cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of two novel point mutations in the human protein S gene associated with familial protein S deficiency and thrombosis.

Individuals with thrombosis who were believed to possess associated familial protein S deficiency were analyzed for mutations in the protein S gene by a two-step process. First, the individuals were analyzed for protein S Pro626 A/G dimorphism in both their genomic DNA and reverse-transcribed (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–amplified cDNA from peripheral blood cell mRNA. If a heterozygote expressed both alleles at the mRNA level at this site in genomic DNA, a search for point mutations was made by direct cDNA sequencing. RT-PCR amplification of exons 1-6 with mRNA from two twin sisters, each of whom has severe type I protein S deficiency, revealed both larger and smaller fragments in addition to the expected 504–base pair fragment in normal individuals. A donor splice-site mutation at position +4 of the 5′ end of intron A was subsequently identified in both sisters and their mother. This mutation would lead to incorrect precursor mRNA splicing and the observed cDNA products. Translation of the altered mRNAs would result in a truncated protein without biological activity. In a second family, cDNA sequencing revealed a T→G mutation at codon 603 (Ile→Ser) in exon 15 of the protein S gene in an individual with protein S deficiency (mixed type) and a history of thrombosis. The same mutation was also detected in the proband's mother and grandmother, both of whom also exhibit protein S deficiency and thrombotic disease. This mutation occurs within a disulfide loop of protein S that is believed to be responsible for binding to C4b binding protein and may result in greater affinity between protein S and C4b, consequently leading to thrombotic disease.
Thin-Layer Chromatography of Urinary Carbohydrates: A Comparative Evaluation of Procedures

Ten procedures for thin-layer chromatography of carbohydrates in urine were compared. The procedures differ considerably in their sensitivity and ability to separate sugars of clinical importance. A procedure was developed that permitted several sugars to be identified in normal urine samples without prior desalting or concentration. Celite was used as adsorbent, anisaldehyde as location reagent. The procedure is simple and reproducible, and is readily modifed for quantification of sugars by thin-layer densitometry.
Open Accumulator Concept for Compact Fluid Power Energy Storage

Energy storage devices for fluid power applications that are significantly more compact than existing ones will enable energy regeneration for many applications, including fluid power hybrid vehicles and construction equipment. The current approach to hydraulic energy storage makes use of a compressed gas enclosed in a closed chamber. As the system must contain the expanded gas and the hydraulic oil displaced, the optimal energy density occurs at a modest expansion ratio resulting in a small energy density. By allowing intake and exhaust of compressed and expanded air from and to the atmosphere, a potential order of magnitude increase in energy density is available in the new open accumulator approach. Potential methods for realizing the new configuration are described. Analysis and simulation case studies illustrate both the advantages and challenges of the new approach.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Identity and Engagement among Political Independents in America

Political behavior among independents has been documented for decades, yet we are left with limited insight into their political engagement. What, if anything, motivates independents to engage in politics? In this study, I apply psychological theories of attitude importance to explain high variation in political-engagement levels among independents. Using two recent datasets, I find engagement levels are comparable across independents and partisans, yet predictors of their engagement differ substantially. Ideological strength predicts engagement for partisans—but not for independents. Instead, my data show that independents' engagement is best predicted by the importance they place on their independent identity. These data provide evidence that independence is a meaningful political identity and that identity importance is a key to explaining what motivates the independent voter to engage with politics.
QUANTITATIVE HEPATIC SCINTIGRAPHY IN THE DOG

Quantitative hepatic scintigraphy is a noninvasive test for measurement of relative arterial and portal blood flow to the liver. This technique has been used to evaluate human patients with known or suspected liver tumors or diffuse hepatocellular disease. A computer program to assess the hepatic perfusion index (HPI) in the normal dog is described. Factors affecting study quality and accuracy include injection technique, cardiac function, patient position, respiration, gross patient motion, and user intervention during data processing. HPI for a group of 12 normal dogs was 0.9±0.4 (X±SD). Quantitative scintigraphy could be used to evaluate dogs with primary or secondary liver tumors, portacaval shunts, or chronic liver disease
Imaging skin-lesions for detecting skin-cancer through image analysis

The results of imaging skin lesions using a clinical optical instrument developed for this purpose, called the Nevoscope, along with color and texture analyses of the digitized images of the lesion are presented. A description of the Nevoscope, a hand-held device that uses fiber optics to direct and focus an annular light source to the surrounding skin area of a lesion, is given. The instrument provides multiple views of the transilluminated lesion from several angles. The knowledge-based image analysis and the color and texture analysis procedure are also described. >
On the design of reflector antennas for cosecant squared power pattern

