cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional and Numerical Responses of Predators: Where Do Vipers Fit in the Traditional Paradigms?

Snakes typically are not considered top carnivores, yet in many ecosystems they are a major predatory influence. A literature search confirmed that terrestrial ectotherms such as snakes are largely absent in most discussions of predator-prey dynamics. Here, we review classical functional and numerical responses of predator-prey relationships and then assess whether these traditional views are consistent with what we know of one group of snakes (true vipers and pitvipers: Viperidae). Specifically, we compare behavioural and physiological characteristics of vipers with those of more commonly studied mammalian (endothermic) predators and discuss how functional and numerical responses of vipers are fundamentally different. Overall, when compared to similar-sized endotherms, our analysis showed that vipers have: (i) lower functional responses owing primarily to longer prey handling times resulting from digestive limitations of consuming large prey and, for some adults, tolerance of fasting; (ii) stronger numerical responses resulting from higher efficiency of converting food into fitness currency (progeny), although this response often takes longer to be expressed; and (iii) reduced capacity for rapid numerical responses to short-term changes in prey abundance. Given these factors, the potential for viperids to regulate prey populations would most likely occur when prey populations are low. We provide suggestions for future research on key issues in predator-prey relationships of vipers, including their position within the classical paradigms of functional and numerical responses.
Drug Discovery from Plants

Many plant-derived compounds have been used as drugs, either in their original or semi-synthetic form. Plant secondary metabolites can also serve as drug precursors, drug prototypes, and pharmacological probes. Re- cent developments in drug discovery from plants, including information on approved drugs and compounds now in clinical trials, are presented. There are also several plant extracts or "phytomedicines" in clinical trials for the treat- ment of various diseases. In the future, plant-derived compounds will still be an essential aspect of the therapeutic array of medicines available to the physician, particularly with the availability of new hyphenated analytical methods such as LC-NMR-MS and LC-SPE-NMR to accelerate their future discovery.
Rateless coding for MIMO block fading channels

In this paper the performance limits and design principles of rateless codes over fading channels are studied. The diversity-multiplexing tradeoff (DMT) is used to analyze the system performance for all possible transmission rates. It is revealed from the analysis that the design of such rateless codes follows the design principle of approximately universal codes for parallel multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels, in which each sub-channel is a MIMO channel. More specifically, it is shown that for a single-input single-output (SISO) channel, the previously developed permutation codes of unit length for parallel channels having rate LR can be transformed directly into rateless codes of length L having multiple rate levels (R, 2R,..., LR), to achieve the DMT performance limit.
Patterns of tear progression for asymptomatic degenerative rotator cuff tears

Background The purpose of this study was to examine patterns of rotator cuff tear size progression in degenerative rotator cuff tears and to compare tear progression risks for tears with and without anterior supraspinatus tendon disruption. Methods Asymptomatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears with minimum 2-year follow-up were examined with annual shoulder ultrasound examinations. Integrity of the anterior 3 mm of the supraspinatus tendon determined classification of cable-intact vs. cable-disrupted tears. Tear enlargement was defined as an increase of 5 mm or more in width. Tear propagation direction was calculated from measured changes in tear width in reference to the biceps tendon on serial ultrasound examinations. Results The cohort included 139 full-thickness tears with a mean subject age of 63.3 years and follow-up duration of 6.0 years. Ninety-six (69.1%) of the tears were considered cable intact. Cable-disrupted tears were larger at baseline (median, 19.0 mm vs. 10.0 mm; P P = .09) or time to enlargement (3.2 vs. 2.2 years; P = .37) for cable-intact compared with cable-disrupted tears. There was no difference in the magnitude of enlargement for cable-intact and cable-disrupted tears (median, 7.0 mm vs.9.0 mm; P = .18). Cable-intact tears propagated a median of 5 mm anteriorly and 4 mm posteriorly, whereas cable-disrupted tears propagated posteriorly. Conclusions The majority of degenerative rotator cuff tears spare the anterior supraspinatus tendon. Although tears classified as cable disrupted are larger at baseline than cable-intact tears, tear enlargement risks are similar for each tear type.
Incorporating Mandatory Arbitration Employment Clauses into Collective Bargaining Agreements: Challenges and Benefits to the Employer and the Union

Even with the increase in the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), a fair amount of debate still surrounds the incorporation of mandatory employment arbitration provisions in Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA). This method of resolving all employment disputes outside the courtroom, but through the CBA, will present challenges to both the union and the employer. When negotiating and adopting these provisions, both parties must balance a wide array of often-conflicting interests to ensure equity, fairness, and due process for all those involved in disputes. Written from the perspective of an employment and labor arbitrator, this Article walks the reader through a detailed survey of both the benefits and the disadvantages of mandatory arbitration to the union and the employer. The use of mandatory employment arbitration in collective agreements is not all bad, nor is it all good. This Article begins with an overview of the two key decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court, which sanctioned the use of such clauses in a CBA, then followed by the major challenges of incorporating mandatory arbitration of statutory claims into the CBA. This Article presents a timely and challenging issue faced by employers, unions, and bargaining unit employees as they attempt to negotiate and implement such clauses in to the CBA.
rac-4-(2-Meth-oxy-phen-yl)-2,6-dimethyl-cyclo-hex-3-ene-carb-oxy-lic acid.

