cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Run-Time Data-Dependent Defect Tolerance for Hybrid CMOS/Nanodevice Digital Memories

This paper presents a data-dependent defect tolerance design approach to improve the storage capacity of defect-prone hybrid CMOS/nanodevice digital memories. The basic idea is to reduce the memory redundancy overhead by exploiting the run-time matching between the data and memory defects. A conditional bit-flipping technique is used to enable the practical realization of this design approach in presence of the conflict between the dynamic nature of run-time data-defect matching and static nature of memory system design. Computer simulations show that the proposed method can achieve much higher storage capacity compared with conventional data-independent defect tolerance at small memory operation overhead.
Public Policy Issues Affecting Psychiatric Inpatient Treatment

Health policy and health programs dominate mental health policies and programs. The treatment aspects of Medicaid and Medicare, the self-insurance of large companies, and commercial insurance such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield focus specifically on health issues. Except for state mental hospitals and state-run welfare programs, psychiatric care—both inpatient and outpatient—is more or less thrown in as an afterthought in the development of public policy. As a result, psychiatric and psychological care is forced to mimic currently accepted styles of care in the area of physical health.
Some Commutative Algebra

In this appendix we collect some definitions and facts in commutative algebra. These facts concern free modules, Krull dimension of rings and dimension of modules, graded rings and modules, associated primes, and regular sequences.
Alternate Surface Intersection Points

Two optical ray trace conventions are addressed. The choice of ray-surface intersection has been based on convention rather than examination of the situation. The problem can be handled automatically by specifying an active side to a surface and then associating a direction to the surface normal based on that active side. The two solutions obtained by solving the equation of the line and surface can then be tested by scalar product with the normal. The reflection algorithm is restructured to eliminate the need for a negative index and the concept of rays traveling in negative space.
Parylene-on-oil packaging for implantable pressure sensors

This paper reports the feasibility study of a parylene-on-oil encapsulation packaging method of pressure sensors targeted for long-term implantation. Commercial barometric digital-output pressure sensors are enclosed in silicone oil and then encapsulated in situ with parylene-C or -D (PA-C, PA-D). Experimentally, sensors encapsulated with 30,000cSt silicone oil and 24.92μm PA-D show good performance for 6 weeks in 77°C saline with >99% of original sensitivity, corresponding to a predicted lifetime of around 21 months in 37°C saline according to the Arrhenius equation with an activation energy of −0.6eV [1]. This work shows that, with proper designs, such a packaging method can preserve the original pressure sensor sensitivity without offset, validated throughout accelerated lifetime tests. A model to predict sensitivity retention after packaging is also presented.
African Origin of Human Mitochondrial DNA Reexamined

Few papers in evolutionary biology have created as much of a stir as did that of Cann et al. (1987), which claimed in part that "Africa is a likely source of the human mitochondrial gene pool." Criticisms (Darlu and Tassy, 1987; Saito and Omoto, 1987; Pamilo and Nei, 1988; Spuhler, 1988; Excoffier and Langaney, 1989) and extensions (Wilson et al., 1987, 1989; Wrischnik et al., 1987; Vigilant et al., 1989; Horai and Hayasaka, 1990) of Cann et al.'s watershed paper have focused on the validity of the inferred phylogeny, but have not questioned whether Cann et al.'s phylogeny supports their inference of African origin. The purpose of the current paper is not to examine, in general, the question of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) origin. I will focus on the evidence provided by Cann et al.'s data and their analytical methods. I will show that their data do not unequivocally support an African origin of human mtDNA, as there are equally parsimonious migration pathways that suggest different regions of origin. My main message will be a methodological one: in answering an evolutionary question using phylogenetic analysis, the full implications of data are not revealed unless one considers all equally well supported hypotheses. METHOD OF INFERRING ANCESTRAL REGION
Chapter 3: The Investigation Materials

This chapter in The Handbook of Human Rights Investigation provides an overview of the means and methods of conducting human rights investigations.
THE IDEA OF GOODNESS OF CONFUCIUS AND ITS VALUE IN CULTURE

The Goodness in Confucius' thoughts means good virtue.One of the contributes of Confucius'in the theory of humanity is that he did his best to enlighten people to have good virtue.The feature of Confucius'education with Goodness is enlightenment and moralization,with criticism as a complement.The contents of Confucius' Leading People to Goodness include the goodness in family life,in social ethic and in politics.
Lack of an effect of atrial natriuretic peptide on myogenic contraction of microvascular smooth muscle

In previous studies we demonstrated that constriction of cremaster microvessels by occupation of alpha 1- but not alpha 2-adrenoceptors is inhibited by atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) at physiologi...
2 – Presentation of the Patient with Pulmonary Disease

