cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estrogen decreases expression of chemokine receptors, and suppresses chemokine bioactivity in murine monocytes.

Problem: We propose that the ability of estrogen exposure to increase the probability of a woman developing breast cancer may be related to decreased chemokine activity and suppression of immune surveillance in mammary tissue. The present study was conducted to determine whether estrogen could decrease monocyte bioactivity through alteration of chemokine receptor expression. Method of study: We examined the effect of estrogen and tamoxifen on the expression of the chemokine receptors CCR2 and CXCR3 on murine monocytes treated in culture and in vivo. Effects of estrogen on chemokine activation of monocytes were also evaluated. Results: Estrogen and tamoxifen significantly decreased expression of CCR2 and, to a lesser extent, CXCR3 on murine monocytes. Estrogen decreased chemotaxis of monocytes towards MCP-1/JE. The chemokines MCP-1/JE and MIP-1α were unable to evoke increases in intracellular calcium in murine monocytes treated with estrogen, alone or in combination with tamoxifen. Conclusions: Our results show that estrogen suppresses the ability of monocytes to respond to certain chemokines, suggesting that estrogen exposure might decrease immune surveillance in tissues where the action of specific chemokines is involved.
Diffusion maps and coarse-graining: a unified framework for dimensionality reduction, graph partitioning, and data set parameterization

We provide evidence that nonlinear dimensionality reduction, clustering, and data set parameterization can be solved within one and the same framework. The main idea is to define a system of coordinates with an explicit metric that reflects the connectivity of a given data set and that is robust to noise. Our construction, which is based on a Markov random walk on the data, offers a general scheme of simultaneously reorganizing and subsampling graphs and arbitrarily shaped data sets in high dimensions using intrinsic geometry. We show that clustering in embedding spaces is equivalent to compressing operators. The objective of data partitioning and clustering is to coarse-grain the random walk on the data while at the same time preserving a diffusion operator for the intrinsic geometry or connectivity of the data set up to some accuracy. We show that the quantization distortion in diffusion space bounds the error of compression of the operator, thus giving a rigorous justification for k-means clustering in diffusion space and a precise measure of the performance of general clustering algorithms
A spatio-temporal model for physical carrier sensing wireless ad-hoc networks

In this paper, we propose a simple analytic model for a physical carrier sensing wireless ad-hoc network. Attempted packet transmissions are modeled as a three dimensional Poisson point process in space and time. Each node measures the total interference power before an attempted transmission, and proceeds with the transmission only if the total interference power is below a threshold, called the idle threshold. A completed transmission is successfully received if the interference power at the intended destination is suitably low during the transmission. The total interference process is modeled as a shot noise that is a filtered in space and time, which accounts for an infinite number of concurrent transmissions on the infinite plane. We make a Gaussian approximation for the power of the interference process. A key mechanism for physical carrier sensing we take into account in our model is the inhibitory effect of nearby neighbors around an existing transmission. The inhibiting model is based on the threshold on the interference level rather than a geographically defined region. We model this effect using the conditional intensity of transmissions given an existing transmission, which can be solved using a system of two fixed point equations. We further approximate the conditional statistics of transmissions as Poisson to obtain a simpler model. We compare the predictions using the simpler model to Monte Carlo simulations results based on the model without the Poisson approximation, and we find a reasonably close match. Our results suggest the simpler model can be used as a guide to set the protocol parameters such as transmission attempts intensity, distance between the transmitter and its intended receiver, transmission power, packet duration, idle and packet detection threshold, in order to optimize network throughput
Dynamic Mechanical Properties for Carbon Black-in-Oil; Analysis of Frequency and Temperature Dependence

Abstract None of the viscoelastic data on complex compliance vs. frequency reported by Fitzgerald for a sample of carbon black-in-oil can be reduced to a common reference temperature by horizontal shifting of the frequency scale. At temperatures from 25.2 to 50.6°C, the elastic compliance, J′, and the elastic modulus, G′, can be superposed quite well by magnitude (vertical) shift factors, ST−1 and ST, respectively. The same values of ST bring curves for the loss compliance, J″, and the loss modulus, G″, near each other but not into coincidence. The factor ST decreases with increasing temperature; log ST is not linear in the reciprocal absolute temperature, but at 25°C, the slope of such a plot corresponds to a van't Hoff energy of 41.9 kJ (10 kcal) which, on the basis of a reversible dissociation of a network of carbon black agglomerates with increasing temperature, may be interpreted as some measure of the agglomeration energy of the carbon black network. The frequency dependence of the viscoelastic func...
Cedarwood Oil as Complementary Treatment in Refractory Acne

Abstract Acne vulgaris is a widely prevalent chronic skin disease. Although multiple treatments are available, acne can sometimes be refractory to these treatments. The use of alternative medical therapies has increased within dermatology and for acne. This case report describes a patient in whom the addition of cedarwood oil was helpful in controlling acne.
Consumer Shopping Behaviour in the New Era of Retailing: An Empirical Study on Food and Grocery and Apparel Purchase in East India

