cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloning of a cDNA encoding an aldehyde dehydrogenase and its expression in Escherichia coli. Recognition of retinal as substrate.

Abstract The biosynthesis of the hormone retinoic acid from retinol (vitamin A) involves two sequential steps, catalyzed by retinol dehydrogenases and retinal dehydrogenases, respectively. This report describes the cloning of a cDNA encoding a heretofore unknown aldehyde dehydrogenase from a rat testis library and its expression in Escherichia coli. This enzyme has been designated retinal dehydrogenase, type II, RalDH(II). The deduced amino acid sequence of RalDH(II) had the highest identity with mammalian aldehyde dehydrogenases that feature low Km values (μM) for retinal: human ALDH1 (72.2%), rat retinal dehydrogenase, type I (71.5%), bovine retina (72.7%), and mouse AHD-2 (71.5%). RalDH(II) expressed in E. coli recognizes as substrates free retinal, with a Km of ∼0.7 μM, and cellular retinol-binding protein-bound retinal, with a Km of ∼0.2 μM. RalDH(II) also can utilize as substrate retinal generated in situ by microsomal retinol dehydrogenases, from the physiologically most abundant substrate: retinol bound to cellular retinol-binding protein. Rat testis expresses RalDH(II) mRNA most abundantly, followed by (relative to testis): lung (6.7%), brain (6.3%), heart (5.2%), liver (4.4%), and kidney (2.7%). RalDH(II) does not recognize citral, benzaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and propanal efficiently as substrates, but does metabolize octanal and decanal efficiently. These data support a function for RalDH(II) in the pathway of retinoic acid biogenesis.
Differentially expressed genes associated with 5-Aza2′-deoxycytidine-induced hindlimb defects in the Swiss Webster Mouse

5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (d-AZA) inhibits methylation of DNA, a process that serves as an epigenetic regulator of gene expression. We have shown that d-AZA causes temporally related defects in mice. Gestational day (GD) 10 treatment induced severe long-bone defects of the hindlimb but not the forelimb. Exposure of younger embryos (GD 8 or 9) does not induce similar defects in forelimbs. This limb-dependent response suggests that methylation alterations in genes specific for fore- or hindlimbs may contribute to the observed pattern of defects. Subtraction hybridization (SH) studies were conducted to identify differential expression of DNA subsequent to the administration of d-AZA to mice on GD 10. Hindlimb buds collected from both treated and untreated embryos at 4, 12, and 24 hours post-treatment were used. A clone isolated from the untreated sample (down-regulation in treated tissue) was identified as a member of the murine B1 family of repetitive sequences. The two other clones isolated from the treated tissue (up-regulation) were homologous to avian myogenic regulatory protein mRNA and activin receptor type II gene. Both species are active during embryogenesis. These findings suggest that the isolated clones may have roles in abnormal embryonic development when inappropriately expressed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biochem Toxicol 12: 135–141, 1998
Comparative evaluation of serum acid phosphatase, urinary cholesterol, and androgens in diagnosis of prostatic cancer

Abstract Serum acid phosphatase activity, urinary total cholesterol, and ratio of deoxy to oxy urinary 17-ketosteroids were measured in a group of 42 patients with prostatic carcinoma and in a group of 14 age-matched normal healthy individuals. Our purpose was to evaluate whether or not the simultaneous determinations of these tests would increase the rate of detection obtained by the single assay alone. The results of single assay revealed for the following detection rate: 67 per cent (28 of 42 patients) for serum acid phosphatase, 62 per cent for urinary total cholesterol, and 22 per cent for ratio of 17-ketosteroids. A significant increase of detection rate was observed when simultaneous determinations of two assays were performed; 86 per cent for serum acid phosphatase activity and total urinary cholesterol; 74 per cent for serum acid phosphatase and ratio of 17-ketosteroids; and 74 per cent for total urinary cholesterol and ratio of 17-ketosteroids. A detection rate of 88 per cent (37 of 42 patients) was obtained as all three assays were analyzed, though it was not significantly different from a ratio of 86 per cent for simultaneous assays of acid phosphatase and total cholesterol. It was concluded that simultaneous determinations of serum acid phosphatase activity, urinary total cholesterol, and androgens are of value in diagnosis for patients with prostatic neoplasia.
The Symbiotic Relationship of Parts and Monolithic Face Representations in Verification

Techniques that treat the face holistically as a vector of pixel values, which we refer to as a monolithic representation, are still widely considered state of the art for the task of face verification in literature. Recently good performance has be attained in the task of face verification, using Gaussian mixture models (GMMs), via estimating a parts (i.e. image patch) face model; where the shape (i.e. spatial) information is largely ignored. In this paper we postulate that the characteristics current algorithms employ for verifying a face using monolithic and parts representations differ and are in many ways symbiotic; lending themselves to synergetic combination and improved verification performance. Results are presented on the BANCA database that demonstrate excellent verification performance in the presence of many common real world variabilities (e.g. camera degradation, minor pose variabilities, some changes in background and lighting).
A comparison of “black” and “white” integration attitudes on a deep‐south campus: A research note