Chapter 2 covers the variety of major symptoms that can be experienced by patients with a disorder affecting the respiratory system. In many cases, it is one of these symptoms that leads to the individual's seeking medical care. Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a particularly common symptom that results from many acute and chronic pulmonary diseases, but it can also result from cardiovascular disease and a variety of other miscellaneous conditions. Cough, which is normally an important protective mechanism for clearing the airway, can be due to airway irritants, diseases affecting the airways or pulmonary parenchyma, heart failure, and a variety of miscellaneous causes, including use of angiotensin-converting inhibitors. Hemoptysis, which is most commonly from airways disease, can also be a consequence of pulmonary parenchymal or vascular disease. Chest pain, although most commonly resulting from cardiac disease, can occur with irritation, inflammation, or infiltration of pleural, diaphragmatic, or mediastinal surfaces.
Membranes for Bioseparations

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the membrane processes used in bioseparations. It also describes the membrane materials and modules commonly used in biotechnology industries for concentration or separation of biochemical compounds. Membrane fouling, the most critical issue in applying membrane processes to biological methods, is emphasized, with discussions on the factors affecting fouling phenomena and mathematical modeling of the fouling process. Some key applications and outlook on membrane separations in biotechnology are also examined. Membrane processes are conveniently categorized based on the pore size of the membrane into various filtration types such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, and pervaporation. One of the critical factors governing the performance of microfiltration or ultrafiltration processes is the irreversible alteration of the membrane caused by specific interactions between the membrane and various proteins in the process stream. Protein fouling usually manifests itself as a decay in filtrate flux and/or an alteration in membrane selectivity. Fouling often continues throughout the filtration process and eventually requires the membrane be cleaned or replaced.
Identification of the First Marine-Derived Opioid Receptor "Balanced" Agonist with a Signaling Profile That Resembles the Endorphins.

Opioid therapeutics are excellent analgesics, whose utility is compromised by dependence. Morphine (1) and its clinically relevant derivatives such as OxyContin (2), Vicodin (3), and Dilaudid (4) are “biased” agonists at the μ opioid receptor (OR), wherein they engage G protein signaling but poorly engage β-arrestin and the endocytic machinery. In contrast, endorphins, the endogenous peptide agonists for ORs, are potent analgesics, show reduced liability for tolerance and dependence, and engage both G protein and β-arrestin pathways as “balanced” agonists. We set out to determine if marine-derived alkaloids could serve as novel OR agonist chemotypes with a signaling profile distinct from morphine and more similar to the endorphins. Screening of 96 sponge-derived extracts followed by LC-MS-based purification to pinpoint the active compounds and subsequent evaluation of a mini library of related alkaloids identified two structural classes that modulate the ORs. These included the following: aaptamine (10), ...
Cramer-Rao Bounds and Performance Analysis of a Low-Complexity Algorithm for Burst Mode Synchronization

This paper analyzes an algorithm for synchronizing with a QPSK burst transmission. The symbol timing, carrier frequency offset, and carrier phase offset are estimated using a novel low-complexity kurtosis-based algorithm. The paper computes Cramer-Rao bounds for joint estimation of the synchronization parameters and compares the performance of the proposed estimation algorithm with these bounds.
Metal implants on CT: comparison of iterative reconstruction algorithms for reduction of metal artifacts with single energy and spectral CT scanning in a phantom model

Purpose To assess single energy metal artifact reduction (SEMAR) and spectral energy metal artifact reduction (MARS) algorithms in reducing artifacts generated by different metal implants.
ABAC with Group Attributes and Attribute Hierarchies Utilizing the Policy Machine

Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) has received significant attention in recent years, although the concept has been around for over two decades now. Many ABAC models, with different variations, have been proposed and formalized. Besides basic ABAC models, there are models designed with additional capabilities such as group attributes, group and attribute hierarchies and so on. Hierarchical relationship among groups and attributes enhances access control flexibility and facilitates attribute management and administration. However, implementation and demonstration of ABAC models in real-world applications is still lacking. In this paper, we present a restricted HGABAC (rHGABAC) model with user and object groups and group hierarchy. We then introduce attribute hierarchies in this model. We also present an authorization architecture for implementing rHGABAC utilizing the NIST Policy Machine (PM). PM allows to define attribute-based access control policies, however, the attributes in PM are different in nature than attributes in typical ABAC models as name-value pairs. We identify a policy configuration mechanism for our proposed model employing PM capabilities, and demonstrate use cases and their configuration and implementation in PM using our authorization architecture.
Recent Advances in Piperazine Synthesis

Piperazine ranks as the third most common N-heterocycle appearing in small-molecule pharmaceuticals. This review highlights recent advances in methods development for the construction of the piperazine­ ring system with particular emphasis on preparing carbon-substituted piperazines. 1 Introduction 2 Reduction of (Di)ketopiperazine 3 N-Alkylation 4 Transition-Metal-Catalyzed/Mediated Piperazine Synthesis 4.1 The SnAP and SLAP Methods 4.2 Palladium-Catalyzed Cyclization 4.3 Gold-Catalyzed Cyclization 4.4 Other Metal-Catalyzed/Mediated Cyclization 4.5 Borrowing Hydrogen Strategy 4.6 Imine Reductive Cyclization 5 Reduction of Pyrazines 6 Miscellaneous 7 Conclusion
Analysis of an Adaptive Parameter Estimation and Fault Detection Technique

Abstract This paper presents the probabilistic analysis of a combined parameter estimation and fault detection method. The method is applicable in situations where a plant model is not available, the plant is subject to sudden changes, and real-time parameter estimation is required. An ordinary Kalman filter, in conjunction with a three-stage decision rule for fault detection, is used to estimate an input-output model of the unknown plant.
Relationship between ocular dominance and brow position in patients with blepharoptosis.

