cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystallization-driven assembly of fully degradable, natural product-based poly(l-lactide)-block-poly(α-d-glucose carbonate)s in aqueous solution

Abstract Crystallization-driven self assembly (CDSA) was achieved with fully degradable amphiphilic block polymers derived from three natural products, l -lactide, l -cysteine and d -glucose, to afford spherical and cylindrical nanostructures. A series of functional l -cysteine-modified diblock copolymers, poly( l -lactide)- block -poly(α- d -glucose carbonate)s (PLLA- b -PDGC-cys), was synthesized by organocatalyzed sequential ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of l -lactide and an alkyne-substituted bicyclic α- d -glucose carbonate, followed by UV-initiated thiol-yne “click” reaction with l -cysteine to render the PDGC block hydrophilic. Incubation of the resulting amphiphilic diblock copolymers in water at 65 °C for 30 h, followed by cooling to room temperature yielded spherical, cylindrical and 2D platelet-like bundled cylinder micellar nanostructures, depending on the PLLA weight percentage in the block copolymer, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). 1 H NMR spectroscopy was employed to monitor the degradation of the materials over 100 d in aqueous solution at pH 1 and 10 at 37 °C, which allowed for characterization of the stability of the micelles, and for determination of the hydrolytic degradability of the polymer backbone and cleavage of the side chain moieties. Electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry were used to identify the hydrolytic degradation products of the copolymers. Overall, this work broadens the scope of CDSA to functional, natural-product based degradable block copolymers (BCPs), and the polymeric nanomaterials synthesized in this work hold promise in drug and antimicrobial delivery applications, among others.
Abstract 4380: Integrative genomics analysis of metastatic colorectal cancer

We performed an integrated clinical and bioinformatic analysis of colorectal cancers (CRCs) genotyped at our institution from 4/2014-7/2016 to comprehensively characterize genomic alterations in metastatic CRC (mCRC). We analyzed 1008 samples (474 primaries, 534 metastases) from 985 mCRC patients and 128 early stage CRCs sequenced with MSK-IMPACT, a hybridization capture next generation sequencing assay. Metastatic CRCs were divided into 3 groups by mutation burden and MSIsensor algorithm score: microsatellite stable (MSS) (n=939; 95%), microsatellite-high (MSI-H) (n=41; 4%), and ultra-mutated (n=5; 1%). Early stage CRC were enriched for MSI-H due to clinical selection and were 53% MSS, 44% MSI-H, and 4% ultra-mutated. Ultra-mutated tumors exhibited >100 mutations and harbored hotspot mutations in POLE in 8 cases and a potential novel POLE alteration in 1 case. We evaluated the frequency of oncogenic alterations in MSI-H and MSS mCRCs. The frequency of the resistance biomarkers KRAS and NRAS did not vary between MSI-H and MSS mCRCs (46% v 41%, p=0.6). Potentially actionable alterations were enriched in MSI-H tumors (78% v 33%, p Analysis of mutation frequencies in 3 MSS CRC disease states - early stage resected primary (The Cancer Genome Atlas, TCGA), primary site of mCRC, and metastatic site - found significant depletion of FBXW7 mutations in metastases. We also found significant and progressive enrichment of TP53 alterations (58% TCGA, 73% primaries of mCRC, 79% metastases) and BRAF mutations (4% TCGA, 9% primaries of mCRC, 10% metastases) in advanced disease, suggesting a role of these genes in aggressive disease. One third of the BRAF mutations in our cohorts were not V600 but known to be oncogenic. In this large dataset, we identified markers of advanced CRC and found that while MSI-H and MSS CRC have a similar frequency of resistance biomarkers, MSI-H CRC more commonly harbor actionable alterations. Citation Format: Marla Lipsyc, Walid Chatila, Jaclyn F. Hechtman, Francisco Sanchez-Vega, Sumit Middha, Andrea Cercek, Zsofia Stadler, Ritika Kundra, Aijazuddin Syed, David M. Hyman, Ahmet Zehir, Armin Shahrokni, Anna Varghese, Diane Reidy, Neil H. Segal, Efsevia Vakiani, David B. Solit, Marc Ladanyi, Michael F. Berger, Nancy Kemeny, Leonard Saltz, Nikolaus Schultz, Rona Yaeger. Integrative genomics analysis of metastatic colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4380. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4380
Effective utilization of C. difficile PCR and identification of clinicopathologic factors associated with conversion to a positive result in symptomatic patients.

