cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gigashot Optical Laser Demonstrator

The Gigashot Optical Laser Demonstrator (GOLD) project has demonstrated a novel optical amplifier for high energy pulsed lasers operating at high repetition rates. The amplifier stores enough pump energy to support >10 J of laser output, and employs conduction cooling for thermal management to avoid the need for expensive and bulky high-pressure helium subsystems. A prototype amplifier was fabricated, pumped with diode light at 885 nm, and characterized. Experimental results show that the amplifier provides sufficient small-signal gain and sufficiently low wavefront and birefringence impairments to prove useful in laser systems, at repetition rates up to 60 Hz.
Analysis of incidence and mortality rates of bladder cancer in registration areas of China from 2003 to 2007

Objective: To describe the incidence and mortality rates of bladder cancer in 32 cancer registration areas of China from 2003 to 2007 and to explore the international variation. Methods: The pooled data from 32 cancer registration areas in China from 2003 to 2007 were collected, and the incidence and mortality rates of bladder cancer were calculated. The international comparison was performed according to the data of GLOBOCAN 2008. Results: The incidence rate of bladder cancer was 6.69/100 000, which were 7.79/100 000 and 2.93/100 000 in urban and rural areas, respectively. The incidence rate of bladder cancer in urban areas was 2.7 folds as high as that in rural areas. The mortality rate of bladder cancer was 2.53/100 000, which were 2.82/100 000 and 1.52/100 000 in urban and rural areas, respectively. The mortality rate of bladder cancer in urban areas was 1.9 folds as high as that in rural areas. The age standardized incidence rate of bladder cancer was increased in four cancer registration areas including Beijing, Shanghai, Qidong and Linzhou between 1988 and 2007. The age standardized incidence rate of bladder cancer in the developed countries was 3 folds as high as that in the developing countries. The incidence rate of bladder cancer in China was higher than that in the developing countries, whereas it was lower than that in the developed countries. Among 184 countries, China ranks 72nd in men and 69th in women by the incidence rate of bladder cancer. Conclusion: The incidence rate of bladder cancer in urban areas is higher than that in rural areas of China, which is also higher in males than in females. It ranks between the developed and the developing countries, but moves in the upward direction.
Optical Determination of Silicon Nanowire Diameters for Intracellular Applications

Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) are an important class of materials for biomedical and electronics applications, with the nanowire diameter playing a fundamental role in device functionality. Here we present a method, based on light scattering intensity and ensemble electron microcopy (EM) measurements, that allows for a precise optical determination of a specific NW’s diameter within an accuracy of a few nanometers (4.8 nm), an error of only ∼8.0%. This method takes advantage of the strong dependence of optical scattering on SiNW diameter to construct an optical to EM transform, with Lorentz-Mie theory showing that this method can be used for NWs up to ∼150 nm in diameter. Additionally, this technique offers some potential insights into biophysical interactions, allowing the optical calibration of individual intracellular SiNW force probes, enabling a ∼100-fold improvement in experimental uncertainty. Using these probes, we were able to measure drug-induced vasoconstriction in human aortic smooth muscle cells ...
Unit dose packaging of respiratory therapy solutions

A program of preparing respiratory therapy medications in a tamper-proof, disposable, unit dose package was developed and evaluated. Comparisons were made between the old system of dispensing respiratory therapy solutions and the new unit dose system. The evaluation indicated that: (1) personnel costs between the two systems were similar; (2) patient charges increased under the unit dose system by approximately 10 cents per dose; (3) packaging technique and controls improved under the unit dose system; and (4) medication errors were reduced.
Distribution and Metabolism of Calcium Leucovorin in Normal and Tumor Tissue

Thymidylate synthase catalyzes the formation of thymidylate from deoxyuridine monophosphate in a reaction which employs the folate cofactor CH2-H4PteGlu both as methyl donor and reductant. The TS inhibitor FUra has been widely used clinically for the treatment of solid tumors, particularly colorectal carcinomas. Inhibition of TS by FUra occurs following its metabolism to FdUMP and formation of a ternary complex involving TS, FdUMP and CH2-H4PteGlu (1–3). An increased interest in the use of FUra stems from the observations in tissue culture (4, 5) and in extracts of human colon adenocarcinoma xenographs (6) that the antitumor effects of FUra can be potentiated by the administration of exogenous folates in the form of calcium leucovorin. The results of these studies indicated that the response of many tumors to FUra is limited by the intracellular concentration of CH2-H4PteGlu and that the metabolism of 5-CHO-H4PteGlu to CH2-H4PteGlu following cellular uptake expands this cofactor pool. With increased intracellular levels of CH2-H4PteGlu, the half-life of the ternary complex is increased, resulting in increased cytoxicity. In support of this model, enlargement of the CH2-H4PteGlu pool following administration of 5-CHO-H4PteGlu has been demonstrated in tissue culture (7).
The Foreign Policy Legacy of Barack Obama

