cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Substrate Resistance Extraction for Large Circuits

In Chapter 6 we discussed a modeling strategy for substrates with a heavily-doped bulk and a lightly doped epitaxial layer. The advantage of the single node model for such substrates is that, once characterized for a particular process it can readily be used for any circuit structure that uses the same process, irrespective of size. Unfortunately the model does not extend to processes which do not have a heavily-doped bulk which is in effect a collector and distributor of stray electrons and holes. On the other hand, the dc macromodeling technique of Chapter 4 can be used for any Silicon process. The problem with the latter approach however, is that it becomes computationally expensive as the size of the circuit to be simulated increases. In this chapter we will introduce techniques that allow for the numerical computation (extraction) of substrate resistance for large circuit structures.
Quantitative Prediction of CYP3A4 Induction: Impact of Measured, Free, and Intracellular Perpetrator Concentrations from Human Hepatocyte Induction Studies on Drug-Drug Interaction Predictions

Typically, concentration-response curves are based upon nominal inducer concentrations for in-vitro-to-in-vivo extrapolation of CYP3A4 induction. The limitation of this practice is that it assumes the hepatocyte culture model is a static system. We assessed whether correcting for: 1) changes in perpetrator concentration in the induction medium during the incubation period, 2) perpetrator binding to proteins in the induction medium, and 3) nonspecific binding of perpetrator can improve the accuracy of CYP3A4 induction predictions. Of the seven compounds used in this evaluation, significant parent loss and nonspecific binding were observed for rifampicin (29.3-38.3%), pioglitazone (64.3-78.6%), and rosiglitazone (57.1-75.5%). As a result, the free measured EC50 values (EC50u) of pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, and rifampicin were significantly lower than the nominal EC50 values. In general, the accuracy of the induction predictions, using multiple static models, improved when corrections were made for measured medium concentrations, medium protein binding, and nonspecific binding of the perpetrator, as evidenced by 18-29% reductions in the root mean square error. The relative induction score model performed better than the basic static and mechanistic static models, resulting in lower prediction error and no false-positive or false-negative predictions. However, even when the EC50u value was used, the induction prediction for bosentan, which is a substrate of organic anion transporter proteins, was overpredicted by approximately 2-fold. Accounting for the ratio of unbound intracellular concentrations to unbound medium concentrations (Kpuu,in vitro) (0.5-7.5) and the predicted multiple-dose Kpuu,in vivo (0.6) for bosentan resulted in induction predictions within 35% of the observed interaction.
Counseling Psychology and Reproductive Justice: A Call to Action ψ:

Although it remains an underresearched topic in the field, counseling psychology can and should play an important role in enhancing individuals’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH), as well as pro...
Prohibition on Successive Prosecutions for the Same Offense — In Search of The 'Goldilocks Zone': The California Approach to a National Conundrum

The Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects a defendant from being tried twice for the same offense. But, what does “same offense” mean? There is no clear definition or universal test. The Federal Courts persist in applying an 80-year-old test — borrowed from the separate context of multiple punishments — that undermines the Double Jeopardy Clause. States’ approaches fare no better. Ultimately, whether one is placed twice in jeopardy for the “same offense” depends on the happenstance of where the crime occurred, and the artfulness of the prosecutor in charging. And as a result, our prisons are populated with those convicted twice for the same criminal conduct. With the passing of Justice Scalia, the chief revivalist of the federal Depression-era “same offense” approach, it is time to re-visit the test and replace it. Using California law as an example, this article draws on the policy considerations and competing interests to propose a unique, two-step, “multi-feature” approach to the prohibition against successive prosecution for the same offense. The new approach disentangles the ban on multiple punishments from the prohibition against successive prosecutions, promotes the purposes of the prohibition and safeguards the Double Jeopardy Clause’s fundamental Constitutional ideals.
Comparing Macroscale and Microscale Simulations of Porous Battery Electrodes

Author(s): Higa, K; Wu, SL; Parkinson, DY; Fu, Y; Ferreira, S; Battaglia, V; Srinivasan, V | Abstract: This describes a vertically-integrated exploration of NMC electrode rate limitations, combining experiments with corresponding macroscale (macro-homogeneous) and microscale models. Parameters common to both models were obtained from experiments or based on published results. Positive electrode tortuosity was the sole fitting parameter used in the macroscale model, while the microscale model used no fitting parameters, instead relying on microstructural domains generated from X-ray microtomography of pristine electrode material held under compression while immersed in electrolyte solution (additionally providing novel observations of electrode wetting). Macroscale simulations showed that the capacity decrease observed at higher rates resulted primarily from solution-phase diffusion resistance. This ability to provide such qualitative insights at low computational costs is a strength of macroscale models, made possible by neglecting electrode spatial details. To explore the consequences of such simplification, the corresponding, computationally-expensive microscale model was constructed. This was found to have limitations preventing quantitatively accurate predictions, for reasons that are discussed in the hope of guiding future work. Nevertheless, the microscale simulation results complement those of the macroscale model by providing a reality-check based on microstructural information; in particular, this novel comparison of the two approaches suggests a reexamination of salt diffusivity measurements.
Online learning control for harmonics reduction based on current controlled voltage source power inverters

