cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The strain-rate effect and the incremental plastic wave in copper

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the degree of sensitivity of commerically pure copper to strain rate and to note the effect of this sensitivity on the velocity of propagation of shearing strain in copper. Thin-walled cylindrical specimens of copper were loaded in torsion to eliminate the effects of radial inertia. All specimens were annealed and then cold worked in torsion to obtain necessary specimen uniformity. Quasi-static tests were performed on short-length specimens to determine the shearing stress-strain curve of copper at a very low strain rate. The strain-rate sensitivity of copper at low strain rates, from 3×10−4/sec to 5/sec, was tested by loading short specimens at a very slow continuous rate and then suddenly increasing the strain rate. A quasi-static test was also performed to determine the effect of creep on prestressed copper. Dynamic tests involving strain rates up to 500/sec were performed on long specimens with a torsional impact machine. Specimens were tested under stress-free and prestressed initial conditions. The prestressed specimen was loaded at a slow, continuous rate before impact to avoid the undesirable effects of creep which would have occurred with a static preload. Results from the quasi-static tests showed that copper is noticeably sensitive to strain rate in the low strain-rate regions, but that the sensitivity becomes almost constant as the strain rate is increased. Results from the dynamic tests showed that large strains propagated at speeds which agreed well with speeds predicted by the strain-rate-independent theory of plastic-wave propagation. The lower-level strains in the prestressed specimen, however, propagated at much higher speeds than are predicted by the strain-rate independent. Because radial-inertia effects were not present, this discrepancy in measured and predicted speeds for low-level strains must be due to the strain-rate sensitivity of copper.
The Changing Social Stratification of the South

In the case of Pmi only the survivors are assumed to be at risk; in Pm2 all of the beginning population are assumed to be at risk; and in the case of Pm3 the population at risk is the beginning population less Y2 of the deaths to that population. Dr. Price's paper discusses other sources of error in making estimates of net migration. However, under the assumptions made, it is a convenient fact that the rate of net migration based on the forward method yields just about all the information that can be squeezed out of the data available. The validity of the assumptions is another problem.
Immersion disinfection of irreversible hydrocolloid impressions. Part 2: Effects on gypsum casts

This study evaluated the quality of gypsum casts recovered from disinfected irreversible hydrocolloid impressions. Four disinfectants were evaluated: 0.525% sodium hypochlorite, Alcide LD, Iodofive, and OMC II. Water served as the control. Specimens were evaluated for roughness, surface detail, and dimensional stability. Impressions disinfected with NaOCI or Alcide produced gypsum casts with physical properties that were generally equal or superior to casts from impressions rinsed with water. OMC II and Iodofive generally produced casts inferior to the controls.
Inhibition of mTOR reduces lipotoxic cell death in primary macrophages through an autophagy-independent mechanism

Macrophage dysfunction in obesity and diabetes is associated with persistent inflammation and poor wound healing responses. Relevant to these phenotypes, we have previously shown that macrophage activation in a high-fat environment results in cell death via a mechanism that involves lysosome damage. While searching for signaling pathways that were required for this response, we discovered that mTOR inhibitors, torin and rapamycin, were protective against lipotoxic cell death in primary peritoneal macrophages. The protective effect of mTOR inhibition was also confirmed by using genetic loss-of-function approaches. Given the importance of mTOR in regulation of autophagy we hypothesized that this pathway would be important in protection from cell death. We first demonstrated that autophagy was disrupted in response to palmitate and LPS as a consequence of impaired lysosome function. Conversely, the mTOR inhibitor, torin, increased macrophage autophagy and protected against lysosome damage; however, the beneficial effects of torin persisted in autophagy-deficient cells. Inhibition of mTOR also triggered nuclear localization of TFEB, a transcription factor that regulates lysosome biogenesis and function, but the rescue phenotype did not require the presence of TFEB. Instead, we demonstrated that mTOR inhibition reduces mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and attenuates the negative effects of palmitate on LPS-induced mitochondrial respiration. These results suggest that inhibition of mTOR is protective against lipotoxicity via an autophagy-independent mechanism that involves relieving mitochondrial substrate overload. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that therapies to reduce macrophage mTOR activation may protect against dysfunctional inflammation in states of overnutrition, such as diabetes.
Clinical Genotyping of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers Using Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing: Utility of Identifying Rare and Co-mutations in Oncogenic Driver Genes

