cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FastEx: Hash Clustering with Exponential Families

Clustering is a key component in any data analysis toolbox. Despite its importance, scalable algorithms often eschew rich statistical models in favor of simpler descriptions such as k-means clustering. In this paper we present a sampler, capable of estimating mixtures of exponential families. At its heart lies a novel proposal distribution using random projections to achieve high throughput in generating proposals, which is crucial for clustering models with large numbers of clusters.
Control design with output constraints: Multi-regulator sliding mode approach with override logic

The problem of setpoint regulation of a main output with constraints in a set of secondary outputs is considered. Specifically, a main output is to be regulated to a setpoint using a single control input, while preventing secondary outputs to cross prescribed limits. When the outputs are minimum-phase, previous work by the author shows that a set of sliding mode regulators arranged in a max-min override scheme with input integration achieves the output regulation and limit protection objectives, with guaranteed stability, maximal exploitation of available limits, and straightforward design guidelines. In this paper, no input integration is used, removing a limitation of the previous approach that required secondary outputs to have a nonzero feed-through term. Design of the sliding coefficients for the main regulator is also considered using mixed H 2 /H ∞ feedback synthesis. A detailed numerical example is included.
SystemC and the future of design languages: opportunities for users and research

There has been a lot of discussion, and a lot of confusion, about the various existing and new design languages recently. SystemC, SystemVerilog, Verilog-2005, e, Vera, PSL/Sugar, UML, Analogue and Mixed-Signal versions of Verilog and VHDL make the world a veritable alphabet soup. This paper briefly looks at the evolving world of design languages from a SystemC perspective. Although a design "language war" may seem imminent, there are strong prospects for peaceful coexistence between languages, and flows that connect them together. And such flows give tremendous opportunities for users of languages to significantlyimprove their methodologies. In addition, the needs of advanced system and System-on-Chip (SoC) design turn up a number of interesting research opportunities for those involved in language-based design. The paper will finish by covering some of these methodology and research possibilities, including those opened up by further evolution in SystemC to include SW task and OS scheduler modelling.
An Interconnect Scaling Scheme with Constant On-Chip Inductive Effects

This paper introduces a new global-tier interconnect scaling scheme which ensures that inductance effects do not start dominating the overall interconnect performance. It is shown that for unscaled global lines, inductance effects increase as technology scales while for the scaling scheme proposed by ITRS l1r, interconnects become extremely resistive and, while inductance effects diminish with scaling but the performance, specifically, delay per unit length, degrades with scaling. The effect of the proposed global interconnect scaling scheme on optimized driver size, interconnect length, delay per unit length and total buffer area is quantified and compared with the unscaled and the ITRS cases. It is shown that the proposed scaling scheme improves the delay per unit length without degrading inductive effects or increasing buffer area with scaling.
An Introduction to Replication Research in Gifted Education Shiny and New Is Not the Same as Useful

This methodological brief introduces readers to replication methods and their uses. Broadly defined, replication is the duplication of previously conducted research to verify or expand the original findings. Replication is particularly useful in the gifted education context because so much education theory and research are based on general education students and environments; the extent to which this prior work extends to gifted education contexts needs to be evaluated. The rationale, definition, implementation methods, and current state of replication in the social sciences generally, as well as in giftedness and creativity research specifically, are reviewed. Finally, guidance for conducting replications is provided, including recommendations on selecting important topics, engaging original authors, ensuring sufficient power, using appropriate measures and analyses, framing the manuscript, and submission planning.
Accountability in Faith-Based Organizations in Nigeria:

Faith-based organizations (FBOs) are important service providers in Nigeria, hence their attractiveness to international development actors. As service organizations, FBOs are accountable to their funder, domestic service regulators and their clients/beneficiaries who have at their disposal legal, financial, service provision oversight and peer regulation mechanisms for ensuring the accountability of FBOs. An assessment of these mechanisms shows that due to political and structural inadequacies born out of the weak nature of the Nigerian state and inconsistencies in the enabling legislations for each mechanism, these mechanisms are unable to ensure adequate internal accountability of funds released to FBOs by international agencies. This article examines the case of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the Christian Health Association on Nigeria to illustrate this.
GABAergic Mechanisms That Shape the Temporal Response to Odors in Moth Olfactory Projection Neuronsa

Mitral/tufted cells in the olfactory bulb and projection neurons (PNs) in the insect antennal lobe are involved in complex synaptic interactions with inhibitory interneurons to help shape their odor-evoked responses. In the moth Manduca sexta, both gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol hyperpolarize and lower input resistance in many PNs, often blocking ongoing spike traffic. The GABA response mimics a short-latency, chloride-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) evoked in PNs by electrical or odor stimulation of afferent inputs, and the classical GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline methiodide (BMI) quickly and reversibly blocks this IPSP. Focal injection of BMI (100 microM) immediately preceding a GABA pulse blocks the hyperpolarization evoked by GABA, but a similar injection of BMI preceding an acetylcholine (ACh) pulse fails to block the depolarization evoked by ACh. Moreover, the temporal pattern of odor-evoked activity in moth PNs is also strongly and reversibly altered by BMI. Importantly, the temporal pattern of the response depends on the temporal characteristics of the stimulus: continuous stimulation evokes more complex, rhythmic responses, whereas a pulsatile stimulus can be copied with a discrete burst of spikes for each pulse. Collectively our results indicate that PNs in the moth antennal lobe possess GABA receptors that share certain characteristics in common with vertebrate GABAA receptors. These receptors are largely responsible for helping PNs integrate information about both the molecular features and the timing of olfactory input to the brain.
Effect of Power on the Properties of Sio2 Films Produced by Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition

The effect of power on the properties of SiO2 films produced by direct plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition using nitrous oxide and silane with high helium dilution has been investigated. As the power increases the p-etch rate decreases while the frequency of the Si-O-Si stretching vibration measured by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy increases. However the refractive index of the films measured by ellipsometry is almost constant as is the electron density measured by low-angle x-ray reflection, indicating that the structural changes of the film with power do not relate to bulk density changes. The x-ray and ellipsometry measurements indicate the existence of a transitional layer with monolayer dimensions at the Si/SiO2 interface.
Comparison of the transient stress–strain response of rubber to its linear dynamic behavior†

Master curves of the small strain and dynamic shear modulus are compared with the transient mechanical response of rubbers stretched at ambient temperature over a seven-decade range of strain rates (10−4 to 103 s−1). The experiments were carried out on 1,4- and 1,2-polybutadienes and a styrene–butadiene copolymer. These rubbers have respective glass transition temperatures, Tg, equal to −93.0, 0.5, and 4.1 °C, so that the room temperature measurements probed the rubbery plateau, the glass transition zone, and the onset of the glassy state. For the 1,4-polybutadiene, in accord with previous results, strain and strain rate effects were decoupled (additive). For the other two materials, encroachment of the segmental dynamics precluded separation of the effects of strain and rate. These results show that for rubbery polymers near Tg the use of linear dynamic data to predict stresses, strain energies, and other mechanical properties at higher strain rates entails large error. For example, the strain rate associated with an upturn in the modulus due to onset of the glass transition was three orders of magnitude higher for large tensile strains than for linear oscillatory shear strains. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.* J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Nitric Oxide Insertion Reactivity with the Bismuth–Carbon Bond: Formation of the Oximate Anion, [ON(C6H2tBu2O)]−, from the Oxyaryl Dianion, (C6H2tBu2O)2−

The first example of NO insertion into a Bi-C bond has been found in the direct reaction of NO with a Bi(3+) complex of the unusual (C6H2tBu2-3,5-O-4)(2-) oxyaryl dianionic ligand, namely, Ar'Bi(C6H2tBu2-3,5-O-4) [Ar' = 2,6-(Me2NCH2)2C6H3] (1). The oximate complexes [Ar'Bi(ONC6H2-3,5-tBu2-4-O)]2(μ-O) (3) and Ar'Bi(ONC6H2-3,5-tBu2-4-O)2 (4) were formed as a mixture, but can be isolated in pure form by reaction of NO with a Bi(3+) complex of the [O2C(C6H2tBu2-3-5-O-4](2-) oxyarylcarboxy dianion, namely, Ar'Bi[O2C(C6H2tBu2-3-5-O-4)-κ(2)O,O']. Reaction of 1 with Ph3CSNO gave an oximate product with (Ph3CS)(1-) as an ancillary ligand, (Ph3CS)(Ar')Bi(ONC6H2-3,5-tBu2-4-O) (5).
Information theoretic inference of direct gene regulation from time series data

This paper considers the problem of inferring the oriented connectivity of genetic regulatory networks based on the time series gene expression profiles produced by DNA microarrays. The inference algorithm is implemented based on the minimum description length (MDL) principle. Simulation results show that for synthetic networks the proposed algorithm achieves a good performance, while in the presence of realistic time series data it is capable of providing novel insight into the inner structure of various regulatory circuitries.
Crop Loss Relationships and Economic Injury Levels for Ferrisia gilli (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) Infesting Pistachio in California

Ferrisia gilli Gullan (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a new pest in California pistachios, Pistacea vera L. We conducted a 3-yr field study to determine the type and amount of damage caused by F. gilli. Using pesticides, we established gradients of F. gilli densities in a commercial pistachio orchard near Tipton, CA, from 2005 to 2007. Each year, mealybug densities on pistachio clusters were recorded from May through September and cumulative mealybug-days were determined. At harvest time, nut yield per tree (5% dried weight) was determined, and subsamples of nuts were evaluated for market quality. Linear regression analysis of cumulative mealybug-days against fruit yield and nut quality measurements showed no relationships in 2005 and 2006, when mealybug densities were moderate. However, in 2007, when mealybug densities were very high, there was a negative correlation with yield (for every 1,000 mealybug-days, there was a decrease in total dry weight per tree of 0.105 kg) and percentage of split unstained nuts (for every 1,000 mealybug-days, there was a decrease in the percentage of split unstained of 0.560%), and a positive correlation between the percentage of closed kernel and closed blank nuts (for every 1,000 mealybug-days, there is an increase in the percentage of closed kernel and closed blank of 0.176 and 0.283%, respectively). The data were used to determine economic injury levels, showing that for each mealybug per cluster in May there was a 4.73% reduction in crop value associated with quality and a 0.866 kg reduction in yield per tree (4.75%).
Efflorescent iron sulfate minerals: Paragenesis, relative stability, and environmental impact