Nonlinear loads in the power distribution system cause non-sinusoidal currents and voltages with harmonic components. Shunt active filters U+0028 SAF U+0029 with current controlled voltage source inverters U+0028 CCVSI U+0029 are usually used to obtain balanced and sinusoidal source currents by injecting compensation currents. However, CCVSI with traditional controllers have a limited transient and steady state performance. In this paper, we propose an adaptive dynamic programming U+0028 ADP U+0029 controller with online learning capability to improve transient response and harmonics. The proposed controller works alongside existing proportional integral U+0028 PI U+0029 controllers to efficiently track the reference currents in the d-q domain. It can generate adaptive control actions to compensate the PI controller. The proposed system was simulated under different nonlinear U+0028 three-phase full wave rectifier U+0029 load conditions. The performance of the proposed approach was compared with the traditional approach. We have also included the simulation results without connecting the traditional PI control based power inverter for reference comparison. The online learning based ADP controller not only reduced average total harmonic distortion by 18.41 U+0025, but also outperformed traditional PI controllers during transients.
The underdog pathway gets a boost.

Sommeijer et al. describe a previously unrecognized role of the thalamus: development of inhibition in the thalamus regulates ocular dominance plasticity, a form of critical-period plasticity regulation previously ascribed solely to the cortex.
Tracking feature relevance with the plaid model in continuously changing datasets

Selecting relevant features in data modeling is critical to ensure effective and accurate prediction of future effects. The problem becomes compounded when the relevance of previously selected features cannot be guaranteed due to changes in the underlying dataset. We propose an algorithm based on the statistical plaid model for the discovery and tracking of feature relevance scores in datasets that undergo changes with time. Initially, the algorithm discovers a set of biclusters based on plaid assumptions, and then selects sets of features that define individual biclusters as candidates whose relevance scores are computed and tracked over time. The proposed algorithm was tested on a real changing gene expression dataset, and the results indicate that it was able to successfully identify and track sets of feature relevance scores in the underlying changing dataset.
An argument for ezafe constructions and construct state in Zulu

Zulu (Niger-Congo, South Africa) exhibits a complicated interplay between morphological and phonological processes that, combined with an inherited, traditionalist approach to syntactic categories in the Nguni languages, obscures an overt phoneme that is argued to be common to all complex DPs. Here it is claimed that the traditional categories of adjective, relative, compound noun, possessive, and demonstrative can all be unified under a DP approach that takes this overt phoneme to be a functional marker that is analogous to those appearing in Persian ezafe constructions and construct state constructions in Afro-Asiatic languages. This approach reduces a variety of seemingly different Zulu-specific phenomena to a single, cross-linguistically established phenomenon.
Ohmic Heating Assisted Lye Peeling of Pears.

Currently, high concentrations (15% to 18%) of lye (sodium hydroxide) are used in peeling pears, constituting a wastewater handling and disposal problem for fruit processors. In this study, the effect of ohmic heating on lye peeling of pears was investigated. Pears were peeled using 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3% NaOH under different electric field strengths at two run times and their peeled yields were compared to that obtained at 2% and 18% NaOH with conventional heating. Results revealed that ohmic heating results in greater than 95% peeled yields and the best peel quality at much lower concentrations of lye (2% NaOH at 532 V/m and 3% NaOH at 426 and 479 V/m) than those obtained under conventional heating conditions. Treatment times of 30 and 60 s showed no significant differences. Within the studied range, the effects of increasing field strength yielded no significant additional benefits. These results confirm that the concentration of lye can be significantly lowered in the presence of ohmic heating to achieve high peeled yields and quality. Our work shows that lye concentrations can be greatly reduced while peeling pears, resulting in significant savings in use of caustic chemicals, reduced costs for effluent treatment and waste disposal.
Stress Inoculation Training For Impulsive Behaviors In Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury

A stress inoculation training program involving relaxation, self-instructional, and coping skills training was delivered to 5 persons with traumatic brain injury in an attempt to reduce the frequency of their impulsive behaviors. A multiple-baseline across subjects design was utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of the 10-week intervention. Dependent measures included frequency of impulsive behaviors as recorded by staff members at the residential facility where all 5 participants resided, ratings of role-play-probes, effectiveness ratings by the participants' rehabilitation counselors, and interview information obtained from the participants and their counselors. The data showed a small, but consistent reduction in impulsive behaviors across the 5 participants. Additionally, results indicated changes in role-play ratings did not correspond to changes in in-vivo behavioral frequency recordings for 4 of the 5 subjects. These findings suggest that individuals with moderate to severe impairments may require more salient behavioral contingencies and consistent cuing procedures to control their impulsive behavior.
Anatomy of the parp gene promoter of Trypanosoma brucei.

