cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactions between charged, uncharged, and zwitterionic bilayers containing phosphatidylglycerol.

Pressure vs. distance relationships have been obtained for phosphatidylglycerol bilayers, in both charged and uncharged states. Water was removed from the lipid multilayers by the application of osmotic pressures in the range of 0–2.7 x 10(9) dyn/cm2, and the distance between adjacent bilayers was obtained from Fourier analysis of lamellar x-ray diffraction data. For phosphatidylglycerol bilayers made electrically neutral either by lowering the pH or by adding equimolar concentrations of the positively charged lipid stearylamine, the pressure-distance data could be fit with a single exponential. The measured decay lengths were 1.1 A at low pH and 1.5 A with stearylamine, which are similar to decay lengths of the hydration pressure found for gel phases of other neutral bilayers. In addition, the magnitude of this repulsive pressure was proportional to the square of the Volta potential (equivalent to the dipole potential for electrically neutral bilayers) measured in monolayers in equilibrium with bilayers, in agreement with results previously found for the hydration pressure between phosphatidylcholine bilayers. For charged phosphatidylglycerol bilayers, the pressure-distance relation had two distinct regions. For bilayer separations greater than 10 A, the pressure-distance data had an exponential decay length (11 A) and a magnitude consistent with that expected for electrostatic repulsion from double-layer theory. For bilayer separations of 2–10 A, the pressure decayed much more rapidly with increasing bilayer separation (decay length less than 1 A). We interpret these data at low bilayer separations in terms of a combination of hydration repulsion and steric hindrance between the lipid head groups and the sodium ions trapped between apposing bilayers.
Cerebrospinal fluid inflammatory cytokines and aggression in personality disordered subjects

Background. Neurochemical studies have pointed to a modulatory role in human aggression for a variety of central neurotransmitters and neuromodulators such as cytokines. While animal studies of cytokines suggest an aggression facilitating role for central cytokines, especially for IL-1β and other cytokines, no cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies of cytokines have yet been reported in regard to human aggression. METHODS. Basal lumbar CSF samples were obtained from 38 physically healthy subjects with DSM-5 Personality Disorder (PD) and assayed for CSF Interleukin-6 (log IL-6) and CSF soluble IL-1 Receptor II (sIL-1RII) protein in the context of their relationship with measures of aggression. RESULTS. CSF sIL-1RII (r =.35, r(2) =.12, p =.03), but not log IL-6 (r = -.05, r(2) =.00, p =.76), levels were positively correlated with a composite measure of aggression. Adding relevant covariates, including CSF levels of serotonin and dopamine metabolites, to the statistical model doubled the strength of this relationship (partial r =.54, r(2) =.29, p =.002). No relationship was seen with history of suicidal behavior or with any measure of impulsivity, negative affectivity, or of general dimensions of personality. CONCLUSION. These data suggest a positive relationship between at least one inflammatory cytokine in the central nervous system and aggression in human subjects. This finding adds to the complex picture of the central neurochemistry of impulsive aggression in human subjects. Language: en
The antidiabetic action of insulin on nitrogen metabolism.

Numerous reports have appeared concerning the effects produced on nitrogen metabolism by the administration of insulin to normal animals (Luck, et al, 1928; Milhorat and Chambers, 1928; Kerr and Krikorian, 1929; BischofT and Long, 1929; Daniels and Luck, 1931; Goldblatt and Ellis, 1931; Powers and Reis, 1933; Davis and Van Winkle, 1934; MacKay, et al, 1939). But this method of study does not necessarily reveal the action of endogenous insulin in the normal animal. Even though the blood sugar remains normal, extra insulin, when introduced into an animal already provided with an adequate supply, may not exert the same effect as when injected into an animal deprived of its endogenous supply of the hormone. Again, should the blood sugar fall after the injection of insulin, the reactions that follow may be secondary to the hypoglycemia (e.g., epinephrine secretion) and not the result of the insulin per se.
The Plusiinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Seventeen species of Plusiinae have been found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in Tennessee and North Carolina, USA. These species are documented with adult images, description, flight period, abundance, elevation range, Park and general distribution, and larval hosts from the literature. Maps illustrate the known distribution of each species within the Park. Sixteen of the 17 species occur above 4,000 feet in elevation. The most diverse locality in the Park has 14 species.
Secure and resilient localization in wireless sensor networks

Recent technological advances have made it possible to develop distributed sensor networks consisting of a large number of low-cost, low-power, and multi-functional sensor nodes that communicate in short distances through wireless links [1]. Such sensor networks are ideal candidates for a wide range of applications such as health monitoring, data acquisition in hazardous environments, and military operations. The desirable features of distributed sensor networks have attracted many researchers to develop protocols and algorithms that can fulfill the requirements of these applications (e.g., [1,12,14,17,28,29,32]).
Algebraic Aspects of Additive Group Actions on Complex Affine Space

