cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anisotropy of disorder accumulation and recovery in 6H–SiC irradiated with Au2+ ions at 140 K

Abstract Single crystal 〈0 0 0 1〉-oriented 6H–SiC was irradiated with Au2+ ions to fluences of 0.032, 0.058 and 0.105 ions/nm2 at 140 K and was subsequently annealed at various temperatures up to 500 K. The relative disorder on both the Si and C sublattices has been determined simultaneously using in situ D+ ion channeling along the 〈0 0 0 1〉 and 〈 2 2 ¯ 0 1 〉 axes. A higher level of disorder on both the Si and C sublattices is observed along the 〈 2 2 ¯ 0 1 〉. There is a preferential C disordering and more C interstitials are aligned with 〈0 0 0 1〉. Room-temperature recovery along 〈 2 2 ¯ 0 1 〉 occurs, which is associated with the 〈0 0 0 1〉-aligned interstitials that annihilate due to close-pair recombination. Disorder recovery between 400 and 500 K is primarily attributed to annihilation of interstitials that are misaligned with 〈0 0 0 1〉 and to epitaxial crystallization. Effects of stacking order in SiC on disorder accumulation are insignificant; however, noticeable differences of low-temperature recovery in Au2+-irradiated 6H–SiC and 4H–SiC are observed.
A naphthalene-containing amino acid enables hydrogelation of a conjugate of nucleobase–saccharide–amino acids

Here we report the first example of a hydrogelator made of a conjugate of nucleobase–saccharide–amino acids by incorporating L-3-(2-naphthyl)-alanine to the conjugate, which illustrates a facile and effective method for generating bioactive and functional hydrogelators from the basic biological building blocks.
Dextroamphetamine modulates the response of the human amygdala

Amphetamine, a potent monoaminergic agonist, has pronounced effects on emotional behavior in humans, including the generation of fear and anxiety. Recent animal studies have demonstrated the importance of monoamines, especially dopamine, in modulating the response of the amygdala, a key brain region involved in the perception of fearful and threatening stimuli, and the generation of appropriate physiological and behavioral responses. We have explored the possibility that the anxiogenic effect of amphetamine in humans reflects the drug's influence on the activity of the amygdala. In a double-blind placebo controlled study, fMRI revealed that dextroamphetamine potentiated the response of the amygdala during the perceptual processing of angry and fearful facial expressions. Our results provide the first evidence of a specific neural substrate for the anxiogenic effects of amphetamine and are consistent with animal models of dopaminergic activation of the amygdala.
Comparison of the contact allergenicity of the four pentadecylcatechols derived from poison ivy urushiol in human subjects

Abstract Urushiol, the component of poison ivy sap which induces contact dermatitis, has been fractionated into its four constituent catechols. These catechols differ in degree of unsaturation of the pentadecyl side chain, ranging from the fully saturated pentadecylcatechol (PDC) to the tri-olefin derivative. Twenty six volunteers with histories of Rhus dermatitis were studied. Serial dilutions containing 10 −2 , 10 −3 , and 10 −4 μM of PDC, mono-, di-, and tri-olefin were applied to the skin of the back, and responses were recorded on Days 2, 3, 4, and 7. Reactivity was recorded as the highest dilution causing a popular to vesicular lesions on Day 7. Cutaneous reactivity was greatest to the di- and tri-olefins, followed in decreasing order by mono-olefin and PDC. When volunteers were grouped according to whether their last episode of Rhus dermatitis was either 5 or fewer years ago or 6 or more years ago, more reactivity to each test catechol was demonstrated the former group. When volunteers were grouped according to age, 20 to 39 and 40 to 59 years, greater reactivity occurred in the older group. This greater reactivity was most likely related to more recent exposure to the antigen —7.3 versus 3.0 years, respectively.
Muscle sarcomas and alopecia in A/J mice chronically treated with nicotine

Aims To evaluate the pathobiologic effects of long-term treatment with nicotine of A/J mice susceptible to tobacco-induced lung carcinogenesis.
The effects of transmission through a magnetic filter on the ion charge state distribution of a cathodic vacuum arc plasma

In this paper we report the effects of transmission through a 90/spl deg/ solenoidal magnetic filter on the ion charge state distribution of a vacuum arc plasma as a function of the magnetic field strength and the injection distance between the cathode and filter entrance. The mean ion charge state, measured using the time of flight technique, increased compared with the unfiltered value at low magnetic fields and then steadily decreased as the filter field was increased. At high fields, it was significantly lower than the unfiltered value.
Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for inflammatory pseudotumor of the pancreas

An 82-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain, nausea, emesis, and weight loss of ~25 lb over 6 months. A CT scan and MRI of the abdomen revealed a mass in the tail of the pancreas that was suspicious for malignancy. The patient underwent successful laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and was discharged home on the 4th postoperative day after an uneventful course. Pathology revealed an inflammatory pseudotumor of the pancreas (IPT). Pancreatic IPT is a rare entity, and this case represents the first report of laparoscopic resection of this lesion. The presentation, diagnosis, histologic features, and therapy of IPT of the pancreas are reviewed.
Gamma Irradiation Effects on Shelf Life and Gel Forming Properties of Washed Red Hake (Urophycis chuss) Fish Mince

