cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do all backbone polar groups in proteins form hydrogen bonds

Evidence from proteins and peptides supports the conclusion that intrapeptide hydrogen bonds stabilize the folded form of proteins. Paradoxically, evidence from small molecules supports the opposite conclusion, that intrapeptide hydrogen bonds are less favorable than peptide–water hydrogen bonds. A related issue—often lost in this debate about comparing peptide–peptide to peptide– water hydrogen bonds—involves the energetic cost of an unsatisfied hydrogen bond. Here, experiment and theory agree that breaking a hydrogen bond costs between 5 and 6 kcal/mol. Accordingly, the likelihood of finding an unsatisfied hydrogen bond in a protein is insignificant. This realization establishes a powerful rule for evaluating protein conformations.
INVESTMENT DYNAMICS AND FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS IN IPO FIRMS

We join research in entrepreneurship and corporate finance to investigate financial constraints on investments by IPO firms. The evidence indicates that IPO firms generally possess valuable growth opportunities, yet financial constraints also limit their ability to exploit them. Capital expenditures decline significantly post-IPO, and information asymmetries between IPO firms and external capital providers help explain why some IPO firms are more financially constrained than others. Intangible assets that are often seen at the root of IPO firms' competitive advantages can also exacerbate external financing costs, constraining IPO firms' abilities to make future strategic investments. We also find that financial constraints are persistent, as they do not diminish as younger IPO firms mature. Copyright © 2009 Strategic Management Society.
Stability of 2-D periodically shift variant digital filters

Two-dimensional (2-D) discrete systems with periodic coefficients are considered for stability. These systems are called Periodically Shift Variant (PSV) digital filters and have many applications in signal processing that include the filtering of 2-D signals with cyclostationary noise, scrambling of digital images, and implementation of multirate filter banks. In this paper, the filters are formulated in the form of the well known Fornasini Marchesini (FM) state-space model with periodic coefficients. This PSV model is then studied for stability. Two sufficient conditions and one necessary condition are established for asymptotic stability.
Panel on Flipped Classrooms

Flipped classrooms are a new twist on an old idea: homework. The basic formula is simple: do the prep work before coming to class and come to class ready to discuss that work, do an activity to reinforce what you learned, or even take a quiz on the reading or research that was assigned. But as with all approaches to teaching, the reality is never that simple. This panel will report the experiences of four "flippers" and explore the pros and cons of those experiences. Educators who are considering flipping all or part of their courses will gain insight into how to do so to their and, more importantly, their students'-advantage, while those who have used this technique may gain new insights into approaches that might help them be more successful if they faced any issues similar to those of the panelists.
Adolescent Girls with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Have an Increased Risk of the Metabolic Syndrome Associated with Increasing Androgen Levels Independent of Obesity and Insulin Resistance

Context: Adult women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MBS). The prevalence of MBS is also increasing in adolescents. Objective: Our objective was to test the hypothesis that the prevalence of MBS is increased in adolescent girls with PCOS compared with the general population and to determine the factors associated with an increased risk of the MBS in PCOS. Design and Setting: We conducted a cross-sectional case-control study at academic medical centers with general clinical research centers. Participants: Participants included 49 adolescent girls with PCOS and 165 girls from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) adolescent population of similar age and ethnic background. Main Outcome Measure: We assessed the prevalence of MBS according to currently proposed adolescent MBS criteria. Results: Thirty-seven percent of adolescent girls with PCOS had MBS compared with 5% of NHANES III girls (P < 0.0001). None of the g...
Scattering from a large cylinder with an eccentrically embedded core: An orders-of-scattering approximation

Abstract We develop an orders-of-scattering approximation, termed the “screened cylindrical void/core” (SCV) approximation, for a composite cylinder. The composite cylinder consists of a large host cylinder that contains a small, eccentrically embedded, core cylinder. The SCV approximation is developed via separation of variables in conjunction with addition theorems for cylindrical functions. We show that the SCV approximation is in good agreement with the numerically exact solution. A simple physical interpretation of the SCV approximation is also presented.
Higher order differential energy operators

Instantaneous signal operators /spl Upsi//sub k/(x)=x/spl dot/x/sup (k-1)/-xx/sup (k)/ of integer orders k are proposed to measure the cross energy between a signal x and its derivatives. These higher order differential energy operators contain as a special case, for k=2, the Teager-Kaiser (1990) operator. When applied to (possibly modulated) sinusoids, they yield several new energy measurements useful for parameter estimation or AM-FM demodulation. Applying them to sampled signals involves replacing derivatives with differences that lead to several useful discrete energy operators defined on an extremely short window of samples. >
Adaptive Spinning-Disk Interferometry for Biomolecule Detection

We have identified a potential candidate for a high-throughput multi-analyte assay based on the optical compact disk (CD) in conjunction with adaptive homodyne detection using photorefractive quantum wells, and have succeeded in initial system tests that show our current ability to detect strips of immobilized molecules on a spinning disk of approximately 5 nm height. With the possibility of an improvement of nearly 100, this technique will be able to detect antibodies and antibody/antigen binding in immunological assays.
Exploration and Exploitation with Electronic Medical Record: Information Technology Enabled Organizational Learning in Healthcare