The automorphism group A n (ℂ) of the polynomial ring (ℂ[x 1, ..., x n ] in n variables over the complex field, equivalently the automorphism group of n-dimensional complex affine space, is known to have the structure of an infinite dimensional algebraic group [30]. Our concern in this paper is with embeddings of the additive group G a in A n (ℂ), in other words with algebraic (sometimes referred to as rational or polynomial) actions of G a on complex affine affine space. Throughout this report, all group actions on varieties are assumed to be algebraic (i.e. the orbit of any regular function spans a finite dimensional complex vector space).
Risk Limiting Dispatch with Fast Ramping Storage

Risk Limiting Dispatch (RLD) was proposed recently as a mechanism that utilizes information and market recourse to reduce reserve capacity requirements, emissions and achieve other system operator objectives. It induces a set of simple dispatch rules that ca n be easily embedded into the existing dispatch systems to provide computationally efficient and r eliable decisions. Storage is emerging as an alternative to mitigate the uncertainty in the grid. This pa per extends the RLD framework to incorporate fast-ramping storage. It developed a closed form threshold rule for the optimal stochastic dispatch incorporating a sequence of markets and real-time information. An efficient algorithm to evaluate the thresholds is developed based on analysis of the optimal storage operation. Simple approximations that rely on continuous-time approximations of the solution for the discrete time control problem are also studied. The benefits of storage with respect to prediction q uality and storage capacity are examined, and the overall effect on dispatch is quantified. Numerical expe riments illustrate the proposed procedures.
Arginine selective reagents for ligation to peptides and proteins

A new class of arginine-specific bioconjugation reagents for protein labeling has been developed. This method utilizes a triazolyl-phenylglyoxal group on the probe molecule that reacts selectively with the guandinyl group of Arg residues in a protein or peptide. The reaction proceeds in neutral to basic bicarbonate buffers and is selective for arginine residues in peptides and folded proteins. Importantly, the triazolyl-phenylglyoxal group can be introduced into complex molecules containing alkyne groups using CuAAC chemistry, providing a robust approach for the generation of phenylglyoxal reactive groups into molecules to be covalently attached onto the surface of proteins. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of some hypocholesterolemic compounds on the serum protein patterns and serum cholesterol of normal and diethylstilbestrol-treated cockerels.

Abstract INTRODUCTION A PREVIOUS investigation demonstrated that oral administration of triparanol (Mer-20) to laying hens caused serum cholesterol to rise and reduced egg formation (Nelson and Clegg, 1962). This rise in serum cholesterol contrasted with results obtained from rats by other investigators (Blohm et al., 1959; Blohm and Mackenzie, 1959; and Kayser, 1960). The effectiveness of SC-12937 e in lowering plasma cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic rats has been reported (Counsell et al., 1962) f as twelve to fifteen times that of triparanol given orally. SC-10644 g also has been reported to effectively lower plasma cholesterol by 50% in normal rats when administered orally for two weeks. Cholestyramine, a bile acid sequestrant, administered as 1% of the diet inhibits plasma cholesterol rise 50% in cholesterol-fed cockerels (Tennent et al., 1959). Diethylstilbestrol causes a rise in liver and plasma cholesterol and blood lipid in chickens (Entenman et al., 1940; Linsay et al., 1946). Effects of four hypocholesterolemic compounds…
Undulant Fever in New York State

Data accumulated during the past seven years indicate that the symptomatology of the cases of undulant fever occurring in New York State corresponds to that observed in other sections of the United States. The percentage of infections due to the bovine type of Bacterium abortus differs markedly, however. Plastridge and McAlpine,1 studying 111 strains isolated in this country from the blood of patients with undulant fever, found 66 to correspond to the porcine, and 45 to the bovine, type. Hardy and his co-workers 2 designated as porcine 45 of 69 strains obtained, in Iowa, from human blood. In the middle west, where hog-raising is an important industry, a considerable percentage of the hogs evidently have B. abortus infections. Hardy and his co-workers 2a secured agglutination in the blood of about 20 per cent of the hogs which they tested in Iowa, and Johnson and Huddleson,3 in approximately 8 per cent of those studied in Michigan. Thus, persons who handle or butcher hogs in that part of the country are exposed to infection. In New York State conditions are very different. Fewer hogs are raised, and the number of those infected with B. abortus is apparently extremely small. Boak and Carpenter 4 examined the blood of over 1,000 hogs raised in the state and slaughtered in Buffalo, Utica or Albany. In only 2 instances?a percentage of less than 0.2?was B. abortus agglutinated in significant dilutions of the serum. Oilman and Milks 5 studied 117 strains of B. abortus recovered from specimens of milk collected in widely scattered sections of New York State. They reported that 113 were of the bovine variety and 4 only, of the porcine.
Light Intensity as a Critical Parameter in the Dye-Sensitized Photooxidation of the House Fly, Musca domestica

Light intensity is a critical variable of the dye-sensitized photooxidation reaction, and the rate of house fly, Musca domestica , mortality is observed to increase with increasing light intensity. Relative toxicities were described for 6 xanthene dyes (rose bengal, octabromofluorescein, erythrosin B, phloxin B, eosin Y, and tetrachlorofluorescein) as a function of the 3rd-order rate constant of photooxidation, k3, obtained for each dye and determined from the LT50, tissue dye levels, and light intensity measurements. The ranking of these 6 xanthenes by their respective k3 values is almost identical to the ranking of these same dyes by their k2, or second-order rate constant. The number of accumulated photons needed to produce 50% mortality was observed to decrease with an increase in light intensity.
Bedside monitoring of cerebral oxygenation using DOT

We report use of high-density DOT imaging to obtain quantitative maps of OEF measured on the human occipital cortex. Analyses of pulse and respiration waveforms are used to separate arterial and venous weighted tissue compartments.
Laryngeal electromyography for adult unilateral vocal fold immobility: a survey of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association.

