cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Response and the Bystander Effect Induced by Radiation in C3H 10T½ Cells in Culture

Abstract Sawant, S. G., Randers-Pehrson, G., Metting, N. and Hall, E. J. Adaptive Response and the Bystander Effect Induced by Radiation in C3H 10T½ Cells in Culture. Radiat. Res. 156, 177–180 (2001). This paper discusses two phenomena of importance at low doses that have an impact on the shape of the dose–response relationship. First, there is the bystander effect, the term used to describe the biological effects observed in cells that are not themselves traversed by a charged particle, but are neighbors of cells that are; this exaggerates the effect of small doses of radiation. Second, there is the adaptive response, whereby exposure to a low level of DNA stress renders cells resistant to a subsequent exposure; this reduces the effect of low doses of radiation. The present work was undertaken to assess the relative importance of the adaptive response and the bystander effect induced by radiation in C3H 10T½ cells in culture. When the single-cell microbeam delivered from 1 to 12 α particles through the n...
Apolipoprotein Localization and Quantitation in the Human Intestine

Apolipoproteins B, A-I, and A-IV were localized in human intestinal epithelium using immunoperoxidase techniques. Staining was most obvious in villus tip cells. Lipid absorption resulted in an increase in intraepithelial staining for each apoprotein. The pattern for apo-B in the biopsy specimens taken after lipid absorption revealed a marked redistribution of staining to the intercellular spaces and an increase in the supranuclear staining of apo-A-I and apo-A-IV. After lipid absorption, staining appeared to extend further down the villus than in the fasting biopsy specimens. Quantitation of apo-A-I and apoA-IV in isolated epithelial cells confirmed that the mass of these apoproteins increases in response to lipid absorption. Apolipoprotein B and apo-A-I were absent in the epithelium of 3 patients with abetalipoproteinemia while apo-A-IV was present in 2 patients. These studies demonstrate differences in the localization and quantitation of apoproteins in the villus-crypt unit as well as differences in the localization pattern of the different apoproteins.
Measurement of protein synthesis in rat lungs perfused in situ.

Compartmentalization of amino acid was investigated to define conditions required for accurate measurements of rates of protein synthesis in rat lungs perfused in situ. Lungs were perfused with Krebs–Henseleit bicarbonate buffer containing 4.5% (w/v) bovine serum albumin, 5.6mm-glucose, normal plasma concentrations of 19 amino acids, and 8.6–690μm-[U-14C]phenylalanine. The perfusate was equilibrated with the same humidified gas mixture used to ventilate the lungs [O2/CO2 (19:1) or O2/N2/CO2 (4:15:1)]. [U-14C]Phenylalanine was shown to be a suitable precursor for studies of protein synthesis in perfused lungs: it entered the tissue rapidly (t½, 81s) and was not converted to other compounds. As perfusate phenylalanine was decreased below 5 times the normal plasma concentration, the specific radioactivity of the pool of phenylalanine serving as precursor for protein synthesis, and thus [14C]phenylalanine incorporation into protein, declined. In contrast, incorporation of [14C]histidine into lung protein was unaffected. At low perfusate phenylalanine concentrations, rates of protein synthesis that were based on the specific radioactivity of phenylalanyl-tRNA were between rates calculated from the specific radioactivity of phenylalanine in the extracellular or intracellular pools. Rates based on the specific radioactivities of these three pools of phenylalanine were the same when extracellular phenylalanine was increased. These observations suggested that: (1) phenylalanine was compartmentalized in lung tissue; (2) neither the extracellular nor the total intracellular pool of phenylalanine served as the sole source of precursor for protein; (3) at low extracellular phenylalanine concentrations, rates of protein synthesis were in error if calculated from the specific radioactivity of the free amino acid; (4) at high extracellular phenylalanine concentrations, the effects of compartmentalization were negligible and protein synthesis could be calculated accurately from the specific radioactivity of the free or tRNA-bound phenylalanine pool.
Preparation of TiO2 Polymer Nanodielectrics via a Solvent-Based Technique

The effect of adding surface-functionally treated TiO2 nanoparticles on dielectric properties of PVDF matrix was investigated. Porosity of the nanocomposite films showed to have an impact on dielectric permittivity results. Thermal annealing was proposed as an effective way to overcome the porosity problem. By combination of surface treatment of particles and thermal annealing of nanocomposite films, considerable enhancement in dielectric permittivity of TiO2 -PVDF nanocomposites was achieved. The experimental results were far higher than theoretical values based on Maxwell model, indicating the presence of an active interphase with high dielectric constant in the system.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Epidemiologic Review of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae and Duodenoscopes in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Background. Recent investigative reports have described transmission of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections linked to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). We conducted an epidemiologic review to determine whether there was evidence that Veterans may have become infected with CRE following ERCP/EUS.
Growth Patterns in the Dungeness Crab (Cancer Magister Dana): Synthesis of Data and Comparison of Models

