cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Programming the immune checkpoint to treat hematologic malignancies

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Hematologic malignancies manipulate the immune suppressive pathways involving CTLA-4, PD-1, and others to promote immune tolerance of cancer. New monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoints are showing meaningful responses in the treatment of relapsed and refractory Hodgkin lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The basis for success of anti-PD-1 therapy appears to be expression of PD-L1 on tumor cells and cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME). While adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors are capable of generating auto-immune phenomena, in general these therapies are well tolerated.Areas covered: In this review, the authors discuss the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and activators which hold promise as useful therapies in malignancies of hematologic origin, since many exploit endogenous pathways to induce tolerance. By programming the immune response to attack hematologic malignancie...
Restricting Attorney Speech About Matters of Recent Employment

This Article will first examine the current and proposed rules of professional conduct relating to conflict of interest, confidentiality, and the appearance of impropriety. The Article will then examine the need for a rule which prohibits an attorney from participating in literary efforts or public discussion concerning matters of recent employment. A rule prohibiting such conduct is then proposed and discussed. Finally, the proposed rule is analyzed within the context of first amendment considerations.
Vistradas: Visual Analytics for Urban Trajectory Data.

In the past few years a growing number of cities have started monitoring the position of public transportation vehicles using GPS devices. Most of these trajectory data are released in raw format and usually have issues, such as measurement errors. Providing insights from these valuable (and noisy) data is a major challenge in larger cities. In this paper we present a system, called Vistradas, for visual analytics of urban trajectory data. Vistradas allows users to analyze use cases related to trajectories of public buses such as: analysis of bus uniformity, verification of bus route, and the impact of events in bus traffic. Our proposed Vistradas system helps user to get insights into various aspects of public transportation.
Hegemonic masculinity at work in the gay adult film industry

This article discusses how staff at a gay adult film studio produce a local form of hegemonic masculinity to which adult film performers are held accountable, requiring performers to orient their g...
Culture Independent Genomic Comparisons Reveal Environmental Adaptations for Altiarchaeales.

The recently proposed candidatus order Altiarchaeales remains an uncultured archaeal lineage composed of genetically diverse, globally widespread organisms frequently observed in anoxic subsurface environments. In spite of 15 years of studies on the psychrophilic biofilm-producing Candidatus (Ca.) Altiarchaeum hamiconexum and its close relatives, very little is known about the phylogenetic and functional diversity of the widespread free-living marine members of this taxon. From methanogenic sediments in the White Oak River Estuary, NC, we sequenced a single cell amplified genome (SAG), WOR_SCG_SM1, and used it to identify and refine two high-quality genomes from metagenomes, WOR_79 and WOR_86-2, from the same site in a different year. These three genomic reconstructions form a monophyletic group which also includes three previously published genomes from metagenomes from terrestrial springs and a SAG from Sakinaw Lake in a group previously designated as pMC2A384. A synapomorphic mutation in the Altiarchaeales tRNA synthetase β subunit, pheT, causes the protein to be encoded as two subunits at distant loci. Consistent with the terrestrial spring clades, our estuarine genomes contain a near-complete autotrophic metabolism, H2 or CO as potential electron donors, a reductive acetyl-CoA pathway for carbon fixation, and methylotroph-like NADP(H)-dependent dehydrogenase. Phylogenies based on 16S rRNA genes and concatenated conserved proteins identify two distinct sub-clades of Altiarchaeales, Alti-1 populated by organisms from actively flowing springs, and Alti-2 which is more widespread, diverse, and not associated with visible mats. The core Alti-1 genome supports Alti-1 as adapted for the stream environment, with lipopolysaccharide production capacity, extracellular hami structures. The core Alti-2 genome members of this clade are free-living, with distinct mechanisms for energy maintenance, motility, osmoregulation, and sulfur redox reactions. These data suggest that hami structure found in Ca. A. hamiconexum are not present outside of stream-adapted Altiarchaeales. Unlike Ca. A. hamiconexum, these sedimentary organisms have membrane-bound coenzyme A disulfide reductases, which suggest they may use reduced sulfur compounds either as electron donors or defense against oxidative stress. Homologs to a Na+ transporter and membrane bound coenzyme A disulfide reductase that are unique to the brackish sediment Alti-2 genomes, could indicate adaptations to the estuarine, sulfur-rich environment.
A 43% PAE inverse Class-F power amplifier at 39–42 GHz with a λ/4-transformer based harmonic filter in 0.13-µm SiGe BiCMOS