Objectives: Diagnostic and management strategies for adult unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI) vary among otolaryngologists. The aim of this study was to determine the current attitudes and practices regarding laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) for the management of adult UVFI within a cohort of subspecialty laryngologists. Methods: A 19-item instrument focused on diagnosis and management of adult UVFI was mailed to active members (n = 249) of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA). The subset of questions related to LEMG is reviewed in this report. Statistical analysis using a X 2 test was performed. Results: The survey response rate was 34% (n = 84), with 8 surveys returned incomplete because of pediatric-limited practices. Of the respondents, 75% (n = 57) rely on LEMG for evaluation of UVFI, whereas 25% (n = 19) do not use LEMG. Of those who use LEMG, 54% place their own electrodes and 44% interpret the LEMG results themselves. Monopolar electrodes are used by 57% (n = 25), bipolar electrodes by 27% (n = 12), and hooked-wire electrodes by 17% (n = 7). Muscles evaluated by LEMG include the thyroarytenoid (100%), cricothyroid (94%), posterior cricoarytenoid (70%), lateral cricoarytenoid (43%), cricopharyngeus (27%), and interarytenoid (17%). The LEMG is performed in an unblinded fashion by most respondents (85%), and many (66%) feel a more accurate result is obtained when clinical information is known. There was no statistically significant difference in use of LEMG, placement of electrodes, and interpretation of LEMG according to percentage of laryngology practice. Conclusions: The survey results demonstrate congruence among ABEA members in the utility of LEMG in the management of adult UVFI. Some variability was noted in the methods by which LEMG is performed and interpreted.
Management of Bridges Under Aging Mechanisms and Extreme Events: Risk-Based Approach:

Current bridge management systems predict the condition state of bridge elements primarily on the basis of the extent of continuous structural deterioration. Although the existing systems deliver a range of capabilities for the management of bridges under normal operational conditions, these systems do not take into account the consequences of sudden extreme events in a systematic way. Considering the uncertainties involved in natural and manufactured hazards in addition to the ones associated with environmental exposure conditions, there is a critical need to develop risk-based approaches that not only take into account the site-specific aging mechanisms and extreme events at the same time but also accommodate the spatial and temporal randomness originated from them. This study introduced a risk-based, life-cycle analysis framework to be implemented in the current bridge management systems used by the transportation agencies. A set of representative bridges exposed to environmental stressors and seismic ...
Relationship among asphalt component,viscosity and adhesion in triangular coordinate system

In order to assess the influences of asphalt component and composition on asphalt technical properties,thirteen types of pavement petroleum asphalts and two kinds of typical aggregates were selected.The relationship among asphalt component,viscosity and adhesion was investigated by using tests of four-component,apparent viscosity and adhesion.The characterization method of asphalt four-component test result by using triangular coordinate system was put forward.The asphalt characteristic triangle was drawn with four-component data.The characteristic of asphalt composition was represented by inertia moment.The asphalt pyramid was drawn based on asphalt four-component data and the relationship among its geometry characteristics,viscosity and adhesion was analyzed.Analysis result indicates that except asphalt components,its composition differences also have influences on asphalt viscosity and aggregate adhesion.For the asphalts with same penetration grade and different brands,triangular coordinate analysis result shows the aggregate adhesion increases with the increase of the inertia moment of asphalt four-component characteristic triangle.6tabs,6figs,18refs.
Halothane inhibits agonist-induced potentiation of rMLC phosphorylation in permeabilized airway smooth muscle.

Agonist-induced increases in CA2+ sensitivity are mediated in part by mechanisms that increase phosphorylation of the regulatory myosin light chain (rMLC) at constant cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). The current study tested the hypothesis that halothane inhibits acetylcholine (ACh)-induced potentiation of rMLC phosphorylation in beta-escin-permeabilized canine tracheal smooth muscle. ACh plus GTP significantly potentiated the increase in isometric force and rMLC phosphorylation induced by 0.8 microM free Ca2+. However, whereas the potentiation of isometric force was sustained, the potentiation of rMLC phosphorylation was biphasic, peaking at 0.5 min and then declining by approximately 10 min to a steady-state level significantly above that induced by 0.8 microM free Ca2+ alone. This finding suggests that mechanisms in addition to changes in rMLC phosphorylation may mediate ACh-induced Ca2+ sensitization, as has been reported for vascular smooth muscle. Halothane (0.91 +/- 0.10 mM) significantly inhibited ACh plus GTP-induced potentiation of rMLC phosphorylation and isometric force after 2 (peak rMLC phosphorylation) and 15 (steady-state rMLC phosphorylation) min of stimulation. However, the effect of halothane on the potentiation of isometric force was significantly less than that expected from its effect on rMLC phosphorylation (i.e., halothane changed the relationship between rMLC phosphorylation and isometric force). These results demonstrate that halothane inhibits the ACh-induced increase in Ca2+ sensitivity by inhibiting the membrane receptor-coupled mechanisms that increase rMLC phosphorylation at constant submaximal [Ca2+]i. Possible additional effects of halothane on rMLC phosphorylation-independent mechanisms cannot be ruled out.
Fitness-valley crossing in subdivided asexual populations