ABSTRACT Observations on growth of Cancer magister Dana from 19 studies are summarized and synthesized using statistical models. Two growth components (molt increment, MI, and intermolt period, IP) are considered separately and in combination. Five models relating MI to premolt carapace width (CW) are compared using 5 data sets; no model is clearly preferable in all cases. Three models relating juvenile IP to CW are compared using 2 data sets; for both, a log-linear model is clearly preferred. MI shows slight, but statistically significant variation among studies for both juveniles and adults. There is significant variation in IP among studies. Little information regarding environmental influence on either component for this species is available, but temperature has been shown to strongly influence juvenile IP and to have negligible influence on MI. For adults, there is evidence of a sharp decline in annual molt probability for large females (CW > 135 mm) and males (CW > 159 mm). Overall growth is projected using a growth model incorporating temperature influence on IP, demonstrating the potential for wide temperature-mediated variation in age at reproduction and fishery recruitment.
Confined laminar jet mixing in a circular channel with arbitrary entrance velocity distribution

This paper is concerned with the problem of confined laminar jet-mixing in a circular channel. The Navier-Stokes equations are linearized patterned after an approach proposed bySparrow, Lin, andLundgren in their study of laminar flow development in a channel. After linearization, the governing equation becomes an integro-differential equation. The exact solution is found for the case of two uniform streams each occupying half of a circular channel. Additionally a variational formulation of the same problem is established, completely equivalent to the differential formulation. This variational formulation is constructed based upon the use of convolutions. Approximate variational solutions are obtained. It develops that a simple two-term approximation gives excellent agreement with the exact solution.
GENE FLOW AND MITOCHONDRIAL DNA VARIATION IN THE KILLIFISH, FUNDULUS HETEROCLITUS.

Two subspecies of killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus, inhabit the Atlantic coast of the United States. The contact zones between them are typified by morphological, physiological, nuclear gene, and mitochondrial DNA clines. Considerable debate exists about the importance of restricted gene flow and natural selection in maintaining these clines. To evaluate the relative importance of these two evolutionary forces we employed analysis of mtDNA as an independent measure of gene flow. Solutions of equilibrium diffusion equations suggested that killifish dispersal must be less than 2 km to maintain previously observed allozyme frequency clines in the absence of strong selection. To determine whether populations separated by distances greater than 2 km accumulate significant genetic differences we examined a total of N = 480 individuals from five killifish populations spanning a continuous shoreline distance of 8.4 km. Distribution of the 25 detected haplotypes indicated that most of the variation was within rather than between sampling locations. No evidence of geographic structure was detected, nor were there any significant genetic differences between killifish populations. With these data, gene flow was evaluated by estimating effective migration rate (Ne m) between the populations. Ne m was estimated from Gst (Ne m = 49.4), from Fst (Ne m = 24.1), by the private alleles approach (Ne m = 18.5) and via four phylogenetic analyses (Ne m ranged from 11.4 to 16.9). Regardless of the analysis, Ne m was greater than one; the threshold level at which gene flow is strong enough to prevent differentiation due to genetic drift. This suggests that while the characteristics that distinguish Fundulus subspecies may have arisen in isolation, the current clinal distributions exhibited along the Atlantic coast are most likely maintained by selection.
Two-dimensional electrophoresis-the effective tool of proteomics studies

Two-dimensional electrophoresis(2-DE) is an effectivel and widely used method for the analysis of protein complex mixture extracted from cells,tissues,or other biological samples.2-DE enables the separation of complex mixtures of proteins according to isoelectric point and molecular mass.Its key steps include sample preparation,electrophoresis,gel staining and image analysis.The process,characteristics,defects and outlook of the 2-DE are brief introduced in the paper.
DEVELOPMENT OF FOAM DIVERSION ACIDIZING MODEL

Foam can efficiently divert acid into low-permeable and population formation to optimize acid placement. Foam diversion acidizing model has been developed form foam displacement simulation. The model currently includes critical capillary pressure model based on fractional-flow theory, bubble population correlation and Robert-Mack model. Present foam diversion model in matrix acidizing are presented in this paper and further work and improvement in this field are discussed and put forward.
Abstract 1133: Plk1 phosphorylation of PTEN causes a tumor-promoting metabolic state

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA One outcome of activation of the PI3K pathway is increased aerobic glycolysis, but the upstream signaling events that regulate the PI3K pathway, thus the Warburg effect, are elusive. Increasing evidence suggests that Plk1, a cell cycle regulator, is also involved in cellular events in addition to mitosis. To test whether Plk1 contributes to activation of the PI3K pathway, thus aerobic glycolysis, we have identified PTEN as a Plk1 substrate. We hypothesize that Plk1 phosphorylation of PTEN contributes to activation of the PI3K pathway and the Warburg effect. Our data show that overexpression of Plk1 leads to activation of the PI3K pathway and enhanced aerobic glycolysis. In contrast, inhibition of Plk1 causes markedly reduced glucose metabolism in mice. Mechanistically, we show that Plk1 phosphorylation of PTEN and Nedd4-1 results in PTEN inactivation. Finally, we show that Plk1 phosphorylation of PTEN promotes tumorigenesis in both its phosphatase-dependent and -independent pathways. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: zhiguo li, li jie, Liu xiaoqi. Plk1 phosphorylation of PTEN causes a tumor-promoting metabolic state. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1133. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1133
CD4+CD25+ T Cells Can Inhibit CD8 T Cell Mediated GVHD: Requirement for In Vivo Recognition of Allogeneic Host MHC Class II Antigens.

