cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biotinidase deficiency: Initial clinical features and rapid diagnosis

Biotinidase deficiency is the primary defect in most individuals with late-onset multiple carboxylase deficiency. We have reviewed the presenting clinical features of 31 children with the disorder. Seizures, either alone or with other neurological or cutaneous findings, are the most frequent initial symptom observed. Other neurological symptoms, such as hypotonia, ataxia, hearing loss, optic atrophy, and developmental delay, are seen, in addition to skin rash and alopecia. The disorder is also characterized by ketolactic acidosis and organic aciduria. Biotinidase activity may be diagnosed using a simple, rapid, semiquantitative colorimetric procedure. Samples of whole blood spotted on the same filter paper used by most states to screen for phenylketonuria and other inborn errors of metabolism may be sent to an appropriate reference laboratory. None of the common anticonvulsants or sedatives used to treat newborns and children interfere with the test. Because biotinidase deficiency can be treated readily with biotin, this disorder should be considered in children with infantile seizures, especially in the presence of other characteristic neurological or cutaneous features.
Comparative network analysis toward characterization of systemic organization for human–environmental sustainability

A preliminary study in comparative ecological network analysis was conducted to identify key assumptions and methodological challenges, test initial hypotheses and explore systemic and network structural characteristics for environmentally sustainable ecosystems. A nitrogen network for the U.S. beef supply chain – a small sub-network of the industrial food system analyzed as a pilot study – was constructed and compared to four non-human carbon and nitrogen trophic networks for the Chesapeake Bay and the Florida Everglades. These non-human food webs served as sustainable reference systems. Contrary to the main original hypothesis, the “window of vitality” and the number of network roles did not clearly differentiate between a human sub-network and the more complete non-human networks. The effective trophic level of humans (a partial estimate of trophic level based on the single food source of beef) was much higher (8.1) than any non-human species (maximum of 4.88). Network connectance, entropy, total dependency coefficients, trophic efficiencies and the ascendency to capacity ratio also indicated differences that serve as hypotheses for future tests on more comprehensive human food webs. The study elucidated important issues related to (1) the steady state assumption, which is more problematic for industrial human systems, (2) the absence or dearth of data on contributions of dead humans and human wastes to feed other species in an integrated food web, (3) the ambiguity of defining some industrial compartments as living versus non-living, and (4) challenges with constructing compartments and trophic transfers in industrial versus non-human food webs. The two main novel results are (1) the progress made toward adapting ecological network analysis (ENA) methodology for analysis of human food networks in industrial cultures and (2) characterizing the critical aspects of comparative ENA for understanding potential causes of the problems, and providing avenues for solutions, for environmental sustainability. Based on this work, construction and comparative network analysis of a more comprehensive industrial human food network seems warranted and likely to provide valuable insights for modifying structures of industrial food networks to be more like natural networks and more sustainable.
Temporal Issues in Information and Communication Technology-Enabled Organizational Change: Evidence From an Enterprise Systems Implementation

In this article we highlight temporal effects in information and communication technology-enabled organizational change. Examples of temporal effects are explored in the context of one organization's efforts to implement an enterprise-wide information system. Temporality is presented as having two aspects, with the first being the well-recognized, linear and measured clock time. The second aspect of time is that which is perceived--often as nonlinear--and socially defined. We find that temporal effects arise both in changes to the structure of work and in differences among groups in how time is perceived. Evidence suggests that both specific characteristics of the implementation and of the enterprise systems' technologies further exacerbate these temporal effects. We conclude with suggestions for how to incorporate a temporally reflective perspective into analysis of technology-enabled organizational change and how a temporal perspective provides insight into both the social and technical aspects of the s...
Bis[2,2,2‐trifluoro‐1‐phenyl‐1‐(trifluoromethyl) Ethoxy] Diphenyl Sulfurane

Bis[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-phenyl-1-(trifluoromethyl) ethoxy] diphenyl sulfurane reactant: 100.0 g. (0.4098 mole) of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-phenyl-2-propanol intermediate: potassium 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-phenyl-2-propanolate product: Bis[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-phenyl-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethoxy] diphenyl sulfurane Keywords: oxidation, miscellaneous; diethyl ether; 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-phenyl-2-propanol, preparation of; pentane; potassium 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-phenyl-2-propanolate; glove bag
Guess-Free Trajectory Optimization