Detection of somatic mutations in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), especially adenocarcinomas, is important for directing patient care when targeted therapy is available. Here, we present our experience with genotyping NSCLC using the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM) and the AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2. We tested 453 NSCLC samples from 407 individual patients using the 50 gene AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 from May 2013 to July 2015. Using 10 ng of DNA, up to 11 samples were simultaneously sequenced on the Ion Torrent PGM (316 and 318 chips). We identified variants with the Ion Torrent Variant Caller Plugin, and Golden Helix's SVS software was used for annotation and prediction of the significance of the variants. Three hundred ninety-eight samples were successfully sequenced (12.1% failure rate). In all, 633 variants in 41 genes were detected with a median of 2 (range of 0 to 7) variants per sample. Mutations detected in BRAF, EGFR, ERBB2, KRAS, NRAS, and PIK3CA were considered potentially actionable and were identified in 237 samples, most commonly in KRAS (37.9%), EGFR (11.1%), BRAF (4.8%), and PIK3CA (4.3%). In our patient population, all mutations in EGFR, KRAS, and BRAF were mutually exclusive. The Ion Torrent Ampliseq technology can be utilized on small biopsy and cytology specimens, requires very little input DNA, and can be applied in clinical laboratories for genotyping of NSCLC. This targeted next-generation sequencing approach allows for detection of common and also rare mutations that are clinically actionable in multiple patients simultaneously.
Association between androgen deprivation therapy and anxiety among 78 000 patients with localized prostate cancer

Objectives To examine whether any androgen deprivation therapy use or longer duration is associated with an increased risk of anxiety in patients with prostate cancer. Methods We identified 78 552 men aged ≥66 years with stage I–III prostate cancer using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked database from 1992 to 2006, excluding patients with psychiatric diagnoses within the year prior or 6 months after prostate cancer diagnosis. Multivariable Cox regression was used to examine the association between pharmacological androgen deprivation therapy and diagnosis of anxiety. Results The 43.1% (33 882) of patients who received androgen deprivation therapy experienced a higher 3-year cumulative incidence of anxiety compared with men who did not (4.1% vs 3.5%, P < 0.001). Any androgen deprivation therapy use was associated with a nearly significant increased risk of anxiety (adjusted hazard ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.17, P = 0.054). There was a significant trend between a longer duration of therapy and increased risk of anxiety (P-trend = 0.012), with a 16% higher risk for ≥12 months (adjusted hazard ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.29, P = 0.010). Conclusions Androgen deprivation therapy was associated with an elevated risk of anxiety in this cohort of elderly men with localized prostate cancer, with the risk higher with a longer duration of treatment. Anxiety should be considered among the possible psychiatric effects of androgen deprivation therapy and discussed before initiating treatment, particularly if a long course is anticipated.
Preliminary findings on ultrasound modulation of the electromechanical function of human stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes

It is estimated that one million cases of syncope and sudden cardiac death are caused by arrhythmias every year in the United States and Europe. We hypothesize that low-intensity non-ablative ultrasound (US) may offer an alternative to drug therapy and implantable defibrillators for modulation of cardiac electrophysiology. Previous studies and our own preliminary results have shown that cardiac pacing via ultrasound may be possible, however only limited sets of ultrasound parameters have been tested so far. Mechanosenitivity of cardiomyocytes (CMs) is well documented yet very few studies have pursued identification of the molecular correlates of cardiomyocyte response to ultrasound, and no mechanistic studies have been done before in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived ventricular CMs (iPS-CMs). The aims of this project have been to find optimal ultrasound parameters to safely and effectively control cardiac electromechanical activity of human cardiomyocytes, including controlling reversible change in pacing rate, initiation and termination of activity and to study molecular mechanisms of cardiac electromechanical response to low-intensity ultrasound stimulation. Preliminary studies were performed on human iPS-CMs in a system for all-optical cardiac electrophysiology (OptoDyCE). This system allows for optical pacing of the cardiomyocytes as well as fluorescence imaging of intracellular calcium and membrane voltage. Combining the OptoDyCE system with a therapeutic ultrasound system is a novel method for probing ultrasound effects at the molecular level. Initial tests have shown that low intensity ultrasound may be able to facilitate pacing or rate modulation of cardiomyocytes, however further studies are needed to quantify the ultrasound effects at all desired parameters as well as probe the molecular mechanisms that facilitate these effects.
The Potential of Student Co-Creation in Extracurricular Experiences

Given trends in the marketing literature, marketing education is attempting to innovate to enhance its value proposition. Education is an experiential service where student engagement implies invol...
Points of View as Grounding

This chapter defines points of view as the ground from where every other entity holds. In contrast to traditional approaches of grounding, metaphysical points of view are not identified with their intrinsic parts. At the same time, they are not irreflexive either. The reason is that metaphysical points of view further fine-grain the entities of the world when required. Besides the fact that metaphysical points of view facilitate fundamental indeterminacy, they still may be considered asymmetrical. Distancing from ontological approaches based in the determinable-determinate relation, a new formal approach to metaphysical points of view re-shape thinking about ontological dependence. This theory is demonstrated as coherent, consistent, and complete, which furnishes a fine-graining mechanism with metaphysical and logical robustness while advocating for the fragmentation of the world.
Flow Preservation of Umbilical Vein for Autologous Shunt and Cardiovascular Reconstruction