Adaptations may require multiple mutations that are beneficial only in combination. To adapt, a lineage must acquire mutations that are individually neutral or deleterious before gaining the beneficial combination, thereby crossing a plateau or valley, respectively, in the mapping from genotype to fitness. Spatial population structure can facilitate plateau and valley crossing by allowing neutral and deleterious lineages to survive longer and produce more beneficial mutants. Here, we analyze adaptation across a two-mutation plateau or valley in an asexual population that is subdivided into discrete subpopulations, or demes, connected by migration. We describe how subdivision alters the dynamics of adaptation from those in an equally sized unstructured population and give a complete quantitative description of these dynamics for the island migration model. Subdivision can significantly decrease the waiting time for the adaptation if demes and migration rates are small enough that single-mutant lineages fix in one or more demes before producing the beneficial double mutant. But, the potential decrease is small in very large populations and may also be limited by the slow spread of the beneficial mutant in extremely subdivided populations. Subdivision has a smaller effect on the probability that the population adapts very quickly than on the mean time to adapt, which has important consequences in some applications, such as the development of cancer. Our results provide a general and intuitive framework for predicting the effects of spatial structure in other models and in natural populations.
Epidemiology of Ovarian and Endometrial Cancers

Although ovarian and endometrial cancers are both gynecologic tumors with some shared risk factors, they have many differences that distinguish them. Ovarian cancer is a rare, silent killer with no single mechanism defining its etiology, while endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer, has a high survival rate, and is generally attributable to excess estrogen. For each cancer, we describe the current population distributions and evaluate longitudinal trends and survival rates. The primary focus of this chapter is comparing and critically considering known and suspected risk factors for these two gynecologic tumors, with particular attention paid to implication for pathogenesis and future directions for discovery of improved diagnostics, precision treatments, and cancer prevention. For ovarian cancer, recent advances have focused on identification of subtypes that imply heterogeneous origins. A growing body of evidence suggests differential survival rates that are independent of stage at diagnosis and response to current treatment regimens. For endometrial cancer, robust risk factor establishment has led to deep understanding of the role of estrogens in benign, malignant, and metastatic tumor pathogenesis. Both gynecologic cancers reinforce the success of multidisciplinary approaches that require expertise from population- and clinical epidemiology, pathology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics.
In Megakaryocytic Differentiation, the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) Transcription Factor Regulates Hes1 Expression and Megakaryocytic Polyploidization.

Abstract 2519 Poster Board II-496 Understanding the mechanisms underlying megakaryocytic (Mk) differentiation and maturation is vital to the discovery of novel approaches to treating Mk and platelet disorders such as thrombocytopenia, megakaryoblastic leukemia, and thrombocythemia. The number of platelets released is proportional to the amount of DNA present in a given Mk, so insights into the molecular basis of Mk polyploidization could inspire improved ex vivo culturing methods to promote Mk commitment, expansion, and differentiation, leading to improved autologous transfusion protocols to offset thrombocytopenia associated with HSC transplants following high-dose chemotherapy or MDS progression. Microarray analyses on ex vivo Mk-differentiated primary human CD34 + cells showed that mRNA levels of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) increased during Mk differentiation and was elevated 4–6 fold in Mks compared to isogenic granulocytic cultures. These data were further confirmed by quantitative(Q)-RT-PCR analysis of differentiating Mks derived from primary human CD34 + cells as well as from CHRF cells (human megakaryoblastic leukemia). We have shown that CHRF cells are a valid model of human Mk differentiation (Fuhrken PG et al. Exp Hematol, 2007; 35:476–489). Thus, we hypothesized that AhR may act as a novel Mk transcription factor, possibly by influencing or regulating Mk polyploidization. Known as a “toxin sensor”, AhR is involved in the mechanism of action of environmental toxins, likely by altering cell cycle regulation. Epidemiological studies of toxic waste spills and Vietnam veterans suggest that exposure to known AhR ligands may result in increased platelet counts proportional to dioxin exposure level (Webb K et al. Am J Ind Med, 1987;11:685–691, Michalek JE Arch Environ Health, 2001; 56:396–405). These studies offer the intriguing possibility that AhR activation modulates megakaryocyte differentiation and/or platelet production. Interestingly, AhR influences the differentiation of other myeloid lineages including monocytes (Hayashi S et al. Carcinogenesis, 1995; 16:1403–1409) and is upregulated after leukocyte activation (Crawford RB et al. Mol Pharmacol, 1997; 52:921–927). Western blot analyses determined that although initially expressed in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, AhR became solely nuclear in differentiating CHRF cells. EMSA analysis using CHRF nuclear extracts demonstrated that AhR binding to a consensus binding sequence increased as megakaryopoiesis progressed (n=3). Increased AhR-DNA binding during CHRF Mk differentiation correlated with 4.6-fold increased mRNA expression of the AhR transcriptional target Hes1 (n=3, p Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Early adverse life events are associated with altered brain network architecture in a sex- dependent manner