Fresh washed red hake (Urophycis chuss) mince without cryoprotectants was irradiated at 0 (control), 0.66 and 1.31 kGy and stored aerobically at 3.3°C. The total aerobic plate counts of the control and the low and high levels irradiated samples remained less than 106 CFU/ g for 4, 10, and 17 days, respectively. Gel strength decreased after irradiation of mince, and such decreases were dose-dependent. Irradiation extended sensory shelf life of unfrozen fish mince 12–18 days and microbiologically (<106 CFU/g) 6–13 days longer than the unirradiated control.
Partially miscible VAPEX displacement of a moderately viscous oil

Abstract The vapor extraction (VAPEX) process is studied here for a moderately viscous oil (78 cP) both experimentally and numerically. A scaled model representing one symmetric half of a VAPEX pattern has been constructed. The effect of well spacing, solvent composition and injection rate on recovery has been studied. Injecting a partially miscible solvent ethane (C2) at 200 psi (much below the MMP at 77 °F) in the VAPEX mode recovers a substantial amount of oil (up to 40% PV in 2 PVI). Gravity and diffusional mixing aid this process. As the vertical distance between the injector and producer increases, the oil recovery increases. Reducing the solvent injection rate from 50 cm 3 /h to 5 cm 3 /h improves oil recovery for C2 injection. Slower rate provides more time for mixing. A higher level of mixing and a lower viscous-to-gravity force ratio improve oil recovery. Partially miscible solvent (C2) recovers slightly more oil than immiscible gas (N2 and C1). Injecting a totally miscible solvent (C3 and C6) improves oil recovery over partially miscible and immiscible gases.
Benefits of adaptive FM systems on speech recognition in noise for listeners who use hearing aids.

Purpose To compare the benefits of adaptive FM and fixed FM systems through measurement of speech recognition in noise with adults and students in clinical and real-world settings. Method Five adults and 5 students with moderate-to-severe hearing loss completed objective and subjective speech recognition in noise measures with the 2 types of FM processing. Sentence recognition was evaluated in a classroom for 5 competing noise levels ranging from 54 to 80 dBA while the FM microphone was positioned 6 in. from the signal loudspeaker to receive input at 84 dB SPL. The subjective measures included 2 classroom activities and 6 auditory lessons in a noisy, public aquarium. Results On the objective measures, adaptive FM processing resulted in significantly better speech recognition in noise than fixed FM processing for 68- and 73-dBA noise levels. On the subjective measures, all individuals preferred adaptive over fixed processing for half of the activities. Adaptive processing was also preferred by most (8–9) i...
On-line monitoring and diagnosis of tapping process using Neuro Fuzzy Systems

Tapping has been widely used throughout industry, and its proper operation is paramount in ensuring product quality. Therefore, monitoring and diagnosis is needed to detect the tapping process conditions. In this work, a combination of ten indices of the tapping process was extracted from tapping torque, thrust force, and lateral forces. The Sequential Forward Search (SFS) algorithm has been used to select the best feature sets. Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS) were used for the monitoring and diagnosis of tapping process. A 3times2 ANFIS structure can distinguish normal tapping process from abnormal tapping process with 100% reliability. The tapping process conditions can be further classified into five categories with over 95% success rate using a 10times2 ANFIS structure. In simple words, monitoring and diagnosis of tapping process can be carried out successfully using SFS and ANFIS.
Active Learning Algorithms in Seismic Facies Classification

Summary In this paper we illustrate unsupervised and supervised learning algorithms that accurately classify the lithological variations in the 3D seismic data. We demonstrate blind source separation techniques such as the principal components (PCA) and noise adjusted principal components in conjunction with Kohonen Self organizing maps to produce superior unsupervised classification maps. Further, we utilize the PCA space training in Maximum likelihood (ML) supervised classification. Results demonstrate that the ML supervised classification produces an improved classification of the facies in the 3D seismic dataset from the Anadarko basin in central Oklahoma.
Reduktion von Carbonylverbindungen mit chiralen Oxazaborolidin‐Katalysatoren: eine neue enantioselektive Katalyse und leistungsfähige Synthesemethode

Eine hohe Enantioselektivitat kann in der durch komplexe chirale Oxazaborolidine katalysierten Reduktion von Ketonen erreicht werden. Der Katalysator aktiviert im Ubergangszustand die beiden Reaktanten und halt sie in enger Nachbarschaft zueinander (siehe Schema unten).
The Timing of Midzone Stabilization during Cytokinesis Depends on Myosin II Activity and an Interaction between INCENP and Actin