Background Synthetic graft materials are commonly used for shunts and cardiovascular reconstruction in neonates, but are prone to thrombosis and scarring. The umbilical vein is a potential source of autologous, endothelialized tissue for neonatal shunts and tissue reconstruction, but requires preservation before implantation. Methods Umbilical cords were collected in UW solution with antibiotics at 4°C until dissection. Umbilical vein segments were tested for burst pressure before and after 2 weeks of preservation. Umbilical veins segments were preserved under static or flow conditions at 4°C in UW solution with 5% human plasma lysate for 7 days. Veins were evaluated with histopathology, scanning electron microscopy, and platelet adhesion testing. Results Umbilical veins have no difference in burst pressure at harvest (n = 16) compared with 2 weeks of preservation (n = 11; 431 ± 229 versus 438 ± 244 mm Hg). After 1 week, static and flow-preserved veins showed viability of the vessel segments with endothelium staining positive for CD31, von Willebrand factor, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated preservation of normal endothelial morphology and flow alignment in the flow-preserved samples compared with cobblestone endothelial appearance and some endothelial cell loss in the static samples. Static samples had significantly more platelet adhesion than flow-preserved samples did. Conclusions Umbilical veins have adequate burst strength to function at neonatal systemic pressures. Preservation under flow conditions demonstrated normal endothelial and overall vascular morphology with less platelet adhesion compared with static samples. Preserved autologous umbilical veins are potential source for endothelialized shunts or cardiovascular repair tissue for neonates.
Abstract P5-20-10: Patterns of use and effectiveness of neoadjuvant pertuzumab-containing regimens in stage II-III HER2-neu positive breast cancer: A retrospective, single institutional experience

Background: Pertuzumab (P) in combination with trastuzumab (H) based chemotherapy is currently FDA- approved as a standard neoadjuvant treatment for patients with clinical stage II-III HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer (BC). The chemotherapy backbone of HER2-targeted therapy varies and includes a taxane (T) and/or an anthracycline coupled with cyclophosphamide (A), or carboplatin (C). The goal of this study was to retrospectively evaluate patterns of use and the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate for HP-containing regimens comparing the 3 treatment groups: A-containing, C-containing, and taxane only for stage II-III HER2+ BC. Methods: We identified all patients (n=226) with stage II-III non-inflammatory HER2+ BC who received neoadjuvant HER2-targeted therapy in combination with P and H from 2013 to 2016 through an institutional database. 48 received THP, 85 received TCHP, 5 received TCHP-A, and 88 received THP-A. All patients underwent definitive breast and lymph node surgery. Medical records were examined for patient demographics, breast cancer stage, pathology results, surgical outcomes, and treatment details. pCR was defined as ypT0/is, ypN0. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis was used for statistical analysis. Results: Patient characteristics are shown in Table1. The median age was 51 (22-84) years. The pCR rates by regimen were as follows: THP (65%), TCHP (50%), THP-A (58%). After controlling for age, stage, HR status, grade, and menopausal status, THP was associated with a modestly higher pCR rate compared to TCHP or THP-A: OR = 1.82 (0.88, 3.74)(p = 0.11). Efficacy and toxicity differences will continue to be evaluated as more analytic cases become available at our institution. Conclusion: Although it is challenging to demonstrate non-inferiority without a prospective randomized trial, THP, a regimen not containing carboplatin or anthracycline, appears to have similar efficacy in selected patients with stage II-III HER2+ BC. Further research is needed to identify biomarkers to select patients appropriate for de-escalation of therapy. Citation Format: Rashmi MK, Akshara RS, Kenneth HR, Amy HZ, Bora L, Carlos BH, Mariana C-M, Elizabeth MA, Jennifer LK, Sharon GH, Alastair T, Vicente V, Debu T, Naoto UT. Patterns of use and effectiveness of neoadjuvant pertuzumab-containing regimens in stage II-III HER2-neu positive breast cancer: A retrospective, single institutional experience [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-20-10.
Suicide Prevention: A Primer for Healthcare Professionals

As deaths from suicide continue to rise, identifying and improving care for suicidal patients are emerging as a healthcare priority. Authoritative voices including the Surgeon General and The Joint Commission have called for action. Data showing that a majority of individuals who die from suicide were engaged and seen in healthcare settings shortly before they died reinforce the need for action. Finally, there is now persuasive evidence about effective methods to identify and intervene with individuals who are suicidal.
How Have States Used Executive Orders to Address Public Health

Gubernatorial executive orders (GEOs) are important, yet poorly understood, public health tools. We analyzed health-related GEOs nationwide using a modified legal mapping approach. We searched Westlaw's Netscan Executive Orders database for orders issued between 2008 and 2014. Search terms were generated from the Healthy People 2020 Leading Health Indicators (LHIs). GEOs were screened with data abstracted and analyzed on the basis of LHIs, states, years, and characteristics identified in previous literature. We found differences in GEOs issued per LHI. Of the 303 unique orders, they ranged from 32 to 53 issued per year and 0 to 45 issued per state. Most GEOs managed governmental public health functions, required collaboration, and mandated studying problems. Fewer directly addressed health equity, chronic disease, and resource deployment. Gubernatorial authority and political and institutional factors appear relevant to GEO issuance. GEOs offer means to institute public health policies and should be considered by public health professionals.
A noncanonical amino acid-based relay system for site-specific protein labeling