The implementation of electronic medical record (EMR) systems is the hallmark of the digitization of healthcare that the United States and countries around the globe are embarking on with great effort. This study investigates the interplay between the deployment of EMR and the dynamics of exploration and exploitation organizational learning. Based on a sample of hospital users of EMR, we find that exploitation use enhances the outcome of successful EMR implementation, while exploration has little effect. We also find that the dual use of exploitation and exploration tends to reduce the information quality of EMR, supporting the thesis of tensions and competition for resources between the two. Implications of the findings and future research directions are explored.
SULTR1;2 in S Nutrient-Status Control in Arabidopsis

An essential life process for plants is the assimilation of sulfur, which is available to plant roots as sulfate that is taken up into cells where it is reduced and assimilated. Plants can sense the availability of sulfur, but the sensor has not been identified. Two Arabidopsis thaliana mutants were isolated (termed sel1-15 and sel1-16), that show increased expression of a sulfur-deficiency-activated gene beta glucosidase 28 (BGLU28) when grown on medium with high sulfate content (Zhang et al. 2014). The mutants are missense alleles of SULTR1;2 encoding a high affinity sulfate transporter. Although the mutants are defective in sulfate transport they show higher expression of BGLU28 and other sulfur-deficiency-activated genes even when they are treated with a very high dose of sulfate such that the intracellular concentration of sulfate and its metabolite glutathione (GSH) are identical to wild type. The reduced sensitivity to inhibition of gene expression is also observed in sel1 mutants fed with the sulfur assimilation products cysteine and GSH. The results suggest that SULTR1;2 may have a second role in addition to its known function as a high affinity sulfate transporter. It may also have a regulatory role in response to sulfur nutrient status.
Expanding Music Listening Experience Through Drawing

Drawing while listening to music provides an opportunity for students to imagine and associate, leading to holistic listening experience. The personal qualitative listening experience triggered by music can be revealed in their drawings. In the process of representing of the listening experience through drawing, students can also increase their understanding of music. This article shares (a) the purposes of drawing activities, (b) the types of drawing responses, and (c) the representational characteristics shown in students’ drawings.
Toxicity and Anticholinesterase Activity of Phenyl Methylcarbamate Insecticides to Chrysomya megacephala and Phaenicia cuprina

Relative topical toxicity of seven carbamate insecticides: Bay 37344 (4 (methylthio)-3,5-xylyl methylcarbamate); Chevron RE-5305 ( m-sec -butylphenyl methylcarbamate); Chevron RE-5353 (a mixture (4:1) of m -(1-methylbutyl) phenyl methylcarbamate and m-(l-ethylpropyl) phenyl methylcarbamate); Chevron RE-5655 (5-sec butyl-2-chlorophenyl methycarbamate); propoxur; SD-8530 (4:1 mixture of 3.4.5- and 2,3,5-trimethylphenyl methylcarbamate): and UC-10854 ( m -cumenyl methylcarbamate) to mature 3rd-stage larvae and 3- to 4-day-old females of Chrysomya megarcephala (F.) and Phaenicia cuprina (Wiedemann) was investigated. The in vitro and in vivo anticholinesterase activities of these insecticides also were determined. The 3rd-stage larvae of C. megacephala and P. cuprina were less susceptible to the insecticides than the corresponding adult females. Generally, the larvae of C. megacephala were more susceptible than the larvae of P. cuprina to all the insecticides except Bay 37344. The natural head cholinesterase activity as measured by the amount of head brei causing 80% hydrolysis of acetylcholine chloride in 30 minutes was C. megacephala 9.0 mg and P. cuprina 6.0 mg. This study indicates that toxic compounds such as Bay 37344 and propoxur were relatively poor in vitro inhibitors of head cholinesterase. On the other hand, RE-5305, RE-5353, and RE-5655, which were only moderately effective toxicants to both fly species, were more effective enzyme inhibitors. This fact suggests that there was no correlation between toxicity and in vitro cholinesterase inhibition. In vivo cholinesterase inhibition occurred in all treated flies. However, at LD 50 dosages, relatively low in vivo cholinesterase inhibition occurred, particularly in C. megacephala . Recovery of C. megacephala head enzyme activity was complete or nearly complete 48 hours after treatment. Although some recovery also occurred P. cuprina 48 hours after treatment, it was usually less than that found in C. megacephala No correlation was found between toxicity and in vivo cholinesterase inhibition.
G316(P) Chronic and complex care – a model for general paediatric leadership in a tertiary centre

