cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Micrurgical Studies on Irradiated Pelomyxa

The comparative effects of x rays, gamma rays, fission neutrons, and ultraviolet radiation on the giant amoeba P. illinoisensis are shown. Particular attention is given to the percentages of survival and length of life after various exposures. Major emphasis is placed upon the therapeutic value of nonirradiated protoplasm and some of its centrifuged portions following a special method of microinjection known as fusion. Whole protoplasm, as well as heavy portions of centrifuged amoebae, prevent radiation sickness and death after injection into supralethally irradiated amoebae. On the other hand, light portions of nonirradiated, centrifuged amoebae progressively lose this capacity as the ccntrifugal force is increased. Nuclei are not necessary components of therapeutic portions. Fission neutron as well as ultraviolet radiation bring about the inactivation of the therapeutic component in nonirradiated protoplasm that otherwise prevents death in supralethally x-irradiated amoebae. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Measuring the Costs of Custom Products through Better Technology Utilization

This case study details the process of determining the economic feasibility of implementing lean manufacturing in a small mass customization manufacturing company in the medical industry. The case study investigates the information required for a lean implementation and proposes a number of changes to the work procedures (including instrumentation) to obtain the data. A large number of enterprise resource planning systems were evaluated for their suitability to track data in the mass customization environment and the top candidates are compared in the article. The current labor and materials costs are estimated to determine the magnitude of potential savings to support the changes. Based on the analysis the recommended solution has a payback period of approximately two years.
The Shannon entropy of Sudoku matrices

We study properties of an ensemble of Sudoku matrices (a special type of doubly stochastic matrix when normalized) using their statistically averaged singular values. The determinants are very near...
Memory exploitation in learning classifier systems

Learning classifier systms (LCSs) offer a unique opportunity to study the adaptive exploitation of memory. Because memory is manipulated in the form of simple internal messages in the LCS, one can easily and carefully examine the development of a system of internal memory symbols. This study examines the LCS applied to a problem whose only performance goal is the effective exploitation of memory. Experimental results show that the genetic algorithm forms a relatively effective set of internal memory symbols, but that this effectiveness is directly limited by the emergence of parasite rules. The results indicate that the emergence of parasites may be an inevitable consequence in a system that must evolve its own set of internal memory symbols. The paper's primary conclusion is that the emergence of parasites is a fundamental obstacle in such problems. To overcome this obstacle, it is suggested that the LCS must form larger, multirule structures. In such structures, parasites can be more accurately evaluated and thus eliminated. This effect is demonstrated through a preliminary evaluation of a classifier corporation scheme. Final comments present future directions for research on memory exploitation in the LCS and similar evolutionary computing systems.
NUMERICAL VARIATIONAL ANALYSIS WITH WEAK CONSTRAINT AND APPLICATION TO SURFACE ANALYSIS OF SEVERE STORM GUST

Abstract An investigation of the numerical variational analysis method is made for a case of “weak constraint” where the subsidiary condition is given in the form of an approximation. The simple example of a system moving with an optimized velocity is used to illustrate the theoretical development. The method is applied to analysis of the National Severe Storms Laboratory mesonetwork data of the severe storm gust that passed over the network on May 31, 1969.
Three-dimensional vortices in single pores and their effects on transport

[1] Three-dimensional Navier-Stokes flow and transport simulations are conducted for a single pore throat between cubic-packed grains 1–2 mm in diameter to advance our basic understanding of porous media processes. The grains are considered either spherical or ellipsoidal, and flow between the grains at different Reynolds Number is oriented along or across their long axis. Discharge through the pore varied linearly with imposed pressure gradients. Vortices are present near the pore throats, with narrower and deeper pore throats displaying a series of vortices. The vortices drive tailing of solutes resulting in power-law residence time distributions. Different tailing behavior is observed since the vortices are sensitive to grain shape and flow orientation. Tailing becomes more pronounced at higher Reynolds Number although the shape of the vortices remains unchanged.
Power System Hardening through Autonomous, Customer-driven Microgrids

Autonomous, customer-driven microgrids can harden power systems by providing significant reliability and security benefits. However, these benefits can best be achieved by utilities and system planners adopting a "can do" attitude that approaches the problem as that of metamorphosis of today's distribution systems into tomorrow's microgids, rather than as a reluctant, gradual and incremental transition. Moreover, this can be achieved by today's technology. All the enabling devices and technologies either already exist, or are under development. All that really needs to be implemented are strategies for deploying this technology, and the rules of their interaction and operation. This paper outlines the processes that will enable the metamorphosis mentioned above.
Effect of Tactile Location, Pulse Duration, and Interpulse Interval on Perceived Urgency