The characteristics of a reflector antenna radiating omnidirectionally in azimuth with a cosecant-squared power pattern in vertical planes, as intended for point-to-multipoint services in the millimetric wave range and comprising a single circularly symmetrical shaped reflector surface fed by an axial horn, were presented in a previous paper (see IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Symposium Digest, vol.3, p.2154-7, 1999), as an alternative to configurations reported elsewhere, involving nodal stations with up to four antennas for quadrant sectors coverage or dual reflector arrangements for omnidirectional coverage. Reported results, considering a rigorous feed model for the constructed prototype, then highlighted the main features of the proposed design. The present work extends the previous investigation by considering the effect of employing larger feed apertures yielding more collimated primary fields, with a view towards synthesizing more compact reflector surfaces.
Successful anti-cancer drug targets able to pass FDA review demonstrate the identifiable signature distinct from the signatures of random genes and initially proposed targets

Motivation: New efforts to guide and prioritize the selection of cancer drug targets are urgently needed, as is evident by the slow development of novel anti-cancer agents and the narrow therapeutic index of existing drugs. Given these limitations, the current study was conducted to explore the classification features defining the therapeutic success that can result from targeting a particular gene. Results: Classification was based on extracting features specific to known successful anti-cancer targets and combining them in a linear classifier, resulting in calculation of an enrichment score for each gene. Extended description, the search tool used in this study, enriched existing drug target candidates by up to 10-fold at an ~50% recall rate, covering ~24 000 genes or ~80% of genome. More importantly, the target category with high attrition rate was classified from target category with low attrition rate, allowing to refine the drug development portfolios. Biological relevance of the parameters comprising the enrichment score was explored. Enrichment in cancer-specific effects was independently demonstrated by literature analysis. Imposing these enrichment scores on existing structural, pathway and phenotype-based procedures for prospective target selection may enhance the efficiency and accuracy of target identification and accelerate drug design. Availability: The software used in this work is available upon request. Contact:amayburd@cpaglobal.com, James_L_Mulshine@rush.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at www.mayburd.com; http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-1120170920643.html
Task, Domain, and General Efficacy: A Reexamination of the Self-Efficacy Scale:

Self-efficacy is typically viewed as task-specific. Bandura also discussed the concept at a “domain-linked” level and general level. Sherer and his colleagues developed the Self-efficacy Scale to measure general self-efficacy expectancies in education/vocation and social areas. A reexamination of the Self-efficacy Scale indicated that the scale was more intricate than originally reported. It captured aspects of strength, magnitude, and generality of efficacy. The scale showed appropriate relationships to other personality measures. Criterion validity was established as the scale differentiated performance expectations. Evidence for the concept of domain efficacy was reported. The Self-efficacy Scale was a good measure for domain efficacy in the academic area; the scale has not yet been verified as a general efficacy scale. Research should be directed toward exploring the role of the total concept of efficacy in the cognitive process.
A randomized controlled pilot trial of oral N-acetylcysteine in children with autism.

Background An imbalance in the excitatory/inhibitory systems with abnormalities in the glutamatergic pathways has been implicated in the pathophysiology of autism. Furthermore, chronic redox imbalance was also recently linked to this disorder. The goal of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of using oral N- acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutamatergic modulator and an antioxidant, in the treatment of behavioral disturbance in children with autism. Methods This was a 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of NAC in children with autistic disorder. Subjects randomized to NAC were initiated at 900 mg daily for 4 weeks, then 900 mg twice daily for 4 weeks and 900 mg three times daily for 4 weeks. The primary behavioral measure (Aberrant Behavior Checklist [ABC] irritability subscale) and safety measures were performed at baseline and 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Secondary measures included the ABC stereotypy subscale, Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised, and Social Responsiveness Scale. Results Thirty-three subjects (31 male subjects, 2 female subjects; aged 3.2–10.7 years) were randomized in the study. Follow-up data was available on 14 subjects in the NAC group and 15 in the placebo group. Oral NAC was well tolerated with limited side effects. Compared with placebo, NAC resulted in significant improvements on ABC irritability subscale ( F = 6.80; p d = .96). Conclusions Data from this pilot investigation support the potential usefulness of NAC for treating irritability in children with autistic disorder. Large randomized controlled investigations are warranted.
Influences of forest roads on the spatial patterns of human- and lightning-caused wildfire ignitions