Children with complex needs and their families coming into hospital with an acute admission may face a very unfamiliar environment despite perhaps having been under the care of community multidisciplinary teams for years. We have developed a General Paediatric model of care where one consultant is identified as the lead for hospital based care for each such patient. During admissions, day to day care is delegated to the attending general paediatric team, but the lead liaises with them and the family as needed, ensuring smooth communication and consistency between all specialties involved, maintaining a holistic overview. The lead continues to work with the family and community paediatrician post discharge and is involved in the development of advanced care planning focusing on management of symptoms and life threatening or life ending situations. Once a month the General Paediatric Consultant Meeting is devoted to chronic care inviting neonatology, community paediatrics and other specialists to identify patients who may require a lead and anticipating children who may be admitted to hospital in the near future. The lead ensures updated reports are in the patient notes and on the clinical portal. We use this meeting for peer support, sharing dilemma’s and expertise. Since formalising this approach in 2013 forty two children have been allocated a Lead Paediatrician and discussed one or more times at the meetings. Providing trainees with experience in managing children with complex needs particularly, continuity of care, remains a challenge; this model provides a structured opportunity to experience this. Encouraging a trainee to identify such a patient and maintain contact with that patient and their lead is an excellent training opportunity. Standards of care for acute General Paediatrics are becoming well established but they do not exist for acute management of the complex care required by these patients. It is the aim of our group to develop an educational model as well as to contribute to the development of standards to ensure that this care is delivered well and is a properly resourced role for a General Paediatrician in a tertiary centre.
Status and strategic priorities of inter-provincial scientific exchange and cooperation between Fujian and other provinces

By presenting the status of interprovincial scientific cooperation of Fujian,and analyzing the facing opportunities,challenges and the feasibility and necessity of cooperation,this paper proposes six strategic priorities for inter-provincial scientific exchange and cooperation between Fujian and other provinces for the twelfth five-year period(2011-2015): the transformation of high-tech achievements,cooperative research and development of key technologies and their application in production,cooperative training and exchange of scientific and technological talents,construction of resource sharing platform for technical advice and diagnosis cooperation,and construction of exhibition platform.
Third Chromosome Balancer Inversions Disrupt Protein-Coding Genes and Influence Distal Recombination Events in Drosophila melanogaster.

Balancer chromosomes are multiply inverted chromosomes that suppress meiotic crossing over and prevent the recovery of crossover products. Balancers are commonly used in Drosophila melanogaster to maintain deleterious alleles and in stock construction. They exist for all three major chromosomes, yet the molecular location of the breakpoints and the exact nature of many of the mutations carried by the second and third chromosome balancers has not been available. Here, we precisely locate eight of 10 of the breakpoints on the third chromosome balancer TM3, six of eight on TM6, and nine of 11 breakpoints on TM6B. We find that one of the inversion breakpoints on TM3 bisects the highly conserved tumor suppressor gene p53—a finding that may have important consequences for a wide range of studies in Drosophila. We also identify evidence of single and double crossovers between several TM3 and TM6B balancers and their normal-sequence homologs that have created genetic diversity among these chromosomes. Overall, this work demonstrates the practical importance of precisely identifying the position of inversion breakpoints of balancer chromosomes and characterizing the mutant alleles carried by them.
Tuberculosis skin test conversion rates evaluated at an overseas military hospital

As a result of a perceived increase in purified protein derivative skin test converters, purified protein derivative skin testing of hospital staff and epidemiological evaluation were undertaken. A possible common source of tuberculosis exposure was identified and evaluated. This patient was skin test positive but never provided prophylactic treatment in Spain, and normal case management procedures failed. The Andalusia region, where the naval base is located, has a reported rate of about 15 new tuberculosis cases per 100,000 persons per year, whereas the rate for the entire country of Spain is 22 per 100,000 persons. More than half of the new cases of tuberculosis reported in Spain come from this region. As a result of this work, improved personal prevention programs were instituted and hospital and base orientation regarding the unique risk of tuberculosis in this region was improved.
Progressive changes in detrusor function and micturition patterns with chroinc bladder ischemia

PURPOSE Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are bothersome constellation of voiding symptoms in men and women as they age. Multiple factors and comorbidities are attributed to this problem but underlying mechanisms of nonobstructive nonneurogenic detrusor overactivity, detrusor underactivity and LUTS remain largely unknown. Our goal was to characterize detrusor function and voiding patterns in relation to muscarinic receptors expression, nerve fiber density, and neural ultrastructure in chronic bladder ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Iliac artery atherosclerosis and bladder ischemia were produced in male Sprague-Dawley rats. At 8 and 16 weeks after ischemia, micturition patterns and cystometrograms were recorded in conscious rats then bladder blood flow and nonvoiding spontaneous contractions were measured under general anesthesia. Bladder tissues were processed for Western blotting, immunostaining, and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS Bladder responses to ischemic insult depended on the duration of ischemia. Micturition patterns and cystometric changes at 8-week ischemia suggested detrusor overactivity, while voiding behavior and cystometrograms at 16-week ischemia implied abnormal detrusor function resembling underactivity. Upregulation of muscarinic M2 receptor was found after 8- and 16 weeks of ischemia. Downregulation of M3 and upregulation of M1 were detected at 16-week ischemia. Neural structural damage and marked neurodegeneration were found after 8 and 16 weeks of ischemia, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Prolonged ischemia may be a mediating variable in progression of overactive bladder to dysfunctional patterns similar to detrusor underactivity. The mechanism appears to involve differential expression of M1, M2, and M3 receptors, neural structural injury, and progressive loss of nerve fibers.
DePriest, Oscar S.