AbstractBarack Obama finishes his second term with a mixed but positive foreign policy legacy. America’s global standing is much improved from the waning days of the George W. Bush administration eight years ago. Obama’s most notable achievements were the international agreement slowing Iran’s progress toward nuclear weapons capability and diplomatic normalisation with Cuba. On the other side of the ledger were his failure to extricate America from military overextension in the greater Mideast and from the global policing mindset that produced that overextension. Also marring his record was his incoherent response to Syria’s deadly civil war and Libya’s collapse into anarchy following the 2011 international intervention.
Oracle M‐Estimation for Time Series Models

We propose a thresholding M-estimator for multivariate time series. Our proposed estimator has the oracle property that its large-sample properties are the same as of the classical M-estimator obtained under the a priori information that the zero parameters were known. We study the consistency of the standard block bootstrap, the centred block bootstrap and the empirical likelihood block bootstrap distributions of the proposed M-estimator. We develop automatic selection procedures for the thresholding parameter and for the block length of the bootstrap methods. We present the results of a simulation study of the proposed methods for a sparse vector autoregressive VAR(2) time series model. The analysis of two real-world data sets illustrate applications of the methods in practice.
An Entirely Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis-Based Strategy for Synthesis of Gelatinase Biosynthesis-Activating Pheromone (GBAP) Analogue Libraries: Investigating the Structure-Activity Relationships of the Enterococcus faecalis Quorum Sensing Signal.

The development of an entirely solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS)-based synthesis of the quorum sensing signal gelatinase biosynthesis-activating pheromone (GBAP) from Enterococcus faecalis is reported. The method was used to prepare three libraries of analogues to investigate the structure–activity relationships (SARs) of the GBAP signal. The SAR studies revealed new characteristics of the GBAP signal and uncovered the most potent quorum sensing activator in E. faecalis known to date.
Effect of Cracking and Improper Consolidation as Important Concrete Defects on Water Absorption and Electrical Conductivity

AbstractThe influence of thermal and mechanical-induced cracking as well as the effect of construction defects including overvibration and insufficient vibration on concrete durability was studied ...
Confirmation of Glyphosate-Resistant Horseweed (Conyza canadensis) in Montana Cereal Production and Response to POST Herbicides

In recent years, horseweed has become an increasing problem in Montana. To confirm and characterize the level of glyphosate resistance, seeds were collected from putative glyphosate-resistant (GR) horseweed (GR-MT) plants in a wheat—fallow field in McCone County, MT. Known GR (GR-NE) and glyphosate-susceptible (GS-NE) horseweed accessions from Lincoln, NE, were included for comparison in dose—response and shikimate accumulation studies. Whole-plant glyphosate dose—response experiments conducted at the early- (5- to 8-cm diameter) and late- (12- to 15-cm diameter) rosette stages of horseweed indicated that GR-MT accessions had a 2.5- to 4.0-fold level of resistance to glyphosate relative to the GS-NE accession, on the basis of shoot dry weight (GR50 values). The level of resistance was 3.1- to 7.9-fold on the basis of visually assessed injury estimates (I50 values). At the whole-plant level, about 2.1- to 4.5-fold higher shikimate accumulation was observed in the GS-NE accession compared with the GR-MT and...
Microphysical Characteristics of Squall-Line Stratiform Precipitation and Transition Zones Simulated Using an Ice Particle Property-Evolving Model

AbstractA quasi-idealized 3D squall-line case is simulated using a novel bulk microphysics scheme called the Ice-Spheroids Habit Model with Aspect-ratio Evolution (ISHMAEL). In ISHMAEL, the evolution of ice particle properties (e.g., mass, shape, maximum diameter, density, and fall speed) are predicted during vapor growth, sublimation, riming, and melting, allowing ice properties to evolve from various microphysical processes without needing separate unrimed and rimed ice categories. ISHMAEL produces both a transition zone and an enhanced stratiform precipitation region, and ice particle properties are analyzed to determine the characteristics of ice that lead to the development of these squall-line features. Rimed particles advected rearward from the convective region produce the enhanced stratiform precipitation region. The transition zone results from hydrometeor sorting; the evolution of ice particle properties in the convective region leads to fall speeds that favor ice advecting rearward of the tran...
Pluto: managing multistrategy learning through planning