This paper presents a 2-stage Class-F−1 power amplifier in 0.13 µm SiGe BiCMOS process, achieving 43% peak PAE and 18 dBm Psat at 40.5 GHz. The PA utilizes simple but effective λ/4-transformer based 2nd harmonic-tuning load and relies on a native low capacitive reactance to short all other higher-order harmonics. This reduces the harmonic load complexity significantly and loss thereof, exceeding PAE over 40% at 39.5–42 GHz. The PA achieves >17 dB small signal gain, >15 dB power gain, and 16 dBm OP−1dB at 39–43 GHz. The Pout for <5% EVM is 15.5 dBm with QPSK/8PSK modulation signals, and 13.5 dBm with 16/64/128 QAM modulation signals. The PA occupies 0.95×0.6 mm2 including pads.
Insulin Promoter-Driven Gaussia Luciferase-Based Insulin Secretion Biosensor Assay for Discovery of β-Cell Glucose-Sensing Pathways

High throughput screening of insulin secretion is intractable with current methods. We developed a secreted insulin–luciferase system (Ins-GLuc) in β cells that is rapid, inexpensive, and amenable to 96- and 384-well formats. We treated stable Ins-GLuc-expressing MIN6 cells overnight with 6298 marine natural product fractions. The cells were then washed to remove media and chemicals, followed by stimulation with glucose in the diazoxide paradigm. These conditions allowed the discovery of many insulin secretion suppressors and potentiators. The mechanisms of action of these natural products must be long-lasting given the continuance of secretory phenotypes in the absence of chemical treatment. We anticipate that these natural products and their target pathways will lead to a greater understanding of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.
Characteristics of backup workloads in production systems

Data-protection class workloads, including backup and long-term retention of data, have seen a strong industry shift from tape-based platforms to disk-based systems. But the latter are traditionally designed to serve as primary storage and there has been little published analysis of the characteristics of backup workloads as they relate to the design of disk-based systems. In this paper, we present a comprehensive characterization of backup workloads by analyzing statistics and content metadata collected from a large set of EMC Data Domain backup systems in production use. This analysis is both broad (encompassing statistics from over 10,000 systems) and deep (using detailed metadata traces from several production systems storing almost 700TB of backup data). We compare these systems to a detailed study of Microsoft primary storage systems [22], showing that backup storage differs significantly from their primary storage workload in the amount of data churn and capacity requirements as well as the amount of redundancy within the data. These properties bring unique challenges and opportunities when designing a disk-based filesystem for backup workloads, which we explore in more detail using the metadata traces. In particular, the need to handle high churn while leveraging high data redundancy is considered by looking at deduplication unit size and caching efficiency.
Other Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Genitourinary Operations

As with all applications of new technology we are compelled to ask: Does the use of this new technology lead to equivalent or better outcomes than existing procedures? This chapter will review the published case reports and series describing a diverse group of robotic-assisted pediatric urologic procedures, including bladder autoaugmentation and appendicovesicostomy (Mitrofanoff procedure). We will also present our experience in extending the use of this technology.
Healthcare provider education to support integration of pharmacogenomics in practice: the eMERGE Network experience

Ten organizations within the Electronic Medical Records and Genomics Network developed programs to implement pharmacogenomic sequencing and clinical decision support into clinical settings. Recognizing the importance of informed prescribers, a variety of strategies were used to incorporate provider education to support implementation. Education experiences with pharmacogenomics are described within the context of each organization's prior involvement, including the scope and scale of implementation specific to their Electronic Medical Records and Genomics projects. We describe common and distinct education strategies, provide exemplars and share challenges. Lessons learned inform future perspectives. Future pharmacogenomics clinical implementation initiatives need to include funding toward implementing provider education and evaluating outcomes.
Protective behaviours among young African American women with non-monogamous sexual partners.

In the USA, partner non-monogamy is reported to be more common among African American women than White women and may contribute to African American women's increased risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Few studies have explicitly and comprehensively described the protective behaviours that African American women employ with non-monogamous partners to reduce their HIV risk. We conducted interviews to examine protective behaviours among 11 African American women aged 18-24 years who perceived that a partner in the preceding 12 months had another sex partner. Participants described three types of partnerships with 29 non-monogamous men; these partnerships clustered into three categories. Narrative analysis revealed an overall paucity of protective behaviours with non-monogamous partners. Protective behaviours (i.e. communication and condom use) were informed by partnership type, rather than perceptions of non-monogamy. There were few instances in which partner non-monogamy motivated women to terminate sex partnerships. Rather, these decisions were often motivated by changes in other relationship dynamics. To address HIV/STI risk related to partner non-monogamy, HIV prevention strategies for young African American women should emphasise the importance of condom use in all non-marital partnership types. Interventions where testing is available may be effective for women who frequently test for HIV/STIs but do not use condoms.
Connecting tropical river DOM and POM to the landscape with lignin

