cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis and Expression of the α-Expansin and β-Expansin Gene Families in Maize

Expansins comprise a multigene family of proteins in maize (Zea mays). We isolated and characterized 13 different maize expansin cDNAs, five of which are alpha-expansins and eight of which are beta-expansins. This paper presents an analysis of these 13 expansins, as well as an expression analysis by northern blotting with materials from young and mature maize plants. Some expansins were expressed in restricted regions, such as the beta-expansins ExpB1 (specifically expressed in maize pollen) and ExpB4 (expressed principally in young husks). Other expansins such as alpha-expansin Exp1 and beta-expansin ExpB2 were expressed in several organs. The expression of yet a third group was not detected in the selected organs and tissues. An analysis of expansin sequences from the maize expressed sequence tag collection is also presented. Our results indicate that expansin genes may have general, overlapping expression in some instances, whereas in other cases the expression may be highly specific and limited to a single organ or cell type. In contrast to the situation in Arabidopsis, beta-expansins in maize seem to be more numerous and more highly expressed than are alpha-expansins. The results support the concept that beta-expansins multiplied and evolved special functions in the grasses.
Defects in nuclear pore assembly lead to activation of an Aurora B-mediated abscission checkpoint.

Correct assembly of nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), which directly and indirectly control nuclear environment and architecture, is vital to genomic regulation. We previously found that nucleoporin 153 (Nup153) is required for timely progression through late mitosis. In this study, we report that disruption of Nup153 function by either small interfering RNA–mediated depletion or expression of a dominant-interfering Nup153 fragment results in dramatic mistargeting of the pore basket components Tpr and Nup50 in midbody-stage cells. We find a concomitant appearance of aberrantly localized active Aurora B and an Aurora B–dependent delay in abscission. Depletion of Nup50 is also sufficient to increase the number of midbody-stage cells and, likewise, triggers distinctive mislocalization of Aurora B. Together, our results suggest that defects in nuclear pore assembly, and specifically the basket structure, at this time of the cell cycle activate an Aurora B–mediated abscission checkpoint, thereby ensuring that daughter cells are generated only when fully formed NPCs are present.
Design and fabrication of 600 DPI light-emitting diode printheads using precision flip-chip solder bump technology

We have described the design and fabrication of a 600 DPI LED printhead using solder bumped flip chip assembly technology. This combination of high performance and low manufacturing cost would have been difficult or impossible to achieve with wire bonding. The benefits of flip chip assembly technology over conventional wire bonding techniques also include reduced LED and IC wafer area for equivalent function, improved reliability, greatly reduced product size and weight, and the ability to easily rework the printhead if necessary. >
The Effects of Corn Coproduct Supplementation on Primiparous Cow Reproduction and Calf Performance1

ABSTRACT An experiment was replicated over 2 yr to determine the effect of additional RUP and dietary fat from dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS; n = 2) or wet corn gluten feed (WCGF; n = 2) before breeding on primiparous cow reproduction and calf production. Over 2 yr, 134 postpartum, primiparous cows (429 ± 5 kg initial BW) were fed 1 of 2 isocaloric, approximately isonitrogenous diets in 1 pen/yr (n = 4) providing varying levels of RUP and dietary fat. Treatments were initiated 21 (yr 1) and 60 d (yr 2) postpartum and continued for 56 (yr 1) or 16 d (yr 2) until timed AI. Diet type did not affect (P = 0.78) prebreeding BW; however, WCGF-fed cows had a greater (P = 0.03) ADG before breeding compared with DDGS-fed cows. Percentage of cows resuming estrus, becoming pregnant to AI, and becoming pregnant after bull exposure were similar (P > 0.10) between treatments. Male calf weaning BW, adjusted 205-d BW, and calf value were similar (P > 0.10) between treatments. Female calf weaning BW and calf value were also not different (P > 0.10) between treatments. Female calves from DDGS-fed cows tended to have a greater (P = 0.07) adjusted 205-d BW than calves from WCGF dams. In conclusion, WCGF in postpartum, primiparous beef cow diets improved cow ADG before breeding, and DDGS increased 205-d weaning BW of female offspring. Both DDGS and WCGF are acceptable supplements for primiparous cows and may improve beef production sustainability.
Hypoxia and electrical stimulation of the carotid sinus nerve induce fos‐like immunoreactivity within catecholaminergic and serotoninergic neurons of the rat brainstem

