cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Novel LC-MS/MS Opioid Confirmation Assay: Evaluation of β-glucuronidase Enzymes and Sample Cleanup Methods

With the rise in the use and misuse of prescription opioids, there is an increasing need for the confirmed identification of opioid analgesics in toxicology laboratories. The goals of this study were to (i) systematically evaluate the hydrolysis efficiency of four β-glucuronidase enzymes under optimized condition; (ii) evaluate compound recovery, matrix effects and precision of three protein precipitation plates and (iii) develop and validate a qualitative liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay to identify 13 opioids in urine. A recombinant β-glucuronidase exhibited the best overall hydrolysis efficiency for seven opioid glucuronide conjugates compared with β-glucuronidase from red abalone, Escherichia coli and Patella vulgata One of the protein precipitation plates tested exhibited overall better recovery of the opioids and lower ion suppression compared with the other two plates. An ESI positive mode LC-MS/MS assay for qualitative opioid analysis was developed and validated. Linearity, LOD, precision, matrix effect, recovery, carryover and interference of the method were evaluated. Sixty-two patient samples were analyzed by both a legacy GC-MS opioid method and the LC-MS/MS method, and 22 samples were analyzed by the LC-MS/MS and an LC-MS/MS reference method. The results of the comparisons showed good concordance. Overall, we described an efficient sample preparation procedure for a sensitive qualitative opioid confirmation assay in urine.
Abiologic silicon isotope fractionation between aqueous Si and Fe(III)–Si gel in simulated Archean seawater: Implications for Si isotope records in Precambrian sedimentary rocks

Abstract Precambrian Si-rich sedimentary rocks, including cherts and banded iron formations (BIFs), record a >7‰ spread in 30Si/28Si ratios (δ30Si values), yet interpretation of this large variability has been hindered by the paucity of data on Si isotope exchange kinetics and equilibrium fractionation factors in systems that are pertinent to Precambrian marine conditions. Using the three-isotope method and an enriched 29Si tracer, a series of experiments were conducted to constrain Si isotope exchange kinetics and fractionation factors between amorphous Fe(III)–Si gel, a likely precursor to Precambrian jaspers and BIFs, and aqueous Si in artificial Archean seawater under anoxic conditions. Experiments were conducted at room temperature, and in the presence and absence of aqueous Fe(II) (Fe(II)aq). Results of this study demonstrate that Si solubility is significantly lower for Fe–Si gel than that of amorphous Si, indicating that seawater Si concentrations in the Precambrian may have been lower than previous estimates. The experiments reached ∼70–90% Si isotope exchange after a period of 53–126 days, and the highest extents of exchange were obtained where Fe(II)aq was present, suggesting that Fe(II)–Fe(III) electron-transfer and atom-exchange reactions catalyze Si isotope exchange through breakage of Fe–Si bonds. All experiments except one showed little change in the instantaneous solid–aqueous Si isotope fractionation factor with time, allowing extraction of equilibrium Si isotope fractionation factors through extrapolation to 100% isotope exchange. The equilibrium 30Si/28Si fractionation between Fe(III)–Si gel and aqueous Si (Δ30Sigel–aqueous) is −2.30 ± 0.25‰ (2σ) in the absence of Fe(II)aq. In the case where Fe(II)aq was present, which resulted in addition of ∼10% Fe(II) in the final solid, creating a mixed Fe(II)–Fe(III) Si gel, the equilibrium fractionation between Fe(II)–Fe(III)–Si gel and aqueous Si (Δ30Sigel–aqueous) is −3.23 ± 0.37‰ (2σ). Equilibrium Si isotope fractionation for Fe–Si gel systems is significantly larger in magnitude than estimates of a near-zero solid–aqueous fractionation factor between pure Si gel and aqueous Si, indicating a major influence of Fe atoms on Si–O bonds, and hence the isotopic properties, of Fe–Si gel. Larger Si isotope fractionation in the Fe(II)-bearing systems may be caused by incorporation of Fe(II) into the solid structure, which may further weaken Fe–Si bonds and thus change the Si isotope fractionation factor. The relatively large Si isotope fractionation for Fe–Si gel, relative to pure Si gel, provides a new explanation for the observed contrast in δ30Si values in the Precambrian BIFs and cherts, as well as an explanation for the relatively negative δ30Si values in BIFs, in contrast to previous proposals that the more negative δ30Si values in BIFs reflect hydrothermal sources of Si or sorption to Fe oxides/hydroxides.
Barriers to forgoing nutrition and hydration in nursing homes.