Abstract Tropical rivers account for two thirds of global fluxes of terrigenous organic matter to the oceans, yet because of their remote locations relative to most industrialized countries, they are poorly studied compared to temperate and even Arctic rivers. Further, most tropical river research has focused on large rivers like the Amazon or Congo, yet more than half of organic matter fluxes from tropical rivers comes from much smaller rivers. This study focuses on two such rivers in the Luquillo Experimental Forest of Puerto Rico, namely the Rio Mameyes and Rio Icacos, and uses time-series measurements of lignin biomarkers to put them in context with much bigger tropical rivers in the literature. Although lignin concentrations and carbon-normalized yields offer some distinction between mountainous vs. floodplain tropical river reaches, compositional differences appear to offer greater potential, including S:V vs. C:V plots that may capture the poorly-studied influence of palm trees, and (Ad:Al)s vs. (Ad:Al)v plots that may reflect differences in underlying mineralogy and degradation in soils. Even though dissolved and particulate lignin ultimately come from the same vegetation sources, comparison of dissolved and particulate lignin parameters within the two Puerto Rican rivers indicate that the pathways by which they end up in the same parcel of river water are largely decoupled. Across several particulate lignin studies in tropical rivers, mineral composition and concentration appears to exert a strong control on particulate lignin compositions and concentrations. Finally, the time-series nature of this study allows for new ways of analyzing dissolved lignin endmember compositions and degradation within the catchment. Plots of dissolved lignin parameters vs. lignin concentration reveal both the composition of “fresh” DOM that is likely mobilized from organic-rich soil surface layers along with the extent and trajectory of degradation of that signature that is possible within the lower mineral layers of the soil. Establishing connectivity between river chemistry and catchment sources and processes in this manner is the only way to realize the full potential of river chemistry as a diagnostic tool for changing sources and processes within the catchment.
Prematurity disrupts glomeruli development, whereas prematurity and hyperglycemia lead to altered nephron maturation and increased oxidative stress in newborn baboons

BackgroundPremature birth occurs when nephrogenesis is incomplete and has been linked to increased renal pathologies in the adult. Metabolic factors complicating preterm birth may have additional consequences for kidney development. Here, we evaluated the effects of prematurity and hyperglycemia on nephrogenesis in premature baboons when compared with those in term animals.MethodsBaboons were delivered prematurely (67% gestation; n=9) or at term (n=7) and survived for 2-4 weeks. Preterm animals were classified by glucose control during the first 5 days of life: normoglycemic (PtN; serum glucose 50-100 mg/dl, n=6) and hyperglycemic (PtH; serum glucose 150-250 mg/dl, n=3). Kidneys were assessed histologically for glomeruli relative area, maturity, size, and overall morphology. Kidney lysates were evaluated for oxidative damage with 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) antibody.ResultsHistological examination revealed decreased glomeruli relative area (P<0.05), fewer glomerular generations (P<0.01), and increased renal corpuscle area (P<0.001) in preterm compared with those in term animals. Numbers of apoptotic glomeruli were similar between groups. PtH kidneys exhibited reduced nephrogenic zone width (P<0.0001), increased numbers of mature glomeruli (P<0.05), and increased 4-HNE staining compared with those in PtN kidneys.ConclusionPrematurity interrupts normal kidney development, independent of glomerular cell apoptosis. When prematurity is complicated by hyperglycemia; kidney development shifts toward accelerated maturation and increased oxidative stress.
Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline.

Purpose: The purpose of this guideline is to provide a clinical strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction.Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the literature using the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases (search dates 1/1/1965 to 7/29/17) was conducted to identify peer-reviewed publications relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction. Evidence-based statements were based on body of evidence strength Grade A, B, or C and were designated as Strong, Moderate, and Conditional Recommendations with additional statements presented in the form of Clinical Principles or Expert Opinions.Results: The American Urological Association has developed an evidence-based guideline on the management of erectile dysfunction. This document is designed to be used in conjunction with the associated treatment algorithm.Conclusions: Using the shared decision-making process as a cornerstone for care, all patients should be informed of all treatment modalities that are not contr...
Effect of person and environment on heart rates in two strains of pointer dogs

Several recent studies have shown that there is a general and marked canine cardiac response to humans and to petting from humans. Additional investigations have suggested that one of the major determinants of such responding is genetic. Some studies have indicated that such a response does not occur in nervous, short-haired pointer dogs. Evidence presented in this study indicates that a heart rate response to person and petting does occur in both the nervous as well as the normal pointer dog, but only when the animal is unrestrained. When placed in a restraining harness, only normal dogs showed a heart rate response to person and the characteristic bradycardia upon petting.
Changes in outpatient antibiotic utilization, 2000-2016: More people are receiving fewer antibiotics.