Understanding the spatial patterns of fire ignitions and fire sizes is essential for understanding fire regimes. Although previous studies have documented associations of human-caused fire ignitions with road corridors, less consideration has been given to understanding the multiple influences of roads on the fire regime at a broader landscape-scale. Therefore, we examined the difference between lightning- and human-caused fire ignitions in relation to forest road corridors and other anthropogenic and biophysical factors in the eastern Cascade Mountains of Washington State. We used geographical information systems and case-control logistic regression models to assess the relative importance of these explanatory variables that influence the locations of lightning versus human-caused ignitions. We found that human-caused ignitions were concentrated close to roads, in high road density areas, and near the wildland-urban interface (WUI). In contrast, lightning-caused ignitions were concentrated in low road density areas, away from WUI, and in low population density areas. Lightning-caused ignitions were also associated with fuels and climatic and topographic factors. A weak but significant relationship between lightning-caused fire and proximity to gravel roads may be related to fuels near roads or to bias in detection and reporting of lightning-caused fires near roads. Although most small fires occurred in roaded areas, they accounted for only a small proportion of the total burned area. In contrast, the large fires in roadless and wilderness areas accounted for most of the burned area. Thus, from the standpoint of the total area burned, the effect of forest roads on restricting fire size is likely greater than the impact of roads on increasing fire ignitions. The results of our study suggest that roads and their edge effect area should be more widely acknowledged as a unique type of landscape effect in fire research and management. Language: en
Synthesis of 5 cyano l tryptophan

Abstract The 5-bromo derivative 2 of the cyclic tautomer of N b -methoxycarbonyl-L-tryptophan methyl ester 1 undergoes reaction with CuCN in refluxing N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) to give 5-cyano derivative 3a with some ring opened 5-cyano product 3b . Both 3a and 3b can be converted, in high yield, into free 5-cyano-L-tryptophan 4 with BBr 3 under mild conditions.
A Mammalian Mediator Subunit that Shares Properties with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mediator Subunit Cse2

The multiprotein Mediator complex is a coactivator required for activation of RNA polymerase II transcription by DNA bound transcription factors. We previously identified and partially purified a mammalian Mediator complex from rat liver nuclei (Brower, C.S., Sato, S., Tomomori-Sato, C., Kamura, T., Pause, A., Stearman, R., Klausner, R.D., Malik, S., Lane, W.S., Sorokina, I., Roeder, R.G., Conaway, J.W., and Conaway, R.C. (2002) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 99, 10353-10358). Analysis by tandem mass spectrometry of proteins present in the most highly purified rat Mediator fractions led to the identification of a collection of new mammalian Mediator subunits, as well as several potential Mediator subunits including a previously uncharacterized protein encoded by the FLJ10193open reading frame. In this study, we present direct biochemical evidence that the FLJ10193protein, which we designate Med25, is a bona fide subunit of the mammalian Mediator complex. In addition, we present evidence that Med25 shares structural and functional properties with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mediator subunit Cse2 and may be a mammalian Cse2 ortholog. Taken together, our findings identify a novel mammalian Mediator subunit and shed new light on the architecture of the mammalian Mediator complex.
A 6-GHz 16-kB L1 cache in a 100-nm dual-V/sub T/ technology using a bitline leakage reduction (BLR) technique

This work describes an aggressive SRAM cell configuration using dual-V/sub T/ and minimum channel length to achieve high performance. A bitline leakage reduction technique is incorporated into an L1 cache design using the new cell in a 100-nm dual-V/sub T/ technology to eliminate impacts of bitline leakage on performance and noise margin with minimal area overhead. Bitline delay is 23% better than the best conventional design, thus enabling 6-GHz operation at with 15% higher energy.
Validation of Finite Element Lower Extremity Model Using Drop Tower Testing

Explosions are the leading cause of death on the battlefield [1]. These explosives, such as bombs and mines, generate shock waves which stimulate large accelerations and deformations. The resulting loads pose serious threats to military and civilians if not sufficiently evaluated and protected. The use of anti-vehicle landmines has become extremely common. Due to lower extremities being in direct contact with the floor of vehicles, the lower extremities are commonly injured during explosions [2]. These injuries can be seriously fatal. Although experimental studies have been performed to advance these understandings [2], limited progress has been made in computational analysis of shock waves on the lower extremity.© 2013 ASME
How Do We Know What Works? A Review and Critique of Current Practices in Ethics Training Evaluation

Training is a costly investment. As such, it is of great interest to know the extent to which that investment is yielding a positive return. Recent meta-analytic efforts have observed that ethics training programs are, indeed, having a positive effect, leading to the conclusion that the programs are working. However, they have also uncovered considerable variability in the effectiveness of ethics training programs, which leads to the purpose of the present study-to review current practices in ethics training evaluation. Through this review of 243 studies, consisting of 380 ethics trainings, we identified major themes in evaluation practices and training design. The tradeoffs associated with these evaluation procedures and designs are discussed, along with directions for future research.
Determination of dimethylformamide in urine by capillary gas chromatography

Objective: To establish a new quantitative analytical method for Methylformamide in urine.Methods:Capillary gas chromatography was applied.FFAP capillary column was selected as the seperation column.The samples was injected and analyzed by FID after centrifugation.Results:Coefficient of variation of this method was 3.4%,detection limit 2.0 mg/L and the recovery of standard addition 93.4%～101.7%.Conclusion:This method is simple,rapid,sensitive and of accurate results.It is suitable for detection and analysis of Methylformamide in urine.
Left ventricular and unidirectional intra-aortic balloon pumping. Effects on hemodynamics in canine cardiogenic shock.

Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) is currently the supportive treatment of choice for the management of refractory left ventricular power failure. However, in the extremely low output state, IABP may be hemodynamically ineffective, and a more direct left ventricular assist is desirable. Left ventricular balloon pumping (LVBP) is an effective cardiac assist device in the experimental low output state. LVBP both alone and in combination with IABP was evaluated in an experimental canine cardiogenic shock preparation. With LVBP alone, significant improvement was seen in the following: mean aortic flow (AoF), +46.2 per cent; aortic pressure (AoP), +15.1 per cent; left ventricular stroke work (LVSW), +147.0 per cent; left ventricular dp/dt (LVdp/dt), +52.9 per cent; coronary sinus flow (CSF), +24.6 per cent; and myocardial oxygen consumption +25.2 per cent. There was a concomitant decrease in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) -71.6 per cent and left atrial pressure (LAP) -62.7 per cent. The combination of LVBP and IABP showed further improvement in CSF (+6.1 per cent) and further decreases in LVdp/dt (-8.7 per cent), LVEDP (-48.0 per cent), LAP (-28.9 per cent) and myocardial oxygen consumption (-33.3 per cent). The results indicate that LVBP may be a promising circulatory assist and that, in the extremely low output state, the addition of IABP decreased myocardial oxygen consumption and offered a transition in mechanical cardiac support which was initiated with LVBP.
Computational Discovery of Hydrogen Bond Design Rules for Electrochemical Ion Separation

Selective ion separation is a major challenge with far-ranging impact from water desalination to product separation in catalysis. Recently introduced ferrocene (Fc)/ferrocenium (Fc+) polymer electrode materials have been demonstrated experimentally and theoretically to selectively bind carboxylates over perchlorate through weak C–H···O hydrogen bond (HB) interactions that favor carboxylates, despite the comparable size and charge of the two species. However, practical application of this technology in aqueous environments requires further selectivity enhancement. Using a first-principles discovery approach, we investigate the effect of Fc/Fc+ functional groups (FGs) on the selectivity and reversibility of formate–Fc+ adsorption with respect to perchlorate in aqueous solution. Our wide design space of 44 FGs enables identification of FGs with higher selectivity and rationalization of trends through electronic energy decomposition analysis or geometric hydrogen bonding analysis. Overall, we observe weaker, ...
Multimorbidity in Middle-Aged Adults with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract Objective Individuals with cerebral palsy have less lean body mass, greater relative adiposity, and lower fitness and physical activity participation, and yet the prevalence of age-related multimorbidity in this population has yet to be established. The study objective was to examine the prevalence of lifestyle-related chronic conditions and multimorbidity in a sample of middle-aged adults with cerebral palsy. Methods A clinic-based sample of middle-aged adults with cerebral palsy was examined using Electronic Medical Records Search Engine software. Our cohort included 435 individuals aged 40 to 60 years, with an International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification, 9th and 10th Revisions Diagnosis Code for cerebral palsy. Prevalence of 12 chronic conditions was evaluated, including existing diagnoses or historical record of osteopenia/osteoporosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary artery disease, impaired glucose tolerance/type 2 diabetes, other cardiovascular conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, emphysema, prehypertension/hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Multivariate logistic models were used to estimate multimorbidity (ie, ≥2 chronic conditions), adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, obesity, and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Results There were 137 unique multimorbidity combinations. Multimorbidity was significantly more prevalent among obese versus nonobese individuals for both GMFCS I-III (75.8% vs 53.6%) and GMFCS IV-V (79.0% vs 64.2%), but was also significantly higher in nonobese individuals with GMFCS IV-V (64.2%) compared with nonobese individuals with GMFCS I-III (53.6%). Both the obesity status (odds ratio, 2.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-2.79) and the GMFCS IV-V category (odds ratio, 1.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-3.68) were independently associated with multimorbidity. Conclusions Middle-aged adults with cerebral palsy have high estimates of multimorbidity; both obesity and higher GMFCS levels are independently associated with greater risk.
Investigation of Human Monitoring Capabilities for Multiple Watch Windows

Due to an abundance of data and dynamic nature of tasks, challenges with information retrieval in surveillance and target identification tasks have risen in today's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance ISR community. In this study, two variables, Area of Coverage and Amount of Activity AOC/ACT, are manipulated to study their effects on the number of Watch Windows an observer can monitor. This research describes the analyst's task model, and explains how the level of AOC/ACT and number of Watch Windows affects the analyst's cognitive load. Results showed a significant difference in performance and physiological indicators of workload between high AOC/ACT conditions and low AOC/ACT conditions. A linear correlation was exhibited between the number of Watch Windows and the number of fixations. The results show that these variables can be manipulated in tasking to maintain appropriate levels of cognitive workload.
Analyzing cloud base at local and regional scales to understand tropical montane cloud forest vulnerability to climate change

