cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical Fiber Drawing Process Model Using an Analytical Neck-Down Profile

Numerical models play an important role in the design of the optical fiber drawing process for tailored mechanical properties and optical transmission characteristics. The rigorous part of a numerical fiber drawing model is the determination of the neck-down profile, which is calculated based on a force balance along the fiber axis, requiring intensive numerical iterations for solution. An alternative approach has been the use of an empirical neck-down profile based on experimental results; however, this approach is restricted to the simulation of the particular drawing conditions used in the experiments. This paper presents an approach to numerical simulations of an optical fiber drawing process where an analytical hyperbolic tangent function is used to describe the neck-down shape in a generalized manner, and the parameters of the function are determined based on a force balance for the drawing conditions. The physical model is based on a 2-D numerical analysis of the flow, heat, and mass transfer phenomena involved in the drawing and cooling processes during the manufacturing of optical glass fibers. The effects of fiber draw speed, maximum furnace temperature, and the furnace length on the neck-down profile are investigated and discussed in terms of the final fiber radius and the draw tension. The approach provides for computationally efficient process simulations without the need to fit the neck-down profile to experimental data.
Fully Threaded Versus Partially Threaded Screws: Determining Shear in Cancellous Bone Fixation

Many researchers have studied and compared various forms of intraosseous fixation. No studies have examined the effects of shear through stiffness and failure strength of a fully threaded versus a partially threaded screw. Our hypothesis was that the fully threaded lag screw technique would provide greater shear strength and resistance. Thirty-six synthetic sawbone blocks were used to test screw fixation. In group 1 (n = 9), 2 blocks were fixed together using a fully threaded 4.0-mm stainless steel cancellous bone screw and the lag technique. In group 2 (n = 8), 2 blocks were fixed together using the standard manufacturer-recommended method for inserting 4.0-mm partially threaded stainless steel cancellous bone screws. The constructs were then mechanically tested. Shear was applied by compressing each construct at an axial displacement rate of 0.5 mm/s until failure. The fully threaded screw had a significantly greater (p = .026) initial stiffness (106.4 ± 15.8 N/mm) than the partially threaded screw (80.1 ± 27.5 N/mm). The yield load and displacement for the fully threaded group (429.4 ± 11.7 N and 7.2 ± 0.35 mm) were 64% and 67% greater than those for the partially threaded screw group (261.4 ± 26.1 N and 4.3 ± 1.03 mm), respectively. The results of the present study have demonstrated the importance of a full-thread construct to prevent shear and to decrease strain at the fracture. The confirmation of our hypothesis questions the future need and use of partially threaded screws for cancellous bone fixation.
Aegis: A Single-Chip Secure Processor

In this article, we introduce a single-chip secure processor called Aegis. In addition to supporting mechanisms to authenticate the platform and software, our processor incorporates mechanisms to protect the integrity and privacy of applications from physical attacks as well as software attacks. Therefore, physically secure systems can be built using this processor. Two key primitives, physical unclonable functions (PUFs) and off-chip memory protection, enable the physical security of our system. These primitives can also be easily applied to other secure computing systems to enhance their security.
Constitutive and Inducible Expression of Cyp1a1 and Cyp1b1 in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Role of the Ahr bHLH/PAS Transcription Factor

Abstract— Ahr is a ligand-activated bHLH/PAS transcription factor involved in cytochrome P450 (CYP) gene regulation and murine susceptibility to atherogenic stimuli. The present studies were conducted to examine constitutive and inducible expression of Cyp1a1 and Cyp1b1 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from Ahr +/+ and Ahr −/− mice. Cyp1a1 mRNA was not expressed constitutively in VSMCs irrespective of Ahr phenotype. Although Cyp1a1 was inducible in Ahr +/+ by 3 μmol/L benzo(a)pyrene, a known hydrocarbon inducer, the protein was uninducible. In contrast, Cyp1b1 mRNA and protein were expressed under constitutive and inducible conditions irrespective of Ahr phenotype or growth status. CYP-encoded aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity was higher in Ahr −/− VSMCs under constitutive conditions and induced by benzo(a)pyrene in Ahr +/+ and Ahr −/− VSMCs. CYP expression was influenced by mitogenic status, because randomly cycling cells consistently exhibited higher levels than growth-arrested counterparts. Actinomycin D (2 μg/mL) or cycloheximide (10 μmol/L) did not inhibit constitutive or hydrocarbon-inducible aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity in VSMCs. These data indicate that in murine VSMCs, expression of Cyp1al and Cyp1b1 is differentially influenced by Ahr phenotype and mitogenic status, with patterns that may dictate inherent susceptibility to atherogenic stimuli.
Transmission Line and Equivalent Circuit Models for Plasmonic Waveguide Components

