cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural Studies of Geosmin Synthase, a Bifunctional Sesquiterpene Synthase with αα Domain Architecture That Catalyzes a Unique Cyclization–Fragmentation Reaction Sequence

Geosmin synthase from Streptomyces coelicolor (ScGS) catalyzes an unusual, metal-dependent terpenoid cyclization and fragmentation reaction sequence. Two distinct active sites are required for catalysis: the N-terminal domain catalyzes the ionization and cyclization of farnesyl diphosphate to form germacradienol and inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), and the C-terminal domain catalyzes the protonation, cyclization, and fragmentation of germacradienol to form geosmin and acetone through a retro-Prins reaction. A unique αα domain architecture is predicted for ScGS based on amino acid sequence: each domain contains the metal-binding motifs typical of a class I terpenoid cyclase, and each domain requires Mg(2+) for catalysis. Here, we report the X-ray crystal structure of the unliganded N-terminal domain of ScGS and the structure of its complex with three Mg(2+) ions and alendronate. These structures highlight conformational changes required for active site closure and catalysis. Although neither full-length ScGS nor constructs of the C-terminal domain could be crystallized, homology models of the C-terminal domain were constructed on the basis of ∼36% sequence identity with the N-terminal domain. Small-angle X-ray scattering experiments yield low-resolution molecular envelopes into which the N-terminal domain crystal structure and the C-terminal domain homology model were fit, suggesting possible αα domain architectures as frameworks for bifunctional catalysis.
The Morse Quartet: Student Speech and the First Amendment

This article discusses the United States Supreme Court's June 25, 2007, decision in the First Amendment student speech case, Morse v. Frederick, in conjunction with the Court's three prior student speech cases (known as the Tinker trilogy). I have three goals in this article. First, I aim to clarify the Court's student speech doctrine. The Tinker trilogy has received substantial scholarly attention, but that scholarship has resulted in little consensus. Courts have been as puzzled as commentators, and have issued many inconsistent opinions. This article picks up where the pre-Morse commentators left off, and considers the Court's school speech precedent as a whole, thereby revealing a more coherent doctrinal framework. Second, I discuss the appropriate inquiry for courts to use when evaluating a school's regulation of student speech mentioning illegal drugs. The test, which focuses on whether the speech has a political message, is not only consistent with Morse, but also would arguably be supported by eight of the nine sitting Justices. Third, I propose a four-part conditional test for courts to use when evaluating a school's regulation of any student speech (that is, whether or not it mentions illegal drugs). The four-part test provides an efficient, practical, and analytically sound way for courts to analyze schools' regulation of student speech, and to do so without considering more constitutional issues than necessary. And, the four-part test balances the Court's competing concerns of giving leeway to schools to maintain discipline and of protecting students' core First Amendment rights.
Spatially explicit assessment of estuarine fish after Deepwater Horizon oil spill: trade-off in complexity and parsimony

Evaluating long-term contaminant effects on wildlife populations depends on spatial information about habitat quality, heterogeneity in contaminant exposure, and sensitivities and distributions of species integrated into a systems modeling approach. Rarely is this information readily available, making it difficult to determine the applicability of realistic models to quantify population-level risks. To evaluate the trade-offs between data demands and increased specificity of spatially explicit models for population-level risk assessments, we developed a model for a standard toxicity test species, the sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus), exposed to oil contamination following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and compared the output with various levels of model complexity to a standard risk quotient approach. The model uses habitat and fish occupancy data collected over five sampling periods throughout 2008-2010 in Pensacola and Choctawhatchee Bays, Florida, USA, to predict species distribution, field-collected and publically available data on oil distribution and concentration, and chronic toxicity data from laboratory assays applied to a matrix population model. The habitat suitability model established distribution of fish within Barataria Bay, Louisiana, USA, and the population model projected the dynamics of the species in the study area over a 5-yr period (October 2009-September 2014). Vital rates were modified according to estimated contaminant concentrations to simulate oil exposure effects. To evaluate the differences in levels of model complexity, simulations varied from temporally and spatially explicit, including seasonal variation and location-specific oiling, to simple interpretations of a risk quotient derived for the study area. The results of this study indicate that species distribution, as well as spatially and temporally variable contaminant concentrations, can provide a more ecologically relevant evaluation of species recovery from catastrophic environmental impacts but might not be cost-effective or efficient for rapid assessment needs.
Democracy, Civic Culture and Small Business in Russia's Regions: Social Processes in Comparative Historical Perspective

1. Small Business Owners and Regional Democracy 2. Small Business and Regional Democracy: Quantitative Analysis 3. Elaborated Process Mapping and Case Selection 4. The Samara Region: a Tale of Two Cities 5. The Smolensk Region: Small Business and the Uses of Adversity 6. The Rostov Region: Limits of Patrimonial Exchange 7. Fathers and Sons: Entrepreneurship and Elite Transformation in the Perm Region 8. Concluding Arguments
The role of induction therapy and surgery for stage IIIA lung cancer