Multistrategy learning systems are systems that employ multiple methods to solve learning problems. In many multistrategy systems, either the user or the system selects a single method to use on the current problem. At best, such a selection-type multistrategy learning system can solve the union of the problems solvable by the individual learning methods it contains. Another strategy is to have the user specify a sequence of methods to apply to a particular problem at compile time. Both of these strategies fails to tap the full potential of the learning methods under their control. One way to overcome this limitation is to cast the learning task as a planning problem. By treating learning strategies as operators in a planning problem, several learning strategies can be linked together to form a network bridging the gap between the system’s initial knowledge state, current inputs, and some knowledge goal. Coordinated networks of learning strategies can solve problems beyond the range of any individual learning strategy. We are currently developing a computational model of the planning-to-learn process which we call PLUTO (Planning to Learn Using Transmutation Operators). The current version of PLUTO creates and executes learning plans in the domain of consumer decision making.
Dichotic listening with Chinese and English tasks

In this dichotic listening study, monosyllabic tasks were conducted in both English and Chinese to evaluate (1) the effects of processing two acoustically different languages and (2) the effects of bilingualism. One subject group included 28 bilingual speakers of English and Chinese, and a second group in cluded 29 monolingual English speakers. Three pairs of monosyllabic words were presented such that each ear received a different word at the same time. Twenty such sets in both languages were presented, with recall order irrelevant. The results show that the monolingual English subjects demonstrated a significant right ear advantage when identifying English words dichotically, suggesting a left hemisphere processing component. However, there was no ear effect when the English-Chinese speakers performed the dichotic listening tasks in both Chinese and English. It appears that, with the acquisition of a second language, right ear dominance seems to be replaced by interhemispheric processing.
Implementing U.S. Freight Policy at the State Level: Oklahoma’s Story

Safe and efficient transportation of freight is important to the U.S. economy and economic growth. Between 1975 and 1997 domestic intercity tons of the U.S. freight grew 60%, and that growth in freight movement was placing pressure on a congested highway system. Between 1980 and 2002, truck travel grew by 90% while lane miles grew only 5%. The percentage of urban interstates carrying 10,000 or more trucks was 27% in 1998, and forecasted to grow to 69% in 2020. Freight volumes were also expected to increase by 70% by 2020. In 2015, the U.S. Congress responded to the persistent and growing voice of freight stakeholders and made freight mobility a national issue in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. Each state is a key player to the implementation of freight mobility in the FAST Act. Oklahoma has a relatively large highway system mileage compared to its population, ranked 19th in state-owned system size. Located in the Crossroads of the U.S., Oklahoma is served by major highway corridors like Interstate 35, Interstate 40, and Interstate 44. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) is charged with planning, constructing, and maintaining Oklahoma’s surface transportation infrastructure, including the interstate system, the U.S. highway system, and the Oklahoma highway system. ODOT began the process of developing a FAST Act compliant state freight plan in 2016. A Freight Advisory Committee (FAC) was created to assist in the planning process by helping to prioritize goals and identify concerns around particular operational issues such as bottlenecks. The Oklahoma Freight Transportation Plan (OFTP) was approved on December 4, 2017. This paper provides a critical overview of the OFTP relative to the conditions of Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure, particularly bridges and pavements. This plan sets forth a vision and goals, strategies and policies to achieve the goals, measures to track achievement, and investments selected because they support the goals. Importantly, ODOT has gone beyond planning for utilizing $100.2 million in National Highway Freight Program (NHFP) funds toward freight projects as required by the FAST Act. It has identified a series of investments for priority multimodal freight projects to be funded by traditional means, and all told has created an $875 million statewide freight investment program for the next five years.
Using machine learning in ocean noise analysis during marine seismic reflection surveys

Marine seismic reflection surveys use repetitive broadband sound signals to image the structure of the seafloor. High energy sound signals generated by airguns are recorded by single or multiple long horizontal hydrophone arrays towed behind the vessel. Marine seismic reflection surveys raise concern over their effects on marine animals. In particular, there is concern about (1) the impact of the airgun sound power level on marine mammals and (2) the increase in the background noise level caused by the reverberation between shots which may mask marine mammals’ vocalizations and degrade the performance of the passive acoustic monitoring systems. Quantifying these effects is a challenging task due to the complexity of local geology, seafloor topography, and uncertainty in water properties. In this study, a machine learning approach is used to predict the airgun sound power level and the reverberation level off the ocean floor. The data utilized in this study are from the COAST (Cascadia Open-Access Seismic Transects) seismic reflection survey conducted with the R/V Marcus Langseth in July 2012. This experiment spanned a wide range of water depths from the continental shelf to deep water. Data was recorded by an 8-km horizontal array with 636 hydrophones sampled at 500 Hz.
Quality of Life for Patients With Favorable-Risk HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer After De-intensified Chemoradiotherapy.

