cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fraud: just say no!

Two years into my tenure as Editor-in-Chief of Endocrinology, I continue to be excited about the state of our discipline. I will not enumerate the breakthroughs in each of the subdisciplines; there are other fora for that. I am pleased to say that this journal remains the journal of choice for publishing the best work in many of our subdisciplines. We have fantastic authors, most of whom accept the criticism of the reviewers to improve their papers; we have a great resource of reviewers willing to donate their time for the benefit of our science and to improve colleagues’ publications; we have a terrific set of editors, and we have a hard-working, highly competent staff that keeps things running. Do we collectively make mistakes from time to time? Of course. Unfortunately, that is the nature of peer review. As editors of a journal that receives 1800 manuscript submissions per year, it behooves us to admit that we are guilty of type 1 (i.e. in statistics, accepting false positives) and type 2 (i.e. false negative) errors; that is, we occasionally publish a paper that should not have made it to the top, and we have been known to reject papers that in hindsight, we wish we had published. This is the nature of all selective, peer-reviewed journals. Drilling down, there are two types of false-positive errors that we make. We have published weaker papers that did not receive as critical a review as they should have. There is no serious, long-term harm to doing this, but we have to live with the consequences. Over time, these papers are sorted out, and they are eventually critiqued in the literature by others, or they just fall by the wayside and are forgotten. However, the second type of type 1 error is egregious. All journals publish papers that are eventually discovered to be fraudulent, and much has been written about the problem. Both as a scientist and as Editor-in-Chief of Endocrinology, these cases of fraud are demoralizing. The good news is that many of these are discovered during the review stage, and many that are published are eventually retracted. The bad news is that some of these make it into publication, and not all are discovered. Consequently, it becomes difficult for us to know which data to trust. We cannot assume that certain research groups are above fraud; one errant colleague or trainee can tarnish the reputation of an entire research group. I am not going to provide an extensive overview of all types of fraud. Some examples of scientific misconduct and unethical practices can be found in the Journal’s “Ethical Guidelines” (1) (updated from time to time at http://endo. endojournals.org/misc/endoethics.shtml). Rather, I will discuss five issues that are particularly bothersome, including some that have received little attention.
Role of BMI1, a stem cell factor, in cancer recurrence and chemoresistance: preclinical and clinical evidences.

There is increasing evidence that a variety of cancers arise from transformation of normal stem cells to cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are thought to sustain cancer progression, invasion, metastasis, and recurrence after therapy. Reports suggest that CSCs are highly resistant to conventional therapy. Emerging evidences show that the chemoresistance of CSCs are in part due to the activation of B cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (BMI1), a stem cell factor, and a polycomb group family member. BMI1 is reported to regulate the proliferation activity of normal, stem, and progenitor cells. BMI1 plays a role in cell cycle, cell immortalization, and senescence. Numerous studies demonstrate that BMI1, which is upregulated in a variety of cancers, has a positive correlation with clinical grade/stage and poor prognosis. Although evidences are in support of the role of BMI1 as a factor in chemoresistance displayed by CSCs, its mechanism of action is not fully understood. In this review, we provide summary of evidences (with mechanism of action established) suggesting the significance of BMI1 in chemoresistance and recurrence of CSCs. STEM CELLS 2012;30:372–378
Nitrogen Immobilization in Plant Growth Substrates: Clean Chip Residual, Pine Bark, and Peatmoss

Rising costs of potting substrates have caused horticultural growers to search for alternative, lower-cost materials. Objectives of this study were to determine the extent of nitrogen immobilization and microbial respiration in a high wood-fiber content substrate, clean chip residual. Microbial activity and nitrogen availability of two screen sizes (0.95 cm and 0.48 cm) of clean chip residual were compared to control treatments of pine bark and peatmoss in a 60-day incubation experiment. Four rates (0, 1, 2, or 3 mg) of supplemental nitrogen were assessed. Peatmoss displayed little microbial respiration over the course of the study, regardless of nitrogen rate; followed by pine bark, 0.95 cm clean chip residual, and 0.48 cm clean chip residual. Respiration increased with increasing nitrogen. Total inorganic nitrogen (plant available nitrogen) was greatest with peatmoss; inorganic nitrogen in other treatments were similar at the 0, 1, and 2 mg supplemental nitrogen rates, while an increase occurred with the highest rate (3 mg). Clean chip residual and pine bark were similar in available nitrogen compared to peatmoss. This study suggests that nitrogen immobilization in substrates composed of clean chip residual is similar to pine bark and can be treated with similar fertilizer amendments during nursery production.
Deletion of the p16 and p15 Genes in Human Bladder Tumors