The final steps of cell division are tightly coordinated in space and time, but whether mechanisms exist to couple the actin and microtubule (MT) cytoskeletons during anaphase and cytokinesis (C phase) is largely unknown. During anaphase, MTs are incorporated into an anti-parallel array termed the spindle midzone (midzone MTs), whereas F-actin and non-muscle myosin II, together with other factors, organize into the cleavage furrow [1]. Previous studies in somatic cells have shown that midzone MTs become highly stable after furrows have begun ingression [2], indicating that furrow-to-MT communication may occur. Midzone formation is also inhibited in fly spermatocytes that fail to form a cleavage furrow [3] and during monopolar cytokinesis when myosin contractility is blocked by blebbistatin [4]. We show here that midzone MT stabilization is dependent on actomyosin contraction, suggesting that there is active coordination between furrow ingression and microtubule dynamics. Midzone microtubule stabilization also depends on the kinase activity of Aurora B, the catalytic subunit of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), uncovering a feedback mechanism that couples furrowing with microtubule dynamics. We further show that the CPC scaffolding protein INCENP (inner centromere protein) binds actin, an interaction that is important for cytokinesis and for midzone MT stabilization following furrow ingression. Stabilization of midzone MTs with low amounts of Taxol rescues cytokinesis in INCENP actin-binding mutant-expressing cells. Collectively, our work demonstrates that the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons are coordinated during cytokinesis and suggests that the CPC is integral for coupling furrow ingression with midzone microtubule stabilization.
Translational and Post-translational Control of Leptin Production by Fat Cells

Expression of leptin in adipocytes is a subject to the multi-level post-transcriptional control. Available evidence suggests that the insulin-sensitive mTORC1-mediated signaling pathway regulates leptin expression at the level of translation thus coupling leptin production to nutrient uptake. By the same token, chronic elevation of the mTORC1 activity may represent a significant factor in the development of hyperleptinemia in human obesity. Intriguingly, not all leptin expressed in adipocytes is constitutively secreted. A significant part of the de novo synthesized leptin molecules undergoes immediate lysosomal degradation in the cell. In addition, a limited pool of leptin is retained inside the adipocyte in specialized small membrane vesicles that may represent a novel type of a regulated secretory compartment. Acute discharge of leptin-containing secretory vesicles may be responsible for the rapid pulsatile oscillations in circulating leptin levels observed in vivo.
Biosynthesis of l-lysine and l-threonine in Brevibacterium. II. l-Lysine production by S-(2-aminoethyl) l-cysteine and .ALPHA.-amino-.BETA.-hydroxyvarelic acid resistant mutants of Brevibacterium lactofermentum.

The regulation of aspartokinase (EC 2.7.2.4) in Brevibacterium lactofermentum was studied. One mM of lysine or threonine or threonine plus lysine inhibited the activity of aspartokinase to the levels of 45, 41 or 81%, respectively, as compared with no addition. In order to obtain mutants with aspartokinase which is genetically desensitized to the feedback inhibition, we tried to derive mutant resistant to S-(2-aminoethyl) L-cysteine (AEC) or α-amino-β-hydroxyvarelic acids (AHV) from B. lactofermentum. Most of AEC resistant mutants produced more than 5mg/ml of L-lysine. These aspar-tokinase were not inhibited by threonine or threonine plus lysine, but inhibited by lysine. On the other hand, about 30% of AHV resistant mutants produced more than 5mg/ml of L-lysine and these aspartokinases were partially desensitized to the feedback inhibition by lysine. Furthermore, the homoserine dehydrogenase level and the degree of inhibition by threo-nine in ARV resistant mutants were almost the same as those in parental strain. Both AEC and AHV resistant mutants produced L-lysine twofold as compared with that of either AEC or AHV resistant mutants. The data provide significant evidence that aspartokinase in Brevibacterium lactofermentum was subject to the single or concerted regulation by threonine and lysine.
Calcitonin and Carcinoembryonic Antigen as Tumor Markers in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma

Six patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma, of both familial and non-familial types, had markedly elevated serum concentrations of calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The highest serum CEA concentrations were found in those patients with the most extensive disease and correlated with the extent of serum calcitonin elevation. Immunocytochemical studies revealed positive staining for CEA and calcitonin in tumor cells, and these results were confirmed by correlative radioimmunoassays of tumor extracts for CEA. Patterns of calcitonin and CEA immunoreactivity in tissue sections were similar but not identical. While most tumor cells contained both CEA and calcitonin, some groups of tumor cells that were strongly stained for calcitonin did not stain for CEA. In contrast to the granular staining pattern for calcitonin, CEA immunoreactivity tended to be diffusely distributed throughout the cytoplasm or was concentrated at the plasma membranes. Normal and hyperplastic C cells, on the other hand, showed strong staining for calcitonin but did not contain immunoreactive CEA. It is concluded that CEA is a useful tumor marker in patients with locally advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma and that CEA and calcitonin can be produced by the same neoplastic cell populations.
A Quantum Mask Game: Using Squeezed Light to Perform Spatially Resolving Object Detection

We experimentally investigate a scheme that exploits the multi-spatial quantum correlations between twin squeezed vacuum beams to resolve the shape of a mask partially obstructing one of the beams.
Crystal Structures and Functional Characterization of Wild-Type Cyp101D1 and its Active Site Mutants.

