cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ceramide synthases at the centre of sphingolipid metabolism and biology

Sphingolipid metabolism in metazoan cells consists of a complex interconnected web of numerous enzymes, metabolites and modes of regulation. At the centre of sphingolipid metabolism reside CerSs (ceramide synthases), a group of enzymes that catalyse the formation of ceramides from sphingoid base and acyl-CoA substrates. From a metabolic perspective, these enzymes occupy a unique niche in that they simultaneously regulate de novo sphingolipid synthesis and the recycling of free sphingosine produced from the degradation of pre-formed sphingolipids (salvage pathway). Six mammalian CerSs (CerS1–CerS6) have been identified. Unique characteristics have been described for each of these enzymes, but perhaps the most notable is the ability of individual CerS isoforms to produce ceramides with characteristic acyl-chain distributions. Through this control of acyl-chain length and perhaps in a compartment-specific manner, CerSs appear to regulate multiple aspects of sphingolipid-mediated cell and organismal biology. In the present review, we discuss the function of CerSs as critical regulators of sphingolipid metabolism, highlight their unique characteristics and explore the emerging roles of CerSs in regulating programmed cell death, cancer and many other aspects of biology.
NF-κB Family of Transcription Factors: Central Regulators of Innate and Adaptive Immune Functions

Transcription factors of the Rel/NF-κB family are activated in response to signals that lead to cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, and these proteins are critical elements involved in the regulation of immune responses. The conservation of this family of transcription factors in many phyla and their association with antimicrobial responses indicate their central role in the regulation of innate immunity. This is illustrated by the association of homologues of NF-κB, and their regulatory proteins, with resistance to infection in insects and plants (M. S. Dushay, B. Asling, and D. Hultmark, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:10343-10347, 1996; D. Hultmark, Trends Genet. 9:178-183, 1993; J. Ryals et al., Plant Cell 9:425-439, 1997). The aim of this review is to provide a background on the biology of NF-κB and to highlight areas of the innate and adaptive immune response in which these transcription factors have a key regulatory function and to review what is currently known about their roles in resistance to infection, the host-pathogen interaction, and development of human disease.
Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) tasting and reported depression.

The phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) taste test was investigated for its potential as a genetically based biological marker for depression. One hundred and one male and female adults (including 6 patients hospitalized for depression), aged 18-36, completed a multifactor depression questionnaire that included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), a scale that measures severity of depression in mother and father, and a commercially prepared PTC (paper) taste test. As predicted, PTC tasters reported significantly higher levels of depression on the BDI than nontasters (p less than .05); also, they scored higher on 5 of the 21 items (p less than .05). Significantly more subjects who reported a mother debilitated by depression were PTC tasters (p less than .05). Limitations and implications of these findings are discussed.
Improvement of anticipatory postural adjustments for balance control: effect of a single training session

Humans use anticipatory and compensatory postural strategies to maintain and restore balance when perturbed. Inefficient generation and utilization of anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) is one of the reasons for postural instability. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of training in improvement of APAs and its effect on subsequent control of posture. Thirteen healthy young adults were exposed to predictable external perturbations before and after a single training session consisting of catches of a medicine ball thrown at the shoulder level. 3-D body kinematics, EMG activity of thirteen trunk and lower limb muscles, and ground reaction forces were recorded before and immediately after a single training session. Muscle onsets, EMG integrals, center of pressure (COP), and center of mass (COM) displacements were analyzed during the anticipatory and compensatory phases of postural control. The effect of a single training session was seen as significantly early muscle onsets and larger anticipatory COP displacements. As a result, significantly smaller peak COM displacements were observed after the perturbation indicating greater postural stability. The outcome of this study provides a background for examining the role of training in improvement of APAs and its effect on postural stability in individuals in need.
Intrinsically switchable, BST-on-silicon composite FBARs

This paper presents a DC voltage dependent switchable, composite thin film bulk acoustic wave (FBAR) resonator at 1.82 GHz. The resonator consists of barium stronium titanate-on-silicon in which barium stronium titanate (BST) is primarily used for transduction. The electrostrictive property of BST is exploited to turn the resonator on and off by applying a DC voltage. The device exhibits a quality factor of 157 and 301 at its series and parallel resonance frequencies, respectively. The preliminary result of an acoustically coupled thickness mode filter based on BST-on-Silicon structure is also presented. The insertion loss of the filter is 15 dB at 2.03 GHz. When the resonator is turned off (no DC bias), it behaves like a capacitor. This is the first demonstration of a BST-on-Silicon FBAR resonator.
Structural Proteins of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV)