Abstract While growing in the tsetse fly, Trypanosoma brucei expresses a major surface glycoprotein, the procyclic acidic repetitive protein (PARP). The parp genes are transcribed by an alpha-amanitin-resistant RNA polymerase. We have determined the sequence requirements for parp promoter activity. Studies of RNA produced from input DNA in transiently transfected trypanosomes indicate that the RNA is correctly processed by trans-splicing and polyadenylation. Deletion analyses show that 330 bp are sufficient for full promoter and splicing activity and that the promoter structure is complex, involving at least three elements whose mutual spacing is important. Mutagenesis pin-pointed two sequences vital for promoter activity; neither bears any resemblance to known prokaryotic or eukaryotic promoter elements.
Beatniks and Guerrilla Warfare

This chapter begins by elucidating the role of mobility in Che Guevara’s guerilla warfare as a means of resisting oppressive regimes. These mobile strategies are juxtaposed with the wanderings of Jack Kerouac, and some of the other Beats as a method of cultural warfare, one that also aimed to resist what they felt was the oppressive regime of post-war homogenization and uniformity in American culture. Just as Guevara’s tactics proved effective by remaining on the move and ready to strike from remote locations in the jungle, Kerouac and his pals also remained mobile within the cultural jungle, launching attacks at the establishment while promoting alternative concepts of mobility and ways of being.
Place niche and its regional variability: Measuring spatial context patterns for points of interest with representation learning

Abstract In the built environment, places such as retail outlets and public sites are embedded in the spatial context formed by neighboring places. We define the sets of these symbiotic places in the proximity of a focal place as the place's “place niche”, which conceptually represents the features of the local environment. While current literature has focused on pairwise spatial colocation patterns, we represent the niche as an integrated feature for each type of place, and quantify the niches' variation across cities. Here, with point of interest (POI) data as an approximation of places in cities, we propose representation learning models to explore place niche patterns. The models generate two main outputs: first, distributed representations for place niche by POI category (e.g. Restaurant, Museum, Park) in a latent vector space, where close vectors represent similar niches; and second, conditional probabilities of POI appearance of each place type in the proximity of a focal POI. With a case study using Yelp data in four U.S. cities, we reveal spatial context patterns and find that some POI categories have more unique surroundings than others. We also demonstrate that niche patterns are strong indicators of the function of POI categories in Phoenix and Las Vegas, but not in Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Moreover, we find that niche patterns of more commercialized categories tend to have less regional variation than others, and the city-level niche-pattern changes for POI categories are generally similar only between certain city pairs. By exploring patterns for place niche, we not only produce geographical knowledge for business location choice and urban policymaking, but also demonstrate the potential and limitations of using spatial context patterns for GIScience tasks such as information retrieval and place recommendation.
Gender Differences in Elementary School Children’s Strategy Use and Strategy Preferences on Multidigit Additions and Subtraction Story Problems

AbstractGender differences in the strategies elementary school children use to solve multidigit addition and subtraction story problems that require regrouping are investigated in two studies. Study 1 replicates the Fennema and colleagues (1998) study by reexamining previously published data on 72 children’s addition and subtraction solution strategies. Study 2 extends previous findings by identifying the reasons for 70 third-grade children’s strategy preferences. Gender differences in strategy use, although significant, were not as strong as those reported by Fennema and colleagues (1998). But the reasons boys and girls gave for choosing particular strategies suggests that the sources of these differences might be important and there are different understandings of what it means to learn and do mathematics. Results support the hypothesis that early gender differences in strategy use influence later gender differences in problem solving performance that appear in middle school and continue throughout high...
Neutron-neutron angular and energy-angle correlations of plutonium samples with varying α-ratio

Abstract Accurate and timely characterization of physical properties pertinent to plutonium bearing materials is important for fulfilling nuclear nonproliferation and safeguards goals. Physical properties include the fissile mass, leakage multiplication, and the α -ratio, defined as the ratio of ( α ,n) neutrons to spontaneous fission neutrons. Traditionally, these properties can be inferred by relating the measured neutron multiplicity count rates to the well-established point kinetics moments equations; the current state-of-the-art utilizes 3 He-based detection systems. Organic scintillators have been used extensively to study and measure characteristic signatures in the neutron angular and energy distributions. Previous work has proposed techniques that independently leverage the energy and angle sensitivity of organic scintillators to estimate the α -ratio of plutonium bearing material; however, it is expected that the energy and angular distributions are correlated to one another due to the underlying physics of fission and ( α ,n) neutron emissions. This work presents experimental results that characterize neutron-neutron angular distribution and subsequently the neutron-neutron energy-angle correlations for plutonium samples of similar mass and multiplication, but varying α -ratio due to the type of low-Z impurity. Full neutron-neutron angular distributions are presented using a low-energy detection threshold of 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 MeVee (0.73, 0.96, 1.16 MeV neutron-equivalent energy). Neutron anisotropy was quantified by taking the ratio of neutron-neutron coincidences at 180°to those at 90°, where a value of unity indicates a purely isotropic source. The results show that the observed neutron-neutron correlations transition away from fission-induced signal to the cross-talk signal associated with single ( α ,n) neutrons with increasing α -ratio. Energy-angle correlations are characterized by calculating the neutron anisotropy at various detection thresholds and show positive correlation between the observed anisotropy and the energy of the neutrons.
Hypoxic Cell Sensitizers