A complete understanding of the neural mechanisms responsible for the chemoreceptor and baroreceptor reflexes requires precise knowledge of the locations and chemical phenotypes of higher-order neurons within these reflex pathways. In the present study, the protein product (Fos) of the c-fos protooncogene was used as a metabolic marker to trace central neural pathways following activation of carotid sinus nerve afferent fibers. In addition, immunohistochemical double-labeling techniques were used to define the chemical phenotypes of activated neurons. Both electrical stimulation of the carotid sinus nerve and physiological stimulation of the carotid bodies by hypoxia induced Fos-like immunoreactivity in catecholaminergic neurons containing tyrosine hydroxylase or phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase in the ventrolateral medulla oblongata and, to a lesser degree, in the dorsal vagal complex. Tyrosine hydroxylase/Fos colocalization was also observed in the locus coeruleus and the A5 noradrenergic cell group in pons. Many serotoninergic neurons in nucleus raphe pallidus, nucleus raphe magnus, and along the ventral medullary surface contained Fos-like immunoreactivity. In pons and midbrain, Fos-like immunoreactivity was observed in the lateral parabrachial and Kolliker-Fuse nuclei, the inferior colliculus, the cuneiform nucleus, and in the vicinity of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus, but no catecholaminergic or serotoninergic colocalization was observed in these regions. Although Fos-labeled cells were observed within and lateral to the dorsal raphe nucleus, few were catecholaminergic or serotoninergic. This study further defines a potential central neuroanatomical substrate for the chemoreceptor and/or baroreceptor reflexes.
Experimental Constraints for the Resting Structure of the Shaker Voltage Sensor Domain Derived from Engineered High and Low Affinity Zn2+ Binding Sites

Relatively little is known about the structure of the resting conformation of the voltage sensor domain in K+ channels. We probed the relative proximity of residues in S2, S3b, and S4 in the resting state of Shaker using engineered ion binding sites. I287 in S2 and F324 in S3b correspond to aspartate residues in eag that form a Mg2+ binding site; Mg2+ binds to the resting conformation to modulate activation. In Shaker I287D+F324D, Mg2+ slows activation and increases the delay prior to opening. Because the delay reflects the initial transitions in Shaker activation, this indicates that Mg2+ binds to the resting state. In the double histidine mutant, I287H+F324H, Zn2+ slows activation significantly with a half-maximal effective concentration of 300-500 nM. Zn2+ also shifts the voltage dependence of the delay in the depolarized direction, indicating that Zn2+ stabilizes the resting conformation. Recently, Campos et al (PNAS 104:7904, 2007) reported that I287C in S2 forms a disulfide bond with R362C in S4 in the resting state. However, in dynamic proteins, disulfide bonds can form between residues that are up to 15 A apart. After reduction, I287C+R362C binds Cd2+ with moderate (micromolar) apparent affinity. To further probe the proximity of I287 and R362, we characterized the functional properties of I287H+R362H in the presence and absence of Zn2+. Addition of 10 μM Zn2+ induced a slow component of activation not present in either single mutant; 2 μM Zn2+ had no effect. Thus, the apparent Zn2+ affinity of I287H+R362H is significantly less than that of I287H+F324H. These results suggest that I287 in S2 and F324 in S3b are in atomic proximity in the resting conformation, whereas R362 in S4 is somewhat further away.
CO-occurring exposure to perchlorate, nitrate and thiocyanate alters thyroid function in healthy pregnant women.

Abstract Background Adequate maternal thyroid function during pregnancy is necessary for normal fetal brain development, making pregnancy a critical window of vulnerability to thyroid disrupting insults. Sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) inhibitors, namely perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate, have been shown individually to competitively inhibit uptake of iodine by the thyroid. Several epidemiologic studies examined the association between these individual exposures and thyroid function. Few studies have examined the effect of this chemical mixture on thyroid function during pregnancy Objectives We examined the cross sectional association between urinary perchlorate, thiocyanate and nitrate concentrations and thyroid function among healthy pregnant women living in New York City using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression. Methods We measured thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FreeT4) in blood samples; perchlorate, thiocyanate, nitrate and iodide in urine samples collected from 284 pregnant women at 12 (±2.8) weeks gestation. We examined associations between urinary analyte concentrations and TSH or FreeT4 using linear regression or WQS adjusting for gestational age, urinary iodide and creatinine. Results Individual analyte concentrations in urine were significantly correlated (Spearman's r 0.4–0.5, p Conclusions Co-exposure to perchlorate, nitrate and thiocyanate may alter maternal thyroid function, specifically TSH, during pregnancy.
Friendship standards: The dimensions of ideal expectations:

This multi-study investigation identified and confirmed the factor structure of ideal friendship standards. Study 1 (N = 307) conducted an exploratory factor analysis on 30 existing subscales of friendship expectations. Study 2 (N = 401) reduced 181 items from past subscales and single-item measures of friendship expectations to 51 items measuring six factors. Study 3 (N = 668) used an international internet sample to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis on the six factor model. Samples from studies 2 and 3 were combined and factorial invariance was demonstrated by sample, by participant sex, and by age. The six factors of expectations (i.e., symmetrical reciprocity, agency, enjoyment, instrumental aid, similarity, and communion) constitute the ideal standards of friendship.
Exact and asymptotic synthetic multiplet spectra on an ellipsoidal earth

Summary. Exact spectra of a normal mode multiplet nSl or nTl on a non-rotating ellipsoidal earth are composed of l+ 1 lines. Asymptotically, in the limit of large l, such spectra appear, however, as a single line or peak broadened by attenuation alone. The location within the multiplet of this single peak depends only upon the angle of inclination of the source-receiver great circle path to the axis of ellipsoidal symmetry. The appearance of a single peak is produced by the cancellation of nearby singlets. To assess the utility of the single peak approximation, exact and asymptotic synthetic spectra have been compared directly for a number of multiplets and for a variety of source-receiver configurations. Except in the immediate vicinity of the source and its antipode, the approximation appears to be satisfactory on an ellipsoidal earth down to about l∼ 10. Additional studies will be required to determine the limits of validity on a laterally heterogeneous earth.
Comparison of Hotelling observer models and human observers in defect detection from myocardial SPECT imaging