PRRSV is a small, enveloped, RNA virus, which is similar to the arteriviruses in morphology, physicochemical properties, nucleotide sequence, genomic organization and replication strategy.1, 2, 3,4 The arteriviruses include lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus (LDV), equine arteritis virus (EAV) and simian hemorrhagic fever virus (SHFV).5 Sequence information for the VR-2332,6 Lelystad3 and German isolates2 of PRRSV suggests the presence of 6 open reading frames (ORFs) that may code for structural proteins. Three putative, structural proteins have been identified for the VR-2332 isolate of PRRSV.7 However, additional structural proteins may exist and little information is available regarding the biochemical characteristics of these proteins. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify and conduct the initial characterization of the PRRSV structural proteins.
Stimulated Raman scattering in nanostructured materials

Nonlinear optics at nanoscale is an intriguing research field of great significance from both fundamental and applicative point of view. In this paper, the phenomena of stimulated Raman scattering in both nanostructured silica based materials and nanostructured silicon based materials are investigated and discussed.
Analytical Study of the Oblique Impact of a Rod with a Flat Using an Elasto-Plastic Contact Model

In the current study a flattening contact model, combined with a permanent deformation expression, has been analyzed for the oblique impact case. The model has been simulated for different initial conditions using MATLAB. The initial impact velocity used for the simulations ranges from 0.5 to 3 m/s. The results are compared theoretically for four different impact angles including 20, 45, 70, and 90 degrees. The contact force, the linear and the angular motion, the permanent deformation, and the coefficient of restitution have been analyzed. It is assumed that sliding occurs throughout the impact.
Local Malcev Conditions

Let p and q be polynomial symbols of a type of algebras having operations ∨, ∧, and; (interpreted as the join, meet, and product of congruence relations). If is an algebra, L(), the local variety of , is the class of all algebras such that for each finite subset G of there is a finite subset F of such that every identity of F is also an identity of G. THEOREM. There is an algorithm which, for each inequality p≤q, and pair of integers n, k≥2, determines a set Un, k of (Malcev) equations with the property: For each algebra , p≤q is true in the congruence lattice of for each ∊L() if and only if for each finite subset F of and integer n≥2 there is a k=k(n, F) such that U n, k are identities of F. This generalizes a corresponding result for varieties due to Wille (Kongruenzklassengeometrien, Lect. Notes in Math. Springer- Verlag, Berlin-Heidelberg, New York, 1970) and at the same time provides a more direct proof.
Domains of Attraction for semi-martingales taking values in the tempered distributions space

We provide sufficient conditions to assure that a sequence of laws of semi-Martingales taking values in the tempered distribution has its accumulation points (in the weak topology) in a set of probability measures defined as semi-Martingale problem. Some other related questions are discussed.
Unexpected Effects of the Rate of Deposition on the Mode of Growth and Morphology of Thin Films of Tetracene Grown on SiO2

We have examined the growth of thin films of tetracene on SiO2 using in situ real time X-ray synchrotron radiation and ex situ atomic force microscopy. Using in situ X-ray reflectivity, we observe a transition from 3D island growth to 2D layer-by-layer growth of thin films of tetracene on SiO2 as the deposition rate of tetracene is increased. This unusual phenomenon has not been observed in previous work with pentacene, despite the similarities between these two molecules. Atomic force microscopy suggests that tetracene may tend to quickly traverse “upwards” on thin-film features such as the edges of islands, making these thin films susceptible to reorganization during and/or after growth. We determine that upward transport during growth drives 3D island growth. Furthermore, the transition from 3D growth to 2D growth results when the rate of admolecule attachment at the tetracene island/SiO2 substrate edges effectively outcompetes the rate of upward step-edge transport. Increasing the growth rate, and con...
Advancing measurement of intimate partner violence.

This commentary considers Hamby's (2016) use of a qualifier that specifies "Not including horseplay or joking around" when assessing intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization. We highlight some of the thinking behind the use of this qualifier, review findings of other studies that have used similar qualifiers, describe and discuss Hamby's methods, and speculate on how the qualifier might affect measurement. We then offer several suggestions for additional research to improve measurement of IPV. These include addressing incremental validity, reducing measurement error, understanding how new or revised measures operate to improve prediction, and evaluating differential item and test functioning. ©2016 American Psychological Association Language: en
Genetic method for the separation of males and females of the house fly, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae).

Genetic techniques were used to assemble a strain of the house fly, Musca domestica L., in which females have a black puparium (bp) phenotype and males are wild-type. Two male-linked translocations were induced with gamma radiation and used to obtain pseudolinkage between the loci for black pupa and sex on chromosomes 1 and 3, respectively. Separation of the sexes on the basis of pupal color is absolute when the pupae are young, but for older pupae minor (<1%) mistakes can be made. In one of the translocation stocks, crossover (0.095%) males and females were detected in the F7 generation. An analysis of the recombinant-type males and females indicated that crossing-over can occur on either of the chromosomes involved in the translocation. Thus, the translocation and the black puparium gene can be switched, at a low frequency, to either sex via crossing-over.
Structural changes in mitochondria induced by uncoupling reagents. The response to proteolytic enzymes