The title compound, C16H20O3, was synthesized to study the hydrogen-bonding inter­actions of the two enanti­omers in the solid state. Inter­molecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds produce centrosymmetric R22(8) rings which dimerize the two chiral enanti­omers together through their carboxyl groups.
Exploiting symmetry in linear and non-linear 0-1 problems

This dissertation addresses the use of symmetry in accelerating the search for solutions of 0-1 constraint satisfaction problems (CSPs) and optimization problems, which arise in numerous domains, including computer-aided design (CAD), artificial intelligence (AI) and software engineering. 0-1 problems are common because constraints can easily be modeled using variables that are answers to yes/no questions. The 0-1 problems chiefly used in this work are Boolean Satisfiability (SAT) and Integer Linear Programming (ILP). We focus on SAT because recent breakthroughs in SAT solving have facilitated the solving of other hard problems by reduction to SAT. Unfortunately, reduction to generic problems frequently results in the loss of problem-specific structure. An example of such structure is symmetry, which when present in a problem instance creates redundant search paths, increasing the difficulty of problem-solving. We considerably improve upon earlier work that detects symmetries in SAT instances, and breaks them by adding symmetry breaking predicates (SBPs) that eliminate redundant paths created by symmetries. Our methods for symmetry breaking greatly improve the performance of leading-edge SAT solvers on application-derived instances. To obtain more efficient reduction encodings, we extend our work to 0-1 ILP, a problem similar to SAT but with a more expressive input format. We generalize our methods for these problems to develop a system, GSymEx, that accepts CSPs in a high-level input language, automatically detects symmetries, and produces symmetry-aware SAT/0-1 ILP reductions. Empirical results for a number of well known CSPs show that symmetry-aware compilation by GSymEx rivals problem-specific methods in many cases. To our knowledge, GSymEx is the first system that automatically produces symmetry-preserving reductions with such broad scope. A second, smaller part of this work involves the development of structure-aware local search heuristics for the SAT and hypergraph partitioning problems.
Energetics and Structures of Pt, Pd, and Ni Adatom Clusters on the Pt (001) Surface

Using the embedded atom method (EAM), we have calculated the stable configurations of Pt, Pd, and Ni clusters, containing up to nine adatoms, on the Pt (001) surface. For Pt, we predict that the stable configurations are linear chains oriented along the directions for three and five adatoms, and close-packed islands otherwise. These results, for clusters containing up to seven adatoms, were reported previously in reference 4. For Pd, the results are the same except that the stable configuration predicted for five adatoms is a close-packed island. For Ni, we predict that linear chains are the stable configurations for all numbers of adatoms. In determining these stable configurations, we allowed substrate relaxations. To assess the importance of substrate relaxations, we also performed calculations on an unrelaxed substrate. We found that substrate relaxations are important with regard to the stable configurations, and that allowing relaxation lowers the energies of chains with respect to islands.
The Projection of a Vector on a Plane

(1961). The Projection of a Vector on a Plane. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 34, No. 4, pp. 195-198.
A Theory of Featherweight Java in Isabelle/HOL.

We formalize the type system, small-step operational semantics, and type soundness proof for Featherweight Java [1], a simple object calculus, in Isabelle/HOL [2].
Early Recognition and Treatment of Sepsis After the Addition of Lactate to the Laboratory’s Critical Result Call List:

Purpose:Screening of patients with sepsis is needed to increase recognition and allow for earlier interventions. There is no consensus on whether the addition of lactate to the critical result labo...
B cell and antibody responses in mice induced by a putative cell surface peptidase of Pneumocystis murina protect against experimental infection

Abstract Rationale Pneumocystis pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected subjects, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and solid organ transplant recipients. No vaccine is currently available. By chemical labeling coupled with proteomic approach, we have identified a putative surface protein (SPD1, Broad Institute gene accession number PNEG_01848) derived from single suspended P. murina cysts. SPD1 was expressed in an insect cell line and tested for vaccine development. Methods Mice were immunized with SPD1 plus adjuvant MF-59 by subcutaneous injection. Three weeks after the last immunization, CD4+ cells were depleted with anti-CD4 antibody GK1.5. The mice were then challenged with 2 × 10 5 Pneumocystis organisms. Mice were sacrificed at 4 and 6 weeks after PC challenge. Spleen/lung cells and serum were harvested. B cells and memory B cells were assessed via flow cytometry. Specific Pneumocystis IgG antibody was measured by ELISA before and after challenge. Infection burden was measured as real-time PCR for P. murina rRNA. Results Normal mice infected with Pneumocystis mounted a serum IgG antibody response to SPD1. Serum from rhesus macaques exposed to Pneumocystis showed a similar serum IgG response to purified SPD1. SPD1 immunization increased B cell and memory B cell absolute cell counts in CD4-depleted Balb/c mice post Pneumocystis challenge in spleen and lung. Immunization with SPD1 significantly increased specific Pneumocystis IgG antibody production before and after challenge. Mice immunized with SPD1 showed significantly decreased P. murina copy number compared with mice that did not receive SPD1 at 6 weeks after challenge. Conclusion Immunization with SPD1 provides protective efficacy against P. murina infection. SPD1 protection against Pneumocystis challenge is associated with enhanced memory B cell production and higher anti– Pneumocystis IgG antibody production. SPD1 is a potential vaccine candidate to prevent or treat pulmonary infection with Pneumocystis .
Osteoporosis: fracture epidemiology update 2016.