Background: Two genes, p16 (also known as CDKN2, INK4A, or MTSI) and p15 (also described as INK4B or MTS2), are found in tandem at chromosome 9p21. These genes are designated as candidate tumor suppressor genes because they encode proteins that function as negative cell cycle regulators. (The encoded polypeptides inactivate specific cyclin-protein kinase complexes that are required for progression through the cell cycle.) Molecular genetic studies have revealed that deletion of the p16 and p15 genes occurs frequently in cancer cell lines and in certain malignant neoplasms. Purpose: We evaluated the frequency of p16 and p15 gene alterations in a well-characterized cohort of human transitional cell bladder cancers, and we explored potential associations between alterations in these genes and tumor stage and/or grade. Methods: Tumor tissue and normal tissue from 110 patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder were examined. The status of the p16 and p15 genes in these tissues was determined by Southern blotting and hybridization with gene-specific probes, by coupled polymerase chain reaction and single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis (PCR-SSCP), and by sequencing DNA fragments produced during PCR. Associations between alterations in the genes and tumor stage and/or grade were evaluated using the two-tailed Fisher's exact test. Results: Homozygous deletion (both alleles lost) of the p16 and the p15 genes was observed in 11 and nine bladder tumors, respectively. Eight of the 11 tumors exhibiting complete loss of the p16 gene also displayed homozygous deletion of the p15 gene. Exclusive loss of either gene was detected in only three tumors. Hemizygous deletion (one allele lost, also referred to as loss of heterozygosity [LOH]) of the p16 and/or p15 genes was observed in eight tumors. Rearrangement of the two genes was indicated in three additional tumors. No point mutations were identified in either gene. The overall frequency of alteration in this cohort of bladder tumors was approximately 18% for each gene (in 20 [18.3%, 95% confidence interval {CI} = 11.1%-25.6%] of 109 informative tumors for the p16 gene and in 18 [18%, 95% CI = 10.5%-25.5%] of 100 informative tumors for the p15 gene). A statistically significant association between p16 gene alteration and bladder tumors of low stage (P<.01) and grade (P<.01) was observed; a significant association between p15 gene alteration and tumors of low stage (P<.01) was also detected. Conclusions: Alteration of the p16 and p15 genes, especially coincident homozygous deletion, appears to be a common event in bladder cancer.
Reversible and irreversible reactions of three oxygen precursors on InAs(0 0 1)-(4×2)/c(8×2)

abstract Article history:Received 9 January 2010Accepted 14 July 2010Available online 23 July 2010Keywords:Scanning tunneling microscopyIndium arsenideSemiconducting surfacesSurface chemical reactionAtomic layer depositionOxidants The substrate reactions of three common oxygen sources for gate oxide deposition on the group III rich InAs(0 0 1)-(4×2)/c(8×2) surface are compared: water, hydrogen peroxide (HOOH), and isopropyl alcohol(IPA). Scanning tunneling microscopy reveals that surface atom displacement occurs in all cases, but viadifferent mechanisms for each oxygen precursor. The reactions are examined as a function of post-depositionannealing temperature. Water reaction shows displacement of surface As atoms, but it does not fully oxidizethe As; the reaction is reversed by high temperature (450 °C) annealing. Exposure to IPA and subsequentlow-temperature annealing (100 °C) show the preferential reaction on the row features of InAs(0 0 1)-(4×2)/c(8×2), but higher temperature anneals result in permanent surface atom displacement/etching.Etching of the substrate is observed with HOOH exposure for all annealing temperatures. While nearly alloxidation reactions on group IV semiconductors are irreversible, the group III rich surface of InAs(0 0 1)shows that oxidation displacement reactions can be reversible at low temperature, thereby providing amechanism of self-healing during oxidation reactions.© 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Empirical tests of within‐ and across‐species energetics in a diverse plant community

Many fundamental properties of ecological systems and interactions are tied to body size and a related metric, the metabolic rate distribution, both within and across species. A previously proposed maximum entropy theory of ecology (METE) predicts numerous interrelated macroecological patterns, including spatial distributions of individuals within species, abundance distributions across species, species area relationships, and distributions of metabolic rates of all individuals within a community. Extensive tests of METE's macroecological predictions generally support the theory, but two related predictions have not been evaluated against full community census data: the distribution of metabolic rates of individuals within species as a function of the abundance of the species and the distribution of average individual metabolic rates across species. We test the metabolic predictions of METE for herbaceous plants in a subalpine meadow and show that while this theory realistically predicts the distribution of individual metabolic rates across the entire community, the within- and across-species predictions generally fail. We also test the energy-equivalence type prediction that arises as a consequence of the prediction for the distribution of average individual metabolic rates across species. We suggest several possible explanations for the empirical deviations from theory, and distinguish between the expected deviations caused by ecological disturbance and those deviations that might be corrected within the theory.
Sulfonated Fluorovinylene Aromatic Ether Polymers for Proton Exchange Membranes2

A new semi-fluorinated perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) aryl ether containing polymer was prepared in high yield via the condensation of a commercial 4,4'-((1,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluorocyclobutane-1,2-diyl)bis(oxy))bisphenol (bisphenol T) and bis(trifluorovinyloxyether)biphenyl producing transparent, flexible films. The polymer system was structurally characterized using 1H and 19F NMR and exhibited a high degree of thermal stability as determined by thermogravimetric analysis capacity. The sulfonated analogue showed the highest degree of sulfonation at 27% from ion-exchange chromatography, producing a conductivity of 0.011 S cm-1 at 100% relative humidity.
On numerical computation of impedance functions, for rigid soil-structure interfaces embedded in heterogeneous half-spaces