Modeling of waveguide junctions using transmission lines and lumped circuit elements is common practice in microwave networks. By the help of the scattering matrix formalism, it is possible to describe junction effects in a very concise way. Such a representation is crucial for the design of complex systems containing many interacting parts. Using scattering matrices, we characterize symmetric junctions between 2-D metal--insulator--metal (MIM) waveguides with optical signals at infrared frequencies (1550 nm) propagating in them. We verify our characterization by perfectly matching a wavelength-sized MIM waveguide to a subwavelength-sized one using a Smith chart. We then map the scattering matrix description to an equivalent lumped circuit representation and discuss the physical significance of its elements. We show that the simplified characteristic impedance model is appropriate for the deep subwavelength regime. The scattering matrix model for the MIM junctions leads to simplified analysis that can be integrated into circuit modeling software packages, such as SPICE.
MD/MBA Students: An Analysis of Medical Student Career Choice

Background: An increasing number of medical schools are offering dual degree MD/MBA programs. Career choices and factors influencing students to enter these programs provide an indicator of the roles in which dual degree students will serve in health care as well as the future of dual degree programs. Purpose: Using career choice theory as a conceptual framework, career goals and factors influencing decisions to enter dual degree programs were assessed among dual degree medical students. Methods: Students enrolled at dual degree programs at six medical schools were surveyed and interviewed. A control group of traditional medical students was also surveyed. Results: Factors influencing students to seek both medical and business training are varied but are often related to a desire for leadership opportunities, concerns about change in medicine and job security and personal career goals. Most students expect to combine clinical and administrative roles. Conclusions: Students entering these programs do so for a variety of reasons and plan diverse careers. These findings can provide guidance for program development and recruitment for dual degree medical education programs
The Affordable Care Act: a case study for understanding and applying complexity concepts to health care reform.

Rationale, aims and objectives The current health system in the United States is the result of a history of patchwork policy decisions and cultural assumptions that have led to persistent contradictions in practice, gaps in coverage, unsustainable costs, and inconsistent outcomes. In working toward a more efficient health system, understanding and applying complexity science concepts will allow for policy that better promotes desired outcomes and minimizes the effects of unintended consequences. Methods This paper will consider three applied complexity science concepts in the context of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA): developing a shared vision around reimbursement for value, creating an environment for emergence through simple rules, and embracing transformational leadership at all levels. Results and conclusions Transforming the US health system, or any other health system, will be neither easy nor quick. Applying complexity concepts to health reform efforts, however, will facilitate long-term change in all levels, leading to health systems that are more effective, efficient, and equitable.
Surgical Resection of Primary Cardiac Lymphoma

Primary cardiac lymphoma is a rare cardiac malignancy. Surgical resection is rarely performed on this disease entity. We report a case of primary cardiac lymphoma with rapid progression. Debulking surgery was done extensively before final pathology was obtained. Complete remission was exhibited after several courses of chemotherapy.
A simplified method for analysis of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Analysis of fatty acid composition of biological materials is a common task in lipid research. Conventionally, preparation of samples for fatty acid analysis by gas chromatography involves two separate procedures: lipid extraction and methylation. This conventional method is complicated, tedious and time consuming. Development of a rapid and simple method for lipid analysis is warranted. We simplified the conventional method by combining the extraction and methylation into a single step (omitting the procedure of prior extraction). Various biological samples including cultured cells, animal tissues and human specimens have been tested using the new method. Statistical analysis indicates that the recovery of long chain fatty acids from tissue samples by the simplified method is significantly higher than that by the traditional method, but there is no difference in relative fatty acid composition between the two methods. This simplified method can significantly save time and materials, and reduce the potentials of sample loss and contamination. The lipid extraction procedure prior to methylation employed conventionally in lipid analysis can be omitted without affecting the recovery of long chain (≥ 18 C) fatty acids and their composition. The simplified method is rapid, easy-to-use, suitable for analysis of total long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid contents (e.g. n-6 and n-3 fatty acids) in various biological samples, especially when the number of samples to be analyzed is large and/or the specimen size is small.
A triggering structure recognized by G7 monoclonal antibody on porcine lymphocytes and granulocytes.

Abstract Monoclonal antibody (mAb) G7 has been developed and appears to recognize a triggering structure on porcine natural killer (NK) cells and granulocytes. G7 mAb binds to approximately 13% of lymphocytes, 70% of monocytes, and >95% of granulocytes. G7 mAb does not react with B cells. G7 mAb immunoprecipitates a heterodispersed molecule of ~40 kDa. Functionally, whole but not F(ab′) 2 fragments of G7 mAb enhance NK killing of Fc receptor positive K562, U937, and MOLT-4 targets but not Fc receptor negative CEM, WEHI-164, or YAC-1 targets. Both whole and F(ab′) 2 fragments of G7 mAb inhibit lymphocyte-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Interestingly, G7 mAb induces dramatic levels of granulocyte killing against nucleated K562 targets. These results suggest that G7 mAb recognizes a trigger molecule involved in porcine cellular cytotoxicity.
Factors related to medication adherence in memory disorder clinic patients