Retailing in India has witnessed a sea change, not only in terms of emergence of newer formats, but also in terms of the behaviour of the shoppers. Indian shoppers who had limited choices till a decade back are now exposed to a plethora of choices, which indicates a radical shift from a conservative mind set to a spending mind set. The present research study aims to understand and analyze the ever changing consumer behavioural patterns while shopping. The study involves comparing how the consumer characteristics vary while shopping food and grocery items and apparel in four state capitals of West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, and Jharkhand. The study covers a sample base spread across the four cities of Kolkata, Ranchi, Patna, and Bhubaneswar. Primary research forms the basis of this study. The data analysis as detailed in the research study turned up some predictable as well as surprising results. The paper concludes that for food and grocery purchase, location (nearness to home) was the prime consideration for the respondents of Kolkata and Bhubaneswar, while it was range for both - respondents from Patna and Ranchi. Ambience was the least important parameter for the respondent populations from the 4 state capitals. For apparel purchase, range or assortment was the most important parameter for the respondent populations from the 4 state capitals. The behavioural pattern of the respondents with respect to frequency of visit, preferred group size during shopping, and decision maker in choosing a shopping destination revealed a fairly uniform pattern across the state capital locations.
Immune suppression of JC virus gene expression is mediated by SRSF1

Progressive multifocal leukoemcephalopathy (PML) is a fatal demyelinating disease caused by the human neurotropic JC virus (JCV). JCV infects the majority of the human population during childhood and establishes a latent/persistent life-long infection. The virus reactivates under immunosuppressive conditions by unknown mechanisms, resulting in productive infection of oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). Given the fact that the natural occurrence of PML is strongly associated with immunosuppression, the functional and molecular interaction between glial cells and neuroimmune signaling mediated by soluble immune mediators is likely to play a major role in reactivation of JCV and the progression of the lytic viral life cycle leading to the development of PML. In order to explore the effect of soluble immune mediators secreted by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) on JCV transcription, primary human fetal glial (PHFG) cells were treated with conditioned media from PBMCs. We observed a strong suppression of JCV early as well as late gene transcription in cells treated with conditioned media from induced PBMCs. Using a variety of virological and molecular biological approaches, we demonstrate that immune mediators secreted by PBMCs induce the expression of SRSF1, a strong inhibitor of JCV gene expression, and inhibit the replication of JCV. Our results show that downregulation of SRSF1 in glial cells overcomes the suppression of JCV gene expression and its replication mediated by soluble immune mediators. These findings suggest the presence of a novel immune signaling pathway between glial cells and PBMCs that may control JCV gene expression during the course of viral reactivation.
Strategies in Certiorari Voting On the United States Supreme Court: a Reevaluation

ocial scientists are interested in how institutions set their agendas. The Supreme Court has virtual complete control over its agenda. We are interested, therefore, in how the Court exercises this control. In every fully argued and fully decided case before the United States Supreme Court the justices vote at least three times. The first vote is the vote to hear the case. It is usually a vote to grant or to deny a petition for a writ of certiorari (cert), for most cases seeking review by the Supreme Court come to the Court by the cert route. If the Court grants certiorari the case is set down for oral argument. After oral argument, the justices meet in secret conference to decide whether to reverse or to affirm the decision of the lower court. This
Ecological observations on lasiurine bats in Iowa.

During the period August 8,1955 to June 30,1956, while engaged in wildlife rabies investigations at the Newton Field Station, 12 miles southwest of Newton, Baker County, Georgia, the writer took advantage of occasional opportunities to seek out and observe Lasiurine bats. Time was not available to regularly investigate all potential habitats, but several thousand trees in the major habitats (Norris: Distribution and populations of summer birds in Southwestern Georgia. Univ. of Ga. Press, 1951, pp. 1–67) and in the various orchard types were explored during this period. Bats were first discovered in two areas of similar habitat type in February, and these areas were frequently visited thereafter. Thirteen bats were captured, examined, banded and released. Other bats either escaped or were left undisturbed. A total of 23 bat/day observations were made: 21 Lasiurus seminolus , 1 Lasiurus b. borealis , 1 Dasypterus floridanus . Some bat duplication is included and possibly more than realized. Therefore, the actual number of bats observed is not known. The use in this paper of the names seminolus and floridanus does not imply that the author is convinced of the status of these forms. Habitat —The two areas regularly investigated were moss-laden oak hammocks, occurring in the Dougherty Plains section of the Upper Coastal Plain of southwestern Georgia, the climate of which is characterized by long, warm summers and short, mild winters. Average July daily temperatures range from 80.6 to 82.2°F., average January temperatures from 48.2 to 52.4°. The average dates of first killing frosts are November 9–15, last killing frosts March 10–21. The average annual precipitation is 47.67 to 51.96 inches, being well distributed throughout the year but greatest in July and August, lightest in October and November. Oak hammock No. 1 is an area situated at the western edge of Camilla, Mitchell County, …
An Assessment of Au Wire Bump Thermo-Mechanical Integrity in GaAs/Al2O3 Flip Chip Modules