CD4 regulatory T (Treg) cells have shown promise in the transplantation mileu including the ability to inhibit the development of graft vs host disease (GVHD) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HCT). The antigen specificity of the Treg population(s) involved is not yet clear nor is the role of their activation following transplant. We are interested in determining the requirement for recognition of host MHC antigens following infusion of CD4 + CD25 + T cells in an experimental model of GVHD. To clearly distinguish the requirements of regulatory vs GVH reactive cells, a model of CD8 T cell mediated GVHD was developed using highly purified BALB/c (H2 d ) donor CD8 + T cells (Miltenyi column, 95-98%). CD8 T cells were transplanted together with T cell depleted (TCD) BALB/c BMC into 12.0 GY (6.0 Gy split dose) TBI conditioned C57BL/6 (B6, H2 b ) recipients. To support development of GVHD by these cells, resistance was inhibited by treatment of recipients with anti-NK1.1mab (PK136) at Days -1, 0 and +7. BALB/c CD8 + T cells at doses of 5.0x10 6 but not 2.5x10 6 induced weight loss and some lethality in B6 recipients. 5x10 6 CD8 + T cells were then transplanted into B6-MHC class II −/ − recipients. GVHD symptoms including weight loss and lethality were readily apparent in these mice post-transplant. Interestingly, GVHD was consistently more severe with respect to the induction of weight loss and lethality in MHC Class II −/ − vs B6-wt recipients. Highly enriched BALB/c CD4 + CD25 + T cells (> 95%) were produced from spleen and lymph node cells following negative (B-cells, CD8 and NK) and positive (CD25) selection using Miltenyi magnetic bead columns. Co-transplant of 1x10 6 CD4 + CD25 + T cells together with BALB/c CD8 + T cells into B6 recipients inhibited GVHD as assessed by the absence of weight loss and lethality compared to B6 recipients of CD8 + T cells alone. In contrast, BALB/c CD4 + CD25 + T cells failed to protect B6-MHC class II −/ − recipients from severe CD8 + T cell mediated GVHD. These findings demonstrate that donor CD4 + T regulatory cells can suppress GVHD inducing CD8 + T cells after the former recognize host class II alloantigen following transplant. We hypothesize that activated CD4 + CD25 + T regulatory cells inhibit GVH reactive T cells at the host APC interface. Future studies in this model can be designed to examine ex-vivo activated and expanded CD4 + CD25 + T regulatory populations. Transplant of such cells will enable us to address questions regarding the importance of in vivo recognition of host class II in the regulation of GVHD by these cells.
The impact of work shift and fatigue on police officer response in simulated interactions with citizens

This study investigated the impact of work shift and fatigue on officers’ responses during simulated interactions with citizens. Using a quasi-experimental design, participants (n = 50) responded to multiple branching scenarios in a laboratory-housed use-of-force simulator. Each scenario had the potential to end peaceably or turn deadly, depending on how the officers responded. Officers who worked across four patrol shifts were tested on two occasions—after five consecutive shifts and again 72 h after completing their last shift. Day-shift officers were less fatigued (measured using the Psychomotor Vigilance Test) than night-shift officers (f = 44.411; df = 1, 90; p < 0.001). Furthermore, officers were more fatigued when they were tested at the end of their work week than after 72 h off-duty (f = 12.030; df = 1, 90; p < 0.001). In the simulator, officers from the day shift were more likely to respond in ways that engineered cooperative outcomes (f = 4.81; df = 3, 549; p < 0.01). These findings offer insight into how shift work and fatigue influence police–citizen interactions. Implications for de-escalation and procedural justice in policing are discussed.
Natural Limits of Wealth Inequality and the Effectiveness of Tax Policy

This article examines Thomas Piketty’s thesis that there are no natural limits on the accumulation of wealth. We undertake our examination in the context of a simple general equilibrium model with ...
Champions for Charities: Exploring Inclusive Leadership in the Non-profit Sector in Australia