A survey of “racial” attitudes on a deep‐South university campus indicates that both “black” and “white” students strongly support desegregation—equality of political and economic rights including access to public facilities. Although “blacks” are receptive to integration also, the majority of “whites” reject “blacks” socially.
A new clause learning scheme for efficient unsatisfiability proofs

We formalize in this paper a key property of asserting clauses (the most common type of clauses learned by SAT solvers). We show that the formalized property, which is called empowerment, is not exclusive to asserting clauses, and introduce a new class of learned clauses which can also be empowering. We show empirically that (1) the new class of clauses tends to be much shorter and induce further backtracks than asserting clauses and (2) an empowering subset of this new class of clauses significantly improves the performance of the Rsat solver on unsatisfiable problems.
On the Geology and Palæontology of the Warwickshire Coalfield

I. Introduction. Warwickshire, the nearest of the Midland coalfields to London, with an annual output of coal exceeding 3,500,000 tons, is of considerable economic importance. The potential value of this coalfield is also very great, because within recent years the coal-producing area has been nearly doubled, and it is still rapidly extending. During the preparation of the reports by the Royal Commission on Coal Supplies, both in 1871 and in 1905, great difficulty was experienced by the Commissioners in estimating the coal-resources of Warwickshire, because the geology of the coalfield, especially with regard to the relationship of the so-called ‘permian’ to the Coal Measures, was not fully understood. Again, as recently as 1008, Dr. Walcot Gibson (08) expressed the opinion that ‘it would appear advisable, before making more ambitious attempts at development in the Triassic areas, to first determine the exact geological position and character of the so-called Permian.’ ( Op. cit. p. 189.) It may be added that the current geological memoir and maps of the Warwickshire Coalfield were published more than fifty years ago; and further, until quite recently, there were no records of fossils from the Carboniferous rocks of the county. Thus, from the points of view of stratigraphy, of palaeontology, and of economics, there was a clear need for research-work on this coalfield. In 1909, on my election to a scholarship awarded by the Royal Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1851 ‘for research-work bearing upon industry,’ I was enabled to begin this investigation, which has been prosecuted
Receipt of Asthma Subspecialty Care by Children in a Managed Care Organization

Background.—Although proper outpatient asthma management sometimes requires care from subspecialists, there is little information on factors affecting receipt of subspecialty care in a managed care setting. Objective.—To determine factors associated with receipt of subspecialty care for children with asthma in a managed care organization. Methods.—We conducted an analysis of the claims from 3163 children with asthma enrolled in a university-based managed care organization from January 1998 to October 2000. We used logistic regression analysis to determine factors associated with an outpatient asthma visit with an allergist or pulmonologist. Results.—Of the 3163 patients, 443 (14%) had at least 1 subspecialist visit for asthma; 354 (80%) were seen by an allergist, 63 (14%) were seen by a pulmonologist, and 26 (6%) were seen by both. In multivariate analysis, patients with more severe asthma (odds ratio [OR], 3.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.99–4.86) and older patients (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02–1.07) were more likely to receive care from a subspecialist. Compared with Medicaid patients, both non-Medicaid patients with copayment (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.85–4.43) and non-Medicaid patients without any copayment (OR, 3.40; 95% CI, 2.35–4.93) were more likely to receive care from an asthma subspecialist. Conclusions.—Children insured by Medicaid are less likely to receive care from subspecialists for asthma. Reasons may be due to health care system–related factors, such as accessibility of subspecialists, to physician referral decisions, and/or to patient factors, such as adherence to recommendations to see a subspecialist. Our findings suggest a need to further investigate health care system barriers, physician referral, and patient acceptance and completion of subspecialty referral.
The consumption of out-of-home highbrow leisure by ethnicity and national origin: attendance at museums and live theatres in Houston

ABSTRACTDynamics of compensation for the deprivations of segregation and discrimination, and the support of multiculturalism derived from ethnic cohesion explain the consumption of out-of-home highbrow leisure events by minority/ethnic individuals, immigrants, and their descendants as efforts toward their integration and assimilation in metropolitan areas. Using data from the Houston Area Survey, I examine whether there are any significant ethnic disparities in the attendance at museums and live theatres, which represent a relevant dimension of out-of-home highbrow leisure in Houston. I found that the odds of frequently attending museums and live theatres are lower for Anglos compared with non-Anglos, and higher for US-born individuals with at least one foreign parent compared with US-born individuals with US-born parents. These findings reveal that the audiences of museums and live theatres in Houston are already characterized by a noteworthy ethnic diversity.
Comparison of WC/DLC/WS2 and YSZ/Au/DLC/MoS2 “Chameleon” Coatings for Tribological Applications