Medication adherence is a substantial problem in the elderly. It may be even more important among elderly persons with memory problems, since other factors that lead to non-adherence may be compounded with the memory problems themselves. The objective was to determine whether a model that integrates research on medication adherence from several research domains is useful in understanding adherence in elderly patients. The methodology involved a cross-sectional observational study using a convenience sample of 63 patients drawn from a university-affiliated outpatient memory disorders clinic. The primary measure of medication adherence was caregivers’ reports of patients’ medication adherence. Patients and their caregivers were asked questions assessing their beliefs about the seriousness of each condition for which a medication was prescribed and the likely outcome of that condition without treatment. Additional data collected included presence of side effects, total number of medications taken, and patien...
Differential Nectar Foraging by Africanized and European Honeybees in the Neotropics

SummaryA one-year study was conducted on nectar foraging and honey storage by Africanized (tropical) and European (temperate) honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies. Patterns of nectar foraging were distinctly different in the two geographical types. Among Africanized honeybees, lower proportions of the foraging force were engaged in foraging for nectar only, but a higher proportion foraged for both nectar and pollen. In addition, Africanized bees collected lower volumes per foraging trip than European honeybees, but returned to the colony with nectars having a higher sugar content. The two geographical types contributed similar amounts of joules (energy) per average forager and, therefore, made similar net contributions of carbohydrate energy to the colony. However, European colonies always had more stored honey than Africanized colonies. The observed differences in foraging patterns could not account for all of the measured difference in stored honey; several testable hypotheses are presented to explain ...
Constructing and defining technical diagrams used in software engineering projects

Software engineering and development projects can be viewed as primarily a problem-solving activity. Inherent to successful problem-solving in this field is the ability to abstract complexity and effectively communicate solution plans to others. An exploration of visual modeling using a variety of diagrams can provide a structured approach for students to relate problem-solving and communication as part of systems analysis and design process. This exploration can lead to better student comprehension of the modeling process in general and creation of more effective diagrams. By first concentrating on the accuracy in the use of diagram symbols and diagram use, the long term outcome is better prepared students who are ready for more advanced client, or project-centered work. This nifty assignment focuses on constructing technical diagram using an active-learning or laboratory approach suitable for students enrolled in their first systems analysis and design or software engineering course.
Effects of Colors on Mood in the Drawings of Young Children

Recognizing associations between color and mood in adults, including cross-cultural similarities, this study sought to determine these associations in young children. 18 preschool boys and girls drew faces on 14 colored human figures, each of a different color and sex combination. Mouth drawings were rated as happy, sad, or indifferent. Chi squared analyses showed no support for an effect of color or sex. A strong bias towards a happy mood was noted, irrespective of color.
Shock-Induced Inelastic Deformation in Oriented Crystalline Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate

Molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the mechanisms of shock-induced inelastic deformation in oriented single crystals of the energetic material pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). Supported planar shock waves with Rankine–Hugoniot shock pressures PR–H ∼ 9 GPa were propagated along two different crystal directions: one that is sensitive to initiation ([001]) and another that is relatively insensitive to initiation ([100]). Qualitatively, it was observed that for the sensitive orientation only elastic compression occurred, leading to the propagation of a single wave through the material, whereas for the insensitive direction elastic compression at and immediately behind the shock front was followed by inelastic deformation, leading to a two-wave structure in which the sharp elastic front moves through the crystal at a higher speed than the broader plastic wave. The detailed responses were characterized by calculating several structural and thermal properties including: relative center-of-mass...
Dynamics of Photon Localization

Steep fall-off of leakage rate of electromagnetic waves with photon transit time as well as rise of fluctuations and correlation are observed in localized samples and compared to models of transport of localized waves.
Epidemiological study of bacillary dysentery in Beijing Dongcheng district from 2008-2013

Objective To study the epidemiology of bacillary dysentery in Beijing Dongcheng district from 2008-2013,so as to provide pertinent preventive and control measures. Methods Clinical diagnosed cases in Dongcheng district from 2008-2013 were epidemiologically analyzed using descriptive epidemiology. Results A total of 4130 cases were reported in Dongcheng district from 2008-2013 which gave an average annual incidence rate of 107. 88 /100,000. Hepingli street area showed the highest incidence rate,142. 85 /100,000. A seasonal pattern was found with the highest incidence rate in summer and autumn,the total case reported from May to Oct accounted for 87. 09% of the total reported cases. The infections were mostly concentrated in 0-5 years old baby,15-35 years old adults and old people with an age above 85. Statistical analysis showed a significant higher incidence rate in men( χ2= 8. 98,P 0. 05). The mostly affected three occupations were cadre staff( 25. 10%),retired personnel( 20. 04%) and students( 11. 75%). Since 2011,Shigellasonnei had replaced Shigella to be the dominant genus.Conclusion The incidence rate of bacillary dysentery in Dongcheng District from 2008-2013 showed an overall downward trend except in 2011 which showed an increased incidence rate. The subsequent work should focus on health education for susceptible populations in key areas,especially emphasize the importance of hand hygiene and self-protection. Timely feedback to medical facilities about the changes of dominant genus will guide optional clinical medication,shorten illness course and prevent emergence of new drug resistant bacteria.
Synthesis, Properties, and Stacking of Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