Born: March 9, 1871, Florence, AL Education: Normal school, Salina, KN, graduated 1889 Died : May 12, 1951, Chicago, IL The son of ex-slaves, DePriest became a businessman and respected Republican politician. First elected a Cook County commissioner, he won election as Chicago's first black alderman in 1915. His victory was attributable to the party's Second Ward machine and loyalty of African American women, who comprised 25 percent of black voters. They obtained suffrage by the State Woman Suffrage Amendment of 1913. Leading clubwoman Frances Barrier Williams (1855–1944) said that DePriest's triumph would provide “an effective weapon with which to combat prejudice and discrimination of all kinds” (Hendricks, 1998, p. 96). DePriest made her assertion his mission and pursued it in Washington. Elected to the US House in 1928, the first African American congressman since 1901, he authored several key but failing offender protection and antilynching bills. The latter included fines and imprisonment for officials who allowed mobs to harm prisoners and, in cases of lynching, state-financed survivor compensations. He drafted a bill prohibiting racial discrimination in the Civilian Conservation Corps, a major source of black jobs during the Depression. Moreover, he increased Howard University's budget appropriations and nominated black cadets to US military academies. In spite of death threats, he also spoke to southern black audiences on the right to vote.
Is seasonal net community production in the South Pacific Subtropical Gyre anomalously low

The region of the South Pacific Subtropical Gyre (SPSG) at 20˚-30˚ S, 140˚-110˚W is the oceanic area with the lowest chlorophyll concentration and the deepest nutricline, O2 saturation horizon, and euphotic zone. We analyze the limited available data from this region to determine if rates of net community production (NCP) are systematically lower than elsewhere. We present limited mixed layer O2/Ar data constraining mixed layer NCP, examine hydrographic data from the CLIVAR repeat hydrography P18 line to assess seasonal DIC drawdown, and review results from the literature. While it is not possible to formalize uncertainties, the evidence suggests that euphotic zone NCP is around the lower end (~ 1 mole m-2 yr-1) of rates observed elsewhere. However, NCP is shifted to unusually deep depths, a change enabled by the very low extinction coefficients of these waters.
mHealth: an avenue for promoting health among sexual and gender minority populations?

The use of online electronic systems to communicate information has become both commonplace and important. Internet access, cell and smart phone use, and electronic mail use are at all-time highs in the US (1). The prevalence of social media continues to increase steadily in the U.S. In 2014, 74% of U.S. adult Internet users reported using a social media platform, representing a 7% increase from 67% in 2012 (1,2). The NIH is building a large cohort study based on the concepts that people can provide, receive, and interact with health data via personal mobile devices, and that they use these data to inform their health choices (3). Given easier accessibility through mobile technology (2) online communication strategies, including social media, are becoming viable platforms in modern health communication (4,5).
Beyond Discrete Categories: Studying Multiracial, Intersex, and Transgender Children Will Strengthen Basic Developmental Science.

Developmental research on social categorization has overwhelmingly focused on perceptions about and experiences of individuals who are clear or prototypical members of discrete and usually dichotomous social categories. For example, studies of social categorization, stereotyping, prejudice, and social identity have generally explored how children reason about others who are gender-typical boys or girls or monoracial White or Black children. Similarly, research participants have generally been gender-typical and monoracial. However, our efforts to build theories that account for the true range of variation require acknowledging the increasing visibility of children who do not fit into these discrete categories and raise the question of whether existing theories can capture the dynamics that arise for them. Focusing on race and gender/sex, the social categories that have received the most attention in the developmental literature, we review research that has gone beyond simple dichotomies by including multi...
Electromagnetic Field at the Center of a Point Symmetric and Axially Symmetric Penetrable Structure

A structure made of penetrable media whose boundaries and material properties are both point symmetric and axially symmetric is analyzed in the phasor domain, when illuminated by a circular array of radiators. A theorem on the field at the center of the structure is given, a particular configuration is studied in detail, and potential applications to material characterization and biomedicine are mentioned.
Importance of the Interventricular Septum as Part of the Ventricular Tachycardia Substrate in Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy

Abstract Objectives This study sought to characterize septal substrate in patients with nonischemic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (NILVCM) undergoing ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. Background The interventricular septum is an important site of VT substrate in NILVCM. Methods The authors studied 95 patients with NILVCM and VT. Electroanatomic mapping using standard bipolar ( Results Detailed LV endocardial mapping (mean 262 ± 138 points) showed septal bipolar and unipolar voltage abnormalities (VAs) in 44 (46%) and 79 (83%) patients, most commonly with basal anteroseptal involvement. Of the 59 patients in whom the septum was targeted, bipolar and unipolar septal VAs were seen in 36 (61%) and 54 (92%). Of the 35 with CMR-defined septal scar, bipolar and unipolar septal VAs were seen in 18 (51%) and 31 (89%). In 12 patients without CMR septal scar, 6 (50%) had isolated unipolar septal VAs on electroanatomic mapping, a subset of whom the septum was targeted for ablation (44%). In the graded unipolar analysis, the optimal cutoff associated with magnetic resonance imaging septal scar was 4.8 mV (sensitivity 75%, specificity 70%; area under the curve: 0.75; 95% confidence interval: 0.60 to 0.90). Conclusions Septal substrate by unipolar or bipolar voltage mapping in patients with NILVCM and VT is common. A unipolar voltage cutoff of 4.8 mV provides the best correlation with DE-CMR. A subset of patients with septal VT had normal DE-CMR or endocardial bipolar voltage with abnormal unipolar voltage.
Exogenous Induction of Certain Carbohydrate Permeases in Bacteria