Abstract. The degree to which cloud immersion provides water in addition to rainfall, suppresses transpiration, and sustains tropical montane cloud forests (TMCFs) during rainless periods is not well understood. Climate and land use changes represent a threat to these forests if cloud base altitude rises as a result of regional warming or deforestation. To establish a baseline for quantifying future changes in cloud base, we installed a ceilometer at 100 m altitude in the forest upwind of the TMCF that occupies an altitude range from ∼ 600 m to the peaks at 1100 m in the Luquillo Mountains of eastern Puerto Rico. Airport Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) ceilometer data, radiosonde data, and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite data were obtained to investigate seasonal cloud base dynamics, altitude of the trade-wind inversion (TWI), and typical cloud thickness for the surrounding Caribbean region. Cloud base is rarely quantified near mountains, so these results represent a first look at seasonal and diurnal cloud base dynamics for the TMCF. From May 2013 to August 2016, cloud base was lowest during the midsummer dry season, and cloud bases were lower than the mountaintops as often in the winter dry season as in the wet seasons. The lowest cloud bases most frequently occurred at higher elevation than 600 m, from 740 to 964 m. The Luquillo forest low cloud base altitudes were higher than six other sites in the Caribbean by ∼ 200–600 m, highlighting the importance of site selection to measure topographic influence on cloud height. Proximity to the oceanic cloud system where shallow cumulus clouds are seasonally invariant in altitude and cover, along with local trade-wind orographic lifting and cloud formation, may explain the dry season low clouds. The results indicate that climate change threats to low-elevation TMCFs are not limited to the dry season; changes in synoptic-scale weather patterns that increase frequency of drought periods during the wet seasons (periods of higher cloud base) may also impact ecosystem health.
Working From Dominant Identity Positions: Reflections From “Diversity-Aware” White People About Their Cross-Race Work Relationships:

This is a study of how people learn to work from dominant group identities in their cross-identity work relationships—with a focus on race. I discuss interviews with 24 “diversity-aware” White peop...
LEARNING MATHEMATICS COOPERATIVE SETTINGS INVOLVING INTERPERSONAL INTELLIGENCE

This research is a research development that refers to 4-D development model with stages: (a) define, (b) design stage, (c) development stage, and ( D) dissemination stage. This study aims to produce learning tools involving interpersonal intelligence that includes RPP, LKS and student books. Expert and practitioner validation results show that the student's book is valid () = (4.18), Valid LKS () = (4.18), and RPP is very valid () = (3,62). Furthermore, it is tested in Class IX-6 SMP Negeri 36 Makassar with the following results: (1) learning tools are practical with the criteria of the device fully implemented () = 1.90, (2) learning tools have been effective because it has met 3 of 4 indicators effectiveness , That is: classical thoroughness of learning result test have been reached (88,8%), teacher ability to manage learning is in high category () = (3,48), and student response is in positive category. The results of this study resulted in learning tools of mathematical cooperative setting involving interpersonal intelligence meet the criteria of validity, practicality and effectiveness. It is therefore recommended to the math teacher to implement this device on a wider scope
Estimating the price (in)elasticity of off-grid electricity demand

Abstract Community-scale power infrastructure may be the only electrification option for tens of millions households that remain out of reach from centralized power grids. The responsiveness of household electricity demand to price is a crucial design input for off-grid systems. While the price elasticity of electricity demand of grid-connected consumers has been abundantly studied, few studies focus on off-grid communities where substantial econometric challenges arise, including the absence of metered consumption data and electricity prices that are simultaneously determined by cost and demand considerations. This study attempts to address these challenges for the case of off-grid micro hydropower consumers. It makes two core contributions: First, we propose the surface area of the contributing hydrologic catchment as a new instrumental variable to estimate elasticity using a cross sectional dataset of existing micro hydropower infrastructure. Second, we provide a first price-elasticity estimate (−0.15) for off-grid electricity demand in Nepal. We surmise that the small (in absolute value) elasticity value found in this study arises from the low levels of consumption observed off-the-grid. We use a Monte Carlo analysis to show that failing to account for this disparity can lead to substantial financial losses caused by suboptimal power infrastructure design.
Raging evolution of a B cell response to a viral infection

Shane Crotty discusses a 2013 study by Barton Haynes and colleagues that beautifully illustrates the extreme capacity of a B cell response to evolve in real time to a viral infection.
Pediatric diffuse intrinsic anaplastic astrocytoma of the medulla oblongata

Abstract Focal tumors of the brain stem are classically low grade astrocytomas. We present the rare case of a child with an anaplastic astrocytoma confined to the medulla oblongata. An 11-year-old male found to have an intrinsic tumor of the medulla oblongata; the initial MRI was equivocal for determining the focal or diffuse nature of the tumor. After a subtotal resection followed by aggressive adjuvant therapy, rapid deterioration and death occurred at 16 months after initial diagnosis and surgery. Diffuse intrinsic anaplastic astrocytomas confined to the medulla oblongata are extremely rare. Diffuse tension imaging, a short period of symptoms, and presence of cranial nerve deficits are suggestive of a malignant histopathology. Prognosis is poor.
Identification of proresolving and inflammatory lipid mediators in human psoriasis.