The flexibility and cost advantages of the wire bumping process are making it increasingly attractive as an alternative bumping method for low I/O flip chip technologies. In this study, electrical measurements from DC to 8.1 GHz and die shear experiments are used to assess the thermo-mechanical integrity of Au/2%Pd wire bumped GaAs/Al2O3 flip chip modules. Finite Element Modeling results for in-process and in-service temperature cycling indicated that the maximum stress of the flip chip module is well below the failure stresses for GaAs, Al2O3 and the Au interconnect. These results are validated by data from thermal cycling experiments. Average shear strength after thermal cycle, thermal shock, and thermal aging (MIL-STD-883C, Condition C) was 64 grams/bump. Electrical characterization (from 45 MHz to 8.1 GHz) using a coplanar waveguide flip chip test structure showed no thermal stress-induced microwave energy losses.
The fatty acid composition of brain sphingolipids: sphingomyelin, ceramide, cerebroside, and cerebroside sulfate

Sphingomyelin, ceramide, cerebroside, and cerebroside sulfate from beef brain were isolated by column chromatography in quantitative yield and in pure form. The fatty acid composition of each sphingolipid was determined by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). Sphingomyelin contained only nonhydroxy fatty acids, while cerebroside, cerebroside sulfate, and ceramide contained both nonhydroxy and hydroxy fatty acids. The nonhydroxy fatty acid composition of each sphingolipid was similar, except that more stearic acid was present in sphingomyelin and ceramide than in cerebroside and cerebroside sulfate. The hydroxy fatty acid compositions of cerebroside and cerebroside sulfate were, with minor exceptions, similar to each other and to the corresponding nonhydroxy fatty acid compositions. In both the nonhydroxy and hydroxy fatty acid series, both odd and even chain saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids containing 14 to 26 carbons were present.
Synthesis of LC Sinusoidal Oscillators

The theory of oscillators in a modern-day undergraduate electronics curriculum is an extremely important subject as oscillators form core circuits in a variety of engineering areas such as computers, communications, and control systems. Hence, a deep understanding of fundamental concepts in oscillators is necessary to lay a strong foundation in electronic circuits for undergraduate students. This paper presents a synthesis of LC sinusoidal oscillators with a π-type feedback network. From the synthesis, classical topologies such as Colpitts and Hartley oscillators are derived. Alternative methods to derive LC oscillators with a noninverting amplifier and a noninverting π-type feedback network are presented. The oscillators are derived using the fundamental Barkhausen criteria for steady-state oscillation and the resonance criterion for the band-pass feedback network. A step-by-step procedure to derive a particular type of oscillator circuit is given. An approach to select the components of the feedback net...
How I treat atopic eczema in children.

There is no miraculous cure for atopic eczema in children. Therapy must be directed toward providing relief and keeping the skin in good condition until the child outgrows the disease. Management may include environmental, dietary, topical and systemic treatment. Systemic steroid therapy is seldom necessary.
A Mixed-Methods Exploration of the Relationship Between Crime and Community Gardens: A Case Study of Seattle’s P-Patches from 1996 to 2006

Urban community gardens have been shown to have positive affects social capital, yet like many public spaces, are open to negative activities like crime. Contrary to this idea, most of the literature has indicated that urban green spaces are associated with a reduction in crime. This study utilized a mixed-methods research design to explore the hypothesis that areas around Seattle’s “P-Patch” community gardens are associated with a reduction in crime. We employed spatio-temporal GIS (Geographic Information Systems) analyses, statistical analyses, and qualitative interviews with gardeners. Yearly violent and property crime rates for 132 census tracts in Seattle, locations of 84 P-Patches were mapped, and changes in crime and garden establishment from 1996 to 2006 were observed. Correlations were conducted on socio-demographic, crime, and P-Patch variables. Interviews with four gardeners were conducted and qualitatively analyzed for common themes. Geographic visualization showed interesting patterns in crime and P-Patch establishment in South Seattle in particular, but outcomes of the correlation between P-Patch and crime variables were inconclusive. Qualitative interviews with gardeners provided a fuller account of the overall changes in Seattle crime, gardeners’ perceptions of neighborhood safety, and its relation to the development of urban community spaces such as P-Patches. Faculty Sponsor: Jin-Kyu Jung
Supporting Parent Engagement in Programme-Wide Behavioural Intervention Implementation.