Tactile displays hold promise as an effective and efficient means of presenting a wide range of information to the driver. This study examined the subjective perceptions of urgency and annoyance for tactile signals of different pulse duration, interpulse interval (IPI), and pulse pattern from devices called tactors located on the wrist, on the waist belt, or in the seat pan. Results revealed significant utility (steep increases in urgency without similarly steep increases in annoyance) for signals presented in pulse durations from 10 to 150 ms with decreasing utility beyond this range (200 ms or greater). Perceived urgency showed a decreasing trend as the IPI increased. Strikingly similar magnitude estimation functions were obtained across the three tactor locations. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for tactile display design in vehicles.
Phosphate accumulation in leaves of wheat seedlings measured in leaf cell protoplasts isolated after root or foliar treatment with orthophosphate

Leaf cell protoplasts were isolated from wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Urquie) after orthophosphate (Pi) treatment of the plant to determine the capacity for intracellular phosphate accumulation. Seedlings were treated with Pi concentrations near the phytotoxic level to maximize the Pi concentration in the leaf prior to protoplast isolation 1 day later. Both foliar and root treatment of seedlings with Pi increased the phosphate content of leaf protoplasts by approximately 20 μmol (mg chlorophyll)−1 over Pi levels in untreated controls. Phosphate-loaded protoplasts from treated seedlings had similar photosynthetic rates and starch content but 50% more soluble reducing sugar than protoplasts from untreated seedlings. Protoplast dark respiration decreased after treatments which increased protoplast potassium content. The results suggest that similar amounts of Pi can be accumulated by leaf cells of wheat after foliar or root application of Pi to the seedling without hindering Pi-sensitive processes such as photosynthesis and starch synthesis.
In vivo rearing of Thripinema nicklewoodi (Tylenchida: Allantonematidae) and prospects as a biological control agent of Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae).

Methods are described for the in vivo production of the nematode Thripinema nicklewoodi (Siddiqi), an obligate parasite and potential biological control agent of western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande). Nematode infection is not lethal but causes sterilization of adult female hosts. Both fertilization and horizontal transmission of T. nicklewoodi is achieved in 1.5-ml microcentrifuge tubes (infection arenas), in the presence of 100% humidity, a temporary food source and preferably a damp substrate. Following exposure to infection arenas, F. occidentalis are reared on excised bean leaves Phaseolus vulgaris (L.) in polypropylene containers for 2 wk at 25°C to allow the reproduction and development of a single generation of nematodes within infected hosts’s abdominal cavity. To identify infected hosts after this incubation period, thrips are isolated in microcentrifuge tubes and monitored for free-living nematodes being released along with frass. Infected thrips are reintroduced back into infection arenas to inoculate further thrips to maintain the culture. We documented the output of the rearing procedure using a standard method and following simple manipulation of several individual parameters of the infection technique. The standard method was the most efficient, and resulted in an increased (output/input) ratio of infected thrips of ≈2; i.e., the number of infected thrips approximately doubles each generation. Monitoring infected thrips revealed that nematodes were first released between 12–14 d postinfection and for an average of 7.9 d at 25°C; highlighting the potential to reuse infective thrips between infection arenas. The possibility of using T. nicklewoodi as an inoculative agent against F. occidentalis infesting floricultural crops is discussed.
Guidelines for Establishing Reliability When Coding Narrative Data

The use of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches has been foundational to research on emerging adulthood, yet there remain many unresolved methodological issues pertaining to how ...
Distribution Patterns and Losses for Furrow Irrigation

A power curve fit model has been found to be a good representation of the actual patterns of distribution in a furrow irrigated field. The model allows for calculation of surplus and deficient volumes, as well as the various relevant losses. The model uses Wilke and Smerdon’s model to present the irrigation front rate of advance and the integrated form of Kostiakov’s equation to describe infiltration characteristics of soil. Recession was assumed negligible. Some results from a series of trials are given.
Earnings Seasons: Analysis of Inferred and Announced News

Earnings announcements are clustered in calendar time and such clusters, referred to as earnings seasons, are characterized by intense arrival of information from firms in an industry. The news arrives not only from earnings announcement by the firm, announced news, but also from pre-emptive inference of news from peer firm announcements, inferred news. We find that announced news appears to be underweighted for firms that announce later in the earnings season and this is not explained by a higher level of inferred news for these firms. This suggests that as the season progresses, investors appear to pay less attention to firm earnings, particularly in the case of good news. Finally, the tone of the season, i.e. nature of news announced on the first day of the season, affects the reaction to announced news of subsequent announcers. Our results highlight the importance of viewing earnings announcements in the context of the earnings season.
Pleural Reactions to Primary and Secondary Infection with Tubercle Bacilli.