Abstract In 2004, the study about monolayer carbon film, namely graphene, opens a new era of materials science research: Two-dimensional (2D) materials. It attracts the tremendous interests in the unique properties when materials’ dimension is reduced ( Novoselov et al., 2004 ). In the recent 10 years, there has been rapidly increasing study focusing on 2D materials beyond graphene ( Bhimanapati et al., 2015 ). A large family of 2D materials have gradually been revealed including conductors (graphene), semiconductors (transition metal dichalcogenides, TMDs), and insulators (hexagonal boron nitride (hBN)). In this family, TMDs fit the application on transistors and photosensors best due to its appropriate band gap (visible light range). Additionally, the band gap of TMDs can be tuned by alloying or stacking different TMDs ( Lin et al., 2014a ), defect engineering ( Chow et al., 2015 ), and chemical doping. To realize the application, the preparation of TMDs is the first question to the scientific society. In the first part of this chapter, we review widely used synthesis methods of TMDs (mainly focusing on MoS2) and compare the advantages and disadvantages of different synthesis methods. The properties of TMDs synthesized by different methods are correlated to the synthesis techniques. Stacking 2D TMDs layers with other 2D crystals to create “van der Waals” (vdW) heterostructures has been a common technique to explore new properties out of 2D material-based systems. In the second part of this chapter, the very first examples using graphene and hBN that initiated this field of research would be introduced to help readers build a general knowledge on vdW heterostructures. Subsequently, other vdW heterostructures that utilizes TMDs as a component to create novel optoelectronics would also be briefed. In order to place vdW heterostructures on a practical platform that can synthesize and produce their electronics, many synthetic techniques have been developed to grow different 2D materials together. Some cases of synthetic vdW heterostructures that have been developed are presented at the end of Section 7 .
Bioinspired and Biomimetic Microflyers

This chapter describes recent developments in the area of manmade microflyers. The design space for microflyers is described, along with fundamental physical limits to miniaturizing mechanisms, energy storage, and electronics. Aspects of aerodynamics at the scale of microflyers are discussed. Microflyer concepts developed by a number of researchers are described in detail. Because the focus is on bioinspiration and biomimetics, scaled-down versions of conventional aircraft, such as fixed-wing micro air vehicles and micro-helicopters, are not addressed. Modeling of the aeromechanics of flapping wing microflyers is described with an illustrative example. Finally, some of the sensing mechanisms used by natural flyers are discussed.
Accelerated Hermeticity Testing of a Glass-Silicon Package Formed by RTP Aluminum-to-Silicon Nitride Bonding

A hermetic, glass-silicon package with Al-to-silicon nitride bonding formed by rapid thermal processing (RTP) has been demonstrated and characterized. Standard surface-micromachined comb-drive resonators have been hermetically packaged and gone through accelerated tests in autoclave chamber(130°C/2.7atm, 100% RH). In order to determine the reliability of the package, the life-time data are first fitted with Lognor-mal model and analyzed using Maximum Likelihood Estimator. The results show that for packages with sealing ring width of 200µm and average sealing area of 1000×1000µm2, the lower bound of the 90% confidence interval of Mean Time to Failure(MTTF) is estimated as 270 years under jungle condition(35°C/latm, 95%RH). Thermal shock and temperature cycling tests between −195°C and 200°C for 20 cycles have been performed, and only 2 out of 59 packages were found failed after the test.
Effects of Seasonal Drawdowns on Fish Assemblages in Sections of an Impounded River-Canal System in Upstate New York

AbstractThe Mohawk River and New York State Barge Canal run together as a series of permanent and temporary impoundments for most of the distance between Rome and Albany, New York. The downstream or lower section is composed of two permanent impoundments, the middle section of a series of temporary (seasonal) impoundments, and the upper section of a series of permanent impoundments. In the middle section, movable dams are lifted from the water during winter and the wetted surface area decreases by 36–56%. We used boat electrofishing during spring 2014 and 2015 to compare the relative abundance of fish populations and the composition of fish assemblages between the permanently and seasonally impounded sections of the Barge Canal and to infer the effects of the two flow management practices. A total of 3,264 individuals from 38 species were captured, and total catch per unit effort (CPUE) ranged from 46.0 to 134.7 fish/h at sites in the seasonally impounded section, compared with 140.0–342.0 fish/h in the p...
Dependability benchmarking using environmental test tools