Genetically site-specific introduction of noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) for protein conjugation generally requires incorporation through exogenous feeding of chemically synthesized ncAAs. We developed a p-amino-phenylalanine (pAF)-based relay system that enables site-specific functionalization of proteins without chemical synthesis of the building blocks. pAF was biosynthesized under optimized conditions, followed by site-specific incorporation into a specific protein residue. The resulting protein was ready for functionalization using an oxidative conjugation reaction. We demonstrated the use of this relay system by preparing a fluorophore-labeled anti-HER2 single-chain variable fragment antibody for fluorescent imaging.
Changes after taking a college basic nutrition course.

A food and nutrition questionnaire was administered to students in a college basic nutrition course (basic nutrition students) and to others in unrelated general studies classes (control students) at the beginning and end of the semester to determine changes other than in academic knowledge of nutrition. Analysis with chi square (p
NUTRIENT VARIABILITY AND FLUXES IN AN ESTUARINE SYSTEM

Abstract Nutrient data from Great Bay Estuary, New Hampshire, were analyzed using a conservative mixing model to assess nutrient distribution and variability with time, and to determine a nutrient budget. Analytical precision was estimated as was the magnitude of short term (5 min intervals) environmental variability. Finally, monthly data were analyzed using this mixing model and a phosphate budget was calculated for a one year period. In well mixed waters, the short-term sampling showed that short-term mixing processes can mix estuarine waters so well that variability due to small-scale turbulence or imperfect mixing is less than the analytical and sampling variability. However, when the system is not well mixed then environmental variability can be distinct from analytical variability and may be attributed to some other process or processes. The conservative mixing model was then used to predict apparent average river concentration of phosphate based on the zero salinity intercept calculated with salinity and phosphate data from near the mouth of the estuary. Predicted average river concentrations agreed well with measured concentrations during winter and early spring, but were much higher during summer and fall. Total flux of dissolved phosphate into this estuary was calculated to be 70.7 × 105 moles/yr during 1976 with 78% of the input from municipal sewage and the rest from rivers (13%), sediment flux (7%) and rainfall (2%). Only about 12% of this dissolved phosphate was exported to coastal waters, while the rest of the phosphate apparently remained trapped in estuarine sediments.
Acoustoelasticity in Fiber Reinforced Composites

With the increased use of polymer composite materials in automotive and aerospace structures comes an increased need for nondestructive evaluation techniques to characterize material properties and to determine the material’s state of stress. One method for the evaluation of applied and residual stresses is acoustoelasticity, a technique based on the fact that as a material is stressed the longitudinal and shear wave speeds change. Acoustoelasticity has been successfully used in slightly anisotropic materials such as rolled aluminum plates [1]. In addition to studies with metals, early work in acoustoelasticity included measurements in homogeneous, isotropic polymers. Among the materials tested under applied pressure and temperature changes were polystyrene, Lucite [2], and polymethylmethacrylate [3]. Acoustoelasticity in fiber reinforced composites has not received much attention although ultrasonic waves have been used to measure the usual second order elastic constants of glass/epoxy and boron/epoxy by Zimmer and Cost [4] and Sachse [5], respectively. In both of these studies the wave length to fiber ratio was such that the composite was considered as a homogeneous orthotropic elastic material. With this same assumption Prosser [6] measured the second order and most of the third order elastic constants in a T300 graphite/5208 epoxy unidirectional composite.
What buildings do

Buildings stabilize social life. They give structure to social institutions, durability to social networks, persistence to behavior patterns. What we build solidifies society against time and its incessant forces for change. Simmel mentions that the "significance of space for social formations lies in its capacity of fixing their contents."3 Brick and mortar resist intervention and permutation, as they accomplish a measure of stasis. And yet, buildings stabilize imperfectly. Some fall into ruin,4 others are destroyed naturally or by human hand, and most are unendingly renovated into something they were not originally.5 Buildings don't just sit there imposing themselves. They are forever objects of (re)interpretation, narration and representation and meanings or stories are sometimes more pliable than the walls and floors they depict. We deconstruct buildings materially and semiotically, all the time.
Clinical Evaluation of Shot-Within-Shot Optimization for Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Planning and Delivery.