Chameleon coatings are nanocomposite systems that adapt their tribological performance to changes in environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature. In this research we have investigated the tribological properties of two nanocomposite “chameleon” coatings and compared their properties. The two material systems of interest included: (i) Diamond like carbon (DLC) matrix with nanocrystalline WC and WS2 inclusions, and (ii) Yttrium Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) in an Au matrix with DLC and MoS2 nanoparticle inclusions. The coating design approach included formation of nanocrystalline hard carbide or oxide particles for wear resistance, embedding them into an amorphous matrix for toughness enhancement, and inclusion of nanocrystalline and/or amorphous solid lubricants for friction adaptation to different environments. The coatings were produced using a combination of laser ablation and magnetron sputtering. Chemical and structural analysis of the coatings included x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Mechanical properties such as coating hardness and toughness were investigated using nanoindentation, scratch, and indentation adhesion tests. It was observed that both YSZ and WC are valuable in enhancing film toughness. The chemical analysis was used to ascertain a correlation between chemical bonding of species and frictional properties. Friction measurements were studied by cycling between humid air and dry nitrogen conditions. The graphitic carbon component imparted low friction in humid air, MoS2 and WS2 were excellent for dry N2 conditions, and Au was valuable for low friction at elevated temperatures. The direct comparison among coatings demonstrates that similar “chameleon” behavior can be achieved with different material systems, validating the universal nature of the design approach.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Adverse Childhood Experiences Related to Poor Adult Health Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals

Objectives. We explored the association of sexual orientation with poor adult health outcomes before and after adjustment for exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).Methods. Data were from the 2012 North Carolina, 2011 Washington, and 2011 and 2012 Wisconsin Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys regarding health risks, perceived poor health, and chronic conditions by sexual orientation and 8 categories of ACEs. There were 711 lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) respondents and 29 690 heterosexual respondents.Results. LGB individuals had a higher prevalence of all ACEs than heterosexuals, with odds ratios ranging from 1.4 to 3.1. After adjustment for cumulative exposure to ACEs, sexual orientation was no longer associated with poor physical health, current smoking, and binge drinking. Associations with poor mental health, activity limitation, HIV risk behaviors, current asthma, depression, and disability remained, but were attenuated.Conclusions. The higher prevalence of ACEs am...
Wanted Dead & Alive: Constitutionalism, Human Rights and the Colonial Exception

The ubiquitous exclusion/inclusion binary is not a helpful frame to measure the depth and reach of constitutionalism and human rights. Inscription of the law over subjugated bodies and spaces continues to subscribe to an enduring grammar of modernity’s engagement with alterity. This grammar is not one of exclusion, but, rather, forms a three-pronged matrix engagement: engulfment/exception/subordination. The Other is not “discovered,” left out or left alone — excluded from operations of constitutional regimes, and then gradually incorporated as a rights-bearing subject. The Other is always-already engulfed in operations of modern law, placed in zones of exception, and positioned in states of subordination.
Gross, histologic, and computed tomographic characterization of nonpathological intrascleral cartilage and bone in the domestic goat (Capra aegagrus hircus).

Author(s): Tusler, Charlotte A; Good, Kathryn L; Maggs, David J; Zwingenberger, Allison L; Reilly, Christopher M | Abstract: ObjectiveTo characterize grossly, histologically, and via computed tomography (CT) the appearance of intrascleral cartilage, bone, or both in domestic goats with otherwise normal eyes and to correlate this with age, sex, and breed.Animals studiedSixty-eight domestic goats (89 eyes).ProceduresForty-nine formalin-fixed globes from 38 goats underwent high-resolution CT, and gross and light microscopic examination. An additional 40 eyes from 30 goats underwent light microscopy only. Age, breed, and sex of affected goats were retrieved from medical records.ResultsConsidering all methods of evaluation collectively, cartilage was detected in 42% of eyes (44% of goats) and bone in 11% of eyes (12% of goats); bone was never seen without cartilage. Goats in which bone, cartilage, or both were detected ranged from 0.25 to 13 (median = 3.5) years of age, represented 11 of 12 breeds of the study population, and had a male:female ratio of 11:19. Bone was detected in the eyes of significantly more males (n = 8) than females (n = 2). No sex predilection was noted for cartilage alone. Histology revealed intrascleral chondrocyte-like cells, hyaline cartilage, and islands of lamellar bone. Some regions of bone had central, adipose-rich, marrow-like cavities. CT localized mineralized tissue as adjacent to or partially surrounding the optic nerve head.ConclusionsThis is the first report of intrascleral bone or cartilage in a normal goat and of intrascleral bone in an otherwise normal mammal. The high prevalence of intrascleral cartilage and bone in this study suggests that this finding is normal and likely represents an adaptation in goats.
User-centered Design of a Texas WIC App: A Focus Group Investigation.