Abstract Objectives We assess the diagnostic yield of repeat testing for C. difficile using molecular methods within 7 days of a negative test and identify specific factors associated with conversion from negative to positive test result within a 7-day period to aid in selective test utilization. Methods A retrospective chart review of 20,866 laboratory test orders for C. difficile PCR was conducted. The test result, clinicopathologic patient features, and previous test results were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to compare patients with initial and repeat negative results (n = 248) to a group of patients with conversion from negative to positive results within 7 days. Results Univariate analysis demonstrated a history of C. difficile infection, receipt of antibiotics within 14 days, and duration of hospital stay as factors significantly different between patients with repeat negative and conversion to positive C. difficile test result. Only history of C. difficile infection was significantly different upon multivariate analysis. Conclusions Identification of prior C. difficile infection as the only factor significantly correlated with conversion from negative to positive C. difficile test result within 7 days aids in selective test utilization and reduces the costs associated with unnecessary laboratory testing.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in Thoracic Surgery

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways are protocolled collections of perioperative decisions designed to improve outcomes that are becoming increasingly popular across surgical subspecialties. In this article, we review 5 recent manuscripts focused on ERAS for elective pulmonary resections, focusing on the components of the pathways and the resultant outcomes. Overall, we observed that ERAS protocols can be safely implemented without increasing hospital readmission or mortality. The benefit is largely seen in shortened length of stay, though there is some promise for decreasing rates of important perioperative complications, especially in patients receiving thoracotomies. More research is needed into the specific elements that impact care, as well as the effect on overall patient experience.
Theory of Electronic Energy Transfer

This chapter deals with theoretical mechanisms for electronic excitation transfer among photosynthetic pigments. General multipole expansions of intermolecular electrostatic potential energies are described in detail. We review the Golden Rule derivation of the Forster-Dexter theory for dipole-dipole and exchange transfer in the weak-coupling limit; emphasis is placed on its underlying assumptions and limitations. Extension of the Golden Rule to higher-order perturbation theory permits the description of spin-forbidden (e.g. singlet-triplet) energy transfer, as well as remote heavy-atom effects on intersystem crossing. The concepts of the density operator and density matrix are introduced. We demonstrate the need for a unified energy transfer theory that treats coherence as well as excited state population decay. The stochastic Liouville equations (SLE) are solved for the prototype case of a strongly interacting pair of chromophores, and expressions are obtained for the time-dependent anisotropy r(t) in optical fluorescence and pump-probe experiments in strongly coupled systems. While time-dependent SLE solutions are required to predict anisotropy decays, evaluation of the initial anisotropy r(0) requires only knowledge of the excitation conditions and the exciton component transition moments. Current techniques are described for the simulation of temperature dependence in Forster energy transfer rates, via the influence of electron-phonon and electron-vibration coupling on pigment absorption and fluorescence spectra.
Feasible Generalized Least Squares Estimation

There are instances in econometric modeling when an investigator is willing to specify the structure of the error variance-covariance matrix, Ω, of a generalized least squares model up to a few unknown parameters, say θl θ2,..., θp. This would occur, for example, when correlation in the errors of a time series regression model is suspected or when cross-sections of data are expected to satisfy a regression relationship with varying precisions. These parametrizations of Ω, which previously have been discussed in general form, will be discussed in detail in the following chapters. For the present, we will continue to discuss Ω in general terms, not limiting our discussion in any way except that the parametrization of Ω is assumed to be parasimonious enough to allow estimation.
The Ethical Entrepreneur as a Servant of Japan’s National Interest

From the 1870s, Japanese reformers looked to Europe and America for models of political, economic, and social institutions to adapt for use in Japan. As head of Dai-Ichi Bank, Shibusawa Eiichi helped organize and finance enterprises in many different industries. Shibusawa also promoted the business leader (jitsugyoka) as a new character in Japanese society. In contrast to the unscrupulous Tokugawa-era merchant, domineering government official, or closed family business groups known as zaibatsu, Shibusawa’s ideal business leader was entrepreneurial, ethical, and devoted to public service.
Abstract WP413: It’s a Draw! Nurse vs. Pharmacist Mixing tPA; Who’s Faster?

Introduction: As a Comprehensive Stroke Center and a hub for telestroke stroke alert process is continual effort. Collaborating with spoke Stroke Coordinators is imperative to improving overall str...
PEERS® for Young Adults: Social Skills Training for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Social Challenges

PEERS® for Young Adults presents the first evidence-based group treatment program for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders and social challenges. Inside, readers will find a critical step forward in the dissemination of effective behavioral interventions for young adults in the form of 16 engaging group session outlines that are both user-friendly and backed by empirical research. Each session is accompanied by homework assignments and practice suggestions designed to reinforce the group’s understanding of the skills learned during each meeting. This practical resource will prove to be an invaluable reference for any clinician or educator working with this population.
Baroreflex Sensitivity During Listening to Music Computed from Time Domain Sequences and Frequency Domain Transfer Function

