cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Equipment Technology Innovation for Extreme-Batter Pile Driving Operations

The improvement of pile driving productivity has been, for the most part, consistently neglected in the literature. In particular, the investigation of equipment technology improvements for pile driving activities has yet to be addressed. This study reports the process, benefits, limitations, and lessons learned associated with the definition, development, and implementation of an innovative extreme-batter (23.3° from the vertical) pile driving technology for the construction of a levee. The project team, in a collaborative effort, investigated alternatives to traditional extreme-batter techniques in order to minimize equipment and craft labor needs to complete the levee, and also to minimize the risk of safety occurrences. After holding brainstorming and technical feasibility analysis sessions, the project team decided to adopt an innovative fixed lead approach, the design and production of which was subcontracted out to a pile equipment specialist. Also, instead of subcontracting the piling activity, the team decided to self-perform it in order to have a tighter control on the levee construction process. The fixed lead technique resulted in a 40% cost reduction per unit length of driven pile when compared to traditional extreme-batter piling techniques. This paper also discusses the shortcomings associated the fixed lead pile driving technique.
See No Evil: Heterogeneity in Public Perceptions of Corruption

Abstract. This paper investigates how people form perceptions about corruption. By combining survey data with system-level indicators in 30 countries, the author first explores the relationship between elite and mass evaluations of corruption. Furthermore, the author tests a series of hypotheses pertaining to how individual-level factors, such as political allegiances, personal economic conditions and education may influence people's perceptions. The findings reveal that mass assessments of corruption track closely those of the elites. In addition, more economically fortunate individuals and those who supported the government in the previous election tend to be less critical of corruption. The effect of education is contingent on a country's level of corruption. Specifically, more educated citizens in “cleaner” countries do not see as much corruption as their less educated counterparts. However, this difference is substantively modest.Resume. Cet article etudie la facon dont le public etablit sa perception de la corruption. En utilisant conjointement les informations donnees par les enquetes d'opinion et par les indicateurs de pointage de 30 pays, l'auteur va d'abord explorer les evaluations de la corruption des elites et celles de la masse populaire. De plus, l'auteur va tester une serie d'hypotheses concernant la facon dont la perception du public est influencee par des facteurs personnels, l'appartenance politique par exemple, ou par la situation economique personnelle ou l'education. Les resultats revelent que les jugements de la masse sur la corruption suivent de pres ceux des elites. De plus, les individus plus fortunes ou ceux qui ont vote pour le gouvernement aux dernieres elections ont tendance a se montrer moins critiques au sujet de la corruption. L'effet de l'education est aleatoire quant au niveau de corruption d' un pays. En particulier, dans les pays consideres comme les plus « propres », les citoyens plus eduques constatent moins la corruption que ceux qui sont moins eduques. La difference cependant est extremement modeste.
Investigating flow visualizations using interactive design space hill climbing

Optimizing complex displays is difficult because there are many alternative ways of mapping the data to its graphical representation. In this paper we report on a study employing a method we call “interactive design space hill climbing”. This involves first parameterizing the mapping from data to display. Next, using an interactive interface, designers and domain experts attempt to construct good designs by interactively changing parameters settings based on a random starting point. In our study we applied this method to the problem of 2D flow visualization: users adjusted 22 different sliders under each of 11 mappings to try to create an optimal display of a flow field from an ocean flow model. The results suggest that some variables should have settings in a narrow range. We conclude that employing designers with a human in the loop hill climbing interface can be a good overall solution for complex visual display designs in cases where a relatively simple parameterization is possible.
The structural requirements for ceramide activation of serine-threonine protein phosphatases