The hypoxic cell radiosensitizers are included in the broad field of chemical modifiers of cancer treatment. The chemical modifiers of radiation include the radiation sensitizers and protectors, which are theoretically of no therapeutic value by themselves but are clinically active only when used in conjunction with irradiation. Combined modality therapy using radiation therapy with the standard cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents is the major focus of this symposium. Such treatment may be designed to maximize the interaction between the radiation and chemotherapy rather than emphasizing one of the individual modalities. The radiation modifiers have also been developed as chemomodifiers, both chemosensitizers and normal tissue protectors. The overall field of chemical modifiers has been recently reviewed in detail (Coleman 1988, 1989; Coleman et al. 1988a, 1989a, b). This article will highlight some of the rationale for the clinical use of radiation and chemotherapy modifiers, with particular emphasis on the use of the hypoxic cell sensitizers as a continuous infusion.
Seat belt use among patients in motor vehicle collisions: Clinical and demographic factors

Abstract Objective Proper use of automobile seat belt in a motor vehicle crash is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality, shorter hospital stays, reduced resource utilization, and fewer missed work days. Seatbelt compliance nationwide is 86%. This study was undertaken to identify factors associated with noncompliance with seatbelt use among admitted patients following a motor vehicle crash. Methods This study was a retrospective analysis of motor vehicle crashes at an Urban Level 1 Trauma Center. Eligible subjects included patients age 18 and over, who were admitted by the Trauma Service following a motor vehicle crash from January to December 2017. Results Among 766 participants, the overall rate of seatbelt noncompliance was 32% (N = 245). Some participants met the legal limit of intoxication (80 mg/dl) (N = 119 patients; 22%). Drug use was high among this population, including THC (30%), opiates (29%), benzodiazepines (24%), cocaine (10%), and methamphetamine (10%). Patients who did not wear seat belts were more likely to be male (62.4% no seat belt vs. 51.8% seat belt), intoxicated (30.5% vs. 17.0%), screen positive for cocaine (18.2% vs. 4.7%), THC (37.7% vs. 24.2%), and methamphetamine (15.6% vs. 5.9%). We did not detect significant differences by seat belt use with respect to ethnicity, mode of arrival, day of week, opiate use, or benzodiazepine use. Conclusions In this study, 32% of patients in motor vehicle crashes were not compliant with seat belt use. Noncompliance with seat belt use was higher among patients who were male, younger age, intoxicated, or who had positive screens for cocaine, THC, or methamphetamine.
Development of Novel Silyl Cyanocinnamic Acid Derivatives as Metabolic Plasticity Inhibitors for Cancer Treatment

Novel silyl cyanocinnamic acid derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated as potential anticancer agents. In vitro studies reveal that lead derivatives 2a and 2b have enhanced cancer cell proliferation inhibition properties when compared to the parent monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) inhibitor cyano-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHC). Further, candidate compounds exhibit several-fold more potent MCT1 inhibition properties as determined by lactate-uptake studies, and these studies are supported by MCT homology modeling and computational inhibitor-docking studies. In vitro effects on glycolysis and mitochondrial metabolism also illustrate that the lead derivatives 2a and 2b lead to significant effects on both metabolic pathways. In vivo systemic toxicity and efficacy studies in colorectal cancer cell WiDr tumor xenograft demonstrate that candidate compounds are well tolerated and exhibit good single agent anticancer efficacy properties.
Allergic inflammation alters the lung microbiome and hinders synergistic co-infection with H1N1 influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae in C57BL/6 mice

Asthma is a chronic airways condition that can be exacerbated during respiratory infections. Our previous work, together with epidemiologic findings that asthmatics were less likely to suffer from severe influenza during the 2009 pandemic, suggest that additional complications of influenza such as increased susceptibility to bacterial superinfection, may be mitigated in allergic hosts. To test this hypothesis, we developed a murine model of ‘triple-disease’ in which mice rendered allergic to Aspergillus fumigatus were co-infected with influenza A virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae seven days apart. Significant alterations to known synergistic effects of co-infection were noted in the allergic mice including reduced morbidity and mortality, bacterial burden, maintenance of alveolar macrophages, and reduced lung inflammation and damage. The lung microbiome of allergic mice differed from that of non-allergic mice during co-infection and antibiotic-induced perturbation to the microbiome rendered allergic animals susceptible to severe morbidity. Our data suggest that responses to co-infection in allergic hosts likely depends on the immune and microbiome states and that antibiotics should be used with caution in individuals with underlying chronic lung disease.
Suspension and Filter Feeding in Aquatic Insects