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this review is to provide an update on osteoporosis epidemiology. The focus is on fractures because fractures are the most important clinical consequence of osteoporosis. Studies published over the past 18 months are identified and reviewed. Finally, the clinical impa
Vitreolysis: Targeting the Vitreoretinal Interface

The vitreous humor is the most abundant ocular tissue, comprising the majority (4 ml) of the eye’s volume. Often referred to as the “vitreous gel,” a reference to both its consistency and biomechanical composition, the vitreous extends from the posterior lens capsule back to the retina’s internal limiting membrane (ILM). For centuries, ophthalmologists believed that the vitreous could not be safely manipulated, altered, or removed without precipitating catastrophic consequences such as retinal tears, retinal detachments, suprachoroidal hemorrhages, or endophthalmitis. In retrospect, it has become obvious that physicians lacked a sufficient understanding of vitreous anatomy and physiology and did not possess the proper technology with which to safely and effectively handle the vitreous.
Fuzzy logic control based Electronic Load Controller for Self Excited Induction Generator

Self-Excited Induction Generator (SEIG) is gaining importance for generating and supplying electrical energy in remote and rural areas. SEIG with separate excitation bank is efficient because of its low cost, compact size, rigidity and brushless construction. However, the SEIG suffers from poor voltage and frequency regulation. In this paper, an effective control scheme for Electronic Load Controller (ELC) is presented comprising of a current-controlled voltage source inverter (CC-VSI) with an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) based chopper switch and a dump load (resistor). This control scheme is based on fuzzy logic control and examined under linear and nonlinear load conditions to maintain the voltage and frequency at a constant level. The proposed ELC is designed and simulated in MATLAB and Simulink with different electrical load conditions. The fuzzy logic based ELC aids as a reactive power compensator and load leveler. The results highlight the effectiveness of the presented control scheme.
Polycomb and Trithorax Group Genes in Drosophila .

Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) genes encode important regulators of development and differentiation in metazoans. These two groups of genes were discovered in Drosophila by their opposing effects on homeotic gene (Hox) expression. PcG genes collectively behave as genetic repressors of Hox genes, while the TrxG genes are necessary for HOX gene expression or function. Biochemical studies showed that many PcG proteins are present in two protein complexes, Polycomb repressive complexes 1 and 2, which repress transcription via chromatin modifications. TrxG proteins activate transcription via a variety of mechanisms. Here we summarize the large body of genetic and biochemical experiments in Drosophila on these two important groups of genes.
Assessment of Left Ventricular Outflow Gradient: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Versus Aortic Valvular Stenosis

Objectives: This study examined the relationship between peak-to-peak (common invasive measurement), peak instantaneous (common Doppler measurement), and mean pressure gradients in patients with hy...
Roman Catholic Ethics and Beneficence

There is ambiguity in both ‘Roman Catholic ethics’ and ‘beneficence’. The former can mean either the body of moral norms, both general and specific, authoritatively proposed by those who hold the teaching office or magisterium within the Roman Catholic Church, namely the pope and the bishops throughout the world in communion with him,1 or the diverse ethical theories, along with their substantive conclusions, that have been developed by various Roman Catholic moral theologians and philosophers. This paper will attempt to describe both the moral teachings authoritatively proposed by the magisterium, particularly with reference to issues relating to health care, and the debate currently taking place among Roman Catholic writers over normative ethical principles and the sorts of human choices and actions justifiable in terms of these principles, particularly with reference to health care questions.
Hemorrhagic encephalitis associated with H3N2 influenza A viral pneumonia

A 40-year-old man presented with altered mentation, preceded a few days earlier by a 38°C fever and shortness of breath. He was diagnosed “....influenza A pneumonia, of the H3N2 subtype, with parainfectious...” hemorrhagic encephalitis and required intubation for hypoxia and depressed consciousness. Brain MRI showed numerous hemorrhages (figure 1). He received oseltamivir, switched to peramivir for better gut absorption. He was discharged to rehabilitation 1 month later. At 6-month follow-up (figure 2), he had residual deficits in memory and concentration. Montreal Cognitive Assessment score was 28/30. He returned to full-time work as a financial manager at 9 months, and felt subjective normal cognition at 1.5 years after onset.
Drawing Plans Together: The Administration of Nineteenth-Century Plans of Paris