Interaction of uncoupling reagents with bovine serum albumin markedly inhibited its hydrolysis by proteolytic enzymes. The inhibition presumably is due to conformational transitions in the protein substrate induced by the binding of the ligand–uncoupling reagents. The proteolysis of casein, a protein that does not bind these reagents, was not affected, indicating that the proteinases themselves were not inactivated. In contrast, interaction of uncoupling reagents with freshly isolated rat liver mitochondria enhanced their susceptibility to proteolytic enzymes. This was shown by an increase in the release of ninhydrin-reacting material, by an increase in free acid groups and by a decrease in the turbidity of the mitochondrial suspensions. These effects, although opposite in direction to those obtained with albumin, are also presumed to indicate structural changes in the mitochondrial proteins and a disorganization of the protein–phospholipid complex. It is suggested that such structural alterations are expressed functionally as the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation.
Statistical methods for continuous outcomes in partially clustered designs

ABSTRACTWe address statistical issues involved in the partially clustered design where clusters are only employed in the intervention arm, but not in the control arm. We develop a cluster adjusted t-test to compare group treatment effects with individual treatment effects for continuous outcomes in which the individual level data are used as the unit of the analysis in both arms, we develop an approach for determining sample sizes using this cluster adjusted t-test, and use simulation to demonstrate the consistent accuracy of the proposed cluster adjusted t-test and power estimation procedures. Two real examples illustrate how to use the proposed methods.
All-digital hybrid-control buck converter for Integrated Voltage Regulator applications

As power-dissipation remains a roadblock to maintaining growth in computational performance, the trend toward increasingly aggressive reliance on Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) by power power management systems, and Integrated Voltage Regulation (IVR) in particular, will continue. As voltage domains continue to shrink, and an increasing number of Voltage Regulators (VRs) are employed within a System-on- Chip (SoC), all-digital buck converters will become increasingly important from a scalability, portability, and system-methodology perspective. In addition to the existing challenges facing VR Modules, IVRs face additional efficiency and transient response challenges. In this paper, we propose a voltage-reference-free all-digital hybrid-control buck converter addressing these challenges through novel techniques for accurate digital derivative measurement for PID control, and fast, all-digital non-linear control for minimizing voltage droop. Simulations in 65nm CMOS demonstrate an 86% efficient, stable operation with fast transient response. A single-phase implementation using package mounted inductor and filter capacitor models achieves a 25mV droop for a 5A load current ramp at 500mA/ns.
Analysis on monitoring results of iodized salt among residents in Yangshuo County,2008- 2010

Objective To understand thoroughly the status of iodized salt of every village and town in Yangshuo,so as to provide scientific basis for prevention and control of eliminatin idd. Methods According to the "Guangxi zhuang autonomous region iodate monitoring program",samples were collected. According to the direct titration method of GB / T130257- 1999,the quantitative determination of iodate was conducted. Results A total of 1 152 samples of iodized salt from 2008 to 2011 were tested,including 1 125 cases of qualified iodate,19 cases of unqualified iodate,and 8 cases of non- iodate. The iodate coverage rate was 99. 31 ﹪,the iodate qualified rate was 98. 35 ﹪,and the qualified iodate edible rate was 97. 66 ﹪. Conclusions The iodate coverage rate,iodate qualified rate and the qualified iodate edible rate from 2008 to 2011 in Yangshuo County have reached the national standard,but there still exists non- iodate,which should be taken into attentions.
Colloquium 2 Commentary on Barney

Rachel Barney proposes that Plato’s theory of the tripartite soul is plausibly compared to scientific theories today. I depart from Barney by proposing that the tripartite soul is a model and that its status is hypothetical. And I raise four questions: (1) What follows from the Plato-science comparison, as Barney conceives of it? (2) Which questions emerge if science is looked at in the sophisticated mode that Barney employs in her discussion of Plato? (3) Current science invokes a multitude of subsystems relevant to motivation. Why compare it with tripartition? Stoic psychology may share more fundamental ideas with current science, including the premise that all goings-on in the soul are physiological movements. (4) If tripartition is a model, why would one expect it to account for all dimensions of epistemic activity?
Organizing the Physician’s Office

This article focuses on several areas that are important whether designing an office practice or reevaluating an existing practice with a view toward making improvements or solving problems. Aspects of office management discussed include selection and management of office personnel, appointment scheduling, telephone service, organization of medical records, location and design of an office, and billing and collection.
Disorders of Mineral Metabolism and Nephrolithiasis

This chapter deals with questions related to disorders of mineral metabolism and nephrolithiasis.
ON THE EPISTEMOLOGY OF ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS

Abstract It is impossible to construct a general theory or model of any particular ecosystem which will be useful for answering all possible questions about that system, although if we know enough about any ecosystem it is possible to construct such models once a specific question has been posed. This knowledge cannot be gained entirely from the system at issue, due to restrictions in time and resources, as well as to the fact that certain kinds of thorough ecological analysis may damage the system analyzed. Therefore, it is advisable to use relevant information from ecosystems other than the one of immediate interest. A partial list of species present in an ecosystem permits access to the information gained by naturalists working on other systems. We therefore justify the usual practice of making species lists because such a list is the best (i.e. cheapest and most useful) preliminary step in answering questions about any ecosystem. While explicit measurements must also be made in the object ecosystem in order to usefully model it, it is likely that the number of such necessary measurements may be reduced and their usefulness enhanced by the background natural history information implicit in a partial species list. To demonstrate that the information of natural history can be communicated in a relatively complete way, we provide a partial representation of an adaptive response surface for Hydra sp. in which much of the kind of information about these organisms that might be useful for model construction can be presented in a relatively simple diagram.
Participation of Colon and Rectal Fellows in Robotic Rectal Cancer Surgery: Effect on Surgical Outcomes

Objectives To determine whether involvement of colon and rectal fellows has an effect on short-term surgical and oncological outcomes in robotic rectal cancer surgery. Patients and Methods From a dataset of 263 robotic-assisted rectal cancer operations, 114 case-matched patients over a 5-year period (January 2010-December 2015) were included in the study. Patients who underwent resection with and without fellow involvement were compared. Cases were matched according to age, body mass index, neoadjuvant therapy, and tumor location. Intraoperative, postoperative, and pathological outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. Results There was no difference in tumor grade, type of surgical procedure, presence of an anastomosis, or diverting stoma between groups. In addition, there was no difference in the incidence of intraoperative or postoperative complications between the 2 groups. Estimated blood loss was higher in the fellow group compared to the consultant group (mean difference of 70 mL, p = 0.007). For pathological outcomes, there was no difference in surrogate oncological quality indicators, specifically margin positivity and lymph node yield, between the 2 groups. Furthermore, fellow involvement did not adversely affect operative time. Conclusion This study demonstrates that equivalent short-term surgical and oncological outcomes can be achieved with colorectal fellow participation in the field of robotic-assisted rectal cancer surgery.
Abundances of Refractory Elements in the Orion Nebula

We assess the gas-phase abundances of Si, C, and Fe from our recent measurements of Si++, C++, and Fe++ in the Orion Nebula by expanding on our earlier “blister” models. The Fe++ 22.9 μm line measured with the KAO yields Fe/H ∼ 3x 10-6 - considerably larger than in the diffuse ISM, where relative to solar, Fe/H is down by ∼ 100. However, in Orion, Fe/H is stilliower than solar by a factor ∼ 10. The C and Si abundances are derived from new IUE high dispersion spectra of the C++ 1907, 1909 A and Si++ 1883, 1892 A lines. Gas-phase Si/C = 0.016 in the Orion ionized volume and is particularly insensitive to uncertainties in extinction and temperature structure. The solar value is 0.098. Gas-phase C/H = 3x10-4 and Si/H = 4.8x10-6 . Compared to solar, Si is depleted by 0.135 in the ionized region, while C is essentially undepleted. This suggests that most Si and Fe resides in dust grains even in the ionized volume.
Surgical and social implications of extraction of mandibular third molars as a separate procedure before bilateral sagittal split osteotomy

In some units, lower wisdom teeth are extracted in a separate procedure before bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO), whereas in others they are removed at the time of the osteotomy. We identified 57 patients who had BSSO at Salisbury Hospital between October 2013 and September 2015, 40 of whom had their wisdom teeth extracted at the same time. The remaining 17 did not have wisdom teeth. Patients who have these teeth extracted as a separate procedure require at least one day off work, which can result in a loss of earnings. Our findings showed that the removal of third molars at the time of orthognathic surgery has considerable social and financial benefits, and does not increase the risk of morbidity.
Solar Energy Conversion

Solar energy is an abundant and renewable source of power that could alleviate world energy demand. New materials technologies are rising to the challenge of replacing a silicon-dominated market with the promise of cheaper and more versatile photovoltaics. In this chapter, one of the most highly studied alternatives, the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), is discussed from a historical perspective as well as recent advances in DSSC technologies. In addition, the emerging technology of perovskite solar cells, which bear some similarity to DSSCs, is also introduced.
The species of FROMEA, revisited, with comments on selected morphologically similar genera