Trajectory optimization is an open-loop optimal control problem. The necessary conditions for optimal control are easy to generate by way of Pontryagin’s Principle. Although these necessary conditions are powerful analysis tools, the \curse of complexity" has long been a major obstacle to solving the resulting boundary value problem. The Covector Mapping Principle overcomes this curse by implying that an optimal control problem is solvable if dualization is commuted with discretization. This solvability is predicated through two notions of convergence: one related to the solution and another to the algorithm. We design an elastic programming technique to exploit the difierences between these two notions of convergence while harnessing their coupling to propel a spectral algorithm. The combination of these concepts generates a globally convergent algorithm under mild conditions. In meeting the mild assumptions required of this guess-free optimization technique, the problem must be reasonably bounded and reasonably scaled. Both these requirements can be easily met for a very large family of practical problems in engineering through a new computational interpretation of the adjoints that provides useful equations for balancing the primal problem.
Post conflict transitions : an overview

In the two to five years immediately following end of conflicts, United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations have succeeded in maintaining peace, while income and consumption growth rates have been higher than normal and recovery on key education and health indicators has been possible. Aid also has been super-effective in promoting recovery, not only by financing physical infrastructure but also by helping in the monetary reconstruction of post conflict economies. However, sustaining these short-term gains was met with two difficult challenges. First, long-term sustainability of peace and growth hinges primarily on the ability of post conflict societies to develop institutions for the delivery of public goods, which, in turn, depends on the capacity of post conflict elites to overcome an entrenched culture of political fragmentation and form stable national coalitions, beyond their immediate ethnic or regional power bases. Second, after catch-up growth runs its course, high levels of aid can lead to overvalued real currencies, at a time when growth requires a competitive exchange rate and economic diversification. Successful peace-building will, therefore, require that these political and economic imperatives of post conflict transitions be accounted for in the design of UN peacekeeping operations as well as the aid regime.
An Autonomous Mobile Robotics Testbed: Construction, Validation, and Experiments

This paper describes design and construction of an Autonomous Mobile Robotics Systems Testbed in detail. The testbed is an indoor experimental platform for developing and validating theoretical as well as practical research work in identification, coordinative and cooperative control, trajectory generation, computational intelligence, and sensing for multiple autonomous mobile robotics systems. It provides a designated space for multiple mobile robots while tracking their position and orientation in real-time using an overhead vision system. Several problems encountered in developing the testbed such as multi-camera color consistency, radial lens distortion, hat pattern design are clearly addressed. The testbed is analyzed for its performance and several experiments with ER1 mobile robots are presented.
Testing as a Mental Discipline: Practical Methods for Affecting Student Behavior

Summary form only for tutorial. Software testing plays a key role throughout the development of high-quality software systems. The question often raised is how to motivate and encourage students to perform test design early in their development process. This tutorial presents practical methods for introducing students to Testing as a Mental Discipline and related exercises that help students see the value of changing their development behavior with respect to testing.
Thanatos and Massive Psychic Trauma: the Impact of the Death Instinct on Knowing, Remembering, and Forgetting

The connection between massive psychic trauma and the concept of the death instinct is explored using the basic assumptions that the death instinct is unleashed through and is in a sense characteristic of traumatic experience, and that the concept of the death instinct is indispensable to the understanding and treatment of trauma. Characteristics of traumatic experience, such as dissolution of the empathic bond, failure to assimilate experience into psychic representation and structure, a tendency to repeat traumatic experience, and a resistance to remembering and knowing, are considered as trauma-induced death instinct derivatives. An initial focus is on the individual, on how death instinct manifestations can be discerned in the survivors of trauma. Next the intergenerational force of trauma is examined; a clinical vignette illustrates how the death instinct acts on and is passed on to the children of survivors. Finally, the cultural or societal aspects of trauma are considered, with an eye to how death instinct derivatives permeate cultural responses (or failures to respond) to trauma. Because trauma causes a profound destructuring and decathexis, it is concluded that the concept of the death instinct is a clinical and theoretical necessity.
Effects of Glycosylation on the Properties and Functions of Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin

The influenza virus A hemagglutinin (HA) is a trimeric glycoprotein that contains 3-9 N-linked glycosylation sequons per subunit, depending on the strain. The location of these sites is determined by the nucleotide sequence of the HA gene, and, since the viral genome is replicated by an error-prone RNA polymerase, mutations, which add or remove glycosylation sites, occur at a high frequency. Mutations that are not lethal to the virus add to the structural diversity of the virus population. Factors that determine the glycosylation of the HA are reviewed herein, as are the effects of host-specific glycosylation on receptor binding, fusion activity, and antigenic properties of the virus. Effects of host-specific glycosylation and selection on virulence and on vaccine efficacy and surveillance are discussed. In addition, inadequacies in our understanding of HA glycosylation and its effects on host range are emphasized.
Modeling of sea-roughness radiometric effects for the retrieval of surface salinity at 14.3 GHz