The non-profit sector is one of the most female dominated sectors in Australia, especially at the senior levels, with more than 60% of senior managers being women. Whilst leadership is a topic that has long been studied, little is known about the leadership of the non-profit sector in Australia. Given that it accounts for 8.3% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), understanding leadership practices in this sector is timely. This research aimed to explore the leadership profiles of ten chief executive officers (CEOs) from health and community services organisations in Australia. Using Kouzes and Posner’s (1987) Leadership Challenge Framework to analyse the key practices exhibited by both men and women leaders, the study revealed that leaders are motivated by a strong set of values to work in the sector. The most common practice engaged in by leaders relates to their ability to inspire staff, or to ‘create a story’ about the vision of their organisation, which aligns with the focus on empowerment and collaboration emphasised in inclusive leadership. A key theme to emerge was that many of the male leaders demonstrated traits more associated with the communal or feminine orientation to leadership, again in line with inclusive leadership principles. This raises the question whether the values-based nature of the non-profit sector lends itself to more inclusive leadership styles. Despite the limited sample size, the research provides valuable insight into the Australian context, an area that has, to date, received little attention.
Engineering an Approximation Scheme for Traveling Salesman in Planar Graphs

We present an implementation of a linear-time approximation scheme for the traveling salesman problem on planar graphs with edge weights. We observe that the theoretical algorithm involves constants that are too large for practical use. Our implementation, which is not subject to the theoretical algorithm's guarantee, can quickly find good tours in very large planar graphs.
Perceiving groups: The people perception of diversity and hierarchy.

The visual perception of individuals has received considerable attention (visual person perception), but little social psychological work has examined the processes underlying the visual perception of groups of people (visual people perception). Ensemble-coding is a visual mechanism that automatically extracts summary statistics (e.g., average size) of lower-level sets of stimuli (e.g., geometric figures), and also extends to the visual perception of groups of faces. Here, we consider whether ensemble-coding supports people perception, allowing individuals to form rapid, accurate impressions about groups of people. Across nine studies, we demonstrate that people visually extract high-level properties (e.g., diversity, hierarchy) that are unique to social groups, as opposed to individual persons. Observers rapidly and accurately perceived group diversity and hierarchy, or variance across race, gender, and dominance (Studies 1–3). Further, results persist when observers are given very short display times, backward pattern masks, color- and contrast-controlled stimuli, and absolute versus relative response options (Studies 4a–7b), suggesting robust effects supported specifically by ensemble-coding mechanisms. Together, we show that humans can rapidly and accurately perceive not only individual persons, but also emergent social information unique to groups of people. These people perception findings demonstrate the importance of visual processes for enabling people to perceive social groups and behave effectively in group-based social interactions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
Hepatitis A vaccination coverage among adolescents (13–17 years) in the United States, 2008–2016

Abstract Background The hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine was recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) incrementally from 1996 to 1999. In 2006, HepA vaccine was recommended (1) universally for children aged 12–23 months, (2) for persons who are at increased risk for infection, or (3) for any person wishing to obtain immunity. Catch-up vaccination can be considered. Objective To assess HepA vaccine coverage among adolescents and factors independently associated with vaccination administration in the US. Methods The 2008–2016 National Immunization Survey–Teen was utilized to determine 1 and ≥2 dose HepA vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 13–17 years. Factors associated with HepA vaccine series initiation (1 dose) were determined by bivariate and multivariable analyses. Data were stratified by state groups based on ACIP recommendation: universal child vaccination recommended since 1999 (group 1); child vaccination considered since 1999 (group 2); universal child vaccination recommendation since 2006 (group 3). Results In 2016, national vaccination coverage for 1 and ≥2 doses of HepA vaccine among adolescents was 73.9% and 64.4%, respectively. Nationally, a 40 percentage point increase in vaccination coverage occurred among adolescents born in 1995 compared to adolescents born in 2003. Nationally, the independent factors associated with increased vaccine initiation was race/ethnicity (Hispanic, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian), military payment source and provider recommendation for HepA vaccination (2008–2013). Living in a suburban or rural region, living in poverty (level Conclusions Efforts to increase HepA vaccine coverage in adolescents in all regions of the country would strengthen population protection from hepatitis A virus (HAV).
Deep Brain Stimulation Fault Testing

As deep brain stimulation (DBS) has become a treatment standard for medically refractory Parkinson's disease (PD), essential tremor, and dystonia, more is being learned about the longevity and function of the implantable stimulator and its components. Early reports have related a 15 to 30% failure and infection rate associated with this device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). As the number of medical conditions treated with DBS increases, the total number of device failures will also rise. Therefore, a systematic method for troubleshooting device failures is required in order to minimize both DBS “downtim” and the number of surgeries required to identify and replace failed components.
Wnt of the Two Horizons: Putting Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Cell Fate Determination into Context

The canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway has long been associated with self-renewal and expansion of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Recent studies have brought into question some earlier assumptions concerning the functional role that canonical Wnt signaling plays in self-renewal mechanisms by demonstrating clear effects on differentiation. In addition, Wnt is crucial for cell fate determination during embryogenesis. The seemingly contradictory data compiled over several years now point to a more complex system of organismal development by which the downstream effects of Wnt activity are largely determined by the context in which signaling occurs. This review will assess seemingly contradictory findings regarding Wnt signaling in either self-renewal or differentiation in ESCs and then explicate cellular scenarios that determine the context by which Wnt ligands exert their differential effects. Both physiological embryonic development and pathogenic adult carcinogenesis provide opportunities to gleam illuminating insights from stem or stem-like progenitor cells that place Wnt signaling at the center of important cellular decisions to expand or differentiate. The impact of heterogeneity, concentration, metabolic state, and the array of accessible interacting cofactors from various signaling pathways that regulate these functions in ESCs will be critically examined, and implications for early embryonic development and cancer biology will be explored.
Bioassays of Effluents from Stationary Sources: An Overview