Background Psoriasis (PSO) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease associated with metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities. It is now known that resolution of inflammation is an active process locally controlled by specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs), named resolvins (Rvs), protectins, and maresins. Objective It is unknown whether these potent lipid mediators (LMs) are involved in PSO pathophysiology and if the skin and blood have disease-specific SPMs phenotype profiles. Methods We used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry–based LM metabololipidomics to obtain skin and peripheral blood LM profiles from PSO compared to healthy subjects. Some LMs were tested in cell culture experiments with corresponding gene expression and protein concentration analyses. Results The levels of several LM were significantly elevated in lesional PSO skin compared to nonlesional and skin from healthy subjects. Particularly, RvD5, protectins Dx, and aspirin-triggered forms of lipoxin were present only in lesional PSO skin, whereas protectin D1 was present in nonlesional PSO skin. To determine specific roles of SPMs on skin-related inflammatory cytokines, RvD1 and RvD5 were incubated with human keratinocytes. RvD1 and RvD5 reduced the expression levels of interleukin 24 and S100A12 , whereas only RvD1 significantly abrogated interleukin-24 production by keratinocytes. Conclusions These findings suggest that an imbalance between locally produced proresolution and proinflammatory LMs identified in PSO skin and blood compartments might play a role in PSO pathophysiology. Moreover, some of the PSO-related cytokines can be modified by specific SPMs and involved mechanisms support investigation of targeting novel proresolving lipid mediators as a therapy for PSO.
Abemaciclib for the treatment of HR+/HER2- breast cancer

Introduction: More than 70% of patients with advanced breast cancer have hormone receptor (HR)-positive disease and almost all patients will develop resistance to endocrine agents and experience di...
Diurnal Patterns of Methane Flux from a Seasonal Wetland: Mechanisms and Methodology

Methane emissions from wetlands are temporally dynamic. Few chamber-based studies have explored diurnal variation in methane flux with high temporal replication. Using an automated sampling system, we measured methane flux every 2.5 to 4 h for 205 diel cycles during three growing seasons (2013–2015) from a seasonal wetland in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America. During ponded conditions, fluxes were generally positive (i.e., methanogenesis dominant, 10.1 ± 0.8 mg m−2 h−1), had extreme range of variation (from −1 to 70 mg m−2 h−1), and were highest during late day. In contrast, during dry conditions fluxes were very low and primarily negative (i.e., oxidation dominant, −0.05 ± 0.002 mg m−2 h−1), with the highest (least negative) fluxes occurring at pre-dawn. During semi-saturated conditions, methane fluxes also were very low, oscillated between positive and negative values (i.e., balanced between methanogenesis and methane oxidation), and exhibited no diel pattern. Methane flux was positively correlated with air temperature during ponded conditions (r = 0.57) and negatively during dry conditions (r = −0.42). Multiple regression analyses showed that temperature, light and water-filled pore space explained 72% of variation in methane flux. Methane fluxes are highly temporally dynamic and follow contrasting diel patterns that are dependent on dominant microbial processes influenced by saturation state.
Cytotoxic Chemotherapy Phase II Trials Between 1983 and 1990 for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Cytotoxic chemotherapy has been and continues to be a disappointing therapeutic modality for metastatic and recurrent renal cell carcinoma, as is evidenced by less than 5% to 15% of cases achieving significant tumor regression, that is, complete remission (CR) and partial (PR) remission [3, 4, 10]. While chemotherapy has become an integral component of multidisciplinary therapies for most solid tumors, the absence of even modest antitumor activity against advanced renal cell cancer has led to the continued need for further disease-oriented phase II studies to define efficacy. Additionally, without defined efficacy, presently available drugs have no role either adjuvantly or neoadjuvantly.
Complications of Paravertebral, Intercostal Nerve Blocks and Interpleural Analgesia

Paravertebral, intercostal nerve blocks and interpleural analgesia are used to provide intermittent, temporary, or continuous anesthesia or analgesia in the thoracic and abdominal regions. These regional techniques may be appropriate alternatives to the standard methods of providing analgesia (i.e., epidural analgesia, intravenous opioids) for selected groups of patients. These analgesic techniques have been used to treat pain related to thoracotomy,1,2 rib fractures,3, 4, 5 trauma,6 and chronic pain.7 In recent years, utilization of these techniques has been extended to include breast surgery,8,9 shoulder surgery,10,11 laparoscopic cholecystectomy,12 and inguinal hernia repair.13 Paravertebral blocks have recently been described as an effective means of providing analgesia after hepatectomy.14
Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control of A Mixture of Human-driven and Autonomous Vehicles