We consider an advanced variant of an electromagnetic model of a rough surface with the goal to provide numerical modeling of the salinity-temperature radiometric contrasts. These calculations are made especially at the wavelength of 21 cm (14.3 GHz) and the nadir incidence angle for low-wind (<7 m/s) and foam-free sea conditions. In these cases, passive microwave radiometric measurements perhaps are the best suited for the sea salinity mapping and the retrieval is quite accurate. Some numerical examples of salinity radiometric effects are presented.
Research Issues in Benefit Estimation

Less than a decade ago, Freeman [1979] completed a comprehensive overview of the theory and the practice of benefit measurement for environmental resources. In the process of considering the implications of our research and the issues that follow from our findings, Freeman’s general conclusions on measuring water quality benefits offer a good place to begin:
Modelling and analysis of detection time trade-offs for channel searching in cognitive radio networks

A successful cognitive radio network (CRN) needs a fast and reliable spectrum sensing scheme to enable secondary users to utilise available channels. In this work, the authors first revisit conventional urn models for channel availability (the random independent identical distribution (i.i.d) models) and introduce a correlated Markov model which is apropos for scenarios with memory. After proposing an n -step serial search strategy, the authors investigate the performance of random and serial search schemes for the above occupancy models in terms of the mean number of steps for detection of an `open` channel. The analytical results of the average detection are then presented for different sensing schemes under both random and correlated channel model. The authors then highlight a key trade-off underlying the overall mean time to detect a free channel: it is a function of both the mean number of steps and the sensing time per step. Reduced sensing duration in each step leads to lower detection probability ( P d ) thereby increasing the average number of search steps required. This suggests that there exists an optimal sensing duration that minimises the overall mean detection time; this is analytically investigated (for low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)) and verified by simulation results under various SNR environments.
Comparison of Social Presence in Voice-based and Text-based Asynchronous Computer Conferences

The significance of social presence in asynchronous computer conferencing has become an increasingly important factor in establishing high-quality online learning environments. Levels of social presence exhibited in asynchronous computer conferences influence students perceptions of learning and satisfaction levels in Web-based courses. Recently, faculty teaching online courses have begun to use voice-based asynchronous conferencing tools with little research to support the appropriateness of the media. Deployment of voicebased technology as a pedagogical tool is delivered at a considerable cost to higher education institutions. These tools are often marketed based on the effectiveness of the technology in a learning environment. However, according to this study, there is no apparent benefit in using voice-based rather than text-based technology tools to facilitate asynchronous computer conferences in a Web-based learning environment.
Evidence of prior pelvic inflammatory disease and its relationship toChlamydia trachomatis antibody and intrauterine contraceptive device use in infertile women

A total of 204 infertile women attending the Infertility Clinic of the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont were studied for the possible role ofChlamydia trachomatis and intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) use as factors related to their infertility. All patients had had at least 1 year of involuntary infertility. All but one woman had negative cultures forC. trachomatis, but a highly significant correlation (p < 0.001) was evident between evidence of prior pelvic inflammatory disease (PPID) as documented by hysterosalpingograms and/or laparoscopy and the prevalence of chlamydial antibody. Furthermore, a significant (p = 0.01) correlation could be shown between the prevalence of the antibodies and adnexal adhesions. IUCD use could also be shown to correlate significantly (p < 0.001) with PPID, and a detailed statistical analysis indicated that the two factors, antibody toC. trachomatis and a history of IUCD use, were independently related to PPID. Only about one third of the patients with PPID could ever recall having had an illness consistent with PID. Subsequent to the infertility workup, 76 of these women became pregnant and there was a significant (p < 0.001) correlation between the occurrence of ectopic pregnancy and antibody toC. trachomatis. A significant (p = 0.01) correlation was also noted between a history of IUCD use and subsequent ectopic pregnancy. From these data it appears that antecedent infection withC. trachomatis, as measured by antibody prevalence, and a history of IUCD use are important factors in infertility of tubal origin and are also related to ectopic pregnancy.
Sexting among Teenagers in the United States: A Retrospective Analysis of Identifying Motivating Factors, Potential Targets, and the Role of a Capable Guardian