Major point sources of pollutants will be with us for a long time. Ever since western civilization began to industrialize and to require high inputs of energy from combustion, pollutants have been emitted in increasing amounts. In 1977, stationary electric power sources were emitting 19.3 million tons of sulfur oxides, 7 million tons of nitrogen oxides, 3.1 million tons of suspended particles, and 0.1 million tons of volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere of the United States (U.S. EPA, 1978). These figures represent about 70% of the sulfur oxides and 40% of the nitrogen oxides emitted each year. Clearly, stationary sources of air pollutants deserve close attention on the basis of the mass of emissions alone. The upward trend in emissions from stationary sources is expected to level off or decrease in some regions of the United States after 1990 but to continue upward in others, in spite of advances in control technologies. New systems of energy conversion and fuel processing, for example, fluidized bed combustion and coal gasification, will introduce new pollution control problems. The industrial growth anticipated in synthetic fuels will increase the need for stringent analysis of the potential hazardous impact of pollutants in the coming years.
Statistical Consequences of the Algebraic Structure Theory

We now present some other interwinings of our algebra and statistics, with these results focused in two areas.
Tropical Ecosystems and Ecological Concepts: Mangroves, seagrasses and decomposition

Mangroves occur between the sea and the land and line approximately 75% of tropical coasts. The term mangrove refers to both the plant community found in this saline, intertidal zone as well as the constituent tree and shrub species that grow there. Even though mangroves include plants from different genera and families, they exhibit similarities in appearance, physiology, reproduction and adaptation to habitat. This provides another example of convergent evolution (see section 8.7). Defining a mangrove as a particular type of plant without reference to its habitat is unsatisfactory since many mangrove adaptations such as stilt roots and pneumatophores are found in plants growing in areas other than the coastal zone. If one accepts the view that mangroves (the habitat) are tidal forests (Schimper 1903), then one can define a mangrove (the plant) as any woody species that grows in these forests. It should be noted that this will include species that grow outside the coastal zone, and indeed, some mangrove plants are not confined to the tidal zone. Mangroves inhabit a changeable environment. With each high tide the sea inundates the roots and lower portions of mangrove stems. At low tide, the sediment may be completely exposed or, if the mangrove occurs along an estuary, roots may be bathed in fresh water. Tidal range varies from place to place and also with the relative positions of the Earth, moon and sun. The range is at a maximum at new and full moon ( spring tides ) and at a minimum ( neap tides ) in between full and new moon; spring tides are highest at the equinox.
Unwaged Work and the Production of Sustainability in Eco-Conscious Households:

An investigation of household sustainability production makes possible the evaluation of the trade-offs inherent in these pro-environmental activities. The results suggest that policies promoting h...
Challenges of Latino young men and women: Examining the role of gender in discrimination and mental health

Abstract Research shows that ethnic-racial discrimination has a negative impact on individuals' mental health, specifically contributing to high rates of depression. The Latino population often experiences discrimination in the larger U.S. society. This has been especially true in recent years given the overall hostile climate toward Latinos in the U.S., with Latino young men often being portrayed negatively by the media, making them the most common targets of ethnic-racial discrimination and hostility. This study examined association between gender, perceived ethnic discrimination, and depressive symptoms by examining gender as both a potential risk factor and as a moderator. Two hundred fifty seven Latino young adults participated in the current cross-sectional study. The majority of participants experienced some perceived discrimination, and depressive symptoms were very high for both women and men. Our findings supported the hypothesis indicating that being a Latino male was a risk factor for experiencing more perceived discrimination, which in turn was associated with depressive symptoms. Gender did not significantly moderate an association between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest that special attention should be paid to young Latino men who may be at increased risk for depression given the high instances of perceived discrimination they experience. The implications of these findings are further discussed and special recommendations for those working with Latino youth are specified.
Abstract TP288: Emergency Department Nursing Stroke Champions Improve Door to Needle Times at a Comprehensive Stroke Center

Introduction: Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA), for acute ischemic stroke, has a more robust effect if given early. Improving Door-to-Needle (DTN) times in order to allow quicker a...
Leveraging Stochasticity for In Situ Learning in Binarized Deep Neural Networks

A recent thrust in deep neural network (DNN) research has been toward binary approaches for compact and energy-sparing neuromorphic architectures utilizing emerging devices. However, approaches to deal with device process variations and the realization of stochastic behavior intrinsically within neural circuits remain underexplored. Herein, we leverage a novel probabilistic spintronic device for low-energy recognition operations that improves DNN performance through active in situ learning via the mitigation of device reliability challenges.
The Probabilistic Nature of Extended-Range Predictions of Tropical Cyclone Activity and Tracks as a Factor in Forecasts of Tropical-Extratropical Interactions