We examined annual outpatient antibiotic dispensings within a health insurance plan covering ∼970,000 members per year during 2000–2016. The proportion of members with antibiotic dispensings decreased from 33.3% in 2000 to 25.9% in 2016. This trend was consistent in all stratifications of age, race/ethnicity, sex, and comorbidities.
Aggregated Assessment and ``Objectivity 2.0''

This essay provides a summary of research related to My Reviewers, a web-based application that can be used for teaching and assessment purposes. The essay concludes with speculation about ongoing development efforts, including a social helpfulness algorithm, a badging system, and Natural Language Processing (NLP) features.
On the Influence of Grades on Learning Behavior of Students in MOOCs

MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) frequently use grades to calculate whether a student passes the course. To better understand how student behavior is influenced by grade feedback, we conduct a study on the changes of certified students' behavior before and after they have received their grade. We use observational student data from two MITx MOOCs to examine student behavior before and after a grade is released and calculate the difference (the delta-activity). We then analyze the changes in the delta-activity distributions across all graded assignments a we observe that the variation in delta-activity decreases as grade decreases, with students who have the lowest grade exhibiting little or no change in weekly activity. This trend persists throughout each course, in all course offerings, suggesting that a change in grade does not correlate with a change in the behavior of certified MOOC students.
Antibody-Mediated Extreme Insulin Resistance: The Importance of Pre-Treatment Screening

We report the case of a 56 year-old Hispanic male with a 10-year history of type 2 diabetes who presented with abrupt onset of hyperglycemia resistant to escalating doses of intravenous insulin infusion (>2500 units daily). He was diagnosed with antibody-mediated insulin resistance given the presence of hyperglycemia despite receiving >200 units insulin/day, a lack of identifiable precipitants for diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, and elevated insulin antibodies. He underwent pre-immunomodulatory therapy screening for infections, rheumatologic disorders, and malignancy, which uncovered a new diagnosis of latent tuberculosis. While concurrently being treated for latent tuberculosis, he successfully responded to immunomodulatory therapy with rituximab, dexamethasone, and cyclophosphamide. Insulin was discontinued completely, and he maintained appropriate glycemic control on oral diabetic agents (metformin and pioglitazone). This case supports the use of immunomodulatory therapy for the treatment of antibody-mediated insulin resistance and highlights the importance of pre-immunomodulatory therapy screening to uncover occult infection or identify underlying neoplastic/rheumatologic disease prior to immunosuppression.
The Association Between the WASH and Clean Cooking Fuel Access and the Nutritional Well-Being of Adolescents in China

Safe water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities (WASH) interventions and access to clean cooking fuels are widely recognized as important public health interventions to reduce environmental risk factors of undernutrition. However, limited evidence has been found associating access to WASH and clean cooking fuels with improved nutritional well-being and elucidating the mechanism behind the impact of those interventions. This paper aims to examine the relationship between WASH and clean fuel access and adolescence nutritional well-being and further to explore time spent on household chores, a socioeconomic mechanism that mediates the relationship between access to WASH and clean cooking fuels and the nutritional well-being of adolescents. This study uses nationally representative data of the 2010 Chinese Family Panel Study, with a subsample of 3044 complete cases of adolescents aged from 10 to 16 from 2641 families in 589 communities. Multilevel logistic regressions were used to test the association between the count of WASH and clean fuel access and whether an adolescent is underweight or stunted. We further tested the mediation effects of time spent on the doing household chores. Access to a single type of facilities is not significantly associated with the probability of stunting or underweight of adolescents. However, access to more than two types of access facilities significantly reduced the odds of stunting. We also found a partial mediation effects between the count of WASH and clean fuel access and the probability of being stunted. WASH and clean fuel access has significant associations with the probability of being stunted and disproportionally affects adolescent girls. Improving access to single type of facilities is not sufficient to prevent stunting. Improved water, improved sanitation, improved waste management, and access to clean fuels and electricity interplayed with each other and collectively reduced the environmental risk factors and improved the well-being of people in the community.
Cytomegalovirus Proctitis in a Patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia on Ibrutinib Therapy: A Case Report.

Ibrutinib is a Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor that has shown significant efficacy in patients with lymphoid carcinomas, mostly chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is not a common infectious complication associated with ibrutinib. To increase the clinical awareness about this rare entity, we present the first case of CMV proctitis in an immunocompromised host who was being treated with ibrutinib. An 88-year old female with a history of CLL treated with ibrutinib presented with two days of painless hematochezia. Physical examination revealed cachexia and temporal wasting; bright red blood was observed on the digital rectal examination. A complete blood count demonstrated a significant decrease in hemoglobin from her baseline. Subsequent colonoscopy revealed a circumferential rectal ulcer; biopsy of the rectal ulcer was positive for CMV immunostain. The patient was treated with intravenous ganciclovir and later transitioned to valganciclovir for a total of 21 days of treatment. Her condition resolved, and she was found doing well at the follow-up visit.
Why humility is vital to effective humanitarian aid leadership: a review of the literature