The objective of this study was to compare defect detection performance using a channelized Hotelling observer with radially symmetric channel (RSC) and oriented channels (OC) to that found in a previously reported human observer ROC study (see K.J. LaCroix and B.M.W. Tsui, "An evaluation ofthe effect of nonuniform attenuation compensation on defect detection for Tc-99m myocardial SPECT images," J. Nucl. Med., vol. 38, p. 19P, 1997). The observer's task involved the detection of left-ventricular myocardial perfusion defects for Tc-99m sestamibi myocardial perfusion SPECT images. The images were reconstructed using the filtered-backprojection (FBP) algorithm without attenuation compensation or the maximum-likelihood expectation-maximization (ML-EM) algorithm with non-uniform attenuation compensation (AC). This was performed for cases with and without significant attenuation artifacts. The areas under the ROC curves for the Hotelling observers were calculated and compared to those for the human observers. The ML-EM reconstructed images (with AC) had high defect detectability across all anatomy types, while with FBP, a lower detectability was found for cases where the reconstructed images contained attenuation artifacts in the myocardium. Similar trends between the channelized Hotelling observer and those from the human observer study were found with both radially symmetric channel (RSC) and oriented-channel (OC) models. Further investigation of the channel models is needed to determine the number and alignment of orientations and the number and cutoff of frequency bands to improve agreement between human and Hotelling observer results.
Between-Subjects Designs and Nonexperimental Methods

Between-subjects designs provide alternatives to within-subject strategies for arranging experimental conditions. As Kazdin (1982) points out, between-subjects designs are not favored by behavior analysts. Johnston and Pennypacker (1993b), for example, assert that between-subjects designs do not obtain useful information on functional relationships, nor do they result in findings that are meaningfully generalized to individuals who have not actually been studied. Criticisms of between-subjects approaches to research are based on the manner in which the independent variable is manipulated, how often dependent variables characteristically are measured, and how data usually are analyzed.
Market Lessons for Gatekeepers

Market Lessons For Gatekeepers grows out of my earlier work on how intermediaries may work to alleviate problems of fraud in markets, as discussed in my articles on company registration (64 U. Chi. L. Rev. 567 (1997)) and securities fraud class actions (144 U. Penn. L. Rev. 903 (1996)). Where certifiers act as intermediaries between producers and purchasers in a market, contract alone, in many situations, should provide certifiers adequate incentives to signal product quality to purchasers and invest in their ability to screen accurately for different product qualities. Markets, however, may fail. In response, commentators have argued for legal liability on market intermediaries to force them into a certification role. My paper takes an intermediate course. It first argues that lawmakers may have more success bolstering market incentives for intermediaries to act as certifiers where market defects exist rather than directly mandating third party gatekeeping. The paper provides a simple economic model of the interaction of purchasers, producers, and third party certifiers -- taking into account the decision of certifiers to invest in screening accuracy as well as the decision of producers to invest in product quality -- to identify potential market defects. Where purchasers are uninformed on the quality levels of different certifiers in the market, lawmakers should provide information disclosure on certifiers' past history to allow the market to punish -- through lower prices -- certifiers that do not perform their screening function well. Similarly, where certifiers may cheat on their certification duties, I propose self-tailored liability, under which certifiers themselves would submit their desired level of screening procedures and accuracy to the government. The paper argues that certifiers should be allowed to bind (or not bind) themselves to these procedures for any fixed period of time and be able to choose to allow the government to publicize the procedures as well as impose civil or even criminal penalties for breach (and use public enforcement to obtain such penalties). Where all relevant market participants are linked through contract, self tailored liability provides certifiers a means of bonding themselves to a particular level of screening accuracy credibly.
Determination of the Thermal Inactivation Kinetics of the Human Norovirus Surrogates, Murine Norovirus and Feline Calicivirus

Studies are needed to bridge existing data gaps and determine appropriate parameters for thermal inactivation methods for human noroviruses. Cultivable surrogates, such as feline calicivirus (FCV-F9) and murine norovirus (MNV-1), have been used in the absence of human norovirus infectivity assays. This study aimed to characterize the thermal inactivation kinetics of MNV-1 and FCV-F9 at 50, 56, 60, 65, and 72°C for different treatment times (0 to 60 min). Thermal inactivation was performed using the capillary tube method with titers of 4.0 × 10(7) (MNV-1) and 5.8 × 10(8) (FCV-F9) PFU/ml in triplicate experiments, followed by standard plaque assays in duplicate for each experiment. Weibull and first-order models were compared to describe survival curve kinetics. Model fitness was investigated by comparing the regression coefficients (R(2)) and the chi-square (χ(2)) and root mean square error (RMSE) values. The D-values calculated from the first-order model (50 to 72°C) were 0.15 to 34.49 min for MNV-1 and 0.11 to 20.23 min for FCV-9. Using the Weibull model, the t(D) values needed to destroy 1 log PFU of MNV-1 and FCV-F9 at the same temperatures were 0.11 to 28.26 and 0.06 to 13.86 min, respectively. In terms of thermal resistance, MNV-1 was more sensitive than FCV-F9 up to 65°C. At 72°C, FCV-F9 was slightly more susceptible to heat inactivation. Results revealed that the Weibull model was more appropriate to represent the thermal inactivation behavior of both tested surrogates. The z-values were calculated using D-values for the first-order model and the t(D) values for the Weibull model. The z-values were 9.31 and 9.19°C for MNV-1 and 9.36 and 9.31°C for FCV-F9 for the first-order and Weibull models, respectively. This study provides more precise information than previous reports on the thermal inactivation kinetics of two norovirus surrogates for use in thermal process calculations.
Going in Depth on Informed Consent