Abstract : The overall project goal is to assess the skill of the probabilistic nature of medium- and extended-range forecasts of tropical cyclone activity and track over the tropical WPAC. Skill is examined with respect to processes associated with forcing by various tropical circulation factors, which are hypothesized to be the largest contributor to low-frequency variation in tropical cyclone activity and track type. Then, the impact of tropical cyclone activity on the medium- and extended-range forecasts over midlatitude regions downstream of recurving tropical cyclones is examined. For this objective, it is hypothesized that the interaction of the tropical cyclone outflow with the midlatitude circulation impacts the potential for downstream blocking and potential development of high-impact weather.
Agricultural Commodities on the Philippine Frontier: State-Sponsored Resettlement and Ecological Distress in the 1930s

In 1938, a delegation of Filipino government officials traveled to Mindanao, a majority “non-Christian” province in the southern Philippines, to determine whether the Koronadal Valley would be a good site for resettlement. They believed that agricultural commodity production on the archipelago’s periphery would provide a foundation for a sovereign Philippine economy and wanted to move Christian migrants from northern islands onto an enormous “agricultural colony.” To make their case, they cast the area as extremely lush, drawing on the idea that peripheral space in the tropics had limitless potential. New forms of intensive agricultural production did not pull migrants out of poverty, but it did radically transform the landscape, undercutting the power of indigenous locals and producing an agroecological terrain in persistent environmental crisis.
Complex Determinants of Work Ability in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease and Implications for Clinical Practice.

Abstract Background “Work ability” is the employees’ capacity to meet the demands of their job. As more patients with complex congenital heart disease (CHD) are now reaching adulthood, we assessed work ability and factors impacting livelihood in adult CHD. Methods The work ability index (WAI) questionnaire and patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were administered at 2 Midwest adult CHD centres from February 2017 to 2018. Results Of the 267 participants (n = 157 males, 59%) with an average age of 35 ± 13 years, the majority (n = 204, 76%) were employed. Patients with complex CHD (n = 103, 39%) were less likely to have enrolled in college or completed a graduate degree (P = 0.0115), and more likely to have an annual income of Conclusions This study demonstrates that employed patients with complex CHD have lower education level, income, and work ability. Unemployed patients are more likely to exhibit symptoms of depression and have low self-perception of work ability. Occupational health programs focusing on promoting general health perception, increasing exercise capacity, and improving psychosocial health must be considered to improve work ability in patients with adult CHD to maintain livelihood.
Comments on 'Comparative diagnostic case study of east coast secondary cyclogenesis under weak versus strong synoptic-scale forcing'

A comment is presented on a recent paper by Pagnotti and Bosart (1984) which contrasted different forcing mechanisms for weak and strong cyclones along the east coast of the U.S., and Bosart replies. The comment argues that the paper did not give a clear definition of 'weak' upper-level forcing and did not provide sufficient evidence to support its claim that the return branch of transverse circulations may be coupled to the middle as opposed to the lower troposphere.
Marketing Messages in Continuing Medical Education (CME) Modules on Binge-Eating Disorder (BED).

Background: In 2015, Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) became the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for binge-eating disorder (BED), a condition first recognized by the DSM–V in 2013. Because pharmaceutical companies use continuing medical education (CME) to help sell drugs, we explored possible bias in CME modules on BED. Methods: We utilized a qualitative thematic analysis research approach to identify and classify patterns in CME activities focusing on BED. Results: We identified 27 online CME activities on BED in 2015. All were funded by Shire, which manufactures lisdexamfetamine. Seven of 16 presenters disclosed financial ties with Shire. Twenty-nine slides recurred in at least 2 CME modules, and 12 slides were repeated in 5 or more modules. Diagnosis-related themes included: BED is a real, treatable disease; BED is highly prevalent but often missed; BED can occur in anyone; BED results in poor quality of life; many patients with BED are obese; and BED makes losing weight difficult. Treatment-related themes included: lisdexamfetamine is highly effective; topiramate is limited by substantial adverse effects; and other therapeutic options for BED are inferior to lisdexamfetamine because they do not cause weight loss. Although amphetamines can cause addiction, myocardial infarction, stroke, and death, no module mentioned these serious adverse effects. Conclusions: It seems that CME is being used to promote lisdexamfetamine for weight loss (a contraindicated use) and to highlight benefits of lisdexamfetamine while underplaying the risks.
Higher Order Path Synthesis of Four-Bar Mechanisms Using Polynomial Continuation

The path synthesis of a four-bar linkage is commonly framed so as to size links such that a coupler curve passes through specified planar precision points. It may instead be framed with consideration of higher order derivative information at each precision point. In this paper, we enumerate all 30 combinations of higher order path synthesis that lead to square polynomial systems for the four-bar. We present in detail the synthesis equations for (1) the case when one precision point is specified along with derivative information up to its eighth derivative, and (2) when three precision points are specified along with derivative information up to the second derivative at each point. For each case, 224 and 227 possible Roberts’ cognate triplets were computed, respectively.
Joint coflow routing and scheduling in leaf-spine data centers