Purpose Oropharynx cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) have a favorable prognosis, but current treatment approaches carry significant long-term morbidity. Strategies to de-intensify treatment in this population are under investigation, but the impact of these approaches on quality of life (QOL) is not well understood. We present patient-reported outcomes from 2 prospective studies examining de-intensified chemoradiotherapy. Methods and Materials This study included patients enrolled in 2 prospective phase 2 trials of de-intensified chemoradiotherapy in patients with HPV-associated oropharynx cancer who had at least 1 year of follow-up. Treatment included concurrent radiation therapy (60 Gy) and chemotherapy (weekly cisplatin, 30 mg/m2). Patients reported QOL and symptoms using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30, the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Head and Neck Cancer Module-35, and the Eating Assessment Tool-10 instruments before treatment and at regular intervals thereafter. Changes in QOL and individual symptoms were examined over time, and multivariate analysis was used to identify clinical factors associated with recovery to baseline symptom levels. Results Of the 154 patients enrolled, 126 patients had at least 1 year of follow-up and were included in this study (median follow-up, 25 months). Global QOL, functional indices, and most individual symptoms returned to baseline 3 to 6 months after treatment. Swallowing (Eating Assessment Tool-10 score) returned to baseline function by 2 years, but dry mouth, sticky saliva, and taste/senses did not return to baseline levels. However, from 1 to 2 years, continued improvement occurred in dry mouth score (55 vs 48), sticky saliva score (35 vs 27), and senses score (24 vs 20). On multivariate analysis, unilateral radiation therapy was associated with returning to baseline level of swallowing and sticky saliva. Conclusions The use of de-intensified chemoradiotherapy in HPV-associated oropharynx cancer led to favorable patient-reported outcomes, with early recovery of QOL and continued improvement of xerostomia and dysphagia beyond 1-year posttreatment.
Testing Mintzberg: The Impact of Intended Strategies on Firm Performance

This paper presents an investigation of the performance implications of an organization's intended strategy among a set of Japanese manufacturers. Applying a contingency perspective, this study fo...
Ways to reduce the disability of the population of Ukraine with kidney tumors

В роботі представлені результати лікування хворих на рак нирки в відділенні пластичної та реконструктивної онкоурології Національного інституту раку за дев'ять років (2008-2016 рр.). Поетапне впровадження нового алгоритму органозберігаючого лікування хворих з пухлиною нирки дозволив вдвічі зменшити кількість виконаних нефректомій, і, як наслідок, вдвічі зменшити кількість хворих, які вийшли на інвалідність, при низьких показниках рецидивирования.
Mechanical Design of Machine Components: SI Version

Analyze and Solve Real-World Machine Design Problems Using SI Units Mechanical Design of Machine Components, Second Edition: SI Version strikes a balance between method and theory, and fills a void in the world of design. Relevant to mechanical and related engineering curricula, the book is useful in college classes, and also serves as a reference for practicing engineers. This book combines the needed engineering mechanics concepts, analysis of various machine elements, design procedures, and the application of numerical and computational tools. It demonstrates the means by which loads are resisted in mechanical components, solves all examples and problems within the book using SI units, and helps readers gain valuable insight into the mechanics and design methods of machine components. The author presents structured, worked examples and problem sets that showcase analysis and design techniques, includes case studies that present different aspects of the same design or analysis problem, and links together a variety of topics in successive chapters. SI units are used exclusively in examples and problems, while some selected tables also show U.S. customary (USCS) units. This book also presumes knowledge of the mechanics of materials and material properties. New in the Second Edition: Presents a study of two entire real-life machines Includes Finite Element Analysis coverage supported by examples and case studies Provides MATLAB solutions of many problem samples and case studies included on the book’s website Offers access to additional information on selected topics that includes website addresses and open-ended web-based problems Class-tested and divided into three sections, this comprehensive book first focuses on the fundamentals and covers the basics of loading, stress, strain, materials, deflection, stiffness, and stability. This includes basic concepts in design and analysis, as well as definitions related to properties of engineering materials. Also discussed are detailed equilibrium and energy methods of analysis for determining stresses and deformations in variously loaded members. The second section deals with fracture mechanics, failure criteria, fatigue phenomena, and surface damage of components. The final section is dedicated to machine component design, briefly covering entire machines. The fundamentals are applied to specific elements such as shafts, bearings, gears, belts, chains, clutches, brakes, and springs.
Diabetes management mediates the association between sleep duration and glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Objective/background The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of diabetes management and sleep duration with glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Patients/methods 111 participants (mean age = 13.59 ± 2.11 years, 52.3% male, 50.5% non-white) wore actigraphy (average duration = 5.5 nights) and completed self-reported daily sleep diaries (average duration = 5.3 nights). Parents and participants each completed the Diabetes Management Scale (DMS) as part of a neurobehavioral evaluation. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and daily frequency of self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) were collected from patient medical records. Results Youth with T1DM slept below the recommended amount of sleep for this age group (M = 7.45, SD = 0.74), which is approximately 9 h for school aged youth. They were in poor glycemic control with an average HbA1c of 9.11% (SD = 1.95) and their SMBG frequency was 4.9 (SD = 2.71). Average sleep duration from actigraphy was significantly correlated with average SMBG frequency and inversely related to HbA1c, indicating that less sleep was associated with worse management and glycemic control. When entered into a mediation model, diabetes management (SMBG frequency) completely mediated the relationship between sleep duration and glycemic control (HbA1c). Different sleep parameters of sleep quality, time to sleep, and sleep consistency also significantly correlated with HbA1c, SMBG, and parent and child-reports of various aspects of diabetes management. In particular, later bedtimes and a greater social jetlag predicted worse glycemic control. Conclusions In a sample of sleep deprived and poorly controlled youth with T1DM, diabetes management was an intermediary factor between sleep duration and glycemic control. Additional analyses of data supported circadian influences on glycemic control. These results highlight the importance of addressing sleep duration, quality, and consistency as part of routine diabetes management in this population.
Variation in Hospital Door-to-Intervention Time for Ruptured AAAs and Its Association with Outcomes