ABSTRACTPurpose: This study aims to determine if ocular dominance plays a role in predicting compensatory eyebrow elevation in cases of ptosis.Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study screened all individuals presenting to two tertiary oculoplastics practices with complaints of ptosis for entry. Primary position photographs were obtained. Ocular dominance was assessed via a modified Porta test. Ptosis was defined in bilateral cases as marginal reflex distance of 1 mm lower on one side. Asymmetry in brow height was defined as a difference of >1 mm. Chi square and t-tests were performed.Results: Sixty-eight patients from the both tertiary practices met inclusion criteria (37 male, 31 female). Concordance between the higher brow and the dominant side was 50.0% (n = 22, p > 0.05). Mean brow height on the dominant side (15.5 mm) was not statistically different than brow height on the non-dominant side (15.3 mm, p ...
Udayana's Refutation of the Buddhist Thesis of Momentariness in the ātmatattvaviveka

Udayana, le grand philosophe Nyaya du XI e siecle, a redige l'Atmatattvaviveka pour expliquer la croyance Nyaya en un moi durable, notamment a la lumiere de l'opposition bouddhiste a une telle croyance. L'ethique bouddhiste de la compassion universelle necessite uniquement une continuite causale entre les vies et non une continuite de l'identite personnelle. Udayana affirme que ses opposants bouddhistes sont incapables d'etablir une connexion causale entre le grenier et la semence du champ. Sa critique de Jnanasrimitra est devenue une critique de la credibilite de la doctrine bouddhiste de la renaissance
THE PUCOT FOR MEASURING ELASTIC MODULI AND MECHANICAL DAMPING OF DENTAL ALLOYS

Publisher Summary Of obvious concern in dentistry are the phase changes and mechanical properties of Ag-Hg-Sn amalgams at and above body temperature. In particular, quantitative information on the changes in Young's modulus (E) of dental amalgams after compaction is of fundamental importance. With standard tensile machines, it is difficult to obtain reliable E values for such soft materials as dental amalgams just after their compaction. For this reason, the piezoelectric ultrasonic composite oscillator technique (PUCOT) has been used at 80 kHz to measure E in dental amalgams. The use of the PUCOT has the advantage that measurements of the mechanical damping of the specimen, Q can be made contemporaneously with the E measurements. Thus, both the E and Q measurements could be made as functions of temperature changed at a programmed rate. This chapter presents the measurements of E for 10 dental amalgams for times as short as 15 min and up to 5.5 weeks, and measurements for one amalgam of the temperature dependence of mechanical damping for the range 20 to 80°C. The PUCOT experimental arrangement consisted of piezoelectric quartz drive and gauge crystals to excite longitudinal ultrasonic (80 kHz) resonant stress waves in the specimen of appropriate resonant length.
Multivariate Analysis and the Pharmaceutical Regulatory Framework

Abstract This chapter reviews the bio/pharmaceutical regulatory landscape and regulatory documents and standards that are relevant to multivariate analysis and related applications, including ICH Quality Guidelines, regional/national regulations and guidelines, pharmacopoeial standards, and standards development organizations.
Right or left thoracotomy for esophageal atresia and right aortic arch? Systematic review and surgicoanatomic justification

Abstract Introduction The optimal thoracotomy approach for the management of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) with a right aortic arch (RAA) remains controversial. Methods Systematic review of complications and death rates between right- and left-sided repairs, including all studies on EA/TEF and RAA, apart from studies focusing on long-gap EA and thoracoscopic repairs. Review of right- and left-sided surgical anatomy in relation to reported complications. Results Although no significant differences were elicited between right- and left-sided repairs in complications (9/29 vs. 1/6, p = 0.64) and death rates (2/29 vs. 0/6, p = 0.57), unique anatomic complications – such as injury to the RAA covering the esophagus and intractable bleeding – associated with mortality were revealed in the right thoracotomy group. Left-sided repairs following failed repair through the right showed higher complications rate (3/3) than straightforward right- (9/29) or left-sided repairs (1/6) (p = 0.024). Right thoracotomies converted to left thoracotomies led to staged repairs more frequently (4/9) than straightforward right (5/38) or left thoracotomies (0/6) (p = 0.03). Conclusions There is not enough evidence to support that right thoracotomy, characterized by unique surgicoanatomic difficulties, is equivalent to left thoracotomy for EA/TEF with RAA. Both approaches might be required, and, therefore, surgeons should be familiarized with surgical anatomy of mediastinum approached from right and left. Systematic review, Level of Evidence III.
THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF ANTIBIOTIC POLYPEPTIDES