Aquatic insect feeding occurs at the nexus of habitat, food source and size, and behavior and relies largely on the complexities of mouthpart morphology. This intersection has important consequences for tropic interactions, nutrient processing, and ecosystem function. In aquatic habitats, immature insects feed in a variety of ways; however, consumption of small suspended particles (seston) in the water column is a common mode for representatives of several insect groups. Ingestion of seston can occur via active or passive removal and broadly encompasses filter and suspension feeding. In this chapter, we explore the ways in which various aquatic insects acquire food particles. We focus on food sources and particle sizes, feeding behavior, morphology of mouthparts, and trophic importance. The major groups explored include Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Diptera (true flies), and Trichoptera (caddisflies), each of which have evolved unique strategies for obtaining particles from the water column. Members of this feeding group are critical as food sources for aquatic and terrestrial organisms, they play large roles in nutrient cycling, and some are vectors of important human and animal diseases.
SPAs promote thermomorphogenesis via regulating the phyB-PIF4 module in Arabidopsis

High ambient temperature due to global warming has a profound influence on plant growth and development at all stages of life cycle. Plant response to high ambient temperature termed thermomorphogenesis is characterized by hypocotyl and petiole elongation, and hyponastic growth at seedling stage. However, the molecular mechanism of thermomorphogenesis is still rudimentary. Here, we show that a set of four SUPPRESSOR OF PHYA-105 (SPA) genes are required for thermomorphogenesis. Consistently, SPAs are necessary for global gene expression changes in response to high ambient temperature. SPA1 level is unaffected, while the thermosensor phyB is stabilized in the spaQ mutant at high ambient temperature. Furthermore, in the absence of four SPA genes, the pivotal transcription factor PIF4 fails to accumulate, indicating a role of SPAs in regulating the phyB-PIF4 module at high ambient temperature. SPA1 directly phosphorylates PIF4 in vitro, and a mutant SPA1 affecting the kinase activity fails to rescue the PIF4 level as well as the thermo-insensitive phenotype of spaQ, suggesting that the SPA1 kinase activity is necessary for thermomorphogenesis. Taken together, these data suggest that SPAs integrate light and temperature signaling via fine tuning the phyB-PIF4 module.
Quantifying Trust Perception to Enable Design for Connectivity in Cyber-Physical-Social Systems

Cyber-physical systems possess highly integrated functions of data collection, data processing, communication, and control. Given their seamless integration with human society, they are also termed as cyber-physical-social systems (CPSS). The advanced capabilities and functions of CPSS rely on their highly networked working environment and deep interdependency. The effectiveness of their performance critically depends on what and how they share among each other. Designing a trustworthy CPSS network, which can work together collaboratively thus is important. To perform systems design, quantitative measures of trustworthiness are required. In this chapter, quantitative metrics of trustworthiness, including capability, benevolence, and integrity, are proposed based on a generic probabilistic graph model of CPSS networks. The proposed metrics can be calculated from either subjective perception or objective statistics of sensing, computing, and communication functions in CPSS networks. A design optimization framework based on the trustworthiness metrics is also demonstrated.
Chapter 15 – Bradyzoite Development

Once the acute phase of Toxoplasma gondii infection resolves, the parasite remains latent as bradyzoite forms that persist within tissue cysts. The stress-induced conversion of tachyzoites to bradyzoites is a critical step in pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis, because latent bradyzoite forms can reactivate with waning immune function and are infectious to other hosts. Despite their biological importance, the biology of bradyzoites and the molecular mechanisms for developmental transition are not well understood. Bradyzoites express unique antigens and metabolic enzymes and are encased within a highly glycosylated cyst wall, This chapter reviews our progress in understanding unique structural components of bradyzoite cysts and the signalling processes that lead to T. gondii persistence.
Toilets first, temples second: adopting heritage in neoliberal India

India’s BJP government headed by Hindutva icon Narendra Modi came to power in 2014 with a campaign slogan: ‘Toilets first, temples second.’ Drawing on Gandhi’s philosophy and legacy some 150 years ...
Immunophenotyping of Rhesus CMV‐Specific CD8 T‐Cell Populations