Although CYP101D1 and P450cam catalyze the same reaction at similar rates and share strikingly similar active site architectures, there are significant functional differences. CYP101D1 thus provides an opportunity to probe what structural and functional features must be shared and what features can differ but maintain the high catalytic efficiency. Crystal structures of the cyanide complex of wild-type CYP101D1 and it active site mutants, D259N and T260A, have been determined. The conformational changes in CYP101D1 upon cyanide binding are very similar to those of P450cam, indicating a similar mechanism for proton delivery during oxygen activation using solvent-assisted proton transfer. The D259N–CN– complex shows a perturbed solvent structure compared to that of the wild type, which is similar to what was observed in the oxy complex of the corresonding D251N mutant in P450cam. As in P450cam, the T260A mutant is highly uncoupled while the D259N mutant gives barely detectable activity. Despite these simila...
Processing of SiO2-TiO2 Thin Film Waveguides

The shrinkage behavior and changes in refractive index of sol-gel derived SiO2 -TiO2 thin films, with a composition of 50 mole %, were investigated. Two regions of shrinkage rate were observed, a rapid initial stage and a slower second stage. The refractive index of the film was found to be dependent upon the heat treatment. Samples prebaked to 100°C and processed at temperatures below 500°C were found to have lower indices than films processed without prebaking. Films heated to 700°C contained small crystallites of anatase uniformly distributed throughout the film.
Case Report: Cimetidine-Associated Depression and Loss of Libido in a Woman

A healthy young woman developed marked depression and loss of libido while taking cimetidine. Her symptoms promptly resolved after discontinuation of cimetidine suggesting that her symptoms represent an adverse drug reaction. Mental confusion and other neurologic symptoms have been attributed to cimetidine administration, but depression has not been previously reported. This case can not be explained by the presently accepted theory regarding the pathogenesis of cimetidine-associated central nervous system abnormalities.
Keck stereoselective allylation

Asymmetric allylation of aldehydes with allylstannane in the presence of a Lewis acid and catalytic chiral BINAP (or other chiral ligands).
Post-transplant blood transfusions and pediatric renal allograft outcomes

The association of blood transfusions with GS after pediatric KTx is unclear. We retrospectively analyzed blood transfusions post-KTx and subsequent outcomes. Between 1984 and 2013, 482 children ( 12 months. Transfused and non-transfused recipients were not significantly different. In univariate and multivariate analyses, there was no difference between transfused and non-transfused recipient patient survival, antibody-mediated and ACR, and DSA free survival. Transfusions 12 months post-KTx had significantly lower 12 month eGFR (compared to non-transfused) and worse subsequent DCGS. Post-KTx blood transfusions have increased in pediatric KTx over time but have no negative association with rejection or DSA production. DCGS is unaffected by transfusion within first month. Transfusions after the first year occur in patients with more advanced chronic kidney disease and are associated with significantly worse DCGS.
Reversal of Renal Insufficiency after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

High dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) prolongs survival and is the standard of care for eligible multiple myeloma patients. Approximately 50 % of patients presented with renal insufficiency and 20% have renal failure at diagnosis. Transplant eligibility of patients with renal insufficiency is controversial due to the concerns of increased toxicity. We retrospectively evaluated 80 patients with multiple myeloma who underwent either single or tandem SCT at Rush University Medical Center between January 1999 and December 2003. Median OS was 51 months and PFS was 26 months for all patients. All patients with renal insufficiency except those who did not have change in renal function had SCT within 12 months of initial diagnosis. Ten (12 %) patients had serum creatinine of at least 1.5mg/dl immediately before the transplantation. (mean creatinine: 2.88 mg/dl, range 1.4–4.9mg/dl) All patients with renal insufficiency except one had positive urine immunofixation for free light chains (6 kappa and 3 lambda) and all had normal serum calcium level at the time of SCT. GFR was estimated by MDRD equation. Three out of ten (30%) patients had at least 100% improvement in GFR by day 30 post-transplant (mean decrease in serum creatinine 1.26 mg/dl, range 1.1–2.9 mg/dl). Four (40%) patients had at least 50% increase in GFR after day 100. (mean decrease in serum creatinine 1.48mg/dl, range 1–2.9 mg/dl ). Two (20%) patients had no significant change in renal function (pre-transplant mean serum creatinine 2.4 mg/dl, post-transplant creatinine at day 100 2.1mg/dl. One patient (pre SCT serum creatinine 4.9mg/dl) required hemodialysis throughout the transplant period. Table 1 compares the patient characteristics and clinical outcomes in patients with and without renal insufficiency. PFS and OS rates of patients with renal insufficiency at the time of SCT were similar to those with normal renal function. There was no significant difference in transplant related toxicity between two groups. In conclusion, the outcomes of myeloma patients with renal insufficiency who underwent autologous SCT were not significantly different from those who had normal renal function at the time of transplant. Moreover, we observed a measurable improvement in the renal function after autologous SCT. Table 1. Stratification of patient characteristics and clinical outcomes by renal insufficiency.
Vitamin E Isoforms Inhibit Cell Proliferation and Downregulate Homeobox Protein Expression in the Leukemic KG-1 Cells.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in eight different isoforms: four tocopherols (alpha, beta-, gamma- and delta-), and four tocotrienols (also alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-). Studies are underway to determine whether vitamin E, through its ability to limit production of free radicals, might help prevent or delay the development of cancer. Other studies suggest that vitamin E may modulate signal transduction pathways to prevent or reverse the effects of cancer. In our study, we examined the effect of vitamin E isotypes on some gene products involved in acute leukemia such as HOXA9 (Homeobox A9), PBX1 (Pre-B cell leukemia transcription factor 1) and E2A-PBX1. HOXA9 is a transcription factor with a central role in both hemopoiesis and leukemia. A high level of HOXA9 is a characteristic feature of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and may be sufficient to cause this disease. PBX1 is involved in a form of pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). E2A-PBX1 is a protein resulting from a chromosomal translocation t(1;19)(q23;p13.3) which involves PBX1 and E2A genes. E2A-PBX1 transforms cells by constitutively activating transcription of genes regulated by PBX1 or by other members of the PBX protein family. KG-1 cells were treated with 20 micromolar (μM) gamma tocotrienol (γT3) and delta tocotrienol (δT3) for 48 hours, and 50 μM gamma tocopherol (γT) and delta tocopherol (δT) for 72 hours. MTT Assays demonstrate 30% inhibition of cell proliferation using 50 μM γT after 72 hours, 60% inhibition of cell proliferation using 50 μM δT after 48 hours, 70% inhibition of cell proliferation using 25 μM γT3 after 48 hours, and 75% inhibition of cell proliferation using 25 μM δT3 after 48 hours. Western Blot analysis was performed on the cell lysates using HOXA9, PBX1 and E2A-PBX-1 antibodies. Our results showed that both δT and γT when used at a 50 μM concentration for 72 hours treatment, as well as δT3 and γT3 when used at a 20 μM concentration for 48 hours treatment, have a down regulatory effect on HOXA9, PBX1 and E2A-PBX-1 protein expression in the leukemic KG-1 cells. A down regulatory effect on cyclin D1 and cyclin D3 was also demonstrated.
Emancipatory Politics and Social Transformation