In this issue’s column, questions are addressed regarding one of the most important and often confusing issues in clinical trials—the process of informed consent. Almost 10% of the time, inspection outcomes include a finding related to how informed consent is conducted at the inspected research
Vital Signs Predict Rapid-Response Team Activation Within Twelve Hours of Emergency Department Admission.

Introduction: Rapid-response teams (RRTs) are interdisciplinary groups created to rapidly assess and treat patients with unexpected clinical deterioration marked by decline in vital signs. Traditionally emergency department (ED) disposition is partially based on the patients’ vital signs (VS) at the time of hospital admission. We aimed to identify which patients will have RRT activation within 12 hours of admission based on their ED VS, and if their outcomes differed. Methods: We conducted a case-control study of patients presenting from January 2009 to December 2012 to a tertiary ED who subsequently had RRT activations within 12 hours of admission (early RRT activations). The medical records of patients 18 years and older admitted to a non-intensive care unit (ICU) setting were reviewed to obtain VS at the time of ED arrival and departure, age, gender and diagnoses. Controls were matched 1:1 on age, gender, and diagnosis. We evaluated VS using cut points (lowest 10%, middle 80% and highest 10%) based on the distribution of VS for all patients. Our study adheres to the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines for reporting observational studies. Results: A total of 948 patients were included (474 cases and 474 controls). Patients who had RRT activations were more likely to be tachycardic (odds ratio [OR] 2.02, 95% CI [1.25-3.27]), tachypneic (OR 2.92, 95% CI [1.73-4.92]), and had lower oxygen saturations (OR 2.25, 95% CI [1.42-3.56]) upon arrival to the ED. Patients who had RRT activations were more likely to be tachycardic at the time of disposition from the ED (OR 2.76, 95% CI [1.65-4.60]), more likely to have extremes of systolic blood pressure (BP) (OR 1.72, 95% CI [1.08-2.72] for low BP and OR 1.82, 95% CI [1.19-2.80] for high BP), higher respiratory rate (OR 4.15, 95% CI [2.44-7.07]) and lower oxygen saturation (OR 2.29, 95% CI [1.43-3.67]). Early RRT activation was associated with increased healthcare utilization and worse outcomes including increased rates of ICU admission within 72 hours (OR 38.49, 95%CI [19.03-77.87]), invasive interventions (OR 5.49, 95%CI [3.82-7.89]), mortality at 72 hours (OR 4.24, 95%CI [1.60-11.24]), and mortality at one month (OR 4.02, 95%CI [2.44-6.62]). Conclusion: After matching for age, gender and ED diagnosis, we found that patients with an abnormal heart rate, respiratory rate or oxygen saturation at the time of ED arrival or departure are more likely to trigger RRT activation within 12 hours of admission. Early RRT activation was associated with higher mortality at 72 hours and one month, increased rates of invasive intervention and ICU admission. Determining risk factors of early RRT activation is of clinical, operational, and financial importance, as improved medical decision-making regarding disposition would maximize allocation of resources while potentially limiting morbidity and mortality.
Beginning Design Technology

Preface Acknowledgements Introduction 1. Selection: Learning About Remote Buildings Through Media 2. Grain: Understanding the Inherent Texture of Digital and Physical Objects 3. Translation: Moving Between and Among Architectural Media 4. Operation: The Impact of Scale on Representation 5. Gravity: Testing the Limits of Simulation and Representation 6. Reflection Appendix A Appendix B Glossary Bibliography Image Credits Index
Construction and Screening of an Antigen-Derived Peptide Library Displayed on Yeast Cell Surface for CD4+ T Cell Epitope Identification

Identification of T cell epitopes is a critical, but often difficult step in studying T cell function and developing peptide-based vaccines and immunotherapies. Unlike antibodies that recognize free soluble antigens, T cell receptor (TCR) recognizes its epitope bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expressed on antigen presenting cells (APCs). In addition, the examination of T cell epitope activity requires the use of professional APCs, which are difficult to isolate, expand, and maintain. To address these issues, we have developed a facile, accurate, and high-throughput method for T cell epitope mapping by screening antigen-derived peptide libraries in complex with MHC protein displayed on yeast cell surface. Here, we use hemagglutinin and influenza A virus X31/A/Aichi/68 as examples to describe the key steps in identification of CD4+ T cell epitopes from a single antigenic protein and the entire genome of a pathogen, respectively. Methods for single-chain peptide-MHC complex vector design, yeast surface display, peptide library generation in Escherichia coli, and functional screening in Saccharomyces cerevisiae are discussed.
Muslim Women Leaders and Legal Reform in Postcolonial Kenya