This paper proposes a solution to the problem of cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) of a platoon of human-driven and autonomous driven vehicles. The vehicular platoon is formulated by $n$ autonomous vehicles and $m$ human-driven vehicles. The proposed solution is able to maintain stability, and stay within the accepted range of velocity and headway. With exchanging kinematics information via vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, an optimal controller is developed to ensure the stability of the system and to minimize the errors of distance and velocity for the platoon of vehicles. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithms is tested via numeric simulations in MATLAB.
College Student Leadership Development

College Student Leadership Development introduces the idea that we all play a part in producing leadership and that learning how to participate in the process of leadership is something that all college students need to learn as part of their college academic experience. Rather than approaching leadership from the traditional model emphasizing specific skill sets, this book acquaints students with how to learn leadership using the ReAChS model of leadership development (Reflection, Assessment, Challenge, Support). It then encourages students to directly engage their own experiences to hone their leader identity and understanding of leadership as well as improve their leadership knowledge and skills. Step-by-step exercises lead students in reflecting on their experiences, assessing themselves, choosing challenges, creating support networks, and finally capturing and communicating to others what they have learned. Throughout, examples of student leaders’ experiences provide readers with powerful examples of others’ successes and struggles in leadership alongside the latest psychological research on learning and development.
Ensemble model aggregation using a computationally lightweight machine-learning model to forecast ocean waves

Abstract This study investigated an approach to improve the accuracy of computationally lightweight surrogate models by updating forecasts based on historical accuracy relative to sparse observation data. Using a lightweight, ocean-wave forecasting model, we created a large number of model ensembles, with perturbed inputs, for a two-year study period. Forecasts were aggregated using a machine-learning algorithm that combined forecasts from multiple, independent models into a single “best-estimate” prediction of the true state. The framework was applied to a case-study site in Monterey Bay, California. A learning-aggregation technique used historical observations and model forecasts to calculate a weight for each ensemble member. Weighted ensemble predictions were compared to measured wave conditions to evaluate performance against present state-of-the-art. Finally, we discussed how this framework, which integrates ensemble aggregations and surrogate models, can be used to improve forecasting systems and further enable scientific process studies.
The Regulation of Gene Expression by Operons and the Local Modeling Framework

Abstract Gene expression must be carefully regulated in order for a cell to maintain homeostasis. In prokaryotes, genes are often clustered together and co-transcribed, meaning that small groups of genes governing a specific cellular function will be either all “ON” or all “OFF.” Such a cluster of genes is called an operon, and these come in four basic types. Operons can be inducible or repressible, depending on whether they are ON or OFF by default. Additionally, the method of regulation can be positive or negative, depending on whether a repressor protein prevents transcription or an activator protein stimulates it. Classically, mathematical biologists have modeled operons using differential equations derived from the laws of mass-action kinetics. More recently, they have been modeled using discrete approaches such as Boolean and logical networks. In this chapter, we introduce the concept of a local model over a finite set, which is basically a collection of functions without specifying anything about dynamics or how they are composed. This unifies both Boolean and logical networks into a single framework. Given a local model, the functions can be updated synchronously, defining a finite dynamical system (FDS), or asynchronously, as is often done with logical models. Naturally, there are other update schemes as well, but we will just consider these two basic ones in this chapter. After comparing the so-called synchronous and asynchronous “state spaces” of local models, we will prove bijections between local models, synchronous state spaces, and asynchronous state spaces. Also in this chapter, we will introduce two basic operons in the model organism Escherichia coli: the lactose (lac) and arabinose (ara) operons. We will show how to model these gene regulatory networks as local models, and how to use computational algebra and freely available software tools for their analysis. Specifically, we will use the Macaulay2 computational algebra software, the Gene Interaction Network simulation (GINsim), and a new online crowd-sourced platform called TURING: Algorithms for Computation with Finite Dynamical Systems.
Management of Imperforate Anus

Anorectal malformations, or imperforate anus, represent a wide range of congenital defects and are associated with other congenital anomalies, including cardiovascular, urologic, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal disorders. Appropriate work-up for associated anomalies should be performed prior to definitive management. After the diagnosis of an imperforate anus is made on newborn examination, evaluation for a fistula should be performed, and oftentimes the definitive anatomy is not known until after a fistulogram. In females with a single perineal opening or cloaca, the common length channel should be assessed using cystoscopy, vaginoscopy, and possibly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hydrocolpos should be drained if found. In a patient without a fistula, an abdominal X-ray should be performed to evaluate the distance between the distal gas and the skin. In patients with more complicated anomalies, such as cloaca, recto-urethral fistulas and patients with rectal gas above the coccyx on abdominal X-ray, colostomy should be performed first and definitive repair delayed until further work-up can be performed. Otherwise, superficial fistulas may be managed with anoplasty and deeper fistulas managed with posterior sagittal anorectoplasty in males or posterior sagittal anorectovaginourethroplasty in females.
The Placental Atlas Tool (PAT): A collaborative research and discovery platform for the placental research community.