Objective Shot-within-shot (SWS) optimization is a new planning technique that relies on various combinations of shot weighting and prescription isodose line (IDL) to reduce beam-on time. The method differs from other planning techniques that incorporate mixed collimation, multiple stereotactic coordinates, and traditionally low prescription IDLs ( Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 75 patients treated for 241 metastatic lesions in the brain. For each lesion, the original planning metrics related to target coverage, conformity, gradient, and beam-on time were recorded. A subset of lesions were selected for replanning using the SWS technique based on size, shape, and proximity to critical structures. Two replans were done, a reference plan was prescribed at the 50% IDL, and an optimized plan was prescribed at an IDL typically >50%. Planning metrics were then compared among the original plan and the 2 replans. Results More than a third (39%) of the brain metastases were eligible for the SWS technique. For these lesions, the differences between the original plan and reference SWS plan were as follows: ΔV12Gy 50% in 20% of cases (ΔTmax = 70%). Conclusions This work demonstrates clinically that optimization using the shot-within-shot technique can reduce beam-on time without degrading treatment plan quality.
Delivering Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in the Real World: Considerations and Controversies

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has emerged as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia but remains massively underused relative to the prevalence of insomnia disorder. This article focuses on 3 key issues in the delivery of CBT-I in the real world. First, where and how should CBT-I be delivered and who should deliver it? Second, who is an appropriate candidate for CBT-I? Third, how do you measure quality care with CBT-I? These issues give rise to targets for future research aimed at improving the implementation science of CBT-I in the real world.
Comprehensive Investigation of Yttrium and Rare Earth Element Complexation by Carbonate Ions Using ICP–Mass Spectrometry

Carbonate stability constants for yttrium and all rare earth elements have been determined at 25°C and 0.70 molal ionic strength by solvent exchange and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS). Measured stability constants for the formation of $${\text{MCO}}_3^ +$$ and $${\text{M}}\left( {{\text{CO}}_{\text{3}} } \right)_2^--$$ from M3+ are in good agreement with previous direct measurements, which involved the use of radio-chemical techniques and trivalent ions of Y, Ce, Eu, Gd, Tb, and Yb. Direct ICP–MS measurements of $${\text{MCO}}_3^ +$$ and $${\text{M}}\left( {{\text{CO}}_{\text{3}} } \right)_2^--$$ formation constants are also in general agreement with modeled stability constants for the metals La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Lu, based on linear-free energy relationship (LFER). The experimental procedures developed in this work can be used for assessing the complexation behavior of other geochemically important ligands such as phosphate, sulfate, and fluoride.
Provably Correct Floating-Point Implementation of a Point-In-Polygon Algorithm

The problem of determining whether or not a point lies inside a given polygon occurs in many applications. In air traffic management concepts, a correct solution to the point-in-polygon problem is critical to geofencing systems for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and in weather avoidance applications. Many mathematical methods can be used to solve the point-in-polygon problem. Unfortunately, a straightforward floating-point implementation of these methods can lead to incorrect results due to round-off errors. In particular, these errors may cause the control flow of the program to diverge with respect to the ideal real-number algorithm. This divergence potentially results in an incorrect point-in-polygon determination even when the point is far from the edges of the polygon. This paper presents a provably correct implementation of a point-in-polygon method that is based on the computation of the winding number. This implementation is mechanically generated from a source-to-source transformation of the ideal real-number specification of the algorithm. The correctness of this implementation is formally verified within the Frama-C analyzer, where the proof obligations are discharged using the Prototype Verification System (PVS).
Asymmetric Reputation Spillover Effects from DigitalAgencies in Online Markets

Digital markets proliferated in recent years, overcoming many market inefficiencies by facilitating direct interactions between consumers and producers. Thanks to this disintermediation, consumers nowadays have access to a vast number of alternatives, while producers can efficiently reach huge markets. However, the success of digital markets created a concomitant challenge: producer differentiation. In crowded markets, agencies (e.g., publishing companies in books, freelance agencies in online labor markets, independent labels in music) can differentiate producers by signaling product quality. But how do agencies' reputations affect product success for producers? Can some agencies do more harm than good? To investigate these research questions, we theorize how variation in producer and agency reputation lead to asymmetric and heterogeneous effects, including that (1) more-reputable agencies have stronger positive effects on less-reputable producers than they have on more-reputable producers, and (2) less-reputable agencies hurt more-reputable producers more than they hurt less-reputable producers. Analyses of more than one million observations from two digital markets ---MusicShare (a music distribution platform) and Amazon (in the book department)--- provide empirical support to these theory-driven arguments. These findings have design implications for markets, and they contribute to our understanding of how agencies, depending on producer reputation, can either benefit or hurt product success.
Circadian Clocks in Cyanobacteria

Circadian rhythms, which are oscillations in biological activity that occur with ~24-h periodicity and driven by a circadian clock, function to anticipate daily environmental changes and can be found ubiquitously throughout nature. Cyanobacteria are the only prokaryotes known to have a rigorously tested and robust circadian clock. Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 is the paradigm for our understanding of circadian rhythms in prokaryotes. The KaiABC posttranslational oscillator drives 24-h rhythmicity in cyanobacteria and has been studied in exquisite detail. Here, the current understanding of the S. elongatus circadian oscillator, its synchronization with the environment, and its coordination with cellular activities is highlighted.
Internal Warfare: Civil War, Insurgency, and Regional Conflict