The post-Cold War conditions created new socio-political spaces in Kenya for new articulations of Muslim women’s public activism and leadership. This essay focuses on two such Muslim women in terms of their leadership responses to issues of Muslim women’s rights in Kenya as framed within a secular paradigm, on the one hand, and within an Islamic one, on the other. In spite of their differences, the essay concludes the efforts of the two leaders complement each other in fundamental ways, especially with regards to their contributions to the national debates on the Shari’a and the reform of the Kadhi’s Court.
Regioselective C–H/C–X activation of naphthyl-derived ligands to form six-membered palladacycles

Imine N^N^C-type pincer ligands were reacted with palladium(II) acetate and palladium(0) bis(dibenzylideneacetone) and the regioselective C–H and C–X activation was studied. C–X bonds that formed six-membered rings were selectively activated over C–H bonds; in addition sp2 C–H bonds were selectively activated over sp3 CH bonds. The formation and regioselectivity of the cyclometalated palladium(II) complexes were characterized by NMR, MS, and XRD. Photoluminescence studies of cyclopalladated complexes were conducted.
Be careful what you wish for: Commentary on Ebersole et al. (2016)

Abstract Ebersole et al.'s (2016) attempt to replicate Monin and Miller (2001) raises important questions about choosing beforehand which statistical test is the target of a replication. While our original theory a priori only predicted a main effect of the credentials manipulation, we had observed in the study reproduced here an unexpected interaction with participant gender. The current paper fails to replicate this originally unpredicted interaction, which it initially codes as a failure (Table 3), but significantly replicates the main effect of the credentials manipulation as an “added effect.” Ebersole et al. graciously acknowledge that the latter effect is of greater theoretical importance to our original theory, but the fact remains that the main pre-registered prediction for this replication (the interaction with gender) failed to garner empirical support. In this brief commentary I discuss issues with deciding a priori what should count as a replication, and own up to my responsibility making the ill-fated gender interaction be the centerpiece of this replication attempt.
Understanding agency in interactions between children with autism and socially assistive robots

Socially assistive robotics (SAR) has increasingly been shown to have potential as a tool for social skills therapy for children with autism, a developmental disorder associated with atypical social development. This work presents the results of a study of robot agency on child-robot interactions involving children with autism. We describe the development of a SAR interaction scenario with both agent-like and object-like robot behaviors and present the results of a pilot study of six children with autism interacting with a humanoid robot with the full controller, as well as three types of control: a non-humanoid "box" robot with similar behavior (reduced morphological agency), a humanoid robot with random behavior (reduced behavioral agency), and a robotic toy (reduced morphological and behavioral agency). We find that the children can be divided into two groups depending on their reaction to the robot; for some children, the robot was an engaging object that elicited social behavior by providing novel and appealing sensory experiences (primarily bubbleblowing), while for other children, the robot was an agent and elicited social behavior through agentlike actions such as autonomous movement. We found that the first group had small differences between robot conditions and vocalized most with the bubble-blowing toy, while the second group vocalized most with the humanoid robots and looked less at the humanoid portion of the robot with reduced behavioral agency.
Readiness of Sub-Saharan Africa Healthcare Systems for the New Pandemic, Diabetes: A Systematic Review.

Background. Effective health systems are needed to care for the coming surge of diabetics in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Objective. We conducted a systematic review of literature to determine the capacity of SSA health systems to manage diabetes. Methodology. We used three different databases (Embase, Scopus, and PubMed) to search for studies, published from 2004 to 2017, on diabetes care in SSA. Results. Fifty-five articles met the inclusion criteria, covering the different aspects related to diabetes care such as availability of drugs and diagnostic tools, the capacity of healthcare workers, and the integration of diabetes care into HIV and TB platforms. Conclusion. Although chronic care health systems in SSA have developed significantly in the last decade, the capacity for managing diabetes remains in its infancy. We identified pilot projects to enhance these capacities. The scale-up of these pilot interventions and the integration of diabetes care into existing robust chronic disease platforms may be a feasible approach to begin to tackle the upcoming pandemic in diabetes. Nonetheless, much more work needs to be done to address the health system-wide deficiencies in diabetes care. More research is also needed to determine how to integrate diabetes care into the healthcare system in SSA.
A lifetime and power sensitive design optimization framework for a radio frequency circuit

This paper presents a lifetime and power sensitive framework for optimizing a radio frequency circuit. A lifetime assessment flow for a radio frequency circuit is proposed for frontend-of-line (FEOL) time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB). Also, a model relating a transistor's width and performance metrics along with circuit lifetime is constructed via multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS). The resulting lifetime, power and design specifications trade-off information can be used to guide a circuit designer to improve their circuits in a more robust and reliable way.
Biomechanics of the Spine

This article outlines the static and kinetic aspects of the spine as the basis for orthotic prescription.
The American Dream in Postsocialist Hungary: Melodrama, Reflexivity, and Transference in Elite Swimming