Organisational scientists are paying increasing attention to humility, following a larger trend in scholarship highlighting the relational and interdependent nature of leadership and business. A growing body of evidence identifies humility as vital to effective organisational leadership, facilitating positive organisational outcomes, such as lower voluntary turnover and greater follower job satisfaction. To date, research on the subject has focused on certain specific organisational contexts, including businesses, hospitals, and schools. This paper reviews the existing literature and explores why humility may be an especially important leader trait in international humanitarian aid organisations and relief work-a context that is not only uniquely challenging, but also one that would seemingly stand to benefit keenly from the quality. It argues that humility is essential for effective leadership because it is normative of good character, it is predictive of positive outcomes, and it corresponds to a genuine representation of the nature of humanitarian aid.
Galvanizing for the future: a bottom-up departmental approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion

As an academic department, we sought to identify effective strategies to engage our faculty and staff in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and programs to build an inclusive department that would address our needs and those of our community and partners. Over a 4-year period, our faculty and staff have participated in town hall meetings, focus group discussions, surveys, and community-building activities to foster stakeholder engagement that will build a leading academic department for the future. We noted that our faculty and staff were committed to building diversity, equity, and inclusion, and our mission and vision were reflective of this. However, communication and transparency may be improved to help support a more inclusive department for all. In the future, we hope to continue with the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion into our department's business processes to achieve meaningful, sustained change and impact through continued focus on recruitment, selection, retention, development, and wellness of faculty and staff-in addition to the continued recruitment of faculty and staff from underrepresented minority groups. Our findings should serve as a call to action for other academic obstetrics and gynecology departments to improve the health and well-being of the individuals we serve.
Application of Big Data in the Promotion of Fast Selling Products

In the traditional marketing mode of fast-selling products, the sales mode of physical stores is adopted. However, in the background of the current big data era, it is a trend to optimize the promotion form by applying big data technology. Therefore, this paper puts forward the application research of big data in the promotion of fast-selling products. This paper makes an indepth study on big data technology and commodity marketing. It is believed that there is a lot of information hidden behind the information data, and the application of big data technology pays more attention to consumer behavior than before. In this paper, according to the characteristics of fast-selling products promotion activities, combined with big data technology, the effect evaluation model are established, which can better solve the shortcomings of traditional promotion activities which are difficult to evaluate. And according to the actual needs of the promotion of fast-selling products, targeted optimization is carried out. In order to further verify the data analysis ability of big data technology in the promotion of fast selling products, this paper establishes the corresponding investigation experiment. The experimental data show that big data technology can better analyze the actual effect of various promotion tools and promotion strategies, provide technical support for enterprises before and after the promotion of fast-selling products, and facilitate enterprises to adjust strategies and summarize experience. The analysis shows that big data technology has brought a variety of convenience to the promotion activities, which not only broadens the sales channels, but also provides a new basis for the decision-making of enterprises.
Peer Victimization Exposure and Subsequent Substance Use in Early Adolescence: The Role of Sleep Problems.

While sleep problems are positively associated with both peer victimization and substance use, previous studies largely have ignored the indirect role sleep problems may play in this association. This three-wave longitudinal study aimed to determine whether sleep problems might link peer victimization to subsequent substance use. Participants were 986 youth (53.7% female, Mage = 12.32 [SD = 0.54 years], 55.6% White, 24.4% Latinx, 22.8% African American/Black, 11.1% Multiracial/Multiethnic, 13.4% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 6.4% Native American) from three U.S. public middle schools. A structural equation model controlling for multiple potential confounds revealed an indirect effect of peer victimization on substance use through sleep problems. Multiple group analyses indicated that the indirect effect was larger for females than for males. Effects did not differ across school socioeconomic level. The results provide further support to include peer victimization when considering factors that may influence adolescent sleep issues and subsequent substance use.
Subversive Epistemologies in Constructing Time and Space in Networked Environments: The Project of a Virtual Emancipatory Pedagogy

This chapter explores subversive and hegemonic epistemologies in virtual networked learning environments. Based in the conceptual framework of critical theory, the research methodology utilized in this chapter is the practice of articulation to explain changes in epistemologies with symbolic action (externalizing thoughts into communications by emphasizing the gap between the symbols in our society and the experienced reality). It is found that the common ways in which learning and knowing are negotiated in a physical classroom, as compared to a virtual environment, differ significantly on the basis of how time, space, the body and the mind are both controlled and constructed. In the presented definition of networked learning, the differences are found to be centered on subversive ways of “knowing” when contrasted with traditional, hegemonic onsite learning environments. In order to explain those differences, a description of the historical significance of accreditation in monitoring and regulating traditional educational environments is presented in terms of hegemonic power structures. Subversive epistemologies employed in sites of networked learning suggest that there may be a need for a more appropriate ethic. The chapter concludes with an examination of the potential for such an ethic by the establishment of an emancipatory pedagogy for networked learning in virtual environments.
Summative and Formative Assessments in Mathematics Supporting the Goals of the Common Core Standards