In stage IIIA lung cancer, the role of induction chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy prior to surgical resection has been studied extensively in patients identified preoperatively as having N2 disease. Both types of induction treatment have resulted in significant response and resection rates. Three trials have randomized patients to this form of treatment versus primary surgery. In all three trials the combined modality therapy has been significantly more effective, resulting in longer median survival times and estimated five year survival times. This new-found optimism for combined modality therapy including surgery is presently being compared to more standard therapy - chemoradiation for patients suffering from this stage of disease. In the future, this type of treatment will be investigated in earlier stage disease, classically treated by surgery, but often yielding less than satisfactory five year cancer free survival times.
Comparison of Methods for Estimation of Attacking Adult Populations of Dendroctonus frontalis

Attacking adult populations of the southern pine beetle in loblolly pine, Pinus taeda L., were measured by using 3 estimation procedures; X-ray analysis, bark dissection to locate attacking adults, and bark dissection to locate the entry point of each attack. Comparison of mean attack density indicates the different methods to be equally reliable estimators.
Self-calibrating distributed-source image reconstruction technique for diffuse optical tomography,

A novel approach to the image reconstruction problem in the diffuse optical tomography is proposed. This technique is free from Jacobian calculations and is based on separating the non-linear inverse problem into two steps: calculation of the volumetric source distribution and update of the estimates of the optical properties. Advantages and potential applications of the new technique are analyzed.
Corneal stress test for extended wear.

Purpose : The relationship between overnight contact lens wear and infectious corneal ulcers has been widely reported. Corneal hypoxia during sleep with contact lenses is believed to be an important predisposing factor for infectious corneal ulcers. We designed a provocative test to identify corneas at risk for significant oxygen deprivation during extended wear. Methods : We measured the baseline corneal thickness of 161 eyes (82 patients). Extended wear soft lenses were then fit and pachymetry was repeated after 1 night of extended wear. Patients were instructed to continue extended wear for 6 additional nights. Results : Seventeen of 161 eyes could not continue extended wear for the full 7 nights. All failures were due to corneal decompensation. There were no failures in the group of 133 eyes with corneal swelling of 5% or less after 1 day of extended wear. All four eyes with swelling greater than 13% failed, while the failure rates for the 24 eyes with swelling between 6-13% was about 50%. The thicker hyperopic lenses produced the majority of failures. Conclusions : Measuring corneal swelling after 1 night of extended wear may identify those corneas at risk for significant oxygen deprivation during overnight contact lens wear. Corneal swelling of 5% or less seems to indicate that the cornea can tolerate 7 nights of extended wear (significant to P < 0.001).
Design and photochemical study of supramolecular donor–acceptor systems assembled via metal–ligand axial coordination

Abstract The natural photosynthetic light energy harvesting functional nano-architectures, organized exclusively by non-covalent interactions, have inspired the design of artificial supramolecular donor–acceptor systems held solely by self-assembly methods. Various non-covalent interactions have been employed to design such supramolecular conjugates. The present review highlights recent progress made toward the design and photochemical study of energy-harvesting systems assembled by metal–ligand axial coordination. Due to the remarkable photophysical and photochemical properties of porphyrins and phthalocyanines, and importantly, their ability to form metal–ligand coordination bonds, they have been widely used as sensitizers in the construction of donor–acceptor conjugates of this class. Both fullerene and non-fullerene molecules, functionalized with nitrogenous ligands that are capable of donating a pair of electrons to the central metal atom of tetrapyrrolic macrocycles, have commonly been used as electron acceptors. The significance of endohedral fullerenes and carbon nanotubes in mimicking natural photosynthesis by stabilizing the light induced charge-separated states in supramolecular multicomponent donor–acceptor assemblies held via metal–ligand axial coordination interaction is a burgeoning area of research. Particular attention has also been given to the generation of long-lived charge-separated states, in addition to the design principles and characterization of donor–acceptor systems assembled by metal–ligand axial coordination.
Fatigue of a 3D Orthogonal Non-crimp Woven Polymer Matrix Composite at Elevated Temperature

Tension-tension fatigue behavior of two polymer matrix composites (PMCs) was studied at elevated temperature. The two PMCs consist of the NRPE polyimide matrix reinforced with carbon fibers, but have different fiber architectures: the 3D PMC is a singly-ply non-crimp 3D orthogonal weave composite and the 2D PMC, a laminated composite reinforced with 15 plies of an eight harness satin weave (8HSW) fabric. In order to assess the performance and suitability of the two composites for use in aerospace components designed to contain high-temperature environments, mechanical tests were performed under temperature conditions simulating the actual operating conditions. In all elevated temperature tests performed in this work, one side of the test specimen was at 329 °C while the other side was open to ambient laboratory air. The tensile stress-strain behavior of the two composites was investigated and the tensile properties measured for both on-axis (0/90) and off-axis (±45) fiber orientations. Elevated temperature had little effect on the on-axis tensile properties of the two composites. The off-axis tensile strength of both PMCs decreased slightly at elevated temperature. Tension-tension fatigue tests were conducted at elevated temperature at a frequency of 1.0 Hz with a ratio of minimum stress to maximum stress of R = 0.05. Fatigue run-out was defined as 2 × 105 cycles. Both strain accumulation and modulus evolution during cycling were analyzed for each fatigue test. The laminated 2D PMC exhibited better fatigue resistance than the 3D composite. Specimens that achieved fatigue run-out were subjected to tensile tests to failure to characterize the retained tensile properties. Post-test examination under optical microscope revealed severe delamination in the laminated 2D PMC. The non-crimp 3D orthogonal weave composite offered improved delamination resistance.
Interrogating Bronchoalveolar Lavage Samples via Exclusion-Based Analyte Extraction