A vaccine to ameliorate cytomegalovirus (CMV)-related pathogenicity in transplantation patients is considered a top priority. A therapeutic vaccine must include components that elicit both neutralizing antibodies, and highly effective CD8 T-cell responses. The most important translational model of vaccine development is the captive-bred rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) of Indian origin. There is a dearth of information on rhesus cytomegalovirus (rhCMV)-specific CD8 T cells due to the absence of well-defined CD8 T-cell epitopes presented by classical MHC-I molecules. In the current study, we defined two CD8 T-cell epitopes restricted by high-frequency Mamu alleles: the Mamu-A1*002:01 restricted VY9 (VTTLGMALY aa291-299) epitope of protein IE-1, and the Mamu-A1*008:01 restricted NP8 (NPTDRPIP aa96-103) epitope of protein phosphoprotein 65-2. We developed tetramers and determined the level, phenotype, and functional capability of the two epitope-specific T-cell populations in circulation and various tissues. We demonstrated the value of these tetramers for in situ tetramer staining. Here, we first provided critical reagents and established a flow cytometric staining strategy to study rhCMV-specific T-cell responses in up to 40% of captive-bred rhesus macaques. © 2020 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Simple Analysis of Primary and Secondary Bile Salt Hydrolysis in Mouse and Human Gut Microbiome Samples by Using Fluorogenic Substrates

Animals produce bile to act as an antibacterial agent and to maximize the absorption of lipophilic nutrients in the gut. The physical properties of bile are largely dictated by amphipathic bile salt molecules, which also participate in signaling pathways by modulating physiological processes upon binding host receptors. Upon excretion of bile salts from the gall bladder into the intestine, the gut microbiota can create metabolites with modified signaling capabilities. The category and magnitude of bile salt metabolism can have positive or negative effects on the host. A key modification is bile salt hydrolysis, which is a prerequisite for all additional microbial transformations. We have synthesized five different fluorogenic bile salts for simple and continuous reporting of hydrolysis in both murine and human fecal samples. Our data demonstrate that most gut microbiomes have the highest capacity for hydrolysis of host-produced primary bile salts, but some microbially modified secondary bile salts also display significant turnover.
Auto-Calibrated 3D Hyperspectral Scanning Using a Heterogeneous Set of Cameras and Lights with Spectrally-Optimal Next-Best-View Planning

Hyperspectral imaging generally requires specialized hardware and well-calibrated experimental setups. As a result, combining hyperspectral imaging with 3D scanning is an arduous task that has not yet seen widespread adoption by the automation and robotics communities. In this paper, we present a streamlined method of calibrating and operating a cost-effective multi-camera 3D hyperspectral scanner that is suitable for field applications. The design uses off-the-shelf (uncalibrated) cameras. We analyze spectral estimates of common reflectance curves and comparing our fast and locally-refined next best view sequences to globally optimal sequences. The characterization of lighting conditions and camera sensitivity curves are demonstrated through alternating least squares. The results are compared to the ground truth sensitivity and spectral power distribution curves.
Speckle-tracking imaging for pre-excitation cardiomyopathy.

An 8-year-old girl presented to our hospital with chest tightness, fatigue, and discomfort after exercise. A radiograph indicated a large heart shadow. Overt ventricular pre-excitation was noted on...
Chinese perspectives on the international rule of law: law and politics in the one-party state: by Matthieu Burnay, Cheltenham, Edward Elgar, 2018, 336 pp, GBP90 (hardback), ISBN 978-1-78811-238-3

Few concepts in the modern world are as universally embraced — or as easily contested — as the rule of law. Few trends in modern geopolitics are as significant as the rise of China. In Chinese Pers...
The Case for a Cost-Effective General-Purpose Computer Cluster for Small Colleges

The computational capabilities of commercial CPUs and GPUs reached a plateau but soft-ware applications are usually memory-intense tasks and they commonly need/utilize most recent hardware developments. Computer clusters are an expensive solution, although reliable and versatile, with a limited market share for small colleges. Small schools would typically rely on cloud-based systems because they are more afford-able (less expensive), manageable (no need to worry about the maintenance), and easier to implement (the burden is shifted into the datacenter). Here we provide arguments in favor of an on-campus hardware solution, which, while providing benefits for students, does not present the financial burden associated with larger and more powerful computer clus-ters. We think that instructors of engineering/computer science faculties might find this a viable and workable solution to improve the computing environment of their school without incurring the high cost of a ready-made solution. At the basis of this proposal is the acquisition of inexpensive refurbished hardware and of a type1 VMware hypervisor with a free licensing, as well as of a custom-made web plat-form to control the deployed hypervisors. VMware is a global leader in cloud infrastruc-ture and software-based solutions. In particular, the adoption of a customized "Elastic Sky X integrated" as hypervisor together with Virtual Operating Systems installed in the very same datastore, would constitute an interesting and working proof-of-concept achieving a computer cluster at a fraction of the market cost.
Digital inequalities in American disadvantaged urban communities: access, skills, and expectations for digital inclusion programs

Addressing several important gaps in the digital inequality literature, this study examines digital inequalities in public housing communities. Using a door-to-door survey of a hard-to-access popul...
Pretransplant Donor and Recipient Infectious Challenges