In the two decades since the Karen Quinlan case first brought the issues that now go under the heading of the “right to die” to the attention of the courts and the public, a well-accepted legal consensus has developed about the law governing the forgoing of life-sustaining medical treatment. Law and clinical medical practice do not always run in tandem, however, and what law prescribes does not always occur in practice. One aspect of the legal consensus—that artificial nutrition and hydration is a medical treatment and thus may be withheld or withdrawn according to the same procedures and standards as other life-sustaining medical treatments—is probably less well accepted than the remainder. For reasons that I will explain, this is understandable. But what is puzzling is that this element of the consensus seems to be even less well accepted in nursing homes than in acute-care hospitals.
Development of navigation software system for obstacle avoidance in a dynamic environment

The goal of this paper is to improve mobile robot navigation in a dynamic environment. In this paper a navigation software system was developed that allows a mobile robot to autonomously traverse a dynamic environment. The developed system accomplishes this by modeling an obstacle's motion and then predicting that object's trajectory. The navigation software system developed uses the potential field method to navigate the mobile robot. Any objects within the robots vicinity are tracked using a simulated laser scanner. These detected objects are avoided by combining different behaviors, all of which have been developed to navigate the mobile robot. The navigation software system was tested and implemented in a virtual environment that required the mobile robot reach a designated target while avoiding moving obstacles. The navigation software system showed an evident characteristic of not moving the mobile robot into a moving object's trajectory. This characteristic was demonstrated by either having the robot navigating behind the moving object or pausing and waiting for the moving object to pass. The demonstrated characteristic of the developed navigation software system will improve the safety of mobile robots navigating dynamic environments.
Reconciling the Public Policy Exception to Enforcing Contracts With Title VII's Public Policy on Disciplining Harassers

This article looks at the evolution of the public policy doctrine and its effects on Title VII when unionized employees are dismissed for harassment. Some writers have questioned whether the Court eliminated the public policy exception by defining it so narrowly. But, the focus of commentary has been on the effects of the Eastern decision in the traditional collective bargaining context where the need to limit judicial involvement is great. However, the public policy doctrine's impact is no longer limited to traditional contract issues that are unregulated. As a result, the doctrine's impact on the operation and goals of Title VII is worth addressing.
Phase Desynchronization: A New Approach and Theory Using Pulse-Based Interaction

In this paper, we present a novel approach for achieving phase desynchronization in a pulse-coupled oscillator network. Ensuring phase desynchronization is a difficult problem, and existing results are constrained to a completely interconnected network and a fixed number of nodes. Our approach is more robust than previous approaches, removing the constraint of a fixed number of nodes. The removal of this constraint is significant because it allows the network to receive and drop nodes freely without any change to the phase update strategy. Also, to our knowledge, our approach is the first to prove the convergence to the desynchronized state for a topology that is more general than the all-to-all topology. More specifically, our approach is applicable to any circulant, symmetric network topology, including the circulant symmetric ring topology. Rigorous mathematical proofs are provided to support the result that any circulant, symmetric network with ordered phases under our proposed algorithm will converge to uniform phase desynchronization. Simulation results are also presented to demonstrate the algorithm's performance.
Wet Processing of Barley Grains into Concentrates of Proteins, β-Glucan, and Starch

An improved wet method was developed to process barley into fractions concentrated in protein, (1-3)(1-4)-β-d-glucan (BG), starch, or other carbohydrates (CHO). Alkaline concentration, solvent to barley flour ratio (SFR), and extraction temperature were evaluated for their effects on concentration and recovery of protein, BG, starch, oil, ash, and other CHO in each fraction type. Results show that the three parameters and their interactions all had significant effects, resulting in varying nutrient concentrations and recovery rates in each type of fractions. For protein fractions, protein content varied from 37.7 to 75.2%, protein recovery from 8.5 to 75.7%, and increasing alkaline concentration and SFR improved nutrient recovery. For BG fractions, BG content ranged from 21.5 to 87.0%, BG recovery from 28.6 to 78.0%, and increasing alkaline concentration decreased BG content but increased its recovery significantly. For starch fractions, starch content varied from 76.9 to 93.9%, starch recovery from 33.6 ...
The Role of Stress in Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a disorder of self-perception that involves the preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect. Those with BDD feel compelled to perform repetitive and compulsive behaviors in response to appearance concerns. Many times, they are consumed by these preoccupations and compulsions, to the extent that it interferes with their daily functioning. In fact, the vast majority of those with BDD report that their symptoms interfere moderately or severely with social, occupational, and/or academic functioning. Furthermore, those with BDD have been found to have notably poorer mental health-related quality of life when compared to the general population and those with acute and chronic medical conditions. In addition, many studies highlight the correlation between early-life stressors and traumatic events and the subsequent development of BDD. Overall, there is undeniably a strong association between BDD and impaired psychosocial functioning, greater perceived stress, and reduced quality of life. Therapies that are targeted at managing the negative thoughts and distress that accompany this disorder have been proposed, including methods to reduce anxiety and stress. These strategies have all proven to be somewhat effective in alleviating symptoms, although BDD continues to be a therapeutically challenging disorder.
Elastographic Assessment of Xenograft Pancreatic Tumors.