Objective The purpose of this research was to conduct the first stages of a user-centered design of a smartphone app designed to improve health behaviors among participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Texas. Methods Focus groups explored facilitators and barriers to health behaviors, current use of apps, and desired features in a WIC app. Results Facilitators to improve health behaviors included access to information, support from healthcare practitioners and family, and implementation of strategies. Current app use themes included texting/chatting, accessing information, tracking/locating, planning/scheduling, sharing, and gaming. Frequencies of key themes within and across groups were used to inform app prototype design. Mock-ups of 15 prototype features were developed based on themes of facilitators and currently used app features. Participants agreed that having all features combined into a single WIC app would be convenient and provide trustworthy information from WIC. Conclusions The enthusiasm of focus group participants for a comprehensive WIC app suggests that this initiative is timely, and that an app has potential to improve health behaviors. Future research should continue the user-centered design process through further evaluation of prototype features, incorporating cultural preferences at every step.
Characterization of Mentorship Programs in Departments of Surgery in the United States.

Importance Mentorship is considered a key element for career satisfaction and retention in academic surgery. Stakeholders of an effective mentorship program should include the mentor, the mentee, the department, and the institution. Objective The objective of this study was to characterize the status of mentorship programs in departments of surgery in the United States, including the roles of all 4 key stakeholders, because to our knowledge, this has never been done. Design, Setting, and Participants A survey was sent to 155 chairs of departments of surgery in the United States in July 2014 regarding the presence and structure of the mentorship program in their department. The analysis of the data was performed in November 2014 and December 2014. Main Outcomes and Measures Presence and structure of a mentorship program and involvement of the 4 key stakeholders. Results Seventy-six of 155 chairs responded to the survey, resulting in a 49% response rate. Forty-one of 76 of department chairs (54%) self-reported having an established mentorship program. Twenty-five of 76 departments (33%) described no formal or informal pairing of mentors with mentees. In 62 (82%) and 59 (78%) departments, no formal training existed for mentors or mentees, respectively. In 42 departments (55%), there was no formal requirement for the frequency of scheduled meetings between the mentor and mentee. In most departments, mentors and mentees were not required to fill out evaluation forms, but when they did, 28 of 31 were reviewed by the chair (90%). In 70 departments (92%), no exit strategy existed for failed mentor-mentee relationships. In more than two-thirds of departments, faculty mentoring efforts were not recognized formally by either the department or the institution, and only 2 departments (3%) received economic support for the mentoring program from the institution. Conclusions and Relevance These data show that only half of departments of surgery in the United States have established mentorship programs, and most are informal, unstructured, and do not involve all of the key stakeholders. Given the importance of mentorship to career satisfaction and retention, development of formal mentorship programs should be considered for all academic departments of surgery.
Correcting for Frequency Drift in Clinical Brain MR Spectroscopy

PURPOSE Averaging multiple repetitions to improve signal-to-noise ratio is common practice in magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). However, temporal variations in scanner B0 due to motion or gradient heating may cause spectra to become misaligned, broadening and distorting peaks and impacting on processing and quantification. We present a comparison using in vivo data of different methods for correcting these errors. METHODS Three different correction methods were applied to 53 brain scans: residual water peak alignment, creatine fitting, and spectral registration. In 32 of 53 subjects, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was acquired prior to the MRS scan. We compared the resulting linewidths to find the most effective technique. In addition, the impact on metabolite concentration estimates was evaluated. RESULTS MRS data acquired after DTI imaging exhibited a frequency drift four times higher than data without DTI, resulting in changes to metabolite concentrations, particularly glutamate/glutamine. All three correction methods produced significantly improved linewidths relative to uncorrected data, with spectral registration performing best by a small margin. CONCLUSION Frequency correction is an important step in processing MRS data, significantly impacting metabolite quantification, particularly after echo-planar imaging that often occurs with MRS scans in clinical studies. Spectral registration proved most effective at frequency correction.
Individual Differences Associated with Emotional and Behavioral Responses to Ambiguous Social Situations in which Rejection Might be Inferred

This study sought to examine the extent to which undergraduates' experiences with and attitudes relevant to rejection may be associated with their emotional and behavioral responses to ambiguous social situations in which rejection might be inferred. Undergraduate students completed questionnaires that assessed their experiences with and attitudes relevant to being rejected. Next, each participant read six hypothetical scenarios that described various situations that could be interpreted as interpersonal rejection. Following each scenario, participants completed questionnaires that assessed their emotional and behavioral responses to the hypothetical situation. Analyses revealed that the participants' experiences with rejection (and, to a lesser extent, their rejection-relevant attitudes) were associated with a negative emotional response and some negative behavioral responses. In sum, when another individual's interpersonal behavior has an uncertain intent, undergraduates' prior experiences with rejection may be especially important in determining the extent to which they feel and act as if they have been rejected.
Evaluation and Selection of Data Base Management Systems