Sexting is often broadly defined as the sending and/or receiving of sexually suggestive images or messages to peers through a cell phone (Mitchell et al., 2012). The use of broad definitions and sampling methods among prior sexting studies has produced variations in the research findings. The current study provides a retrospective examination of sexting among 378 teenagers sampled from university college freshmen at a midsize southern university in the United States regarding sexting attitudes and behaviors during high school. Approximately one-third of the participants reported sending a sexting image of himself or herself in high school to someone else using a cell phone. Those who reported more texting use, in general and those who spent more time with friends in an unsupervised setting were significantly more likely to report sexting. Parental monitoring, however, was not significantly related to sexting. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Animal Models in Menopause Research

This article is a comment on Derry's (2015) article “Evidence-Based Medicine, Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy, and the Women's Health Initiative.” In this article, I supplement Derry's literature review with a discussion of research on animal models of menopause. Studies of other primates whose reproductive cycles come to an end have provided some of the evidence that led scientists and health care providers to believe that hormone therapy would be useful for women during (and after) the menopausal transition. The results of animal studies contributed to the difficulty that many had in accepting the results of the Women's Health Initiative.
Nanometer-Scale Creation and Characterization of Trapped Charge in SiO2 Films Using Ballistic Electron Emission Microscopy.

Electron injection into $\ensuremath{\sim}25\mathrm{nm}$ thick Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ films in Pt/Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$/Si structures using ballistic electron emission microscopy (BEEM) is found to produce a local suppression in the BEEM current, which is at least partly due to electron trapping in the Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ film. Measured variations in the BEEM threshold voltage with the voltage applied across the Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ film can be used to estimate the local trapped electron density and the centroid location, which agree with macroscopic measurements. Our measurements indicate that BEEM can be sensitive to very small numbers of electrons trapped in buried Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ films.
Climate impacts on the cost of solar energy

Photovoltaic (PV) Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) estimates are widely utilized by decision makers to predict the long-term cost and benefits of solar PV installations, but fail to consider local climate, which impacts PV panel lifetime and performance. Specific types of solar PV panels are known to respond to climate factors differently. Mono-, poly-, and amorphous-silicon (Si) PV technologies are known to exhibit varying degradation rates and instantaneous power losses as a function of operating temperature, humidity, thermal cycling, and panel soiling. We formulate an extended LCOE calculation, which considers PV module performance and lifespan as a function of local climate. The LCOE is then calculated for crystalline and amorphous Si PV technologies across several climates. Finally, we assess the impact of various policy incentives on reducing the firm's cost of solar deployment when controlling for climate. This assessment is the first to quantify tradeoffs between technologies, geographies, and policies in a unified manner. Results suggest crystalline Si solar panels as the most promising candidate for commercial-scale PV systems due to their low degradation rates compared to amorphous technologies. Across technologies, we note the strong ability of investment subsidies in removing uncertainty and reducing the LCOE, compared to production incentives.
Hot Trend Prediction of Network Forum Topic Based on Wavelet Multi-Resolution Analysis

In this paper,a method was proposed,which combined wavelet multi-resolution analysis to forecast network forum topic hot trend.That was first,using wavelet multi-resolution to decompose and reconstruct the original time series formed from click numbers or reply numbers of forum post,to create one low frequency signal and several high frequency signals.Then,the approximate low frequency signal is predicted using ARIMA model and the high frequency signals are forecasted respectively using neural networks that have different parameters.After one-step-ahead prediction,the predicted results of these signals are combined into the final predicted result of network forum topic hot trend.This proposed method was tested to make better prediction accuracy for network forum topic hot trend.
Synthetic Studies on Damascenones

The odor principle β-damascenone and its isomer α-damascenone have been prepared by treatment of the corresponding ethyl safranates with excess allyl lithium followed by alkoxide catalyzed isomerization of the resulting products with β, γ-unsaturated ketonic side chains. Addition of allyltriphenylphosphorane (preferably prepared from allyltriphenylphosphonium chloride) rather than the propenyl isomer to ethyl α-isopropylidene-acetoacetate produced ethyl α-safranate. This represents a new, potentially general method for the synthesis of functionalized cyclohexadienes.
Infertility in a Man with 21-Hydroxylase Deficient Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia secondary to 21-hydroxylase deficiency in men can cause profound oligospermia. The mechanism for this condition is overproduction of adrenal androgens, which in turn inhibit gonadotropin secretion. Men with a mild subclinical form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia may remain undiagnosed until adulthood. We report on a man who presented with infertility secondary to profound oligospermia. The treatment of this condition resulted in improved semen quality and subsequent conception. The importance of family history and determining whether precocious puberty was present, as well as obtaining appropriate laboratory tests is discussed.
Garantía del Bienestar Animal – Impactos sobre la producción ganadera y mercados de exportación