This study of a pyrrhotite-dominated massive sulfide deposit in the Blue Ridge province in southwestern Virginia shows that sulfate minerals formed by the oxidation of the pyrrhotite transform from one to another by a combination of oxidation, dehydration, and neutralization reactions. Significant quantities of sulfate minerals occur in the underground adits (Area I) and under overhangs along the high sidewall of the adjoining open pit (Area II). Samples from this site were analyzed to determine mineralogy, equilibrium relative humidity, chemical composition, and acid generation potential. In Area I, pyrrhotite oxidizes to marcasite + melanterite, which eventually oxidizes to melanterite + sulfuric acid. Melanterite is extruded from the rocks as a result of the volume change associated with this reaction. It accumulates in piles where halotrichite, copiapite, and fibroferrite form. In Area II, FeSO4 solutions produced by pyrrhotite oxidation migrate to the exposed pit face, where they evaporate to form melanterite. The melanterite rapidly dehydrates to form rozenite, which falls into a pile at the base of the wall, where melanterite, copiapite, and halotrichite are present. The observed paragenesis can be understood using a log a O2 – log a H2O diagram that we developed from published thermodynamic data and observations of coexisting phases. Dissolution experiments showed that fibroferrite-rich samples had the highest acid producing potential, followed by copiapite-rich samples and then halotrichite-rich samples. The most abundant metals in solutions produced by dissolving impure bulk samples of the salts were Mg, Al, Zn, Cu, Ca, and Pb. The molar concentrations of the metals varied with mineralogy. However, all of the sulfate minerals release metals and acid when they dissolve and therefore represent a potentially significant environmental risk.
Age Differences in Cognitive Effort in Recall

A secondary task methodology was used to investigate age differences in the amount of cognitive effort demanded by free recall. Aged and young adults performed a reaction time task while simultaneously retrieving a list of items in multitrial free-recall learning. RTs were slower in aged than young adults on each trial, suggesting that free recall is more demanding for older persons. In addition, the secondary task did not interfere with recall by older adults, suggesting that this technique is feasible in older persons. These results are consistent with the cognitive-effort hypotheses which postulate age differences in the demands of memory processing to be one factor underlying age-related deficits. An additional finding suggested that age differences in retrieval effort may also be related to differences in list organization.
CMACSIM, a Temperature-Dependent Predator-Prey Model Simulating the Impact of Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer) on Green Peach Aphids on Potato Plants

A FORTRAN-based simulation model quantifying the interaction of Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) with green peach aphid (GPA), Myzus persicae (Sulzer)(Homoptera: Aphididae), populations on potato plants was developed. The model consisted of a GPA population, which was assumed to grow exponentially with time (h). Feeding of C. maculata adults and larvae was included. The C. maculata population was assumed to be composed of eggs, larvae, pupae, prereproductive and reproductive adults. Natural mortality of C. maculata eggs, larvae, and pupae was included, and C. maculata adults were assumed to die of old age after 1975 h. Cannibalism of C. maculata eggs, larvae, and pupae by C. maculata larvae was also included, as was a minimum number of GPA required for C. maculata to oviposit. The model satisfactorily described the change in GPA, and larval and adult C. maculata populations with time when tested against a 1977 data set. Model simulations indicated that temperature can greatly affect the predator-prey population dynamics.
Treatment of obstetric and gynecologic infections

Soft tissue pelvic infections in the female are usually caused by many species of bacteria and not a single bacterial pathogen. Infections seen early in their development respond differently to systemic antibiotics than do well established infections. The combination of clindamycin-gentamicin was superior to penicillin-gentamicin in the treatment of early onset post-partum endomyometritis following cesarean section. Only one of 200 women developed an abscess and required an operation. In well established infections, 40 of 79 required operative drainage of an abscess for a cure, but only two had resistant organisms. Knowledge of whether an infection is early onset or late onset should help guide therapeutic decisions.
Abstract 27: Chemotherapy-induced Akt survival signaling is regulated by CD44- Ezrin/Radaxin Moesin (ERM) scaffolding, dependent on EGFR activity