A major decision in adopting the data base approach to data management is the choice of a data base management system (dbms). The dbms is a complex software system used for the storage and subsequent manipulation of the organization’s data. All application systems rely on the dbms to provide the interface they require to the data base. The dbms may also provide facilities for data base users to manipulate their data directly. In this central role the dbms is certainly crucial to the success of the data base environment.
In-Stent Restenosis?: The Raiders of the Magic Remedy

The introduction of bare metal stents (BMS) over 30 years ago was a significant milestone in the evolution of percutaneous coronary intervention. Soon after, it was apparent that these stents led to a troubling phenomenon of in-stent restenosis (ISR), which requires repeat revascularization, was associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and posed a therapeutic challenge. The quest for optimal therapy for ISR has begun, but in parallel, continued efforts were devoted to improve the stent technology. These iterations included design and alloy modification, reducing strut thickness, and adding a polymer to elute an antiproliferative drug. Drug-eluting stents (DES) significantly reduced the occurrence of exuberant neointimal proliferation.1 However, in spite of the wide use and experience gained with novel stent technologies and implantation techniques, the rates of ISR in both BMS and DES are still relatively high.2 In a contemporary report on a large cohort (n=10 004), routine angiographic surveillance 6 to 8 months after stent implantation has revealed ISR rates of 30.1%, 14.6%, and 12.2% for BMS, first-generation DES, and second-generation DES, respectively.3 See Article by Alfonso et al To optimize the treatment of ISR, it is imperative to identify and understand the major etiologies for ISR that have been traditionally classified and characterized as (1) operator or technique dependent, including stent undersizing, incomplete lesion coverage, stent under expansion, and malapposition; (2) mechanical and design properties of stents that may lead to recoil because of loss of radial force, stent fractures, and altering increase in shear stress; (3) patient- and biologically related conditions, such as metal allergy, local hypersensitivity reactions with immunologic and inflammatory response to the drug or the polymer, often characterized with inflammatory cells and smooth muscle cells that transformed to rigid scar tissue within the stent. This local inflammation can lead to the development of …
Antihypertensive Adherence Trajectories Among Older Adults in the First Year After Initiation of Therapy.

Background Adherence to antihypertensives is suboptimal, but previous methods of quantifying adherence fail to account for varying patterns of use over time. We sought to improve classification of antihypertensive adherence using group-based trajectory models, and to determine whether individual factors predict adherence trajectories. Methods We identified older adults initiating antihypertensive therapy during 2008-2011 using a 20% sample of Medicare (federal health insurance available to US residents over the age of 65) beneficiaries enrolled in parts A (inpatient services), B (outpatient services), and D (prescription medication). We developed monthly adherence indicators using prescription fill dates and days supply data in the 12 months following initiation. Adherence was defined as having at least 80% of days covered. Logistic models were used to identify trajectory groups. Bayesian information criterion and trajectory group size were used to select the optimal trajectory model. We compared the distribution of covariates across trajectory groups using multivariable logistic regression. Results During 2008-2011, 282,520 Medicare beneficiaries initiated antihypertensive therapy (mean age 75 years, 60% women, 84% White). Six trajectories were identified ranging from perfect adherence (12-month adherence of 0.97, 40% of beneficiaries) to immediate stopping (12-month adherence of 0.10, 18% of beneficiaries). The strongest predictors of nonadherence were initiation with a single antihypertensive class (adjusted odds ratio = 2.08 (95% confidence interval: 2.00-2.13)), Hispanic (2.93 (2.75-3.11)) or Black race/ethnicity (2.04 (1.95-2.13)), and no prior history of hypertension (2.04 (2.00-2.08)) (Area under the receiving operating characteristic curve: 0.53). Conclusions There is substantial variation in antihypertensive adherence among older adults. Certain patient characteristics are likely determinants of antihypertensive adherence trajectories.
Parity non-conservation in neutrino interactions and the τ-θ problem

Abstract Solutions of the τ-θ problem are sought whereby one could avoid the conclusion that parity is violated also in weak interactions not involving neutrinos. It is shown that no such solutions can be constructed that are theoretically acceptable, and experimental tests are indicated for a definite disproof of such models. The discussion is limited to the usual description of neutrino interactions such that the known neutrino processes occur at first order in the neutrino coupling constants.
The Women's Experience: A Look at Risk and Protective Factors for Deployed Female Air Force Personnel