Abstract We present fully-discrete procedures for computing the impedance functions of rigid massless soil-structure interfaces that are embedded in arbitrarily heterogeneous half-spaces. The finite element method (FEM) is used for obtaining the wave responses of (visco-)elastic half-spaces truncated by Perfectly Matched Layers (PMLs), which provide the wave absorbing boundary conditions. The devised FEM-PML approach is verified in both time and frequency domains by using various benchmark solutions. Requirements on the prescribed input excitations for obtaining accurate impedances in the time domain as well as the relative computational cost of time- and frequency domain solutions are investigated. Accuracy of the implemented PMLs in extracting the impedance functions is also examined in comparison to Lysmer–Kuhlemeyer dashpots; and it was found that this simplified boundary treatment is generally inadequate. The utility of the proposed method is demonstrated by extracting the impedance matrix of rectangular and circular voids embedded in a linearly stiffening half-space. Impedance functions for such complex soil-structure systems are shown to be highly coupled and frequency-dependent due to wave reflections and interference caused by the soil heterogeneity and interface geometry. Fully discrete approaches, such as those proposed herein, are necessary to adequately capture these effects.
Determinants of glutathione efflux and biliary GSH/GSSG ratio in perfused rat liver

Utilizing the isolated perfused rat liver, we examined several factors influencing efflux of glutathione [reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG)] into perfusate and bile, including the effects of perfusate composition, oxygen delivery to the liver, and acivicin (AT-125), an inhibitor of gamma-glutamyl transferase activity. When livers were perfused with a recirculating Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer only 7-26% of released glutathione was excreted into bile, mainly in its oxidized form (71-90% as GSSG). In contrast, when 20% bovine red blood cells or 20% fluorocarbon emulsion were utilized as perfusates, biliary glutathione accounted for a larger fraction of total hepatic efflux (16-41%), and only 39-65% was excreted as GSSG. To determine whether O2 delivery to the liver could explain some of these differences, biliary and sinusoidal efflux of glutathione were measured as O2 delivery was varied by 1) increasing the perfusion flow rate, 2) altering the concentration of fluorocarbon emulsion (5, 10, and 20%), and 3) changing the PO2 (95% O2-5% CO2 vs. 50% O2-5% CO2-45% N2). Under all experimental conditions, an increase in O2 delivery was accompanied by an increase in bile flow and in the concentration and rate of glutathione efflux into bile but no significant change in sinusoidal efflux of glutathione. Hepatic tissue GSH and GSSG levels were not affected by the various treatments. When gamma-glutamyl transferase activity was inhibited with AT-125, biliary glutathione increased to levels of approximately 50% of total hepatic efflux in fluorocarbon-perfused livers, and only 24-29% of the glutathione was excreted as GSSG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Solidarity in Secular Societies: Engelhardt and the Post-Modern Dilemma

H. T. Engelhardt’s essay on solidarity relies upon two crises that constitute the “post-modernism dilemma” in ethics. There is the sociological reality of moral pluralism and the epistemological problem posed by moral pluralism: we cannot know how to choose between the different content-full moral views. In ethics it can be argued that the modern age sought to establish a basis for morality and ethical reflection outside the commitments of any particular community or viewpoint. In the aftermath of the wars of religion during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries religious questions became more and more matters of “private” choice and not the province of secular governments. However, while issues of the sacraments, or grace, were no longer matters of importance for the state, questions of common morality were still of concern. The challenge was to find a way to address moral issues outside of the discourse and tenets of particular religious groups and faiths.
Disclosure of Information on Social Networking Websites

The digital age is upon us, and the explosion of electronically stored information on computers, gadgets that go by all sorts of odd names (cell phones, PDAs, smartphones), and social networking sites, can often constitute a treasure trove for plaintiffs and defendants alike. This article primarily discusses several recent decisions where parties have sought information contained on social networking sites, but similar principles will likely apply in instances where the information sought is contained on an electronic device, or where the information sought pertains to the use of a particular device.
Hardware Trojans embedded in the dynamic operation of analog and mixed-signal circuits

This paper introduces several examples of dynamic analog hardware Trojans. The dynamic circuits can have multiple operating modes, and the Trojan modes could be triggered if some initial conditions are added at the energy storage elements. Based on these examples, the Trojan dynamic operating modes can be either accidentally or intentionally embedded, even in the most widely used structures.
Sol-Gel Syntheses and Characterization of BaTi4O9 and BaTiO3-Powders