Abstract Introduction Early adverse life events (EALs) increase the risk for chronic medical and psychiatric disorders by altering early neurodevelopment. The aim of this study was to examine associations between EALs and network properties of core brain regions in the emotion regulation and salience networks, and to test the influence of sex on these associations. Methods Resting-state functional and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging were obtained in healthy individuals (61 men, 63 women). Functional and anatomical network properties of centrality and segregation were calculated for the core regions of the two networks using graph theory. Moderator analyses were applied to test hypotheses. Results The type of adversity experienced influences brain wiring differently, as higher general EALs were associated with decreased functional and anatomical centrality in salience and emotion regulation regions, while physical and emotional EALs were associated with increased anatomical centrality and segregation in emotion regulation regions. Sex moderated the associations between EALs and measures of centrality; with decreased centrality of salience and emotion regulation regions with increased general EALs in females, and increased centrality in salience regions with higher physical and emotional EALs in males. Increased segregation of salience regions was associated with increased general EALs in males. Centrality of the amygdala was associated with physical symptoms, and segregation of salience regions was correlated with higher somatization in men only. Conclusions Emotion regulation and salience regions are susceptible to topological brain restructuring associated with EALs. The male and female brains appear to be differently affected by specific types of EALs.
Increased Seat Dump Angle in a Manual Wheelchair Is Associated With Changes in Thoracolumbar Lordosis and Scapular Kinematics During Propulsion

Abstract Objective To quantify and compare spinal curvature and shoulder kinematics throughout the manual wheelchair (MWC) propulsion cycle for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who were seated at 2 different seat dump angles. Design Single-group, repeated-measures study. Setting Academic medical center. Participants Individuals (N=28) with SCI or spinal cord disease who used MWCs completed a telephone screening, and 21 of them were eligible and completed the study. Interventions Participants' personal MWCs were modified to have seat dump angles of 0° or 14°, with a vertical backrest. Participants completed at least 3 propulsion cycles in each condition, during which spine and shoulder motion data were collected with fiberoptic and electromagnetic sensors, respectively. Main Outcome Measures Thoracolumbar spinal curvature, glenohumeral kinematics, and scapulothoracic kinematics at the start of push (SP), mid-push (MP), end of push (EP), and mid-recovery. Results Participants had significantly less lordosis in the 14° condition for all propulsion events. Median differences ranged from 2.0° to 4.6°. Lordosis differences were more pronounced in those with low SCI. Scapulothoracic internal rotation was increased in the 14° condition at SP and MP (mean differences, 2.5° and 2.7°, respectively). Relative downward rotation increased in the 14° condition at SP and MP (mean differences, 2.4° and 2.1°, respectively). Scapulothoracic differences were more pronounced in those with high SCI. No glenohumeral rotations were significantly different between the conditions. Conclusions Scapulothoracic kinematics and spinal curvature differences during propulsion may be associated with the position of other body segments or postural stability. Because no differences were observed at the glenohumeral joint, the risk of subacromial impingement may not be affected by this seat angle change.
Impact of TSV integration on 14nm FinFET device performance

The integration of Through-Silicon Vias (TSVs) in CMOS wafers has the potential to cause performance shifts of devices in close proximity due to mobility change caused by mechanical stress. To ensure successful integration of TSV into a baseline technology, these shifts must be negligible to allow seamless integration of TSVs into circuit designs. As the first publication of its kind by an advanced node foundry, this paper presents results of a study to analyze TSV impact on 14nm FinFET device and analog circuit performance. These include n or p type short and long channel FETs, current mirrors, and operational amplifiers (op-amp). The unique TSV capture pad structure used by GLOBALFOUNDRIES for advanced node TSV integration is discussed. This structure allows for improved TSV middle integration yield and ensures that a good electrical connection from the back-end of line (BEOL) to the TSV is formed. A physical property analysis was also done on the TSV structure to determine capacitance, leakage, and dielectric liner breakdown voltage. Finally, a full suite of characterization measurements were performed on the 14nm FinFET thin wafers to assess the impact of the wafer thinning process on front-end of line (FEOL) devices.
SINGLE PORT LAPAROSCOPIC-ASSISTED OVARIOHYSTERECTOMY IN 3 RABBITS