Objective: Over the past few decades, women's roles in the United States military have expanded significantly. Currently women encounter more wartime experiences during deployment than in the past. Previous research with male service members has linked exposure to wartime events to subsequent development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, because of the unique experiences of military women, research is needed to better understand the link between wartime experiences and mental health in female personnel. Methods: We examined the wartime experiences of deployed, active-duty female Airmen and their relations to PTSD. A large representative sample of active-duty female Air Force personnel, who responded to the U.S. Air Force Community Assessment Survey (CAS), was used to determine the relationships between wartime experiences and symptoms of PTSD. Previous research suggests the possibility that factors, including unit cohesion and self-efficacy, may mediate these relations. Results: Descriptive analyses indicate that the percentage of personnel experiencing PTSD symptoms increased as the number of wartime experiences increased. Logistic regression analyses revealed that wartime experiences were positively related to subsequent PTSD-related symptoms. Both unit cohesion and self-efficacy were negatively related to PTSD symptoms, but neither variable was found to moderate the relationship between wartime experiences and PTSD. Conclusions: Women are experiencing greater numbers of wartime experiences. Like men, as the number of wartime experiences increases, PTSD symptoms increase as well. Self-efficacy and unit cohesion were found to lower these symptoms, indicating that these factors may help decrease the negative impact of wartime experiences.
History of the Jewish interpretation of Genesis 1:26, 3:5, 3:22 in the Middle Ages

The present paper examines the plural forms found in Genesis 1:26, 3:5 and 3:22 which might appertain to the Divine and which acted as focal points for theological and exegetical discussion within the framework of the Jewish tradition. Thus, the paper studies the mediaeval Jewish exegesis of these plural forms as perpetuated in the representative Jewish commentaries and situates it against the early Jewish reception of these forms which was mirrored in the ancient Jewish Aramaic and Greek translations of the Scripture and reflected in the Midrashic and Talmudic literature. The mediaeval Jewish tradition, on the one hand, relied on the earlier exposition of such phenomena, on the other hand, it enriched and advanced the trajectory of the interpretations accepted within the limits of Judaism.
In Vitro and In Vivo Activity of a Novel Antisense Peptide Nucleic Acid Compound Against Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii is a difficult pathogen due to its propensity to develop resistance to antibiotics. Antisense nucleic acid analogs have been proposed as a potentia...
Spatiotemporal trends in polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in seafood based on long-term monitoring and remediation in New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts

Abstract Electrical manufacturing near New Bedford Harbor (NBH), MA in the mid-1900s led to severe polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination, which resulted in the harbor’s designation as a Superfund Site. Restrictions on the harvest of seafood from NBH have been in effect since 1979. Efforts to reduce the overall mass of PCBs in NBH by dredging PCB-contaminated sediments have been ongoing since the late 1980s. One goal of dredging is to reduce PCB concentrations in NBH seafood, monitored annually by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MDMF). We used PCB concentrations in quahogs (2003-2016) and scup (2003-2014) to evaluate PCB distribution across seafood management areas and over time. Seafood PCB concentrations were used to evaluate improvements in environmental quality by examining total PCBs and patterns of PCB congeners within homolog groups, and by assessing human cancer risk from seafood consumption in the past (1980) and present (2012-2016). PCB concentrations in quahogs generally declined with increased time and distance from the PCB source, as does the cancer risk associated with their consumption. PCB concentrations in scup follow similar spatial patterns but show high annual variability. We conclude that quahogs are a reliable proxy for in-situ conditions, environmental quality, and human health risk.
Analysis of surgeon biometrics during open and robotic radical cystectomy with electromyography and motion capture analysis.

Purpose: To determine feasibility of measuring surgeon physical stress during both open radical cystectomy (ORC) and robotic radical cystectomy (RRC). Materials and Methods: One patient underwent ORC, while the other underwent RRC by a single surgeon. The diversion was excluded from this study. Noraxon® myoMOTION™ kinematics sensors were used to quantify the amount of joint and segmental motion of the spine, shoulders, and head. myoMUSCLE™ EMG sensors were used to measure activation levels, patterns, and fatigue characteristics of key muscle groups. The Prone Static Plank Test (PSPT) and Modified Biering-Sorensen Test (MBST) were used to assess surgeon strength and endurance of core musculature. Results: The surgeries were represented in five stages. During ORC, the percentage of time spent in cervical flexion was 98%, 91.8%, 87.5%, 100%, and 97.1%, respectively. During RRC, 100% of the time was spent in cervical flexion. Activation of key muscle groups was examined across all stages and expressed as a percentage of peak activation. MBST times were both 25 second pre-and post-surgery ORC and 25.1 seconds pre-surgery and 32.4 seconds post-surgery for RRC. PSPT times were 68 second pre-surgery and 48 seconds post-surgery for ORC, and 59 second pre-surgery and 51 seconds post-surgery for RRC. Conclusion: We were able to identify meaningful data using kinematic and EMG analysis during ORC and RRC. We were able to identify target muscle groups that will be used to conduct a larger study with multiple surgeons to help determine if there is an ergonomic advantage to RRC over traditional ORC.
OOD Case Study: Design Patterns

Software design patterns introduced in Chap. 27 are applied to the Address Book Application (ABA) and Personal Finances case studies. Some design models have been updated to reflect the use of patterns in the design. Sample code is used to describe some implementation details.
HiDaM: A Unified Data Model for High-definition (HD) Map Data