Sol-gel processes for the synthesis of high purity, ultrafine BaTi4O9 and BaTiO3 powders are described. Hydrolysis of an alkoxide precursor derived from barium metal and titanium (IV) isopropoxide resulted in formation of powders consisting of ultrafine (0.2 to 1.0 μm) spherical particles. These amorphous precursor powders were converted to crystalline BaTi4O9 powders (particle size 2–3 μm) by heat treatment at 1100 C. The sol-gel process for the synthesis of BaTiOj powders utilized chemical polymerization between moisture insensitive and relatively inexpensive barium acetate and titanium (IV) isopropoxide in the presence of acetic acid. The gel to ceramic conversion was achieved by firing the gels at 1000 °C to obtain high purity, stoichiometric BaTiO3 powders. The powders were sintered to obtain relatively dense (90 % relative density) ceramic bodies.
Shell V-Process

The current V-Process casting methods used in today’s industry are time intensive and energy inefficient. This project consisted of modifying two existing casting techniques in order to formulate a new patentable process. This new Shell V-Process will utilize both shell sand and a high temperature infrared (IR) heater to rapidly cure the sand around a pattern. Testing is important to determine the best cure rates, maximum height of curable sand, flask size, optimal sand binder levels, and thickness of plastic used in the process. The hope is to have this process automated for use in industry.
EPID-23UNDERSTANDING INHERITED GENETIC RISK OF ADULT GLIOMA - A REVIEW

Over the past six years, researchers have made major progress identifying inherited genetic variation that increases risk for primary adult glioma. Ten independent inherited variants in eight chromosomal regions have been convincingly associated with increased risk for adult glioma. We present a meta-analysis of these findings. Although most of these variants increase relative risk of primary adult glioma by 20% to 40%, the TP53 variant rs78378222 confers a two-fold relative risk (i.e. 200%), and rs557505857 on chromosome 8 confers a six-fold relative risk of IDH mutated astrocytomas and oligodendroglial tumors (i.e. 600%). Even with a six-fold relative risk, we show that the lifetime risk of adult glioma is too low for screening for the high-risk variant on chromosome 8. Furthermore, we show variants associated with specific histologic types of glioma and with molecular groups of glioma defined by tumor IDH mutation, TERT promoter mutation and 1p/19q co-deletion.
The Observation of Amino Acids in Children with Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Objective:To investigate the alternations of serum amino acids in children with Guillain_Barre syndrome.Methods:To estimate the levels of serum amino acids in8patients during the acute,post_transfusion treatment,and recovery phase with high performance liquid chromatography.Results:The levels of serum gluˉtramic acid(Glu),aspartic acid(Asp),and isoleucine(Ile)in acute phase were significantly higher than that in recovery.The levels of serum glycine(Gly)and cysteine(Cys)in acute phase were significantly lower than that in recovery.Conclusion:Asp,Glu,and Gly are involved in the acute phase of Guillain_Barre syndrome.Regulating the relevant balance between the excitatory amino acids and inhibitory amino acids will induce the degeneration and necrosis of the neurological cells.
Effect of various short-term storage methods on viability of cancellous bone fragments.

OBJECTIVE To determine effects of various storage methods on ex vivo viability of cancellous bone fragments. SAMPLE POPULATION Cancellous bone fragments obtained from 4 New Zealand White rabbits. PROCEDURE Cancellous bone fragments were stored for 3 hours on ice in 1 of 5 preservation solutions or in 0.9% NaCl. Fragments were then reperfused (37 C) in oxygenated physiologic buffer solution for 1 hour. Cellular viability in fragments was assessed by ethidium monoazide labeling and fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS Viability in fresh cancellous bone ranged from 85 to 100% (mean+/-SEM, 88+/-7%). Storage of fragments significantly reduced viability. Viability in bone fragments stored at 22 C in blood-soaked sponges or 0.9% NaCl solution was 63.8+/-3 and 65.2+/-7%, respectively. Use of cold 0.9% NaCI solution reduced viability to 53.6+/-3%. Viability was significantly better for fragments stored in cold phosphate-buffered sucrose (70.4+/-2%) and EuroCollins (71.4+/-3%) solutions. After warm reperfusion, viability was best for fragments stored in cold phosphate-buffered sucrose (70.2+/-4%), EuroCollins (72.6+/-3%), or UW lactobionate solutions (69.6+/-3%), compared with those stored in cold 0.9% NaCl (47.6+/-3%) or hypertonic citrate (53.0+/-3%) solutions or blood-soaked sponges (57.2+/-3%). CONCLUSIONS Hypothermic storage in solutions designed to prevent temperature-dependent cell injury were best for maintaining cancellous bone fragment viability. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Hypothermia may be advantageous for use in storing cancellous bone fragments during procedures that dictate a prolonged period between harvest and placement of graft fragments.
E-137 carotid artery stenosis in the setting of trans-catheter aortic valve replacement: clinical and technical considerations of carotid stenting

