severity, and PTSD symptoms. Causal attributions of physical symptoms were analyzed through thematic response analysis and grouped into categories. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the distribution of causal attribution types across Veterans with varying physical symptom severity and PTSD symptom severity. Veterans with MUS reported an average of 7.9 physical symptoms, and attributed the cause of their symptoms to seven different categories (“Do not Know,” “Stress/Mental Health,” “Deployment/Environment,” “Functional/Symptom,” “Medically Explained,” “Medically Unexplained Syndrome,” and “Lifestyle”). Exploratory chi-square analysis revealed significant differences in causal attributions across physical symptom severity and severity of PTSD symptoms. Veterans with more severe PTSD and Veterans with more severe physical symptoms were more likely to attribute their MUS to stress/mental health or to a medically unexplained syndrome compared with those with low/no PTSD symptoms and physical symptom severity. Veterans with minimal PTSD and Veterans with minimal physical symptom severity were more likely to attribute the cause of their MUS to lifestyle choices (e.g., exercise/diet) compared with those with high PTSD and physical symptom severity. Veterans with MUS endorse multiple, varied causal attributions for their physical symptoms, suggesting more complex causal beliefs than typically assumed. This has important implications for patient-provider communication and development of concordance around MUS treatment.
The COS Absorption Survey of Baryon Harbors: unveiling the physical conditions of circumgalactic gas through multiphase Bayesian ionization modelling

Quasar absorption systems encode a wealth of information about the abundances, ionization structure, and physical conditions in intergalactic and circumgalactic media. Simple (often single-phase) photoionization models are frequently used to decode such data. Using five discrete absorbers from the COS Absorption Survey of Baryon Harbors (CASBaH) that exhibit a wide range of detected ions (e.g., Mg II, S II--S VI, O II--O VI, Ne VIII), we show several examples where single-phase ionization models cannot reproduce the full set of measured column densities. To explore models that can self-consistently explain the measurements and kinematic alignment of disparate ions, we develop a Bayesian multiphase ionization modeling framework that characterizes discrete phases by their unique physical conditions and also investigates variations in the shape of the UV flux field, metallicity, and relative abundances. Our models require at least two (but favor three) distinct ionization phases ranging from $T \approx 10^{4}$ K photoionized gas to warm-hot phases at $T \lesssim 10^{5.8}$ K. For some ions, an apparently single absorption "component" includes contributions from more than one phase, and up to 30% of the H I is not from the lowest ionization phase. If we assume that all of the phases are photoionized, we cannot find solutions in thermal pressure equilibrium. By introducing hotter, collisionally ionized phases, however, we can achieve balanced pressures. The best models indicate moderate metallicities, often with sub-solar N/$\alpha$, and, in two cases, ionizing flux fields that are softer and brighter than the fiducial Haardt & Madau UV background model.
Optical Chemical Sensors

Due to the importance of chemical gases and substances in industry and environment, chemical sensors have been among the important devices investigated during the past many years. Monitoring chemical substances and processes with electromagnetic radiation has been an important tool in chemical and related sciences. Probably the most common technique in chemical analysis involving electromagnetic radiation is spectroscopy. Spectroscopic techniques consist of irradiating a chemical compound with a well characterized radiation and analyzing the spectrum of the radiation after interacting with the substance. The determination of the wavelength at which a substance absorbs or emits photons give us quantitative information about the physical configuration of the atoms and molecules or of their interactions. In particular, optical radiation may interact with vibration modes of small molecules, chemical bonds of molecules, or some specific range of lattice vibrations in crystals among other interactions.
Leadership and Strategy: A Comparison of the Outcomes and Institutional Designs of the Alameda Corridor and Alameda Corridor East Projects

This research examines and compares the development of two large-scale projects in Southern California, the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority (ACTA) and the Alameda Corridor East (ACE), sharing a number of features for useful paired comparison. Both have similar political institutions at the regional and local levels, serve the same ports and the same private sector railroad parties, and have a similar regional purpose. This paper uses a specific model of strategy to consider a set of outcomes designated by the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) as a framework that can be applied across different projects and regions. The TBL framework tests the strategy model for explanatory power, for the criteria needed for large scale projects to move forward. This model makes explicit the strategic components of each project that advance a triple bottom line as three distinct outcomes: Increased freight velocity (efficiency), improved air quality and reduced traffic congestion (environment), community protection and safety (equity).
Nurse's Achilles Heel: Using Big Data to Determine Workload Factors That Impact Near Misses.