Hungarian-born, 3-time Olympic champion Katinka Hosszu and her American coach-husband Shane Tusup revolutionized elite swimming through a training methodology that produced one of the most spectacu...
Visualization and Simulation of Carbon Structures with Higher Genus

The Computational Science Initiative (CSI) department at Brookhaven National Laboratory involves varied and interdisciplinary work through out all sciences. In particular, we worked within the realm of computational chemistry through the means of studying carbon nanotori structures via their visualization and simulation. Compounds like graphene and other carbon allotropes, such as the nanotorus, have been in the eye of scientists for several years due to their unique polyhex structures which provide unique topologies and therefore possibly unique material properties. C++ code to generate Cartesian coordinates for an arbitrary torus was utilized to allow the use of molecular editing and modeling programs, such as Avogadro or Visual Molecular Dynamics (VMD) to design multiple genus nanocarbon toroidal structures. Several files were generated that contained multiple genus to them, namely a double torus, triple torus, and quadruple torus, all based off of a single genus carbon nanotorus from previous said code. Bond angle information was then utilized through.report files generated from structures files (.xyz or.cml) to allow for vertices and thereby neighboring atoms to the vertices to be identified. With these identified atoms for the above multiple genus structures, as well as for the C240 buckyball fullerene and carbon nanotorus, we wrote C++ code to generate an adjacency matrix for each respective one. These matrices were then subsequently used to generate eigenvalues and eigenvectors through a Mathmatica function for each structure. Using these values we can study the energies of these systems and thereby its functionalities and properties.
Emerging Nano‐/Microapproaches for Cancer Immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy has achieved remarkable clinical efficacy through recent advances such as chimeric antigen receptor-T cell (CAR-T) therapy, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, and neoantigen vaccines. However, application of immunotherapy in a clinical setting has been limited by low durable response rates and immune-related adverse events. The rapid development of nano-/microtechnologies in the past decade provides potential strategies to improve cancer immunotherapy. Advances of nano-/microparticles such as virus-like size, high surface to volume ratio, and modifiable surfaces for precise targeting of specific cell types can be exploited in the design of cancer vaccines and delivery of immunomodulators. Here, the emerging nano-/microapproaches in the field of cancer vaccines, immune checkpoint blockade, and adoptive or indirect immunotherapies are summarized. How nano-/microparticles improve the efficacy of these therapies, relevant immunological mechanisms, and how nano-/microparticle methods are able to accelerate the clinical translation of cancer immunotherapy are explored.
SYNCOPE AND AN INTRA-HISIAN ATRIOVENTRICULAR (AV) BLOCK AFTER RADIATION THERAPY

Disease in Bundle of His (Intra-His block) presents an uncommon diagnostic challenge to clinicians. Formal diagnosis is made with electrophysiological (EP) study. We present a patient with remote history of chest radiation (XRT) for breast carcinoma and sudden onset syncope. 53-year old female
On the cosmological evolution of long gamma-ray burst properties

We examine the relationship between a number of long gamma-ray burst (lGRB) properties (isotropic emitted energy, luminosity, intrinsic duration, jet opening angle) and redshift. We find that even when accounting for conservative detector flux limits, there appears to be a significant correlation between isotropic equivalent energy and redshift, suggesting cosmological evolution of the lGRB progenitor. Analyzing a sub-sample of lGRBs with jet opening angle estimates, we find the beaming-corrected lGRB emitted energy does not correlate with redshift, but jet opening angle does. Additionally, we find a statistically significant anti-correlation between the intrinsic prompt duration and redshift, even when accounting for potential selection effects. We also find that - for a given redshift - isotropic energy is positively correlated with intrinsic prompt duration. None of these GRB properties appear to be correlated with galactic offset. From our selection-effect-corrected redshift distribution, we estimate a co-moving rate density for lGRBs, and compare this to the global cosmic star formation rate (SFR). We find the lGRB rate mildly exceeds the global star formation rate between a redshift of 3 and 5, and declines rapidly at redshifts above this (although we cannot constrain the lGRB rate above a redshift of about 6 due to sample incompleteness). We find the lGRB rate diverges significantly from the SFR at lower redshifts. We discuss both the correlations and lGRB rate density in terms of various lGRB progenitor models and their apparent preference for low-metallicity environments.
Effects of Passive Negative Correlation Attack on Sensors Utilizing Physical Key Extraction in Indoor Wireless Body Area Networks

Due to the unique properties of wireless body area networks (WBANs), a strategically positioned eavesdropper can achieve a channel with negative correlation. This article demonstrates that negative correlation can be exploited and poses a significant threat for sensors utilizing key extraction techniques that rely on the physical layer and make use of channel-state information. In particular, we show that a commonly used method to improve key agreement between legitimate parties, such as moving average, boosts the confidence of the negatively correlated attacker by 23%. We also show that the quantizer parameters need to be selected carefully to avoid information leak. Interestingly, our results indicate that such an attacker can be located much farther from the legitimate party and can gain more information as compared to an adversary that is located closer but does not experience negative correlation.
Activity of Lenalidomide in a Phase II Single Institution Study in Non-Del(5q) Transfusion Dependent, Patients with Low and Intermediate-1 Risklower-Risk, Non-Del(5q) Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS))): Results From a Single-Institution Phase II Study