High tissue pressures prevent chemotherapeutics from reaching the parenchyma of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which makes it difficult to treat this aggressive disease. Researchers currently use invasive probes to monitor the effectiveness of pressure-reducing therapies, but this practice introduces additional complications. Here, we hypothesize that Young's modulus is a good surrogate for tissue pressure because collagen density and hyaluoronic acid, the key features of the tumor microenvironment responsible for high tissue pressures, also affect modulus elastograms. To corroborate this hypothesis, we used model-based quasi-static elastography to assess how the Young's modulus of naturally occurring AsPc-1 pancreatic tumors varies with collagen density and hyaluoronic acid concentration. We observed that Young's moduli of orthotopically grown xenograft tumors were 6 kPa (p < 0.05) higher than that of their subcutaneously grown counterparts. We also observed a strong correlation between Young's modulus and regions within the tumors with high collagen (R2 ≈ 0.8) and hyaluoronic acid (R2 ≈ 0.6) densities. These preliminary results indicate that hyaluronic acid and collagen density, features of the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumor microenvironment responsible for high tissue pressure, influence Young's modulus.
A Fast DBSCAN Algorithm with Spark Implementation

DBSCAN is a well-known clustering algorithm which is based on density and is able to identify arbitrary shaped clusters and eliminate noise data. Parallelization of DBSCAN is a challenging work because there is an inherent sequential data access order and based on MPI or OpenMP environments, there exist the issues of lack of fault-tolerance and there is no guarantee that workload is balanced. Moreover, programming with MPI requires data scientists to handle communication between nodes which is a big challenge. We present a new parallel DBSCAN algorithm using Spark. kd-tree technique is applied in our algorithm to reduce search time. More specifically, a novel merge approach is used so that no communication between executors is required while partial clusters are generated. Appropriate and efficient data structures are carefully used in our study: Using Queue to contain neighbors of the data point, and using Hashtable when checking the status of and processing the data points. Also other advanced data structures from Spark are applied to make our implementation more effective. We implement the algorithm in Java and evaluate its scalability by using different number of processing cores. Our experiments demonstrate that the algorithm we propose scales up very well. Using data sets containing up to 1 million high-dimensional points, we show that our proposed algorithm achieves speedups up to 6 using 8 cores (10 k), 10 using 32 cores (100 k), and 137 using 512 cores (1 m). Another experiment using 10 k data points is conducted and the result shows that the algorithm with MapReduce achieves speedups to 1.3 using 2 cores, 2.0 using 4 cores, and 3.2 using 8 cores.
Saving Languages: Models for revitalization

Introduction This chapter discusses common types of revitalization programs found world-wide, what these programs involve, and how they match (or fail to match) the language goals of a given community. The choice of the best program for a particular community is primarily dependent upon these goals, but the resources available for the project are also critical. We limit our discussion in this chapter to the portions of programs that deal specifically with increasing local language knowledge and use. However, it must be kept in mind that the language portion of the program must be complemented by fund-raising, political lobbying, legal work, and/or community relations efforts. Most communities involved in revitalization have chosen to focus at least some of their efforts in educational programs. This chapter uses this fact to organize the presentation of revitalization programs. Existing types range from full immersion programs, where all instruction is in the local language, such as the Hawaiian and Māori “language nests,” to partial-immersion programs, where local language instruction is found in conjunction with instruction in a language of wider communication, to programs where use of the local language is very limited. While many would argue that full-immersion programs are the surest route to language revitalization and maintenance, few communities have the resources necessary to see them through.
Spatially-Adaptive Learning Rates for Online Incremental SLAM

Several recent algorithms have formulated the SLAM problem in terms of non-linear pose graph optimization. These algorithms are attractive because they offer lower computational and memory costs than the traditional Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), while simultaneously avoiding the linearization error problems that affect EKFs. In this paper, we present a new non-linear SLAM algorithm that allows incremental optimization of pose graphs, i.e., allows new poses and constraints to be added without requiring the solution to be recomputed from scratch. Our approach builds upon an existing batch algorithm that combines stochastic gradient descent and an incremental state representation. We develop an incremental algorithm by adding a spatially-adaptive learning rate, and a technique for reducing computational requirements by restricting optimization to only the most volatile portions of the graph. We demonstrate our algorithms on real datasets, and compare against other online algorithms.
Influence of Intensity and Duration of Exercise on Supply and Use of Fuels

In mobile animals, survival may depend upon ability to perform muscular work, often during periods of limited food supply. This work may be of high intensity, of long duration, or, occasionally, both. It is to be expected, therefore, that adaptations to meet these varying demands have developed. Because of the large energy requirements of the active as opposed to the resting state, these adaptations should include mechanisms to assure an adequate supply of fuel.
Aktuelle Konzepte der Gesichtsverjüngung bei Männern und Frauen