This chapter explores the idea that social transformation is actually a deeply healing process. Smith begins by building on past chapters, laying out a theory of the interactive nature of suffering. Drawing once again on a cross-disciplinary framework, Smith shows that the transition to post-capitalism is deeply entwined in a process of social and individual healing, transformation and reconciliation. He argues that a critically retrieved notion of “social progress” requires that we lend a normative ear to suffering, and understand the importance of creating social conditions which foster and support a free-flourishing, mediating subject. In introducing an alternative philosophy of systemic change, Smith offers both immediate policy proposals, ranging from mental health to alternative economics, and a long-term vision of a more emancipatory post-capitalist future. This includes discussion on consumerism, mass surveillance and other contemporary developments in relation to the fragile self and possible roads to sanity.
Competing Free Speech Values in an Age of Protest

This Article endeavors to catalog and resolve cases involving competing free speech values, and then applies its solutions to violent and disruptive protests. Almost every First Amendment case can be framed as implicating free speech values on both sides of the First Amendment equation. Government action directly abridges speech, but government inaction may allow private parties too much control over others’ speech. First Amendment doctrine, which generally protects speech only from suppression by state actors, can thus compromise the very free speech values that form the rationales for the First Amendment. Scholars and litigants have argued that government regulation of speech, to preserve free speech values, is necessary in areas ranging from campaign finance, to access to media resources, to bigoted speech. This Article argues that strict adherence to a formal state action doctrine should resolve most, but not all, clashes between free speech doctrine and values. A robust application of the state action doctrine – where government interference to preserve speech values is not considered as part of the First Amendment calculus – also best advances both formal and substantive First Amendment equality. This Article proceeds in three parts. First, the Article chronicles the Supreme Court’s approach to cases involving competing free speech values. The Article then demonstrates why the state action doctrine, with its associated formal equality and neutrality principles, will ultimately advance free speech values. Finally, the Article considers political protests, and distinguishes between prosecution of violent protesters, which should be encouraged, and legislation criminalizing disruptive protest tactics, which may be unconstitutional.
The Bachelet Administration: Identifying and Remembering the Victims

The focus of this chapter is on a series of distinct, but impactful executive actions that expanded the role of the Commission on Illegal Imprisonment (Valech Commission); facilitated the identification of those murdered by the Pinochet dictatorship; and focused on the construction of museums and memorials to honor the victims and immortalize the repression. The legislative branch supported executive actions by funding these activities and creating new human rights bureaucracies or expanding previously existing ones. As opposed to previous administrations, during the Bachelet years there was a much closer relationship between the administration and the human rights organizations. The administration established mechanisms to facilitate the collaboration with the organizations, and the organizations were actively involved in the policy process.
Novel Terrestrial Foraging Behavior in the Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)

ABSTRACT On 10 April 2016, I observed a Pied-billed Grebe engage in a terrestrial foraging bout to capture a large earthworm. All members of the grebe order (Podicipediformes) are aquatic foraging species with lobate toes on feet positioned towards the posterior portion of the body. Grebes are accomplished divers and typically consume prey captured underwater. There had been no recorded instances of any grebe foraging on land prior to this observational account.
Improved lateral-flow immunoassays for chlamydia and immunoglobulin M by sequential rehydration of two-phase system components within a paper-based diagnostic