ConclusionsTo obtain an immediate pleural reaction by means of tubercle bacilli, previous sensitization appears necessary.Tuberculous pleurisy in guinea pigs would appear to be a reinfection as is believed to be the case in man.The reaction of the sensitized pleura on reinfection ivith tubercle bacilli is another illustration of the Koch phenomenon, and offers advantages for the study of the protective significance of this reaction.
Enforcing State Constraints on a Model of a Hypersonic Vehicle

Inlet unstart is a sudden breakdown of the shock system in an inlet which can lead to departure from controlled flight and sometimes catastrophic loss of supersonic and hypersonic air vehicles. One way to mitigate this problem is to limit the angle-of-attack and sideslip angle that a vehicle can achieve during flight. This paper develops a sliding mode adaptive controller with the ability to enforce state constraints, which makes it particularly useful for hypersonic vehicles. The system tracks a reference trajectory command provided that the command remains within a predetermined, acceptable region of the state-space. When the reference model leaves this region, the adaptive mechanism is “shut off” and replaced by a state limiting mechanism. An advantage of this approach is that no bounds need to be placed on the input command signal. This method is first developed for a general class of nonlinear dynamic systems of the same form as the equations of motion for a hypersonic vehicle. Controller performance is then demonstrated on a high fidelity simulation of a generic hypersonic vehicle. Results presented in the paper show that this controller is capable of constraining the states while maintaining a smooth control signal and can be considered as a potential candidate for prevention of inlet unstart.
α and β subunits of inhibin/activin as sex cord-stromal differentiation markers

Inhibins (alpha and beta heterodimers) and activins (beta homodimers) are related peptides with opposing biologic action on gonadotropin regulation. They serve as components of the pituitary-gonadal feedback system. Although sex-cord stromal tumors can usually be distinguished from ovarian epithelial tumors or their metastases by morphology or by using antibodies against intermediate filaments, the diagnosis remains difficult in rare situations in such cases as sarcomatoid granulosa-theca cell tumors, ovarian small cell carcinomas, or soft-tissue sarcomas. A total of 28 sex cord-stromal tumors of the ovary and 43 non-sex cord-stromal tumors were immunohistochemically evaluated for the presence of alpha and beta subunits of inhibin and activin. For comparison, 10 normal adult gonads including seven ovaries with hilar regions and three testes also were examined. Immunoreactivity for both alpha and beta subunits of inhibin/activin was identified in both non-neoplastic and neoplastic granulosa, Sertoli, Leydig, hilar and luteinized theca cells, with the strongest immunoreactivity in Leydig and hilar cells. One of three Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors that showed a sarcomatoid growth pattern and one sex-cord tumor with annular tubules also were immunoreactive for both subunits. For non-sex cord stromal-derived ovarian tumors, alpha subunit immunoreactivity was negative in all but two of five ovarian mucinous tumors. Weak immunoreactivity for beta subunit was found in most ovarian surface epithelial carcinomas, two of four colonic, and one of three pancreatic carcinomas. No immunostaining was found in nonspecialized gonadal stromal or interstitial cells, thecal cells, germ cells, ovarian small cell carcinomas, carcinoid tumors, dysgerminomas, or leiomyosarcomas. Immunostaining of alpha subunit (inhibin alpha), but not of beta subunit could serve as a sex cord-stromal differentiation marker because alpha subunit alone is largely confined to sex cord-stromal lesions with the exception of some ovarian mucinous tumors. Further studies are needed to define the usefulness of this sex cord-stromal differentiation marker in the practice of surgical pathology. Coexpression of alpha and beta subunits in sex cord-stromal elements suggests that dimeric inhibin is expressed in these cells.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS AND AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ENDOCRINOLOGY COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR MEDICAL CARE OF PATIENTS WITH OBESITY.

Objective: Development of these guidelines is mandated by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) Board of Directors and the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) Board of Trustees and adheres to published AACE protocols for the standardized production of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). Methods: Recommendations are based on diligent review of clinical evidence with transparent incorporation of subjective factors. Results: There are 9 broad clinical questions with 123 recommendation numbers that include 160 specific statements (85 [53.1%] strong [Grade A], 48 [30.0%] intermediate [Grade B], and 11 [6.9%] weak [Grade C], with 16 [10.0%] based on expert opinion [Grade D]) that build a comprehensive medical care plan for obesity. There were 133 (83.1%) statements based on strong (best evidence level [BEL] 1 = 79 [49.4%]) or intermediate (BEL 2 = 54 [33.7%]) levels of scientific substantiation. There were 34 (23.6%) evidence-based recommendation grades (Grades A-C = 144) that were a...
Abrupt and tunable quenching of photoluminescence in ZnO

Abstract The abrupt and tunable quenching of photoluminescence (PL) in bulk ZnO samples is reported, a phenomenon which has been previously observed only in GaN and a few phosphorescent materials. ZnO samples grown by the hydrothermal method contain Li defects responsible for the orange luminescence (OL) band with a maximum at 2.0 eV. The LiZn acceptor is well studied, but there is some disagreement in the literature on the value of its ionization energy. Here we show that the ionization energy of the LiZn acceptor responsible for the OL band is 0.65±0.10 eV. The thermal emission of holes from the LiZn acceptor to the valence band and their subsequent capture by unknown nonradiative centers causes the abrupt quenching of PL, the temperature of which is tunable by excitation intensity.
Wane detection on rough lumber using surface approximation