Plans are not necessary for building; surveying can happen on the ground and building can proceed on site. However, in nineteenth-century France, laws were passed that not only required a plan in o...
Microbial population distributions and benzoate mineralization kinetics in a municipal slow sand filter

The microbial populations within the media of a slow sand filter were evaluated with regard to distribution and activity. The filter that was investigated was one of ten filters providing water for Springfield, MA. Cores from the filter were used to quantify with depth acriflavine direct cell counts (AFDC) using epifluorescence microscopy, and nutritionally specific heterotrophs (R2A), aquatic organic matter (AOM) utilizers, benzoate utilizers, catechol utilizers, heterotrophic iron precipitators, and manganese oxidizers using various spread plate techniques. Extractable Fe and Mn, as well as Folin-reactive material (FRM) were quantified with depth. The ability of schmutzdecke populations to mineralize [U-14C] benzoate was also examined. AFDC counts revealed that the schmutzdecke contained the highest counts (109 to l010/g dry wt) with counts declining by one to two orders of magnitude with depth in the filter media. All nutritionally specific plate counts exhibited similar trends with depth; R2A plate counts were generally less than 1% of the AFDC. A significant percentage of the colonies on the R2A media were pigmented. AOM, benzoate, and catechol utilizers were more prevalent in the schmutzdecke (as a percentage of the AFDC) than with depth in the cores. Small, opaque-white colonies were observed on the AOM, benzoate, and catechol media; suggesting the same bacterium (small flagellated rod) was responsible for growth on the three media. FRM correlated well with the AFDC with depth; the data suggests that the Folin reagent complexed with bacterial aromatic amino acids and was thus a good measure of microbial biomass. Extractable Fe and Mn correlated with AFDC, FRM, and with heterotrophic Fe precipitator and Mn oxidizer plate counts. The data strongly suggest that extractable Fe and Mn is complexed to the bacterial biomass in the filter. All schmutzdecke samples were able to rapidly mineralize benzoate in the 1.0 to 1000 ng/ml range. Typically, over 50% of the label was converted to 14CO2 after 20 h of incubation. Mineralization was usually biphasic at 100 and 1000 ng/ml. Typical first order rate constants were 3 to 8/d. Non-purgeable dissolved organic carbon (NPDOC) removal in the filter was only 15%. Based on NPDOC and UV absorbance removals, the AOM fraction that was removed was hydrophobic and aromatic. The data suggests that while NPDOC removals are low, the microbial populations present in the filter are capable of promoting bioadsorption and biodegradation of certain fractions of the AOM in the raw water during winter operation.
Exploring ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) treated cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) to improve drought tolerance

The Texas High Plains often has extended periods between rainfall events, which can lead to a reduction in the yield and fiber quality of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). It is known that cultivated cotton suffers from low levels of genetic diversity due to the over-use in breeding of similar gene pools, which may hinder breeding for drought tolerance. In this study, for the first time the novel variability or genetic diversity of morphological and agronomic traits possibly created by the chemical mutagen ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) was evaluated to improve drought tolerance in cotton by traits’ response to different irrigation regimes. EMS is a chemical mutagen that has been shown to cause point mutations in the DNA of many model plants and crop species. Three EMS treated lines were advanced from the M1 to M4 generation as bulk-harvested populations. A diverse selection scheme was applied to capture most of the genetic trait-variability or diversity and superior lines in these populations. In 2014–2016 the diversity of these populations was evaluated based on four agronomic and thirteen morphological traits to determine differences in response to multiple irrigation rates. Analyses of these traits showed statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences between and within populations when compared to the original non-treated EMS source, with most of the variability being observed in the high irrigation rate. However, none of the EMS treated populations had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) better lint yield than the commercial cultivar (control) in 2016. EMS yield performance was possibly constrained by the applied diverse selection scheme of this study. Traits such as total number of bolls, bolls retained at node 7 and below, and those retained between nodes 8 and 12, and bolls retained at node of first fruiting branch may be predictors to improve cotton production (yield) in water limiting environments.
Calibration/validation methods for GRACE

The upcoming GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) satellite mission is expected to map Earth’s global gravitational field with unprecedented accuracy, especially at the long wavelengths. The measurements are line-of-sight range rates between two co-orbiting, low-altitude satellites that can be transformed into differences of geopotential and horizontal gravitation. One method to attempt the calibration and validation of GRACE data is to compare these in situ measurements using very accurate local terrestrial gravity fields that are upward continued to satellite altitude. This paper presents a rudimentary analysis of the requirements in gravity anomaly data spacing, accuracy, and extent to compute differences in disturbing potential and horizontal gravity disturbance at GRACE altitude. These studies show that to achieve the anticipated in situ accuracy of 0.01 m2/s2 in potential and 0.01 mgal in gravitation the terrestrial spacing and accuracy requirements are rather loose, e.g., 0.5° spacing and 0.25 mgal accuracy. Data extent, on the other hand, is much more important, where caps with radius larger than 10° are required, and then only to validate wavelengths smaller than 1200 km (30-deg reference field). Furthermore, it is shown that terrestrial data requirements are significantly less stringent in the case of computing horizontal gravitation differences at altitude rather than potential differences
The Embryology of Birth Defects