Frequent screening of at-risk individuals using paper-based point-of-care diagnostics is a promising method for attenuating the spread of chlamydia and HIV. However, such diagnostics typically suffer from limited sensitivity. The authors describe a method to improve the sensitivity of the lateral-flow immunoassay (LFA), in which the target molecules are thermodynamically concentrated using aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) to improve the detection limit. The novel concept of sequential ATPS component resolubilization within paper for both a PEG-potassium phosphate and a UCON-50-HB-5100-potassium phosphate system was established to provide a diagnostic tool which only requires the sample to be added without any sample preparation steps. The automated ATPS phase separation and concentration of the target into the leading phase within the paper matrix can be visually demonstrated due to the use of gold nanoparticles. The importance of resolubilization order of the dehydrated polymers and salts is discussed. The designs presented improve the detection limit of a conventional LFA setup for Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria (158 μg·mL−1) and human immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies (0.31 μg·mL−1) to 15.8 μg·mL−1 and 0.031 μg·mL−1, respectively. This is a 10-fold detection limit improvement and results are available in 15 min. Compared to other methods that improve LFA sensitivity, this particular method does not require additional equipment, reagents, or sample preparation steps as all necessary components are embedded into the initial setup. Therefore, this advancement enables a more sensitive LFA that can be operated by untrained or minimally trained personnel, significantly expanding its applicability as a point-of-care test.
Interhospital Transfer Before Thrombectomy Is Associated With Delayed Treatment and Worse Outcome in the STRATIS Registry (Systematic Evaluation of Patients Treated With Neurothrombectomy Devices for Acute Ischemic Stroke)

Background:Endovascular treatment with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is beneficial for patients with acute stroke suffering a large-vessel occlusion, although treatment efficacy is highly time-depen...
A study on performance evaluation and status-based decision for cyber-physical production systems

In concert with advances in information and communication technology and their application to manufacturing environments, physical entities in factories are acquiring more intelligence via integration with cyber systems. This integration brings about Cyber-Physical Production Systems and leads to smart manufacturing, the next generation manufacturing paradigm. In the new paradigm, high levels of agility, flexibility, and real-time control make it possible to keep the system running efficiently and self-organized. At the same time, however, it becomes difficult in a self-organized and decentralized system to capture the system's status, evaluate the system's performance, and predict the system's future events. In this article, we suggest improvements to smart manufacturing systems where the intelligence from smart entities could be fully utilized without losing system control. To achieve this goal, a solution for integrating schedule-driven production (push systems) and event-driven production (pull systems) is proposed to optimize both material flow and information flow for manufacturing operations. For each entity in a smart manufacturing system, details of decision making are encapsulated and its status is exposed. The status-based decisions filter out unimportant information and make smart manufacturing systems loosely-coupled and predictable. A simulation case study based on Devices Profile for Web Services [1] is used to illustrate the effectiveness of such an approach. The case study suggests that status-based decisions could be applied to smart manufacturing and that they can be part of an approach that balances the self-organized control with overall performance. Therefore, we can make full use of intelligent entities in lower levels of a factory while keeping the entire system under control.
Can Established Vapers Distinguish Different PG:VG Ratios? A Pilot Study.

Objectives Using the triangle test, this study explores whether established vapers can distinguish small differences between e-liquid propylene glycol: vegetable glycerin (PG:VG) ratios at fixed levels of nicotine and flavor, in order to examine the extent to which solvent ratios affects sensory experiences. Methods Watermelon flavored e-liquids (16mg/mL nicotine) used for this study differed in the ratio of PG:VG (30:70, 50:50; 70:30). Current vapers were randomized to one of 3 possible study conditions differing by PG:VG ratio. Participants sampled products following the triangle test, which presents 3 blinded products, 2 of which are identical. They were asked to identify and rate the 'odd' product. Results Of the 14 participants who completed the study, 34.9% were able to determine the 'odd' product. Ratings on the subjective response scales for the 'odd' product were quite low. Aversion scores differed significantly by correct identification of the 'odd' product (p = .045). Conclusions Established vapers in this study were unable to consistently distinguish PG:VG ratios, even for relatively large differences, and correct identification inconsistently related to subjective effects ratings. These preliminary findings suggest that the PG:VG ratio may not be a salient feature of vaping.
A TWO-STAGE PHOTOVOLTAIC CONCENTRATOR WITH A NONIMAGING DIELECTRIC SECONDARY

ABSTRACT A nonimaging secondary optical element can be used in combination with a conventional focusing lens, either to increase greatly the achievable concentration or to relax substantially the required optical tolerances. In this paper experimental results are presented for such a two-stage photovoltaic concentrator. The two-stage system employs a fresnel lens as the primary and a dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator (DTIRC) as the secondary and achieves a geometrical concentration of 144x. The two-stage prototype has a measured acceptance angle of ±3.7 degrees, which is approximately eight times larger than that provided by the corresponding conventional lens-cell system with the same concentration. It is found that in the two-stage system, the increase in the electrical efficiency due to the improved flux distribution on the cell offsets the optical loss associated with the use of a secondary. As a result, no significant loss in the electrical efficiency is observed. The much larger angular acceptance and the excellent electrical performance make the two-stage system a very attractive design in the effort to reduce the cost of photovoltaic electricity.
Adaptive Learning Algorithm Convergence in Passive and Reactive Environments