Although average survival rates for lung cancer have improved, earlier and better diagnosis remains a priority. One promising approach to assisting earlier and safer diagnosis of lung lesions is bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), which provides a sample of lung tissue as well as proteins and immune cells from the vicinity of the lesion, yet diagnostic sensitivity remains a challenge. Reproducible isolation of lung epithelia and multianalyte extraction have the potential to improve diagnostic sensitivity and provide new information for developing personalized therapeutic approaches. We present the use of a recently developed exclusion-based, solid-phase-extraction technique called SLIDE (Sliding Lid for Immobilized Droplet Extraction) to facilitate analysis of BAL samples. We developed a SLIDE protocol for lung epithelial cell extraction and biomarker staining of patient BALs, testing both EpCAM and Trop2 as capture antigens. We characterized captured cells using TTF1 and p40 as immunostaining biomarkers of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, respectively. We achieved up to 90% (EpCAM) and 84% (Trop2) extraction efficiency of representative tumor cell lines. We then used the platform to process two patient BAL samples in parallel within the same sample plate to demonstrate feasibility and observed that Trop2-based extraction potentially extracts more target cells than EpCAM-based extraction.
Data-informed open education advocacy: A new approach to saving students money and backaches

ABSTRACTThe North Carolina State University Libraries has long recognized the financial burden textbook costs place on students. By crosswalking information on use of our textbook collection with textbook cost and course enrollment data, we have begun to map the environment for textbook use at the university and identified opportunities for faculty outreach in promoting alternatives to traditional textbooks, including our Alt-Textbook program. This article describes our programs, our investigation of textbook use patterns, and how we are using these data to inform our practice.
JTAG (Joint Test Action Group)

As mobile forensic examiners become more experienced with physical extractions, they may hear other examiners talk about JTAG extractions. JTAG stands for Joint Test Action Group. Training for JTAG is being offered by several vendors, including Cellebrite. JTAG was not designed to be used only on mobile phones. Its primary purpose was for debugging. This extraction technique utilizes contacts on the main board to in turn communicate with the processor and request specific locations of memory. JTAG is often used on damaged devices or devices that have user enabled security. The technique, if used incorrectly, can overwrite user data on the target device. There are several different connections used for JTAG. Connections are called Test Access Ports or TAPs. The primary TAPs include Test Mode Select, Test Clock Input, Test Data Input, Test Data Output, Test Reset, and Ground. Test Reset can also be referred to as NTRST and NRST.
A central extended amygdala circuit that modulates anxiety

Both the amygdala and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) have been implicated in maladaptive anxiety characteristics of anxiety disorders. However, the underlying circuit and cellular mechanisms have remained elusive. Here we show that mice with Erbb4 gene deficiency in somatostatin-expressing (SOM+) neurons exhibit heightened anxiety as measured in the elevated plus maze test and the open field test, two assays commonly used to assess anxiety-related behaviors in rodents. Using a combination of electrophysiological, molecular, genetic, and pharmacological techniques, we demonstrate that the abnormal anxiety in the mutant mice is caused by enhanced excitatory synaptic inputs onto SOM+ neurons in the central amygdala (CeA), and the resulting reduction in inhibition onto downstream SOM+ neurons in the BNST. Notably, our results indicate that an increase in dynorphin signaling in SOM+ CeA neurons mediates the paradoxical reduction in inhibition onto SOM+ BNST neurons, and that the consequent enhanced activity of SOM+ BNST neurons is both necessary for and sufficient to drive the elevated anxiety. Finally, we show that the elevated anxiety and the associated synaptic dysfunctions and increased dynorphin signaling in the CeA-BNST circuit of the Erbb4 mutant mice can be recapitulated by stress in wild-type mice. Together, our results unravel previously unknown circuit and cellular processes in the central extended amygdala that can cause maladaptive anxiety.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The central extended amygdala has been implicated in anxiety-related behaviors, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here we found that somatostatin-expressing neurons in the central amygdala (CeA) controls anxiety through modulation of the stria terminalis, a process that is mediated by an increase in dynorphin signaling in the CeA. Our results reveal circuit and cellular dysfunctions that may account for maladaptive anxiety.
Is Guardian Permission a Barrier to Online Sexual Health Research Among Adolescent Males Interested in Sex With Males