Die Verfeinerung der Diagnostik erlaubt es der asthetischen Chirurgie heute, das naturliche Aussehen bei minimaler Sichtbarkeit chirurgischer Schnitte um 15 bis 20 Jahre zu verjungen. Nicht nur die Gesichtspartie, sondern auch Hals und Ohrlappchen konnen Jugendlichkeit oder Alter ausdrucken. Als Gesamtheit entfalten diese Partien ihre Wirkung. Mithilfe der Elevation und Separation der Haut vom superfiziellen muskuloaponeurotischen System (SMAS) und vom Platysmamuskel ist es moglich, nur die uberschussige Haut zu entfernen und tiefere Schichten dauerhaft abzustutzen. Spezielle Techniken fur jeden Bereich ermoglichen die individuelle Korrektur von Gesicht und Hals. Der Wundverschluss findet unter normaler Hautspannung statt, was zu dem gewunschten, naturlich wirkenden Ergebnis fuhrt und sichtbaren Narben vorbeugt. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt die SMAS-Technik fur die Gesichtspartie – mit Wangen und Lidern – sowie fur die Halspartie – mit Doppelkinn und Entfernung uberschussiger Halshaut. Ebenso berucksichtigt werden Deformitaten des Ohrlappchens. Operationsplanung und -technik werden detailliert beschrieben und Verbande, postoperative Anweisungen fur den Patienten und mogliche Komplikationen diskutiert.
Comparison of Intravenous and Intravesical Administration of Chloro-Aluminum Sulfonated Phthalocyanine for Photodynamic Treatment in a Rat Bladder Cancer Model

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy is an experimental treatment of superficial bladder tumors. Photofrin, a mixture of porphyrins, is the only photosensitizer in clinical use in the U.S.A. and its major side effect is prolonged cutaneous phototoxicity. In order to circumvent this problem of phototoxicity, new photosensitizers are being examined. Cutaneous phototoxicity may also be minimized by local administration of photosensitizer. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the photosensitizer chloro-aluminum sulfonated phthalocyanine (CASPc) in vivo in a rat bladder carcinoma model, and compared two different routes of CASPc administration. AY-27 rat bladder carcinoma cells were transplanted into rat bladders. Eight days after tumor transplantation the biodistribution of CASPc in bladder, skin, muscle and bladder tumor was determined by fluorescence measurements after dye extraction. Photosensitizer administered by intravenous injection and intravesical instillation, were compared. The concentration of CASPc ...
Low Cost High Performance LED Driver Based on a Self-Oscillating Boost Converter

In this paper, a self-oscillating boost converter with a blocking diode is proposed to meet the desire for simple, cost-effective, high performance, and highly efficient LED drivers. As compared with traditional self-oscillating converters, the proposed converter demonstrates several appealing advantages including design simplicity, robustness, soft-switching characteristics (zero-voltage switching and zero-current switching), tight current regulation, and high efficiency over a wide line/load range. The control stage is implemented with a compact and low-cost industry standard controller, which assumes multiple roles in switching and LED current regulation. A type III compensator with anti-windup is designed to limit the maximum LED current at startup and to achieve tight LED current regulation at steady state. The efficiency and desired transient/steady-state performances are verified with SPICE simulation and a prototype circuit, which demonstrate a maximum efficiency of 95.9% and 2.3% ripple factor for the LED current. The robustness of the proposed driver is verified under a range of power supply voltage and different numbers of LEDs at the load side. In addition, the circuit is modified to implement high efficiency pulsewidth modulation dimming between 5% and 95%.
Microtextured Cell Culture Platforms: Biomimetic Substrates for the Growth of Cardiac Myocytes and Fibroblasts

In order to understand the role of tissue adaptation to altered physiological states, a more physiologically and dimensionally relevant in vitro model of cardiac myocyte organization has been developed. This new cell culture system, created by microfabrication technology, provides an environment in which cells can maintain a differentiated in vivo cell phenotype. By creating microtextured geometries of varied dimension, we are able to maximize the perpendicular surface area for myocyte attachment. These platforms provide a biocompatible surface with specific microarchitectures upon which cells exhibit enhanced cellular adhesion due to increased surface area, three-dimensional geometries, and bioacceptable attachment moieties.
Probing C P violation in h → Z γ with background interference

We show that the parity of the $hZ\ensuremath{\gamma}$ vertex can be probed by interference between the gluon fusion Higgs production, $gg\ensuremath{\rightarrow}h\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}Z\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, and the background, $gg\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}Z\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, amplitudes. In the presence of a parity violating $hZ\ensuremath{\gamma}$ vertex, this interference alters the kinematic distribution of the leptons and photon compared to Standard Model (SM) expectations. For a Higgs with SM-sized width and couplings, we find that the size of the effect enters at most at the $1{0}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ level. Such a small effect cannot be seen at the LHC, even with futuristic high luminosities. Should there exist other broader scalar particles with larger production cross-section times branching ratio to $Z\ensuremath{\gamma}$, then the parity structure of their $Z\ensuremath{\gamma}$ couplings can be probed with this technique.
Neurofeedback-Based Moral Enhancement and Traditional Moral Education

Scientific progress in recent neurofeedback research may bring about a new type of moral neuroenhancement, namely, neurofeedback-based moral enhancement; however, this has yet to be examined thoroughly. This paper presents an ethical analysis of the possibility of neurofeedback-based moral enhancement and demonstrates that this type of moral enhancement sheds new light on the moral enhancement debate. First, I survey this debate and extract the typical structural flow of its arguments. Second, by applying structure to the case of neurofeedback-based moral enhancement, I examine the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) to show that this technique is unique and traditionalist, which makes it compatible with almost all our conservative notions, so that it, accordingly, can be seen as an ethically acceptable option. Third, by rejecting the premise in the moral enhancement debate that bio/neuro-enhancement has its unique ELSI that traditional methods would never create, I demonstrate that, by virtue of its traditional or conservative features, neurofeedback-based moral enhancement can be incorporated into the traditional moral education network. Finally, I conclude that, being a part of the traditional moral education network, neurofeedback-based moral enhancement can be a unique and ethically acceptable option of moral neuroenhancement.
Closeness or compassion? Relatedness and causal control influence helping via distinct pathways

Why do people feel compassion? Two largely separate research literatures – one driven by evolutionary psychology and one driven by attribution theory – have shown that feelings of compassion for ne...
Comparative Analysis of Safety and Efficacy of Transarterial Chemoembolization for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with and without Pre-Existing Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts.