Abstract Abstract 4929 In a previous multi-center Phase II study, lenalidomide resulted in a 43% overall hematologic response with 26% of patients achieving transfusion independence (TI) among 214 non-del(5q) red blood cell (RBC) transfusion-dependent patients with International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) lower-risk MDS (Raza et al Blood. 2008). A single institution follow-up trial was conducted in patients with low or Int-1 risk non-del(5q) MDS, a platelet count of >50, 000 and requiredat least 2 units of blood required in 8 weeks. Fifty-six patients received lenalidomide at a starting dose of 10 mg qday. There were 41 males and 15 females, and the median age was 71 years. By IPSS, 27 had low-risk disease and 22 had Int-1-risk disease, while IPSS could not be assigned for 7 patients. By cytogenetics, 38 patients had a normal karyotype, 12 showed abnormalities, while data could not be obtained for 4 patients due to culture failure. Morphologic classification consisted of: RA=17, RCMD=16, RARS=4, RCMD-RS=7, RARS-T=1 and RAEB-1=11. Median duration of MDS was 12 months (range 1–120 months). Median transfusion requirement was 2 units in 8 weeks prior to starting therapy. Median duration of lenalidomide therapy was 4 months (range, 1–36+ months). Treatment was generally well tolerated. The most common Grade 3/4 toxicity was myelosuppression, with 17 (30%) experiencing thrombocytopenia, 12/(21%) neutropenia and 1 leukopenia (2%). Other Grade 3/4 toxicities included diarrhea (7%) rash (2%), and fatigue (2%). At least one dose reduction was required for 33 (59%) patients. Intent-to-treat analysis showed hematologic response (HI) by the IWG-R criteria in 23 (41%) patients, no response in 25(44%) patients, and other failure in 8 (14%) patients. Among the 23 responders, 18 (32%) achieved TI. Median time to response was 2 cycles (6 weeks), with 6 patients responding in cycle 1, 9 in cycle 2, 5 in cycle 3 and 1 each in cycles 4, 5, 6, respectively. Median duration of response was 294 days (approximately 10 months), with durations ranging from 44+ days to 936+ days (+ indicates continuing response). We confirm in this 56-patient, single institution phase II study that lenalidomide has substantial clinical activity in transfusion-dependent, lower-risk non-del(5q) MDS, with results comparable to those previously reported in the multi-center phase II study. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Conclusion: The Battle Continues

This chapter captures and analyzes the results from the original case studies developed for this study. It conducts a structured, focused comparison of the data in relation to propositions from our model of minority influence, and we draw implications for theories of factionalism and foreign policy. The chapter then discusses insights in relation to the broader literature on partisanship, polarization, and minority influence, and identifies avenues for further exploration.
A nonlinear method of learning neuro-fuzzy models for dynamic control systems

Abstract The paper describes a new learning algorithm of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems that is based on the method of areas’ ratio (MAR-ANFIS). Using linear and nonlinear functions we obtain a generalized model for fuzzy inference. Considering various implication methods, different t- or s- norms and equations for fuzzy inference composition we can change the properties of the resulting output variable. As an example, we illustrate the proposed learning algorithm and show its distinctive characteristics. Firstly, MAR-ANFIS learning algorithm is additive. Secondly, soft operators provide symmetry for the output variable. Also, the proposed algorithm that allows improving accuracy when learning fuzzy system and speed of its learning. Using detailed numerically calculated RMSE and MAPE we evaluate the proposed algorithm. High accuracy of the proposed MAR-ANFIS is confirmed through the calculation of the learning time of neuro-fuzzy network RMSE and MAPE.
Predicting Student Retention Using Support Vector Machines

Abstract Universities and colleges have a constant focus on improving student retention and degree completion rates. Degree completion impacts the reputation of the institution, as it is a reflection of institutional ability to prepare graduates with the specific skills that contribute to society through STEM majors. Colleges and universities collect considerable amounts of student data; however, efforts need to be made to utilize the data to increase student success. For instance, by determining the factors that influence student retention and completion rates, it is possible to improve advising through intentional student advising. To this end, this research presents the application of support vector machines (SVM) to predict degree completion within three years by STEM community college students. SVM enables the classification of the input variables into expected classes, completion and not completion, by maximizing the margin between the points from the different classes constraining the misclassification. The model was developed using data on 282 students with 9 variables. The variables included age, gender, degree, and college GPA, among others. The model results, which include prediction and variables ranking, offer an important understanding about how to develop a more efficient and responsive system to support students.
Myeloablative Fractionated Busulfan Conditioning Regimen in Older Patients: Results of a Phase II Study