The protein phosphatases1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A) serve as ceramide-activated protein phosphatases (CAPP). In this study, the structural requirements for interaction between ceramide and CAPP were determined. D-erythro-C(6) ceramide activated the catalytic subunit of PP2A (PP2Ac) approximately 3-fold in a stereospecific manner. In contrast, saturation of the 4-5 double bond, producing D-erythro-dihydro C(6) ceramide, inhibited PP2Ac (IC(50) = 8.5 microM). Furthermore, phyto C(6) ceramide, D-erythro-dehydro C(6) ceramide, and D-erythro-cis-C(6) ceramide had no effect on PP2Ac activity. Modification of the sphingoid chain also abolished the ability of ceramide to activate PP2Ac. Further studies demonstrated the requirement for the amide group, the primary hydroxyl group, and the secondary hydroxyl group of the sphingoid backbone for activation of PP2Ac through the synthesis and evaluation of D-erythro-urea C(6) ceramide, L-erythro-urea C(6) ceramide, D-erythro-N-methyl C(6) ceramide, D-erythro-L-O-methyl C(6) ceramide, D-erythro-3-O-methyl C(6) ceramide, and (2S) 3-keto C(6) ceramide. None of these compounds induced significant activation of PP2Ac. Liposome binding studies were also conducted using analogs of D-erythro-C C(6) ceramide, and the results showed that the ability of ceramide analogs to influence CAPP (activation or inhibition) was associated with the ability of the analogs to bind to CAPP. This study demonstrates strict structural requirements for interaction of ceramide with CAPP, and disclose ceramide as a very specific regulator of CAPP. The studies also begin to define features that transform ceramide analogs into inhibitors of CAPP.
Aluminum-based drinking-water treatment residuals: a novel sorbent for perchlorate removal.

Perchlorate contamination of aquifers and drinking-water supplies has led to stringent regulations in several states to reduce perchlorate concentrations in water at acceptable levels for human consumption. Several perchlorate treatment technologies exist, but there is significant cost associated with their use, and the majority of them are unable to degrade perchlorate to innocuous chloride. We propose the use of a novel sorbent for perchlorate, i.e. an aluminum-based drinking-water treatment residual (Al-WTR), which is a by-product of the drinking-water treatment process. Perchlorate sorption isotherms (23G 1 C) showed that the greatest amount (65%) of perchlorate removed by the Al-WTR was observed with the lowest initial perchlorate load (10 mg L 1 ) after only 2 h of contact time. Increasing the contact time to 24 h, perchlorate removal increased from 65 to 76%. A significant correlation was observed between the amounts of perchlorate removed with evolved chloride in solution, suggesting degradation of perchlorate to chloride. 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A simple teaching device for examination of the arterial and venous pulse

A simple teaching device is described for examination of the cervical arterial and venous pulses. It is a mechanical device that simultaneously generates a visible jugular venous pulsation and a palpable carotid arterial pulsation to train medical students, physicians, and paramedical personnel. Changing of cams allows the observer to appreciate these pulsations in the normal or in a variety of abnormal states. Graphic tracings of wave forms demonstrate the accuracy of reproduction of physiologic tracings. In a test of the device, cardiologists performed significantly better than medical students in the identification of unknown pulsations. The instrument is readily accepted, simple to operate, and fully portable.
Two-stage hot-carrier degradation and its impact on submicrometer LDD NMOSFET lifetime prediction

The device degradation of oxide-spacer LDD NMOSFET's due to hot carriers is studied in detail. The observed saturation in the degradation time dependence is found to be due to a combination of an increase in the series resistance in the lightly doped drain region, and a reduction of the carrier mobility in the channel and subdiffusion regions. The increase in series resistance eventually saturates. Thus, a more accurate and consistent value of LDD NMOSFET lifetime can be determined using extrapolations which are based on the asymptotic value of the degradation rate coefficient. >
BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS IN A NEWBORN

We describe Barrett's esophagus occurring in a 3–week-old male. The finding of columnar cell-lined lower esophageal epithelium in the presence of gastroesophageal reflux supports the theory of an acquired phenomenon and suggests that the metaplaslic process may have begun in the perinatal period.
Modulation of bacterial outer membrane vesicle production by envelope structure and content

Vesiculation is a ubiquitous secretion process of Gram-negative bacteria, where outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are small spherical particles on the order of 50 to 250 nm composed of outer membrane (OM) and lumenal periplasmic content. Vesicle functions have been elucidated in some detail, showing their importance in virulence factor secretion, bacterial survival, and biofilm formation in pathogenesis. Furthermore, OMVs serve as an envelope stress response, protecting the secreting bacteria from internal protein misfolding stress, as well as external envelope stressors. Despite their important functional roles very little is known about the regulation and mechanism of vesicle production. Based on the envelope architecture and prior characterization of the hypervesiculation phenotypes for mutants lacking the lipoprotein, Lpp, which is involved in the covalent OM-peptidoglycan (PG) crosslinks, it is expected that an inverse relationship exists between OMV production and PG-crosslinked Lpp. In this study, we found that subtle modifications of PG remodeling and crosslinking modulate OMV production, inversely correlating with bound Lpp levels. However, this inverse relationship was not found in strains in which OMV production is driven by an increase in “periplasmic pressure” resulting from the accumulation of protein, PG fragments, or lipopolysaccharide. In addition, the characterization of an nlpA deletion in backgrounds lacking either Lpp- or OmpA-mediated envelope crosslinks demonstrated a novel role for NlpA in envelope architecture. From this work, we conclude that OMV production can be driven by distinct Lpp concentration-dependent and Lpp concentration-independent pathways.
When do infants begin to follow a point