Akt survival signaling has emerged as a predictor of poor prognosis in tumors resistant to chemotherapy. Despite the firm correlation between enhanced Akt survival signaling in resistant tumor tissue, there is a poor understanding of the exact mechanisms which elicit this robust pathway activation. In the present study we sought to uncover the full pathway of Akt activation in response to chemotherapy in order to fully elucidate mechanisms and proteins involved in chemotherapy resistance. Using breast and ovarian cancer cells, immunoprecipitations revealed that the CD44 glycoprotein initiates a unique scaffolding effect with the Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin (ERM) proteins and Akt in response to the anti-tubulin chemotherapies, docetaxel and vincrisine. Knockdown of CD44 using siRNA revealed that the activation of Akt(ser473) and ERM(tyr353) by chemotherapy are abolished in a time and dose dependent manner. Flow cytometry, caspase activation and cell viability assays confirmed that loss of Akt signaling sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis and a similar sensitivity was observed in the absence of CD44 expression. Furthermore, immunoprecipitations revealed that inhibition of EGFR using the small molecule inhibitor, Erlotinib, prevented CD44/ERM/Akt scaffolding in response to chemotherapy. In summary, CD44 and ERM scaffolding is responsible for the activation of Akt survival signaling induced by chemotherapy, in-vitro. Loss of CD44 sensitizes cancer cells to apoptosis. This scaffolding effect is dependent on the activity of EGFR, suggesting that a unique interaction exists between this ErbB1 receptor tyrosine kinase and the CD44 glyco-protein. This is the first evidence for cell surface events which precipitate survival signaling in cancer cells as a consequence of chemotherapy. These findings elucidate novel biomarker interactions for translation in the clinical setting. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 27. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-27
Update on the status and future of acute care surgery: 10 years later.

BACKGROUND Ten years ago, the specialty of trauma surgery was considered to be in crisis. Since then, the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) created a position paper, and acute care surgery (ACS) has matured. A repeat survey of EAST members is indicated to evaluate the progress of ACS. METHODS A survey was e-mailed to EAST members. Results were evaluated and compared with the previous position paper and survey. RESULTS The response rate was 15%. More than three fourths of the respondents were male, and just less than one fourth of them were female. More than half of the respondents were in practice for less than 10 years. Seventy-three percent were involved in research, although only 16% were allotted protected time. Most respondents felt that reimbursement for their effort was inadequate: 54% thought reimbursement was fair for trauma care, 59% for critical care, 49% for nontrauma ACS, and 62% for general surgery. The biggest incentive to a career in ACS was that it was a challenging and exciting activity; the biggest disincentive was working at night. Seventy-two percent expressed satisfaction with their career profile, and 92% were either very or somewhat happy with their career. Sixty-six percent did feel either somewhat or very burned out. Surgeons were interested in learning more about contract negotiation, business/managerial issues, and billing/coding. Compared with the previous survey, overall career satisfaction seems stable. CONCLUSION Most surgeons are satisfied with a career in ACS. There are still some facets of the career that warrant improvement. Focus on surgeon satisfaction may lead to enhancements in patient care.
Sites of Calcium Concentration During Sexual Reproduction of Achlya Ambisexualis

This study investigates increases in cellular calcium concentration during sexual reproduction of the heterothallic water mold, Achlya ambisexualis. Cellular localization of free calcium was monitored with the fluorescent calcium-binding antibiotic, chlorotetracycline (CTC). Other than the generalized fluorescence in the hyphal apex associated with vegetative growth, CTC-Ca fluorescence was first observed in the male strain during antheridial branch production. It became restricted to antheridia after septal delimitation and persisted until fertilization. Bright CTC-Ca fluorescence was not observed in the female strain until after antheridial contact with the oogonial initial and septal delimitation of the oogonium. The fluorescence continued through subsequent stages of development, including postfertilized oospores. This study demonstrates that an increase in Ca+2 concentration in the male strain is associated with antheridial branch formation, vectorial growth toward the oogonial initial and fertilization. In the female strain, development of the oogonial cytoplasm after septal delimitation, oosphere formation, and oospore maturation correlate with calcium increase. These results target key events in sexual reproduction for which the precise cause and effect relationship between changes in calcium concentration and morphogenesis can be investigated.
Rehabilitation in children with neuromuscular disorders

Physical treatment plays very important role in treatment of children with neuromuscular disorders. It is usually symptomatic and preventive, not being usual, except in children with cerebral palsy. Physical treatment of children with neuromuscular disorders is specific because good clinical knowledge as well as additional education for application of procedures is required during treatment with final evaluation of the achieved results. In fact, whole scientific philosophy is needed since natural development of child with neuromuscular disorders is in close correlation with the degree of retardation that may vary from one disease to another in relation to child's age as well as to clinical presentation of the disease. Upon neurological diagnose and medicamentous treatment, different physical procedures are applied in order to achieve the best possible results in motor development and in psychic and social reeducation as well.
CO-CO coupling on Cu facets: Coverage, strain and field effects