Listening to music has been known to affect autonomic function of cardiovascular regulation. Baroreflex is a feedback control loop that uses rate changes of the heart in order to regulate beat by beat changes in blood pressure (BP). In this study, we used two approaches to compute measures of sensitivity of the baroreflex (BRS), a time domain sequence approach and frequency domain transfer functions. Subjects listened to slow and fast tempo songs during the study. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and non-invasive continuous BP were recorded in 14 subjects (7 males and females). From these signals, either beat by beat or equi-sampled in time RR intervals and systolic BP (SBP) were computed. BRS was then estimated using RR and SBP. Our results show that the sequence method consistently provided higher values of BRS than the transfer function method (up to two fold). The two measures were reasonably well correlated $( \mathrm {R}>0.84)$ during control and the slow song, but not during the fast song. The BRS was lower $( \sim 20$%) than control when listening to fast songs $( \mathrm {p}<0.005)$. These results show the effects of listening to songs on BRS changes, but also show that the two methods to estimate BRS, although reasonably correlated, do not always provide similar estimates of BRS.
A Cultural History of Chinese Gambling I (From Ancient Period to Yuan Dynasty)

China is a land of diverse cultures and peoples. Kiang Fan in his book The Gambling Chinese (好賭的中國人) has argued that gambling in China began as Chinese civilization began. While contemporary academics from the United States and Australia define gambling as “risking something of value on the unknown outcome of some future event…, the ultimate hope of gambling is to realize a value greater than that risked” (Aasved 2003, p. 3), the Chinese conception of gambling carries a behavioral connotation much more than wagering. The Chinese words for gambling are“賭”and “博.” These two words “gambling in the Chinese way means wagering in a risky fashion.” The ancient word for gambling in Chinese is “簙.” This word means playing a chess game together with others. On this particular word, Shuowen Jiezi (說文解字), the earliest Chinese dictionary compiled by Xu Shen (許慎, 58–147) in the Han Dynasty, has this description – “Gambling is a table game: it is a game with six sticks and twelve chesses (簙,局戲也。六箸十二棋也).”
Broadband design of multilayer micro-slit panel absorbers for improved transparency using Bayesian inference

Multilayer Micro-Slit panels (MSP) are assessed for their potential as broadband absorbers that simultaneously maintain visual transparency. The late Dah-You Maa introduced micro-Slit panel absorbers as a continuation of his previously developed Micro-Perforated panel (MPP) absorbers. Like MPPs, Micro-Slit panels allow high absorption coefficients to be achieved without using fibrous materials but are limited to a narrow frequency bandwidth. Broadband absorption can be achieved by combining panels into a multilayer absorber. The complexity of determining the optimum set of parameters required to fulfill a design scheme necessitates implementation of the Bayesian framework. This probabilistic method automatically determines the most concise number of layers required and gives parameters for each layer of the resulting composite. Various slit patterns and algorithms introduce a family of solutions, which satisfy the design scheme, for optimization of visual transparency. The Micro-Slit samples can be fabricated and tested to validate acoustic performance and assess visual properties.
Anarchic and Antinomian? Oakeshott and the Cambridge School on History, Philosophy, and Authority

This essay seeks to characterize Michael Oakeshott’s relationship to that approach to the study of political thought that has been referred to as the “Cambridge School.” It does so by considering Oakeshott’s relationship to J. G. A. Pocock and Quentin Skinner. Although Pocock could not accept Oakeshott’s antiquarian conception of historical inquiry, Oakeshott’s conceptualization of tradition attracted Pocock’s early attention and left a clear mark on his subsequent scholarship. And although Oakeshott’s On Human Conduct provides an intellectual history of the modern concept of the state like Skinner’s Foundations and even shares its emphases, Oakeshott’s theorization of the concept of the state can be seen as perhaps more historically sensitive. The author also focuses on Pocock’s claim that by denying the practical relation of past to present Oakeshott represented the “anarchic and antinomian strain in conservatism.” The author suggests that the third, historical section of On Human Conduct should be understood as bi-modal—both history and art—and that the aesthetic dimension of his discussion of the different “dispositions” informing theories of the state can be understood as the closest Oakeshott comes to bridging the gap between theory and practice, and thus the best answer to Pocock’s charge of “anarchism and antinomianism.”
Synthesis of allophanate-derived branched glycoforms from alcohols and p-nitrophenyl carbamates.

The formation of saccharide-derived carbamates and alkyl 2,4-dialkylallophanates from alcohols and p-nitrophenyl carbamates is described. Optimization of allophanate formation has led to the synthesis of branched glycoforms with inter-saccharide allophanate linkages that are rigidified by intramolecular hydrogen bonds.
Improvement of cardiopulmonary function after minimally invasive surgical repair of pectus excavatum (Nuss procedure) in children.