Institutional review boards (IRBs) that refuse to grant waivers of guardian permission may hinder research to inform needed online sexual health interventions for adolescent males interested in sex...
Virus Particle Structure: Principles

An overview of virus structure is presented with an emphasis on icosahedral viruses, quasi-equivalence and functions of a virus capsid. Viruses are genetically economical entities because of the limited volume within the capsid that transports their genomes between susceptible cells. They construct these containers with multiple copies of one or a few gene products. These subunits contain the ‘program’ to assemble and in some cases mature in the appropriate environment with the proper stimulus. The strategy for creating large containers with multiple copies of a single gene product is geometrically straightforward, but requires remarkable molecular switching to achieve in practice. Virus structure research has contributed to the development of important antiviral drugs, vaccines and nanotechnology as well as being a paradigm for macromolecular assembly.
Elevated platelet-bound IgG associated with an episode of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

The level of platelet-associated IgG (PAIgG) were measured during the successful treatment of a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Prior to therapy. PAIgG was found to be markedly elevated to 195 fg/cell (normal range 0--3.5 fg/cell). The institution of combined therapy with intensive plasma exchange transfusions, high-dose steroids, and antiplatelet drugs resulted in a complete recovery and a decline in PAIgG to the normal range. The possible role of platelet antibody in the pathogenesis of this disorder is discussed.
Development of the Situation Behavior Inventory

The Situation Behavior Inventory (SBI) is a paper-and-pencil research instrument designed to simultaneously assess scalability and elevation scores on a number of traits in a University undergraduate population. In the present chapter, the development of the SBI is described.
PREDICTOR-CORRECTOR METHODS FOR THE SOLUTION OF TIME-DEPENDENT PARABOLIC PROBLEMS ON PARALLEL PROCESSORS

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the predictor-corrector (P/C) methods for the solution of time-dependent parabolic problems on parallel. The minimum number of iterations needed in solving the implicit corrector equations can be determined by a stability analysis of the model problem. A similar analysis can be done using Gauss–Siedel iteration for the P/C method. The minimum number of iterations needed in solving the implicit corrector equations can be determined by a stability analysis of the model problem vt = vxx.
Clostridium perfringens and Other Life-Threatening Clostridial Soft Tissue Infections

Life-threatening soft tissue infections caused by Clostridium species have been described in the medical literature for hundreds of years largely because of their fulminant nature, distinctive clinical presentations and complex management issues. The Clostridium species perfringens, septicum and histolyticum are the principal causes of trauma-associated gas gangrene and their incidence increases dramatically in times of war, hurricanes, earthquakes and other mass casualty conditions; more recently such infections have developed in injecting drug users. Spontaneous gas gangrene caused by C. septicum has increased in association with gastrointestinal abnormalities and neutropenia. Similarly, there has been increased recognition of a toxic shock-like syndrome associated with C. sordellii in women undergoing childbirth or other gynaecological procedures including medically induced abortion. The pathogenesis of these clostridial infections is largely the consequence of potent exotoxin production. Strategies to inhibit toxin production, neutralize circulating toxins and prevent their interaction with cells of the innate immune response are sorely needed. Recent studies have elucidated novel targets that may hold promise for newer therapeutic modalities.
Posterior Approaches to the Tibial Plateau

Modern concepts regarding the fixation of tibial plateau fractures increasingly recognized the importance of reduction and stable fixation of posterior fragments. As such, there have been a multitude of approaches described to access the posterior cortical surface. Due to the proximity of the popliteal neurovascular bundle and common peroneal nerve, all approaches balance dissection of neurovascular structures with achievable surgical exposure, and thus when selecting an approach, the surgeon must assess the risk of the desired exposure with the potential benefit. Although there are many variations in position and incision placement, five anatomical intervals are used for treatment of posterior tibial plateau fractures:
Serum Lactate and Mortality in Emergency Department Patients with Cancer.

Author(s): Maher, Steven A.; Temkit, M'Hamed; Buras, Matthew R.; McLemore, Ryan Y.; Butler, Rebecca K.; Chowdhury, Yasmynn; Lipinski, Christopher A.; Traub, Stephen J. | Abstract: Introduction: Patients with malignancy represent a particular challenge for the emergency department (ED) given their higher acuity, longer ED length of stay, and higher admission rate. It is unknown if patients with malignancies and hyperlactatemia are at increased risk of mortality. If serum lactic acid could improve detection of at-risk patients with cancer, it would be useful in risk stratification. There is also little evidence that “alarm” values of serum lactate (such as g/=4 mmol/L) are appropriate for the population of patients with cancer. Methods: This was a continuous retrospective cohort study of approximately two years (2012-2014) at a single, tertiary hospital ED; 5,440 patients had serum lactic acid measurements performed in the ED. Of the 5,440 patients in whom lactate was drawn, 1,837 were cancer patients, and 3,603 were non-cancer patients.Cumulative unadjusted mortality (determined by hospital records and an external death tracking system) was recorded at one day, three days, seven days, and 30 days. We used logistic regression to examine the risk of mortality 30 days after the ED visit after adjusting for confounders. Results: In an unadjusted analysis, we found no statistically significant difference in the mortality of cancer vs. non-cancer patients at one day and three days. Significant differences in mortality were found at seven days (at lactate levels of l2 and 4+) and at 30 days (at all lactate levels) based on cancer status. After adjusting for age, gender, and acuity level, 30-day mortality rates were significantly higher at all levels of lactic acid (l2, 2-4, 4+) for patients with malignancy. Conclusion: When compared with non-cancer patients, cancer patients with elevated ED lactic acid levels had an increased risk of mortality at virtually all levels and time intervals we measured, although these differences only reached statistical significance in later time intervals (Day 7 and Day 30). Our results suggest that previous work in which lactate “cutoffs” are used to risk-stratify patients with respect to outcomes may be insufficiently sensitive for patients with cancer. Relatively low serum lactate levels may serve as a marker for serious illness in oncologic patients who present to the ED.
Colorism Demonstrates Dampened Effects Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in Chicago.