Background A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) is a life-threatening condition that carries a high mortality rate. Recent guidelines have recommended a goal “door-to-intervention” time of ≤90 minutes despite a paucity of evidence to support this goal. The aim of this study was to analyze recent trends in door-to-intervention time for rAAAs and determine the effect of the 90-minute door-to-intervention benchmark on postoperative complications. Methods A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent open aortic repair (OAR) or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of a rAAA in the Vascular Quality Initiative database (2003–2018) was performed. Variation in door-to-intervention time was analyzed at the patient and hospital level. Patients were dichotomized into ≤90 or >90 minute door-to-intervention time cohorts. Hierarchical modeling controlling for the hospital random effect and multivariate logistic models was used to analyze the association on 30-day mortality and major in-hospital complications. Results A total of 3,630 operative cases for rAAA were identified (1696 OAR and 1934 EVAR). For the OAR cohort, 1035 patients (61%) had a door-to-intervention time of ≤90 minutes. However, at the hospital level, a minority of hospitals (49%) reliably achieved the OAR goal door-to-intervention time. For OARs, there was no difference in 30-day risk-adjusted major complications or mortality between the ≤90- and > 90-minute cohorts. For EVAR, 1014 patients (53.8%) had a door-to-intervention time of ≤90 minutes and a minority of hospitals (40%) upheld the recommended ≤90 minute door-to-intervention threshold. In the EVAR group, patients with a ≤90 minute door-to-intervention time had higher rates of postoperative myocardial infarction (12.0% vs. 8.5%; P Conclusions A low percentage of rAAAs are being treated within the recommended door-to-intervention time. Despite this deficiency, the ≤90-minute benchmark has minimal impact on postoperative morbidity and mortality. Based on these findings, alternative quality metrics should be identified to improve the clinical care of patients with rAAA.
KINETICS AND MECHANISMS OF CRYSTALLIZATION OF AMORPHOUS Co-Gd

Ribbons of amorphous CoaGd1-a have been prepared by melt spinning with compositions from 35 < a < 55. Amorphons films have also been prepared by sputter deposition with a = 79. Differential scanning calorimetry and resistivity were both used to study the kinetics of crystallization. A variety of isothermal and constant scan rate techniques were used to determine the value of the activation energy, and the order, for the crystallization reaction. The results of the different methods are compared and discussed.
Using the Translation Speed and Vertical Structure of Gust Fronts to Infer Buoyancy Deficits within Thunderstorm Outflow

AbstractThis study investigates whether the thermodynamics of supercell rear-flank outflow can be inferred from the propagation speed and vertical structure of the rear-flank gust front. To quantif...
Category Theoretic Based Formalization of the Verifiable Design Process

The verifiable design process (VDP) is a systems engineering methodology that integrates formal methods and model based systems engineering to achieve a correct-by-construction system. Formal methods are used in the design process to verify correct behavior of system as specified in the requirements. In order to aid development and analysis, the verifiable design process is organized in abstraction layers. The layers are represented using models that include requirements in natural language form, requirements in ontological form, specifications in logic form together with a proof process and interconnected models and their simulations. The models are intelligently coupled with each other to enable the formal verification and model-based validation of a system. In this work, we will show how to formalize the verifiable design process using category theory. We first show how to represent the different representations (models) of VDP as a category. Suitable categorical structures are employed to analyze them. Furthermore, we define each abstraction layer as a category (category of categories) with the models forming the objects and the relations among them forming the morphisms (functors). We then use pushout structure to represent the objects and their relations to provide analysis of the design process. The functors defined will formalize the relations between the different forms of representations.
Plant secondary metabolites and low temperature are the major limiting factors for Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) growth and virulence in a bark beetle system