The field of dysmorphology has expanded dramatically over the past ten years, a period during which not only the number of recognizable patterns of malformations has more than doubled, but great strides have been made in our understanding of the developmental pathology of structural defects. The benefit of this increased knowledge to children affected with birth defects and to their parents is immeasurable since appropriate recurrence risk counseling and information regarding prognosis are possible only in those situations where a definitive diagnosis can be made and/or the developmental pathology is understood.
Perceived Weight Discrimination and School Connectedness Among Youth: Does Teacher Support Play a Protective Role?

BACKGROUND Weight discrimination has been associated with poor academic performance and decreased school attendance. Little is known about weight discrimination and students' feelings of belonging to their school. This study examined the association between weight discrimination and school connectedness among adolescents. Teacher support was examined as a protective factor. METHODS Middle school students (N = 639; 57% white; Mean age = 12.16 years) completed a health behaviors survey. Weight discrimination from peers and/or good friends was dichotomized into never versus experienced weight discrimination. The mean of 5 school connectedness items assessed level of school connectedness. Teacher support was measured by taking the mean of 4 teacher support items. Hierarchical linear regression was used to examine the association between weight discrimination and school connectedness. Teacher support was tested as a moderator. RESULTS Weight discrimination was associated with lower levels of school connectedness (p < .05). Teacher support was associated with higher levels of school connectedness (p < .001) but did not moderate the association between weight discrimination and school connectedness. CONCLUSION The association between weight discrimination and low levels of school connectedness is important as students spend most of their time at school and should benefit from the positive effects of feeling connected to school.
Thermal Piezoresistive Resonant Mass Balance Implemented in a Standard CMOS Process

This work presents implementation of electro-thermally actuated MEMS resonators in a standard CMOS process via addition of a few mask-less post-processing steps. The resonators are made of CMOS interconnect metal (Aluminum and Tungsten) and insulation layers (silicon dioxide) and utilize two sets of electrically isolated metal double layers for thermal actuation and piezoresistive readout. The oxide layers within the resonator structures lead to an improved temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) of −2.7 ppm/°C, (~10X better than silicon). The fabricated resonators were embedded in a custom-made miniature aerosol impactor collecting and measuring the mass concentration of airborne particulates. Tests performed on air samples from different sources with different particle mass concentrations ranging from 0.014-0.085 μg/m3 show a clear correlation between the mass balance frequency shifts and the expected particle concentrations.
Committing to cultures of creativity: the significance of transdisciplinarity

As Mittelman rightly observes, neoliberal practices of repurposing universities in pursuit of the impossible goal of world-class standing – the gold standard for educational policy in the global ag...
Trending Weight Loss Patterns in Obese and Super Obese Adolescents: Does Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Provide Equivalent Outcomes in both Groups?

Many factors, including preoperative weight, may determine final weight loss after bariatric surgery; however, their proportional contribution is unclear. To such end, we evaluated weight loss patterns among obese adolescents. We evaluated 57 adolescents who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy from 2011 to 2017. Data collection included demographics, anthropometrics, and comorbidities and was done over a 3-year follow-up period. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t test and repeated measures ANOVA. In the morbidly obese (MO) group, 82% were female, while 52% were male in the super obese (SMO) group (P 60% percent excess body weight loss (%EBWL), only 3/23 super obese patients achieved > 60% EBWL (P = 0.0695). %EBWL at 1-year follow-up significantly differed between the obese and super obese groups, 61.7 ± 14.6% and 47.7 ± 14.9% respectively (P = 0.035). The average BMI in the obese group was 29.8 at 1 year and 41.3 in the super obese group. There was a significant difference in the rate of excess weight loss (%EBWL/month) between the two groups (P < 0.01). There was good comorbidity resolution (about 70%) in both groups after surgery. Comorbidity resolution after sleeve gastrectomy is excellent in the adolescent population irrespective of initial BMI. Consideration should be given to earlier bariatric intervention in SMO adolescents to facilitate return to near normal BMI. Focus on education of referral sources, such as community pediatricians and family practitioners to facilitate early bariatric evaluation should be considered. Weight loss in postsurgical SMO patients should be carefully monitored and adjunctive interventions should be considered.
Echidna: mixed-domain computational implementation via decision trees