Since the end of World War II internal conflicts have been much more frequent than interstate wars. In fact some estimate that the number of deaths attributable to internal conflicts to far exceed those of all interstate wars of the twentieth century. The causes of internal conflicts are rather complex, though empirical evidence and theoretical logic point toward competing access to limited resources. When resources are limited and people make demands for them, the inability to effectively channel or repress these demands increases the likelihood of violent conflict. Because of the unique aspects of territorial sovereignty and nonstate actors, the resolution of these conflicts poses problems for the international community. Peacekeeping troops under the auspices of the UN or other multinational organizations have become an increasingly visible mechanism to control internal conflict.
Case ReportsHodgkin’s disease of the esophagus: report of a case

Most esophageal malignancies are either squamous carcinomas or adenocarcinomas arising in the background of Barrett’s esophagus. We describe a case of an 85-yr-old woman in whom the diagnosis of esophageal malignancy was difficult to confirm despite its endoscopic appearance and previous biopsies. This case illustrates the difficulty in diagnosing Hodgkin’s disease of the esophagus. Despite the rarity of this entity, if clinically indicated by symptoms, large, deep biopsies by rigid esophagoscopy should be considered.
Integrating data mining and transmission theory in the ecology of infectious diseases

Our understanding of ecological processes is built on patterns inferred from data. Applying modern analytical tools such as machine learning to increasingly high dimensional data offers the potential to expand our perspectives on these processes, shedding new light on complex ecological phenomena such as pathogen transmission in wild populations. Here, we propose a novel approach that combines data mining with theoretical models of disease dynamics. Using rodents as an example, we incorporate statistical differences in the life history features of zoonotic reservoir hosts into pathogen transmission models, enabling us to bound the range of dynamical phenomena associated with hosts, based on their traits. We then test for associations between equilibrium prevalence, a key epidemiological metric and data on human outbreaks of rodent-borne zoonoses, identifying matches between empirical evidence and theoretical predictions of transmission dynamics. We show how this framework can be generalized to other systems through a rubric of disease models and parameters that can be derived from empirical data. By linking life history components directly to their effects on disease dynamics, our mining-modelling approach integrates machine learning and theoretical models to explore mechanisms in the macroecology of pathogen transmission and their consequences for spillover infection to humans.
Hybrid-electric passenger car energy utilization and emissions: Relationships for real-world driving conditions that account for road grade.

Abstract Past research showed on-road emissions patterns unique to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), indicating the need to account for them in emissions models as projected HEV sales increase over the coming decades. This work defines and characterizes a variable that quantifies HEV operating behavior to inform future development of new HEV emissions models based on current knowledge of conventional vehicle (CV) emissions patterns. Instantaneous hybridization factor (IHF), was quantified using on-road data collected from a 2010 Toyota Camry HEV. IHF is the ratio of electric system power to total system power and accounts for energy storage in the high voltage battery (IHF ranges from −1 to +1). Relationships between IHF and vehicle specific power (VSP), road type and road grade were examined. Negative VSP resulted in regenerative braking operation (IHF = −0.01 to −1) 90% of the time. IHF identified the VSP range where HEV operation was highly variable (VSP = −1 to 8 kW/ton) when driving at speeds below the ICE-off threshold (42 mph). VSP and IHF together account for 76–86% of the variability in HEV CO2 emissions in this study. CO2 model results using VSP computed with the measured real-world road grade (R2 = 0.86) gave improved fits over the no-grade VSP model (R2 = 0.69). This study establishes one framework for calculating the instantaneous HEV power split, confirms the need to include road grade in VSP for accurate modeling of vehicle emissions, and identified the need for significant improvements in on-board diagnostic (OBD) scantool measurement requirements for HEVs in three areas: (1) temporal resolution (sub-second to capture transient events such as ICE restarts); (2) simultaneous data logging capability for multiple controller area networks (i.e., engine and HEV parameters together); and (3) improved data precision.
Creating a guide for reflective practice: applying Dewey’s reflective thinking to document faculty scholarly engagement

This article introduces the creation of a guide for reflective practice to document faculty scholarly engagement. As the editor for a journal designed to showcase scholarship of application and int...
Safety Embedded Control of Nonlinear Systems via Barrier States

In many safety-critical control systems, possibly opposing safety restrictions and control performance objectives arise. To confront such a conflict, this letter proposes a novel methodology that embeds safety into stability of control systems. The development enforces safety by means of barrier functions used in optimization through the construction of barrier states (BaS) which are embedded in the control system’s model. As a result, as long as the equilibrium point of interest of the closed loop system is asymptotically stable, the generated trajectories are guaranteed to be safe. Consequently, a conflict between control objectives and safety constraints is substantially avoided. To show the efficacy of the proposed technique, we employ barrier states with the simple pole placement method to design safe linear controls. Nonlinear optimal control is subsequently employed to fulfill safety, stability and performance objectives by solving the associated Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) which minimizes a cost functional that can involve the BaS. Following this further, we exploit optimal control with barrier states on an unstable, constrained second dimensional pendulum on a cart model that is desired to avoid low velocities regions where the system may exhibit some controllability loss and on two mobile robots to safely arrive to opposite targets with an obstacle on the way.
Pulmonary Health Effects of Electronic Cigarettes: A Scoping Review:

BackgroundThere is global concern regarding the public health impact of electronic cigarettes (ECs). ECs are commonly promoted as safer than conventional cigarettes (CCs), however there is limited ...
Loss of tumor suppressive properties of lipid metabolism enzyme CPT2 in ovarian carcinoma: Comment on “CPT2 down-regulation promotes tumor growth and metastasis through inducing ROS/NFκB pathway in ovarian cancer” by Zhang et al.

Lipid metabolism is an essential process in cancer growth and progression. It is highly relevant in tumors with an adipocyte-rich microenvironment, such as ovarian carcinoma (OC). Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 (CPT2) is a key enzyme in fatty acid oxidation (FAO) that functions as a tumor suppressor in OC. Downregulation of CPT2 is reportedly associated with poor prognosis of OC patients. At the cellular level, low CPT2 translates into reduced NADPH level and unopposed reactive-oxygen species (ROS)/nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) signaling which are paralleled by induction of mesenchymal mediators, invasion and metastasis. While strategies to propagate the tumor suppressive properties of CPT2 have yet to be developed, a comprehensive approach of co-assessment and co-targeting of CPT2 and its family member CPT1, or/and other key FAO players with FAO-specific inhibitors or/and less specific inhibitors (e.g. targeting NFκB, STAT3) is worth pursuing to improve understanding of the metabolic aspects of OC and develop a lipid metabolism-centered therapeutic strategy that can benefit OC patients.
Identification of Actin Filament Interactors in Giardia lamblia

The deep-branching protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia is the causative agent of the intestinal disease giardiasis. Consistent with its proposed evolutionary position, many pathways are minimalistic or divergent, including its actin cytoskeleton. Giardia is the only eukaryote known to lack all canonical actin-binding proteins. Previously, our lab identified a number of non-canonical Giardia lamblia actin (GlActin) interactors; however, these proteins appeared to interact only with monomeric or globular actin (G-actin), rather than filamentous actin (F-actin). To identify interactors, we used a chemical crosslinker to preserve native interactions, followed by an anti-GlActin antibody, Protein A affinity chromatography, and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. We found 46 putative actin interactors enriched in the conditions favoring F-actin. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD026067. None of the proteins identified contain known actin-interacting motifs, and many lacked conserved domains. Each potential interactor was then tagged with the fluorescent protein mNeonGreen and visualized in live cells. We categorized the proteins based on their primary localization; localizations included ventral disc, marginal plate, nuclei, flagella, plasma membrane, and internal membranes. One protein from each category was co-localized with GlActin using immunofluorescence microscopy. We also co-immunoprecipitated one protein from each category and confirmed three interactions. Most of the localization patterns are consistent with previously demonstrated GlActin functions, but the ventral disc represents a new category of actin interactor localization. These results suggest a role for GlActin in ventral disc function, which has previously been controversial. ImportanceThe single-celled eukaryote Giardia lamblia is an intestinal parasite that colonizes the small intestine and causes diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Giardia actin (GlActin) has a conserved role in Giardia cells, despite being a highly divergent protein with none of the conserved regulators found in model organisms. Here we identify and localize 46 interactors of polymerized actin. These putative interactors localize to a number of places in the cell, underlining GlActins importance in multiple cellular processes. Surprisingly, eight of these proteins localize to the ventral disc, Giardias host attachment organelle. Since host attachment is required for infection, proteins involved in this process are an appealing target for new drugs. While treatments for Giardia exist, drug resistance is becoming more common, resulting in a need for new treatments. Giardia and human systems are highly dissimilar, thus drugs specifically tailored to Giardia proteins would be unlikely to have side effects.
The Normal Periparturient Cow

Life would be a lot easier for all of us if cows could produce milk without getting pregnant. Parturition is truly a mixed blessing of opportunity and frustration for producers and their veterinarians. In perfect compliance with Murphy's law, the periparturient period is a time when everything can, and often does, go wrong. This presentation will focus on managing reproduction in the abnormal postpartum cow from both a preventive and therapeutic perspective. We begin with a review of normal periparturient physiology.
SUBJETIVIDAD EN LA NARRACIÓN: EL IMPERFECTO EN EL ESPAÑOL PERUANO AMAZÓNICO