Abstract Purpose To compare the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with and without transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). Materials and Methods This single-institution study included a retrospective review of 50 patients who underwent transarterial chemoembolization for HCC between January 2010 and April 2017. Twenty-five patients had preexisting TIPS, and 25 patients were selected to control for age, sex, and target tumor size. Baseline median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD; 13 TIPS, 9 control; P Results There was 1 severe adverse event (CTCAE grade >2) in the TIPS group. There was no difference in the change in MELD or ALBI grade. Although there was no difference in tumor response (P = .19), more patients achieved a complete response in the control group (19/25, 76%) than in the TIPS group (13/25, 52%). There was no difference in TTP (P = .82). At 1 year, 2 patients in the control group and 3 patients in the TIPS group received a liver transplant. Seven patients died in the TIPS group. Conclusions Transarterial chemoembolization is as safe and effective in patients with TIPS as in patients without TIPS, despite worse baseline liver function. Severe adverse events are rare and may be transient.
Evaluation of patient-specific scatter-corrected digital chest tomosynthesis

Purpose: Chest tomosynthesis is an attractive alternative to computed tomography (CT) for lung nodule screening, but reductions in image quality caused by radiation scatter remains an important limitation. Conventional anti-scatter grids result in higher patient dose, and alternative approaches are needed. The purpose of this study was to validate a lowdose patient-specific approach to scatter correction for an upcoming human imaging study. Method: A primary sampling device (PSD) was designed and scatter correction algorithm incorporated into an experimental stationary digital chest tomosynthesis (s-DCT) system for this study to directly compute scatter from the primary beam information. Phantom and an in-vivo porcine subject were imaged. Total scan time was measured and image quality evaluated. Results: Comparison of reconstruction slice images from uncorrected and scatter-corrected projection images reveals improved image quality, with increased feature conspicuity. Each scan in the current setup required twelve seconds, in addition to one second for PSD retraction, for a total scan time of 25 seconds. Conclusions: We have evaluated the prototype low-dose, patient-specific scatter correction methodology using phantom studies in preparation for a clinical trial. Incorporating only 5% of additional patient dose, the reconstruction slices exhibit increased visual conspicuity of anatomical features, with the primary drawback of increased total scan time. Though used for tomosynthesis, the technique can be easily translated to digital radiography in lieu of an anti-scattering grid.
Attitudes and perceptions of next-of-kin/loved ones toward end-of-life HIV cure-related research: A qualitative focus group study in Southern California

As end-of-life (EOL) HIV cure-related research expands, understanding perspectives of participants' next-of-kin (NOK) is critical to maintaining ethical study conduct. We conducted two small focus groups and two one-on-one interviews using focus group guides with the NOK of Last Gift study participants at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Participating NOK included six individuals (n = 5 male and n = 1 female), including a grandmother, grandfather, partner, spouse, and two close friends. Researchers double-coded the transcripts manually for overarching themes and sub-themes using an inductive approach. We identified six key themes: 1) NOK had an accurate, positive understanding of the Last Gift clinical study; 2) NOK felt the study was conducted ethically; 3) Perceived benefits for NOK included support navigating the dying/grieving process and personal growth; 4) Perceived drawbacks included increased sadness, emotional stress, conflicted wishes between NOK and study participants, and concerns around potential invasiveness of study procedures at the EOL; 5) NOK expressed pride in loved ones' altruism; and 6) NOK provided suggestions to improve the Last Gift study, including better communication between staff and themselves. These findings provide a framework for ethical implementation of future EOL HIV cure-related research involving NOK.
Enhancing the One-Dimensional SFR Thermal Stratification Model via Advanced Inverse Uncertainty Quantification Methods

Thermal stratification (TS) is a thermal-fluid phenomenon that can introduce large uncertainties to nuclear reactor safety. The stratified layers caused by TS can lead to temperature oscillations i...
The Arkansas Code and Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org