Smart cities are emerging and under development worldwide. As one of the core components for achieving the goal of smart transportation, autonomous vehicles are undoubtedly on the blueprint for smart cities. The development of autonomous driving cars leads to the demand for highly accurate and detailed machine-readable maps. To meet this demand, the high-definition (HD) maps are being developed. The HD maps are extended three-dimensional maps that tend to contain enough detailed information in the driving environment to be consumed by machines. Both commercial companies and research communities got a recent interest in building and are exploring research problems on this kind of mapping data. Several companies have already defined their commercial HD map formats, but there are arguments that the existing HD map formats are not research-friendly enough. In this paper, we propose to define a research-friendly HD map data model by extending the popular node-edge model that is widely used by researchers. Our model considers both on-road and off-road data to be extensible for future use cases and information that will be available on various three-dimensional objects in the outdoor space. This is partially motivated by several use cases that will benefit from HD mapping data other than the self-driving technology. We give a brief discussion for such potential use cases and how our model will fit their requirements. We also discuss that our model can be still used for human-machine interactions for compatibility with existing techniques and applications.
Gap States in Methylammonium Lead Halides: The Link to Dimethylsulfoxide?

Understanding the origin and distribution of electronic gap states in metal halide perovskite (MHP) thin films is crucial to the further improvement of the efficiency and long-term stability of MHP-based optoelectronic devices. In this work, the impact of Lewis-basic additives introduced in the precursor solution on the density of states in the perovskite bandgap is investigated. Ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy and contact potential difference measurements are conducted on MHP thin films processed from dimethylformamide (DMF)-based solutions to which either no additive, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), or N-methylpyrrolidine-2-thione (NMPT) is added. The results show the presence of a density of states in the gap of methylammonium lead halide films processed from DMSO-containing solution. The density of gap states is either suppressed when the methylammonium concentration in mixed cation films is reduced or when NMPT is used as an additive, and eliminated when methylammonium (MA) is replaced with cesium or formamidinium (FA). These results are consistent with the notion that reaction products that result from DMSO reacting with MA+ in the precursor solution are responsible for the formation of gap states.
Genetics of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.

Purpose of review This review summarizes our current understanding of germline and somatic genetics and genomics of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PCC/PGL), describes existing knowledge gaps, and discusses future research directions. Recent findings Germline pathogenic variants (PVs) are found in up to 40% of those with PCC/PGL. Tumors with germline PVs are broadly categorized as Cluster 1 (pseudohypoxia), including those with SDH, VHL, FH, and EPAS1 PVs, or Cluster 2 (kinase signaling) including those with NF1, RET, TMEM127, and MAX PVs. Somatic driver mutations exist in some of the same genes (RET, VHL, NF1, EPAS1) as well as in additional genes including HRAS, CSDE1 and genes involved in cell immortalization (ATRX and TERT). Other somatic driver events include recurrent fusion genes involving MAML3. Summary PCC/PGL have the highest association with germline PVs of all human solid tumors. Expanding our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of PCC/PGL is essential to advancements in diagnosis and surveillance and the development of novel therapies for these unique tumors.
Evaluating the performance of regional climate models to simulate the US drought and its connection with El Nino Southern Oscillation

The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of regional climate models (RCMs) to simulate drought pattern, persistence, and the role of El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the Continental United States (CONUS) drought. The Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) at 3-month timescale is used to quantify the drought. We use the Taylor diagram, Hurst exponent, and logistic regression technique to measure regional drought pattern, persistence, and the link between drought occurrences and ENSO respectively. The observational data are from the Climate Research Units (CRU), the University of East Anglia while the RCM-simulated data are from the six RCMs participating in the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) for 1979–2015. The results show that RCMs with spectral nudging consistently show large correlations of simulated SPEI with observations over all regions. Observed spatial pattern of the persistence, average severity, and trend in the SPEI time series are very similar to the simulations. RCM simulations generally overestimate the persistence and trends in the SPEI time series while the average severity is underestimated over most regions. The observed link between ENSO and US drought is more prominent during the winter. Unlike for correlations, the RCMs with spectral nudging (CanRCM4, CRCM5 (OURANOS), and WRF) do not show better performance in simulating the link between the ENSO and drought occurrence compared to the RCMs without spectral nudging (CRCM5 (UQAM), RCA4, and RegCM4).
Well-prefaced constructed dialogue as a marker of stance in online abortion discourse

Abstract This paper offers an analysis of well-prefaced constructed dialogue as a stance-taking resource in written discourse on abortion. Drawing from four corpora collected from editorials, blogs, Twitter, and Reddit, I demonstrate that writers use the discourse marker well to indicate a stance of disalignment and convey negative attitudinal information when there is tension between the writer’s beliefs and those expressed in the constructed dialogue; the discourse marker allows the writer to position and align themself to construct a specific identity that reinforces a positive-self, negative-other evaluation.
“Being Yourself” Online: Supporting Authenticity for LGBTQ+ Social Media Users