The initial breakdown of hardwood logs into lumber produces boards with rough surfaces. These boards contain wane (missing wood due to the curved log exterior) that is removed by edge and trim cuts prior to sale. Because hardwood lumber value is determined using a combination of board size and quality, knowledge of wane position and defects is essential for selecting cuts that maximize profit. We have developed a system that uses a structured-light system to obtain profile (thickness) images of unplaned boards, in addition to gray-scale images for defect detection. The focus of this paper is to describe a new approach for detecting wane boundaries through the analysis of these profile images. The problem is difficult because bark and other debris adversely affect the laserbased imaging process, and because variations in surface reflectance also cause inaccuracies in the resulting images. The problem is compounded by the need to perform wane detection rapidly in a manufacturing environment. The method that we have developed relies on a combination of columnwise image statistics, selective smoothing, and the analysis of surface shape. Initial wane edge estimates that are obtained using the smoothed image are then refined by analysis of the original image data. Based on visual assessment, the current method appears to improve dramatically on traditional thresholding techniques.
Qualitative Analysis Techniques for the Review of the Literature

In this article, we provide a framework for analyzing and interpreting sources that inform a literature review or, as it is more aptly called, a research synthesis. Specifically, using Leech and Onwuegbuzie’s (2007, 2008) frameworks, we delineate how the following four major source types inform research syntheses: talk, observations, drawings/photographs/videos, and documents. We identify 17 qualitative data analysis techniques that are optimal for analyzing one or more of these source types. Further, we outline the role that the following five qualitative data analysis techniques can play in the research synthesis: constant comparison analysis, domain analysis, taxonomic analysis, componential analysis, and theme analysis. We contend that our framework represents a first step in an attempt to help literature reviewers analyze and interpret literature in an optimally rigorous way. Keywords: Review of the Literature, Research Synthesis, Qualitative Analysis, Constant Comparison Analysis, Domain Analysis, Taxonomic Analysis, Componential Analysis, Theme Analysis
TLR9-mediated inflammation drives a Ccr2-independent peripheral monocytosis through enhanced extramedullary monocytopoiesis

Monocytes are innate immune cells that interact with their environment through the expression of pattern recognition receptors, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Both monocytes and TLRs are implicated in driving persistent inflammation in autoimmune diseases. However, cell-intrinsic mechanisms to control inflammation, including TLR tolerance, are thought to limit inflammatory responses in the face of repeated TLR activation, leaving it unclear how chronic TLR-mediated inflammation is maintained in vivo. Herein, we used a well-characterized model of systemic inflammation to determine the mechanisms allowing sustained TLR9 responses to develop in vivo. Monocytes were identified as the main TLR9-responsive cell and accumulated in peripherally inflamed tissues during TLR9-driven inflammation. Intriguingly, canonical mechanisms controlling monocyte production and localization were altered during the systemic inflammatory response, as accumulation of monocytes in the liver and spleen developed in the absence of dramatic increases in bone marrow monocyte progenitors and was independent of chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2 (Ccr2). Instead, TLR9-driven inflammation induced a Ccr2-independent expansion of functionally enhanced extramedullary myeloid progenitors that correlated with the peripheral accumulation of monocytes in both wild-type and Ccr2(-/-) mice. Our data implicate inflammation-induced extramedullary monocytopoiesis as a peripheral source of newly produced TLR9 responsive monocytes capable of sustaining chronic TLR9 responses in vivo. These findings help to explain how chronic TLR-mediated inflammation may be perpetuated in autoimmune diseases and increase our understanding of how monocytes are produced and positioned during systemic inflammatory responses.
A Microrna Feed-Forward Loop Amplifies GFI1N382S Transcriptional Reprogramming In Severe Congenital Neutropenia

Abstract 2239 The Growth factor independent -1 (Gfi1) transcriptional repressor regulates both hematopoietic stem cell self renewal and myeloid differentiation. Humans with severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) display mutations in GFI1 that generate dominant negative acting proteins. Moreover, GFI1-mutant SCN patients and Gfi1-/- mice display a unique accumulation of myeloid progenitors. Recently we showed that Gfi1 regulation of HoxA9, Pbx1 and Meis1 underlies these phenomena, in that the Gfi1-Hox transcriptional circuit controls the accumulation of myeloid progenitors in vivo. We have also shown that Gfi1 regulates miR-21 during myelopoiesis, and that miR-21 is deregulated by Gfi1N382S expression. Our new data link these concepts by demonstrating that forced expression of miR-21 in bone marrow cells results in the accumulation of myeloid progenitors in transplant recipients. Moreover, miR-21 directly targets the Ski oncoprotein, and Ski-/- bone marrow cells show an accumulation of myeloid progenitors. Thus, Gfi1-/-, miR-21 overexpressing-, and Ski-/- myeloid progenitors accumulate in the marrow. Strikingly, Ski is dramatically reduced in miR-21 overexpressing Lin- bone marrow cells. Nearly undetectable Ski expression in Gfi1-/- bone marrow cells can be completely rescued by antagonizing miR-21 activity. Since Ski is a corepressor and Gfi1 is a transcriptional repressor, we next tested whether the two proteins physically interact. Indeed, endogenous Ski and Gfi1 can be coimmunoprecipitated. Synthetic Ski and Gfi1 proteins reveal that the interaction is mediated through Ski carboxy-terminal and Gfi1 zinc-finger domains. Chromatin immunoprecipitation reveals Ski and Gfi1 co-occupy several Gfi1 target genes (including HoxA9), which are derepressed upon Gfi1 or Ski knockdown. However, while Gfi1 binds and regulates the miR-21 gene, Ski is not bound to the miR-21 gene, and Ski knockdown has no effect upon miR-21 levels. Thus, the data point to a novel feed-forward transcriptional circuit. Gfi1N382S deregulation of miR-21 amplifies the dominant-negative effect of Gfi1N382S through miR-21 targeting of Ski, leading to further derepression of Gfi1-Ski target genes. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Patient Beliefs Have a Greater Impact Than Barriers on Medication Adherence in a Community Health Center.