Abstract Beauveria bassiana is a ubiquitous entomopathogen and widely used as a biological control agent for a variety of arthropod pests, including bark beetles. The North American spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) is a major pest in forest landscapes and recent studies show that B. bassiana is pathogenic to beetles in the lab but successful field applications have been limited by abiotic and biotic factors within the study system. To understand how habitat conditions impact fungal ecology, we evaluated variation in B. bassiana radial growth across conditions representative of the spruce beetle habitat, incorporating a range of temperatures, competition with spruce beetle symbiotic fungi, as well as exposure to Engelmann spruce tree secondary metabolites, nutrient limitations, osmotic potentials, and sunlight. Pathogenicity to spruce beetle was subsequently quantified in tests varying beetle origin, temperature, and bioassay arena substrate. Three major findings emerged: (1) growth of genetically similar B. bassiana isolates varied considerably in response to abiotic conditions, suggesting significant within-haplotype phenotypic diversity; (2) low ambient temperatures and exposure to Engelmann spruce tree secondary metabolites, two conditions which are prevalent in spruce beetle habitat, strongly inhibit B. bassiana growth; and (3) pathogenicity varied across environments: all isolates appeared pathogenic under room conditions, but when beetles inhabited in planta bioassays under in natura conditions most isolates were not pathogenic. This is the first study to evaluate the inhibitory effects that a series of tree secondary metabolites have on B. bassiana growth, virulence and pathogenicity. These collective findings have implications for field applications of B. bassiana but also the interpretation of entomopathogenicity, and could help to explain discrepancies between laboratory and field tests.
The Rise and Fall of Ceramide and 1,2-Diacylglycerol (DAG): Modulation by Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGFβ1) and by Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) increases the phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and inhibits the growth of A431 cells, but the mechanism of TGFβ1 signaling is unknown. Recent studies from this and other laboratories suggest a novel sphingomyelin signal transduction pathway (1–4). Ceramide, which is generated by sphingomyelinase action, can be deacylated to sphingoid bases, which are potential inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC). Ceramide appears to have bioeffector properties. Cell-permeable ceramide analogs stimulate monocytic differentiation of human leukemia (HL60) cells (1), as well as the phosphorylation of the EGF receptor at Thr669 in A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells (2). Further studies (3,4) demonstrate the existence of a ceramide-activated protein kinase (CAPK) that may mediate some of these aspects. The present studies aim to investigate the mechanism of TGFβl signaling and to explore whether TGFβ1’s pathway involves activation of PKC by 1,2-Diacylglycerol (DAG) and/or stimulation of a CAPK by ceramide. Ceramide and DAG levels of A431 cells are determined by thin layer chromatography (TLC) after treatment with either TGFβ1 or with EGF. 100pM TGFβ1 treatment for 1 hr increases the cellular contents of DAG 2-fold. 20nM EGF treatment for 15 min decreases it 0.5-fold. Ceramide levels are reduced 2-fold by TGFβ1 and almost unaffected by EGF. To evaluate the involvement of other components of signal transduction, the effects of TGFβ1 and EGF on PKC activity are studied. 20 nM EGF decreases membrane PKC activity to 0.5-fold of controls, wheras 100pM TGFβ1 treatment of A431 cells increases this activity 4-fold. Modulation of PKC activity is paralled by translocation of the enzyme between the cytosol and the membrane as determined by Western immunoblot analysis. These studies suggest that TGFβ1 and EGF may have regulatory effects on both sphingolipid and phospholipid metabolisms which could transmodulate both the CAPK and the PKC mediated signal tranduction pathways.
Phasor-Domain Power Analysis

Power flow for circuits undergoing harmonic excitation is very similar to the DC power analysis that was covered in Chap. 4. However, there are some key differences. First, since the voltages and currents vary with respect to time, the power flow will also vary over time. Therefore, the time-average power flow is of greatest interest when assessing efficiency. Second, rather than having just one power term, the flow of energy associated with the reactive components (i.e., the inductors and capacitors) must also be quantified. Therefore, multiple power terms are needed to define the flow of energy in the circuit. Lastly, when maximizing power transfer, the imaginary portion of the impedance must also be considered. Discussing these different aspects of power flow is the focus of this chapter.
DOES ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CARDIOPULMONARY STRESS TESTING HAVE A ROLE IN MANAGEMENT OF ADULT CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE PATIENTS

Because cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) offers additional methods to assess hemodynamic response, it provides advantages over traditional stress testing in ACHD patients, many of whom have sinus or AV node dysfunction. Combining CPET with stress echocardiography (echo) tailored to underlying
Understanding the molecular basis of the tripartite interaction between host-pathogen-bioagent through proteomic approach

Abstract The technique of proteome analysis using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2 d -PAGE) has the power to monitor global changes that occur at protein level in sub-cellular compartments. Analysis of proteins expressed in rhizobacteria treated crop plants will give us an idea about the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) mediated induced gene expression in plants against pathogen attack. In addition, proteomic studies provide the basic knowledge on the gene(s) and pathways induced during host-PGPR interaction. Proteome analysis linked to genome sequence information is very useful for functional genomics by giving information on alternate splicing or post translational modification. This chapter was designed to clearly understand the interaction between host-pathogen-bioagent in crop plants.
Light-triggered release of conventional local anesthetics from a macromolecular prodrug for on-demand local anesthesia.