Abstract Communication in data centers often involves many parallel flows that all share the same performance goal (e.g. to minimize the average completion time). A useful abstraction, coflow, is proposed to express the communication requirements of prevalent data parallel paradigms such as MapReduce and Spark. The multiple coflow routing and scheduling problem makes it challenging to derive a good theoretical performance ratio, as coexisting coflows may compete for the same network resources such as link bandwidths. In this paper, we focus on the coflow problem in one popular data center infrastructure: the Leaf-Spine topology. We first formulate the problem and study the path selection issue on this two-tier structure. In order to minimize the average coflow completion time (CCT), we propose the Multi-hop Coflow Routing and Scheduling strategy (MCRS) and prove that our method has a reasonably good competitive ratio. Extensive experiments and large-scale simulations show that MCRS outperforms the state-of-the-art heuristic schemes under the Leaf-Spine topology.
Extraordinary learning in the workplace

OVERVIEW, Janet P. Hafler.- I - CURRICULUM.- Chapter 1: Conceptual Perspectives and the Formal Curriculum, Ilene B. Harris.- Chapter 2: The Hidden Curriculum, Structural Disconnects, and the Socialization of New Professionals, Frederic W. Hafferty, Janet P. Hafler.- II - LEARNING AND INSTRUCTION.- Chapter 3: Theories of Learning for Workplace Education, Ilene B. Harris.- Chapter 4: Instructional Theory and Design: Practices for Workplace Learning, Beverly W. Henry, Kathleen F. Malu.- III - ASSESSMENT.- Chapter 5: Conceptual Perspectives: Emerging Changes in the Assessment Paradigm for Professionals, Robert Galbraith, Stephen G. Clyman, Donald E. Melnick.- Chapter 6: Assessment: Practical Strategies Applied to the Professions, Maurice Clifton, Elza Mylona.- IV - IMPLEMENTATION.- Chapter 7: Faculty Development for Workplace Instructors, Marilla D. Svinicki, LuAnn Wilkerson, Chapter 8: Envisioning the Future, Bridget O'Brien
Stability and Delay Models for a Single Species

Suppose that the functional equation $$ N'/N = f\left( N \right)\left( t \right) $$ is used to describe the growth of a single species whose density is N = N(t). The functional expression f is assumed (as always) to be defined at least for functions N ≥ 0. If f is independent of N then the model says that the per unit growth rate of the species is unaffected by the density of the species (which is perhaps reasonable for small densities or at least when resources are large, but certainly is not reasonable in a resource limited environment). For this reason we defined f(0)(t) to be the natural or inherent per unit growth rate (net birth rate or death rate if it is positive or negative respectively) since it would be the growth rate obtained from the model if the dependence on N were ignored (i.e. if unlimited resources were available). Since it is usually assumed that a species’ own population size can only have a negative effect on its growth rate, the functional f is usually assumed to satisfy df/dN ≤ 0 at least for large N (with a proper interpretation of df/dN for functional expressions, say as a Frechet derivative).
Preparing the Way to the Constitutional Structure of Bilirubin

By 1917, the great advances toward the structure of bilirubin of the preceding two decades had ground to a near halt as World War I exacted its toll and Oskar Piloty had died, leaving only William Kuster and Hans Fischer as the major investigators.
Understanding factor analysis

Thousallds of variables have been proposed to explain or describe the complex variety and i~lterco~lnectiolls of social and illternatio~lal relations. Perhaps an equal number of hypotheses and theories linkillg these variables have been suggested. The few basic variables and propositions central to ullderstalldillg remain to be determined. The systematic dependencies and correlations among these variables have been charted only roughly, if at all, and many, if not most, call be ~lleasurecl only on presence-absence or rank order scales. And to take the data on any one variable at face value is to beg questions of validity, reliability, and comparability. Confronted with entangled behavior. unkno\vn interdependencies, nlasses of qualitative and cluantitative variables, and bad data, many social scientists are turning toward factor analysis to uncover major social and internatio~lal pa t terns .Vactor hundred variables, conlpellsate for random error and invalidity, and disentangle complex interrelationships into their major and distinct regularities. Factor analysis is not without cost, ho\\-ever. It is lnathe~llatically complicated and entails diverse and numerous consideratio~~s in application. Its technical vocabulary includes strange terms such as e i g e ~ z ~ n l u e s , iv iate , dim,e~zsions, orthogonal, londingr, and co~rrn11~nality. Its results usually absorb a dozen or so pages in a given report, leaving little room for a methodological iiltroductio~l or explanation of terms. Add to this the fact that students do not ordinarily learn factor allalysis in their formal training, and the stun is the major cost of factor analysis: most laymen, social scientists, and policy-makers find the nature ant1 significance of the results incomprehensible. The problem of cornn~unicati~lg factor analysis is especially crucial for peace research. Scholars in this field are clraw~l An invitec1 paper for The Jolrrncll of Conflict frolll clisciplines alld professions, alld Resolt~tion. Prepared in connection with research supported by the National Sciencc Fotunf ? ~ them are acquainted with thr dation. GS-1230. For many helpful comments method. made on a previous draft. I wish to thank As our empirical kllowledge of conflict Henry Kariel, hlichael Haas, Robert Hefner: processes, behavior, conditions, and pattelns \Voocly Pitts, and J. David Singer. Portions of the article are taken from Rummel ( 1968). beconle illcreasi~lgly expressed in factor"or a bibliography of applications of factor analvtic terms, those who need this knowlanalysis in the social sciences (esclucling psyedge lnost in order to make illforlned chology), see Rummel (1968). A bibliography of a ~ ~ l i c a t i o n s to conflict and inte~national decisions may be those who are most A A
Isotopic Variability and Lemur Diet in a Dry Madagascan Forest: A Cautionary Tale