Abstract Background/purpose Colorism is a well documented phenomenon affecting the health, income, education, and psychological wellbeing of African Americans with differing skin tones. There is little research, however, around how colorism may operate among intersectional racial sexual minorities, who additionally face both racism and homophobia, despite evidence that different forms of oppression interact with each other and may have modulating effects in this population. This study aims to clarify the effect colorism has on a variety of life and health outcomes in young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM). Methods Data were obtained from interviews conducted as part of the uConnect study, a longitudinal cohort study of YBMSM on the South Side of Chicago. Skin color of participants was rated by independent raters. Results While some previously found patterns in African American heterosexuals were observed in this population, most were not. Conclusion The effects of colorism did not appear to have a significant role among this population across a wide set of social and health domains.
Effects of branched-chain amino acids on glucose metabolism in obese, prediabetic men and women: a randomized, crossover study.

Background Recent studies have shown that circulating branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are elevated in obese, insulin-resistant individuals. However, it is not known if supplementation of additional BCAAs will further impair glucose metabolism. Objectives The aim of this pilot study was to determine the effects of BCAA supplementation on glucose metabolism in obese, prediabetic individuals. Methods This is a randomized crossover study involving 12 obese individuals with prediabetes. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a daily supplement containing either 20 g BCAA or protein low in BCAAs for 4 wk with a 2-wk washout in between. At each visit, an oral-glucose-tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. Collected blood samples were used to measure glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance-associated biomarkers. Results BCAA supplementation tended to decrease the plasma glucose area under the curve (AUC) measured by the OGTT (AUC percentage change from supplementation baseline, BCAA: -3.3% ± 3%; low-BCAA: 10.0% ± 6%; P = 0.08). However, BCAA supplementation did not affect plasma insulin during OGTT challenge (BCAA: -3.9% ± 8%; low-BCAA: 14.8% ± 10%; P = 0.28). The plasma concentrations of nerve growth factor (BCAA: 4.0 ± 1 pg/mL; low-BCAA: 5.7 ± 1 pg/mL; P = 0.01) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (BCAA: -0.4% ± 9%; low-BCAA: 29.0% ± 18%; P = 0.02) were significantly lowered by BCAA supplementation compared to low-BCAA control. Plasma interleukin 1β was significantly elevated by BCAA supplementation (BCAA: 231.4% ± 187%; low-BCAA: 20.6% ± 33%; P = 0.05). BCAA supplementation did not affect the circulating concentrations of the BCAAs leucine (BCAA: 9.0% ± 12%; low-BCAA: 9.2% ± 11%), valine (BCAA: 9.1% ± 11%; low-BCAA: 12.0% ± 13%), or isoleucine (BCAA: 2.5% ± 11%; low-BCAA: 7.3% ± 11%). Conclusions Our data suggest that BCAA supplementation did not impair glucose metabolism in obese, prediabetic subjects. Further studies are needed to confirm the results seen in the present study. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03715010.
Holot Legislative Theatre: Performing Refugees in Israel

Holot Legislative Theatre (HLT) is a mixed group of African asylum seekers and Israeli allies. Through continuously evolving, modular, interactive performances, the ensemble presents social dilemma...
Bilateral Femoral Neck Fractures in a Middle-Aged Female After a Low-Energy Fall.