Abstract We present a DFT study on the effect of coverage, strain, and electric field on CO-CO coupling energetics on Cu (100), (111), and (211). Our calculations indicate that CO-CO coupling is facile on all three facets in the presence of a cation-induced electric field in the Helmholtz plane, with the lowest barrier on Cu(100). The CO dimerization pathway is therefore expected to play a role in C2 formation at potentials negative of the Cu potential of zero charge, corresponding to CO2/CO reduction conditions at high pH. Both increased *CO coverage and tensile strain further improve C-C coupling energetics on Cu (111) and (211). Since CO dimerization is facile on all 3 Cu facets, subsequent surface hydrogenation steps may also play an important role in determining the overall activity towards C2 products. Adsorption of *CO, *H, and *OH on the 3 facets were investigated with a Pourbaix analysis. The (211) facet has the largest propensity to co-adsorb *CO and *H, which would favor surface hydrogenation following CO dimerization.
From “Deportability” to “Denounce-ability:” New Forms of Labor Subordination in an Era of Governing Immigration Through Crime

The highly publicized 2008 Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) worksite raid in Postville, Iowa, signaled a new strategy in interior immigration enforcement. Rather than merely deport the unauthorized workers it apprehended, ICE arrested them on charges of working under stolen documents (aggravated identity theft) and invented Social Security numbers (Social Security fraud) and imprisoned them prior to their deportation. Drawing on interviews with forty-five migrant farmworkers and six labor supervisors in a migrant farmworking community in California's Central Valley, this article explores how unauthorized migrants obtain the work documents they must provide to labor supervisors in order to work. This article shows that the poverty and marginalization of migrant communities has led to the mutually beneficial exchange of work authorization documents between donors with legal status and recipients without legal status. Using ethnography to recontextualize these document loans, this article offers an alternative interpretation of the criminal charges levied in Postville. Because voluntary document exchanges may be misrepresented as involuntary theft, labor supervisors use their knowledge of identity loan to suppress identity recipients’ workers’ compensation claims. This article examines the effect of the criminalization of immigration on labor discipline, suggests that migrant “denounce-ability” has joined migrant “deportability” as a powerful new tool of labor subordination.
Amino Acid Contributions to Binding across Paired EF-Hands in Calmodulin

The ubiquitous calcium-binding protein calmodulin participates in a network of interactions influencing cellular processes like gene regulation and ion channel modulation. The immediate function of calmodulin is to bind calcium to its four EF-hand calcium binding domains grouped into two pairs, each pair residing in either lobe of the dumbbell-shaped protein. Ligand binding involves a constellation of amino acid interactions localized within the binding site as well as across paired sites. Our previous work has shown that each of the four binding sites has a unique apparent affinity that appears to have been selected for during evolution. We have investigated how the differences in binding loop amino acid sequences cause differences in binding affinity of the individual EF-hands, as well as how the amino acid sequence of one site influences binding at its paired site through cooperative mechanisms. Between the two paired N-lobe EF-hands, all but five positions within twelve residue binding loops are identical. Each of these five loop positions were individually mutated to its counterpart from the paired site and site-specific binding measurements were performed on N-lobe fragments to explore the two roles each position plays to determine binding in the paired EF-hand system: locally within their own site (cis-effects) and at the paired site (trans-effects). Several mutations had both cis- and trans- effects whereas others had predominantly cis- or trans- effects. The complexity of the mutant effects on binding of both sites suggests that the N-lobe has been conserved to act as a complex multiple site calcium binding unit, rather than two independent EF-hands.
Multiple copies of MLL as a commonly detected cytogenetic abnormality in newly diagnosed symptomatic multiple myeloma.

e19585 Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous disease with variable course, response to therapy, and survival. Cytogenetics and fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) have identifie...
Large Deviation Principles

This chapter is devoted to the study of large deviation principles and equidistribution results for periodic points and iterated preimages of expanding Thurston maps without periodic critical points. The idea is to apply a general framework devised by Y. Kifer [Ki90] to obtain level-2 large deviation principles, and to derive the equidistribution results as consequences. In Sect. 7.1, we give a brief review of level-2 large deviation principles in our context. We then establish some characterization of topological pressure in our context in Sect. 7.2 before providing a proof of Theorem 7.1, establishing level-2 large deviation principles in the context of expanding Thurston maps without periodic critical points and given Holder continuous potentials. Finally in Sect. 7.4, we derive equidistribution of periodic points and iterated preimages with respect to the equilibrium state in our context with fairly flexible choices of weight at each point.
Neonatal Genomics: Part 2—Applications

The next-generation sequencing techniques described in Part 1 of this review can be used to sequence single genes, panels of genes, whole exomes, or whole genomes. These tests can be used for both diagnostic and screening purposes in the newborn nursery and NICU. As the cost and turnaround time for genetic testing decrease, the use of sequencing data will become more prevalent and can influence the diagnostic evaluation and care of the newborn. The use of genomic data for newborn screening is more controversial but also has potential usefulness in expanding the capabilities of current, predominantly analyte-based newborn screening algorithms. The incorporation of genomic information into the care of well newborns and ill NICU patients raises important ethical concerns that will need to be addressed as whole exome and whole genome sequencing become more routinely performed.
Kosteletzkya virginica Can be Rooted from Leafy or Leafless Stem Cuttings