Custom mechatronic devices offer personalized functionality, but also come with many non-functional requirements that are unfamiliar to those inexperienced with electronics such as current draw and servo power. The Echidna prototype system enables non-electrical engineers to move from conception to implementation with their mechatronic ideas by generating and searching through a design space that automatically fills in supporting requirements, such as PCB placement and wiring, around their functional specification. The space is modeled as a decision tree whose root is the user's list of lights, motors, sensors, and other functional components that need to be connected, powered, and controlled. Once found, a complete and valid design can be used to synthesize geometry for 3D printing, circuits, and firmware resulting in a set of "plug and fabricate" files for creating their device. We demonstrate how Echidna realizes several designs and discuss how it can be further customized to task-specific applications.
Obesity and cardiovascular outcomes: another look at a meta-analysis of Mendelian randomization studies

This study used the inverse variance heterogeneity (IVhet) model to conduct a reanalysis of a recent meta-analysis that reported a positive association, based on the random-effects (RE) model, between obesity and the incidence of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease, but not all-cause stroke, in adults. Data emanated from a recent meta-analysis of five Mendelian randomization studies representing 881,692 adults. Results were pooled using the IVhet model and reported as OR’s and 95% CI. Small-study effects were examined using the Doi plot and Luis Furuya-Kanamori (LFK) index. Influence analysis was also conducted. The association between obesity and type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and all-cause stroke was, respectively, 1.38 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.90, p=0.05, I2=93%), 1.10 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.35, p=0.35, I2=87%), and 1.02 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.09, p=0.64, I2=0%). Compared with the original RE model, results were similar for all-cause stroke, but point estimates for type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease were smaller (29.3% and 9.8%) with wider (7.0% and 14.7%), overlapping CI. Major asymmetry suggestive of small-study effects was observed (LFK=3.59). With the exception of one study for type 2 diabetes, results remained uncertain (overlapping 95% CI) when each study was deleted from the model once. A lack of certainty exists regarding the association between obesity and the incidence of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and all-cause stroke in adults.
‘The main objection to numerous small bee keepers’: biosecurity and the professionalization of beekeeping

Abstract In the mid nineteenth century, advances in apicultural science and new technologies made beekeeping more efficient and profitable, and it rapidly went from being a cottage industry to a commercial one. But the very technologies and practices that revolutionized beekeeping led directly and indirectly to the spread of an infectious honey bee disease called foulbrood. This was true most of all in upstate New York, which for many decades was at the center of the scientific, technological, and commercial advances, as well as the outbreaks of foulbrood. In this article, I draw on USDA publications, articles from trade magazines, personal papers, and other texts from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to show how the institutions that arose to protect and support the industry formed an ‘envirotechnical regime’ that promoted a particular vision of ‘good beekeeping’. The regime characterized foulbrood as manageable only by beekeepers who were ‘financially interested’ or ‘more deeply engaged in the industry’. This set of beekeepers was contrasted with a second class of smaller scale beekeepers, which was framed as ‘negligent’ and discouraged from continuing to keep bees. This article shows how efforts to professionalize beekeeping were made in the name of biosecurity and contributes to scholarship more broadly on how norms and institutions developed as a part of the modernization of American agriculture.
Beyond the Rivers of Ethiopia: Writings on the Beta Israel (Falasha)

The global communities of Judaism have each generated distinctive bodies of writings, both for internal use (such as the works of individual religious leaders and unique liturgies for their formal ...
Summary of Sources

In our discussion of work structures, markets, and processes, we have attempted to incorporate relevant materials from several disciplines, including sociology, economics, history, industrial relations, business, and political science. The complexity and diversity of phenomena related to our broad topic demand such electicism, hazardous as that practice may often be. We have also tried to include in our discussions of various topics both the older, classic statements of these issues as well as the major recent treatments. Fortunately our forebearers, like our contemporaries, have been attending to relevant segments of each others’ disciplines, a fact that imposes some significant orders of discipline that reduce the risks of dilettantism.
CHAPTER 24 – CRYSTALLIZATION

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the underlying principles for crystalline candy and frozen dessert. Crystallization is important in the development of structure of certain foods. The structure of many candies depends on the crystallization of sugar, and the structure of frozen desserts depends on the crystallization of water. In each case, crystallization occurs from a sugar solution. The formation of sugar crystals in a crystalline candy requires super saturation. As sugar crystallizes out of solution, the solution becomes decreasingly concentrated because of the removal of solute. Eventually, the solution is no longer supersaturated and crystallization cannot continue. On the other hand, during the formation of ice crystals in a frozen dessert, the sugar solution becomes increasingly concentrated because solvent is removed from the solution. Eventually, the solution is so concentrated that its freezing point is too low for further freezing under the existing conditions.
Regulatory approval characteristics of antimicrobial versus non-antimicrobial products, 1984–2018: an evaluation of Food and Drug Administration flexibilities