Background Bilateral hip fractures after low-energy mechanism are a rare phenomenon. Most published case reports include presentations of bilateral hip fractures in the elderly with low-energy mechanism. There is no report, to our knowledge, that illustrates this rare occurrence in middle-aged individuals after a low-energy fall from standing height. Case presentation We present a case of a 50-year-old female with history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) who presented to our institution with bilateral valgus-impacted femoral neck fractures after a mechanical fall from standing height. The patient underwent successful in-situ percutaneous screw placement in bilateral hips. Conclusion Although patient age is an obvious risk factor, middle-aged individuals with a medical history affecting bone mineral content may also be prone to bilateral insufficiency fractures. Individuals complaining of joint pain (with a history of conditions including renal failure, obesity, endocrinopathies, etc.) should have advanced imaging, if screening plain radiographs are negative, in an effort to identify occult fractures.
Origami-Enabled Frequency Reconfigurable Dipole Antenna

In this work, we present a dipole antenna which demonstrates resonance-frequency reconfiguration enabled by the application of Origami folding methods. The antenna resembles a regular dipole antenna at the unfolded state and mimics a bow tie antenna when is completely folded. The simulated results show a frequency reconfiguration over a bandwidth of 2.41 GHz. To enable the design-process, an in house toolset is developed which generates 3-D origami substrates in ANSYS HFSS utilizing origami math algorithms linked with Mathematica.
Renal Tubular Acidosis

Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) comprises a group of different renal tubular disorders that are characterized by the inability to excrete H+ in the urine. As a result, there is a positive H+ balance, causing metabolic acidosis. The net acid excretion (NAE) is decreased, and some of the patients are unable to lower their urine pH <5.5. Despite severe acidosis, the anion gap (AG) remains normal because the decrease in serum [HCO3−] is compensated for by a proportionate increase in serum [Cl−].
Influence of the sublaminar band density in the treatment of Lenke 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Abstract Introduction Optimal pedicle screw density for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remains unknown. It is not clear whether higher implant density results in better clinical outcomes. Large variability in implant density exists among hybrid or all screw constructs. Significant heterogeneity exists with respect to the number of sublaminar bands (SB) used, and the influence of SB density on curve correction in the treatment of AIS. Hypothesis We hypothesize that increased SB density does not improve sagittal or coronal plane curve correction. Methods A single-center, retrospective study of 131 consecutive patients (118 females) with Lenke 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, all operated between 2012 and 2015 by two surgeons using identical surgical technique and type of instrumentation (SB hybrid instrumentation treatment). SB density was measured using the number of SB reported as well as the number of vertebrae instrumented. Radiographic measurements included preoperative thoracic curve flexibility, Cincinnati reduction index (CRI), and postoperative thoracic Cobb (POCC) and kyphosis (POKC) angle correction measured on immediate postoperative radiographs and at 2 years postoperatively. Results Median patient age was 15.6 years (IQR, 12–18). The median SB density was 0.4 (IQR 0.4–0.5). No statistically significant correlation was identified between SB density and CRI (p = 0.71), POCC (p = 0.55), or POKC (p = 0.61) at 2-years postoperatively. Preoperative curve flexibility was found to have significant effect both on immediate (r = −3.02, p Discussion SB utilized as a part of a hybrid construct for patients with flexible Lenke I AIS achieve satisfactory deformity correction regardless of SBd. The use of low SB density is appropriate for a subset of patients with flexible Lenke 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Teaching methods matched with TEL tools to improve higher education within AduLeT project

Concepts discussed. E-learning has become a common way to teach and learn. Thenumber of technologies for a variety of educational purposes is already quite large and constantlyrising. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of formal training and support of digital skillswithin faculty training. The European ERASMUS+ project AduLeT (Advanced Use of Technologiesin Higher Education) wants to improve the teaching quality of lecturers by enhancingtheir skills concerning the use of technologies in an advanced way. It also aims at trainingthe lecturer on how a specifi c teaching method can be combined with a certain technology inaddition to providing guidelines, best practice and strategy concepts for lecturers and universities.AduLeT has the primary target group of lectures at the partners’ universities.Results and conclusions. The analysis of multiple studies before the project identifi ed:the following barriers concerning the advanced use of learning technologies in higher learning:(1) time, (2) motivation, (3) institutional/cultural factors and (4) self-effi cacy/self-confidence. As higher education lecturers face almost the same barriers to a different extend inmany different countries, the aim of AduLeT is to provide lecturers an environment withhelpful information for their teaching. A support system is implemented as a community ofpractice (CoP) with all the results of the project and driven by pedagogical aspects.Original approach. This article gives an insight into the project, and discusses the barriersthat were identifi ed within the scope of the project among the Hungarian participants.
A Global Perspective: the Role of Palliative Care for the Trauma Patient in Low-Income Countries

This review focuses on the use of palliative care in trauma patients in low-income countries. There is very limited use of palliative medicine in low-income countries for any disease condition. The use of palliative medicine for trauma in low-income is not addressed in the medical literature. This review article highlights many changes that need to occur to offer high-level palliative care for all needs, including trauma. The author has made many medical mission trips both as a trauma surgeon and a palliative medicine physician. Personal observation is included.
Automotive Domain Controller

Today, every electronic control system in the car, such as Instrument Cluster, Infotainment, Anti-lock braking system, Engine Management System, Transmission Control Unit, and Body Control Management is a self-sufficient unit with its own sources like ROM, RAM memory, microprocessor or microcontroller, I/O and power supply. The idea of automotive domain controller is to replace multiple distributed ECUs with a single powerful central computer with multi-core. Multi-core processing technologies integrate multiple ECUs into one single chip. In a multi-core solution, these individual ECUs retain separated and independent processing space. However, a lot of redundant components like housing, drivers, wire and harnesses, and power supplies can be eliminated. These not only largely save cost but also the component’s weight and space. Moreover, communication between ECUs is within the processor itself instead of communicating over an external network like CAN or LIN, this will reduce the data latency and system complexity considerably.
Green mobility and obesity risk: A longitudinal analysis in California.