This paper presents benchmarking technique for computer dependability that relies on environmental test tools. Fault injection experiments, commonly relying on simulation, software and hardware techniques, are the most notable attempts to benchmarking dependability. A temperature and voltage operating test and an electrostatic discharge (ESD) operating test were employed. The computing systems under evaluation executed the Linpack benchmark, which is designed to measure performance of matrix computations and also, to capture possible numerical errors, silent corruption of data (SDC).
Novel drugs in pediatric gliomas (Review)

Astrocytomas (gliomas) are the most common primary brain tumors among adults and second most frequent neoplasm among children. New ideas and novel approaches are being explored world over with aim to devise better management strategeies for this deadly pathological state. We searched the electronic database PubMed for pre-clinical as well as clinical controlled trials reporting importance of various therapeutic drugs against gliomas. It was observed clearly that this approach of using therapeutic drugs is clearly evolving and has been observed to be promising future therapeutic avenue against gliomas. The searched literature on whole revealed that although gliomas are treated aggressively with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, treatment resistance, drug toxicity and poor response rates among pediatric glioma patients, continue to drive the need to discover new and more effective chemotherapeutic agents. The present review is focused on the latest updates in therapeutic drugs against gliomas in pediatric patients. The important chemo-therapeutics discussed in this review included alkylating agents like temoxolomide, derivatives of platinum, nitrosoureas, topoisomerases, angiogenesis inhibitors and cytomegalovirus as therapeutic agents.
Health consequences of the US Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration programme: a quasi-experimental study

Summary Background The effects of changes in immigration policy on health outcomes among undocumented immigrants are not well known. We aimed to examine the physical and mental health effects of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme, a 2012 US immigration policy that provided renewable work permits and freedom from deportation for a large number of undocumented immigrants. Methods We did a retrospective, quasi-experimental study using nationally representative, repeated cross-sectional data from the US National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for the period January, 2008, to December, 2015. We included non-citizen, Hispanic adults aged 19–50 years in our analyses. We used a difference-in-differences strategy to compare changes in health outcomes among individuals who met key DACA eligibility criteria (based on age at immigration and at the time of policy implementation) before and after programme implementation versus changes in outcomes for individuals who did not meet these criteria. We additionally restricted the sample to individuals who had lived in the USA for at least 5 years and had completed high school or its equivalent, in order to hold fixed two other DACA eligibility criteria. Our primary outcomes were self-reported overall health (measured on a 5 point Likert scale) and psychological distress (Kessler 6 [K6] scale), the latter was administered to a random subset of NHIS respondents. Findings Our final sample contained 14 973 respondents for the self-reported health outcome and 5035 respondents for the K6 outcome. Of these individuals, 3972 in the self-reported health analysis and 1138 in the K6 analysis met the DACA eligibility criteria. Compared with people ineligible for DACA, the introduction of DACA was associated with no significant change among DACA-eligible individuals in terms of self-reported overall health ( b =0·056, 95% CI −0·024 to 0·14, p=0·17) or the likelihood of reporting poor or fair health (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0·98, 95% CI 0·66–1·44, p=0·91). However, DACA-eligible individuals experienced a reduction in K6 score compared with DACA-ineligible individuals (adjusted incident risk ratio 0·78, 95% CI 0·56–0·95, p=0·020) and were less likely to meet screening criteria for moderate or worse psychological distress (aOR 0·62, 95% CI 0·41–0·93, p=0·022). Interpretation Economic opportunities and protection from deportation for undocumented immigrants, as offered by DACA, could confer large mental health benefits to such individuals. Health consequences should be considered by researchers and policy makers in evaluations of the broader welfare effects of immigration policy. Funding None.
Preparation in the business and practice of medicine: perspectives from recent gynecologic oncology graduates and program directors.

Preparation in the business of medicine is reported to be poor across a number of specialties. No data exist about such preparation in gynecologic oncology training programs. Our objectives were to evaluate current time dedicated to these initiatives, report recent graduate perceptions about personal preparedness, and assess areas where improvements in training can occur. Two separate surveys were created and distributed, one to 183 Society of Gynecologic Oncology candidate members and the other to 48 gynecologic oncology fellowship program directors. Candidate member surveys included questions about perceived preparedness for independent research, teaching, job-hunting, insurance, and billing. Program director surveys assessed current and desired time dedicated to the topics asked concurrently on the candidate survey. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-squared (or Fisher’s exact test if appropriate) and logistic regression. Survey response rates of candidate members and program directors were 28% and 40%, respectively. Candidate members wanted increased training in all measures except retrospective protocol writing. Female candidates wanted more training on writing letters of intent (LOI) (p = 0.01) and billing (p < 0.01). Compared to their current schedules, program directors desired more time to teach how to write an investigator initiated trial (p = 0.01). 94% of program directors reported having career goal discussions with their fellows, while only 72% of candidate members reported that this occurred (p = 0.05). Recent graduates want more preparation in the non-clinical aspects of their careers. Reconciling program director and fellow desires and increasing communication between the two may serve to achieve the educational goals of each.
Membrane Transport and Metabolism in Leishmania Parasites