ABSTRACTThe form genus Fromea Cookson & Eisenack 1958 accommodates a variety of flask- or vase-shaped algal cysts of presumed marine origin found in Jurassic to Paleogene strata worldwide. Numerous species have geographically widespread but stratigraphically limited occurrences, and therefore are of important biostratigraphic utility. Many are common in Jurassic and Cretaceous strata of North America, including previously undescribed forms, which provide a basis for a re-evaluation of the genus. The genus Wuroia Stover & Helby 1987 is reviewed, and considered a taxonomic junior synonym of Fromea. Four species of Wuroia are reassigned to Fromea. Relevant comparative comments also are presented concerning the cyst genera Cyclopsiella Drugg & Loeblich 1967, Wallodinium Loeblich & Loeblich 1968, and Nummus Morgan 1975. Seven species are newly described: Fromea gordonwoodii sp. nov., F. nohrhansenii sp. nov., F. polaris sp. nov., F. quasitabulata sp. nov., F. xantha sp. nov., Cyclopsiella mickeyi sp. nov. and ...
Linear viscoelastic behavior of bidisperse polystyrene blends: experiments and slip-link predictions

The linear viscoelastic behavior of three well-entangled linear monodisperse polystyrene melts and their blends is investigated. The monodisperse melts are blended in a 1:1 weight ratio to obtain three polystyrene bidisperse blends for which the linear viscoelastic behavior is also measured. Special attention is paid to controlling sample size and solvent content, and checking for consistency in the high-frequency regime. We also attempt to estimate uncertainty quantitatively. The experimental results agree well with the discrete slip-link model, a robust mesoscopic theory that has been successful in predicting the rheology of flexible entangled polymer liquids and gels. Using recently developed analytic expressions for the relaxation modulus, predictions of the monodisperse samples are made. The parameters for the model are obtained from the low-frequency crossover of one experiment. Using this parameter set without adjustment, predictions over the fully accessible experimental frequency range are obtained for the monodisperse samples and their blends with very good agreement.
Psychology, Child Health, and Human Development

It is nice to be able to come back to Oklahoma City after all these years. As a personal note, I might mention to you that I was born here, was an undergraduate at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, and was a clinical psychology intern in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences here on the Oklahoma City Campus in 1966–67.
Collision Detector for Industrial Robot Manipulators

The increasingly complex tasks require an enormous effort in path planning within dynamic environments. This paper presents a efficient method for detecting collisions between a robot and its environment in order to prevent dangerous maneuvers. Our methods is based upon the transformation of each robot link and the environment in a set of bounding boxes. The aim of this kind of prismatic approximation is to detect a collision between objects in the workspace by testing collision between boxes from different objects. The computational cost of this approach has been tested in simulations, thus we have set up our environment with a HP20D robot and an obstacle, both represented by their corresponding chain of bounding boxes. The experiment implies to move the robot from an initial position, on the right of the obstacle, to a final position, on the left side of the obstacle, along a straight-line trajectory. The probe enabled us to check the correct behavior of a collision detector in a real situation.
Modeling the α/ω thermal stability in shocked Zr: A coupling between dislocation removal and phase transformation

Abstract Under high pressure, Zr undergoes a transformation from its ambient equilibrium hexagonal close packed α phase to a simple hexagonal ω phase. Subsequent unloading to ambient conditions does not see a full reversal to the α phase, but rather a retainment of significant ω. Previously, the thermal stability of the ω phase was investigated via in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction analysis of the isothermal annealing of Zr samples shocked to 8 and 10.5 GPa at temperatures 443, 463, 483, and 503 K [25]. The phase volume fractions were tracked quantitatively and the dislocation densities were tracked semi-quantitatively. Trends included a rapid initial (transient) transformation rate from ω → α followed by a plateau to a new metastable state with lesser retained ω (asymptotic). A significant reduction in dislocation densities in the ω phase was observed prior to initiation of an earnest reverse transformation, leading to the hypothesis that the ω → α transformation from is being hindered by defects in the ω phase. As a continuation of this work, we present a temperature dependent model that couples the removal of dislocations in the ω phase and the reverse transformation via a barrier energy that is associated with the free energy of remaining dislocations. The reduction of dislocations in the ω phase occurs as a sum of glide and climb controlled processes, both of which dictate the transient and asymptotic behavior of the annealing process respectively.
Allergen Administration in Bronchial Provocation Tests

Allergen inhalation tests measure the respiratory response to inhaled allergen. The response can be localised to the airways, to the peripheral respiratory tissues or both. In this chapter we will deal only with airway (asthmatic) responses. The materials and methods described in this chapter are those used in our laboratory, however, the principles are generally applicable. Alternative methods are considered in the Discussion.
Leg, Culp, and the Evil Judge