Abstract Introduction The placenta is one of the least understood, yet arguably one of the most important organs for human health and development. While there have been numerous research efforts dedicated to understanding the placenta's critical role, these studies and the data they produced remain separated and largely disparate. In order to facilitate placental research, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child and Human Development (NICHD) released in October 2018 the Placental Atlas Tool (PAT) ( https://pat.nichd.nih.gov/ ), an internet-based platform offering users a centralized placental database of molecular datasets, analytic tools, and images. Methods PAT is a cloud-based system developed by the business requirements defined by NICHD leadership and extramural placental researchers. PAT employs a metadata-driven web interface to provide curated placental datasets and images, enriched with structured, descriptive metadata to enhance data discoverability. PAT also incorporates open source molecular data analytical tools to provide a flexible analytics workflow for placental researchers. Results PAT launched with 426 analyzable molecular placental datasets consisting of over 12,500 samples from 10 distinct species, all systematically annotated and processed for enhanced research utility. 828 placental images, consisting of 7 imaging modalities across 47 species, and nearly 300 annotated linked publications supplement the datasets to facilitate knowledge integration and hypothesis generation across disparate molecular studies. Discussion PAT will maximize the NICHD's investment in placental research by reinforcing open scientific inquiry, facilitating reuse of datasets, promoting novel research and testing of new hypotheses and analytic methods, and facilitating education of new researchers.
A 3D Printed Compact PIFA for 5G Applications

In this paper, two compact planar inverted-F antennas (PIFA); (i) a single – band (s-PIFA), and (ii) a dual-band (d-PIFA) planar inverted F-antennas are fabricated using Additive Manufacturing (AM, 3D Printing). The antennas are printed as two separate pieces and snapped together using a LEGO-like assembly process. The simulated reflection coefficient and radiation pattern is shown in the paper. The results of the printed antennas will be presented at the conference.
Multi-Channel Security through Data Fragmentation

This chapter presents a novel security framework developed for a multi-channel communications architecture that achieves security by distributing messages and their authentication codes across multiple channels at the bit level. This method of transmission provides protection from confidentiality and integrity attacks without relying on encryption. The two communicating parties utilize existing key exchange mechanisms to pass initialization information. The framework operates by assigning to each message bit a fragment identifier using a hardware-based stream cipher as a pseudorandom number generator, and transmitting specific message fragments across each channel. This prevents the entirety of a message from being transmitted over a single channel and spreads the authentication across the available channels, enabling the sender and receiver to identify a compromised channel even in the presence of a sophisticated man-in-the-middle attack where the adversary forces message acceptance at the destination, perhaps by altering the message error detecting code. Under some conditions, the receiver can recover the original message without retransmission. The holistic framework is attractive for critical infrastructure communications because it provides availability while defending against confidentiality and integrity attacks.
A bottom-up approach to study the moisture susceptibility of bio-modified asphalt

Abstract Causes and remedies for moisture damage at the interface of binder and siliceous stone aggregates is not fully understood and is considered as one of the most elusive and intractable pavement distresses. In recent years, increasing environmental awareness and decreasing availability of virgin materials have promoted the use of bio-materials to decrease adverse environmental impacts from petroleum-based products and support sustainable practices. Considering source dependency and composition variation in bio-materials, it is important to relate composition to fundamental materials properties in order to ensure adequate overall performance particularly in terms of resistance to moisture. Therefore, the current study uses a bottom-up approach to evaluate the performance of an asphalt binder additive from swine manure (Bio-modifier) as a means of not only improving but also understanding moisture resistance in asphalt pavement. Bio-modification was found to show improved moisture resistance at the binder level and the mixture level when compared to two other commercially available additives. Further analysis of the binder doped with representative molecules of the additives showed varying differences in adhesion and moisture susceptibility. To provide in-depth understanding of the underlying interaction mechanisms between water and binder, molecular dynamic simulations were performed on a blend of asphaltene and dopant molecules placed on a silica oxide substrate and exposed to water molecules. Study results revealed the passivation mechanism of bio-modifiers as a dominant factor contributing to enhanced resistance to moisture damage. It was found that bio-modifiers molecules occupy active sites of silica oxide preventing nucleation and growth of acidic compounds at the binder-silica interface. Such acidic compounds are water soluble and their presence at the interface can be detrimental leading to moisture damage. Study results showed anchored bio-modifiers molecules further interact with asphaltene molecules to provide bridging mechanism between binder and silica. This in turn leads to enhanced resistance to moisture damage in bio-modified binders adhered to siliceous surfaces such as quartz and granite stone aggregates.