ABSTRACTPositive behaviour intervention and support (PBIS) models are evolving as an effective means to promote social and emotional competence among young children and address challenging behaviours. This study was designed to gain insights into parental involvement in programme-wide implementation of the Pyramid model. Interviews were conducted with seven parents to examine: (a) parents’ knowledge of social and emotional strategies; (b) which social and emotional strategies parents find useful; and (c) parents’ communication preferences for obtaining information about social and emotional strategies. Interviews were guided by community-engaged research principles, which allowed a contextual understanding of data through the lens of various stakeholders. The results revealed that parents had varied knowledge about social and emotional strategies and were interested in strategies that were practical and easy to access. Implications for practitioners and policy-makers supporting parental involvement in pro...
Paradoxical relation of mitochondrial PO2 to Vo2.

The study of oxygen is at the base of all physiology, and its mysteries are among the most important for our understanding of our bodies. My perspective of oxygen reactions is colored by a background in physics and physical chemistry, particularly in the understanding of polarographic oxygen electrodes, and the 35 year effort in my laboratory to understand the impact of high altitude on climbers and sojourners. I thus may espouse different schemes than are common among biochemists. Let’s begin with a perplexing idea: Oxygen consumption is maximum when cytochrome metal surface Po2 is zero. This idea helps understand oxybiology of muscle, carotid body, some mucosa, and other tissues. Consider an analogy to oxygen polarographic electrodes.
Survey of dietary patterns and nutrients intake status of residents in Zhuhai

Objective To find out dietary intake and diet composition in Zhuhai,for establishing proper nutrition-related policies,and provide guidelines for the rational diet. Methods Multi-stage stratified and proportional probability sampling method were used. Household survey based on the family unit was conducted. 72 hours of individual dietary recall and condiment weight were performed to acquire dietary information,including average nutrition calculation and energy intake on the basis of China Food Composition,2004. Microsoft Access 2007 was used to establish a database and SPSS12. 0 for statistical analysis. Results 540 households( 330 in city and 210 in rural area),1 653 residents in total,were investigated. Among the residents aged 2 years old and above,urban population was 63. 04%,male,46. 88%. The average daily energy intake( 2 085. 8 Kcal,92. 70% of RNI) reached the basic reference values recommended. Protein intake( 84. 0 g)exceeded the recommended reference value. The intake of dietary fiber( 9. 8 g),vitamin B1( 0. 9 mg),vitamin B2( 1. 0 mg),calcium( 487. 3 mg) were significantly lower than the recommended reference value. The intake of bean( 10. 8 g),fruit( 42. 9 g),potato( 12. 4 g) and milk( 41. 4 g) per day were too low,especially in rural residents( P 0. 05). The intake of meat( 181. 2 g,oil( 39. 3 g) and salt( 8. 8 g) per day were too high,and it was similar both in urban and rural areas.The proportion of energy provided by carbohydrates in the total energy composition was low( 43. 83%); while fat provided higher proportion( 40. 39%). The proportion of energy provided by grain was the lowest,and animal food provided the highest( 30. 54%). Over 60. 00% of protein intake was from animal source. Conclusion Overall,the essential nutrients intake in Zhuhai residents was satisfactory. However,too low staple food intake and too high fat food intake resulted in the imbalanced dietary nutrition intake. Due to the irrational diet structure,health education and guidance on improving irrational diet are needed for both urban and rural residents.
On the Countermeasures against the Crisis in a College Campus

The administrative concept of crisis warning has been widely accepted by the administrators of colleges where public crises happen frequently.As the major responsibility-taker of the crisis warning system, the basic level administrators should be given more attention.Based on the fact that young people's concern for a college crisis pushes its occurrence and shapes its foreseeable process,this paper attempts to illustrate the responsibilities of the basic level administrators and offers some suggestions for the improvement of administrative qualification,the perfection of the crisis warning and monitoring system of the basic level,and the daily preparation for the crisis warning.
Using Integration Architectures for Systems Development

So called Mega-systems [2], [3], especially in the form of “systems of systems” [1], can be seen as a network of independently developed, but interoperating systems. The combined functionality of the systems constitutes and represents the satisfaction of an overall coherent mission. As mega-systems have to cover the functional requirements of a comprehensive application domain, it is very likely that time constraints will apply to parts of the system network and further complicate the development and maintenance process [3].
Negative impacts of climate change on cereal yields: statistical evidence from France

In several world regions, climate change is predicted to negatively affect crop productivity. The recent statistical yield literature emphasizes the importance of flexibly accounting for the distribution of growing-season temperature to better represent the effects of warming on crop yields. We estimate a flexible statistical yield model using a long panel from France to investigate the impacts of temperature and precipitation changes on wheat and barley yields. Winter varieties appear sensitive to extreme cold after planting. All yields respond negatively to an increase in spring–summer temperatures and are a decreasing function of precipitation about historical precipitation levels. Crop yields are predicted to be negatively affected by climate change under a wide range of climate models and emissions scenarios. Under warming scenario RCP8.5 and holding growing areas and technology constant, our model ensemble predicts a 21.0% decline in winter wheat yield, a 17.3% decline in winter barley yield, and a 33.6% decline in spring barley yield by the end of the century. Uncertainty from climate projections dominates uncertainty from the statistical model. Finally, our model predicts that continuing technology trends would counterbalance most of the effects of climate change.
The Neo-Confucian Vision of Harmony and Its Applicability to Interreligious Peacebuilding