Background: Severe pectus excavatum in children may result in cardiorespiratory functional impairment; therefore, we evaluated cardiopulmonary response to exercise before and after the Nuss procedure. Methods: Twenty-four physically active pediatric patients aged 9–18 years with severe pectus excavatum (Haller index >3.25) were included in the study. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing using treadmill and modified Bruce protocol was performed before and after the Nuss procedure. Results: Maximal oxygen uptake and oxygen pulse improved by 40.6% (32 ± 13–45 ± 10 ml/kg/min; P = 0.0001) and 44.4% (9 ± 4–13 ± 5 ml/beat; P = 0.03), respectively, after surgical correction of pectus excavatum by Nuss procedure. Significant improvement in maximum voluntary ventilation and minute ventilation after Nuss procedure was also noted. Conclusions: We found that, after repair of pectus excavatum by Nuss procedure, the exercise capacity as measured by maximal oxygen consumption improved significantly primarily due to increase in oxygen pulse, an indirect measurement of stroke volume.
Design For Six Sigma (DFSS) Approach for Creating CLEAR Lessons Learned Database

Project personnel working in construction sites fail to transfer invaluable experiences gained mostly due to the absence of a formalized process to record such information. Construction projects are seldom repetitive in nature and this highlights the need for organizations to have in place robust data repositories to facilitate knowledge sharing. This paper describes an effort in creating a new internal-only web-based lessons learned database named Communicate Lessons, Exchange Advice, Record (CLEAR) for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). A Design For Six Sigma (DFSS) approach of Identify, Define, Develop, Optimize, and Verify (IDDOV) model was used. Findings from this study will help NCDOT to institutionalize knowledge and improve project cost variations and schedule predictability. In conjunction with this database, a data dashboard is envisioned to provide effective visualizations for the upper management to make informed decisions based on the lessons information in the database. The dashboard will include success metrics such as detecting reduced numbers of claims and claims amounts, witnessing periodical increase in lessons uploaded into the database, and enhanced communication among specialized staff. This approach is a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge in lessons learned database implementation for construction applications. The anticipated outcome of this new application will be a more efficient and effective public organization through reduced claims, improved designs, and construction workflows, and improved policies and standards. Future researchers can make use of information presented in this paper to build new robust lessons learned systems to improve organizational efficiency.
Identification of tetranectin-targeting monoclonal antibodies to treat potentially lethal sepsis

For the clinical management of sepsis, antibody-based strategies have only been attempted to antagonize proinflammatory cytokines but not yet been tried to target harmless proteins that may interact with these pathogenic mediators. Here, we report an antibody strategy to intervene in the harmful interaction between tetranectin (TN) and a late-acting sepsis mediator, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), in preclinical settings. We found that TN could bind HMGB1 to reciprocally enhance their endocytosis, thereby inducing macrophage pyroptosis and consequent release of lactate dehydrogenase and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C-terminal caspase recruitment domain. The genetic depletion of TN expression or supplementation of exogenous TN protein at subphysiological doses distinctly affected the outcomes of potentially lethal sepsis, revealing a previously underappreciated beneficial role of TN in sepsis. Furthermore, the administration of domain-specific polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies effectively inhibited TN/HMGB1 interaction and endocytosis and attenuated the sepsis-induced TN depletion and tissue injury, thereby rescuing animals from lethal sepsis. Our findings point to a possibility of developing antibody strategies to prevent harmful interactions between harmless proteins and pathogenic mediators of human diseases.
A Power-Aware Heterogeneous Architecture Scaling Model for Energy-Harvesting Computers

Energy-harvesting devices are the key to enabling future ubiquitous sensing applications, because they are long lived and require little maintenance. On-device processing of sensed data, such as images, avoids the high energy cost of communicating data to the edge or cloud. This letter observes that the on-device computing performance of an energy-harvesting system depends not only on execution time, but also on energy collection time. With high input power, a faster, higher-power processor quickly completes processing because energy collection time is low. At low input power, a slower, more energy efficient processor minimizes end-to-end latency by more judiciously using the slowly collected energy. This letter describes the PHASE model, which captures this charge latency effect. Using the model, we develop PHASE architectures, which include heterogeneous processing components of different efficiency and performance. A PHASE architecture uses the combination of heterogeneous components that minimizes end-to-end latency, including recharge time. Our results show that the PHASE model helps understand end-to-end latency in an energy harvesting device, yielding PHASE architectures that complete up to $9\times$ 9 × more work on a fixed energy budget than typical energy-harvesting architecture.
Partner Gender Differences in Prestige of Clients Served at the Largest U.S. Audit Firms

Despite tremendous investment to promote gender equity, U.S. public accounting firms continue to be gendered organizations. Our archival study examines gender equity within the partnership of these large firms for a one-year period. We find female partners are clustered in lower prestige client types including investment funds, benefit plans, and single audits, rather than higher prestige public company clients. Second, we consider whether there is gender bias in prestige of client served by female partners who lead public company audits. In these tests of those individuals who have already achieved the partnership and lead public company audits, we find no evidence of bias. This research contributes to the understanding of gender bias in U.S. public accounting firms and helps inform the societal narrative on where women continue to be marginalized even when they have achieved the highest levels in an organization.
Mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (mdivi-1) increases oxidative capacity and contractile stress generated by engineered skeletal muscle