PURPOSE: To explore how big data can be used to identify the contribution or influence of six specific workload variables: patient count, medication count, task count call lights, patient sepsis score, and hours worked on the occurrence of a near miss (NM) by individual nurses. DESIGN: A correlational and cross-section research design was used to collect over 82,000 useable data points of historical workload data from the three unique systems on a medical-surgical unit in a midsized hospital in the southeast United States over a 60-day period. Data were collected prior to the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in the United States. METHODS: Combined data were analyzed using JMP Pro version 12. Mean responses from two groups were compared using a t-test and those from more than two groups using analysis of variance. Logistic regression was used to determine the significance of impact each workload variable had on individual nurses' ability to administer medications successfully as measured by occurrence of NMs. FINDINGS: The mean outcome of each of the six workload factors measured differed significantly (p < .0001) among nurses. The mean outcome for all workload factors except the hours worked was found to be significantly higher (p < .0001) for those who committed an NM compared to those who did not. At least one workload variable was observed to be significantly associated (p < .05) with the occurrence or nonoccurrence of NMs in 82.6% of the nurses in the study. CONCLUSIONS: For the majority of the nurses in our study, the occurrence of an NM was significantly impacted by at least one workload variable. Because the specific variables that impact performance are different for each individual nurse, decreasing only one variable, such as patient load, will not adequately address the risk for NMs. Other variables not studied here, such as education and experience, might be associated with the occurrence of NMs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In the majority of nurses, different workload variables increase their risk for an NM, suggesting that interventions addressing medication errors should be implemented based on the individual's risk profile.
A Pilot Aid for Real-Time Vision-Based Coverage Estimation for Seabed Surveying Applications

This paper demonstrates a method for improving the calculation of coverage during a seabed survey mission. Called convolved coverage estimation (CCE), this method can provide the pilot with coverage information in real-time. CCE gives a conservative output and classifies less area as falsely covered when compared to using only the most likely vehicle position. A feature of this new method is that it takes into account vehicle position uncertainty. This ability to generate improved estimates of coverage is presented using field data gathered with the the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Ventana in Monterey Bay, California. For a sample 15m × 15m survey, false positive coverage was reduced by 46%.
Mental Health App Evaluation: Updating the American Psychiatric Association's Framework Through a Stakeholder-Engaged Workshop.

The app evaluation framework of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has emerged as an adaptable tool for those seeking to navigate the ever-growing space of mental health apps. The authors d...
Designed architectural proteins that tune DNA looping in bacteria

Architectural proteins alter the shape of DNA, often by distorting the double helix and introducing sharp kinks that relieve strain in tightly-bent DNA structures. Here we design and test artificial architectural proteins based on a sequence-specific Transcription Activator-like Effector (TALE) protein, either alone or fused to a eukaryotic high mobility group B (HMGB) DNA-bending domain. We hypothesized that TALE protein binding would stiffen DNA to bending and twisting, acting as an architectural protein that antagonizes the formation of small DNA loops. In contrast, fusion to an HMGB domain was hypothesized to generate a targeted DNA-bending architectural protein that facilitates DNA looping. We provide evidence from E. coli Lac repressor gene regulatory loops supporting these hypotheses in living bacteria. Both data fitting to a thermodynamic DNA looping model and sophisticated molecular modeling support the interpretation of these results. We find that TALE protein binding inhibits looping by stiffening DNA to bending and twisting, while the Nhp6A domain enhances looping by bending DNA without introducing twisting flexibility. Our work illustrates artificial approaches to sculpt DNA geometry with functional consequences. Similar approaches may be applicable to tune the stability of small DNA loops in eukaryotes.
Crayfish burrows from the latest Cretaceous lower Cantwell Formation (Denali National Park, Alaska): Their morphology and paleoclimatic significance