This chapter investigates and assesses the applicability of the resources for promoting interreligious peacebuilding from the Confucian tradition, paying close attention to the vision of he, harmony, as developed by Neo-Confucian scholars. It examines the historical context of Neo-Confucians and critically explores the applicability of their teachings to our contemporary contexts regarding the issues of religious conflicts and peacebuilding. Discussing the socio-political and religious/philosophical scene of China from the birth of Neo-Confucianism in the Tang dynasty and its development in the Southern Song, the chapter pays close attention to how Confucians interacted with Daoism and Chan Buddhism. This context allows for a better understanding of the meaning of the Neo-Confucian vision of harmonious society, and suggests that the distinctively Neo-Confucian vision of harmony could challenge, stretch, or shed fresh light on modern strivings for interreligious peacebuilding.
The Social Security Administration's Compassionate Allowances Initiative: Condition Spotlight on Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome

The Social Security Administration (SSA) Compassionate Allowances List (CAL) was created in 2008, generating a mechanism within SSA for identifying diseases and other medical conditions that by definition meet social security's standards for disability benefits. Currently, over 200 conditions are included in this expedited review program, though few of them are neurodevelopmental in nature. Exploration of a novel method for inclusion of additional conditions on CAL was undertaken using one condition as an exemplar. Peer-reviewed literature available in academic databases was reviewed and used as empirical evidence to demonstrate whether Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RTS) invariably met the three disability criteria set forth by SSA. After in-depth exploration of the empirical literature, RTS was found to meet SSA's definition, suggesting this condition should receive consideration as an addition to the Compassionate Allowances Initiative.
Controlling competing orders via nonequilibrium acoustic phonons: Emergence of anisotropic effective electronic temperature

Ultrafast perturbations offer a unique tool to manipulate correlated systems due to their ability to promote transient behaviors with no equilibrium counterpart. A widely employed strategy is the excitation of coherent optical phonons, as they can cause significant changes in the electronic structure and interactions on short time scales. One of the issues, however, is the inevitable heating that accompanies these resonant excitations. Here, we explore a promising alternative route: the nonequilibrium excitation of acoustic phonons, which, due to their low excitation energies, generally lead to less heating. We demonstrate that driving acoustic phonons leads to the remarkable phenomenon of a momentum-dependent effective temperature, by which electronic states at different regions of the Fermi surface are subject to distinct local temperatures. Such an anisotropic effective electronic temperature can have a profound effect on the delicate balance between competing ordered states in unconventional superconductors, opening a so far unexplored avenue to control correlated phases.
Isolation, identification and characterization of some bacteria from soil samples of agbaja iron ore mining site of kogi state

Hydrometallurgical and other conventional mining technologies on low grade ores require high energy and capital costs The use of microbes to degrade such type of minerals is gaining acceptance This study was carried out therefore to isolate identify and characterize iron solubilizing bacteria from Iron stones of Agbaja iron ore mining site of Kogi State Crushed samples in the range of micro m and micro m particle size were used for the isolation They were cultured in a modified k media to facilitate bacterial growth and pure cultures were then isolated and sub cultured for further identification Morphological and biochemical analysis suggests that some of the bacteria identified are members of Acidithiobacillus Pseudomonas and Leptospirillum species Also results of growth pattern due to bacteria count obtained after hours hours and hours of incubation ranged between times cfu ml and times cfu ml The highest count of times cfu ml was obtained in Pit at hours At hours there was no visible count in Pit and while at hours pit was times and pit was times and finally at hours pit and was times and times respectively incubation time and temperature further confirms that these isolated species are mesophilic acidophiles with good bioleaching properties
PI3Kδ inhibition causes feedback activation of PI3Kα in the ABC subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

// Georgios N. Pongas 1,2,3 , Christina M. Annunziata 2,3 and Louis M. Staudt 1 1 Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA 2 Medical Oncology Service, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA 3 Women’s Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA Correspondence to: Louis M. Staudt, email: // Keywords : DLBCL, PI3K, Idelalisib, ABC DLBCL, BYL719 Received : August 07, 2017 Accepted : August 15, 2017 Published : September 13, 2017 Abstract Cell line models of the activated B cell-like (ABC) subtype of diffuse large B cell (DLBCL) depend on both NF-κB and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways for survival, especially those with gain-of-function B cell receptor (BCR) mutations. Here we show that these cells depend specifically on the PI3Kδ isoform, but that PI3K pathway interruption by PI3Kδ inhibitors is short-lived due to feedback activation of the PI3Kα isoform. PI3Kδ and PI3Kα inhibition cooperated in killing ABC DLBCL lines, and genetic knockdown of PI3Kα sensitized cells to PI3Kδ inhibition and prolonged the interruption of PI3K signaling. PI3Kδ inhibition evoked feedback activation of proximal BCR signaling, which increased the association of PI3Kα with BCAP and CD19 and increased overall PI3K activity. These results support the clinical evaluation of dual PI3Kδ and PI3Kα inhibition in patients with ABC DLBCL.
Epigenetic and Epitranscriptomic Factors Make a Mark on Hematopoietic Stem Cell Development