Antimicrobial resistance is of growing concern. To encourage development of new treatments, some commentators have suggested regulators exercise increased flexibility on the clinical evidence required for approval. We examined all 1065 new drugs and biologics approved by the US Food and Drug Administration between 1984 and 2018 and recorded each drug's use of the Orphan Drug Act, fast-track, priority review, accelerated approval, and breakthrough therapy programmes, as well as dates of investigational new drug application, new drug application, and new drug approval, which were used to calculate clinical development and review times. There were 178 (17%) antimicrobial products, which were more likely than non-antimicrobial products to benefit from priority review (103 [58%] of 178 vs 402 [45%] of 887, p=0·0023), fast-track designation (58 [37%] of 157 vs 151 [19%] of 814], p<0·001), and accelerated approval (23 [18%] of 129 vs 67 [9%] of 711, p=0·0046), and less likely to have Orphan Drug Act designation (25 [14%] of 178 vs 267 [30%] of 887, p<0·0001). Median time from investigational new drug application to approval was shorter for antimicrobial than for non-antimicrobial drugs (5·9 years [IQR 4·6-7·3] vs 7·6 years [IQR 5·7-10·2], p<0·001). Except for Orphan Drug Act status, expedited clinical testing and review programmes have been used at least as frequently for antimicrobial products as for non-antimicrobial drugs. No evidence supported claims that antimicrobial progress through the regulatory approval process in the USA is more time-consuming than non-antimicrobial development.
Dropout, response, and abstinence outcomes of a national text-messaging smoking cessation intervention for teens, SmokeFreeTeen

Although text-messaging interventions are effective for smoking cessation, few target teens in the USA and little is known about their effectiveness. The purpose of this manuscript is to examine correlates of dropout, response to smoking status prompts, and abstinence rates among subscribers of SmokeFreeTeen, a free, publicly available text-messaging smoking cessation intervention sponsored by the National Cancer Institute's SmokeFree.Gov initiative, on quit day through 1 month follow-up. In a sample of teens (N = 2,685), aged 13-19, we examined demographics, smoking frequency, cigarettes smoked per day, prequit intervention time (i.e., maximum of 14 days of prequit day preparation), and number of quit attempts as correlates of response and abstinence rates among program initiators (i.e., participants who reached quit day but dropped out on or before intervention end) and completers (i.e., participants who reached quit day and completed the intervention). We also conducted Cox regression analysis of time from quit day to dropout by daily and nondaily smoking status. Two-thirds (n = 1,733, 64.54%) dropped out before the intervention ended, with dropout rates peaking on quit day (n = 289, 13.10%). Response rate to smoking status prompts remained below 30% throughout the intervention. At intervention end and 1 month follow-up, abstinence was 2.63% and 2.55% among program initiators, whereas abstinence was 6.09% and 6.01% among program completers. Dropout, response, and abstinence rates did not consistently differ by subscriber characteristics. Prequit time was associated with decreased likelihood of dropping out (adjusted hazards ratio: 0.94, confidence interval [CI]: 0.93-0.95), responding to smoking status prompts (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.94, CI: 0.92-0.96), and being abstinent (aOR: 0.96, CI: 0.93-0.99) on quit day. Two or more quit attempts were associated with increased response (aOR: 1.61, CI: 1.16-2.23) and abstinence (aOR: 1.91, CI: 1.25-2.92) rates on Day 7. In a first assessment of SmokeFreeTeen outcomes, we document high dropouts and low response and abstinence rates. SmokeFreeTeen produced abstinence rates lower than comparable text-messaging interventions targeting teens and young adults. Improving SmokeFreeTeen's reach, engagement, and effectiveness is needed.
O-020 Endoluminal biopsy for molecular classification of human brain arteriovenous malformations

Introduction Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are dysplastic tangles of blood vessels with direct arterial-venous shunting. Evidence has suggested that bAVMs may arise from different somatic or germ-line mutations. However, there are no methodologies to molecularly characterize bAVMs without open surgery. Whether different molecular subgroups may explain divergent natural histories remains unknown. We describe a novel endovascular biopsy (EB) technique to permit comprehensive genome-wide transcriptomic classification of bAVMs without need for open surgery in living patients. Methods EB and computational fluid dynamic modeling (CFD) was performed during preoperative embolization. Cells were obtained from a bAVM juxta-nidal feeding artery and systemic iliac artery (control) with a platinum detachable coil and 0.035-inch wire, respectively. Endothelial cells (ECs) were isolated with fluorescence assisted cell sorting (FACS) and sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq 4000 sequencer. Differential gene expression and gene ontology analyses were performed. Results EB was successful in 4 patients without complication. FACS sorting detected viable ECs (CD31-positive, DAPI-negative) in each patient. EB yielded 269.0 ± 79.9 cells per biopsy (control: 309.2 ± 86.6 cells; bAVM: 228.8 ± 133.4). Differential gene expression analysis demonstrated 106 differentially expressed genes in bAVM ECs (FDR Conclusions EB is a safe technique to permit non-invasive genome-wide sequencing of bAVMs. Transcriptomic data correlates well with tissues acquired with open surgery and implicates Ras-MAPK signaling in adult bAVMs. It is also now possible to correlate gene expression with CFD flow modeling in living patients. Further development of non-invasive diagnostic techniques to molecularly stratify patients are needed to better delineate divergent natural histories of bAVMs and potentially inform treatment planning. Disclosures E. Winkler: None. D. Wu: None. D. McCoy: None. A. Abla: None. D. Cooke: None.
Identification of Extreme Capital Flows in Emerging Markets