Although the number of artificial neural network and machine learning architectures is growing at an exponential pace, more attention needs to be paid to theoretical guarantees of asymptotic convergence for novel, nonlinear, high-dimensional adaptive learning algorithms. When properly understood, such guarantees can guide the algorithm development and evaluation process and provide theoretical validation for a particular algorithm design. For many decades, the machine learning community has widely recognized the importance of stochastic approximation theory as a powerful tool for identifying explicit convergence conditions for adaptive learning machines. However, the verification of such conditions is challenging for multidisciplinary researchers not working in the area of stochastic approximation theory. For this reason, this letter presents a new stochastic approximation theorem for both passive and reactive learning environments with assumptions that are easily verifiable. The theorem is widely applicable to the analysis and design of important machine learning algorithms including deep learning algorithms with multiple strict local minimizers, Monte Carlo expectation-maximization algorithms, contrastive divergence learning in Markov fields, and policy gradient reinforcement learning.
Non-malleable Codes Against Lookahead Tampering

There are natural cryptographic applications where an adversary only gets to tamper a high-speed data stream on the fly based on her view so far, namely, the lookahead tampering model. Since the adversary can easily substitute transmitted messages with her messages, it is farfetched to insist on strong guarantees like error-correction or, even, manipulation detection. Dziembowski, Pietrzak, and Wichs (ICS–2010) introduced the notion of non-malleable codes that provide a useful message integrity for such scenarios. Intuitively, a non-malleable code ensures that the tampered codeword encodes the original message or a message that is entirely independent of the original message.
Harnessing Big Data and Analytics Solutions in Support of Smart City Services

Connecting and leveraging different types of electronic data sources (e.g., mobile and networked sensors, devices, and systems) to create an integrated platform is always a challenging task. To meet the needs of smart city development, developing that platform to process collected data in real time to support smart city services becomes essential. A robust and scalable framework for integrating big data and analytics solutions thus is required, aimed at providing seamless integration of heterogeneous data to manage city transportation, traffic, energy consumption, schools, hospitals, and other public services in a smart and sustainable manner. This paper extends our preliminary framework studies by discussing how we can implement physical and social sensing using the proposed big data and analytics platform to enable better and smarter services than ever before in great detail. With the support of big data and analytics technologies, we use city mobility services to demonstrate the great potential of the proposed integration and aggregation framework. Specifically, real time data from Citi Bike is collected, processed, and modeled. The developed prototype in support of city mobility management and operations shows a variety of potential benefits of the proposed digital ecosystem platform.
Homologous recombination defects and how they affect replication fork maintenance

Homologous recombination (HR) repairs DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) and stabilizes replication forks (RFs). RAD51 is the recombinase for the HR pathway. To preserve genomic integrity, RAD51 forms a filament on the 3' end of a DSB and on a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) gap. But unregulated HR results in undesirable chromosomal rearrangements. This review describes the multiple mechanisms that regulate HR with a focus on those mechanisms that promote and contain RAD51 filaments to limit chromosomal rearrangements. If any of these pathways break down and HR becomes unregulated then disease, primarily cancer, can result.
Review of the cardiovascular safety of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and the clinical relevance of the CAROLINA trial.

Cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) is a well-recognized complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and there is a clinical need for glucose-lowering therapies that do not further increase CV risk in this population. Although sulfonylureas (SUs) may be used as second-line therapy for patients requiring additional therapy after first-line metformin to improve glycemic control, their long-term effects on CV outcomes remain uncertain, and a wide range of alternative agents exist including dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Literature searches in PubMed (2013–2018) were conducted with terms for DPP-4 inhibitors combined with CV terms, with preference given to cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOTs). Reference lists from retrieved articles and diabetes guidelines were also considered. This narrative review discusses current evidence for the CV safety of these agents, describes the long-term CV effects of DPP-4 inhibitors, including effects on CV events, mortality, the risk for heart failure hospitalization, and highlights the need for further research into the CV effects of SU therapy. Although SUs remain a treatment option for T2DM, the long-term effects of these agents on CV outcomes are unclear, and further long-term studies are required. For DPP-4 inhibitors, uncertainties have been raised about their long-term effect on hospitalization for heart failure in light of the results of SAVOR-TIMI 53, although the findings of other DPP-4 inhibitor CVOTs in T2DM and data analyses have suggested these agents do not increase the occurrence of adverse CV outcomes. Based on recent CVOTs and guideline updates, the choice of add-on to metformin therapy for patients with T2DM and established CV disease should be a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor or a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist with proven CV benefit. Additional treatment options for those individuals who require therapy intensification, as well as in patients with T2DM and without established CVD include DPP-4 inhibitors and SUs. Since few head-to-head trials have compared the effects of different oral glucose-lowering agents on CV outcomes in T2DM, with most CVOTs using placebo as a comparator, the CAROLINA trial will provide important information on the comparative CV safety of a commonly prescribed SU and a DPP-4 inhibitor.
PROTRACTED ACUTE HYPERVOLEMIC HYPERNATREMIA UNMASKED AFTER VASOPRESSIN THERAPY: CASE REPORT, LITERATURE REVIEW, AND PROPOSED ALGORITHMIC APPROACH.