Blood specification is a highly dynamic process, whereby committed hemogenic endothelial cells (ECs) progressively transdifferentiate into multipotent, self-renewing hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Massive changes in gene expression must occur to switch cell identity; however, the factors that mediate such an effect were a mystery until recently. This review summarizes the higher-order mechanisms involved in endothelial to hematopoietic reprogramming identified thus far. Accumulating evidence from mouse and zebrafish studies reveal that numerous chromatin-modifying (epigenetic) and RNA-modifying (epitranscriptomic) factors are required for the formation of HSCs from hemogenic endothelium. These genes function throughout the endothelial-hematopoietic transition, suggesting a dynamic interplay between “epi”-machineries. Epigenetic and epitranscriptomic regulation are key mechanisms for reshaping global EC gene expression patterns to those that support HSC production. Future studies that capture modification dynamics should bring us closer to a complete understanding of how HSCs transition from hemogenic endothelium at the molecular level.
Performance limits of covariance-driven super resolution imaging

This paper studies the role of correlation in the problem of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy for cellular and molecular imaging. Inspired by our prior work on nested arrays, it is shown that if the sources are statistically uncorrelated, a novel sum co-array structure emerges for the widely used Gaussian point spread function. Combining this sum co-array with our previously proposed spatial smoothing based two dimensional MUSIC algorithm, it is possible to localize more sources than sensors. The proposed framework overcomes limitation of conventional correlation-based super resolution techniques such as SOFI. Moreover, unlike recent algorithms like SPARCOM that restrict the emitters to lie on a known high-resolution grid, our algorithm considers the original off-grid super-resolution model where the target resolution is not restricted by the size of the grid.
RADIOLABELED BLOOD CELLS: AGENTS FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND KINETIC STUDIES

Abstract The development of a technique that allows efficient incorporation of 111 In into cellular blood elements provided new agents for noninvasive diagnosis of diseases and studies of cell kinetics. Using 111 In labeled neutrophils, platelets, lymphocytes and erythrocytes, numerous exciting investigations have been made in experimental animals, and many feasibility studies have been reported in humans. The current accomplishments are outlined, together with problems encountered, Future possibilities are discussed.
Invertebrate Collagens in the Scheme of Things

In trying to answer the question, “why are we interested in the invertebrate collagens”, one is led to the broad issues of morphogenesis, the origins of multicellularity, the evolutionary influences on structure and function of proteins and of more immediate importance, the interrelationships among the matrix components themselves and with the cells. How does the mix give rise to a functioning, developing and evolving organism? Since collagen is an all pervasive, easily identifiable structural element of the intercellular matrix we are intrigued with the possibility of using it as a lead to better understanding of these broad questions.
Cartan Data of Finite Type

21.1.1. In this chapter we assume that the Cartan datum is of finite type; then the root datum is automatically Y-regular and X-regular.
Face Recognition at a Distance

Face recognition at a distance is generally motivated by the desire to automatically recognize noncooperative subjects over a wide area. This remote biometric collection and identification problem has been addressed with high-resolution stationary cameras and active camera systems. Key challenges include optical system design, pan-tilt-zoom camera targeting and control, and face recognition with low-resolution images and no pose or illumination control. We discuss major applications, challenges and approaches in this field, and review research literature on this and closely related topics. We further describe a specific face recognition at a distance system that uses the active camera approach, algorithms for facial image modeling and alignment for low-resolution images, and a multi-frame super-resolution process for facial images.
Basic Concepts of Set Theory

A set is an abstract collection of distinct objects which are called the members or elements of that set. Objects of quite different nature can be members of a set, e.g. the set of red objects may contain cars, blood-cells, or painted representations. Members of a set may be concrete, like cars, blood-cells or physical sounds, or they may be abstractions of some sort, like the number two, or the English phoneme /p/, or a sentence of Chinese. In fact, we may arbitrarily collect objects into a set even though they share no property other than being a member of that set. The subject matter of set theory and hence of Part A of this book is what can be said about such sets disregarding the actual nature of their members.
Fighting Alternative Facts: Teaching Quantitative Reasoning with Social Issues.