With the increasing use of carbon and nitrogen stable isotope variations in studies of prosimian diets, it is essential to understand the full extent of this variation in food plants. Our goal here is to characterize the δ 13C and δ 15N values of plants and modern and subfossil lemurs in and near Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, south-western Madagascar. The region is characterized by a long dry season and a shorter monsoon season. In general, we found a high degree of variability both intra- and interspecifically. Furthermore, some of the general assumptions of isotopic ecology were not supported by our results. We suggest that researchers should be cautious when interpreting isotope values, especially when the conclusions are used to model paleocommunities or to inform conservation policies.
Denaturation of Proteins by Urea and Guanidine Hydrochloride

Originally published in: Protein Folding Handbook. Part I. Edited by Johannes Buchner and Thomas Kiefhaber. Copyright © 2005 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA Weinheim. Print ISBN: 3-527-30784-2 Introduction How Urea Denatures Proteins Linear Extrapolation Method ΔG(H2O) m-Values Conclusions Practical Considerations How to Choose the Best Denaturant for your Study How to Prepare Denaturant Solutions Preparation of a urea stock solution How to Determine Solvent Denaturation Curves Determining a Urea or GdmCl Denaturation Curve How to Analyze Urea or GdmCl Denaturant Curves Determining Differences in Stability Acknowledgments Keywords: urea; guanidinium; protein unfolding; conformational stability; denaturation curve
Abstract 3927: Obesity induces changes in adipokines profile and activates Akt/mTOR signaling accelerating breast carcinogenesis and tumor growth

Obesity increases the risk of cancer death among postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer (BC), but the direct evidence for the mechanisms is lacking. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate direct evidence for the mechanisms mediating this epidemiological phenomenon. Transcriptomic profiles of pretreatment biopsies from a prospective cohort of 137 ER+ BC patients were analyzed. Transgenic and an orthotopic/syngeneic obese mouse models were created to phenocopy obese patients and evaluate the effect of obesity on breast carcinogenesis and tumor progression, and to explore further direct mechanisms. We used co-culture system to examine the impact of adipocytes and adipokines on BC cell proliferation. Functional transcriptomic analysis of patients revealed the association of obesity with many of the functional changes linked to cancer hallmarks. Our transgenic and orthotopic/syngeneic obese-mouse models recapitulated the functional transcriptomic landscape of obesity-associated changes seen in human patients and demonstrated the role of the Akt/mTOR pathway in obesity-induced breast carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Metformin and everolimus can suppress obesity-induced adipokines secretion and breast tumor formation and growth. An in vitro co-culture model revealed that adipocyte-secreted adipokines (e.g., TIMP-1) regulate adipocyte-induced BC cell proliferation and invasion. Metformin suppress adipocytes-induced cell proliferation and adipocytes-secreted adipokines in vitro. In conclusion, the patients9 data provided evidence for the mechanistic involvement of adipokines in addition to estrogen, insulin and IGF-1 signaling in the link between obesity and ER+ BC. Our animal experiments provide strong evidence for the role of obesity on the accelerated breast carcinogenesis and obesity-induced tumor growth by activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling. Metformin and everolimus may be use as alternatives therapeutic interventions for BC patients with obesity. Citation Format: Enrique Fuentes-Mattei, Guermarie Velazquez-Torres, Liem Phan, Fanmao Zhang, Ping-Chieh Chou, Ji-Hyun Shin, Hyun-Ho Choi, Jiun-Sheng Chen, Ruiying Zhao, Jian Chen, Chris Gully, Colin Carlock, Yuan Qi, Ya Zhang, Yun Wu, Francisco Esteva, Yongde Luo, Wallace L. McKeehan, Joe E. Ensor, Gabriel N. Hortobagyi, Lajos Pusztai Pusztai, W. Fraser Symmans, Mong-Hong Lee, Sai-Ching J. Yeung. Obesity induces changes in adipokines profile and activates Akt/mTOR signaling accelerating breast carcinogenesis and tumor growth. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3927. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3927