Abstract Previous work reports an inverse association between neighborhood greenness and obesity. Limitations of this work, which relies largely on cross-sectional data, include that studies often lack control for unmeasured genetic and sociodemographic factors that may confound associations, and cannot disentangle temporal order between neighborhood greenness and obesity. We move beyond a cross-sectional approach and leverage a longitudinal sibling-linked dataset with health, residential, and demographic information on women with two births in California between 2007 and 2015 (N = 552,929). We used a sibling comparison design to control for unmeasured stable characteristics of women and tested whether a positive change in neighborhood greenness (i.e., “upward green mobility”) precedes a reduction in obesity risk. Models also adjusted for baseline obesity risk and time-varying individual- and neighborhood-level socioeconomic factors. As hypothesized, we find that upward green mobility varies inversely with the odds of obesity. Results indicate that small decreases in neighborhood greenness may also show protective associations with obesity risk. Our findings, if replicated, suggest that changing levels (particularly increases) of greenness in the residential environment may combat the rise of obesity.
The neurogenic effects of rosmarinic acid in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus

There is emerging evidence for a dysregulation of insulin signaling in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with overlapping molecular features to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). In addition, T2DM is a known risk factor of AD. The goal of this study was to investigate the neurogenic and neuroprotective potential of rosmarinic acid (RA) in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced combined with high fat diet (HFD) mouse model of diabetes. Animals were divided into four experimental groups (control, diabetic, diabetic + RA, RA only). Behavioral analysis was performed to assess spatial learning and anxiety levels of animals, whereas quantitative real time PCR was carried out to assess the gene expression levels of neuronal markers of neurogenesis (Ki67, DCX and NeuN). A significant decrease in memory and spatial learning was observed in the diabetic mice, which was substantially improved by RA treatment. RA also increased the gene expression of NeuN, DCX and Ki67, which were dysregulated in the diabetic model. This study proposes RA as a potential therapeutic agent to mitigate neuronal dysfunction associated with T2DM by promoting adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
Association Between the 5As and Stage of Change Among African American Smokers Eligible for Low-Dose Computed Tomography Screening

We investigated the association between the 5As (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange) clinical protocol and stage of change among African American smokers who are eligible for low-dose computed tomography screening. In 2019, 60 African American daily smokers aged 55 years or older were recruited in a large hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. Smokers who received assistance for smoking cessation were more likely to be in the preparation stage than those who did not receive any assistance. Assistance from health professionals is an essential form of support and may substantially enhance smokers' motivation to quit smoking in this population that is at higher risk for mortality from lung cancer.
Retrieving and Classifying LinkedIn Job Titles for Alumni Career Analysis

It is important for universities to track alumni careers after graduation for both program quality improvement and accreditation requirements. The most common way of collecting such data is through alumni surveys, but historically these surveys had low response rates. LinkedIn, a social network site that targets working professionals, provides a great platform for academic programs to connect with alumni and collect their career information. Current approaches for career analysis using LinkedIn data often require a labor-intensive manual process that is not scalable and sustainable. In this paper, we propose a system for the automated retrieval and classification of LinkedIn job titles for alumni career analysis. Our research prototype and experiment results show that the proposed system can effectively crawl LinkedIn profiles and classify job titles based on Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) job categories [1]. Our approach is the first of its kind in career analysis using LinkedIn and can be easily adopted by other universities or programs to develop career analysis systems for their alumni.
Weak Convergence: The Perturbed Test Function Method

The methods which were used in Chapters 3–6 to characterize the limits of \(\left\{ {{x^\varepsilon }\left( \cdot \right),{m^\varepsilon }\left( \cdot \right)} \right\}\) as solutions to the averaged system are very well suited to the types of “white noise driven” Ito equations which were used there. For the singular perturbation problem of Chapter 4, with model (4.1.1), (4.1.2) with control mϵ(·), the martingale method which was used to characterize the limit process can be roughly described as follows (see Theorem 4.1.2): We apply the differential operator Aϵ of the (xϵ(·), zϵ(·)) process to a nice test function f (·). Then for continuous and bounded functions h(·) and o j (·), and for positive times t i ≤ t ≤ t + s, Ito’s formula was used to show that for each ϵ $$ Eh\left( {{x^{\varepsilon }}\left( {{t_{i}}} \right),{{\left( {{\phi _{j}},{m^{\varepsilon }}} \right)}_{{{t_{i}}}}},i \leqslant q,j \leqslant p} \right)\left[ {f\left( {{x^{\varepsilon }}\left( {t + s} \right)} \right) - f\left( {{x^{\varepsilon }}\left( t \right)} \right) - \int_{t}^{{t + s}} {\left( {{A^{\varepsilon }}f} \right)\left( {{x^{\varepsilon }}\left( u \right),{z^{\varepsilon }}\left( u \right),u} \right)du} } \right] = 0 $$ (0.1) .
Formation of 7-Hydroxymethotrexate Polyglutamyl Derivatives and Their Cytotoxicity in Human Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Cells, in Vitro