In skeletal muscle fibers, mitochondria are densely packed adjacent to myofibrils because adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is needed to fuel sarcomere shortening. However, despite this close physical and biochemical relationship, the effects of mitochondrial dynamics on skeletal muscle contractility are poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the effects of Mitochondrial Division Inhibitor 1 (mdivi-1), an inhibitor of mitochondrial fission, on the structure and function of both mitochondria and myofibrils in skeletal muscle tissues engineered on micromolded gelatin hydrogels. Treatment with mdivi-1 did not alter myotube morphology, but did increase the mitochondrial turbidity and oxidative capacity, consistent with reduced mitochondrial fission. Mdivi-1 also significantly increased basal, twitch, and tetanus stresses, as measured using the Muscular Thin Film (MTF) assay. Finally, mdivi-1 increased sarcomere length, potentially due to mdivi-1-induced changes in mitochondrial volume and compression of myofibrils. Together, these results suggest that mdivi-1 increases contractile stress generation, which may be caused by an increase in maximal respiration and/or sarcomere length due to increased volume of individual mitochondria. These data reinforce that mitochondria have both biochemical and biomechanical roles in skeletal muscle and that mitochondrial dynamics can be manipulated to alter muscle contractility.
“You Will Not Replace Us”: The Melancholic Nationalism of Whiteness:

This article addresses recent strains of white nationalism rooted within anxieties over demographic replacement (e.g., “the Great Replacement”). More broadly, the article argues that the contempora...
Downbeat Nystagmus in a 7-Year-Old Girl With Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Meningitis and Cerebellitis:

Downbeat nystagmus is a type of jerk nystagmus that may be seen in patients with lesions affecting the vestibulocerebellum. This is a case of a 7-year-old girl presenting with a history of fever, headache, and episodic vertigo with downbeat nystagmus. The diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus meningitis with acute cerebellitis was made by contrast magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and serum Epstein-Barr virus titers. Contrast magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated enhancement of the meninges and inferior cerebellar folia, correlating with the neuroophthalmological symptom of downbeat nystagmus.
Antihypertensive medication adherence trends by sex and drug class: A pilot study

Abstract Introduction Antihypertensive medication nonadherence is a prevalent issue but is very difficult to accurately assess. To clarify this problem among hypertensive patients attending a cardiovascular disease outpatient clinic, we utilized high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) to assess antihypertensive medication adherence and identify trends by sex and drug class. Methods Serum was extracted from blood samples obtained from patients with either drug-controlled or drug resistant hypertension (RHTN) and analyzed via HPLC-MS for antihypertensive drugs which were categorized by drug class as beta blockers, aldosterone antagonists, diuretics, ACE inhibitor/ARBs, or calcium channel blockers. Clinic blood pressure (BP), sex, and prescription regimens were extracted from medical records at or near the time of blood collection. “Adherence” or “nonadherence” was determined by comparison of the patient's prescribed drug regimen and the presence/absence of prescribed drug(s) in their serum. Results Among 76 patients (47 women; mean age 63; 53% white), nonadherence was confirmed in 29%. RHTN was more frequently identified in women than men (55% vs 38%) and nonadherence was higher in women than men (34% vs 21%). BP in those who were adherent to prescribed antihypertensive drugs was significantly lower than in those who were nonadherent (129/75 vs 145/83 mmHg, p = 0.0015). Overall, ACE inhibitors/ARBs were associated with the least nonadherence. Among women, nonadherence was highest for aldosterone antagonists, whereas among men, nonadherence was highest for diuretics. Conclusion We observed nonadherence was more frequent among older women in a cohort of HTN and RHTN patients with cardiovascular disease based on HPLC-MS confirmed drug levels.
H-particle searches with heavy ions

Abstract This talk provides a status report on H searches using heavy-ion beams at the AGS. I will concentrate on the short lifetime regime of E896, a search for the H dibaryon using the Au beam, and briefly discuss E810 whose data has been analysed for H production from Si+Pb interactions.
Projective bands

This paper considers the projectives in equational classes of bands. Given a semilatticeS, it is determined whether or notS is a projective in each variety of bands. Also, a description is given of the projectives in the variety of normal bands. Not all band projectives are found, but a large class is identified.
Experiences of Transgender Women Who Used a Dual HIV/Syphilis Rapid Self-test to Screen Themselves and Potential Sexual Partners (the SMARTtest Study).