Abstract Protocols for producing Virginia mallow [Kosteletzkya virginica (L.) K. Presl. ex A. Gray] are needed to allow growers to meet the emerging demand for this herbaceous perennial. Virginia mallow has been propagated from seeds and by division, but the potential for using stem cuttings has not been evaluated. Two experiments were conducted to determine how indolebutyric acid (IBA) treatment affects rooting percentage and the number and length of primary roots on stem cuttings taken from different positions on stock plants. Rooting percentage was similar (mean = 68%) among single-leaf cuttings from nonterminal, distal positions on stock plants and leafless cuttings from basal positions. Averaged over these nonterminal cutting types, IBA treatment more than doubled rooting percentage, root count, and the length of the longest root. Terminal cuttings with leaves rooted more successfully (83%) than subtending cuttings with leaves during a second experiment, and IBA effects were less pronounced than duri...
Osm1 facilitates the transfer of electrons from Erv1 to fumarate in the redox-regulated import pathway in the mitochondrial intermembrane space

Prokaryotes have aerobic and anaerobic electron acceptors for oxidative folding of periplasmic proteins. The mitochondrial intermembrane space has an analogous pathway with the oxidoreductase Mia40 and sulfhydryl oxidase Erv1, termed the mitochondrial intermembrane space assembly (MIA) pathway. The aerobic electron acceptors include oxygen and cytochrome c, but an acceptor that can function under anaerobic conditions has not been identified. Here we show that the fumarate reductase Osm1, which facilitates electron transfer from fumarate to succinate, fills this gap as a new electron acceptor. In addition to microsomes, Osm1 localizes to the mitochondrial intermembrane space and assembles with Erv1 in a complex. In reconstitution studies with reduced Tim13, Mia40, and Erv1, the addition of Osm1 and fumarate completes the disulfide exchange pathway that results in Tim13 oxidation. From in vitro import assays, mitochondria lacking Osm1 display decreased import of MIA substrates, Cmc1 and Tim10. Comparative reconstitution assays support that the Osm1/fumarate couple accepts electrons with similar efficiency to cytochrome c and that the cell has strategies to coordinate expression of the terminal electron acceptors. Thus Osm1/fumarate is a new electron acceptor couple in the mitochondrial intermembrane space that seems to function in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
18F-FDG PET/CT in Erdheim–Chester Disease: Imaging Findings and Potential BRAF Mutation Biomarker

The purpose of this study was to evaluate 18F-FDG PET/CT for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD). Methods: Our institutional database (2007-2017) was retrospectively reviewed for patients with pathologically proven ECD. A chart review yielded demographics, clinical information, and 5 categories of clinical impact. Two radiologists in consensus interpreted the images. Imaging findings were correlated with clinical data. Results: Seventy-one 18F-FDG PET/CT examinations were performed for 32 patients. The average SUVmax of the most active disease site was 9.2 (SD, 6.1). The most common sites involved were the skeleton (90.6% of patients, including 47% with axial and pelvic skeletal involvement), kidneys (81.3%), and central nervous system (CNS) (46.9%). Twenty-six patients were tested for a proto-oncogene B-Raf V600E (BRAF) mutation (18 had the mutation and 8 did not). The presence of a BRAF mutation was associated with 18F-FDG-avid CNS disease (P = 0.0357), higher SUVmax (P = 0.0044), and greater mortality (P = 0.0215). The presence of CNS disease had 88% specificity and a 92% positive predictive value for predicting the presence of a BRAF mutation. PET/CT examination results influenced patient management in 48% of cases (34/71). Conclusion:18F-FDG PET/CT results may act as a biomarker for the presence of a BRAF mutation, aid in establishing a diagnosis, guide biopsies, and gauge the treatment response in ECD patients. Axial and pelvic skeletal involvement is greater than previously reported.
Crime and Public Housing: A General Equilibrium Analysis

I study the effect of the demolition of 22,000 units of public housing on crime in Chicago using an approach that is designed to capture general equilibrium spillovers. Point estimates that incorporate both the direct and spillover effect of the demolitions indicate that in the short run the average demolition increased city-wide crime by 0.5% per month relative to baseline, with no evidence of offsetting long run reductions. I also provide evidence that spillovers are mediated by demolition induced migration across gang territorial boundaries. These findings stand in contrast to earlier work purporting to show that demolitions caused reductions in aggregate crime. I reconcile my findings with the existing literature by proposing a test that is informative for the presence of control group contamination in difference in difference designs with many treatment periods. I apply the test and conclude that estimates from prior work are likely biassed by spillovers.
Influence of Time to Appendectomy and Operative Duration on Hospital Cost in Children with Uncomplicated Appendicitis