Most carbohydrates that can be utilized by bacteria as a principal growth substrate are initially converted to cytoplasmic products that are unique, or nearly unique, to that sugar. These products are only present in the cytoplasm in high concentrations when the parent sugar is transported across the membrane from the extracellular medium. Consequently, they can serve as cytoplasmic inducers of the operons encoding the catabolic enzyme system specific for that sugar. This chapter discusses exogenous induction of the hexose phosphate and phosphoglycerate permeases. It also discusses autogenous induction of the proteins of the phosphotransferase system. Among the transport proteins that appear to be induced by exogenous substrates are several of the proteins of the phosphotransferase system. Evidence suggests that expression of the structural genes of the pts operon, which encode HPr and Enzyme I, and the gluA and manA genes, which encode the glucose and mannose Enzymes II, respectively, are induced exogenously.
Prostaglandin D2/J2 signaling pathway in a rat model of neuroinflammation displaying progressive parkinsonian-like pathology: potential novel therapeutic targets.

Prostaglandins are products of the cyclooxygenase pathway, which is implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Limited knowledge is available on mechanisms by which prostaglandins contribute to PD neurodegeneration. To address this gap, we focused on the prostaglandin PGD2/J2 signaling pathway, because PGD2 is the most abundant prostaglandin in the brain, and the one that increases the most under pathological conditions. Moreover, PGJ2 is spontaneously derived from PGD2. In this study, we determined in rats the impact of unilateral nigral PGJ2-microinfusions on COX-2, lipocalin-type PGD2 synthase (L-PGDS), PGD2/J2 receptor 2 (DP2), and 15 hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH). Nigral dopaminergic (DA) and microglial distribution and expression levels of these key factors of the prostaglandin D2/J2 pathway were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. PGJ2-induced motor deficits were assessed with the cylinder test. We also determined whether oral treatment with ibuprofen improved the PD-like pathology induced by PGJ2. PGJ2 treatment induced progressive PD-like pathology in the rats. Concomitant with DA neuronal loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), PGJ2-treated rats exhibited microglia and astrocyte activation and motor deficits. In DA neurons, COX-2, L-PGDS, and 15-PGDH levels increased significantly in PGJ2-treated rats compared to controls, while DP2 receptor levels were unchanged. In microglia, DP2 receptors were basically non-detectable, while COX-2 and L-PGDS levels increased upon PGJ2-treatment, and 15-PGDH remained unchanged. 15-PGDH was also detected in oligodendrocytes. Notably, ibuprofen prevented most PGJ2-induced PD-like pathology. The PGJ2-induced rat model develops progressive PD pathology, which is a hard-to-mimic aspect of this disorder. Moreover, prevention of most PGJ2-induced PD-like pathology with ibuprofen suggests a positive feedback mechanism between PGJ2 and COX-2 that could lead to chronic neuroinflammation. Notably, this is the first study that analyzes the nigral dopaminergic and microglial distribution and levels of factors of the PGD2/J2 signaling pathway in rodents. Our findings support the notions that upregulation of COX-2 and L-PGDS may be important in the PGJ2 evoked PD-like pathology, and that neuronal DP2 receptor antagonists and L-PGDS inhibitors may be novel pharmacotherapeutics to relieve neuroinflammation-mediated neurodegeneration in PD, circumventing the adverse side effects of cyclooxygenase inhibitors.
Melt Pond Conditions on Declining Arctic Sea Ice Over 1979-2016: Model Development, Validation, and Results

A melt pond (MP) distribution equation has been developed and incorporated into the Marginal Ice-Zone Modeling and Assimilation System to simulate Arctic MPs and sea ice over 1979-2016. The equation differs from previous MP models and yet benefits from previous studies for MP parameterizations as well as a range of observations for model calibration. Model results show higher magnitude of MP volume per unit ice area and area fraction in most of the Canada Basin and the East Siberian Sea and lower magnitude in the central Arctic. This is consistent with Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer observations, evaluated with Measurements of Earth Data for Environmental Analysis (MEDEA) data, and closely related to top ice melt per unit ice area. The model simulates a decrease in the total Arctic sea ice volume and area, owing to a strong increase in bottom and lateral ice melt. The sea ice decline leads to a strong decrease in the total MP volume and area. However, the Arctic-averaged MP volume per unit ice area and area fraction show weak, statistically insignificant downward trends, which is linked to the fact that MP water drainage per unit ice area is increasing. It is also linked to the fact that MP volume and area decrease relatively faster than ice area. This suggests that overall the actual MP conditions on ice have changed little in the past decades as the ice cover is retreating in response to Arctic warming, thus consistent with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer observations that show no clear trend in MP area fraction over 2000-2011.
Automated Heatsink Optimization for Air-Cooled Power Semiconductor Modules