Abstract Latest Cretaceous strata of the lower Cantwell Formation, Denali National Park, central Alaska Range, contain an abundance of megafloral remains and invertebrate and vertebrate trace fossils. Though dominated by herbivorous dinosaur footprints, the abundance and diversity of fossil bird tracks are unique. We present newly discovered crayfish burrows from several areas along a 50 km transect with Denali National Park. Most crayfish burrows from the lower Cantwell Formation are preserved only in cross-section and range from approximately 5–10 cm in diameter. Where preserved in full relief and terminations present, burrow depth is generally The Cantwell Formation fills the Cantwell Basin, a 135 km-long and up to 35 km-wide, east–west trending basin, bracketed by the Hines Creek Fault to the north and the McKinley Fault to the south. Basin fill comprises up to 4000 m of continental deposits, interpreted as braided rivers, alluvial fans, floodplains, swamps, and ponds. Crayfish burrows provide evidence of water table level, soil moisture fluctuations, as well as insight into mean annual temperatures at the time of deposition of the lower Cantwell Formation, a Late Cretaceous high-latitude paleoecosystem. Despite a relatively high latitudinal setting (~ 71°N paleolatitude), the Late Cretaceous (i.e., Campanian–Maastrichtian) mean annual temperature, based on the distribution of similar present-day crayfish burrows, was more like that of southernmost Ontario, Canada, where the northernmost burrowing crayfish are found today. The burrow depth suggests (1) no permafrost was present, and (2) the phreatic zone was ~ 30–50 cm below the paleo-ground surface. Based on the presence of these crayfish burrows, the paleoclimate is interpreted as humid continental (Koppen scheme), with average summer high temperatures between 25 °C and 28 °C and average winter low temperatures between − 6 °C and 0 °C. These estimates compare somewhat favorably with previous CLAMP estimates of a warm monthly mean temperature of 17.08 +/− 1.6 °C and a cold monthly mean temperature of − 2.31 +/− 1.9 °C.
Redundant Disk Arrays: Reliable, Parallel Secondary Storage

During the past decade, advances in processor and memory technology have given rise to increases in computational performance that far outstrip increases in the performance of secondary storage technology. Coupled with emerging small-disk technology, disk arrays provide the cost, volume, and capacity of current disk subsystems but, by leveraging parallelism, many times their performance. Unfortunately, arrays of small disks may have much higher failure rates than the single large disks they replace. Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) use simple redundancy schemes to provide high data reliability. This dissertation investigates the data encoding, performance, and reliability of redundant disk arrays. Organizing redundant data into a disk array is treated as a coding problem in this dissertation. Among alternatives examined, codes as simple as parity are shown to effectively correct single, self-identifying disk failures. The performance advantages of striping data across multiple disks are reviewed in this dissertation. For large transfers this parallelism reduces response time. Striping data also automatically distributes independent, small accesses across disks to increase throughput. This dissertation evaluates the performance lost to the maintenance of redundant data. This loss is negligible for large transfers but can be significant for small writes because of increases in aggregate disk service time. Because disk arrays include redundancy to protect against the high failure rates caused by large numbers of disk components, it is crucial that disk failures be characterized. This dissertation provides evidence that disk lifetimes can be modeled as exponential random variables. Building on an exponential model for disk lifetimes, this dissertation presents analytic models for disk-array lifetime, evaluates these against event-driven simulation, and applies them to an example redundant disk array. These models incorporate the effects of independent and dependent disk failures (shared support hardware) as well as the effects of on-line spare disks. For the example redundant disk array, these models show that a 10% overhead for an N + 1-parity encoding plus a 10% overhead for on-line spares can provide higher reliability than the 100% overhead of conventional mirrored disks.
The Double Life of a Transcription Factor Takes It Outside the Nucleus

Although transcription factors had been thought to act only in the nucleus, new evidence that they can regulate calcium channels in the cytoplasm represents a mechanism for two-way communication within cells.
El sector de negocios nacional en la liberalización política mexicana. Una reseña en la literatura.