An on-demand anesthetic that would only take effect when needed and where the intensity of anesthesia could be easily adjustable according to patients’ needs would be highly desirable. Here, we design and synthesize a macromolecular prodrug (P407-CM-T) in which the local anesthetic tetracaine (T) is attached to the polymer poloxamer 407 (P407) via a photo-cleavable coumarin linkage (CM). P407-CM-T solution is an injectable liquid at room temperature and gels near body temperature. The macromolecular prodrug has no anesthetic effect itself unless irradiated with a low-power blue light emitting diode (LED), resulting in local anesthesia. By adjusting the intensity and duration of irradiation, the anesthetic effect can be modulated. Local anesthesia can be repeatedly triggered. Local anesthetic sustained release systems suffer from untriggered rapid drug release upon application. Here the authors overcome this issue by covalently linking tetracaine to a polymer gel via a photo-cleavable linkage, enabling light-triggered and repeatable drug release.
Moving from “I know it when I see it” to an empirical classification of severe and enduring anorexia nervosa: Commentary on Wonderlich et al. (2020)

Severe and enduring anorexia nervosa (SE-AN) is well known to clinicians who treat eating disorders, especially in adults, yet an empirically validated definition of SE-AN is lacking. Current approaches to delineating SE-AN rely on expert opinion, and there is little consensus regarding the criteria that distinguish SE-AN from other clinical presentations or the thresholds that define the boundaries of severity and enduringness. Empirical classification techniques and clinical staging frameworks that incorporate biomarkers offer intriguing alternatives to expert consensus in refining the definition of SE-AN. Empirical approaches, such as latent class analysis and taxometric analysis, have contributed to advances in eating disorders classification, including support for distinctions between eating disorder classes. Likewise, clinical staging models are being applied to other psychiatric disorders and offer a framework for incorporating biological indices of illness progression, such as neurocognitive changes, into a definition of SE-AN. Though some of these methods (e.g., biomarkers) are a long way from being realized, the need for an evidence-based approach to classifying SE-AN is clear. Without it, the challenges outlined by Wonderlich et al. (International Journal of Eating Disorders, 2020) will be difficult to resolve, and the burden of SE-AN on patients, their loved ones, and the healthcare system will continue.
Targeting the Liver-Brain Axis with Hop-Derived Flavonoids Improves Lipid Metabolism and Cognitive Performance in Mice.

Scope Sphingolipids including ceramides are implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin resistance. Correspondingly, inhibition of pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic ceramide accumulation prevents obesity-mediated insulin resistance and cognitive impairment. Increasing evidence suggests the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is involved in ceramide metabolism, as bile acid-FXR crosstalk controls ceramide levels along the gut-liver axis. The authors previously reported that FXR agonist xanthohumol (XN), the principal prenylated flavonoid in hops (Humulus lupulus), and its hydrogenated derivatives, α,β-dihydroxanthohumol (DXN), and tetrahydroxanthohumol (TXN), ameliorated obesity-mediated insulin resistance, and cognitive impairment in mice fed a high-fat diet. Methods and results To better understand how the flavonoids improve both, lipid and bile acid profiles in the liver are analyzed, sphingolipid relative abundance in the hippocampus is measured, and linked them to metabolic and neurocognitive performance. XN, DXN, and TXN (30 mg kg-1 BW per day) decrease ceramide content in liver and hippocampus; the latter is linked to improvements in spatial learning and memory. In addition, XN, DXN, and TXN decrease hepatic cholesterol content by enhancing de novo synthesis of bile acids. Conclusion These observations suggest that XN, DXN, and TXN may alleviate obesity-induced metabolic and neurocognitive impairments by targeting the liver-brain axis.
Skepticism, Gratitude, and the Neoliberal Narrative: TFA Teachers’ Conceptualization of Occupational Stature

This article highlights the capacity of both neoliberal discourse and Teach for America (TFA) in shaping how emergent TFA teachers frame teaching with regard to occupational esteem, occupational st...
Changing Hands: A Rising Role of the Tumor Surgeon in Teaching Sylvian Fissure Dissection.