ABSTRACT Objective: Acute hypervolemic hypernatremia (HHN) is the most common form of hypernatremia in critical care settings. Previous reports implicated acute kidney injury and vasopressin withdrawal-induced central diabetes insipidus. Methods: We present the case of a 52-year-old woman who developed HHN after treatment of septic shock due to complicated bowel perforation. Results: After discontinuation of a 30-hour infusion of vasopressin analog, the patient manifested hypernatremia (150 to 156 mEq/L, equivalent to mmol/L) with hyponatriuria (49 mEq/L), hypoosmotic urine (163 mOsm/L), and polyuria (6.9 L/day) in a setting of cumulative positive fluid balance of 20.1 L. A trial of desmopressin yielded incomplete urinary concentration suggestive of renal resistance to desmopressin likely due to fluid overload. Despite positive water balance, her urine sodium was low at 36 to 49 mEq/L compared to serum sodium of 152 to 156 mEq/L. The hypernatremia with polyuria persisted for 16 days and resolved after treatment of the positive cumulative water balance (with controlled diuresis prioritizing natriuresis). Conclusion: HHN may result in insufficient urine sodium clearance. We propose modifying the diagnostic/treatment algorithm by including HHN in a critical care setting, and recommending judicious administration of a loop diuretic to prioritize natriuria in hypernatremia with extreme cumulative fluid overload. Abbreviations: AKI = acute kidney injury D5W = 5% dextrose in water DI = diabetes insipidus HHN = hypervolemic hypernatremia
ALDH1A3 regulations of matricellular proteins promote vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation

Summary Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation promotes intimal hyperplasia (IH) in occluding vascular diseases. Here we identified a positive role of ALDH1A3 (an aldehyde dehydrogenase) in this pro-IH process. The expression of ALDH1A3, but not that of 18 other isoforms of the ALDH family, was substantially increased in cytokine-stimulated VSMCs. PDGF(BB) stimulated VSMC total ALDH activity and proliferation, whereas ALDH1A3 silencing abolished this effect. ALDH1A3 silencing also diminished the expression of two matricellular proteins (TNC1 and ESM1), revealing a previously unrecognized ALDH1A3 function. Loss-of-function experiments demonstrated that TNC1 and ESM1 mediated ALDH1A3's pro-proliferative function via activation of AKT/mTOR and/or MEK/ERK pathways. Furthermore, ALDH inhibition with disulfiram blocked VSMC proliferation/migration in vitro and decreased TNC1 and ESM1 and IH in angioplasty-injured rat carotid arteries. Thus, ALDH1A3 promotes VSMC proliferation at least partially through TNC1/ESM1 upregulation; dampening excessive ALDH1A3 activity represents a potential approach to IH mitigation.
Emergent TandemHeart-ECMO for acute severe mitral regurgitation with cardiogenic shock and hypoxaemia: a case series

Background Acute severe mitral regurgitation (MR) associated with cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening emergency. Traditional teaching has focused on the need for emergent coronary angiography and/or intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in preparation for emergent open-heart surgery for repair/replacement. Unfortunately, emergent open-heart surgery in patients with acute MR complicated by cardiogenic shock is associated with 25-46% perioperative mortality. New devices have provided additional options for stabilization prior to emergent surgery which facilitate improved outcomes. Case summary We present two cases of acute severe MR resulting in cardiogenic shock and profound hypoxaemia. TandemHeart® mechanical circulatory support with an oxygenator spliced into the circuit, akin to veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), facilitated haemodynamic stabilization and decongestion of the lungs facilitating successful bridge to mitral valve surgery. Successful discharge to home was achieved in both patients with good neurological outcomes and sustained long-term functional recovery at 18 and 14 months, respectively. Discussion Selective use of the TandemHeart®, with or without ECMO, facilitates management of the critically ill cardiogenic shock patient with acute severe MR.
Incidence and prediction of checkpoint inhibitor immune-related nephrotoxicity.

91Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), through inhibition of self-tolerance, have the potential to cause immune-related adverse events that can affect any organ, including the kidneys. ...
Fixed Compared With Autoregulation-Oriented Blood Pressure Thresholds After Mechanical Thrombectomy for Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose— Loss of cerebral autoregulation in the acute phase of ischemic stroke leaves patients vulnerable to blood pressure (BP) changes. Effective BP management after endovascular t...
Comparing the variances or robust measures of scale of two dependent variables

The paper deals with two issues. The first is testing the hypothesis that two dependent variables have a common variance. Currently, a heteroscedastic analog of the Morgan–Pitman test appears to pe...
The Impact of Neoliberal Evaluation Systems on Rural Schools, Teachers, and their Bilingual Learners:

Over the past several decades, neoliberal reformers have had immense success advancing their reforms. While studies have pointed to the negative impact of these reforms on students and literacy ins...