This article reviews the literature addressing the issue of domestic business' political attitude towards, and behavior within, Mexican politics m'nce the early 1980's. A particular phasis is put here on the private sector's invqlvement in the political liberalization process. The review points toward the inadequacy of existing studies in analyzing recent developments in Mexican politics, and presents suggestions for future research.
RNA multiple structural alignment with longest common subsequences

In this paper, we present a new model for RNA multiple sequence structural alignment based on the longest common subsequence. We consider both the off-line and on-line cases. For the off-line case, i.e., when the longest common subsequence is given as a linear graph with n vertices, we first present a polynomial O(n2) time algorithm to compute its maximum nested loop. We then consider a slightly different problem – the Maximum Loop Chain problem and present a factor-2 approximation which runs in O(n2.5) time. For the on-line case, i.e., given m RNA sequences of lengths n, compute the longest common subsequence of them such that this subsequence either induces a maximum nested loop or the maximum number of matches, we present efficient algorithms using dynamic programming when m is small.
Yields of southwestern pinyon-juniper woodlands

Site quality and growth-growing stock relations were developed for southwestern woodlands of pinyon (Pinus edulis) and one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma) or Utah juniper (J. osteosperma). Anamorphic height-age site index curves for pinyon were developed from a regional sample of 60 woodlands. Site index was unaffected by variation in stocking and was correlated with woodland yield when used in conjunction with density.
Abstract 17270: Discovery and Characterization of a Novel Transcription Factor for Endothelial Cell Development and Lineage Specification

Background: We have developed bi-species heterokaryons [generated by fusion of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) and human endothelial cells (hEC)] as a model system for discovery of novel factors required for endothelial lineage. Our preliminary RNAseq data suggests that the determinants of endothelial phenotype in the hEC act on the mESC to recapitulate endothelial ontogeny. Furthermore, novel transcription factors in endothelial specification were implicated, such as POU domain-containing transcription factor (POU3F2), also called BRN2 or N-Oct3. This study assessed the role of POU3F2 in the endothelial cell differentiation and in the zebrafish vascular development. Methods and Results: We used mESC to study differentiation towards endothelial lineage. EC differentiation was induced by culture of mESC with growth factors (VEGF, bFGF and BMP4). POU3F2 loss-of-function was induced by lentiviral shRNA in mESCs. FACS was used to analyse cell lineage. Tg(Fli1:eGFP) zebrafish embryos were used to analyse vas...
Continuous nisin production in laboratory media and whey permeate by immobilized Lactococcus lactis

Abstract Continuous production of nisin in laboratory media and whey permeate was investigated using a packed-bed bioreactor. Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis ATCC 11454 was immobilized by natural attachment to fibre surfaces and entrapment in the void volume within spiral wound fibrous matrix. The inoculated bioreactor was fed M17 medium and effect of pH, temperature, dilution rate, and substrate concentrations on nisin production was examined. Bioreactor performance was monitored by checking cell density, lactic acid production, lactose consumption, and nisin activity. Optimal nisin activity was observed at pH 5.5, 31 °C, 0.2–0.3/h dilution rate, and 30 g/l lactose in M17. The maximum nisin titre was 2.6×10 4 AU/ml against a nisin sensitive strain, Lactobacillus leichmannii ATCC 4797. The bioreactor was fed whey permeate, supplemented with casein hydrolysate, and growth of L. lactis and associated nisin production were monitored. Optimal conditions for continuous nisin production in whey permeate were pH 5.5, 31 °C, 10–20 g/l casein hydrolysate, and 0.2/h dilution rate. Under these conditions, a maximum nisin titre of 5.1×10 4 AU/ml was observed. The bioreactor was operated continuously for 6 months without encountering any clogging, degeneration, or contamination problems. The cell density in the bioreactor was 52.0 g/l with 96.4% of the cells immobilized. This study illustrates the possibility of continuous production of high concentration of bacteriocins by lactic acid bacteria for use as food biopreservatives.
Repeated parallel deformation in part of the eastern Sierra Nevada, California and its implications for dating structural events