HIV/syphilis self- and partner-testing may be especially appropriate for transgender women, since they shoulder a disproportionate burden of HIV, other STIs (e.g., syphilis), and report high levels of medical mistrust. The SMARTest study enrolled N = 50 sexual and gender minority individuals. The present analysis aims to understand the experiences (via in-depth interviews) of a subset of n = 11 transgender women who used INSTI Multiplex®, a combination HIV/syphilis rapid self-test, on themselves and potential sex partners. Participants reported that many partners were willing to test, and reported no testing-related violence. Most participants completed tests successfully, though gaining comfort with blood collection took time. There were no HIV-positive tests in this study; one participant and two partners reported a positive syphilis screening. All sought care. Our sample was small and results should be interpreted with caution, but indicate potential future directions for conducting research on self- and partner-testing among transgender women.
Identification of long-lived proteins in the mitochondria reveals increased stability of the electron transport chain

In order to combat molecular damage, most cellular proteins undergo rapid turnover. We have previously identified large nuclear protein assemblies that can persist for years in post-mitotic tissues and are subject to age-related decline. Here, we report that mitochondria can be long lived in the mouse brain and reveal that specific mitochondrial proteins have half-lives longer than the average proteome. These mitochondrial long-lived proteins (mitoLLPs) are core components of the electron transport chain (ETC) and display increased longevity in respiratory supercomplexes. We find that COX7C, a mitoLLP that forms a stable contact site between complexes I and IV, is required for complex IV and supercomplex assembly. Remarkably, even upon depletion of COX7C transcripts, ETC function is maintained for days, effectively uncoupling mitochondrial function from ongoing transcription of its mitoLLPs. Our results suggest that modulating protein longevity within the ETC is critical for mitochondrial proteome maintenance and the robustness of mitochondrial function.
Chapter 47: Acetylcholine as a brain state modulator: triggering and long-term regulation of REM sleep

Publisher Summary One of the major conceptual and empirical challenges confronting behavioral neurobiology is to develop theoretical models and experimental paradigms that will help to understand how single cells and their specific chemical signals come to be organized at the level of population ensembles in order to determine the global behavioral states of waking and sleep. To help meet this challenge, recent discoveries suggesting a role for acetylcholine containing neurons in both the triggering and long-term regulation of REM sleep offer inviting and instructive opportunities. It is the main purpose of this chapter to provide a detailed review of a recent and unexpected discovery: the long-term potentiation of REM sleep following the micro-injection of the cholinergic agonist carbachol into the cholinergic neuronal population of the peribrachial pontine tegmentum. Following a brief summary of the background of the cholinergic hypothesis of REM sleep generation and the current concept of the cellular nature of the REM sleep generator network, this chapter discusses the general neurobiology of the peribrachial area, and focus on its cholinergic neuronal sub-population as a prelude to a detailed account of the long-term REM sleep enhancement that follows the microinjection of carbachol into this zone. It discusses this finding in terms of a new, “cholinergic priming” hypothesis, which attributes the surprisingly long duration of the response to the setting in motion of an endogenous metabolic mechanism.
Artistry as Methodology: Aesthetic Experience and Chinese Philosophy1

Although aesthetics has been to some extent marginalized in western philosophy, within the Chinese philosophical tradition aesthetics plays a key role. This article explores Chinese aesthetics as a site of valuable resources for rethinking the ways in which we conceptualize philosophical activity. After introducing a few distinct features of the Chinese aesthetic tradition, the article examines aesthetic distance in terms of guan, he, and ying, Chinese conceptions of artists and participants, and aesthetic suggestiveness or the inexhaustibility of a work of art, in order to suggest that the Chinese philosophical tradition might contribute its sense of connection between style or method of doing philosophy and aesthetics to a contemporary metaphor of philosophy as aesthetic experience.
The selling of ethics: The ethics of business meets the business of ethics

Critically examines the ways in which the boundaries of business ethics are being established within business schools, consulting firms and corporations. Contrasts this official discourse on ethics with an alternative, more socially informed, and potentially disruptive approach to the ethics of business.
A data mining approach for call admission control and resource reservation in wireless mobile networks

In this paper a mobility-based predictive scheme for call admission control (CAC) and resource reservation (RR) is proposed. The main goal is to reduce the call dropping probability and the call blocking probability and to maximize the bandwidth utilization. Mining the previous movements of the mobile users, generates local and global profiles, which are utilized effectively in prediction of the future path of the mobile user. This scheme is based on high level of prediction of the next base stations for the mobile user. The simulation is used to compare the performance of the proposed technique with other two techniques: FR-CAT2 and PR-CAT4. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme has a significantly better performance (in average about 25%) compared to the other two schemes.
Characterization and correction of error in genome-wide IBD estimation for samples with population structure.