This chapter discusses the biosynthesis of antibiotic polypeptides. Certain common features of antibiotic polypeptides are relevant to their mode of biosynthesis. Peptide antibiotics are produced only during a limited period of the life cycle of the producing organism, after the end of the logarithmic phase of growth, when certain nutrients essential for growth, have disappeared from the medium. A wide variety of unusual amino acids, which do not occur in proteins, are found in antibiotic polypeptides. This might be considered as a theoretical argument in favor of a mode of biosynthesis different from that of proteins. A number of the “unnatural” amino acids could have resulted from the modification of normal amino acids, for instance by methylation, after their incorporation into a peptide chain. Antibiotic polypeptides occur as groups, or “families,” of structurally related molecules, differing from one another by only a single amino acid. Such is the case for the bacitracins, the tyrocidines, and the vernamycins.
Role of Ca++/Calmodulin binding proteins in Aspergillus nidulans cell cycle regulation

The goal of this review is to summarise the current knowledge concerning the targets of Ca++ / calmodulin that are essential for cell cycle progression in lower eukaryotes. Emphasis is placed on Aspergillus nidulans since this is the only organism to date shown to posses essential Ca++ dependent calmodulin activated enzymes. Two such enzymes are the calmodulin activated protein phosphatase, calcineurin and the calmodulin dependent protein kinase. These proteins, each the product of a unique gene, are required for progression of quiescent spores into the proliferative cycle and also for execution of the nuclear division cycle in exponentially growing germlings.
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is performed for gastroesophageal reflux disease unresponsive to maximal medical treatment, unwillingness or inability to remain on lifelong acid suppression therapy, or concurrently with symptomatic hiatal hernia repairs. Manometric studies should confirm absence of any significant esophageal dysmotility. This chapter describes indications, essential steps, variations, and complications of this procedure. It provides a detailed template operative note for the procedure.
Comparison of Free, Esterified, and Insoluble-Bound Phenolics and Their Bioactivities in Three Organs of Lonicera japonica and L. macranthoides

Dried flower buds of Lonicera japonica and L. macranthoides have long been used as herbs in numerous Chinese traditional medicines. Comparisons of three phenolic fractions (i.e., free, esterified, and insoluble-bound phenolics) in three different organs (i.e., flower, leaf, and stem) of the two species revealed that the free phenolics were the highest in terms of total phenol and total flavonoid content, composed of the most numerous phenolics and flavonoids; thus, they exhibited the most excellent antioxidant activities (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)), as well as protective effects on DNA damage induced by free radicals. In identical free and esterified phenolics of a same organ, higher contents and bioactivities were observed in L. macranthoides than in L. japonica. Phenolics identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector, alongside tandem mass spectrometry coupled with a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UPLC-DAD–QTOF-MS/MS) mainly included chlorogenic acid and its five derivatives, three flavonoids that were only found in the free phenolic fraction and closely correlated with its bioactivity, and caffeic acid that was the major contributor to antioxidant activity of the esterified and insoluble-bound phenolic fractions. It was, thus, concluded that, like L. japonica, L. macranthoides, which was underestimated since being separately listed by the 2010 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, is also a good (and better) herbal medicine.
Fatigue-Mediated Loss of Complexity is Contraction-Type Dependent in Vastus Lateralis Electromyographic Signals

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of fatigue status and contraction type on complexity of the surface electromyographic (sEMG) signal. Twelve females (mean age ± SD = 21.1 ± 1.4 years) performed three fatigue-inducing protocols that involved maximal concentric, eccentric, or isometric knee-extensor contractions over three non-consecutive sessions. Pre- and post-fatigue assessments were also completed each session and consisted of three maximal efforts for each type of contraction. Complexity of sEMG signals from the vastus lateralis was assessed using Sample Entropy (SampEn) and Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) as expressed using the scaling exponent α. The results showed that fatigue decreased (p fatigued: 1.46 ± 0.25) and increased DFA α (non-fatigued: 1.27 ± 0.26 eccentric: 1.47 ± 0.27 and isometric: 1.50 ± 0.21) and DFA α (concentric: 1.27 ± 0.18 < isometric: 1.32 ± 0.18). Thus, these findings suggested sEMG complexity is affected by fatigue status and contraction type, with the degree of fatigue-mediated loss of complexity dependent on the type of contraction used to elicit fatigue.
An Improved Synthesis of a Hydroxymethyl Tricyclic Ketone from Cyclohexanone, the Key Processes for the Synthesis of a Highly Potent Anti-inflammatory and Cytoprotective Agent

An improved synthesis of hydroxymethyl tricyclic ketone, (±)-(4aS,8aS)-8a-(hydroxymethyl)-1,1,4a-trimethyl-3,4,4a,6,7,8,8a,9,10,10a-decahydrophenanthren-2(1H)-one, in five steps (34% yield) from cyclohexanone has been successfully established. Accordingly, 10 grams of a highly potent anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective agent, (±)-(4bS,8aR,10aS)-10a-ethynyl-4b,8,8-trimethyl-3,7-dioxo-3,4b,7,8,8a,9,10,10a-octahydrophenanthrene-2,6-dicarbonitrile (TBE-31), was obtained in 15 steps (9.2% overall yield) via the hydroxymethyl tricyclic ketone from 32 grams of cyclohexanone.
A Rapid Method for Label-Free Enrichment of Rare Trophoblast Cells from Cervical Samples

Extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) have the potential to provide the entire fetal genome for prenatal testing. Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of EVTs in the cervical canal and the ability to retrieve a small quantity of these cells by cervical sampling. However, these small quantities of trophoblasts are far outnumbered by the population of cervical cells in the sample, making isolation of the trophoblasts challenging. We have developed a method to enrich trophoblast cells from a cervical sample using differential settling of the cells in polystyrene wells. We tested the addition of small quantities of JEG-3 trophoblast cell line cells into clinical samples from standard Pap tests taken at 5 to 20 weeks of gestation to determine the optimal work flow. We observed that a 4 min incubation in the capture wells led to a maximum in JEG-3 cell settling on the surface (71 ± 10% of the initial amount added) with the removal of 91 ± 3% of the cervical cell population, leading to a 700% enrichment in JEG-3 cells. We hypothesized that settling of mucus in the cervical sample affects the separation. Finally, we performed a proof-of-concept study using our work flow and CyteFinder cell picking to verify enrichment and pick individual JEG-3 and trophoblast cells free of cervical cells. Ultimately, this work provides a rapid, facile, and cost-effective method for enriching native trophoblasts from cervical samples for use in subsequent non-invasive prenatal testing using methods including single cell picking.
Pressure-driven water transport behavior and antifouling performance of two-dimensional nanomaterial laminated membranes

Abstract Fouling remains a major challenge for the longevity of filtration membranes and their application in membrane-based treatment facilities. Polymers, such as polysulfone (Psf) and polyamide (PA) that are used as commercial and laboratory ultrafiltration and nanofiltration membranes, are prone to severe fouling over the course of their lifetime. In this study, polyethersulfone (PES) membranes were coated with two-dimensional nanomaterials, including graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). The effect of the nanosheets on the pressure-driven water transport and antifouling performance of the modified membranes was investigated in terms of water permeability, initial flux decline under simulated fouling condition, and flux recovery ratio (FRR). The GO functionalized membrane significantly impedes water transport due to the side-pinning effect of functional groups. 32% reduction in C–O and 35% reduction in overall oxygen content of GO by reducing thermally it to rGO, restored the permeability by 300%. However, despite the higher initial water flux, the rGO functionalized membranes were still more prone to fouling than GO due to the increase in hydrophobicity. Conversely, MoS2 nanosheets with no functional groups offer a frictionless water flow through nanochannels. The smooth MoS2/PES membrane showed better antifouling performance than both the GO and rGO functionalized membranes while providing 3.7 times faster water transport.
Fast Transport of RNA Granules by Direct Interactions with KIF5A/KLC1 Motors Prevents Axon Degeneration

Abstract Complex neural circuitry requires stable connections formed by lengthy axons. To maintain these functional circuits, fast transport delivers RNAs to distal axons where they undergo local translation. However, the mechanism that enables long distance transport of non-membrane enclosed organelles such as RNA granules is not known. Here we demonstrate that a complex containing RNA and the RNA-binding protein (RBP) SFPQ interacts directly with a tetrameric kinesin containing the adaptor KLC1 and the motor KIF5A. We show that binding of SFPQ to KIF5A/KLC1 motor complex is required for axon survival and is impacted by KIF5A mutations that cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disease. Moreover, therapeutic approaches that bypass the need for local translation of SFPQ-bound proteins prevent axon degeneration in CMT models. Collectively, these observations show that non-membrane enclosed organelles can move autonomously and that replacing axonally translated proteins provides a therapeutic approach to axonal degenerative disorders.
Progress towards drug discovery for Friedreich's Ataxia: Identifying synthetic oligonucleotides that more potently activate expression of human frataxin protein.

Abstract Friedreich’s Ataxia (FRDA) is an incurable genetic disease caused by an expanded trinucleotide AAG repeat within intronic RNA of the frataxin (FXN) gene. We have previously demonstrated that synthetic antisense oligonucleotides or duplex RNAs that are complementary to the expanded repeat can activate expression of FXN and return levels of FXN protein to near normal. The potency of these compounds, however, was too low to encourage vigorous pre-clinical development. We now report testing of “gapmer” oligonucleotides consisting of a central DNA portion flanked by chemically modified RNA that increases binding affinity. We find that gapmer antisense oligonucleotides are several fold more potent activators of FXN expression relative to previously tested compounds. The potency of FXN activation is similar to a potent benchmark gapmer targeting the nuclear noncoding RNA MALAT-1, suggesting that our approach has potential for developing more effective compounds to regulate FXN expression in vivo.
Supporting Students During COVID-19: Developing and Leveraging Academic Communities of Engagement in a Time of Crisis

As school closures require educators to transition to remote teaching, relevant models for supporting students are necessary This article discusses Academic Communities of Engagement (ACE), a framework identifying two communities to help support student engagement: (a) the course community associated with course or school (teacher, peers, administrators, counselors) and (b) students' personal community with long-standing relationships (parents, siblings, friends) Within the framework these communities can provide affective, behavioral, and cognitive support in online (remote) settings Examples from two schools that had to go remote demonstrate application of the framework promoting student engagement and success
Foucault on psychagogy and the politics of education