This short article examines the recent U.S. Supreme Court case Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org and the possible effect of the ruling on the copyright status of the Arkansas Code Annotated. The case held that the annotations in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated were not subject to copyright protection, thus allowing anyone to post them online free for all to use. Arkansas’ own Arkansas Code Annotated is created in a process nearly identical to Georgia’s. Annotations are invaluable to understanding statutes. They typically include citations and brief summaries of cases which have interpreted the statute, including in some instances cases which have invalidated the law. Annotations also typically point the user to the history of the statute and secondary sources which discuss it. They also are expensive to produce. Presumably if the annotations can be freely copied by anyone there will be less monetary incentive for them to be produced. This article examines the holding in Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org and the cases on which it relied, then applies the reasoning to Arkansas’ process for creating its annotated code. The article concludes that the holding in Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org probably does apply to Arkansas’ own annotated code. However, Georgia has recently passed legislation calculated to place their annotations once more within copyright’s protection, and if the effort is successful Arkansas could follow suit. [ Feedback welcomed.]
Adaptations and Diversity of Antarctic Fishes: A Genomic Perspective

Antarctic notothenioid fishes are the classic example of vertebrate adaptive radiation in a marine environment. Notothenioids diversified from a single common ancestor ∼25 Mya to more than 140 species today, and they represent ∼90% of fish biomass on the continental shelf of Antarctica. As they diversified in the cold Southern Ocean, notothenioids evolved numerous traits, including osteopenia, anemia, cardiomegaly, dyslipidemia, and aglomerular kidneys, that are beneficial or tolerated in their environment but are pathological in humans. Thus, notothenioids are models for understanding adaptive radiations, physiological and biochemical adaptations to extreme environments, and genetic mechanisms of human disease. Since 2014, 16 notothenioid genomes have been published, which enable a first-pass holistic analysis of the notothenioid radiation and the genetic underpinnings of novel notothenioid traits. Here, we review the notothenioid radiation from a genomic perspective and integrate our insights with recent observations from other fish radiations. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Are microbial communities indicators of soil health in a dryland wheat cropping system

Abstract Soil health is an increasingly important concept that provides aspirational targets for agricultural management. Due in part to the incredible diversity of soil microbial communities, however, the biological components of soil health remain poorly understood. In the last decade the refinement of high-throughput DNA sequencing approaches for examining soil microbial communities has led to sequence-variant resolution insights into their diversity. In this work we employ high-throughput sequencing of bacterial (16S rRNA genes) and fungal (internal transcribed spacer [ITS]) regions to evaluate soil microbial communities in relation to other soil chemical parameters, biological soil health tests, and crop yields in fields under long-term reduced tillage (business-as-usual) and no tillage (aspirational) management at two soil depths. We found that tillage systems and soil depth were crucial determinants of microbial community composition and diversity in conjunction with soil chemical measures. Moreover, although some measures of biological soil health (CO2-burst, Haney Soil Health Score) did not differentiate fields under reduced tillage and no-till systems, amplicon sequencing revealed clear differences in microbial communities between management regimes. The relative abundances of many microbial taxa were significantly related to soil chemical variables and crop yields. Fungal communities showed stronger correlations with yield than bacterial communities at both depth increments. Fungi from the families Sordariaceae, Hydnodontaceae, Hypocreaceae, and Clavicipitaceae were positively correlated with yield, especially in the upper soil depth, while Glomeraceae and Phaeosphaeriaceae were negatively correlated. Many of these correlations were also seen in the subsequent winter wheat and chickpea crops, and some correlations could be detected in the 20-year previous yield history of the no-tillage farm. Among the bacteria, only Microbaceriaceae and Xanthomonadaceae were positively correlated, but Caulobacteriaceae, Flavobacteriaceae, Sphingobacteriaceae, Chitinophagaceae were more abundant in lower yielding locations. This may reflect the strong plant selection in the rhizosphere for these bacterial groups in stressed plants. There were no significant differences, however, between microbial diversity and management practices or significant correlations with crop yields. These results suggest that some specific groups of microbial taxa are responsive to tillage systems, exhibit positive relationships with grain yields, and may be useful indicators of soil health.
Inhibitory Effect of Physiological Bicarbonate Ion Levels on the Activities of Glucose 6-Phosphate Phosphohydrolase

Abstract Rat liver microsomal glucose 6-phosphate phosphohydrolase has been shown to possess two further catalytic activities: the hydrolysis of inorganic pyrophosphate to orthophosphate and a pyrophosphate-glucose phosphotransferase activity. Physiological concentrations of bicarbonate ion (10 to 50 mm) have been found to inhibit all three activities. A detailed kinetic analysis of the nature and extent of this inhibition has been carried out, with both fresh and deoxycholate-treated microsomes. The effect of pH on the degree of inhibition, at constant bicarbonate ion levels, suggests that bicarbonate ion rather than carbon dioxide is the inhibitory species. The inhibition by bicarbonate ion has been found to be competitive with respect to phosphate substrate and noncompetitive with respect to glucose. Measurements at varied substrate levels, when plotted according to the method of Dixon, show that 1/v is a linear function of [I], suggesting that bicarbonate ion is binding at the catalytic active site. The Ki values calculated for the three activities (≅20 mm) show close agreement, providing further support for the belief that a common active site, and possibly a common enzyme-phosphoryl intermediate, is involved in all three activities. It is suggested that the observed inhibition of glucose 6-phosphate phosphohydrolase by bicarbonate ion may explain the observation of Hastings and Longmore that increased bicarbonate-carbon dioxide levels result in increased glycogen accumulation in rat liver slices.
Using Caffeine as a Water Quality Indicator in the Ambient Monitoring Program for Third Fork Creek Watershed, Durham, North Carolina