Introduction At our institution preoperative work-up for trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) includes evaluation of the carotid vessels. We review our series of patients treated for carotid stenosis with stenting in the setting of severe aortic valve disease and TAVR to evaluate its safety and efficacy. Methods We reviewed patients who underwent carotid stenting in the setting of preoperative work-up or following TAVR at our institution from August 2012 through January 2015. Patient outcomes in the immediate perioperative period were collected to assess the safety and efficacy of carotid stenting. Results Six patients (6.9%, 4 males, 2 females, mean age 82.3 ± 7.17 years) underwent successful carotid stenting either prior to (5 patients) or following (1 patient) TAVR. Average extent of carotid stenosis was 80%±6%, but in each case the diagnosis was incidental and patients were asymptomatic. One patient had an adverse outcome, who suffered acute systolic heart failure during stenting, requiring emergent balloon aortic valvuloplasty and vasopressor therapy. The average length of the stay in the intensive care unit was 4.16 ± 6 days; the average length of hospital stay was 4.5 ± 5.85. All patients were discharged home. None suffered immediate or delayed neurological complications. Conclusion We successfully performed carotid stenting in six patients either prior to or following TAVR with severe aortic pathology. These patients require intensive care and careful monitoring. Larger prospective studies are needed to determine whether carotid stenting in the setting of TAVR can provide long-term neurological benefits. Disclosures V. Ravindra: None. M. Mazur: None. M. Park: None. G. Kumpati: None. A. Patel: None. W. Couldwell: None. P. Taussky: 2; C; Covidien.
Survival after BNCT in Combination with Surgery for Dogs with Spontaneous Brain Tumors

Dogs develop spontaneous brain tumors as in humans and serve as a large animal model for evaluation of BNCT for treatment of brain tumor. In this study, 13 dogs with spontaneous brain tumors were treated surgery (SX) followed by BNCT and the median survival of was determined. The median survival was also determined for a group of dogs with spontaneous brain tumors previously treated with BNCT alone (n = 20). All dogs had histologic confirmation of tumor type either at the time of surgery or at necropsy. Of the dogs treated surgically, BNCT followed 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. Dogs of each group had various tumor types, however, the majority were meningiomas (13/20 BNCT; 9/13 SX + BNCT). Of the dogs in the surgery group, all had incomplete resections of the tumor primarily due to tumor location or infiltration of surrounding brain. In both groups, BSH or p-BPA were used for the boron agent. Peak brain dose was 10 to 12.5 Gy- equivalent.
Identifying GABA-A Receptor Modulators that Bind to Intersubunit Sites in the GABA-A Receptor Transmembrane Domain

GABAARs, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, belong to the superfamily of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels, each containing five identical/homologous subunits arranged pseudosymmetrically around a central ion channel. For α1β3γ2 GABAARs, the most common subtype, subunits are ordered βαβαγ, with transmitter binding sites at the β+-α- interfaces in the extracellular domain. Two homologous but pharmacologically distinct classes of general anesthetic binding sites have been identified in the GABAAR transmembrane domain by use of photoreactive general anesthetics. In a α1β3γ2 GABAAR, azietomidate binds with high affinity (IC50 = 3 μM) and 100-fold selectivity to β+-α- sites, while a mephobarbital analog, R-mTFD-MPAB, binds to α+-β-/γ+-β- sites (IC50 = 1.3 μM) with 60-fold selectivity. Competition photolabeling assays using these photoprobes have identified the selectivity and affinities of other general anesthetics for these sites. Now, extending this approach, we characterized competitive and allosteric interactions of non-anesthetic GABAAR modulators with these sites. Ivermectin, a GABAAR potentiator known to bind subunit interface sites in homologous receptors, is ∼100-fold selective for R-mTFD-MPAB sites (IC50 = 20 nM) compared to azietomidate sites (IC50 = 2 μM). In the presence of GABA, loreclezole, an anti-epileptic agent and GABAAR potentiator, binds with highest affinity to the α+-β- site (IC50 = 1 µM), intermediate affinity to the β+-α- sites (IC50 = 10 µM), and low affinity to the γ+-β- site (IC50 = 230 µM). This photolabeling assay was also used to identify allosteric interactions between GABAAR binding sites. Picrotoxinin, a GABAAR channel blocker, is a potent allosteric modulator of R-mTFD-MPAB binding in the presence of bicuculline (IC50 = 0.5 μM), but it is >200-fold weaker (IC50 = 120 μM) in the presence of GABA and has no effect on azietomidate binding. Supported by GM58448.
Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination (TSD): Crocodilian Survivorship

It is a fascinating subject why some species become extinct and others do not. Why, for example, have the three families of crocodilia (alligators, crocodiles and gavials) not become extinct during the past 100 million or so years? They have survived essentially unchanged for around 63 million years after the dinosaurs became extinct and clearly have great survival powers. As pointed out by Benton (1997), however, those that have survived are only a small group of around the 150 fossil genera of crocodilians that have been documented. Crocodiles and alligators were around in the later part of the Cretaceous (63 to 135 million years ago). As several have noted, such as Benton (1997), they were very much more widespread than they are now, with fossils found as far north as Sweden and Canada. Colbert and Morales (1991) point out that the late Cretaceous was the peak of their evolution with the largest genus being the Deinosuchus with the most impressive jaws of any reptiles of the period: one fossil had a skull 6 feet in length which suggests it must have had a total length of 40 to 50 feet—certainly a predator to take notice of. Carroll (1988) suggests that the decline of the genera was probably due to climatic deterioration from around the beginning of the Caenozoic (63 million years ago) era. In spite of the massive extinctions, the families that have survived are rightly viewed as living fossils. Meyer (1984) gives a general overview of them while Pooley and Gans (1976) focus on the Nile crocodile and describe, among other things, its unique biology and social behaviour which have contributed so much to its long survival.
In Vivo Agents and Markers for Endomicroscopy