Given the strong and sustained public interest in animal welfare, globally sustainable agricultural systems must include animal welfare within the areas of consideration. Animal welfare relates to an animal’s quality of life and can range from very good to very poor. A number of conceptual frameworks have been proposed for animal welfare and humane animal care. To varying degrees, these frameworks include aspects of animal health and animal behavior, with relative importance of these criteria weighted by ethics or values. Animal care standards may be dictated by legislation, but are increasingly governed through purchasing decisions by food companies and retailers. Animal welfare assessment protocols that include animal-based parameters provide farmers with benchmarking data for comparison between and within farms, as well as flexibility to modify husbandry or housing when addressing weaknesses within the farm system. Within the laboratory and on commercial farms, researchers are identifying solutions to key animal welfare issues in cattle production, including painful husbandry procedures, restrictive housing and cow comfort, calf feeding, care of the compromised cow and low stress handling.
What Effect Does Flipping the Classroom Have on Undergraduate Student Perceptions and Grades

There is a lack of consensus of the effects on student perceptions and performance in flipping the classroom and its possible value over the traditional face-to-face (FTF) classroom approach. This research examines the expectation that flipping an undergraduate, introductory level, information concepts and skills class would benefit student learning and evaluates the results of flipping this type of course. The study showed a significant difference in student perceptions about the course itself between web-enhanced, FTF and hybrid, flipped classrooms, but this may be dependent upon the level of technology integration rather than the approach. In addition, students who were required to work in groups on a weekly basis had more positive responses toward the flipped classroom improving their soft skills than those who did not. Finally, for written content exams it seems the flipped class approach is at least as effective as the traditional classroom in terms of grades. However, it appears teaching software skills may be better with at least some direct instruction over just the use of simulation software.
Effectiveness of Cell Phone Restrictions for Young Drivers: Review of the Evidence:

This research summarized the effect of cell phone restrictions on the prevalence of cell phone use and motor vehicle crashes involving young drivers. Multiple databases were searched with the use of terms related to cell phone restrictions, the prevalence of cell phone use, crashes, and young drivers. Fifty-three abstracts were reviewed. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies examined changes in the prevalence of cell phone use before and after a restriction was imposed; five studies used changes in crash rates as the outcome. The majority of prevalence studies found no change in young drivers’ cell phone use following the introduction of a restriction. Crash studies using multistate samples reported significant reductions in fatal crashes; single-state studies reported no change or small increases in crashes. Restrictions appeared to have no long-term effect on the prevalence of cell phone use among novice drivers. Conflicting findings from crash studies reflected differences in analytica...
Synthesis of mesostructured TiO2 through self-assembly of nanocrystals of rutile

Uniform microspheres of mesoporous titania with a worm-like structure and controlled nanocrystalline framework have been prepared by a simple procedure of the self-assembly of rutile TiO 2 nanoparticles based on surfactant (EO) 20 -(PPO) 70 -(EO) 20 (P123) in a nonaqueous system. The crystalline mesoporous TiO 2 was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and N 2 adsorption/desorption measurements.
Bullying victimization and mental health outcomes of adolescents in Myanmar, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka

Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the association between bullying victimization and symptoms of depression among adolescents in Myanmar, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Little is known about adolescents' bullying victimization and its ramifications in South Asia. Given that children's rights remain low amidst taboo surrounding their mental health issues that prevent parents from seeking help for their children, there is a need to understand the link between the two. Data from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) from Pakistan, Sri-Lanka, and Myanmar were analyzed. The GSHS is conducted using standardized sampling and survey methodology procedures. The association between experiences of bullying and depressive symptoms was estimated by computing unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios. Results indicate that adolescents who were bullied were significantly more likely to report symptoms of depression in all three countries. Findings support those from other regions suggesting that adolescents are at higher risk of developing depressive symptoms when they experience bullying, highlighting the need for resources, including policy and infrastructure, to address both bullying and mental health issues in the region.
Trabeculotomy and Exam Under Anesthesia (EUA)

Patients should have been evaluated and deemed appropriate for such surgical intervention. Typically an exam under anesthesia is performed to completely evaluate the eyes prior to beginning surgery. Patients with uncontrolled eye pressure, with or without clear corneas, in which it is anticipated that Schlemm’s canal is present, can be considered for this procedure. Patients and or appropriate family members should have been educated about the risks and benefits of the procedure, including alternatives.
Abscisic acid — An enigma in the abiotic stress tolerance of crop plants