Nobody could have known it at the time, but when Rex Stout’s novella Justice Ends at Home was published in 1915, it foreshadowed not only the rise of two enduringly popular fictional heroes (Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin), but also the fall of one enduringly objectionable actual villain (Judge Martin T. Manton of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit). Leading scholars of the work of Rex Stout agree that the two main heroic characters in Justice Ends at Home — the flabby, phlegmatic, middle-aged Simon Leg and his sharp, energetic, youthful assistant Dan Culp — prefigured the fat Nero Wolfe and svelte Archie Goodwin who made their first appearance in Stout’s 1934 novel, Fer-de-Lance. As Stout biographer John McAleer puts it, “eighteen years before Fer-de-Lance was written, Wolfe and Archie already lived nebulously in the mind of Rex Stout.” Unlike Simon Leg and Dan Culp, Judge Fraser Manton — the main villainous character in Justice Ends at Home — has passed largely unnoticed by scholars of Stout and of the law. But the fictional Judge Manton is in fact a prefiguration of the infamous real-life Judge Martin T. Manton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The similarities go beyond the names. Indeed, the two Mantons have enough in common to support an inference that Stout based his fictional Judge Fraser Manton on the real Martin Manton, although the real Manton would not become a judge until 1916 — the year after Justice Ends at Home was published. In other words, Stout’s selection of a corrupt Judge Manton for the lead bad-guy role in Justice Ends at Home was intriguingly prescient.
Synergistic In-Layer Cobalt Doping and Interlayer Iron Intercalation into Layered MnO2 Produces an Efficient Water Oxidation Electrocatalyst

Described is a synthetic method to enhance the electrocatalytic activity of the layered manganese oxide, birnessite, for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) through the development of a Mn/Co/Fe te...
Discounting future payments in stated preference choice experiments

Abstract When costs are presented as a series of recurring payments in stated preference choice experiment (CE) questions, how respondents discount future payments is important in explaining choices and in the measurement of the present value of willingness to pay. In this paper, alternative discounting approaches are compared to examine their effect on measuring preferences and values using data from a survey examining public preferences for the protection of an endangered species. Exponential and hyperbolic discounting assumptions lead to very similar results in terms of both model fit and welfare. All estimated models suggest future payments are discounted at a very high rate. Several factors likely influencing the magnitude of these estimated discount rates are discussed, and then an argument is made for using payment vehicles in stated preference studies that employ a single lump sum payment rather than a series of future payments.
LB20. Impact of School-Located Influenza Vaccination on Vaccination Coverage, School Absenteeism, and Influenza Hospitalization

Background School-located influenza vaccination programs aim to increase influenza vaccination coverage and produce indirect effects by interrupting influenza transmission. We evaluated the impact of a program that delivered the inactivated influenza vaccine in 2016–2017 to elementary schools in a large, diverse urban school district in Oakland, California on vaccination coverage, school absenteeism, and influenza hospitalization.
Sex differences in employment and supports for adults with autism spectrum disorder

This study explored sex differences in employment, reasons for unemployment, benefits, and supports among a large, international sample of adults with autism spectrum disorder. The sample included ...
The Role of Deferoxamine in Irradiated Breast Reconstruction: A Study of Oncologic Safety

Background Radiotherapy plays an essential role in the oncologic management of breast cancer. However, patients who undergo radiotherapy experience significantly more wound complications during the reconstructive process. Deferoxamine has immense potential to up-regulate angiogenesis and improve reconstructive outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of deferoxamine on breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro, to delineate oncologic safety concerns regarding the use of deferoxamine as a regenerative therapeutic. Methods The dose-dependent effect of radiation and deferoxamine on two triple-negative breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) was determined by means of MTS (percentage cell viability) and tumorsphere (sphere number) analysis. Radiation therapy and deferoxamine were delivered both individually and in combination, and all experiments were completed in triplicate. Intracellular iron, nuclear factor-κB localization, and apoptosis/necrosis assays were performed to delineate mechanism. Analysis of variance statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (p Results For both cell lines, percentage viability and sphere number significantly decreased following exposure to 10 Gy of radiation. Surprisingly, the administration of 25 µM deferoxamine also significantly decreased each metric. The administration of deferoxamine (100 µM) in combination with radiation (10 Gy) resulted in significantly reduced percentage viability and sphere number compared with the administration of radiation alone. Deferoxamine treatment decreased intracellular iron, suppressed nuclear factor-κB activation, and induced apoptosis. Conclusion Radiation and deferoxamine significantly decrease breast cancer proliferation when delivered independently and in combination, suggesting deferoxamine may be safely used to facilitate improved reconstructive outcomes among triple-negative breast cancer survivors. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, V.
Beyond adiponectin and leptin: adipose tissue-derived mediators of inter-organ communication

The breakthrough discoveries of leptin and adiponectin more than two decades ago led to a widespread recognition of adipose tissue as an endocrine organ. Many more adipose tissue-secreted signaling mediators (adipokines) have been identified since then, and much has been learned about how adipose tissue communicates with other organs of the body to maintain systemic homeostasis. Beyond proteins, additional factors, such as lipids, metabolites, noncoding RNAs, and extracellular vesicles (EVs), released by adipose tissue participate in this process. Here, we review the diverse signaling mediators and mechanisms adipose tissue utilizes to relay information to other organs. We discuss recently identified adipokines (proteins, lipids, and metabolites) and briefly outline the contributions of noncoding RNAs and EVs to the ever-increasing complexities of adipose tissue inter-organ communication. We conclude by reflecting on central aspects of adipokine biology, namely, the contribution of distinct adipose tissue depots and cell types to adipokine secretion, the phenomenon of adipokine resistance, and the capacity of adipose tissue to act both as a source and sink of signaling mediators.
Potential protease inhibitors based on a functionalized cyclic sulfamide scaffold