The rapid synthesis of poly-γ-glutamyl derivatives of 7-hydroxy-methotrexate (7-OH-MTX) and their selective intracellular retention are reported in human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells, K-562. After a 30-min exposure to 5 μM [3H]7-OH-MTX, three different polyglutamyl derivatives were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography. When extracellular 7-OH-MTX was removed, the 7-OH-MTX diglutamate level declined slowly in comparison to the monoglutamate, but the higher polyglutamyl derivative levels increased. Within 10 min after exposure of cells to 7-OH-MTX, the level of these polyglutamyl derivatives far exceeds the dihydrofolate reductase binding capacity. Gel filtration or charcoal binding analysis followed by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of the bound component showed intracellular binding of virtually all 7-OH-MTX tetraglutamate at a level 4-fold higher than that of the dihydrofolate reductase binding capacity. No bound 7-OH-MTX diglutamate or triglutamate could be detected. Treatment of the 7-OH-MTX tetraglutamate:protein complex with 100 μM unlabeled methotrexate (MTX) for 15 min resulted in only a partial dissociation of this complex to an extent compatible with the dihydrofolate reductase level. The residual 7-OH-MTX tetraglutamate remained bound to a site with a molecular weight of approximately 25,000 to 35,000 as assessed by Bio-Gel P-60 analysis and could not be displaced by folic acid, 5-formyltetrahydrofolate, 7-OH-MTX, or the tetraglutamate of MTX. 7-OH-MTX and MTX cytotoxicities were compared by clonogenic assay in agar and by their effects on cell growth. After a 2-hr exposure, the 50% inhibitory concentrations for 7-OH-MTX and MTX in cells growing in agar were 10−5 and 10−6 M, respectively. A 10-fold difference in cytotoxicity was also observed in cells growing in suspension. Continuous exposure to glycine:adenosine:thymidine completely protects cells from a sustained exposure to 7-OH-MTX over the entire period of clonal growth. However, even a brief exposure to 7-OH-MTX also requires continuous exposure to glycine:adenosine:thymidine for protection. This suggests that, as observed for MTX, the 7-OH-MTX polyglutamyl derivatives that are retained within the cells have a sustained cytotoxic effect after the monoglutamate is removed.
‘The beautiful and useful laws of God’: Burnham's Swedenborgianism and the Plan of Chicago

The phrase ‘beautiful and useful laws of God’ comes from a letter the young Daniel H. Burnham wrote to his mother. Knowledge of Burnham's religious beliefs is profoundly important for a deeper, more nuanced understanding of his intentions and motivations for the 1909 Plan of Chicago. This influence is underestimated, in part, because it has no overt, dramatic representation in the plan and is overshadowed by the apparently contradictory but captivating rendered perspectives.
Managing data from high-throughput genomic processing: a case study

Genomic data has become the canonical example of very large, very complex data sets. As such, there has been significant interest in ways to provide targeted database support to address issues that arise in genomic processing. Whether genomic data is truly a special case, or just another application area exhibiting problems common to other domains, is an as yet unanswered question. In this abstract, we explore the structure and processing requirements of a large-scale genome sequencing center, as a case study of the issues that arise in genomic data managements, and as a means to compare those issues with those that arise in other domains.
Filling Gaps and Black Holes: Restructuring the Financial Regulatory Apparatus for the Next Crisis (Written Testimony for the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Hearing on the Adequacy of the U.S. Financial Regulatory System)

The current financial regulatory system is fractured and archaic. In my testimony I recommend that Congress consolidate the present system into three regulators: a financial markets regulator, bank capital regulator and systemic risk regulator. To the extent full financial integration is not politically achievable, Congress should create regulatory champions in each of these three areas who can dominate the remaining other regulators and grow and absorb them or their responsibilities over time. Any regulatory reform must also encompass the entirety of the financial system. It cannot leave gaps, black holes (i.e., deliberately unregulated areas) or financial institutions without potential oversight. To do otherwise would allow for regulatory arbitrage. In particular, any systemic risk regulator should have potential oversight over the entire financial market and all financial institutions, including insurance companies, should be subject to financial regulatory oversight. Here, I emphasize that when I speak of providing "oversight" responsibility over the entire financial system, it does not necessarily equate with heightened substantive regulation, but the potential for regulation if a regulator exercising its prudent authority deems it appropriate. Congress should additionally build flexible regulators and a sustainable financial architecture but should leave the details of specific rules to be filled in by the selected regulator. Otherwise, Congress risks erecting rules that are either not adaptable to future changes or are not fully informed by later research on the financial crisis and our capital markets. In particular, Congress should require cost-benefit analysis for any rule-making by these new agencies.