Abstract Capital flows to emerging market economies can be characterized by periods of abruptly large inflows alternating with periods of abruptly large outflows. Exceptionally high levels of flows have often been associated with financial crises, and identifying such episodes is crucial for understanding the onset of crises. The existing literature, however, relies on ad hoc threshold criteria for identifying such “extreme” episodes. This paper identifies “extreme” episodes from the data using a formal statistical classification. In particular, I employ a three-state Markov regime switching model to characterize extreme episodes of quarterly net capital flows for each country in a sample of 36 emerging market economies from 1980 to 2014. The model identifies 8 percent of the total sample as periods of extreme inflows (“surges”) and 3 percent of the total sample as extreme outflows (“flights”). Compared to the literature, the model identifies fewer episodes as extreme, and the number of episodes varies substantially across countries.
Henry James in–and out of–the Classroom

Henry James did not write for the classroom. His personal experience of the institution was erratic at best, and most of his work was published at a time when the novel had yet to be formally recog...
The mass quantum and black hole entropy

Abstract We give a method in which a quantum of mass equal to twice the Planck mass arises naturally. Then using Bose–Einstein statistics we derive an expression for the black hole entropy which physically tends to the Bekenstein–Hawking formula.
Cu-Catalyzed Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization in the Presence of Liquid Metal Micro/Nanodroplets

Micro/nanodroplets of the liquid metal (LM) eutectic Ga–In alloy (EGaIn) were employed in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in organic solvents with low ppm (parts per million) loading of Cu catalysts. ATRP in the presence of EGaIn produced well-defined polymers (dispersity <1.1) that could be easily separated from EGaIn via centrifugation. Voltammetric analysis revealed that EGaIn micro/nanodroplets reduced Cuᴵᴵ complexes to Cuᴵ complexes, which acted as ATRP activators. A key distinction from previously reported LM-mediated radical polymerizations is that this process did not require external forces, such as ultrasound sonication. EGaIn droplets also activated dormant alkyl bromide species. However, this reaction was ∼6 orders of magnitude slower than the corresponding activation by Cuᴵ complexes, resembling SARA (supplemental activators and reducing agents) ATRP.
MiRNA-103b Downregulates ITGB3 and Mediates Apoptosis in Ex Vivo Stored Human Platelets

Background Blood bank-stored human platelets are one of the life-saving transfusion products to prevent bleeding in multiple clinical settings. In ex vivo storage, platelets undergo apoptosis and it is highly desirable to prevent this process to preserve platelet quality. However, underlying mechanisms of apoptosis are not well understood in stored platelets. Integrin beta 3 (ITGB3) glycoprotein plays multiple roles in platelet physiological processes, and it was reported in other cell types that downregulation of ITGB3 induces apoptosis. Small noncoding regulatory RNAs known as microRNAs (miRNAs), some of which are abundant in platelets such as miR-103b that belongs to miR-103 family of miRNAs, known to play key roles in platelet functions both in vivo and during storage; Cellular miR-103 downregulates certain genes in other cell types and promotes apoptosis. However, whether miR-103b can target and downregulate ITGB3 in stored platelets and such miRNA regulation promotes apoptosis is not known. Here we tested this working hypothesis. Objective Our objective of this study is to validate the abundance of miR-103b in stored platelets and identify whether ITGB3 is a target of miR-103b for downregulation and this interaction promotes apoptosis. Methods RT-qPCR validation of miR-103b was performed in 11 donor samples at 3 different storage time points. In-silico analysis was performed to identify predicted targets of the miR-103b. The miRNA and messenger RNA interactions were confirmed using different biochemical approaches such as qRT-PCR, western blotting and, suppression of luciferase reporter gene expression by ectopic expression of miR-103b in HeLa cells. Final validation of functional role of miR-103b in ITGB3 downregulation and resulting induction of apoptosis was assessed in stored platelets by FACS analysis following ectopic expression of miR-103b. Results Using Target Scan Vert algorithm, we identified several integrin subunit-encoding mRNAs as potential targets of miR-103b. While ITGB3 and ITGB6 found to have two targeting sites for miR-103b, since ITGB3 is known to play a role in apoptosis, we chose this for further validation in this study. Ectopic expression of miR-103b decreased the luciferase reporter activity in HeLa cells and decreased ITGB3 mRNA and protein levels in platelets, concomitant with increase in apoptosis. Conclusion The results demonstrate that in stored platelets miR-103b is highly expressed and can interact with and downregulate ITGB3 and promote apoptosis in stored platelets.