Background The goal of this study was to examine the influence of time to appendectomy (TTA) and operative duration (OD) on hospital cost as surrogate measures of perioperative efficiency. Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 2,116 children undergoing appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis at 16 children's hospitals from January 2013 to December 2014. Time to appendectomy (emergency department presentation to incision) and OD were obtained from the NSQIP Pediatric Appendectomy Pilot Database and merged with cost data from the Pediatric Health Information System Database. Multivariate regression was used to examine the influence of TTA and OD (categorized by quartiles of hospital-level means) on hospital cost, adjusting for patient and hospital-level characteristics. Results Median TTA and OD across all patients was 7.3 hours (interquartile range 4.4 to 12.4 hours) and 36 minutes (interquartile range 26 to 49 minutes), respectively. The longest quartile of OD was associated with 38% higher total cost ($2,512/case; rate ratio [RR] 1.38; 95% CI 1.27 to 1.5; p Conclusions Longer TTA and OD were independently associated with increased hospital cost, with OD being the most significant driver of cost variation across hospitals. Identification of best practices from high-efficiency hospitals might provide a high-yield strategy for improving value in appendicitis care.
Richter transformation to Hodgkin lymphoma on Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.

Richter transformation (RT) of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) into high-grade lymphoma is a complication in 2–10% of patients. While development of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is most...
New isotope Bk 242

A new isotope of berkelium has been identified through bombardments of $^{235}\mathrm{U}$ with $^{11}\mathrm{B}$, $^{238}\mathrm{U}$ with $^{10}\mathrm{B}$, and $^{232}\mathrm{Th}$ with both $^{14}\mathrm{N}$ and $^{15}\mathrm{N}$. The new activity decays by electron capture with a half-life of 7.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.3 minutes. The $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-branching ratio for this isotope is less than 1% and that for spontaneous fission is less than 0.03%. Analysis of the excitation functions, the chemical behavior of the isotope, and the milking of the $^{242}\mathrm{Cm}$ daughter leads to the positive identification of this isotope as $^{242}\mathrm{Bk}$. A preliminary search was made for $^{241}\mathrm{Bk}$ but was unsuccessful. Examination of the (heavy ion, $\mathrm{pxn}$) (Cm) and (heavy ion, $\ensuremath{\alpha}\mathrm{xn}$) (Am) transfer products in comparison with the (heavy ion, $\mathrm{xn}$) (Bk) compound nucleus products produced in the above reactions revealed transfer reaction cross sections to be equal to or greater than the compound nucleus cross sections. The data suggest that in some cases the yield of an isotope produced via a $\mathrm{pxn}$ or $\ensuremath{\alpha}\mathrm{xn}$ transfer reaction might be higher than its production via an $\mathrm{xn}$ compound nucleus reaction.NUCLEAR REACTIONS Compound nucleus, proton and alpha transfer reactions: $^{235}\mathrm{U}(^{10,11}\mathrm{B},X)I$; $^{238}\mathrm{U}(^{10}\mathrm{B},Q)R$; $^{232}\mathrm{Th}(^{14,15}\mathrm{N},M)T$; measured excitation functions for $^{242}\mathrm{Bk}$; measured $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ for $^{238}\mathrm{Am}$, $^{239}\mathrm{Am}$, $^{240}\mathrm{Am}$, $^{240}\mathrm{Cm}$, $^{242}\mathrm{Cm}$, $^{243}\mathrm{Bk}$.
Specific detection of fungi associated with SBS when using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Publisher Summary Rapid identification and quantitation of fungi in indoor environments are necessary for an assessment of contamination levels and the estimation of the exposure of occupants. Traditional monitoring for fungi and other biocontaminants relies on sampling the air and surfaces and then analyzing the samples either microscopically or by culturing on artificial growth media. However, the inaccuracy of traditional methods and the long analytical time required to characterize bioaerosol and surface contaminant concentrations by these methods underscore the need to develop new analytical techniques that can provide fast, reliable data for fungal exposure monitoring. Methods for enhanced detection of fungi and other micro-organisms have been developed that increase the sensitivity and specificity of detection while reducing the analysis time. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an enzymatic process capable of rapidly amplifying specific DNA sequences. This technique can be used to detect specific micro-organisms by amplifying the DNA sequences unique to the organism of interest regardless of the physiological state of the organism. This is especially useful in the detection of slow-growing organisms, non-culturable organisms, or those that are difficult to grow in the laboratory.
Safety Concerns About Food Additives and Children's Health.