Abstract Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) involves only a single 2-3cm incision in the ventral midline of the patient with entry of the port, particularly the foam SILS Port multiple access port. This type of minimally invasive surgery using only 1 port and a controlled Hasson approach provides decreased risk of iatrogenic abdominal viscera penetration. This SILS Port (Covidien, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) also allows easy transition of instruments, telescope, and bipolar electrocautery devices amongst the 3 built-in cannulae for ideal triangulation for each side of the patient. In these 3 cases, the body wall incision length was reduced as compared to an open technique, involved fewer incisions as compared to a multiple port access technique, and subjectively proposed less risk to the cecum with the foam port. The median surgery time was 50 minutes (45-55 minutes), and no intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications were encountered in this series. The purpose of this clinical technique article is to describe and illustrate the laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy procedure via SILS for the domestic rabbit.
Loss-of-function CARD8 mutation causes NLRP3 inflammasome activation and Crohn’s disease

In these studies, we evaluated the contribution of the NLRP3 inflammasome to Crohn's disease (CD) in a kindred containing individuals having a missense mutation in CARD8, a protein known to inhibit this inflammasome. Whole exome sequencing and PCR studies identified the affected individuals as having a V44I mutation in a single allele of the T60 isoform of CARD8. The serum levels of IL-1β in the affected individuals were increased compared with those in healthy controls, and their peripheral monocytes produced increased amounts of IL-1β when stimulated by NLRP3 activators. Immunoblot studies probing the basis of these findings showed that mutated T60 CARD8 failed to downregulate the NLRP3 inflammasome because it did not bind to NLRP3 and inhibit its oligomerization. In addition, these studies showed that mutated T60 CARD8 exerted a dominant-negative effect by its capacity to bind to and form oligomers with unmutated T60 or T48 CARD8 that impeded their binding to NLRP3. Finally, inflammasome activation studies revealed that intact but not mutated CARD8 prevented NLRP3 deubiquitination and serine dephosphorylation. CD due to a CARD8 mutation was not effectively treated by anti-TNF-α, but did respond to IL-1β inhibitors. Thus, patients with anti-TNF-α-resistant CD may respond to this treatment option.
An Active Learning Activity to Reinforce the Design Components of the Corticosteroids.

Despite the popularity of active learning applications over the past few decades, few activities have been reported for the field of medicinal chemistry. The purpose of this study is to report a new active learning activity, describe participant contributions, and examine participant performance on the assessment questions mapped to the objective covered by the activity. In this particular activity, students are asked to design two novel corticosteroids as a group (6–8 students per group) based on the design characteristics of marketed corticosteroids covered in lecture coupled with their pharmaceutics knowledge from the previous semester and then defend their design to the class through an interactive presentation model. Although class performance on the objective mapped to this material on the assessment did not reach statistical significance, use of this activity has allowed fruitful discussion of misunderstood concepts and facilitated multiple changes to the lecture presentation. As pharmacy schools continue to emphasize alternative learning pedagogies, publication of previously implemented activities demonstrating their use will help others apply similar methodologies.
Effect of Graphene Oxide on Electrochemical Behavior of MnO 2 /GO Supercapacitor

Supercapacitors have received a lot of attention due to their high-power performance, long cycle life low maintenance, and for applications in hybrid electric vehicles, portable electronic devices, and power back-up devices [1-3]. Various researchers studied MnO2 cathode materials for application in electrochemical capacitors, because of its low cost and natural abundance [2, 3]. However, MnO2 has limited electrochemical performance because of its poor conductivity and low surface area. To improve the electrochemical performances of MnO2, we have synthesized MnO2/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite with varying concentration of GO (0.4 mg/ml and 0.8 mg/ml). GO/MnO2 nanocomposite was synthesized by adding KMnO4 in a solution of water and ethanol (3:1), containing desired amount of GO. The brown precipitates were obtained after a continuous stirring for 1 hr. The precipitate was washed and dried to obtain the GO/MnO2 nanocomposites. The electrodes were prepared by spreading a slurry of GO/MnO2 powder, carbon black, PTFE binder (80:15:5 weight ratio) onto Ni mesh. The electrochemical characterizations were carried out in an aqueous solution of 1M Na2SO4. The charge discharge studies were carried out between 100 mA/g to 5A/g current range. The discharge capacities were found to be 230 F/g and 105 F/g at a current of 100 mA/g and 5A/g, respectively for 20mg GO. The detailed results will be presented at the 233rd Electrochemical Society Meeting. References: P. Iamprasertkun, A. Krittayavathananon, A. Seubsai, N. Chanlek, P. Kidkhunthod, W. Sangthong, S. Maensiri, R. Yimnirun, S. Nilmoung, P. Pannopard, S. Ittisanronnachai, K. Kongpatpanich, J. Limtrakul, M. Sawangphruk, Sci. Rep. 6, 37560; doi: 10.1038/srep37560 (2016). M. Toupin, T. Brousse, D. Be´langer, Chem. Mater.16 3184 (2004). Y. Zhang, G. Li, Y. Lv, L. Wang, A. Zhang, Y. Song, B. Huang, International J. Hydrogen Energy 36 11760 (2011). Figure 1
Adaptation of the Red Blood Cell to Muscular Exercise