Purpose Nonadherence to medicines contributes to poor health outcomes, especially for patients with complicated medicine regimens. We examined adherence among patients at a family health center and the impact that barriers to getting medicines and negative beliefs about medicines have on adherence. Methods A survey was administered incorporating the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, questions from the Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire, and questions about patients' external barriers to getting medicines. Low adherence was examined by any external barrier and by higher negative beliefs, adjusting for patient characteristics. Results The convenience sample of 343 participants is demographically representative of the larger population. Among these patients, 54% report low adherence, 51% have at least 1 barrier to adherence, and 52% report more negative than positive beliefs about medicines. When beliefs and barriers are examined together, patients with negative beliefs are 49% less likely to adhere than those with more positive beliefs, whereas barriers show no significant impact on adherence. Conclusions Negative beliefs about medicines are as prevalent in this population as external barriers to accessing medicines, but negative beliefs were more significantly associated with adherence than external barriers. Physicians should identify and address patients' negative beliefs about medicines to improve adherence rates.
Severe polyserositis induced by the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine: a case report

The United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends administration of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in series with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine for prevention of pneumonia in the elderly. Reports of autoimmune or auto-inflammatory diseases as a result of pneumococcal vaccination, especially pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, are extremely rare. We present a case of severe serositis in a 75-year-old Caucasian woman complicated by pericardial and pleural effusions in the setting of recent 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine vaccination and no other obvious etiology. Our patient required steroid treatment, thoracentesis, chest tube, and pericardial window and subsequently recovered to her baseline. To the best of our knowledge, no such reaction to the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has previously been documented. Although the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks, knowledge of this potential side effect can help clinicians in diagnosis and treatment of similar patients.
2016 Presidential Statewide Polling—A Substandard Performance: A Proposal and Application for Evaluating Preelection Poll Accuracy:

This study implements a statistical accuracy (SA) measurement for assessing preelection poll accuracy by comparing Mosteller (1949) Method 5 (absolute difference between poll results and election r...
Mechanisms that Mediate Ethanol-Induced Increases in Dihydropyridine-Sensitive Calcium Channels

Chronic alcoholics can develop a hyperexcitable withdrawal syndrome when they abruptly discontinue drinking ethanol. Features of this syndrome include tremor, confusional states, convulsions, delirium, and autonomic dysfunction (Charness et al., 1989). Some manifestations of alcohol withdrawal may result from ethanol-induced changes in the function of voltage-dependent calcium channels, since treatment of rodents made dependent on alcohol with calcium channel antagonists reduces tremors, seizures and mortality during alcohol depravation (Bone et al., 1989, Little et al., 1986, Littleton et al., 1990).
Shine on, Young Physician-Scientist

Physician-scientists have been recognized as an important piece for the advancement of medicine by being translators of medical research.1 Despite this recognized role, physician-scientists in the United States have decreased from 5% of all physician workforce in 1987 to 1.5% in 2014.2 Why, in spite of their relevance, have physician-scientists become a rara avis in medical research? It is a complex matter, and I don’t expect to provide a universal answer in this short column. However, I hope to raise awareness of this subject from a trainee’s perspective by scrutinizing the hurdles that I (and some of my young colleagues) have to surpass during graduate medical education to become a physician-scientist in cardiovascular research. I have decided to dissect the obstacles in the graduate medical education system, which in my experience, dampen the recruitment (and success) of young physician-scientists into trainee-related, program/institutional support and funding.
Cache and energy efficient algorithms for Nussinov’s RNA Folding