Infants' understanding of a pointing gesture represents a major milestone in their communicative development. The current consensus is that infants are not capable of following a pointing gesture until 9-12 months of age. In this article, we present evidence from 4- and 6-month-old infants challenging this conclusion. Infants were tested with a spatial cueing paradigm in Experiment 1 (500-ms stimulus-target onset asynchrony [SOA]) and Experiment 2 (100-ms SOA). The results revealed that the younger infants shifted their attention in the cued direction when presented with a pointing gesture and with a foil (i.e., same size and shape as pointing gesture) at both SOAs. Older infants shifted their attention only in response to the pointing gesture at 100-ms SOA. Experiment 3 tested infants' preferences for the social stimulus (i.e., pointing gesture) relative to the foil and a non-social stimulus (i.e., an arrow). The results revealed that infants are biased to selectively attend to the pointing gesture. Taken together, these results suggest that 4- and 6-month-old infants are capable of preferentially selecting and following a pointing gesture. It is theorized that this early capacity assists infants in their developing understanding of triadic forms of communication.
How to Find Evidence When You Need It, Part 4: Matching Clinical Questions to Appropriate Databases

Practitioners seeking enhancement of clinical care through consideration of research require rapid and efficient point-of-care access to current studies and summaries pertaining to specific clinical queries. MEDLINE and other large databases usually contain the citations relevant to such questions but frequently fall short of the practical requirements of busy clinicians. We present a summary of the knowledge and skills required for physicians to select and use smaller databases appropriate to particular types of questions arising from emergency care. We outline a step-by-step approach that begins at the bedside with the sorting of questions into appropriate categories of knowledge and research design. We identify commonly encountered pitfalls in the process of connecting a particular question to an appropriate database. We illustrate the approach through a set of demonstration questions pertaining to patients presenting to emergency departments with chest pain consistent with acute coronary ischemia. We describe a selection of resources and databases and summarize their performance in locating articles relevant to the demonstration questions.
Design and implementation of orientational filters using separable approximation methods

Two separable approximation methods, Chebyshev approximation and SVD approximation, are described as ways of implementing an orientational filtering operation on a 2D image. They are both suitable for parallel implementation and enable the orientational filter to be performed on an N/spl times/N image in O(N/sup 2/) time with a small amount of hardware. It is shown that these algorithms can be combined with Shensa's algorithm so that a multi-resolution pyramid can be efficiently constructed from orientational filter wavelets. The performance of the algorithms are evaluated by applying the algorithms to both Gabor filters and the first derivative of Gaussian filters. Implementation schemes for orientational filters using the separable approximation are presented. >
Optical properties of Gd, Dy, and Tb†

Optical constants in the spectral range 1.5–5.5 eV are presented for the heavy rare-earth metals Gd, Tb, and Dy. The samples are thin films prepared by vacuum evaporation at pressures below 10−9 torr, and are studied in situ using a precision ellipsometric technique. The optical spectra are broadly similar but differ slightly in their temperature dependence. The optical data complement recent magneto-optic spectra, and the significance of their difference is discussed in terms of existing electronic-structure models and the microscopic origin of the two spectra.
Growth rate retardation and inhibitory effect of para-JEM® BLUE on Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis.