Heatsink design is critical for power density and reliability enhancement of power semiconductor modules. In this letter, an automated design and optimization methodology for air-cooled heatsinks are proposed based on genetic algorithm and finite element analysis. While the genetic algorithm generates a population of candidates with complex heatsink cross-section geometry in each iteration, finite element analysis is used to evaluate the fitness function of individual heatsink, i.e., junction temperature of semiconductor devices. With the rule of “survival of the fittest,” the proposed methodology eventually converges to an optimum heatsink design with the lowest device junction temperature. The optimized heatsink is fabricated through three-dimensional printing technology for thermal performance evaluation. Simulation and experimental evaluations have been conducted based on a 50-kW three-phase air-cooled inverter with the fabricated heatsinks. The comparative evaluation results show that the optimized heatsink is superior over a customized solution by 27% less in size and 6% lower in junction temperature.
The Clonal Evolution of Metastatic Osteosarcoma as Shaped by Cisplatin Treatment

To investigate the genomic evolution of metastatic pediatric osteosarcoma, we performed whole-genome and targeted deep sequencing on 14 osteosarcoma metastases and two primary tumors from four patients (two to eight samples per patient). All four patients harbored ancestral (truncal) somatic variants resulting in TP53 inactivation and cell-cycle aberrations, followed by divergence into relapse-specific lineages exhibiting a cisplatin-induced mutation signature. In three of the four patients, the cisplatin signature accounted for >40% of mutations detected in the metastatic samples. Mutations potentially acquired during cisplatin treatment included NF1 missense mutations of uncertain significance in two patients and a KIT G565R activating mutation in one patient. Three of four patients demonstrated widespread ploidy differences between samples from the sample patient. Single-cell seeding of metastasis was detected in most metastatic samples. Cross-seeding between metastatic sites was observed in one patient, whereas in another patient a minor clone from the primary tumor seeded both metastases analyzed. These results reveal extensive clonal heterogeneity in metastatic osteosarcoma, much of which is likely cisplatin-induced. Implications: The extent and consequences of chemotherapy-induced damage in pediatric cancers is unknown. We found that cisplatin treatment can potentially double the mutational burden in osteosarcoma, which has implications for optimizing therapy for recurrent, chemotherapy-resistant disease.
Fast Integration of DPG Matrices Based on Sum Factorization for all the Energy Spaces

Numerical integration of the stiffness matrix in higher-order finite element (FE) methods is recognized as one of the heaviest computational tasks in an FE solver. The problem becomes even more relevant when computing the Gram matrix in the algorithm of the Discontinuous Petrov Galerkin (DPG) FE methodology. Making use of 3D tensor-product shape functions, and the concept of sum factorization, known from standard high-order FE and spectral methods, here we take advantage of this idea for the entire exact sequence of FE spaces defined on the hexahedron. The key piece to the presented algorithms is the exact sequence for the one-dimensional element, and use of hierarchical shape functions. Consistent with existing results, the presented algorithms for the integration of H1, H(curl), H(div), and L2 inner products, have the O(p7) computational complexity in contrast to the O(p9) cost of conventional integration routines. Use of Legendre polynomials for shape functions is critical in this implementation. Three boundary value problems under different variational formulations, requiring combinations of H1, H(div) and H(curl) test shape functions, were chosen to experimentally assess the computation time for constructing DPG element matrices, showing good correspondence with the expected rates.
Normal Return Gaps: Dispersion Illuminates Diversification

Despite ever more sophisticated risk management and measurement, investment professionals have generally overlooked a simple but powerful measure of relative performance and portfolio diversification—the normal return gap. The authors develop a generalized specification of the expected difference in returns between two investments based on the folded normal distribution. Even highly correlated investments can have quite large expected return gaps. They then demonstrate the applicability of this dispersion to capital market forecasts, manager selection, performance evaluation, style tilts, sector bets, socially responsible investing, manager combinations, wash sale taxation, and rebalancing. TOPICS:Performance measurement, wealth management, manager selection, ESG investing Key Findings • Even highly correlated investments can produce meaningful diversification; conversely, low correlations can produce small return gaps and, therefore, minimal diversification. • Normal return gaps between investments are often the same magnitude as the expected returns of the underlying assets. • Investors unaware of normal return gaps risk terminating worthy managers; establishing competitive “horse races” between managers is particularly unwise.
1 – Insect Genomics