Objective The landscape of microneurosurgery has changed considerably over the past 2 decades, with a decline in indications for open surgery on cerebrovascular pathology and ever-increasing indications for open resection of brain tumors. This study investigated how these trends in case volume affected residents' training experiences in microsurgery and, specifically, Sylvian fissure dissection. Methods Resident case logs were reviewed, identifying open cerebrovascular operations and craniotomies for tumor. Operations involving Sylvian fissure dissection were identified through operative reports. Changes in case number by resident were plotted over time, and linear regression was applied. Results Among 23 chief residents, 3045 operations were identified, 1071 of which were for cerebrovascular pathology and 1974 for tumor. Open cerebrovascular experience decreased (P Conclusions Residents are seeing an increasing proportion of their Sylvian fissure dissection experience during tumor operations. The distribution of this experience will continue to evolve as surgical indications change but suggests a growing role for tumor surgeons in resident training in microsurgery.
Detecting performance patterns with deep learning

Performance has a major impact on the overall quality of software projects. Performance bugs---bugs that substantially decrease run-time---have long been studied in software engineering, and yet they remain incredibly difficult for developers to handle. Because these bugs do not cause fail-stop errors, they are both harder to discover and to fix. As a result, techniques to help programmers detect and reason about performance are needed for managing performance bugs. Here we propose a static, probabilistic embedding technique to provide developers with useful information about potential performance bugs at the statement level. Using Leetcode samples scraped from real algorithms challenges, we use DeepWalk to embed data dependency graphs in Euclidean space. We then describe how these graph embeddings can be used to detect which statements in code are likely to contribute to performance bugs.
Strategies for enhancing remote student engagement through active learning

Benefits Students are more likely to come to class and participate Students vote with their attendance, and remote classes with an active learning component are better attended than remote lectures This contribution is part of a series featuring teaching analytical science during the pandemic in order to support instructors in preparing their courses Dividing the students into small groups and giving them a problem to work on first, followed by a recap with the whole class, leads to higher student attendance, more student engagement, and more discussion Typical class format with active learning in groups For most class sessions, students submit a short, easy pre-class assignment that orients them to the day's topic [Extracted from the article] Copyright of Analytical & Bioanalytical Chemistry is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use This abstract may be abridged No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract (Copyright applies to all Abstracts )
Intra-Arterial Transplantation of Mitochondria after Ischemic Stroke Reduces Cerebral Infarction

Transplantation of autologous mitochondria into ischemic tissue may mitigate injury caused by ischemia and reperfusion. Using murine stroke models of middle cerebral artery occlusion, we demonstrate that it is feasible to deliver viable mitochondria to ischemic brain parenchyma via an intra-arterial route of administration. We also show the beneficial supplemental effects of concurrent focused ultrasound activation of microbubbles, which serves to open the blood-brain barrier without hemorrhagic complications. Following delivery, mitochondria distribute through the stroked hemisphere and integrate into neural and glial cells in the brain parenchyma. Consistent with functional integration in the ischemic tissue, the transplanted mitochondria elevate concentration of adenosine triphosphate in the stroked hemisphere, reduce infarct volume and increase neuronal viability. Our results have implications for the development of interventional strategies after ischemic stroke and suggest a novel potential modality of therapy after mechanical thrombectomy.
Africans and Black Americans in America: Understanding the Crisis and Disharmony of Interests

Scholarship has extensively explored solidarity among black compositions across diasporic spheres. While know a good deal of how factors such as violence, institutional racism, and economic struggles have historically shaped the discussion on notions of blackness, solidarity, and variation of it be it in the United States or across other transnational settings, we know very little on the origins of discords that exist among Africans recently immigrated and African Americans in America. This paper seeks to examine the extent to which black solidarity is impacted by misperceptions and prejudices stemming from lack of understanding of mutual pressures and struggles in America. It is important to assess and understand how notions of blackness are changing, the changing dynamics of black coalitions, and the implications of these solidarity movements for the black identity cause, and how this paradigm is informed by competing goals of these two black categories.
Grain Evolution during High Temperature Necking of Magnesium Alloys

Magnesium sheet materials AZ31, AM50, ZM21, ZK10, and ZK30 were tested to failure at 450C at a strain rate of 0.001/s. Each of these materials exhibit significant changes in grain structure during deformation, especially in the necked regions of the failed samples. Grain size in the neck is shown to vary with thickness strain and strain rate. Some materials exhibit significant coarsening along the necked region while others show very little change. The results of this work can be used to help validate models for dynamic recrystallization in magnesium.
Scenario-based product design, a real case

This paper proposes a simple framework for implementing SBD. This framework consists of four elements: a basic story structure, an innovation acceleration field, a tool for expressing idea/describing scenario, and an activity theory-based tension detector/idea stimulator, and a process based on the Chinese traditional literature four-stage creation process. A case study is presented at the end of the paper to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed framework.