Novel in vivo agents and molecular markers are steadily enhancing the field of endoscopy. By resolving glandular patterns and subcellular features, these targeted agents can provide endoscopists with near histologic-grade images of gastrointestinal disease. This chapter will review the clinical research in vital-dye, contrast, peptide, molecular, and mucolytic agents that have been studied to better target suspicious lesions for biopsy. To start off, the characteristics of each agent will be summarized. Then, the chapter will examine each organ system (esophagus, stomach, and colon) in turn and discuss how agents and their respective imaging systems have performed.
Design and analysis of a prototype haptic device for cardiovascular interventions

In this paper, we present the details of the mechanical design for a haptic device intended to be used during minimally invasive cardiac surgeries. In addition, we develop the kinematics and dynamics equation of motion of the end effector of the device using the Euler-Lagrange equations. The viability of the design is demonstrated by integrating a virtual representation of the left ventricle to define unilateral constraints and finding a safe corridor for haptic guidance and control of the surgical robot.
Search and Seizure by the Numbers: The Drug Courier Profile and Judicial Review of Investigative Formulas

The reasons for judicial mistrust of the drug courier profile are numerous and, I believe, compelling. Because many of the profile characteristics (e.g. nervousness, arrival from a source city, little or no luggage, cash purchase of ticket) are equally applicable to innocent persons, use of the profile by reviewing courts could lead to approval of wholesale seizures of innocent citizens by police. The accuracy of the profile has never been empirically validated, and profile characteristics appear to vary wildly from airport to airport and case to case, giving the profile a shifting, chameleon-like quality. One DEA agent candidly admitted that the profile consists of anything that happens to be suspicious in a particular case. Little wonder then, that the courts are reluctant to ascribe legal significance to the ever-changing profile characteristics, or to accept as binding a profile which was developed by the very law enforcement officials whose actions the courts are charged to review.
Structural and optical properties of nanosized ZnO/ZnTiO3 composite materials synthesized by a facile hydrothermal technique

We report the structural and optical properties of ZnO/ZnTiO3 nanocomposites synthesized at various calcination temperatures ranging from 500 to 900 °C by a simple hydrothermal process without using any dispersant agents. The XRD results reveal the coexistence of ZnO and ZnTiO3 phases when calcined at 600–900 °C, however, only pure ZnO phase appears when calcined at 500 °C for 1 h. Functional groups were identified by FTIR spectroscopic technique, which exhibit characteristic infrared absorption bands of ZnO/ZnTiO3 nanocomposites. The synthesized composites have absorbance at a wavelength of 300 and 370 nm and the band gap energy of the ZnO/ZnTiO3 nanocomposite system is tuned by varying the calcination temperature. The morphology of the particles were visualized by TEM analysis which shows the morphology changing from irregular particles to uniform spherical, rod and cubic structures while increasing the temperature from 500 to 900 °C. All the samples show interesting broad blue and green emission at about 490 and 530 nm. Incidentally, the emission intensity of the composite ZnO/ZnTiO3 phase is stronger than that of pure ZnO phase prepared at 700 and 900 °C.
7.5 – 8-Methoxypsoralen Compromises the Development of Ovarian Large Antral Follicles in Wistar Rats

The psoralens are naturally occurring metabolites found in many crop plants. Bergapten (5-methoxypsoralen) and xanthotoxin (8-methoxypsoralen) are widely used in skin photochemotherapy. Research has shown that dietary bergapten (5-methoxypsoralen) and xanthotoxin (8-methoxypsoralen) reduced birthrate in female rats when males and females were exposed to these chemicals. In addition, the two compounds, administered to female rats (mated to undosed males), reduced levels of circulating 17β-estradiol, and the number of implantation sites, pups, and corpora lutea, suggesting a direct effect on ovarian follicles. The present study was initiated to determine whether effects of xanthotoxin can be observed in ovarian follicles. Female Wistar rats were dosed daily (30 days) with vehicle control or xanthotoxin (180 mg kg-1, p.o.). Ovaries were collected and prepared for histological evaluation. Antral follicles (diameter >600 μm) were found to be larger (p < 0.05) in ovaries from xanthotoxin-dosed compared with control rats. Moreover, the granulosa cell layer thickness, and granulosa cell layer:follicle diameter ratio were reduced (p < 0.05) in dosed animals. This provides visual evidence that the granulosa cell population in large antral follicles is affected by xanthotoxin, and is consistent with its observed reduction in circulating 17β-estradiol levels.
Total Break of the SRP Encryption Scheme