AbstractMathematics has a unique and powerful role to play in the teaching of social justice issues. There is substantial quantitative evidence for social injustice, but many citizens lack the quan...
The Slope Parameter Approach to Marine Cathodic Protection Design and its Application to Impressed Current Systems

The recently developed slope parameter approach to design of galvanic anode cathodic protection (cp) systems for marine structures constitutes an advancement in this technology compared to current practice, primarily because the former is first principles based and the latter is an empirical algorithm. In this paper, the slope parameter approach is reviewed; and related applications for which it can be utilized, including 1) design of new and retrofit cp systems, 2) evaluation of potential survey data, and 3) cp system design for complex geometries, are mentioned. The design current density is identified as the single remaining parameter for which values must be projected solely by experience or experimentation. In addition, the slope parameter approach is applied to the results of impressed current cp experiments, and it is shown how parameters for this can be interrelated with those of galvanic anode cp. Advantages of this capability are identified and discussed.
Mueller Tensor Nonlinear Optical Polarization Analysis in Turbid Media.

A mathematical framework to treat partial polarization in second harmonic generation imaging of nonlinear optical susceptibility is described and applied to imaging tissue sections 5, 40, and 70 μm thick, sufficient to introduce significant depolarization of the incident field. Polarization analysis becomes complicated in turbid media, in which scattering can result in degradation of polarization purity. The simplest framework for describing the polarization of purely polarized light is the Jones framework, which has been applied to great effect in the polarization analysis of second harmonic generation. However, the Jones framework lacks the necessary generality to describe a partially polarized electric field, (i.e., ones positioned within the volume of the Poincare sphere rather than on the surface). Recent work connecting the Jones framework to the Mueller-Stokes framework has enabled interpretation of results with the more intuitive Jones framework while maintaining generality of the Mueller-Stokes method. The magnitude and nature of linear interactions of the tissue with the incident infrared field are discussed. Despite substantial depolarization, the nonlinear optical susceptibility tensor elements of collagen was recoverable at each pixel images of thick tissue utilizing the described framework. For thick and thin tissues, values of the tensor element ratio ρ were recovered in good agreement with previous studies. Both hyperpolarizing and depolarizing effects of SHG were observed, and the mechanism of hyperpolarization was determined to rest upon the interplay of orientation and relative contribution of polarized and depolarized incident light to elicit SHG.
Prof. Richard Cornell

Professor Richard Cornell, Emeritus Professor, University of Central Florida, followed many trails and lived in many places before discovering his love of working with students, especially those from China and Taiwan.
Analytical orientation criteria for drilling and completion-induced fracture initiation considering fluid infiltration from the wellbore

Abstract Analytically-developed criteria are presented for the orientation of fracture initiation in porous-permeable rocks considering fluid infiltration from non-perforated and perforated wellbores. For non-perforated wellbores, this is a fully-exact analytical solution representing the initiation of drilling-induced tensile fractures (DITFs). For perforated wells, a set of analytical approximations are derived for fracture initiation representing completion-induced hydraulic fractures (CIHFs). DITF orientation is used to constrain the in-situ stress tensor, especially in the case of transverse DITFs, which are rarer than longitudinal DITFs. Results indicate that transverse CIHF initiation only occurs over a wellbore pressure-at-breakdown window, while longitudinal CIHF initiation occurs at comparatively higher wellbore pressures. Transverse CIHF initiation however, occurs more frequently than transverse DITFs, because the presence of perforations aids transverse fracture initiation. Low Biot's poroelastic coefficient and high Poisson's ratio values also aid transverse fracture initiation. The region of the in-situ stress states where transverse initiation is promoted can be shown in dimensionless plots. Case studies are run on seven prolific shale plays (Barnett, Bakken, Fayetteville, Haynesville, Niobrara, Marcellus, and Vaca Muerta) using breakdown pressures from the literature. Transverse CIHF initiation is found to be a highly likely outcome, as opposed to results from past studies that neglected pore pressure effects. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations are made to practitioners to enhance their chances on achieving transverse CIHF initiation in the field. These involve slow injection rates, oriented perforation strategy and strong bonding between the casing, cement and the surrounding rock to prevent fracturing fluid leakages.
Oxide Trap-Induced RTS in MOSFETs

Random telegraph signals (RTS) have been used as a technique for gate oxide defect analyses for the last few decades. The time required by a gate oxide defect to capture and emit an inversion layer carrier can be used to extract the defect energy parameters. The RTS behavior measured at different temperatures can provide sufficient information to determine the structure and physical nature of the responsible defects. In addition, an RTS simulation tool is developed that can successfully reconstruct the RTS traces based on the trap parameters related to the defects. Application of electrical stress results in additional RTS in the output signal, which is believed to be the result of Si–Si bond breakage and creation of hole traps, or reactivation of passivated traps. Stressing the MOSFETs has also resulted in random activation and deactivation of oxide traps. This chapter focuses on the theoretical background of RTS in MOSFETs, sample setup for RTS measurements, data analyses, advantages, and limitations of using RTS to characterize defects.
Is Diversity Still Progress? The Process of Diversity Commodification in Interracial Organizations

Abstract: America is rapidly diversifying, and organizations are adapting to meet the needs of our changing society. Leaders of diverse organizations are expected to celebrate cultural differences,...
Bisphenol S enhances gap junction intercellular communication in ovarian theca cells.