Abstract In the last decade, there has been an increase in the world population at an alarming rate and is predicted to rise over 2.4 billion by 2050. Consequently, to feed the growing population agricultural food production needs to be increased considerably. Worldwide plant growth and productivity are limited by abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, cold, and heat. To combat the environmental atrocities plants have developed inherent stress tolerance mechanism that involves orchestrated action of several stress-responsive genes comprising of cross-talk with other stress responsive signal transduction pathways. Thus the level of stress tolerance or sensitivity is determined by the severity of the stress and the metabolic status of the plant. To encompass the challenges of understanding the stress tolerance mechanism and develop stress tolerant crops researchers have devised many strategies of which the most preferred had been engineering of the abscisic acid (ABA). ABA provides adaptation to various stresses like drought, salt, and cold stresses and simultaneously regulates various physiological processes ranging from stomatal opening to protein storage. Furthermore, ABA acts as the second messenger coordinating hormonal cross-talk between several stress signaling pathways and thereby leading to adaptations to changing physiological and environmental conditions. The current review will highlight the role ABA in response to abiotic stress both at the molecular level and controlling signal transduction.
Social housing and social isolation: Impact on stress indices and energy balance in male and female Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

Although Syrian hamsters are thought to be naturally solitary, recent evidence from our laboratory demonstrates that hamsters may actually prefer social contact. Hamsters increase their preference for a location associated with an agonistic encounter regardless of whether they have "won" or "lost". It has also been reported that social housing as well as exposure to intermittent social defeat or to a brief footshock stressor increase food intake and body mass in hamsters. By contrast, it has also been suggested that housing hamsters in social isolation causes anxiety-induced anorexia and reductions in body mass selectively in females. The purpose of this study was to determine the physiological consequences of housing hamsters in social isolation versus in social groups. Male and female hamsters were housed singly or in stable groups of 5 for 4weeks after which they were weighed and trunk blood was collected. In addition, fat pads and thymus and adrenal glands were extracted and weighed. Serum and fecal cortisol were measured using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Housing condition had no effect on serum or fecal cortisol, but socially housed hamsters displayed modest thymus gland involution. Socially housed females weighed more than did any other group, and socially housed females and males had more fat than did socially isolated hamsters. No wounding or tissue damage occurred in grouped hamsters. Overall, these data suggest that Syrian hamsters tolerate both stable social housing and social isolation in the laboratory although social housing is associated with some alteration in stress-related and bioenergetic measures.
Lithium-ion battery disturbance current estimation, with application to a self-balancing photovoltaic battery storage system

This paper develops a model-based algorithm for combined state and disturbance estimation in a lithium-ion battery cell. The “disturbance”, in this context, is the external current applied to the cell. The algorithm estimates this current based solely on terminal voltage measurement, which is valuable for applications where current sensors are too costly. Furthermore, the paper presents a theoretical analysis of the disturbance estimation covariance achievable by this algorithm. The algorithm is particularly valuable for applications where estimates of battery current are needed, but measurements of this current are too costly. One example comes from the authors' previous work on a self-balancing hybrid photovoltaic/battery system. We apply the proposed algorithm, in simulation, to this system, and use a moving average filter to attenuate the noise in its disturbance current estimates. The results of this simulation study show that the proposed algorithm is indeed successful in tracking both the internal battery state and photovoltaic current in the above hybrid photovoltaic/battery system.
Expression and evolutionary patterns of mycobacteriophage D29 and its temperate close relatives

Mycobacteriophages are viruses that infect Mycobacterium hosts. A large collection of phages known to infect the same bacterial host strain – Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155 – exhibit substantial diversity and characteristically mosaic architectures. The well-studied lytic mycobacteriophage D29 appears to be a deletion derivative of a putative temperate parent, although its parent has yet to be identified. Here we describe three newly-isolated temperate phages – Kerberos, Pomar16 and StarStuff – that are related to D29, and are predicted to be very close relatives of its putative temperate parent, revealing the repressor and additional genes that are lost in D29. Transcriptional profiles show the patterns of both lysogenic and lytic gene expression and identify highly-expressed, abundant, stable, small non-coding transcripts made from the Pleft early lytic promoter, and which are toxic to M. smegmatis. Comparative genomics of phages D29, Kerberos, Pomar16 and StarStuff provide insights into bacteriophage evolution, and comparative transcriptomics identifies the pattern of lysogenic and lytic expression with unusual features including highly expressed, small, non-coding RNAs.
A composite framework for segregating x-rays of osteoporotic cases from healthy controls

The assessment of osteoporotic subjects from X-ray images poses a significant challenge for pattern recognition and medical diagnostic applications. Textured images of bone micro-architecture of osteoporotic and healthy subjects exhibit high degree of similarity hence amplifying difficulty of classifying such textures. This research is focused on exploring different texture based methods to segregate osteoporotic from healthy controls. We enacted set of well evaluated preprocessing model to enhance the prospects of drawing a distinct line between two classes while exercising diverse texture analysis approaches including Grey Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM), two-dimensional and one-dimensional Local Binary Patterns. Finally we propose a hybrid technique to attain an enhanced class distinction. Consequently experiments were conducted on two populations of osteoporotic patients and controls, with comparative analysis of the results.
2H(d, gamma )4He polarization observables at 20, 30, and 50 MeV.