Being proficient in mathematics involves having rich and connected mathematical knowledge, being a strategic and reflective thinker and problem solver, and having productive mathematical beliefs and dispositions. This broad set of mathematics goals is central to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.High-stakes testing often drives instructional practice. In this article, I discuss test specifications and sample assessment items from the two major national testing consortia and the prospects that their assessments will be positive levers for change.For more than 20 years, the Mathematics Assessment Project has focused on the development of assessments that emphasize productive mathematical practices, most recently creating formative assessment lessons (FALs) designed to help teachers build up student understandings through focusing on student thinking while engaging in rich mathematical tasks. This article describes our recent work.
Interfacing pulsed power systems to switching power supplies

In many modern pulsed power systems traditional power supplies have been replaced by high frequency switching power supplies. These supplies offer lightweight, smaller footprints and improved efficiencies over traditional power supplies. Applications of switching power supplies for pulsed power range from large single shot capacitor banks to high pulse rate laser systems. This paper discusses issues in interfacing switching power supplies to pulsed power systems. Simple protection networks can be used to avoid damage to power supplies in normal operation and in fault situations. Design of these networks also impact power supply voltage accuracy. The networks typically also incorporate safety dump systems to remove energy from capacitors.
Rules of the Game

According to the great German mathematician David Hilbert,“mathematics is a game played according to certain simple rules with meaningless marks on paper.” The goal of this chapter is to lay down the simple rules by which the game of tensor calculus is played.
Relationship between whole-blood riboflavin levels in the mother and in the prenate

Abstract Riboflavin blood levels have been determined in 20 healthy mothers and their placental cords at the end of the second stage of labor. The riboflavin concentration in the cord blood was significantly higher than that in maternal blood per unit volume. When these values were expressed as mean corpuscular riboflavin concentration (MCRC), they were similar and a linear correlation between them became evident. In an additional 11 gravidas, the MCRC of the prenate corresponded to elevation of maternal MCRC following oral riboflavin during labor. Evaluation of riboflavin nutritional status in mother and prenate by blood assay is discussed.
Cell interactions influencing murine marrow megakaryocytes: nature of the potentiator cell in bone marrow.

Auxiliary bone marrow cells are required for optimal murine megakaryocyte colony formation in addition to progenitor cells and a colony stimulating activity (CSA) present in WEHI-3 cell conditioned medium. These auxiliary cells are adherent, with a sedimentation rate of 5.8 mm hr-1 and buoyant density of 1.065–1.078 gcm-3. The activity from bone marrow cells is loss at irradiation doses above 900 rad. Bone marrow cells with these characteristics, and supernatants from lung, bone shafts, and peritoneal exudate cells were all active in enhancing megakaryocyte colony incidences in mouse bone marrow cultures above those stimulated by an obligatory activity in WEHI-3 cell conditioned medium. Certain macrophage cell lines (J774, P388D1) could elaborate the activity. This study confirms that a potentiation activity enhances CSA stimulation of megakaryocyte colony formation. The potentiator is elaborated by bone marrow cells in limiting amounts requiring either high cell concentrations or an exogenous source of the activity for optimal colony growth.
Sousveillance, Media and Strategic Political Communication, by Vian Bakir

In Sousveillance, Media and Strategic Political Communication, Vian Bakir successfully integrates theories and perspectives from media, cultural, and political studies to demonstrate the power of t...
A peptidergic basis for sexual behavior in mammals

Vasopressin (VP) is a peptide neurotransmitter in the limbic system of rats. It is synthesized in the medial amygdaloid nucleus in the presence of sex steroids, transported to other limbic structures such as the hippocampus and septum and secreted there by a calcium-dependent process. In the hippocampus, VP acts on cerebral microvessels and local circuit interneurons. Its excitatory action on the inhibitory interneurons produces near-total shutdown of electrical activity of the efferent fibers of pyramidal cells, the projection neurons of the hippocampus. Stimulation of the medial amygdala and release of the endogenous VP duplicates these effects and, since they are blocked by ventricular application of a VP antagonist, the effects are almost certainly mediated by endogenous VP. Recording from the VP-containing cell bodies or of the hippocampal action of the peptide indicates that the system is selectively involved with the early stages of sexual behavior, specifically those appetitive behaviors that anticipate coitus. Stimulation of the VP cells produces alterations in sexual behavior in a manner consistent with the hypothesis that the medial amygdala organizes the appetitive phase of recognition of an appropriate partner and sexual arousal. This role for the medial amygdala complements the proposed role of nearby structures in the consummatory, reward and learned aspects of sexual behavior. Association between VP, oxytocin (OT) and homologs with sexual behavior is very widespread among vertebrates, including amphibians, reptiles, primates and humans. Humans and other primates display a phenomenon called 'concealed ovulation' that may have played a role in the evolution of social structures. The review concludes with a discussion of possible experimental strategies for evaluating the possible role of VP in concealed ovulation and other conditions in which sexual behavior occurs outside of estrus.
Ozone gas analysis by polymer chain scission