Membrane transporters that mediate the uptake of hydrophilic compounds across hydrophobic membrane bilayers are important components of metabolic pathways in all organisms. The advent of molecular genetic approaches has considerably advanced our understanding of such permeases and their functions in cellular metabolism. In this chapter, I summarize recent discoveries concerning four membrane transport systems that have been studied in some detail in Leishmania parasites, specifically those for glucose, GDP-mannose, biopterin, and nucleosides. Progress in the Leishmania genome project promises to make feasible in depth biochemical, mechanistic, genetic, and cell biological investigations of additional transporters whose genes have not yet been identified and analyzed in molecular detail. As in other organisms, a substantial proportion of the Leishmania genome is likely to be devoted to encoding membrane transport proteins.
ACTIONS, BELIEFS, AND CONSEQUENCES

L'A. souligne l'incoherence de la doctrine de la separation des actes et des agents du point de vue de la theorie morale. Examinant la distinction entre la justification et la permissibilite de l'action, d'une part, l'intention et la croyance de l'agent, d'autre part, l'A. evalue l'idee selon laquelle les personnes qui ont de bonnes raisons d'agir ne mesurent pas toujours les consequences de leurs actes, a la lumiere de la these de la mort, du principe de succession, de l'argument du regret, l'importance du risque encourru et de la these de l'exigence morale
Comparison of sustained-release and rapid-release β-alanine formulations on changes in skeletal muscle carnosine and histidine content and isometric performance following a muscle-damaging protocol

β-alanine supplementation increases muscle carnosine content and improves anaerobic exercise performance by enhancing intracellular buffering capacity. β-alanine ingestion in its traditional rapid-release formulation (RR) is associated with the symptoms of paresthesia. A sustained-release formulation (SR) of β-alanine has been shown to circumvent paresthesia and extend the period of supply to muscle for carnosine synthesis. The purpose of this investigation was to compare 28 days of SR and RR formulations of β-alanine (6 g day-1) on changes in carnosine content of the vastus lateralis and muscle fatigue. Thirty-nine recreationally active men and women were assigned to one of the three groups: SR, RR, or placebo (PLA). Participants supplementing with SR and RR formulations increased muscle carnosine content by 50.1% (3.87 mmol kg-1ww) and 37.9% (2.62 mmol kg-1ww), respectively. The change in muscle carnosine content in participants consuming SR was significantly different (p = 0.010) from those consuming PLA, but no significant difference was noted between RR and PLA (p = 0.077). Although participants ingesting SR experienced a 16.4% greater increase in muscle carnosine than RR, fatigue during maximal voluntary isometric contractions was significantly attenuated in both SR and RR compared to PLA (p = 0.002 and 0.024, respectively). Symptoms of paresthesia were significantly more frequent in RR compared to SR, the latter of which did not differ from PLA. Results of this study demonstrated that only participants consuming the SR formulation experienced a significant increase in muscle carnosine. Differences in the muscle carnosine response between these formulations may have practical significance for athletic populations in which small changes may have important implications on performance.
Predictive Value of the OCT Double-Layer Sign for Identifying Subclinical Neovascularization in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose Structural OCT images from eyes with nonexudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were graded for the presence of a double-layer sign to determine if the double-layer sign predicted subclinical macular neovascularization (MNV). Design Prospective, observational study. Participants Nonexudative AMD patients with and without subclinical MNV identified by swept-source (SS) OCT angiography (OCTA). Methods Participants were enrolled prospectively into an SS OCTA imaging study. A set of test scans with and without subclinical MNV was compiled to assess the ability of trained graders to identify nonexudative type 1 MNV. The graders evaluated only the structural OCT B-scans of those eyes. The presence of a double-layer sign was used as a predictive sign for subclinical type 1 MNV. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) from 2 separate gradings were calculated and compared. Main Outcome Measures The association between the presence of a double-layer sign and subclinical type 1 MNV. Results One hundred eyes with nonexudative AMD from 94 patients were used for this study. The test set contained 64 eyes with intermediate AMD, which included 20 eyes with subclinical MNV, and 36 eyes with late AMD, which included 13 eyes with subclinical MNV. Two junior graders read the scans separately then reached a consensus grading. They detected a double-layer sign in 24 of 33 eyes with subclinical MNV and did not detect a double-layer sign in 56 of 67 eyes without MNV. Their sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 73%, 84%, 69%, and 86%, respectively. The senior grader detected a double-layer sign in 29 of 33 eyes with subclinical MNV and did not detect a double-layer sign in 58 of 67 eyes without MNV, achieving a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 88%, 87%, 76%, and 94%, respectively. For all graders, there were statistically significant associations between type 1 MNV and presence of the double-layer sign (P Conclusions Presence of the double-layer sign on structural OCT B-scans was associated with subclinical type 1 MNV and can be used to identify these lesions with good predictive values in eyes with nonexudative AMD.
Shallow Substrates Support the Growth of Contrasting Plant Types Installed in Irrigated, Arid-Climate Green Roofs1