An RNA folding/RNA secondary structure prediction algorithm determines the non-nested/pseudoknot-free structure by maximizing the number of complementary base pairs and minimizing the energy. Several implementations of Nussinov’s classical RNA folding algorithm have been proposed. Our focus is to obtain run time and energy efficiency by reducing the number of cache misses. Three cache-efficient algorithms, ByRow, ByRowSegment and ByBox, for Nussinov’s RNA folding are developed. Using a simple LRU cache model, we show that the Classical algorithm of Nussinov has the highest number of cache misses followed by the algorithms Transpose (Li et al.), ByRow, ByRowSegment, and ByBox (in this order). Extensive experiments conducted on four computational platforms–Xeon E5, AMD Athlon 64 X2, Intel I7 and PowerPC A2–using two programming languages–C and Java–show that our cache efficient algorithms are also efficient in terms of run time and energy. Our benchmarking shows that, depending on the computational platform and programming language, either ByRow or ByBox give best run time and energy performance. The C version of these algorithms reduce run time by as much as 97.2% and energy consumption by as much as 88.8% relative to Classical and by as much as 56.3% and 57.8% relative to Transpose. The Java versions reduce run time by as much as 98.3% relative to Classical and by as much as 75.2% relative to Transpose. Transpose achieves run time and energy efficiency at the expense of memory as it takes twice the memory required by Classical. The memory required by ByRow, ByRowSegment, and ByBox is the same as that of Classical. As a result, using the same amount of memory, the algorithms proposed by us can solve problems up to 40% larger than those solvable by Transpose.
Charging Up Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes

Lithium-ion battery cathode materials are layered with complexity. In this issue of Joule, Tian and coworkers probe NMC622 (LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2) oxide interfacial and bulk behavior in a comparative study of chemical versus electrochemical (de)lithiated processed samples. Spatially resolved nickel oxidation state mapping reveals flaws in particle charge state homogeneity, both locally in the bulk and at the surface.
A randomized phase II trial of pazopanib (PAZ) versus temsirolimus (TEM) in patients (pts) with advanced clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (aCCRCC) of intermediate and poor-risk (the TemPa trial).

583Background: TEM has level 1 evidence in aRCC with poor-risk disease. No trial compared a VEGFR-TKI with TEM as first-line (1L) therapy in this disease state. Methods: We randomly assigned (1:1) treatment-naive pts with aCCRCC and > = 3 risk factors (as per Hudes et al., NEJM 2007) to receive PAZ 800 mg po qd or TEM 25 mg iv qw. Pts were offered to receive the alternative agent at disease progression (PD). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR) and safety. A blinded radiologist assessed the radiographic response using RECIST v1.1. A sample size of 90 pts was based on an assumption of improved median PFS from 3.8 mo with TEM to 6.1 mo with PAZ. Pts were stratified by prior nephrectomy (Nx). The Kaplan-Meier method was used for PFS and OS analysis, and the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of ORR between PAZ and TEM. Results: The study was closed to new patient enrollment when the results of ...
On the codomination number of a graph

Given a graph G = (V, E), set S ⊂ V is a dominating set if each node of V - S is adjacent to at least one node in S. The domination number of G is the smallest size of a dominating set and the codomination number is the domination number of its complement. We determine the codomination number of a graph having diameter at least three. Further we explore the effects of this result on the open problem of characterizing graphs having equal domination and codomination numbers.
On Regulating the Synthesis of Nitrate Reductase

Denitrification plays an important role in the nitrogen budget of soil and water. It is carried out only by bacteria and provides a means for them to generate metabolic energy anaerobically, by utilizing various nitrogenous oxides as terminal electron acceptors in place of oxygen. Reduction of nitrate to nitrite, the first step in the denitrification pathway, is catalyzed by dissimilatory nitrate reductase (DNR). It is clear that study devoted to the structure and function of this enzyme, and to the regulation of its synthesis and activity, will help to form a clearer picture of the various factors controlling denitrification.
Wearables: Fundamentals, Advancements, and a Roadmap for the Future

Today, the term “wearable” goes beyond the traditional definition of clothing; it refers to an accessory that enables personalized mobile information processing. In this chapter, we define the concept of wearables, present their attributes, and discuss their role at the core of an ecosystem for harnessing big data. We then present the taxonomy for wearables and trace their advancements over the years. We discuss the practical challenges associated with the use of wearables and propose the concept of a meta-wearable – in the form of a wearable motherboard – as a feasible solution. We gaze into the future of wearables and propose a transdisciplinary approach to realizing this future that will transform the field and contribute to enhancing the quality of life for everyone.
Ca2+/calmodulin signaling in NMDA-induced synaptic plasticity.