The shift to the right in the oxygen dissociation curve of vigorously exercising subjects beyond that attributable to the decrease in blood pH and/or the increase in blood temperature has been noted by several investigators (Mitchell et al., 1958; Rowell et al., 1964; Sproule and Archer, 1959). The right shift is more pronounced in venous than arterial blood because of the greater decrease in pH (Sproule et al., 1960) and the slight increase in temperature (Sproule and Archer, 1959) of the venous compared to the arterial blood. Mitchell et al., (1958) recognized the potential of the right shift in the oxygen dissociation curve to maintain an adequate tissue oxygen gradient or to increase oxygen unloading at a given tension. However, they concluded that the mechanism was unknown.
Aerosolized amiloride as treatment of cystic fibrosis lung disease: a pilot study.

Excessive Na+ absorption1,2 and defective regulation of apical membrane Cl- secretion3–6 likely leads to dehydration and abnormal rheology of CF airway secretions7. These abnormalities contribute to poor clearance of airway secretions, and chronic bacterial infection in CF. Because amiloride inhibits the absorption of Na+ (and liquid) across airway mucosa1,8,9 when applied to the apical surface of CF airway epithelia, we hypo-thesized that inhalation of amiloride may improve rheology and clearance of airway secretions9,10 This hypothesis was tested in a doubleblind crossover study to explore the safety and efficacy of long-term amiloride aerosol in the treatment of cystic fibrosis lung disease11.
Wide-Band Response of Multiple Subsystems with High Modal Density

The basic system under consideration is a single-degree-of-freedom system connected to a large number of oscillators. The oscillators are assumed to have natural frequencies which densely cover a range of frequencies which includes that of the main system. The goal of this paper is to determine how the oscillators affect the response characteristics of the main system subjected to harmonic and wideband base acceleration. By making certain assumptions on the properties of the oscillators, and using asymptotic techniques and contour integration methods it is possible to obtain surprisingly simple closed-form analytical expressions describing the dynamic effect of the multiple subsystems. These expressions, as well as the analysis approach, are novel and provide new understanding of coupled subsystems.
Methods for Evaluating the Validity of Test Scores

There is another burgeoning area of assessment methods, namely the development and evaluation of methods to estimate the validity of inferences drawn from the test data. In essence, these are meta-methods to determine the validity of the test data themselves as well as to determine the validity of the inferences drawn from the test data. The estimation of premorbid functioning against which to evaluate change demonstrated by the present scores and the estimation of the level of effort exhibited by the subject are two areas that have attracted much recent attention. Because premorbid scores from a prior test session are rarely available, methods have been developed to estimate premorbid functioning. Because the interpretation of scores requires an assumption of optimal effort, methods have been developed to assess the level of effort and aid decisions regarding the possible presence of response bias.
Life in Dry Soils: Effects of Drought on Soil Microbial Communities and Processes

Throughout Earth's history, drought has been a common crisis in terrestrial ecosystems; in human societies, it can cause famine, one of the Four Horsemen of the apocalypse. As the global hydrologic...
Comments on ‘Soil erosion and total denudation due to flash floods in the Egyptian desert’

Labib's (1981) estimate of the soil erodibility term in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) from flash flood data in the Egyptian eastern desert is apparently made incorrectly, although the data presented pose some problems with the assessment. Furthermore, the dimensions assigned to the soil erodibility term are incorrect. References are presented for the correct determination of the soil erodibility value and for correct evaluation of other terms in the USLE.
Detection and classification of laminae in balloon-borne ozonesonde profiles: application to the long-term record from Boulder, Colorado

Abstract. We quantify ozone variability in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) by investigating lamination features in balloon measurements of ozone mixing ratio and potential temperature. Laminae are defined as stratified variations in ozone that meet or exceed a 10 % threshold for deviations from a basic state vertical profile of ozone. The basic state profiles are derived for each sounding using smoothing methods applied within a vertical coordinate system relative to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) tropopause. We present results of this analysis for the 25-year record of ozonesonde measurements from Boulder, Colorado. The mean number of ozone laminae identified per sounding is about 9±2 (1 σ ). The root-mean-square relative amplitude is 20 %, and laminae with much larger amplitudes ( >40 %) are seen in ∼ 2 % of the profiles. The vertical scale of detected ozone laminae typically ranges between 0.5 and 1.2 km. The lamina occurrence frequency varies significantly with altitude and is largest within ∼2 km of the tropopause. Overall, ozone laminae identified in our analysis account for more than one-third of the total intra-seasonal variability in ozone. A correlation technique between ozone and potential temperature is used to classify the subset of ozone laminae that are associated with gravity wave (GW) phenomena, which accounts for 28 % of all laminar ozone features. The remaining 72 % of laminae arise from non-gravity wave (NGW) phenomena. There are differences in both the vertical distribution and seasonality of GW versus NGW ozone laminae that are linked to the contrast in main generating mechanisms for each laminae type.
Neuroemergentism: Levels and Constraints.