Tensor and vector analyzing powers for the $^{2}\mathrm{H}$(d,\ensuremath{\gamma}${)}^{4}$He reaction have been obtained as a function of angle at ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{d}}$(lab)=20, 30, and 50 MeV. Differential cross sections were extracted at 30 and 50 MeV. Data for ${\mathit{A}}_{\mathit{y}\mathit{y}}$(\ensuremath{\theta}) and ${\mathit{A}}_{\mathit{y}}$(\ensuremath{\theta}) were obtained at all three energies, while ${\mathit{T}}_{20}$(\ensuremath{\theta}) was also measured at ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{d}}$(lab)=50 MeV. A direct capture calculation was performed and compared to the data. This calculation assumes point deuterons and that the reaction proceeds primarily via $E2$ radiation in this region. A value of 4% for the D state probability arising from two-deuteron relative motion in the $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ wave function was extracted by fitting the predictions of this model to the data. This calculation indicates that g-wave capture is significant at the energies of the present experiment, a result which is supported by a transition-matrix element analysis of the data. The results of a microscopic 7-channel resonating group model (MCRGM) calculation are also compared to the data. This model takes all amplitudes having incoming angular momenta l\ensuremath{\le}2 into account as well as the couplings to the n${\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}^{3}$He and p-T channels. This microscopic calculation, which has produced reasonable agreement with the previous low energy data, predicts a value of 2.2% for the two-deuteron component of the D state in $^{4}\mathrm{He}$. There is qualitative agreement with the present data.
Multiagent based interpolation system for traffic condition by estimation/learning

We propose a multiagent based interpolation system for traffic conditions that includes estimation and learning agents. These agents are allocated to all the road links. The Normalized Velocity (NV) is used in this system. Estimation agents renew the NV for each road link, and learning agents renew the weight values for estimation. The weight values can be calculated by multivariate analysis. Estimation and learning agents alternately calculate the results to improve the interpolation accuracy. The Coefficient of Determination (CD) and Mean Square Error (MSE) are used to evaluate the interpolation accuracy. Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) data and Probe Car Data (PCD) are usually used for traffic information systems, but we have confirmed that the estimation accuracy without VICS data (only PCD) is higher than with VICS data. The standard deviation of the estimated NV error can be improved to 0.1312, and the standard deviation of the estimated velocity error is 6.56 km/h in the mid velocity region. It was possible to improve the CD and MSE by repeated estimation and learning.
Abstract 5142: Elevated glycolysis in pre-malignant ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women and the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) originates mainly from the fallopian tube epithelium, and is characterized by TP53 mutation identified in all HGSCs as well as the fallopian tubal precursor of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas (STICs). The loss of a functional TP53 is an early event in the malignant transformation of fallopian tube epithelium. We have established 4 primary cell cultures of normal fallopian tube epithelial (FTE) cells, and further generated immortalized FTE cells using SV40 large plus small T antigens (FTE-TAg) to disrupt TP53 function. This model mimics the primary lesions of ovarian cancer and is suitable to identify biomarkers and molecular targets of ovarian cancer. Therefore, we compared the secretomes of primary FTE cells with that of their parental isogenic pairs FTE-TAg cells using mass spectrometry analysis. We identified 813 proteins, 228 of which were differentially expressed. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) core analysis revealed glycolysis as a major canonical pathway. Overexpression of key enzymes of glycolytic pathway was confirmed by IHC in human STIC lesions. Molecular mechanisms of glycolysis regulation in premalignant lesion of ovarian cancer were determined. Role of glycolysis in the establishment of premalignant ovarian cancer microenvironment (PME) was characterized. Prevention approaches targeting glycolysis were tested in transgenic animal model of ovarian cancer. Citation Format: Anna E. Lokshin, Mounia Alaoui El Azher, Liudmila Velikokhatnaya, Denise Prosser. Elevated glycolysis in pre-malignant ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5142.
Getting Started with Organizational Design at Your Library