Abstract Extreme evaporative demand makes substrate depth a critical design factor in arid-climate green roofs. The objective of this study was to determine whether a shallow irrigated substrate co...
Men and 'post abortion syndrome': claims versus evidence.

Purpose: Recent studies have focused on the pseudo-psychological condition ‘post abortion syndrome’ and women, particularly the content and veracity of these claims in the USA. What such claims say...
PETAL: A Multichannel Differential ADC Driver for High-Speed CMOS Image Sensors

Programmable Electronic Termination and Line Driver (PETAL) is a 16-channel ADC driver chip that provides single-ended-to-differential conversion and column biasing for high-speed CMOS image sensors. By increasing the level of integration, the number of driver chips and the associated number of passives and the routing area are reduced, enabling smaller physical cameras. Power dissipation is reduced relative to many commercial approaches by the use of low-voltage CMOS technology and the increased level of integration. The driver chip also supplies programmable bias currents to the sensor, further reducing the number of required components on the camera board. The driver, fabricated in 180-nm CMOS technology, achieves settling to 0.1% in 11 ns with input noise of 89.9- $\mu \text{V}$ rms. The crosstalk between channels is below −56 dB. The power dissipation is 10.5 mW/channel. When applied to the readout of a high-speed X-ray sensor, the prototype reduced board area by 84% (from 100 to 16 mm2) and power dissipation by 25%.
CORRELATION OF STEROL STRUCTURAL CHANGES WITH MEMBRANE FLUIDITY AND ENZYMATIC ACTIVITIES

ABSTRACT The role of sterols as structural components in the mitochondrial membrane of several S. cerevisiae strains was investigated at the molecular, enzymatic, and functional levels. Several mitochondrial membrane enzyme activities were found to be sensitive to the amount and species of sterol present in the bilayer. Gel to liquid-crystalline transitions of mitochondrial preparations from wild-types and from sterol mutant strains were probed using the technique of fluorescence polarization. Transitions were observed with mitochondria isolated from the mutants but not from the wild-types. The effect of altered sterol composition on the generation of a transmembrane proton gradient was also investigated in uptake studies of the lipophilic cation, methytriphenyphosphonium. These data indicate that even though qualitative sterol and membrane alterations occur, mitochondrial functions are maintained in these sterol mutant strains. KEYWORDS yeast, sterols, mitochondria, membranes, fluidity, transmembrane potential
Is reliance on an inaccurate genome sequence sabotaging your experiments

Advances in genomics have made whole genome studies increasingly feasible across the life sciences. However, new technologies and algorithmic advances do not guarantee flawless genomic sequences or annotation. Bias, errors, and artifacts can enter at any stage of the process from library preparation to annotation. When planning an experiment that utilizes a genome sequence as the basis for the design, there are a few basic checks that, if performed, may better inform the experimental design and ideally help avoid a failed experiment or inconclusive result.
Bokeh: obfuscating physical infrastructure maps

Physical infrastructures that facilitate e.g., delivery of power, water and communication capabilities are of intrinsic importance in our daily lives. Accurate maps of physical infrastructures are important for permitting, maintenance, repair and growth but can be considered a commercial and/or security risk. In this paper, we describe a method for obfuscating physical infrastructure maps that removes sensitive details while preserving key features that are important in commercial and research applications. We employ a three-tiered approach: tier 1 does simple location fuzzing, tier 2 maintains connectivity details but randomizes node/link locations, while at tier 3 only distributional properties of a network are preserved. We implement our tiered approach in a tool called Bokeh which operates on GIS shapefiles that include detailed location information of infrastructure and produces obfuscated maps. We describe a case study that applies Bokeh to a number of Internet Service Provider maps. The case study highlights how each tier removes increasing amounts of detail from maps. We discuss how Bokeh can be generally applied to other physical infrastructures or in local services that are increasingly used for e-marketing.
Multicenter Validation of the Revised Assessment of Bleeding and Transfusion (RABT) Score for Predicting Massive Transfusion