For the past half-century, critical pedagogy has represented perhaps the most influential response to traditional ‘banking’ models of education and the political obedience and social conformity they are purported to engender. Precisely because of its lasting impact, however, it has tended to overshadow other possible visions of the critical political potential of education. In this article, I trace the origins and development of a distinctive yet under-discussed concept in Michel Foucault’s late ethical work – psychagogy – to pursue an alternative depiction of education as a critical political practice. Attending to the origins and meaning of psychagogy in Foucault’s work is valuable, I argue, for two reasons. On the one hand, the concept offers a vision of political education that avoids reproducing problematic juridical binaries – truth and ideology, rationality and irrationality, absolved and condemned – that Foucault believed inhered in Enlightenment-era conceptions of emancipation. On the other hand, it demonstrates how political problems of our present might be rendered workable not only through recourse to the authoritative discourses of experts or collective demands of revolutionaries, but also through exercises in subjectivity formation that are rather more quotidian, experiential, and conditional in nature.
Impact of Alternative Delivery on the Response Time of Requests for Information for Highway Projects

AbstractRequests for information (RFIs) are a critical communication tool on construction projects. Preparing RFIs and responding to RFIs takes time and money. Unresolved RFIs or slow responses to ...
Do Acquirers Retain or Attract Customers Following Mergers and Acquisitions? Evidence from the Audit Industry

We use a unique setting of an auditor’s acquisition of another auditor to provide new insight into customer responses to mergers broadly, and to study several audit market dynamics. Unlike most merger settings that primarily allow examination of the merging firms and their rivals, this setting also provides data on these firms’ customers (“clients”). We find that the number of clients switching to the acquiring auditor increases following the merger, however we find that this is more than offset by an increase in the number of clients switching from the acquiring auditor. We find that a poor fit between the acquiring (large) auditor and the acquired clients leads to the loss of many (small) acquired clients. We also find evidence of unintended consequences to the acquiring firm in the form of the loss of existing clients. We find little evidence that the merger generates a sustained gain in market share or significant increase in aggregate fees. Our study is among the first to document the client attributes that lead to exit from a merged firm. Specific to the audit market, our study casts doubt on the likelihood that auditors intentionally develop or obtain industry specialization which then attracts clients, consistent with recent research suggesting that auditors instead fall backwards into specialization after serving large industry clients over time.
Nitrate removal from reverse osmosis concentrate in pilot-scale open-water unit process wetlands

Biological treatment of nitrate in reverse osmosis (RO) concentrate produced from municipal wastewater effluent is challenging, in part because of the low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Open-water unit process wetlands may provide a cost-effective means of removing nitrate because autotrophic production of labile organic carbon supports denitrification in the wetland biomat. To determine the potential for employing open-water unit process wetlands for removing dissolved nitrogen species from RO concentrate, a pilot-scale open-water wetland treatment system was established and studied over a two-year period at a water reuse facility in San Jose, California. The system was operated with a 3-day hydraulic residence time, resulting in removal of up to 30% of the nitrate present in the RO concentrate during the first summer of operation and removal of up to 47% of the nitrate during the second summer. The biomat comprised a diverse algal and heterotrophic bacterial assemblage containing several clades that are putatively capable of denitrification, as well as greater abundances of denitrifying functional genes (nirK, narG) in the second year, coincident with higher nitrate removal. In batch reactors, the addition of woodchips increased nitrate removal rates from RO concentrate by approximately a factor of five or more, with rates dependent on the dose of woodchips applied. These results indicate that woodchip amendments could reduce the land area needed for nitrate treatment. This study provides evidence that open-water wetlands can remove nitrate from RO concentrate at the pilot scale, and identifies opportunities to enhance treatment efficiency with low-cost carbon amendments.
Synthesis, structures and catalytic activity of some BINOL based boronates and boronium salts

The BINOL supported chiral boronate ester [C10H12O2BC6F5(THF)] [(R)-1], [C10H12O2BC6F5(OPEt3)] [(R)-3] and [C10H12O2BC6F5]2 [(R,R)-2] as well as the chiral boronium salts [C10H12O2B(OPEt3)2]+[B(O2C10H12)2]−, [(R)-6] and [C10H12O2B(OSMe2)2]+[B(O2C10H12)2]− [(R)-7] have been synthesized, characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and the solid state structures of [(R)-1], [(R,R)-2] and [(R)-3] determined. Chiral ester [(R)-1] was found to be a potent Lewis acid, similar to B(C6F5)3, and capable of rapidly catalyzing the annulation of (R)-, (S)- and rac-styrene oxide with nitrone PhCHN(O)Me to trans-2-methyl-3,6-diphenyl-1,4,2-dioxazine (trans-11) with high regio- and diastereoslectivities.
Combining Static and Dynamic Analysis to Query Characteristics of HPC Applications