E ste articulo analiza los usos del Imperfecto del indicativo en el espanol peruano amazonico, una variedad formada en situacion de intenso contacto linguistico. Tipicamente el Imperfecto porta valor durativo por oposicion al sentido puntual del preterito, valor continuo en contraste al caracter delimitativo del segundo y valor indefinido en referencia a una situacion pasada no especifica, a diferencia del Preterito que alude a la totalidad del evento (Garcia Fernandez, 2008; Cipria y Roberts, 2001, p. 300). Usando como marco de referencia los enfoques teoricos temporal, aspectuales, y con enfasis en el contexto y el discurso (Rojo, 1990, 1999; Garcia Fernandez, 2008; Hopper y Thompson 1980, p. 251; Fleischman, 1990, p.168), se examinan usos prototipicos y atipicos del Imperfecto. Estos ultimos consisten en poner los eventos en primer plano, una funcion usualmente desempenada por el Preterito. El examen de los datos muestra que los valores del Imperfecto estan constrenidos por el aspecto lexico del verbo, los modificadores adverbiales temporales, el tipo de estructura narrativa en el que aparecen (Labov y Waletzky, 1997[1967], p. 3). Estos son empleados con propositos pragmaticos que manifiestan la subjetividad del narrador. Los datos consisten en narraciones de experiencias personales a hablantes monolingues recogidas a traves de entrevistas sociolinguisticas conducidas en la ciudad de Iquitos, Peru.
Diversity in Outdoor Education: Discrepancies in SEL Across a School Overnight Program:

Background: Outdoor education plays a significant role in social emotional development; however, research on the benefits of outdoor education has focused on white student populations. Purpose: Thi...
FORMS AND PREDICATION RECONSIDERED

In Western Creed, Western Identity, Professor Dougherty notes the seminal influence of Greek philosophy on the western identity. While both Plato and Aristotle contributed to western culture and identity, the present paper concentrates on the contribution of Plato, with specific reference to the forms and the importance of predication in philosophical discourse. Plato’s account of the existence and nature of forms has been variously interpreted—and criticized. In the first section of the dialogue, Parmenides, Parmenides and Zeno raise objections that may be, or perhaps had been, pressed against the theory, or rather against certain ways in which the account of the forms had been, or might be, stated. Aristotle, in the Nicomachean Ethics, the Metaphysics, and perhaps, in the fragmented Peri Ideon, also treated some criticism of the forms. In Anglo-American academic circles, the approach to Plato’s account of forms has been predominately analytic. The analytic approach is not monolithic, but generally those who work in this tradition, even if they recognize the systematic nature of Plato’s work, tend towards a genetichistorical interpretation of the theory of forms. They assume, for example, that the “separable” forms are not present in the dialogues they consider to be early dialogues, and that the theory of forms in the middle dialogues is quite distinct from the “later” theory, somewhat on the model that one speaks of an “earlier” and “later” Wittgenstein. This assumption is sometimes coupled with the claim that Plato abandoned earlier versions of the theory because he came to recognize they were logically flawed. The so-
Scalable cluster computing - opportunities and challenges

Cluster computing would appear to offer a viable alternative to current supercomputing offerings from vendors. In fact, several major institutions have adopted scalable clusters either as mainline computing platforms, as capacity engines, or as risk-reducing alternatives to vendor-supplied solutions. I will discuss the successes and shortcomings of cluster efforts to date in the field of High Performance Supercomputing. In particular I will review one major effort built initially on Compaq Alpha processors, Myrinet interconnect hardware, Linux and custom communications, libraries and system integration and management software. This project, Cplant, at Sandia National Laboratories has created a virtual supercomputing environment that nearly duplicates the look, feel and stability of a massively parallel supercomputer such as Intel's ASCI TFlops and Cray's T3E machines. Cplant has been released under GNU public license and has been downloaded by nearly 1000 sies as of 8/1/01. In this talk I will concentrate on what makes a "good" supercomputer for engineering and scientific applications and evaluate the current state and outlook for scalable clusters as a competitive approach for scalable supercomputing. This will be done largely in the context of the Cplant initiative. Finally I will mention some successes with scalable clustering in other areas such as bio-informatics and visualization of terascale and petascale datasets.
Value War: Public Opinion and the Politics of Gay Rights, by Paul Brewer

In Value War, Paul Brewer brings together and extends the themes, data, and analysis from several of his published journal articles to create a book that is certainly more than the simple sum of it...
Failure to isolate streptococci from children under the age of 3 years with exudative tonsillitis.

Forty-seven children less than 3 years of age with exudative tonsillitis were studied and only seven (14.6%) were found to have streptococci. Attempts to explain the etiology of this syndrome by virological study were unsuccessful, although 22% of 27 patients studied did have evidence of virus infection. Children with exudate in this age group do not usually require antimicrobial therapy unless there is proof by culture of the presence of streptococci or unless there is other clinical indication such as otitis media. The presence of exudate is, in fact, a strong indication that the streptococcus is not the etiologic agent.
The US 2014 Midterm Elections and their Aftermath

The Republican Party won big in the 2014 midterm elections in the US. Alan Draper examines the Republicans' success and its consequences for an increasingly polarised American politics ahead of next year's presidential vote.