Abstract Everywhere in Nature, patterns emerge when the combination of parts on a lower level creates more complex structures which are then subject to constraints and competition on this new level. This means that emergentist accounts must focus on a description of levels, competition, and constraints. The four approaches to neuroemergentism analyzed by Hernandez all recognize the role of emergent levels and new constraints. Together, they can be used to further articulate a fuller theory of neuroemergence.
An overview of process intensification methods

Process Intensification promises novel solutions to current challenges in the chemical process industry, leading to a rapid growth in interest. There are different approaches to synthesize an intensified process, yet most are based on methods from Process Synthesis and Process Optimization. In this paper, we review those methods and provide an overview of their application in Process Intensification. We also review the evolution of phenomena-based representations, a central theme in the synthesis for PI. Finally, we summarize and compare the approaches that have been suggested for retrofit using PI and criteria to evaluate PI options.
Design of a human multi-robot interaction medium of cognitive perception

We present a new multi-robot system as a means of creating a visual communication cue that can add dynamic illustration to static figures or diagrams to enhance the power of delivery and improve an audience's attention. The proposed idea is that when a presenter/speaker writes something such as a shape or letter on a whiteboard table, multiple mobile robots trace the shape or letter while dynamically expressing it. The dynamic movement of multi-robots will further stimulate the cognitive perception of the audience with handwriting, positively affecting the comprehension of content. To do this, we apply image processing algorithms to extract feature points from a handwritten shape or letter while a task allocation algorithm deploys multi-robots on the feature points to highlight the shape or letter. We present preliminary experiment results that verify the proposed system with various characters and letters such as the English alphabet.
Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Patient with Type III Endoleak Following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair with Endologix Graft

A 65-year-old male underwent repair of Type III endoleak 1 year after repair of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. There was recurrence of Type III endoleak with rupture of the sac associated with coagulopathy 1 year later, and valiant thoracic endograft was used to repair Type III endoleak. Patient underwent decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome but died secondary to disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Causal Inference With Interference and Noncompliance in Two-Stage Randomized Experiments

In many social science experiments, subjects often interact with each other and as a result one unit’s treatment influences the outcome of another unit. Over the last decade, a significant progress...
Detection of Glaucoma Deterioration in the Macular Region with Optical Coherence Tomography: Challenges and Solutions.

Purpose Macular imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT) measures the most critical retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the human eye. The goal of this perspective is to review the challenges to detection of glaucoma progression with macular OCT imaging and propose ways to enhance its performance. Design Perspective with review of relevant literature. Methods Review of challenges and issues related to detection of change on macular OCT images in glaucoma eyes. The primary outcome measures were confounding factors affecting the detection of change on macular OCT images. Results The main challenges to detection of structural progression in the macula consist of the magnitude of and the variable amount of test–retest variability among patients, the confounding effect of aging, lack of a reliable and easy-to-measure functional outcome or external standard, the confounding effects of concurrent macular conditions including myopia, and the measurement floor of macular structural outcomes. Potential solutions to these challenges include controlling head tilt or torsion during imaging, estimating within-eye variability for individual patients, improved data visualization, the use of artificial intelligence methods, and the implementation of statistical approaches suitable for multidimensional longitudinal data. Conclusions Macular OCT imaging is a crucial structural imaging modality for assessing central RGCs. Addressing the current shortcomings in acquisition and analysis of macular volume scans can enhance its utility for measuring the health of central RGCs and therefore assist clinicians with timely institution of appropriate treatment.
Impact of molecular testing in advanced melanoma on outcomes in a tertiary cancer center and as reported in a publicly available database

BACKGROUND In patients with advanced melanoma (MM), genomic profiling may guide treatment decisions in the frontline setting and beyond as specific tumor mutations can be treated with targeted therapy (TT). The range of panel sizes used to identify targetable mutations (TM) can range from a few dozen to whole exome sequencing (WES). AIM We investigated the impact of panel size and mutation status on first-line treatment selection and outcomes in MM. METHODS AND RESULTS We analyzed data for 1109 MM patients from three cohorts: 169 patients at NYULH and profiled with the 50 gene Ion Torrent panel (IT), 195 patients at MSKCC, profiled with the 400-gene MSK-IMPACT panel (MSK-I) and 745 patients at seven different sites profiled with WES. Data for cohorts 2 and 3 were extrapolated from the publicly available cBioPortal. Treatment information was available for 100%, 25%, and 0% of patients in cohort 1, 2, and 3, respectively. BRAF and NRAS were among the top five most commonly mutated genes in the IT and MSK-I, whereas for WES only BRAF was a top five mutation. There was no significant difference in OS for BRAF MUT patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) vs TT in cohort 1 (P = .19), nor for BRAF MUT patients from cohort 1 treated with ICI vs those from cohort 2 treated with TT (P = .762). CONCLUSION Public datasets provide population-level data; however, the heterogeneity of reported clinical information limits their value and calls for data standardization. Without evidence of clear clinical benefit of a larger panel size, there is a rationale for adopting smaller, more cost effective panels in MM.