The proportion of the genome that is shared identical by descent (IBD) between pairs of individuals is often estimated in studies involving genome-wide SNP data. These estimates can be used to check pedigrees, estimate heritability, and adjust association analyses. We focus on the method of moments technique as implemented in PLINK [Purcell et al., 2007] and other software that estimates the proportions of the genome at which two individuals share 0, 1, or 2 alleles IBD. This technique is based on the assumption that the study sample is drawn from a single, homogeneous, randomly mating population. This assumption is violated if pedigree founders are drawn from multiple populations or include admixed individuals. In the presence of population structure, the method of moments estimator has an inflated variance and can be biased because it relies on sample-based allele frequency estimates. In the case of the PLINK estimator, which truncates genome-wide sharing estimates at zero and one to generate biologically interpretable results, the bias is most often towards over-estimation of relatedness between ancestrally similar individuals. Using simulated pedigrees, we are able to demonstrate and quantify the behavior of the PLINK method of moments estimator under different population structure conditions. We also propose a simple method based on SNP pruning for improving genome-wide IBD estimates when the assumption of a single, homogeneous population is violated.
Time-Domain Synthesis of Dual-Range Controller For Use With Nonlinear Systems

In this paper we present a new procedure for synthesis of dual-range linear controllers for use with nonlinear systems as well as linear systems with integrity. The procedure uses a factorization approach coupled with nonlinear optimization. The procedure is demonstrated by solving an example problem.
Bridging river basin scales and processes to assess human‐climate impacts and the terrestrial hydrologic system

[1] The increasing expression of human activity, climate variability, and climate change on humid, terrestrial hydrologic systems has made the integrated nature of large river basins more apparent. However, to date, there is no instrument platform sufficient to characterize river basins' hydrologic couplings and feedbacks, with many processes and impacts left almost entirely unobserved (e.g., snowmelt floods). Characterization at the river basin scale will require a more holistic vision and a far greater commitment from the environmental science community. It will require new designs and implementation of integrated instrumentation, a new generation of models, and a management framework that clearly addresses the human-climate-terrestrial interactions impacting our watersheds and river basins. Initially, we propose that existing “similarity classifications” (e.g., regional soil, geologic, ecologic, hydrographic digital products) can provide a starting point for organizing historical data and initiating a long-term adaptive, multiscale observing strategy. This vision paper outlines instrumentation platforms for point, plot, reach, and hillslope scales that could be located within the “characteristic” landscapes of river basins. The network of observing platforms then forms the basis of a “Hydro-Mesonet” that can potentially support multiscale, multiprocess scientific studies necessary to understand and improve forecasts of our water resources at the river basin scale. This paper concludes with a discussion of how a network of such sites can support research at the level of the individual researcher and scale to the level of community-wide initiatives.
Nucleosome Rewrapping Facilitates Transcription Factor Exchange

Transcription factors (TFs) play a central role in regulating the transcriptional state of gene. However, TFs are sterically occluded from their target sequences when it is wrapped around the histone octamer into a nucleosome. The combination of nucleosomal DNA unwrapping fluctuations and the high DNA sequence specificity of TFs facilitate TF to binding within nucleosomes. TFs achieve their high DNA sequence specificity by having resident times at their recognition sites that are much longer than minutes. This dramatically limits the rate at which a gene can switch between transcriptionally active and repressed states. We investigated with single-molecule Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer(FRET) measurements the influence of nucleosomal DNA wrapping fluctuations on TF binding and release from its target sequence within a mononucleosome and/or a nucleosome array. As expected, we find that nucleosomes inhibit the binding rate of a TF to its target sequence within a nucleosome. In contrast,we observe that the rate of TF dissociation from a nucleosome is increase by over a 100-fold as compared to dissociation from duplex DNA. This result suggests that the nucleosome promotes TF dissociation to facilitate the exchange of TFs at their target sequences and enable rapid regulation of gene expression.
Marital Sentiment Override: Does It Influence Couples' Perceptions?

This study investigated the effects of spouses' global sentiments (i.e., their marital bonds) on spouses' perceptions of their partners' specific affects. Ninety-six newlywed couples participated in the study. Positive or negative sentiment override was indicated when spouse ratings of specific affects differed from the coding of objective coders. For both positive affect and low-intensity negative affect, wives' marital bond predicted their ratings of their husbands' affect. In addition, there was evidence for positive sentiment override when wives rated husbands' low-intensity negative affect. As predicted, neither husbands nor wives were influenced by sentiment override when rating their spouses' high-intensity negative affects. These results suggest that marital bond serves as a perceptual filter through which wives evaluate their husbands' behavior.
Using Mathematical Modeling in Provisioning a Heterogeneous Cloud Computing Environment

Cloud computing has emerged as a highly cost-effective computation paradigm for IT enterprise applications, scientific computing, and personal data management. Because cloud services are provided by machines of various capabilities, performance, power, and thermal characteristics, it is challenging for providers to understand their cost effectiveness when deploying their systems. This article analyzes a parallelizable task in a heterogeneous cloud infrastructure with mathematical models to evaluate the energy and performance trade-off. As the authors show, to achieve the optimal performance per utility, the slowest node's response time should be no more than three times that of the fastest node. The theoretical analysis presented can be used to guide allocation, deployment, and upgrades of computing nodes for optimizing utility effectiveness in cloud computing services.
AAEM minimonograph #39: digital filtering: basic concepts and application to evoked potentials.