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the insect genome sequencing and analysis of sequenced genomes using “omics” and high-throughput sequencing technologies. It also provides an overview of proteomics and structural genomics of insect systems biology. Research on insects, especially in the areas of physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology, has undergone notable transformations during the last two decades. Almost all insect genomes sequenced to date employed the whole-genome shotgun sequencing (WGS) method. Shotgun genome sequencing begins with isolation of high molecular weight genomic DNA from nuclei isolated from isogenic lines of insects. The genomic DNA is then randomly sheared, end-polished with Bal31 nuclease/ T4 DNA polymerase primers, and, finally, the DNA is size-selected. The size-selected, sheared DNA is then ligated to restriction enzyme adaptors such as the BstX1 adaptors. Subsequently, the genomic fragments are inserted into restriction enzyme-linearized plasmid vectors. Most genomes sequenced to date employed this technology. Sanger sequencing must be distinguished from next generation sequencing technology, which has entered the marketplace during the last four years and is rapidly changing the approaches used to sequence genomes. Genomes sequenced by NGS technologies will be completed more quickly and at a lower price than those from the first few insect genomes.
Congenital biliary web- a rare cause of obstructive jaundice in an infant: A case report

Background: Congenital biliary web of the extra-hepatic biliary tree is becoming exceedingly rare cause of obstructive jaundice in children. Case Presentation: We report a case of 5-month-old male baby who presented with acholic stools and persistent jaundice since birth. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed contracted gall bladder and focal narrowing at mid portion of the common bile duct (CBD) with proximal dilatation of biliary channels. On exploration, a complete web was found just proximal to the confluence of cystic duct and common hepatic duct causing complete obstruction of biliary tree. A Roux-en-Y hepatico-jejunostomy was done. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. Conclusion: We conclude that congenital biliary web is a rare entity and should be considered in the dif­ferential diagnosis of biliary atresia.
Foreign cultures, Sarbanes–Oxley Act and cross-delisting

Abstract Using a sample of foreign firms listed in U.S. and delisting shares over the period 2000 and 2010, this paper studies the impact of Sarbanes–Oxley Act (SOX) on the cross-delisting behavior of foreign firms based on the firm characteristics, legal tradition, overall culture and degree of individualism of the country of domicile. Pre-SOX, the propensity to delist is lower for firms from countries with cultural similarities to the U.S. and higher for firms from individualistic societies. Post-SOX these trends are reversed. Consistent with the existing research we find that the delisting decision of foreign firms cross-listed in the U.S. is based on the potential gains from listing based on the growth opportunities, length of presence in the U.S. and legal regulations of the country of domicile. Out findings provide evidence of the cultural factors that impact the competitiveness of U.S. capital markets.
Correlation of Automated Chemiluminescent Method with Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Antibody Titers in Convalescent COVID-19 Plasma Samples: Development of Rapid, Cost-Effective Semi-Quantitative Diagnostic Methods

Background: We investigated the utility of an automated chemiluminescent SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody assay platform in quantifying the amount of binding antibodies present in donated convalescent plasma Methods: A total of 179 convalescent plasma units were analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using the Beckman-Coulter chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) platform The equipment-derived numerical values (S/Co ratio) were recorded Aliquots from the same units were subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that detects IgG antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein The relationship between ELISA titers and CLIA S/Co values was analyzed using linear regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve Results: Twenty-one samples (11 7%) had S/Co values of less than 1 0 and were deemed negative for antibodies and convalescent plasma had S/Co values between >1 0 and 5 0 (70/ 179, 39 1%) Fifteen units (8 4%) had negative ELISA titer The majority of the units (95/ 179 53 1%) had titers >= 1:1024 The sensitivities of ELISA to CLIA were comparable (90 5% vs 88 3%, respectively;p=0 18) There was positive linear correlation between CLIA S/Co values and ELISA IgG titer (Rho = 0 75;Spearman's rank = 0 82, p-value = <0 0001) The agreement between the two methods was fair, with a index of 0 2741 Using the ROC analysis, we identified a CLIA S/Co cutoff value of 8 2, which gives a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 82% in predicting a titer dilution of =1:1024 Conclusion: The utility of automated antibody detection systems can be extended from simply a screening method to a semi-quantitative and quantitative functional antibody analysis CLIA S/Co values can be used to reliably estimate the ELISA antibody titer Incorporation of chemiluminescent-based methods can provide rapid, cost-effective means of identifying anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers in donated plasma for use in the treatment of COVID-19 infection
Interplay between receptor binding, immune escape and protein stability determines the natural selection of SARS-CoV-2 variants