My dissertation work investigates the role of experiencing authenticity and inauthenticity in LGBTQ+ people's social media behavior. It also asks what sociotechnical factors might support or impede efforts to “be yourself” on social media. In general, people strive to “be themselves,” or feel and act authentically. They seek out environments in which they feel they can express themselves and act according to their values, and avoid environments in which they cannot. For LGBTQ+ people, online spaces in which they can be themselves are particularly crucial, both for personal wellbeing and for forming supportive relationships. However, the drive to “be themselves” is often in tension with the drive to protect themselves from harm. Concerns around privacy and unintended disclosure, harmful experiences with other actors (from both within and without the LGBTQ+ community), and subtle cues embedded in platform design can all contribute to this tension. Through a combination of experimental and deep qualitative research, my dissertation will yield important insight into how marginalized social media users assess and navigate their online environments, and identify opportunities to support vulnerable users.
STATs in the Central Nervous System

Soon after the STATs were discovered as intracellular signaling mediators of the interferons, these proteins were found to propagate neurotrophic factor signaling in neural cells (1–4). Since then, the study of the biological roles of the STATs and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) has been moving forward at a steady pace. However, there are significant questions that remain to be elucidated in this field. In this chapter, current understanding of the role of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in the development and function of the CNS will be presented.
Analysis of Phospholipid Bilayers on Gold Nanorods by Plasmon Resonance Sensing and Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and localized surface plasmon resonance sensing (LSPR) have been applied for a detailed analysis of lipid bilayers at the surface of gold nanorods. The spatial dependence of surface enhancement and the optical effects of the lipid phase transition confirm the presence of a bilayer membrane structure. Deuterated lipids exchanged rapidly between the nanorod surface and lipid vesicles in solution, suggesting a loosely bound, natural membrane structure. However, at a low solution concentration of lipid vesicles, the lipids on the gold nanorod surface convert to a nonbilayer structure, which could impact biological applications of these nanomaterials.
Branching proofs of infeasibility in low density subset sum problems

We prove that the subset sum problem has a polynomial time computable certificate of infeasibility for all $a$ weight vectors with density at most $1/(2n)$ and for almost all integer right hand sides. The certificate is branching on a hyperplane, i.e. by a methodology dual to the one explored by Lagarias and Odlyzko; Frieze; Furst and Kannan; and Coster et. al. The proof has two ingredients. We first prove that a vector that is near parallel to $a$ is a suitable branching direction, regardless of the density. Then we show that for a low density $a$ such a near parallel vector can be computed using diophantine approximation, via a methodology introduced by Frank and Tardos. We also show that there is a small number of long intervals whose disjoint union covers the integer right hand sides, for which the infeasibility is proven by branching on the above hyperplane.
A limited memory BFGS method for an inverse problem in atmospheric imaging

Multiple time frame phase diversity image data is used to simultaneously estimate the object (i.e., the true image) and the phases, or wavefront profiles, of light that has propagated through the atmosphere. Tikhonov regularization is applied to deal with the instability of this estimation problem. The resulting large scale unconstrained minimization problem is solved numerically using a limited memory BFGS method. Some preliminary computational results obtained with simulated atmospheric image data are presented.
PRICE DISPERSION AND COMPETITION WITH DIFFERENTIATED SELLERS

I measure price dispersion among differentiated retail gasoline sellers and study the relationship between dispersion and the local competitive environment. Significant price dispersion exists even after controlling for differences in station characteristics, and price differences between sellers change frequently. The extent of price dispersion is related to the density of local competition, but this relationship varies significantly depending on the type of seller and the composition of its competitors. These findings are consistent with interactions between seller and consumer heterogeneity that are not well understood in the existing price dispersion literature.
Case of cephalothoracopagus conjoined twinning in an embryonic mouse.

BACKGROUND Cephalothoracopagus twinning is extremely rare, and it is characterized by fusion of the head and thorax, two separate spines, pelves, and fore- and hindlimbs. CASE: In this case study, we describe cephalothoracopagus twinning in an embryonic mouse displaying a large but exencephalic head, median facial cleft, a single eye, and a second hindbrain rotated roughly 90° from a second spinal cord. There is a bony connection joining the clavicles, resulting in merged asternal thoracic cavities containing two hearts and four lungs. The abdominal cavities contain double caudal digestive tract structures, but a single esophagus and stomach. CONCLUSION There are several proposed theories regarding the mechanism of spontaneous conjoined twinning; however, the specific mechanisms are still largely unknown. In this report, we highlight the morphological features in a murine example of cephalothoracopagus twinning, furthering our understanding of this rare occurrence while also demonstrating developmental morphogenesis consistent with that reported for human conjoined twins. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 97:421–424, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.