Multivariate Public Key Cryptography (MPKC) is one of the main candidates for secure communication in a post-quantum era. Recently, Yasuda and Sakurai proposed in [7] a new multivariate encryption scheme called SRP, which combines the Square encryption scheme with the Rainbow signature scheme and the Plus modifier.
Breath Tests for Detection of Helicobacter pylori and Aspergillus fumigatus

The association of Helicobacter pylori with peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer was first proposed by Warren and Marshall in 1983 [1]. In February 1994, the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference concluded that H. pylori infection is the major cause of peptic ulcer disease, and all patients with confirmed peptic ulcer disease associated with H. pylori infection should receive treatment with antimicrobial agents [2]. The International Agency for Research on Cancer Working Group of the World Health Organization categorized H. pylori as a group I, or definite, human carcinogen [3]. Based on the data retrieved during the National Health Interview Survey of 1989, 10 % of adult US residents reported physician-diagnosed ulcer disease, among whom one-third had an ulcer in the past year [4]. In developing countries, the prevalence of H. pylori carriers can be as high as 70–90 %. The prevalence of the infection in developed countries is lower, ranging from 25 to 50 % with most patients acquiring the infection at childhood [5]. Seroprevalence studies in adults demonstrated an increasing rate of 3–4 % per decade [3, 6–8].
Structural Distinctions among Acetylcholinesterase Forms

Acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) is associated primarily with cells involved in cholinergic synaptic transmission, but it is also found in a variety of other neuronal and a few nonneuronal cells, like erythrocytes, in which its function is unclear (Nachmansohn, 1959). The catalytic properties of acetylcholinesterase have been studied intensively for more than 40 years, and details about its specificity and catalytic mechanism and features that distinguish it from the similar enzyme cholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) can be found in many reviews (Froede and Wilson, 1971; Rosenberry, 1975; Massoulie and Bon, 1982). Although no role in synaptic transmission for cholinesterase has yet been demonstrated, it is remarkable that both these enzymes exist in multiple forms with striking structural parallels (see Massoulie and Bon, 1982). This review will focus on the protein structures of various acetylcholinesterase forms and on the relationship of these structures to cellular localization.
CF 3 + : An Alternative Primary Beam Source for the Sensitive Detection of Electropositive Elements in SIMS

Traditionally O2 + has been used as the primary projectile for the sensitive detection of electropositive elements. Excellent secondary ion yields have been obtained particularly for those elements which can be completely oxidized and form strong ionic bonds with oxygen. Secondary ion yields, however, may decrease by several orders of magnitude for those elements (e.g., Cu, Ni, Zn, Ag) which are not forming strong ionic bonds under 02 + bombardment. One would expect that for these elementu, secondary ion yields may increase dramatically if bombarded with fluorine containing primary ions.
Exploration and development of gold- and silver-catalyzed cross dehydrogenative coupling toward donor–acceptor π-conjugated polymer synthesis

π-Conjugated polymers are materials of interest for use in organic electronics. Within these polymers, donor–acceptor polymers are favorable for solar cell applications due to improved charge mobility, better absorption in the low energy region of the solar spectrum, and tunable band gaps. One of the barriers to commercializing these donor–acceptor materials is that their synthetic pathways are complex because of the alternating repeat units in the polymer. To address this, the application of cross dehydrogenative coupling (also called oxidative CH/CH cross-coupling) toward the synthesis of donor–acceptor polymers was explored. In this work, the roles of specific reagents in a one-pot gold- and silver-catalyzed cross dehydrogenative coupling and the factors that contribute to selectivity for cross-coupling rather than homo-coupling are analyzed. Based on our results, we postulate that the percentage of alternating repeat units in the final polymer is affected by the increased reactivity of the dimer that forms in the initial stages of the polymerization compared to the monomer, which ultimately may be exploited to control the ratio of electron-rich to electron-poor monomers.
Power Law Relaxations in Lamellae Forming Brush Block Copolymers with Asymmetric Molecular Shape

We report the linear viscoelasticity of densely grafted poly(styrene)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (PS-b-PEO) diblock bottlebrush block copolymers (dbBB) of equal mass fraction over a wide range of backbone degree of polymerization (Nbb = 21–119). The difference in side chain length (PS Mn = 2.9 kg/mol, PEO Mn = 5 kg/mol) produces an asymmetry between the molecular shape of the two blocks despite their equal mass fractions. The dbBBs rapidly self-assemble into lamellar morphologies upon thermal annealing. Increasing Nbb results in an increase of domain spacing from d0 = 29 to 90 nm. In the microphase separated melt state, dbBBs are thermorheologically simple and remain unentangled up to large molecular weight (Mw > 500 kg/mol). Oscillatory shear rheology data shows distinct power law relationships analogous to critical gels across a wide range of time scales. The viscoelasticity is expressed by a dual power law relaxation time spectrum H(τ), consisting of relaxation processes at short (n1) and long (n2) tim...
300 Insights from single-cell RNA sequencing of skin and kidney in lupus nephritis