Background Traditionally, pre-transplant conditioning regimen is given over 4-6 days before hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). Delivering higher dose chemotherapy preparative regimen over a longer time period has not been tested previously. We hypothesized that the delivery of myeloablative dose of busulfan over a 3-week period may reduce toxicity and non-relapse mortality (NRM), without affecting relapse, and tested this in a prospective phase II study. Methods Patients between 18 and 70 years of age with hematological malignancies and adequate organ function, with 8/8-HLA matched related or unrelated donor were eligible. They received a fixed dose of busulfan 80mg/m2 as outpatient on days -20 and -13. Then, fludarabine 40mg/m2 was given on days -6 to -2 followed by busulfan dosed to achieve target area under the curve (AUC) of 20,000 mol/min for the whole course based on pharmacokinetic studies. GVHD prophylaxis was cyclophosphamide (PTCy) 50mg/kg on days 3 and 4 and tacrolimus. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was added to later unrelated donor recipients. All patients received standard supportive care. The primary endpoint was day 100 NRM. Results We enrolled 52 patients with a median age of 62 (range, 39-69) years. Almost half (n=25, 48%) had AML or MDS and the other half (n=26, 50%) had had CML or MPD; 1 (2%) had multiple myeloma. Low, intermediate, high and very-high disease risk index (DRI) was present in 3 (6%), 34 (65%), 14 (27%) and 1 (2%). HCT-comorbidity index was ≥3 in 23 (44%) and 1-2 (n=23, 44%). A majority (n=32, 62%) had an unrelated donor. With a median follow up of 14 months (range, 3-23), NRM at day 100 was 1.9% (n=1) and 8% (95% CI, 0-15) at 1 year. Overall survival, progression-free survival and relapse at 1-year were 83% (95% CI, 73-95%), 78% (95% CI, 67-91%), and 14% (95% CI, 4-24%), respectively [Table]. There were no graft failures. The median time to neutrophil engraftment was 17 days (range, 13-33) and that of platelets (≥ 20K/µL, n=45) was 24 days (range, 9-266). Day 100 grade II-IV and III-IV acute GVHD rates were 37% (95% CI, 23-50%) and 6% (95% CI, 0-12%), respectively; 1-year chronic GVHD and extensive chronic GVHD rates were 9% (95% CI, 0-17%) and 7% (95% CI, 0-14%), respectively. Overall survival at 1-year differed significantly among patients with low/intermediate DRI (94%; 87-100%) and those with high/very high DRI (53%; 31-91%), P=0.001. Conclusion Myeloablative fractionated busulfan regimen with PTCy GVHD prophylaxis is feasible in older patients, has low incidence of severe acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, and NRM and results in promising overall survival.
LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF ASPIRIN ON CARDIAC ALLOGRAFT VASCULOPATHY PROGRESSION AND ADVERSE OUTCOMES AFTER HEART TRANSPLANTATION

Enhanced platelet reactivity may play a role in the development and progression of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). The use of anti-platelet agents following heart transplantation (HT) has been inconsistent and although aspirin is often a part of the medication regimen after HT, limited
Orbital Debris Wire Harness Failure Assessment for the Joint Polar Satellite System

Abstract The objective of this paper is to present the results of two hypervelocity impact failure risk assessments for critical wire bundles exposed aboard the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS-1) to an increased orbital debris environment at its 824 km, 98.8 deg inclination orbit. The first “generic” approach predicted the number of wires broken by orbital debris ejecta emerging from normal impact with multi-layer insulation (MLI) covering 36, 18, and 6 strand wire bundles at a 5 cm standoff using the Smooth Particle Hydrodynamic (SPH) code. This approach also included a mathematical approach for computing the probability that redundant wires were severed within the bundle. Based in part on the high computed risk of a critical wire bundle failure from the generic approach, an enhanced orbital debris protection design was examined, consisting of betacloth-reinforced MLI suspended at a 5 cm standoff over a seven layer betacloth and Kevlar blanket, draped over the exposed wire bundles. A second SPH-based risk assessment was conducted that also included the beneficial effects from the high (75 degree) obliquity of orbital debris impact owing to the flight orientation of the exposed wiring and shadowing by other spacecraft components. These factors resulted in a considerably reduced likelihood of critical wire bundle failure compared to the original baseline design with normal impacts and no shadowing.
Reactivity of Magic-Size Nanoclusters (CdSe)13 and (CdTe)13 with Acids: Rapid, Low-Temperature Formation of Flat Colloidal Nanocrystals

The amine-ligated magic-size nanoclusters [(II-VI)13(n-octylamine)13] (II–VI = CdSe and CdTe) and acids HX (X = OBz, OAc, NO3, Br, and Cl where OBz = benzoate and OAc = acetate) react to afford cry...
Impacts of China’s Economic and Development Zone Program

This paper examines the impact of economic and development zones (EDZs) on the productivity of incumbent firms in China. To deal with the selection issue, I first take into account potentially different selection mechanisms across two popular types of EDZs – economic and technological development zones (ETDZs) and high-tech development zones (HTDZs) – by relying on multiple treatment propensity scores matching techniques. Next, I apply the difference-in-differences estimator to the matched sample and conduct an event study analysis. The results show that the respective effects of ETDZs and HTDZs on firm productivity are positive, but subject to a non-linear trend over time. The size of the productivity gains depends critically on the type of EDZ, however. A new HTDZ (ETDZ) leads to an average productivity gain of up to 30.2% (18.4%) for incumbent firms in the five years after the zone was created. These findings suggest that the size of productivity spillovers for spatially targeted firms differ quite significantly depending on the strategic development and policy goals of the EDZ: HTDZs that focus on promoting indigenous-based factors of learning lead to higher productivity spillovers compared to ETDZs that focus on promoting extra-local linkages.