Is your library a business? Or is this even the correct question to ask? Maybe a better question is: What can libraries learn from the business world to become more successful? One such mechanism is the concept of organizational design. This means taking a hard look at an organization’s structure, culture, procedures, and systems, then assessing how things need to change (Office of Personnel Management, 2018). Thinking about your organization’s design is a foundation for strategic planning. The following section poses a conceptual framework, followed by contemplative questions to encourage your library to start or continue conversations related to organizational design in order to facilitate planning and change.
A Comprehensive Systematic Review of the Association Between Airway Mucins and Chronic Rhinosinusitis

ObjectiveAirway mucins are the major constituents of mucus and one of the first lines of host defense against inhaled pathogens. However, aberrant expression of mucins is associated with mucus hype...
Lung cancer in African-Americans and analysis of estrogen plus progestin use.

e18258Background: The 15-year Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) sponsored by the NIH has provided a robust dataset on health risks for post-menopausal black women (BW), including the impact of hormon...
Land-based finance and property tax in China

Over the last two decades, cities in China have relied heavily on the revenues from public land leasing to finance urban development. This source of revenue is not sustainable. To address this issu...
An interview with author Victor Regnier, FAIA

In his newest book, preeminent gerontologist and architect Victor Regnier shares innovative international housing and care service models that serve mentally and physically frail elders. He present...
Using Drawing as an Active Engagement Tool To Empower Learners and Promote Teaching of Health Topics

Community members in Lagos, Nigeria, are not able to correctly define blood pressure, its causes, and the impact certain values have upon health. Community Health Educators (CHEs) are volunteers trained through Northwestern University’s current Access to Health initiative to educate low-literacy community members, who do not have access to vital health information. Utilizing an active engagement method can improve learning and retention of information by the CHEs and similar audiences. An example of this is drawing, which can help educate and empower CHEs to teach health topics to low-literacy community members.
Endomyocardial biopsies in the diagnosis of myocardial involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus

BackgroundEndomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is considered the gold standard for diagnosing myocardial involvement in most inflammatory conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, E...
Trypanosoma brucei Pex13.2 Is an Accessory Peroxin That Functions in the Import of Peroxisome Targeting Sequence Type 2 Proteins and Localizes to Subdomains of the Glycosome.

ABSTRACT Kinetoplastid parasites, including Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania, harbor unique organelles known as glycosomes, which are evolutionarily related to peroxisomes. Glycosome/peroxisome biogenesis is mediated by proteins called peroxins that facilitate organelle formation, proliferation, and degradation and import of proteins housed therein. Import of matrix proteins occurs via one of two pathways that are dictated by their peroxisome targeting sequence (PTS). In PTS1 import, a C-terminal tripeptide sequence, most commonly SKL, is recognized by the soluble receptor Pex5. In PTS2 import, a less conserved N-terminal sequence is recognized by Pex7. The soluble receptors deliver their cargo to the import channel consisting minimally of Pex13 and Pex14. While much of the import process is conserved, kinetoplastids are the only organisms to have two Pex13s, Pex13.1 and Pex13.2. It is unclear why trypanosomes require two Pex13s when one is sufficient for most eukaryotes. To interrogate the role of Pex13.2, we have employed biochemical approaches to partially resolve the composition of the Pex13/Pex14 import complexes in T. brucei and characterized glycosome morphology and protein import in Pex13.2-deficient parasites. Here, we show that Pex13.2 is an integral glycosome membrane protein that interacts with Pex13.1 and Pex14. The N terminus of Pex13.2 faces the cytoplasmic side of the membrane, where it can facilitate interactions required for protein import. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed three glycosome membrane complexes containing combinations of Pex13.1, Pex13.2, and Pex14. The silencing of Pex13.2 resulted in parasites with fewer, larger glycosomes and disrupted glycosome protein import, suggesting the protein is involved in glycosome biogenesis as well as protein import. Furthermore, superresolution microscopy demonstrated that Pex13.2 localizes to discrete foci in the glycosome periphery, indicating that the glycosome periphery is not homogenous. IMPORTANCETrypanosoma brucei causes human African trypanosomiasis and a wasting disease called Nagana in livestock. Current treatments are expensive, toxic, and difficult to administer. Because of this, the search for new drug targets is essential. T. brucei has glycosomes that are essential to parasite survival; however, our ability to target them in drug development is hindered by our lack of understanding about how these organelles are formed and maintained. This work forwards our understanding of how the parasite-specific protein Pex13.2 functions in glycosome protein import and lays the foundation for future studies focused on blocking Pex13.2 function, which would be lethal to bloodstream-form parasites that reside in the mammalian bloodstream.