Study of a thick section of late Paleozoic to mid-Cretaceous sedimentary and volcanogenic rocks in eastcentral Sierra Nevada has revealed an involved structural succession not readily apparent when analysed under the traditional assumptions of structural analysis (e.g. parallel structures are of the same age). Earliest structures in the area occur as sparse folds in late Paleozoic rocks, whereas in Triassic to mid-Cretaceous rocks earliest structures occur as penecontemporaneous slumps. Upon these earliest structures are superimposed slaty cleavage with associated lineations and subsequent crenulations. The slaty cleavage across the area is statistically parallel, as are the axial planes of crenulations which fold the slaty cleavage. Such a succession would traditionally be interpreted as representing two periods of deformation, the first forming the slaty cleavage and the second the crenulation of the slaty cleavage. There is evidence, however, to indicate that the slaty cleavage itself was formed during more than one period of deformation and the same may be true for the crenulations. Dykes emplaced in Jurassic rocks have been dated (U/Pb) as mid-Cretaceous and lie parallel to what is probably an early slaty cleavage direction. The dykes, however, also bear a slaty cleavage, albeit weaker than in the host rock. In addition, quantitative strain determinations of rocks in the area show that the older units are more strongly deformed than the younger units. These and other data suggest that the statistically parallel slaty cleavage and related structures (folds, lineations, etc.) found in the Jurassic and older rocks have formed during at least two, and possibly three, increments of strain, each increment separated by a lengthy period of geologic time, possibly as much as 45 Ma or more. Crenulations of the slaty cleavage at any point (subsequently formed after each period of slaty cleavage formation) may even predate slaty cleavage formed later at another nearby point. While it is possible to set up a chronology between earlier (tectonic and/or penecontemporaneous slumps) and later structures (slaty cleavage, folds, lineations, etc.), it is not valid to designate for the entire area a relative time sequence of formation of slaty cleavage and crenulations in the Jurassic or older rocks by the usual methods (e.g. S2, S3, F2, F3, etc.). These later structures can only be designated as Only in the youngest stratigraphic unit in the area, which has been subjected to one deformation (mid-Cretaceous), can a valid structural succession be applied areally. We suggest that multiphase, parallel structures, comparable to those we have described, may be a relatively common phenomenon in orogenic belts. Until one arrives at a thorough understanding of the detailed stratigraphy and the absolute ages of units in key relationships to the structures, it may only be possible to delineate the broadest of time sequences for the structures concerned.
Weibull and Suzuki fading channel generator design to reduce hardware resources

A novel and efficient method for emulating a Weibull fading channel is presented. The proposed Weibull fading channel generator employs CORDIC technology which can work without the need for a multiplier, a scarce FPGA resource when emulating wireless channels. Using the proposed hardware implementation structure, the resource consumption is effectively reduced. Further, the proposed generator is able to produce the Weibull fading channel with arbitrary values of the shape parameter γ, in contrast to existing state-of-the-art methods, which can only generate Weibull channels with fixed values of γ. In simulation, the PDF of the Weibull fading channel agrees closely with the theoretical values. The simulation results also show the effectiveness of the proposed structure to generate Lognormal and Suzuki fading channels.
Recreational reading services in academic libraries: An overview

Abstract A recent survey by the author of 110 academic libraries of all types and sizes shows that the majority provide recreational reading services to their campuses. Data are presented to demonstrate the great variety in structure, staffing, management and budgeting for such services that permits them to flourish in a tight library economy and an information- and technology-loaded environment. A profile of these services is drawn that throws into question many reasons given for not providing such services. Finally, a rationale for continuing and expanding such services based on current cultural trends and projected needs, is offered.
Metronidazole Toxicity: A Case Series (P04.159)

Objective: To describe four new cases of metronidazole toxicity. To correlate clinical findings with radiologic diagnoses of patients who presented with neurotoxicity as a direct result of their exposure to metronidazole. To review the characteristic MRI findings of metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity in order to aid in diagnosis of this potentially reversible condition. Background Metronidazole is a medication used frequently for treatment of infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and protozoa in multiple organ systems. With extended use, metronidazole can lead to neurotoxicity. There have been few reports in the literature demonstrating the classical MRI findings associated with metronidazole-induced cerebellar toxicity and the reversal of both clinical symptoms and imaging findings with cessation of the medication. Design/Methods: Retrospective case series. Results: We will review the pathophysiology of metronidazole-induced toxicity and present four novel cases of metronidazole-induced cerebellar toxicity with corresponding MR imaging. Conclusions: Patients with metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity present with bilateral cerebellar findings, correlating to abnormal signal in bilateral dentate nuclei. Bilateral dentate nuclei demonstrate hyperintensity on T2-weighted MR images, with increased DWI and ADC signal in metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity. In addition to resolution of clinical symptoms, the imaging findings reverse with cessation of metronidazole treatment. Correlation of clinical presentation with classic MRI findings can lead to more rapid and accurate diagnosis of this potentially reversible condition. Disclosure: Dr. Reaven has nothing to disclose. Dr. Reaven has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kouo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shin has nothing to disclose.