Infections are one of the leading causes of death in pediatric kidney transplant recipients (Foster et al. Transplantation 11:2432–42, 2011). Candidates awaiting kidney transplant are at an increased risk of infections due to immunological abnormalities resulting from the chronic kidney disease (Kato et al. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 3:1526–33, 2008). Furthermore, patients on dialysis are at risk of unique infections such as catheter-associated access site infections, bloodstream infections, and peritonitis. Congenital anomalies of the kidney and the urinary tract (CAKUT) are frequently associated with urinary tract infections and colonization with multidrug-resistant organisms. Identification and treatment of active and latent infections prior to transplant are critical for preventing overwhelming posttransplant infections.
Effects of material texture and packing density on the interfacial polarization of granular soils

ABSTRACTMany electrical and electromagnetic (EM) methods operate at MHz frequencies, at which the interfacial polarization occurring at the solid-liquid interface in geologic materials may dominate...
Presenting Symptoms Among Black and White Women with Provoked Vulvodynia.

Abstract Background: The prevalence of vulvodynia has been reported to be lower in black compared to white and Latina women. Use of different terminology to describe vulvar pain symptoms may play a role in lower prevalence. The objectives were to compare pain descriptors used by black and white women with provoked vulvodynia (PVD) to determine the effect of race on symptom reporting. Methods: Ninety-two women, self-identified as black (n = 55) and white (n = 37) with clinically confirmed PVD completed a questionnaire containing demographic information and vulvar pain characteristics. Variables that were significant with race retained in the logistic regression model were included in multivariate analysis to determine the effect of race on reporting of vulvar pain symptoms. Results: Of statistical significance, white women more often described their pain as burning as compared with black women (84% vs. 22%, p ≤ 0.0001). White women more frequently reported their pain as stinging (51% vs. 29%, p = 0.03) and...
Look before You Leap: Guidelines and Caveats for Schoolsite Health Promotion

Abstract Schoolsite health promotion programs started without a full appreciation of the size and complexity of the task may do more harm than good. We offer an overview of theories and practice recommendations to consider before beginning, and guidelines to help in-process. Included are perspectives drawn from research in community coalition building, public health science, innovation diffusion theory, and organizational development.
Developing a test collection for biomedical word sense disambiguation.

Ambiguity, the phenomenon that a word has more than one sense, poses difficulties for many current Natural Language Processing (NLP) systems. Algorithms that assist in the resolution of these ambiguities, i.e. which make unambiguous a word, or more generally, a text string, will boost performance of these systems. To test such techniques in the biomedical language domain, we have developed a Word Sense Disambiguation (WSD) test collection that comprises 5,000 unambiguous instances for 50 ambiguous UMLS Metathesaurus strings.
Optimal Control of the Cutting Force in Metal Cutting Operations

This paper considers the control of the force applied on the cutting tool during metal cutting. A general model is derived to describe the dynamics of various machining processes, such as turning and milling. The optimal control approach to differential-difference systems is employed to solve the controller synthesis problem. The structure of the optimal and suboptimal controllers and the corresponding expressions to determine their parameters are given.
Effects of anodal tDCS of the lower limb M1 on ankle reaction time in young adults

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that modulates cortical excitability and influences motor behavior. There is limited information available regarding the effects of anodal tDCS on lower limb reaction time. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of anodal tDCS on lower limb simple reaction time (SRT) and choice reaction time (CRT). We probed this question further by examining the effects of anodal tDCS of the lower limb M1 on an upper limb RT task and a cognitive measure. Fourteen healthy young adults received anodal tDCS and sham tDCS to the lower limb M1 on two separate testing days in a counterbalanced order. After stimulation, we assessed the effects of tDCS on ankle dorsiflexion SRT and CRT, ankle plantarflexion SRT and CRT, wrist extension SRT and CRT and the symbol digit modality test (SDMT). Anodal tDCS significantly improved response times from baseline for ankle CRT but not for ankle SRT or wrist SRT or CRT. A significant decrement (i.e., longer response time) was noted for the sham tDCS conditions. There was a significant difference between anodal and sham conditions for all RT tasks, suggesting that anodal tDCS improved RT compared to sham. No change in SDMT scores was observed for both conditions. Anodal tDCS appeared to differentially modulate ankle SRT and CRT, suggesting an influence of anodal tDCS on complex motor processes and/or the supplementary motor area. Absence of effects on wrist CRT or SDMT suggests a spatial specificity of the influence of tDCS. Anodal tDCS also appears to potentially negate the effects of fatigue or task switching that was detrimental to RT in the sham condition.
Design of Flexible Multi-Stage Processes: Design of Flexible Multi-Stage Processes