Emerging HPC platforms are becoming more difficult to program as a result of systems with different node architectures, some with a small number of "fat" heterogenous nodes (consisting of multiple accelerators) and others with a large number of "thin" homogenous nodes consisting of multi-core CPUs connected with high speed interconnects. New programming models are emerging to address performance portability of the applications as well as a set of scientific libraries that applications can use to exploit these architectures efficiently. To port applications to new architectures, developers need information about their source code characteristics including static and dynamic (e.g. performance) information to refactor the code, understand their data and code structure, and library usage as well as program information to direct their optimisation efforts and make key decisions. In this paper, we describe a tool that combines compiler and profiler information to query program characteristics in a given programming environment. Static and dynamic data about applications is collected and stored together in an SQL database that can be later queried to study application characteristics and patterns. We will demonstrate the capabilities of this tool with an application-driven case study that aims at understanding application code and its use of scientific libraries via a real world example from the molecular simulation application CP2K.
Leveraging Health Information Technology to Collect Family Cancer History: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSECollection of family cancer histories (FCHs) can identify individuals at risk for familial cancer syndromes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the literature on existing strategies whereb...
Scientific Ferment in Late Eighteenth-Century Edinburgh

Brown and Park’s immersion in the atmosphere of late eighteenth-century Edinburgh was fortuitous in shaping their early development. It was a period of great intellectual activity, with remarkable advances in science and technology as well as in literature and the arts. Edinburgh from the middle to the late eighteenth century was a place marked by exciting new ideas, i.e., the “Scottish Enlightenment,” a period from approximately the 1740s to the early 1800s. Focus on scientific ideas in Scotland flowed from the activity of the Edinburgh University Medical School. Under the guidance of the school’s professors, and with the support of private physicians, advances in medicine created interest in a wide range of fields, including chemistry, physiology, and botany. As interest in the large range of scientific fields grew, scientific activity became more professionalized. The favorable climate also assisted the development of medical societies such as the Society for the Improvement of Medical Knowledge (founded in 1731), the Aesculapian Club (begun in 1773), and Harveian Society (established in 1782).
Analysis and interpretation of GPR datasets for integrated archaeological mapping

An integrated approach to ground-penetrating radar interpretation should include not only the standard amplitude slice maps and isosurface renderings but also an analysis of individual reflection traces and adjusted and processed reflection profiles. Only when all those basic datasets are interpreted can the plethora of reflection features at various depths and locations within a grid be understood, especially in complex geological and archaeological settings. Topographically adjusted profiles can provide important clues to changes in reflectivity along a transect, indicating why certain amplitude features are visible (or not) in slice maps. An integration of excavation and outcrop data with reflection profiles can often indicate what features are producing high-amplitude reflections and which are yielding no reflection at all. Even individual reflection traces can be studied for polarity changes, which can help in identifying the types of buried materials that are producing reflections. All these datasets, some of which are often overlooked, must be integrated during interpretation, especially in complicated ground conditions.
Regimes of Derivation in Syntax and Morphology

Introduction. Part I. Morphology and Derivation 1. "Dumping Lexicalism" 2. Derivational Prefixes are Projective, not Realizational 3. Merge and Mirrors Part II. Functional Structure and Derivation 4. Subjects of Different Heights 5. There Is No Alternative to Cartography 6. Scope and Verb Meanings 7. Islands Regained
Human Functioning, Supports, Assistive Technology, and Evidence-Based Practices in the Field of Intellectual Disability

This article discusses the use of assistive technology (AT) in the context of three current international trends in the field of intellectual disability (ID) that are significantly impacting the de...
ASCA Observations of PSR 1929+10 and PSR 0950+08

The ASCA X-ray spectra of the old pulsars PSR 1929+10 and PSR 0950+08 are adequately fitted by simple blackbodies. Between 0.5 and 5.0 keV, PSR 1929+10 is best fitted with T = (5.14 +/- 0.53) x 10(exp 6) K and L = 1.54 x 10(exp 30) ergs/s; PSR 0950+08 has T = (5-70 +/- 0.63) x 10(exp 6) K and L = 4.67 x 10(exp 29) ergs/s. The inferred areas are 2 orders of magnitude smaller than canonical polar cap sizes. There is some evidence for a dearth of photons above 5 keV, which would disfavor alternative power-law models for the spectra. Pulsed emission is detected from PSR 1929+10 with 99.8% significance and pulsed fraction 0.35 +/- 0.18. Marginal evidence of pulsed X-ray emission from PSR 0950+08 is present with 99.0% significance and pulsed fraction 0.34+/- 0.18. Relativistic ray tracing shows that if the geometry deduced from the polarization of the radio pulse is adopted for the surface thermal emission, a central dipole cannot reproduce the large pulsed modulations observed unless the radius of the neutron star is as large as 18 km. A mechanism of polar cap heating by the impact of relativistic particles is suggested that can produce small areas with T approx. 5 x 10(exp 6) K on old, spun-down pulsars with weak magnetic fields (B approx. 3 x 10(exp 11) G).
Designing a Federal VAT: Summary and Recommendations