Abstract Repeated experiences induce a synaptic plasticity in neurons that can be very long lasting. The neurotransmitter, glutamate, acting through N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors is integrally involved in eliciting persistent changes in synaptic function resulting in learning and memory. The permeability of NMDA receptors to Ca2+ implies the close involvement of Ca2+ and the Ca2+-binding protein, calmodulin, in NMDA-induced synaptic plasticity. A notable example of NMDA-induced synaptic plasticity is long-term potentiation in the hippocampal CA1 region. The involvement of Ca2+ and calmodulin in the induction and expression of LTP has been intensively investigated and documented. Less well studied are neurochemical adaptations in another example of NMDA-induced synaptic plasticity, stimulant-induced behavioral sensitization. Although amphetamine and cocaine increase synaptic monoamines, glutamate is involved in the induction and expression of the sensitization. Activating NMDA receptors in dopamine midbrain cell bodies is required for inducing stimulant sensitization, implying a role for Ca2+ in this plasticity. The purpose of this review is to examine the role of Ca2+ and calmodulin in two examples of NMDA-based plasticity, LTP, and stimulant-induced behavioral sensitization. There are similarities in the neuroadaptations, although the role of Ca2+ and calmodulin has not been thoroughly investigated in the stimulant-induced plasticity.
Chemical burns of the esophagus

The ingestion of caustic chemical agents, usually accidentally by children, produces a range of injury from minor mouth burns to necrosis of the esophagus and stomach. The type of agent, amount, concentration, and duration of exposure are the determining factors. The treatment of the average burn has been fairly well standardized, but the serious injuries require prompt recognition of complications and appropriate therapy.
Diagnostic differences in verbal learning strategies and verbal memory in patients with mood disorders and psychotic disorders.

Abstract A better understanding of verbal learning strategies can offer insight to the difference in verbal memory performance and learning between patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders, non-psychotic major depression, and psychotic major depression. To date, a comparison of the use of verbal learning strategies and verbal memory performance amongst these specific diagnostic groups has not been investigated. This study examined differences in verbal learning and memory between psychotic major depression (n = 31), nonpsychotic major depression (n = 30), and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (n = 17) disorders. Verbal learning and memory were assessed through the use of the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II). Correlations and multiple regression analyses were conducted to analyze differences in verbal learning and memory amongst these groups. There were no significant differences in the use of Semantic Clustering. Diagnostic differences were observed in the use of Serial and Subjective Clustering. The psychotic major depression group utilized Serial Clustering strategy significantly less than the nonpsychotic major depression group. Learning strategies significantly predicted learning and recall. These findings lend support to the hypothesis that learning strategies predict verbal memory performance across diagnostic groups. The present study contains useful information on diagnostic differences in verbal learning and memory, and a framework by which treatment could be tailored to enhance learning specific to these diagnostic groups.
A quantum cognition model for bridging stated and revealed preference

ABSTRACT Despite increasingly abundant data on revealed travel behaviors, stated preference surveys still play an indispensable role in analyzing and predicting human behaviors in hypothetical scenarios. Recent needs for forecasting travel behaviors in the era of autonomous vehicles and more prevalent sharing economy are examples. However, it is well known that the framing effect in surveys could be significant when asking the same question with different modes, instruments, and wordings. Moreover, systematic deviation is observed when stated preference and revealed preference are compared, per a growing body of studies, due to the framing effect, the change of decision context, and the altered mental states of participants. These situations resemble two prevalent quantum phenomena – measurement influences the state of a system, and different observation sequences on a system render different results. This paper proposes a quantum cognition model consistent with quantum logic and demonstrates its usefulness in the quantitative study of stated and revealed preference. Examples show how to calibrate the model and forecast revealed preference when only stated preference is available. Although the proposed model is not limited to the number of questions, the examples focus on single-question scenarios. This paper takes a utilitarian perspective on quantum mechanics and demonstrates how it could improve survey designs and prediction on revealed preference.
Prenatal Contraceptive Counseling by Video.

Objective Effective postpartum contraception can improve interpregnancy intervals. Opportunities exist for counseling and education during prenatal care. Few studies have assessed the use of multimedia as a tool to improve long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) use postpartum. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether LARC-focused video counseling during prenatal care increases uptake of postpartum LARC and overall contraception use. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, women receiving their prenatal care at a university-based resident clinic were randomized to receive LARC FIRST video contraceptive counseling along with routine prenatal care or routine prenatal care alone. All of the participants received information regarding access to free LARC methods in the postpartum period. The primary outcome was LARC uptake by 12 weeks postpartum. Secondary outcomes included overall contraception use at 12 weeks postpartum, postpartum visit attendance, and acceptability of video counseling. Results LARC use at 12 weeks postpartum rose from an estimated 6% preintervention to 39.4% (13/33) in the video group compared with 29.4% (10/34) of the control group. The difference between groups was not statistically significant. Although overall contraceptive use (72.7% vs 54.8%) and postpartum visit attendance (91% vs. 76.5%) were higher in the video group relative to the control group, these differences were not statistically significant. Participants overwhelmingly liked the video (95.2%, 41/42) and believed viewing it was a good use of their appointment time (92%, 38/42). Conclusions LARC use increased 32% across the entire study cohort; however, video-based contraceptive counseling did not increase LARC uptake at 12 weeks postpartum compared with routine prenatal care alone. Patients viewing the video reported high levels of acceptability and improved contraceptive knowledge. Video counseling may be a useful adjunct in many clinical settings.
Validation of the Siggaard–Andersen Acid–Base Nomogram for Hemoglobin F: Implications for Fetal Cord Blood Gas Analysis