Abstract Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is necessary for ovarian function, and it is temporospatially regulated during follicular development and ovulation. At outermost layer of the antral follicle, theca cells provide structural, steroidogenic, and vascular support. Inter- and extra-thecal GJIC is required for intrafollicular trafficking of signaling molecules. Because GJIC can be altered by hormones and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), we tested if any of five common EDCs (bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and triphenyltin chloride (TPT)) can interfere with theca cell GJIC. Since most chemicals are reported to repress GJIC, we hypothesized that all chemicals tested, within environmentally relevant human exposure concentrations, will inhibit theca cell GJICs. To evaluate this hypothesis, we used a scrape loading/dye transfer assay. BPS, but no other chemical tested, enhanced GJIC in a dose- and time-dependent manner in ovine primary theca cells. A signal-protein inhibitor approach was used to explore the GJIC-modulatory pathways involved. Phospholipase C and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors significantly attenuated BPS-induced enhanced GJIC. Human theca cells were used to evaluate translational relevance of these findings. Human primary theca cells had a ∼40% increase in GJIC in response to BPS, which was attenuated with a MAPK inhibitor, suggestive of a conserved mechanism. Upregulation of GJIC could result in hyperplasia of the theca cell layer or prevent ovulation by holding the oocyte in meiotic arrest. Further studies are necessary to understand in vitro to in vivo translatability of these findings on follicle development and fertility outcomes.
Cancellations of Resonances and Long Time Dynamics of Cubic Schrödinger Equation on $${\mathbb {T}}$$ T

We prove a vanishing property of the normal form transformation of the 1D cubic nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation with periodic boundary conditions on [0, L]. We apply this property to quintic resonance interactions and obtain a description of dynamics for time up to $$T=\frac{L^2}{\epsilon ^4}$$ , if L is sufficiently large and size of initial data $$\epsilon $$ is small enough. Since T is the characteristic time of wave turbulence, this result implies the absence of wave turbulence behavior of 1D cubic NLS. Our approach can be adapted to other integrable systems without too many difficulties. In the proof, we develop a correspondence between Feynman diagrams and terms in normal forms, which allows us to calculate the coefficients inductively.
Pivotal change in US policy: how the Sarbanes-Oxley Act affected internal auditing and its relationship to external auditing

Accounting regulation is one aspect of the government's role in protecting the investing public's interest. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) was an effort by the US Congress to remedy negative effects of earlier major accounting failures. Requirements of SOX highlight the critical role of internal control as a component of accurate and reliable financial reporting. This new emphasis on effective internal controls places internal auditors of public companies at centre stage. Internal audit departments are asked to identify, evaluate, and test the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting. This study examines the perceived role of the internal audit function in the external audit and financial reporting process. Results indicate that internal audit participation in the external audit process is perceived to be important by both internal and external auditors. Internal auditors are performing more work for the external auditors after the passage of SOX. Thus, implicitly, external auditors are placing greater reliance on the work of internal auditors.
Charge balance functions for heavy-ion collisions at energies available at the CERN Large Hadron Collider

Heavy-ion collisions at the Large Hadron Collider provide the conditions to investigate regions of quark-gluon plasma that reach higher temperatures and that persist for longer periods of time compared with collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. This extended duration allows correlations from charge conservation to better separate during the quark-gluon plasma phase, and thus be better distinguished from correlations that develop during the hadron phase or during hadronization. In this study charge balance functions binned by relative rapidity and azimuthal angle and indexed by species are considered. A detailed theoretical model that evolves charge correlations throughout the entirety of an event is compared with preliminary results from the ALICE Collaboration. The comparison with experiment provides insight into the evolution of the chemistry and diffusivity during the collision. A ratio of balance functions is proposed to better isolate the effects of diffusion and thus better constrain the diffusivity.
Concurrent Flexor Carpi Radialis Tendon Rupture and Distal Radius and Ulna Fractures

We present a case of an acute fracture of the distal radius and ulna with a concurrent flexor carpi radialis tendon rupture in a 48-year-old woman with a history of liver transplant. She was treated with open reduction and internal fixation of her fractures without tendinous repair and regained wrist motion symmetric to her uninjured wrist. To our knowledge, similar injury patterns have only been reported twice in the literature. We present this case of distal radius and ulna fracture with an associated flexor carpi radialis rupture with the goal of expanding the existing literature and aiding future clinicians to navigate similar scenarios and improve patient outcomes.