For the past thirty-five years, the debate on fundamental tax reform in the United States has centered on whether some type of consumption tax would replace all or part of the federal income tax. In my opinion, this debate has now been decided. Given recent budgetary developments and the impending eligibility of the baby boom generation for Social Security and Medicare, we cannot dispense with the revenue from the corporate and individual income tax. Moreover, we will need huge amounts of additional revenue, and most informed observers believe that the only plausible source for such revenues is a federal Value Added Tax (VAT) enacted in addition to, and not as a replacement of, the federal income tax. When a federal consumption tax is considered as an addition to, and not as a replacement of, the existing income tax, it becomes clear that a lot of the discussion of consumption taxes in the preceding US debate has been misguided. Consumption tax advocates typically began by asking how the income tax should be modified to reach only consumption. As a result, consumption tax proposals centered on features that derive from the income tax, such as progressivity and entity-based taxation. The resulting proposals bore little resemblance to existing VATs around the world. They were designed in large part to look more like income taxes and therefore perhaps be more politically acceptable. Once this central complication is abandoned, it becomes clear that the US should not reinvent the wheel. For example, most earlier consumption tax proposals were subtraction based (i.e., based on inclusions and deductions, like the income tax) rather than credit-invoice based (i.e., based on transactions). Almost all existing VATs, however, are credit-invoice based, for good reasons (explored below in Itai Grinberg’s article). Another example is that many consumption tax proposals (like David Bradford’s X-Tax and the Flat Tax) are origin based, while all VATs are destination based. This feature stems in part from the need to make a subtraction-method consumption tax WTO compatible. But as Keen and Hellerstein explain in this volume, destination based taxes are clearly superior, and once the US tax is a “normal” credit-invoice VAT, it can be destination based as well. Finally, if progressivity issues are addressed by the income tax, then the consumption tax can be applied at a single rate, like most modern VATs.
Brain Region-Specific Mechanisms for Acute Morphine-Induced Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Modulation and Distinct Patterns of Activation during Analgesic Tolerance and Locomotor Sensitization

Opioid-receptor activation in cell lines results in phosphorylation of p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which contributes to agonist-induced desensitization of adenylate cyclase signaling. In this study, morphine-induced MAPK modulation was examined in the mouse brain using antibodies against phosphorylated MAPK. Thirty minutes after systemic morphine, MAPK modulation was observed in brain areas associated with analgesia and reward. Activation of MAPK was increased in the anterior cingulate (Acc), somato-sensory and association cortices, and locus ceruleus (LC). In contrast, MAPK activation was decreased in the nucleus accumbens and central amygdala (CeA). Double-label confocal microscopy revealed that morphine-induced MAPK modulation occurred predominantly in cells not expressing mu-opioid receptors, with the exception of the LC. Furthermore, the NMDA receptor antagonist 3,3-(2-carboxypiperazine-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonate blocked morphine-induced MAPK modulation in several cortical areas including the Acc. We then examined morphine-induced MAPK modulation during expression of either analgesic tolerance or locomotor sensitization, which were differentiated by two repeated morphine regimens. Analgesic tolerance was accompanied by tolerance to morphine-induced MAPK modulation in all of the brain areas examined except the CeA. Locomotor sensitization resulted in sensitization to morphine-induced MAPK activation in the posterior basolateral amygdala. Additionally, a pronounced instatement of morphine-induced MAPK activation was observed in CA3 hippocampal processes. This instatement was observed during expression of tolerance; however, it was not significant during sensitization. In summary, these results provide distinct, region-specific mechanisms for morphine-induced MAPK modulation in the mouse brain and give insight into the brain circuitry involved in acute and adaptive opioid behaviors.
Urinary estriol determination in the management of prolonged pregnancy

Abstract Urinary estriol determinations have become a valuable aid in the diagnosis of intrauterine fetal jeopardy. Prolonged pregnancy may lead to placental senescence in the absence of maternal disease. Such instances may be discovered by the use of serial urinary estriol determinations in time to save the infant. Once discovered, cesarean section is the treatment of choice, particularly if amniocentesis reveals meconium staining.
Odontogenic cysts: improved imaging with a dental CT software program.

PURPOSE To evaluate a dental CT software program to determine whether it can provide a better means of assessing odontogenic cysts, lesions of the jaw derived from dental epithelium, than conventional techniques (orthopantomographic, intraoral, and mandibular films), which are of limited usefulness because of the curved configuration of the mandible; and to provide a brief review of these lesions. METHODS Nine odontogenic cysts were studied with conventional radiographs and with the software program, which displays multiple cross-referenced axial, panoramic, and cross-sectional (unique to this program) views of the mandible. The two modalities were compared for delineation of anatomy (inferior alveolar canal, mandibular foramen, mental foramen), detection of neurovascular bundle displacement, detection of cortical bone involvement, and detection of root involvement. RESULTS The software program rated higher regarding all four points. It was found to be superior for delineating anatomy and detecting mandibular canal displacement and cortical and root involvement. CONCLUSIONS This software program should be the study of choice when evaluating odontogenic cysts and other lesions of the mandible.