Exploratory studies related to the design and synthesis of functionalized cyclic sulfamides (I) as potential inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes were carried out. The structural motif and three diversity sites embodied in the scaffold render it amenable to combinatorial parallel synthesis and the facile generation of lead discovery prospecting libraries. The scaffold was readily assembled starting with (DL) serine methyl ester, and a series of compounds was generated and screened against human leukocyte elastase. Modification of the P(1) recognition element, believed to be accommodated at the primary specificity site (S(1) subsite) of the enzyme, yielded compounds that inhibited the enzyme by an apparent hyperbolic partial mixed-type inhibition.
Nanoparticles for Brain Tumor Delivery

Abstract Brain cancers and metastases are often highly fatal and represent a complex therapeutic challenge. The unique location of brain tumors within the cranial cavity and behind the blood–brain barrier (BBB) shields tumor cells from systemically administered therapeutics. Nanoparticulate carriers can deliver high, sustained doses of therapeutic agents to tumors because of their size and particulate nature, and can be retained within the tumor interstitium for extended drug exposure. However, nanoparticles also encounter unique obstacles to delivery compared with small molecular-weight agents. The unique structure and composition of the BBB restricts tumor entry of particulates, and the dense interstitium hinders nanoparticle transport within the tumor. However, components of the BBB and extracellular matrix may be targeted to open microvasculature transiently, enhance tumor perfusion and permeability, and increase nanoparticle penetration. Furthermore, antibody derivatization of nanoparticles to target receptors associated with endocytic transport machinery in endothelial cells can induce transcellular passage of drugs into the interstitium. In this chapter, we review current strategies in nanoparticle design and delivery to overcome the unique physiological barriers to drug delivery in patients with brain tumors.
The Use of Patient-Specific Implants in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

This article summarizes the current use of patient-specific implants in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Use of whole genome sequencing for detection of antimicrobial resistance: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a model organism

Increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance is a public health crisis. The emergence of resistant pathogens is multi-factorial but is at least partially due to inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and lack of stewardship interventions. Effective stewardship programs require timely antimicrobial resistance testing. This can be challenging for pathogens that grow slowly or not at all in culture. Next generation sequencing approaches, such as isolate whole genome sequencing (WGS), offer a more rapid alternative for such pathogens. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is a model organism for WGS to predict susceptibility due to its highly conserved and stable genome, extremely slow growth in culture and increasing resistance rates to a limited armamentarium of anti-TB drugs. Studies have shown excellent concordance between conventional phenotypic susceptibility testing and use of WGS to predict susceptibility to at least 2 first-line anti-TB agents, rifampin and isoniazid. More data is needed for other agents, including a more comprehensive curated database of mutations paired with phenotypic data, before WGS can completely replace phenotypic testing.
Acute Effects of Insulin on Skeletal Muscle Growth and Differentiation Genes in Men With Type 2 Diabetes

Aims Insulin has anabolic effects on skeletal muscle. However, there is limited understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect in humans. We evaluated whether the skeletal muscle expression of satellite cell activator fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and muscle growth and differentiation factors are modulated acutely by insulin during euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC). Design and methods This is a secondary investigation and analysis of samples obtained from a previously completed trial investigating the effect of testosterone replacement in males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and type 2 diabetes. Twenty men with type 2 diabetes underwent quadriceps muscle biopsies before and after 4 h of EHC. Results The infusion of insulin during EHC raised the expression of myogenic growth factors, myogenin (by 72 ± 20%) and myogenin differentiation protein (MyoD; by 81 ± 22%). Insulin reduced the expression of muscle hypertrophy suppressor, myogenic regulatory factor 4 (MRF4) by 34 ± 14%. In addition, there was an increase in expression of FGF receptor 2, but not FGF2, following EHC. The expression of myostatin did not change. Conclusions Insulin has an acute potent effect on expression of genes that can stimulate muscle differentiation and growth.
LEGO-MIMO Architecture: A Universal Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) Power Converter with Linear Extendable Group Operated (LEGO) Power Bricks