Filtering of evoked potentials has been performed in clinical laboratories using both analog and digital methods. Analog methods introduce distortion caused by nonlinear phase shift which may be quite severe. Digital methods, while avoiding distortion caused by phase shift, reveal evoked potential components which may or may not correspond to distinct singular neuranatomic generators or homogeneous neuroanatomic systems. Thus, components identified with zero phase shift digital filters at restricted bandpass must be compared with components seen in open bandpass recordings. In some specific circumstances, high-pass filtering of short-latency somatosensory-evoked potentials may distinguish slow asynchronous synaptic activity from fast and synchronous synaptic, lemniscal, or axonal activity. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A general strain theory of terrorism

This article reviews and critiques current strain-based explanations of terrorism, then draws on general strain theory and the terrorism research to present a general strain theory of terrorism. This theory states that terrorism is most likely when people experience ‘collective strains’ that are: (a) high in magnitude, with civilians affected; (b) unjust; and (c) inflicted by significantly more powerful others, including ‘complicit’ civilians, with whom members of the strained collectivity have weak ties. These collective strains increase the likelihood of terrorism for several reasons, but they do not lead to terrorism in all cases—a range of factors condition their effect.
Central Obesity and High Blood Pressure in Pediatric Patients With Atopic Dermatitis

Importance Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with multiple potential risk factors for obesity and high blood pressure (BP), including chronic inflammation, sleep disturbance, and mental health comorbidity. Previous studies found associations between general obesity and AD. However, it is unknown whether AD is associated with central obesity and/or high BP. Objectives To determine whether central obesity and high BP are increased in pediatric AD. Design, Setting, and Participants This case-control study performed in multicenter pediatric dermatology practices in the United States recruited 132 children (age range, 4-17 years) with active moderate to severe AD and 143 healthy controls from April 1, 2009, through December 31, 2012. Exposures Diagnosis and severity of AD assessed by a pediatric dermatologist. Main Outcomes and Measures Body mass index, waist circumference, waist to height ratio, systolic BP, and diastolic BP. Results Moderate to severe AD was associated with body mass index for age and sex of 97th percentile or greater (logistic regression; odds ratio [OR], 2.64; 95% CI, 1.15-6.06), International Obesity Task Force obesity cutoffs (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.06-5.34), waist circumference in the 85th percentile or greater (OR, 3.92; 95% CI, 1.50-10.26), and waist to height ratio of 0.5 or greater (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.10-4.50). Atopic dermatitis was associated with higher BP for age, sex, and height percentiles (systolic BP: OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.04-8.36; diastolic BP: OR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.19-11.37), particularly a systolic BP in the 90th percentile or higher (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.09-3.90), in multivariate models that controlled for demographics, body mass index and waist circumference percentiles, and history of using prednisone or cyclosporine. Atopic dermatitis was associated with higher systolic BP in Hispanics/Latinos (general linear model; β, .23; 95% CI, .04-.43) and Asians (β, .16; 95% CI, .03-.30). Severe to very severe AD was associated with systolic BP in the 90th percentile or higher (adjusted OR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.13-8.70). Atopic dermatitis was associated with a family history of hypertension (adjusted OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.14-3.10) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.02-2.68) but not obesity or hyperlipidemia. Conclusions and Relevance Moderate to severe pediatric AD may be associated with central obesity and increased systolic BP.
NH3 formation and utilization in regeneration of Pt/Ba/Al2O3 NOx storage-reduction catalyst with H2

Abstract The nature of H 2 regeneration of a model Pt/Ba/Al 2 O 3 LNT catalyst was investigated with specific focus on intra-catalyst formation and utilization of NH 3 and its role in catalyst regeneration. In situ measurements of the transient intra-catalyst species (H 2 , NH 3 , N 2 , NO x ) distributions at different temperatures were used to detail the reaction evolution along the catalyst axis. Comparison of the species transients identifies unique individual natures for the reductant (H 2 ), inert product (N 2 ) and intermediate-reductant product (NH 3 ) which readily explain the conventional effluent species sequence as an integral effect. The data demonstrate that NH 3 is created on similar timescales as the N 2 product inside the catalyst, but consumed as aggressively as H 2 reductant along the catalyst. This spatiotemporal NH 3 behavior experimentally confirms that Intermediate-NH 3 regeneration pathway is active. Analysis at 200 and 325 °C indicates equivalent local NO x storage, H 2 consumption and regeneration effectiveness, but differing NH 3 /N 2 ratio, suggesting a temperature-dependence of partitioning between Direct-H 2 and Intermediate-NH 3 regeneration pathways. Further experimental and numerical work is needed to more clearly understand the partitioning between the possible regeneration pathways. Nevertheless, the experimental data show that intermediate NH 3 plays a significant role in LNT catalyst regeneration.