Caffeine has been suggested as a chemical indicator for domestic wastewater in freshwater systems, although it is not included in water quality monitoring programs. The Third Fork Creek watershed in Durham, NC, is highly urbanized, with a history of receiving untreated wastewater from leaking and overflowing sanitary sewers. The poor water quality originating in the Third Fork Creek watershed threatens its intended uses and jeopardizes drinking water, aquatic life, and recreational activities provided by Jordan Lake. Organic waste contaminants have been detected in both Third Fork Creek watershed and Jordan Lake; however, the sampling periods were temporary, resulting in a few samples collected during nonstorm periods. It is recommended that (1) the concentration of caffeine and other organic waste contaminants are determined during storm and nonstorm periods and (2) caffeine is monitored regularly with traditional water quality indicators to evaluate the health of Third Fork Creek watershed.
Characterization of the Rickettsia prowazekii pepA gene encoding leucine aminopeptidase.

Abstract The pepA gene, encoding a protein with leucine aminopeptidase activity, was isolated from Rickettsia prowazekii, an obligate intracellular parasitic bacterium. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame of 1,502 bp that would encode a protein of 499 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 53,892, a size comparable to that of the protein produced in Escherichia coli minicells containing the rickettsial gene. Also, heat-stable leucine aminopeptidase activity was demonstrable in an E. coli peptidase-deficient strain containing R. prowazekii pepA. Comparison of the amino acid sequence of the R. prowazekii PepA with the characterized leucine aminopeptidases from E. coli, Arabidopsis thaliana, and bovine eye lens revealed that 39.8, 34.9, and 34.0% of the residues were identical, respectively. Residues proposed to be part of the active site or involved in the binding of metal ions in the bovine metalloenzyme were all conserved in R. prowazekii PepA. However, despite the structural and enzymatic similarity to E. coli PepA, the R. prowazekii protein was unable to complement the cer site-specific, PepA-dependent recombination system found in E. coli that resolves ColE1-type plasmid multimers into their monomeric forms.
Study on the effect of Si and silicide on leaching Al 2 O 3 from magnesium smelting reduction slag

The main phases of the reduction slag from magnesium production by vacuum aluminothermic reduction using dolomite and magnesite as materials and using Al-Si alloy as reductant are CaO·2Al2O3 and 2CaO·SiO2. It also has amount of unreacted Si. The Al2O3 content of reduction slag is about 55% and SiO2 is about 10%. When leaching Al2O3 with a mixture solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate, Si and SiO2 would enter into leaching solution and has a negative effect on Al2O3 leaching. The effect of Si and silicide on leaching Al2O3 from magnesium smelting reduction slag was studied in laboratory. The results show that total Si and partial SiO2 would enter into leaching solution and react with NaAl(OH)4 to form (Na2O·Al2O3·SiO2)6·27H2O which is present in leaching residue and makes a loss of Al2O3.
Abstract 16314: Identification of MicroRNAs Inducing Adult Cardiomyocyte Proliferation

Background: Even though neonatal cardiomyocytes (NCM) proliferate robustly, adult cardiomyocytes (ACM) have very little proliferative potential. By functional screening of 875 microRNAs (miRs) Eulalio et al 2012 identified 46 miRs which induce proliferation of NCMs by more than 35%. Additional studies by Mahmood et al 2013 have identified Meis1 as the major player that controls ACM cell cycle. We hypothesize that the proliferation inducing potential of miRs may vary between NCMs and ACMs and some of these miRs may induce proliferation through Meis1 regulation. Methods and Results: ACM were isolated from male rats aged 4-6 months and transfected with miR mimics for cel-67 (control) and 24 of the top NCM proliferation inducing miRs individually. Edu was administered for 4 days starting day 1 after transfection. Cells were fixed on day 5 and immuno-stained. Proliferating cardiomyocytes were identified by co-staining of TnI and Edu and the percentage was calculated in each group. Eighteen of the 24 miRs induced significant proliferation of ACMs . The most significant of them with more than 7% increase in ACM proliferation were miR-302b-5p (7.8±0.6), miR-1910 (9.8±0.76), miR-548c-3p (11.9±2.7), miR-2053 (10.1±0.4), miR-936 (11.6±3.4), miR-1825 (54±5.2), miR-509 (7.1±0.62), miR-590 (11.5±1.1) and miR-23b-3p (12.7±0.35). Of these we identified 3 miRs (miR-548c-3p, miR-509-3p and miR-23b) to have binding site on the 3’UTR of Meis1 and simultaneously showing an increase in proliferation. Meis1 has been established as a critical transcriptional regulator of CM proliferation through activation of CDK inhibitors. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge this is the first study to identify a panel of miRs inducing ACM proliferation. Delivering these miRs to the infarcted region is a promising approach and has the potential to regenerate the ischemic heart by inducing proliferation of CMs surrounding the infarct zone.
Bimoment contribution to stability of thin-walled assemblages