Abstract A number of food additives may be putting children's health at risk according to a new technical report and policy statement by the American Academic of Pediatrics. The technical report identifies bisphenols, phthalates and nitrates/nitrites as additives with evidence of concern. The statement calls for more rigorous governmental testing and regulation of chemicals used as food additives.
Flap pressure and arrest length considerations in propagating shear failure

PROPAGATING SHEAR FAILURE refers to the rapid axial growth of a split along ahydrocarbon transmission pipeline transporting a gas or a liquid with a high vapourpressure. Growth of the split continues if its speed exceeds that of the decompressionfront; otherwise arrest occurs, with the balance between these speeds dependent on the fluid’sproperties, the linepipe’s size, the flow and fracture properties, and the backfill conditions.Interest in propagating fractures was motivated by in-service failures in the 1950s and 60s.Linepipe steels of the 1960s and before offered little resistance to propagating failure which,when it occurred, ran in a brittle mode. While steels were soon developed that overcame suchbrittle fracture, it became clear by way of full-scale experiments simulating service conditionsthat a propagating failure could run in a shear mode if the steel was not sufficiently tough.Technology soon emerged to quantify the steel properties required to arrest such failures.Perhaps motivated by the observation that the early failures involved brittle fracture, initiallysuch methods were based on fracture concepts, with alternative plastic-collapse-basedconcepts emerging as the limitations of fracture-based methods became evident as thetoughness required for arrest increased. What is clear – regardless of which concept is provenrelevant – is that the failure process is dynamic, making inertia associated with the ‘flaps’that form in the wake of the split a consideration along with related issues such as the lengthrequired to affect arrest.This paper reviews the basis for an effect of flaps weighed in the balance of phenomenologyand analyses, working from Smith and Shoemaker’s 1974 paper that first asserted thepotential role of flaps, on through analytical and numerical work. Due to the complex non-linearinteraction that develops between the soil, the pipe flow and failure resistance, and the fluid,recourse is also made to discriminating experiments – with a focus on work involving gaseousdetonation. Pressure decay and its role in regard to arrest length is then addressed in light ofcurrent models used to quantify arrest. Thereafter, the results are integrated with a view to amore general formulation for arrest.
Ion Channels and Transporters in Diabetic Kidney Disease

Type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus are major medical epidemics affecting millions of patients worldwide. Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), which is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). DKD is associated with significant changes in renal hemodynamics and electrolyte transport. Alterations in renal ion transport triggered by pathophysiological conditions in diabetes can exacerbate hypertension, accelerate renal injury, and are integral to the development of DKD. Renal ion transporters and electrolyte homeostasis play a fundamental role in functional changes and injury to the kidney during DKD. With the large number of ion transporters involved in DKD, understanding the roles of individual transporters as well as the complex cascades through which they interact is essential in the development of effective treatments for patients suffering from this disease. This chapter aims to gather current knowledge of the major renal ion transporters with altered expression and activity under diabetic conditions, and provide a comprehensive overview of their interactions and collective functions in DKD.
CRISPR-suppressor scanning reveals a nonenzymatic role of LSD1 in AML.

Understanding the mechanism of small molecules is a critical challenge in chemical biology and drug discovery. Medicinal chemistry is essential for elucidating drug mechanism, enabling variation of small molecule structure to gain structure–activity relationships (SARs). However, the development of complementary approaches that systematically vary target protein structure could provide equally informative SARs for investigating drug mechanism and protein function. Here we explore the ability of CRISPR–Cas9 mutagenesis to profile the interactions between lysine-specific histone demethylase 1 (LSD1) and chemical inhibitors in the context of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Through this approach, termed CRISPR-suppressor scanning, we elucidate drug mechanism of action by showing that LSD1 enzyme activity is not required for AML survival and that LSD1 inhibitors instead function by disrupting interactions between LSD1 and the transcription factor GFI1B on chromatin. Our studies clarify how LSD1 inhibitors mechanistically operate in AML and demonstrate how CRISPR-suppressor scanning can uncover novel aspects of target biology. A CRISPR–Cas9 screening-based structure–activity relationship profiling method reveals that LSD1 inhibitors suppress acute myeloid leukemia by disruption of the interaction between LSD1 and GFI1B instead of the enzyme activity of LSD1.
Island model for parallel evolutionary optimization of spiking neuromorphic computing

Parallel genetic algorithms (PGAs) can be used to accelerate optimization by exploiting large-scale computational resources. In this work, we describe a PGA framework for evolving spiking neural networks (SNNs) for neuromorphic hardware implementation. The PGA framework is based on an islands model with migration. We show that using this framework, better SNNs for neuromorphic systems can be evolved faster.
NETs in APS: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a thrombo-inflammatory disease that is primarily treated with anticoagulation. Better understanding the inflammatory aspects of APS could lead to safer, more effective, and more personalized therapeutic options. To this end, we sought to understand recent literature related to the role of neutrophils and, in particular, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in APS. Expression of genes associated with type I interferons, endothelial adhesion, and pregnancy regulation are increased in APS neutrophils. APS neutrophils have a reduced threshold for NET release, which likely potentiates thrombotic events and perhaps especially large-vein thrombosis. Neutrophil-derived reactive oxygen species also appear to play a role in APS pathogenesis. There are new approaches for preventing and disrupting NETs that could potentially be leveraged to reduce the risk of APS-associated thrombosis. Neutrophils and NETs contribute to APS pathophysiology. More precisely understanding their roles at a mechanistic level should help identify new therapeutic targets for inhibiting NET formation, enhancing NET dissolution, and altering neutrophil adhesion. Such approaches may ultimately lead to better clinical management of APS patients and thereby reduce the chronic burden of this disease.