ABSTRACT Emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants has raised concerns at the effectiveness of vaccines and antibody therapeutics developed against the unmutated wild-type virus. We examined the effect of 12 most commonly occurring mutations in the receptor binding domain on its expression, stability, activity, and antibody escape potential-some of the factors that may influence the natural selection of mutants. Recombinant proteins were expressed in human cells. Stability was measured using thermal denaturation melts. Activity and antibody escape potential were measured using isothermal titration calorimetry in terms of binding to ACE2 and to a neutralizing human antibody CC12.1, respectively. Our results show that variants differ in their expression levels with the two least stable variants showing lesser expression. Out of the 8 well-expressed mutants, only 2 (N501Y and K417T/E484K/N501Y) showed stronger affinity to ACE2, 4 (Y453F, S477N, T478I and S494P) have similar affinity, whereas the other 2 (K417N and E484K) have weaker affinity when compared to the wild-type. In terms of CC12.1 binding, when compared to the wild-type, 4 variants (K417N, Y453F, N501Y and K417T/E484K/N501Y) have weaker affinity, 2 (S477N and S494P) have similar affinity, and 2 (T478I and E484K) have stronger affinity. Taken together, these results indicate that multiple factors contribute towards the natural selection of variants, and all these factors need be considered to understand the evolution of the virus. In addition, since not all variants can escape a given neutralizing antibody, antibodies to treat new variants can be chosen based on the specific mutations in that variant.
I Am Here: It Took a Global Village.

The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” has never been truer than in my case. This autobiographical article documents my growing up and working on three different continents and my influen...
Separable potentials for the nucleon-nucleon 3 S 1 - 3 D 1 channel

Separable potentials of rank one to five for the nucleon-nucleon $^{3}S_{1}\ensuremath{-}^{3}D_{1}$ channel are constructed using a method introduced by Ernst, Shakin, and Thaler. The potentials all have the same deuteron wave function as the Reid soft-core potential. In addition the phase shifts of the rank-four and -five potentials are quite close to the experimental phase shifts. A survey of previously published separable potentials of rank greater than one is made and it is concluded that most of these potentials have unacceptably poor deuteron properties. A number of errors that were made in the fitting of these potentials to the data are pointed out. A simplification of the Reid soft-core potential for the $^{3}S_{1}\ensuremath{-}^{3}D_{1}$ channel is also presented. The simplified potential consists entirely of Yukawa terms but has experimental properties that generally differ from the original Reid soft-core properties by less than the present experimental error.[NUCLEAR REACTIONS Separable potentials fitted to Reid $^{3}S_{1}\ensuremath{-}^{3}D_{1}$ phase shifts, deuteron wave function. Previous $^{3}S_{1}\ensuremath{-}^{3}D_{1}$ separable potentials surveyed, errors pointed out. Compared to UPE constructions. Simplified (local) Reid tensor force presented.]
Knowledge system of engineering and technology management

The author suggests a possibility of representing the knowledge base of engineering and technology management (ETM) by applying the concept of a knowledge system. This approach allows for identification of knowledge levels in various elements of the ETM discipline. Interconnections among those elements are discussed and shown as a knowledge map of ETM. The proposed representation may be used as a framework for designing educational programs and selecting research strategies. Analogies to historical development of other disciplines are also presented. >
Evaluation of the Lap Belt, Air Bag, and Air Force Restraint Systems During Impact with Living Human Sled Subjects

ABRUPT LINEAR DECELERATIONS WERE CONDUCTED WITH HUMAN VOLUNTEERS IN ORDER TO STUDY THE LOADING TO THE HUMAN ANATOMY WHILE RESTRAINED WITH THE LAP BELT, LAP BELT PLUS AIR BAG, AND AIR FORCE HARNESS SYSTEMS. IMPULSES AND PEAK FORCES IN THE LAP BELTS AND PEAK FORCES IN THE SEAT PAN, SEAT BACK, AND FOOT CELLS WERE MEASURED AND COMPARED. EACH SUBJECT WAS COMPARED WITH HIMSELF USING THE DIFFERENT SYSTEMS, AND THE RANGE AND MEAN OF THESE COMPARISONS ARE SHOWN. THE RESULTS INDICATED THAT IN COMPARISON WITH THE LAP BELT ONLY SYSTEM, BOTH THE LAP BELT PLUS AIR BAG AND THE AIR FORCE HARNESS SYSTEMS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED THE IMPULSES AND PEAK FORCES TRANSMITTED TO THE PELVIS. /AUTHOR/
Internet-Based Data Collection: Promises and Realities

The use of Internet to aid research practice has become more popular in the recent years. In fact, some believe that Internet surveying and electronic data collection may revolutionize many disciplines by allowing for easier data collection, larger samples, and therefore more representative data. However, others are skeptical of its usability as well as its practical value. The paper highlights both positive and negative outcomes experienced in a number of e-research projects, focusing on several common mistakes and difficulties experienced by the authors. The discussion focuses on ethics and review board issues, recruitment and sampling techniques, technological issues and errors, and data collection, cleaning, and analysis.
Investigating treatment satisfaction and progress for offenders referred to community-based drug addiction treatment

Materials and methods The sample included 90 male participants (64 of which completed follow-up) and seven counselor participants (i.e., four females and three males) from communitybased treatment in a Midwestern metropolitan area. Hierarchical linear modeling was conducted to examine the influence of victimization and violence history, psychiatric disorders (i.e., anxiety, depression), social functioning (i.e., social support, self-esteem), drug use severity, and treatment motivation on treatment satisfaction and progress after controlling for counselor-level variances. Hierarchical linear modeling also was employed to test the mediation of treatment satisfaction on the relationship between client-level factors and treatment progress.