A novel method has been elaborated for the determination of small amounts of ozone in air by chain scissioning of polymer films due to the high reactivity of ozone. The proposed method has a sensitivity limit for high molecular weight of polystyrene (Mv = 1.8 × 106) of 2 p.p.m. of ozone in air. However, a butyl rubber (Mv = 5.62 × 105, 1.75% by weight of isoprene) has a lower sensitivity limit of 0.02 p.p.m. ± 20% at 35°C and 24 hours reaction time. The latter can be decreased considerably if higher temperatures are used. Still lower sensitivity limits could be in principle attained with butyl rubber of longer chain length and higher isoprene content. Es wurde eine neue Methode entwickelt zur Bestimmung kleiner Mengen Ozon in Luft durch Kettenspaltung von Polymerfilmen. Die vorgeschlagene Methode hat fur hochmolekulares Polystyrol (Mv = 1,8 × 106) eine Empfindlichkeitsgrenze von 2 ppm Ozon in Luft. Dagegen hat Butylkautschuk (Mv = 5,62 × 105, 1,75 Gew.-% Isoprenbausteine) eine niedrigere Empfindlichkeitsgrenze von 0,02 ppm ± 20% bei 35°C und 24 Stdn. Reaktionszeit. Die Grenze kann durch hohere Temperaturen wesentlich herabgesetzt werden. Eine noch hohere Empfindlichkeit last sich prinzipiell erreichen mit hohermolekularem Butylkautschuk mit groserem Isoprengehalt.
"Still in process": collaborative authorship in a twentieth-century biomedical textbook.

Although drama and film rely on collaboration, the arts can otherwise be a solitary endeavor. We think of the painter, the composer, the writer withdrawing to the studio or loft or room apart, as A...
Phage Pl cryptic. II. Location and regulation of prophage genes.

Abstract Deletion mapping of a P1 cryptic (P1 cry ) lysogen shows that cam r , a marker derived from the R factor parent of P1 cry , is closer to the bacterial pro and lac genes than is any other P1 marker. The isolation of a new HFT phage, λp cam , confirms this order. The fact that cam r is terminal in the prophage suggests that the R factor part of the P1 cry genome is responsible for the integration of P1 cry into the host chromosome. The deletions isolated also indicate that the P1 host restriction gene maps near c2 and c3. A double lysogen carrying P1 cry and a thermally inducible P1 remains thermally inducible. Therefore, the lack of expression of gene c 1 + of P1 cry is not caused by the absence of a P1 gene producing a diffusible product needed to turn on c 1; it appears to be caused, instead, by loss of or damage to the promoter for c 1.
General Principles of Contract Damages

This chapter is from the online version of the book Michigan Law of Damages and Other Remedies (Michigan Institute of Legal Education, 2002). It explores Michigan law dealing with claims for breach of contract. The expectation, reliance, and restitution measures of recovery are explained. Limitations on damages are covered, including certainty, foreseeability, and mitigation. The chapter concludes with liquidated damages clauses. Sample jury instructions and practice tips are provided.
Wavelength tuning of VECSELs by cavity geometry

In this paper we report on the wavelength tuning of a VECSEL by changing the cavity geometry. The development and demonstration of a tunable high power single frequency Vertical External Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VECSEL) operating at various wavelengths from the UV to the IR region of the spectrum have been reported in many papers. However, it is important to understand that in many instances a precise lasing wavelength is required for proper operation. For example, VECSELs have been designed to specifically interact with the sodium spectral lines. If the VECSEL growth is not adequate, it may not be possible to reach the desired wavelength in a traditional cavity where the intracavity mode interacts with the VECSEL chip at normal incidence. Here we notice that if a fold angle is introduced at the VECSEL chip, a spectral blue shift occurs, and extended tunability may be possible. Therefore, by altering the cavity geometry it may be possible to further optimize a VECSEL design to obtain maximum output power at a desired wavelength.
Erythrocyte carnitine: a study of erythrocyte fractions isolated by discontinuous density gradient centrifugation