Abstract A finite element formulation for stability problems of structures assembled from thin-walled members with open crosssection is presented. The contribution of bimoment toward stability of unsymmetrical sections is included. Using the solutions of the homogeneous differential equations governing the static behavior as deformation modes, the stiffness and stability matrix are derived. The formulation has been programmed for use in digital computers and several appropriate examples are analyzed. The obtained results are exact for linear static problems and extremely close upper bounds for eigenvalue problems.
DNA-Binding Properties of Peptide-Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots

We present here the synthesis and characterization of nanoscale materials with DNA binding properties. We have functionalized graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with graphite-binding peptides to obtain graphene/peptide conjugates. The conjugates form stable 2D crystalline beta-sheet domains on the graphene surface. Upon incubation with DNA, we observe that DNA binding to the domain is directional, and the DNA preferentially aligns to the peptide direction. Upon binding the peptide-functionalized GQDs to DNA we observe an architectural role of GQDs in global and local flexibility, looping, and compacting of DNA. We use worm like chain (WLC) model to determine the persistence length of DNA in the absence and in the presence of GQDs, confirming a decreased persistence length upon GQD binding. Further, we find that the presence of peptide augments the number of DNA binding sites, as compared with exposure of bare GQDs to DNA. Our results show that peptide-modified GQDs can be a potentially ideal nanomaterial mimic of DNA-binding proteins similar to nucleosomal structures and other DNA-metabolic enzymes.
FOIL‐COVERED VERSUS OPEN‐PAN PROCEDURES FOR ROASTING TURKEY

SUMMARY Three procedures for roasting turkeys were investigated as follows: (1) open pan, low-temperature oven (163°C); (2) loose foil wrap, low-temperature oven; and (3) tight foil wrap, high-temperature oven (233°C). Twenty-four hens and 24 tom turkeys, held for zero and six months of frozen storage, were used in a comparison of open-pan versus loose-foil-wrap roasting in a low-temperature oven. Six toms were used in a similar comparison of open-pan, low-oven temperature roasting versus a tight-foil-wrap, high-oven-temperature procedure. Roasting was done as halves, with all halves cooked to an internal thigh temperature of 85°C. A taste panel evaluated portions of breast and thigh meat for flavor, tenderness, juiciness and over-all preference. The L.E.E.-Kramer shear press was also used to evaluate tenderness and the Carver press for juiciness tests. Meat prepared by open-pan roasting in a low-temperature oven was preferred by the taste panel. The adverse effect of foil wrapping as shown by the taste panel evaluation of less juiciness was highly significant. Drippings percentage was greater with foil wrapping. Total time for the meat to reach the same internal temperature in the thigh muscle was slightly less when the foil wrap with a high oven temperature was used, and greatly increased when a foil wrap was used with a low oven temperature.
Cellular distribution of isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC) in pancreatic acini.

Abstract As in a previous study (Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1224 (1994) 127–138), we used quantitative immunoblot analysis and found that rat pancreatic acini possess four different isoforms of PKC-alpha, delta, epsilon and zeta. The phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) caused translocation of each isoform from the cytosol to the membrane fraction. CCK-8 increased diacylglycerol (DAG) and caused translocation of PKC-δ and PKC-ϵ but not that of PKC-α or PKC-ζ. L-364,718, a CCK receptor antagonist, prevented as well as reversed the effects of CCK-8 on DAG and on translocation of PKC-δ and PKC-ϵ. To explore the possibility that different isoforms of PKC might have different distributions in rat pancreas, we used immunocytochemistry to determine the cellular distribution of different isoforms of PKC in intact pancreas as well as pancreatic acini. In intact pancreas, PKC-α and PKC-δ were detected in islet cells but not in duct or acinar cells. PKC-ϵ was detected in the apical region of acinar cells and PKC-ζ was detected over the luminal surfaces of acinar cells and the ductules that extend from the acinus. Neither PKC-ϵ nor PKC-ζ was detected in islets. In pancreatic acini PKC-α and PKC-δ were detected in islets or fragments of islets that contaminated the preparation but were not detected in acinar cells. PKC-ϵ was detected in the apical region of acinar cells and adding 1 μM TPA or 1 μM CCK-8 accentuated the immunostaining but did not later its cellular distribution. L-364,718 reversed the changes in immunostaining caused by CCK-8. PKC-ζ was detected over the luminal surface of the acinar cells. TPA, but not CCK-8 or CCK-8 followed by L-364,718, increased the number of acini that showed staining of the luminal surfaces of acinar cells. Thus, the present results demonstrate that different isoforms of PKC are distributed differently in rat pancreas and that the different patterns of distribution can explain, at least in part, the different responses to CCK-8.
The numerical solution of sixth-order boundary value problems by the modified decomposition method

A fast and accurate algorithm is developed for the solution of sixth-order boundary value problems (BVPs) with two-point boundary conditions. A modified form of the Adomian decomposition method is applied to construct the numerical solution for such problems. The scheme is tested on one linear and two nonlinear problems. The results demonstrate reliability and efficiency of the algorithm developed.