Faced with demand uncertainty across multiple product lines, many companies have recourse to flexible capacities which can process different products in order to better balance the trade-off between capacity utilization and cost efficiency. Many studies demonstrated the potential benefit of using flexible capacity at the aggregate level by treating a whole plant or a whole process as a single stage. This paper extends these analyses by studying the benefits of flexible capacity while considering the multi-stage structure of processes and consequently determining which stages should be flexible, which should be dedicated, and how much capacity to assign to each stage. We consider a two-product firm which operates in a process-to-order environment and faces uncertain demand. Each stage of the process can be designed as dedicated or flexible. Dedicated resources are highly cost efficient but limited to the single product they are exclusively designed for, whereas flexible resources are versatile to handle several products but are more expensive. Using a general mathematical formulation our analysis shows that the optimal design may have some dedicated and some flexible stages along the process. Interestingly, this decision should be decoupled from the chronological order of the stages along the process.
Wolf-Rayet Phenomena

I have been asked to review in broad terms the concept of Wolf-Rayet (W-R) phenomena, that is, to outline what we currently know about the properties of stars showing such phenomena and to indicate the directions in which future work is leading. I thought I would begin by listing the characteristics of W-R spectra to which probably all the participants at this Symposium will be able to agree. These can readily be adapted from Thomas (1968) who discussed them at the Boulder W-R Symposium. The characteristics of W-R spectra are as follows: (1) They are primarily an emission line spectrum superimposed on a “hot” continuous spectrum. (2) P Cygni absorption components are observed for some lines in some stars; a fact not realized in 1968 was that a very few W-R stars have intrinsic absorption lines (e.g. The Balmer series in HD 92740 -Niemela (1973). (3) The emission lines represent a wide range of excitation and ionization. This level is often higher than indicated by simple modeling of the continuous spectrum. (4) The emission lines are broad, corresponding to widths of hundreds to thousands of kilometers per second; widths often differ among various ions in the same star. (5) The W-R stars can be divided into two subtypes: These are the WN types, in which the ions of nitrogen dominate, and the WC types, in which the ions of carbon (and oxygen) dominate. Both sub-types have strong lines of helium; in a few cases, hydrogen lines, in emission, are also observed (Underhill 1968).
Marijuana Smoke Condensate

Cannabis sativa is one of the oldest plants known to medicine and one of the most thoroughly studied plants today. Much knowledge has been gained about the chemistry, pharmacology, metabolism, and pharmacokinetics of pure compounds from Cannabis, as well as the chemical and biological analysis of marijuana smoke condensate (MSC). In this chapter, we review data related to the preparation of MSC, the composition and analysis of MSC, and the pharmacological and toxicological effects of MSC.
Signatures of protein biophysics in coding sequence evolution

Since the early days of molecular evolution, the conventional wisdom has been that the evolution of protein-coding genes is primarily determined by functional constraints. Yet recent evidence indicates that the evolution of these genes is strongly shaped by the biophysical processes of protein synthesis, protein folding, and specific as well as nonspecific protein-protein interactions. Selection pressures related to these biophysical processes affect primarily the amino-acid sequence of genes, but they also leave their mark on synonymous sites at the nucleotide level. While evidence for specific selection pressures related to protein biophysics is strong, there is currently no unifying framework that integrates the various selection pressures on coding sequences and disentangles their relative importance.
Morphology and organizational characteristics of poly(m‐phenylene isophthalamide‐b‐ethylene oxide) systems

A series of essentially triblock poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide-b-ethylene oxide) with sequence PEO-(MPD-I)-PEO or (MPD-I)-PEO-(MPD-I) and their admixtures with (PEO)n were studied as solution cast films. Experimental techniques included transmission optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and X-ray diffraction. Characterization of these systems showed that structure could develop in two ways. The first way was the development of a typical polycrystalline structure of the (MPD-I) segment by the action of such agents as formic acid. In a second manner, however, a non-typical development was manifested by the appearance of crosses In the polarized opticial microscope. These samples showed only an amorphous halo when subjected to wide angle X-ray diffraction measuremfents. Their small angle pattern suggested scattering by dispersed particles. Other experiments indicated the crosses would form only under an unusually restrictive set of conditions, principally that the PEO present must be above a certain molecular weight and concentration and, furthermore, that the solvent must contain a salt such as LiCl. These observations led us to speculate that optical activity of the films showing crosses could occur either by chain orientation near the interface of a spherical particulate second phase or from stress induced bond polarization resulting from the film formation process.
Cutting the head off chemokines.

Chemokines are small secreted proteins that attract leukocyte migration. Chemokines play essential roles in the normal immune response against invading pathogens. Unfortunately, in an unregulated state they can also mediate abnormal leukocyte infiltration in ARDS, postinfarction damage, and multiple
Criminal poisoning: medical murderers

It is impossible to determine the true incidence of homicides that occur within health care facilities. Over the years there have been numerous documented examples of health care providers preying on helpless patients. For several reasons, the health care system has been inadequate in its response. This article reviews some of those cases, the hospitals' responses, and the outcome of investigations, to reveal the common factors that can identify the warning signs of these tragic events.
Deposition of MoS sub 2 films by physical sputtering and their lubrication properties in vacuum.

Physical sputtering deposition of molybdenum disulfide films as solid lubricant on rotating and sliding components, discussing lubrication properties in vacuum