Erythrocyte fractions of varying density were isolated by discontinuous density gradient centrifugation of washed erythrocytes of five subjects (three adults and two cord bloods). Free and total carnitine concentrations were determined in each gradient fraction to compare the carnitine content of less dense with more dense erythrocytes. Erythrocyte, leukocyte, and reticulocyte counts and hemoglobin were measured on all fractions of each gradient. The density gradient studies showed that the highest proportion of reticulocytes were associated with the least dense gradient fractions of all five subjects. Linear regression analyses revealed significant positive correlations (r = 0.94 to 0.99, P less than 0.02 to P less than 0.001) between the number of reticulocytes per fraction and the total or free carnitine concentrations per fraction for all subjects. No correlation was found between free or total carnitine and hemoglobin, number of erythrocytes, or number of leukocytes per fraction. It appears that erythrocyte carnitine is localized in circulating reticulocytes which have mitochondria and carnitine-dependent fatty acid metabolism.
Safety and Efficacy of Thrombolytic Therapy in Postoperative Cerebral Infarctions

Acute ischemic stroke is a common and devastating complication of many surgical procedures. If diagnosed early, however, there are reasonably safe and effective treatment options. Although IV rtPA is the most well studied means of recanalization after ischemic stroke, it should be avoided within 14 days of a surgical procedure in favor of other locally directed techniques that carry a significantly lower risk of bleeding at the surgical site. Only in rare circumstances, when these newer modalities are not available and the surgery is minor, should IV rtPA be considered in postoperative patients. The treatment of choice for carefully selected patients with postoperative strokes is IAT with either rtPA or urokinase. IAT may be attempted up to 6 hours after an acute ischemic stroke and may be assisted by mechanical clot disruption/embolectomy in an attempt to improve recanalization rates. In patients who have had a recent craniotomy or any surgery where surgical site bleeding is expected to be massive or difficult to control or where small amounts of bleeding could be life threatening, IAT should be avoided. In these patients, and in patients who present greater than 6 hours but less than 8 hours after their stroke, mechanical thrombolysis/embolectomy may emerge as the only viable treatment option.
Phylogenetic position of Apostasia and Neuwiedia (Orchidaceae)

Cladistic analyses of the phylogenetic relationships of selected orchid taxa were conducted in order to assess the phylogenetic position of Apostasia and Neuwiedia (Orchidaceae: Apostasioideae). These analyses employed newly available anatomical characters, along with several morphological features that had been used in recent phylogenetic analyses of Orchidaceae. Our analyses indicate that Apostasia is more closely related to Neuwiedia than it is to Cypripcdioideae. The two genera comprise an apostasiad clade; this clade is the sister-group to a clade including Cypripedioideae and monandrous orchids. The apostasiad clade is diagnosed by the derived features of operculate pollen colpi, Apostasia-type seeds, and vessel members with simple perforation plates. Of these, the presence of simple perforation plates is considered to be the most significant phylogenetically Therefore, the apostasiads should not be considered ancestral to the remaining orchid groups. Vessel members of the monandrous orchids, as well as the cypripediads, are multiperforate—the hypothesized ancestral state based on the condition in Hypoxidaceae.
Performance evaluation of energy efficient lighting associated with renewable energy applications

Energy efficiency is a primary consideration when designing off-grid renewable energy systems including portable micro-grids. This study focuses on characterizing the potential benefits associated with using energy efficient exterior area lighting commonly associated with remote installations. Light emitting diode (LED) luminaires are becoming more commercially available, and this study compares two LED products designed for exterior lighting to traditional metal halide lamps. The characterization focuses on the use of a diesel generator, battery bank, and a bank of ultra capacitors (UCAPs) to power the lights because these systems are also used to generate or store energy at renewable energy-powered micro-grids. This field-based study quantifies the illuminance provided by each lighting system, diesel consumption rates associated with powering the lights and/or charging the batteries and UCAPs, and the time of operation for each lighting system when powered by a single discharge cycle of the batteries and UCAPs. The energy efficiency benefit of the LED luminaires is offset by their lower illuminance. However, a comparison of lighting standards for specific purposes such as security lighting indicates that LEDs may be appropriate for applications where a metal halide system would provide significantly more illumination than required at a much higher energy cost. For those purposes where higher levels of illuminance are required, the data presented in the paper may be useful in designing a renewable energy-powered micro-grid that uses multiple LED fixtures to illuminate an exterior area that is currently illuminated by a single metal halide light stand.
Raman scattering in the green phase RE2BaCuO5 compounds, where RE Y, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu

Abstract We have investigated the Raman scattering in RE 2 BaCuO 5 , where RE  Y, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu, in the 50–1500 cm −1 region. We have also recorded the electronic spectra of some of these RE 2 BaCuO 5 . From these studies, we concluded that the broad Raman band located at about 1100 – 1177 cm −1 was an overtone band, and its origin was not due to electronic Raman scattering as has been previously attributed.