Objective The calculation of HCO3 and base excess in current blood gas analysis is based on the Siggaard–Andersen equation. One of the constants in this equation is dependent on the known buffering capacity of hemoglobin A. We sought to investigate differences in buffering capacity between adult hemoglobin A and fetal hemoglobin F as a potential explanation for the observed poor correlation between calculated base excess in umbilical cord blood and newborn outcomes. Such differences would influence a key constant in the Van Slyke/Siggaard–Andersen equation used to calculate HCO3 and base excess and could be an explanation of these observations. Study Design This was a prospective observational study. We analyzed umbilical cord blood bicarbonate levels both as calculated values from a traditional blood gas analyzer and as measured values in 20 women giving birth at term. Since the calculated value is dependent upon the concentration and known buffering capacity of hemoglobin A, significant differences in these two analyses would imply differences in the buffering capacity of hemoglobins A and F. Results The mean calculated HCO3 value was 25 mEq/L (25.3 ± 1.9) compared with a mean measured value of 25 mEq/L (24.6 ± 1.7) over a range of pH levels of 7.16 to 7.42. This difference was not significant (p = 0.07). Conclusion The buffering capacity of hemoglobin F, for clinical purposes, is not different than that of hemoglobin A and is not an explanation for the recognized poor correlation between base excess and neonatal outcome.
Characterization of Street Sweeping Material for Addressing Total Maximum Daily Waste Load Allocations

AbstractMunicipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permittees are increasingly required to reduce pollutant of concern (POC) loadings from their service areas to achieve waste load allocations (WL...
CAM Practices and Treatment Adherence Among Key Subpopulations of HIV+ Latinos Receiving Care in the San Diego-Tijuana Border Region: A Latent Class Analysis.

Latinos living in the United States-Mexico border region bear a disproportionate HIV/AIDS burden compared to individuals living in the interior of both nations and face a constellation of barriers that determine their ability to access and adhere to HIV care. Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) may be associated with suboptimal treatment adherence. Sociodemographic factors, health practices, and social determinants of health unique to the border region may further contribute to health disparities that undermine care engagement and continuity. Improved understanding of HIV-positive Latino subgroups and their risk profiles can lead to more effective, targeted clinical and public health interventions. We undertook this study to identify and characterize distinct classes of HIV-positive Latinos in the San Diego-Tijuana border region, differentiated by HIV and border-related factors, utilizing latent class analysis. We investigated relationships between class membership and CAM utilization and self-reported antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. Five distinct classes were identified with unique demographic, HIV risk, and border mobility profiles. CAM was recently used by nearly half of each class, though there were significant differences in the proportion of CAM use by class ranging from 44.4% to 90.9%. As well, all classes were currently receiving ART at similarly high rates and ART adherence outcomes were not significantly different based on class. Findings highlight the significant use of CAM by all HIV-positive Latinos in the border region and imply the need for a research framework which appropriately acknowledges the heterogeneous nature of this population, such as intersectionality. Further research is recommended into understanding how patients integrate CAM into HIV treatment and the risks and benefits of incorporating CAM into HIV treatment.
rmtA-Dependent Transcriptome and Its Role in Secondary Metabolism, Environmental Stress, and Virulence in Aspergillus flavus

Aspergillus flavus colonizes numerous oil seed crops such as maize, peanuts, treenuts and cottonseed worldwide, contaminating them with aflatoxins and other harmful toxins. Previously our lab characterized the gene rmtA, which encodes an arginine methyltransferase in A. flavus, and demonstrated its role governing the expression of regulators in the aflatoxin gene cluster and subsequent synthesis of toxin. Furthermore, our studies revealed that rmtA also controls conidial and sclerotial development implicating it as an epigenetic regulator in A. flavus. To confirm this, we performed a RNA sequencing analysis to ascertain the extent of rmtA9s influence on the transcriptome of A. flavus. In this analysis we identified over 2000 genes that were rmtA-dependent, including over 200 transcription factor genes, as well as an uncharacterized secondary metabolite gene cluster possibly responsible for the synthesis of an epidithiodiketopiperazine-like compound. Our results also revealed rmtA-dependent genes involved in multiple types of abiotic stress response in A. flavus. Importantly, hundreds of genes active during maize infection were also regulated by rmtA. In addition, in the animal infection model, rmtA was dispensable for virulence, however forced overexpression of rmtA increased mortality with respect to the wild type.
Image-based screening for men at high risk for breast cancer: Benefits and drawbacks

Male breast cancer is a rare malignancy. Due to low prevalence and limited data to support male breast cancer screening, there are currently no recommendations for image-based screening in asymptomatic men and few recommendations for men at high risk for breast cancer. However, symptomatically diagnosed cancers in men are typically advanced, suggesting that earlier detection may improve outcomes. In this article we briefly review the risk factors for male breast cancer, and discuss the potential benefits and possible drawbacks of routine image-based screening for men at high risk for breast cancer.