Background Classification and treatment decisions in lupus nephritis (LN) are largely based on renal histology. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) analysis may accurately differentiate types of renal involvement at the transcriptomic level, and better inform treatment decisions and prognosis. Methods scRNAseq was performed on kidney and non-lesional skin tissue collected from 20 SLE patients undergoing a clinically indicated renal biopsy. Cell types were determined using principal component analysis and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (tSNE) plotting, resulting in the definitive identification of keratinocytes, tubular cells, mesangial cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and leukocytes. Results LN patients expressed upregulated IFN response genes in both their tubular cells and keratinocytes. This IFN response signature in tubular cells predicted poor response to therapy 6 months post-biopsy. Tubular cells of non-responder patients also expressed upregulated extracellular matrix proteins and fibrotic markers (figure 1A and 1B). Using logistic regression analysis, a 4-gene tubular fibrosis score was created and able to predict response to treatment with an area under curve of 0.9 (figure 1C). Keratinocytes of non-responders also upregulated certain extracellular matrix genes and this response was not observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Differential expression analysis between histology classes indicated an upregulation of IFN and TNF signaling in the tubular cells of patients with proliferative LN compared with membranous. Conclusions scRNAseq from 2–10 mm of renal biopsy tissue in SLE can differentiate between the different classes of LN, and provide important insights into potential pathogenic mechanisms. Further, changes in the skin of LN patients can provide a useful source of biomarkers and may reflect important information concerning concurrent kidney pathological events. Funding Source(s): This work was supported by the Accelerating Medicines Partnership (AMP) in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus Network. AMP is a public-private partnership (AbbVie, Arthritis Foundation, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, Lupus Foundation of America, Lupus Research Alliance, Merck Sharp and Dohme, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Pfizer, Rheumatology Research Foundation, Sanofi, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals) created to develop new ways of identifying and validating promising biological targets for diagnostics and drug development. Funding was provided through grants from the National Institutes of Health (UH2-AR067676, UH2-AR067677, UH2-AR067679, UH2-AR067681, UH2-AR067685, UH2-AR067688, UH2-AR067689, UH2-AR067690, UH2-AR067691, UH2-AR067694, and UM2-AR067678).
The Inversion of One-Dimensional Soil Parameters in the Frequency Domain With Considering Multilayered Earth Based on Simulated Annealing Algorithm

A method to study the soil parameters’ frequency dependence of horizontally multilayered earth is developed. It is achieved by multifrequency inversion. Apparent resistivity can be obtained from the potential difference and the injecting current. Since the inversion is performed simultaneously at multiple frequencies and the inversion at each studied frequency is independent, parallel computing can be used to improve the efficiency of the inversion algorithm. The inverse problem in this study is an unconstrained optimization problem. So one of the central issues is the optimization of model parameters. Simulated annealing algorithm adopted in this study is an effective method to solve this kind of problem. The difference between the two calculation results based on the dynamic state field theory and quasi-static field theory is studied. The proposed method is validated by the interpretation of measurement data. The frequency dependence of soil parameters is studied by applying the method to interpret spectral-induced polarization data.
Using the Tidyverse Package in R for Simulation Studies in SEM

A Monte Carlo simulation study is an essential tool for examining the behavior of various models in structural equation modeling (SEM). Recently, the tidyverse package in R is gaining popularity fo...
Breast Cancer Early Detection: An Academic–Community Partnership in the Philippines

A high proportion of patients with breast cancer in the Philippines present at an advanced stage and have a rapid, unfavorable outcome. Providing breast cancer education and early detection to this population is important to help reduce this health disparity. This article describes the impact of a train-the-trainer program, with mission groups traveling to the Philippines to promote female residents' breast cancer awareness, knowledge, and intent for future screening.
Explaining the Oscillation of Cross-Strait Relations: A Domestic Approach:

This special section includes four papers to examine the ups and downs of the relationship between Taiwan and China. While both sides of the Taiwan Strait have different political systems, these st...
Simultaneous scheduling of multi-product pipeline distribution and depot inventory management for petroleum refineries

Abstract Multiple oil-product distribution through a long-distance pipeline to downstream multiple depots is critically important to petroleum refineries and has been extensively studied. Unfortunately, the issues of appropriate handling the trans-mix (TM) between oil-product slugs along the pipeline, as well as the depot inventory management in terms of tank receiving, storage, blending, and discharge operations have not been considered by the previous studies, which could potentially jeopardize their application profitability and operability. Facing these challenges, a general methodology together with a new continuous-time scheduling model have been developed in this paper for simultaneous multi-product pipeline distribution and depot inventory management (MPD-DIM) of a straight pipeline with an input node and multiple output nodes. The scheduling model consists of three sub-models: (i) a preprocessing sub-model for regulating new feeding pipeline slugs; (ii) a TM handling sub-model, and (iii) a product pipeline distribution sub-model with consideration of depot inventory management. Comparably, the development of this study could handle the mixed-interface of oil products appropriately and economically through blending and distillation operations. Meanwhile, the optimization of multi-product pipeline transportation and depot inventory management could be simultaneously accomplished. The efficacy of the developed methodology and MPD-DIM model has been demonstrated by six case studies.