This paper presents the design and implementation of a universal Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) power converter with many Linear Extendable Group Operated (LEGO) building blocks, namely LEGO-MIMO architecture. The LEGO-MIMO architecture can be used to synthesize a wide range of power converters with universal input and output range. In a LEGO-MIMO design, multiple dc-ac units are coupled together through a multi-winding transformer. Each dc-ac unit can individually regulate its port voltage and power. Many dc-ac units can be connected in series or parallel to meet the targeted voltage or current ratings. The modular units can be designed and manufactured in large volume with low cost. This paper studied the design methods for the multi-winding transformer. We also investigated the strategy to control the sophisticated power flow in the multi-winding transformer and proposed a matrix model for the LEGO-MIMO converter with reduced order to simplify the control algorithm. A LEGO-MIMO prototype with 12 LEGO bricks and a 12-winding transformer has been built and tested to verify the effectiveness of the proposed LEGO-MIMO architecture.
Identities of Physician-Patient Interactions in the Medical Field of the Dying

Physicians as a community are not privy to the inner-workings of the lives of their patients, and as a result of that, they explicitly cannot assume they have a proper understanding of what the patient wants or needs. Conversely, the patient has visited the physician because there is something abnormal in their health that they do not understand. One approach of physician-patient interaction, the informative, would tackle this potential dilemma by, after divulging all pertinent information, allowing the patient full autonomy to decide for himself what the best course of action for them will be, which in theory is comprehensive and responsible. However, this does not account for patient morality, as the physician will present all information through a purely medical lens of procedures and outcomes. Thereby, through engaging in discourse with the patient regarding the elucidation of the patient's values, the interpretive approach will attempt to take into consideration patient morality. Ultimately, this approach will result in far more time consuming clinic visits, as the physician and patient hash out what is morally tenable going forward; however, in the community of dying patients, that very discourse is what will allow the physician, in lieu of saving the patient's life, to save what remains of the patient's life.
Adaptive machine learning for efficient materials design

Applying machine learning (ML) methods to accelerate the search for new materials with improved properties has gained increasing attention in recent years. Using nonadaptive ML approaches that do not have an iterative feedback loop can perform poorly in extrapolations at previously unexplored search space, especially when trained on small data sets. We performed numerical simulations on two data sets that exhibit distinct composition-property relationships and explored the relative efficacies of adaptive ML strategies in identifying the optimal material composition with the highest. Adaptive ML methods show promise for extrapolation and find compositions with properties better than those in the training data, but the rate of discovery is dictated by the nuances of the composition-property landscape. The outcome of this work has key implications in developing strategies that employ ML methods for navigating a vast search space of combinatorial possibilities.
Fantasies About Consensual Nonmonogamy Among Persons in Monogamous Romantic Relationships

The present research explored fantasies about consensual nonmonogamous relationships (CNMRs) and the factors that predict such fantasies in a large and diverse online sample (N = 822) of persons currently involved in monogamous relationships. Nearly one-third (32.6%) of participants reported that being in some type of sexually open relationship was part of their favorite sexual fantasy of all time, of whom most (80.0%) said that they want to act on this fantasy in the future. Those who had shared and/or acted on CNMR fantasies previously generally reported positive outcomes (i.e., meeting or exceeding their expectations and improving their relationships). In addition, a majority of participants reported having fantasized about being in a CNMR at least once before, with open relationships being the most popular variety. Those who identified as male or non-binary reported more CNMR fantasies than those who identified as female. CNMR fantasies were also more common among persons who identified as anything other than heterosexual and among older adults. Erotophilia and sociosexual orientation were uniquely and positively associated with CNMR fantasies of all types; however, other individual difference factors (e.g., Big Five personality traits, attachment style) had less consistent associations. Unique predictors of infidelity fantasies differed from CNMR fantasies, suggesting that they are propelled by different psychological factors. Overall, these results suggest that CNMRs are a popular fantasy and desire among persons in monogamous romantic relationships. Clinical implications and implications for sexual fantasy research more broadly are discussed.
Digital High-Scale Food Security Analysis: Challenges, Considerations and Opportunities

Geospatial tools such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems) serve as a popular technology to assess and evaluate spatial dimensions of the food environment. While local-level policy decisions can be aided using GIS analysis and GIS data, little work has been invested in the holistic understanding of the data on which these decisions are made. In this paper, we address what entails high-quality geospatial data, challenges and opportunities that exist in the field of geospatial data development as applied to local-scale food environment research. We further explored factors of geospatial data quality assessment and quality control (QA/QC) for a commercially available business (CAB) database typically used in high-scale geospatial data analysis of the food environment. Factors related to the physical location of all food sources such as grocery stores and farmers markets and individualized vehicular transportation (roads) rated highest. They outweighed those related to land cover, utilities and zoning, which are more important in medium and low-scale (national level) analysis. When ranking various dimensions of data quality, subject matter experts found positional accuracy and attribute accuracy to be the most important in data development. However, errors related to temporal accuracy (age of data) exhibited the greatest number of errors within a CAB database. This schism serves as the impetus of this project and further addresses challenges between conceptual and practical geospatial data development policies and procedures.