Massive transfusion (MT) is a lifesaving treatment for hemorrhaging patients. Predicting the need for MT is crucial to improve survival. The aim of our study was to validate the Revised Assessment of Bleeding and Transfusion (RABT) score to predict MT in a multicenter cohort of trauma patients. We performed a (2015–2017) analysis of adult (age ≥ 18 year) trauma patients who had a high-level trauma team activation at three Level I trauma centers. The RABT was calculated using the 4-point score [blunt (0)/penetrating trauma (1), shock index ≥ 1 (1), pelvic fracture (1), and FAST positive (1)]. A RABT score of ≥ 2 was used to predict MT (≥ 10 units of packed red blood cells within 24 h). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated to assess the score’s predictive power compared to the Assessment of Blood Consumption (ABC) score. We analyzed 1018 patients: 216 (facility I), 363 (facility II), and 439 (facility III). The mean age was 41 ± 19 year, and the injury severity score (ISS) was 29 [22–36]. The overall MT rate was 19%. The overall AUROC of RABT ≥ 2 was 0.89. The sensitivity of the RABT ≥ 2 was 78%, and the specificity was 91%. The RABT score had a higher sensitivity (78% vs. 69%) and specificity (91% vs. 82%) than the ABC score. The RABT score is a valid tool to predict MT in severely injured trauma patients. It is an objective score that aids clinicians in predicting the need for MT to mobilize blood products and minimize the waste of resources.
Abstract PR11: Antigen dominance hierarchies shape tumor T-cell phenotypes and immunotherapy responses

In order to drive a productive T-cell response to checkpoint immunotherapy, tumors must be sufficiently antigenic. However, antigens vary in their degree of immunogenicity and consequently drive T-cell responses of different magnitudes and quality. In a genetically engineered mouse model of lung adenocarcinoma expressing model T-cell antigens, we find that antigen dominance hierarchies are established in tumors, where the T-cell response is largely focused on a dominant epitope as observed in viral infections. Interestingly, while T cells responding to a subdominant antigen are fewer in number, we find that they are less exhausted and express more markers of memory cells. T cells responding to the dominant antigen rapidly contract, while those responding to the subdominant antigen persist better over time. Despite their seemingly greater functional potential, T cells responding to the subdominant antigen fail to respond significantly to checkpoint immunotherapy in the context of this dominance hierarchy. Remarkably, removal of the dominant antigen unleashes the subdominant response and these cells expand to fill the effector niche previously occupied by the dominant response. Current experiments are testing the ability of vaccination to “break dominance” and improve the contribution of the subdominant response to tumor control. These findings could have great relevance to the design of personalized cancer vaccines, where targeting subdominant antigens over dominant antigens may lead to surprising therapeutic benefit. This abstract is also being presented as Poster B36. Citation Format: Megan L. Burger, Grace E. Crossland, Jason M. Schenkel, David A. Canner, Tyler Jacks. Antigen dominance hierarchies shape tumor T-cell phenotypes and immunotherapy responses [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2019 Nov 17-20; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(3 Suppl):Abstract nr PR11.
Toward autonomous additive manufacturing: Bayesian optimization on a 3D printer

Materials exploration and development for three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies is slow and labor-intensive. Each 3D printing material developed requires unique print parameters be learned for successful part fabrication, and sub-optimal settings often result in defects or fabrication failure. To address this, we developed the Additive Manufacturing Autonomous Research System (AM ARES). As a preliminary test, we tasked AM ARES with autonomously modulating four print parameters to direct-write single-layer print features that matched target specifications. AM ARES employed automated image analysis as closed-loop feedback to an online Bayesian optimizer and learned to print target features in fewer than 100 experiments. In due course, this first-of-its-kind research robot will be tasked with autonomous multi-dimensional optimization of print parameters to accelerate materials discovery and development in the field of AM. The combining of open-source ARES OS software with low-cost hardware makes autonomous AM highly accessible, promoting mainstream adoption and rapid technological advancement. The discovery and development of new materials and processes for three-dimensional (3D) printing is hindered by slow and labor-intensive trial-and-error optimization processes. Coupled with a pervasive lack of feedback mechanisms in 3D printers, this has inhibited the advancement and adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies as a mainstream manufacturing approach. To accelerate new materials development and streamline the print optimization process for AM, we have developed a low-cost and accessible research robot that employs online machine learning planners, together with our ARES OS software, which we will release to the community as open-source, to rapidly and effectively optimize the complex, high-dimensional parameter sets associated with 3D printing. In preliminary trials, the first-of-its-kind research robot, the Additive Manufacturing Autonomous Research System (AM ARES), learned to print single-layer material extrusion specimens that closely matched targeted feature specifications in under 100 iterations. Delegating repetitive and high-dimensional cognitive labor to research robots such as AM ARES frees researchers to focus on more creative, insightful, and fundamental scientific work and reduces the cost and time required to develop new AM materials and processes. The teaming of human and robot researchers begets a synergy that will exponentially propel technological progress in AM.
Consensually nonmonogamous parent relationships during COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents in consensually nonmonogamous (CNM) relationships navigated public health directives to social distance and avoid contact between households. Many parents prac...