The effect of para-JEM(R) BLUE on Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) inoculated into broth-based culture media was evaluated by using 84 fecal samples with known MAP status. Results showed that growth of the organism in samples inoculated into the broth without the para-JEM BLUE was detectable 1-35 days (average of 6 days) earlier in 35 of the samples (42%) compared with the same samples inoculated in broth with para-JEM BLUE. Four additional samples (5%) that were MAP positive in the culture broth that lacked the para-JEM BLUE gave negative results when the reagent was included. Of the remaining 45 samples, growth of MAP was detected 1-4 days (average of 3 days) earlier in 4 of the samples (5%) inoculated in the broth with para-JEM BLUE compared with the same samples inoculated in the broth without the para-JEM BLUE, whereas 41 samples (49%) yielded equivalent results with respect to time-to-growth detection and negative growth, regardless of whether para-JEM BLUE was present in the culture broth. However, exclusion of para-JEM BLUE from the broth increased the number of samples that produced false-positive instrument signals compared with the number that produced false-positive signals when the reagent was added. Modification of the sample processing step had no measurable effect. Observations indicated that, although elimination of para-JEM BLUE from the broth increased false-positive instrument signals, its inclusion has an adverse effect on the growth of certain MAP, which suggests that its elimination from broth cultures may increase sensitivity.
Rosiglitazone and Pioglitazone for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Objective:To review the literature on the efficacy and safety of rosiglitazone and pioglitazone for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD).Data Sources:Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1948-August 2011 week 2) and EMBASE (1980-2011 week 32) using the search terms rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, and Alzheimer's disease. Results were limited to studies conducted in humans and published in English.Study Selection And Data Ektraction:Clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of rosiglitazone or pioglitazone in patients with AD were critically evaluated.Data Synthesis:The mechanism for development of AD has been linked to both inflammation and decreased insulin sensitivity. Because of this, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone have been evaluated as potential treatments for AD because of their insulin-sensitizing and antiinflammatory effects. Five clinical trials were evaluated (3 assessing rosiglitazone, 2 assessing pioglitazone); 1 trial evaluating rosiglitazone demonstrated a beneficial effect on...
Stemmed Points, the Coastal Migration Theory, and the Peopling of the Americas

The flooding of our world’s continental shelves over the last 20,000 years has severely limited our ability to reconstruct human migrations and settlements along New and Old World Pleistocene coastlines. While the coastal migration theory has gained rapid support over the last decade, the submergence of the southern coast of Beringia has made it exceptionally difficult to test whether or not Upper Paleolithic peoples followed Pacific shorelines from Asia to the Americas. Here, we provided new evidence that may help trace possible coastal migrations into the New World by tracking distinctive chipped stone technologies. Stemmed projectile points from Late Pleistocene sites around the Pacific Rim may provide evidence of the cultural and technological expansion of people along this route; much the same way archaeologists have used chipped stone traditions to track terrestrial migrations along overland corridors.
Peripheries, State Capacity, and Great Power Politics: Accounting for Secession from the Ottoman Empire

Why did Greece fight for its independence before Bulgaria? Why is it that Albania, being at the periphery of the Ottoman Empire, was the last state to gain its independence? Why Serbs and Greeks before the Bulgarians? What explains the timing of Balkan secessionist movements from the Ottoman Empire in the 19th and early 20th centuries? Drawing on a new dataset of interstate and intra-state wars in Ottoman Europe, this paper examines alternative theories of secession. In contrast to the dominant functionalist narrative of aggrieved nations rising up against Ottoman oppression, the paper demonstrates peripheral areas were far more likely to experience secessionist movements due to external intervention by the Great Powers, which tried to balance and undermine the territorial control of rival states, and aided local elites seeking outside intervention to secure local power. The Ottoman Empire is an excellent context to test two important arguments in the literature, namely direct rule and state capacity. The importance of the introduction of direct rule from the center for the emergence of peripheral national movements has been highlighted in the literature. However, we do get secessionist rebellions in the Ottoman context before the application of direct rule. More interestingly, although we also do get secessionist rebellions after the introduction of direct rule these do not always come in the ‘nationalist’ variety. Then again, other scholars have argued that, although nationalism may be an important ideological doctrine, wars are not driven by ideology but by opportunity structures. Following, this logic the timing should follow the patterns of state capacity across the various Ottoman territories in Europe. However, state weakness might be endogenous to other dynamics such as international intervention or interstate wars. Moreover, it could be the result of a looming secessionist war. The findings of this article have significant implications for our understanding of secessionist conflict and nationalism alike.
Modulation of PKCδ tyrosine phosphorylation and activity in salivary and PC-12 cells by Src kinases

Protein kinase C (PKC) δ becomes tyrosine phosphorylated in rat parotid acinar cells exposed to muscarinic and substance P receptor agonists, which initiate fluid secretion in this salivary cell. H...
Mobile Robot Navigation Using Variable Grid Size Based Reinforcement Learning

Robot navigation in an unknown environment is a very challenging problem. In order to navigate to a desired goal position in a given environment, the robot needs to interact with the environment and develop an understanding of the environment by remembering the results of such interactions. Typically, the robot navigation problem consists of two subproblems: i) generating a model of the environment; and ii) obtaining an obstacle-free shortest path. Reinforcement learning is a classical way to solve both of these sub-problems. Typically, to apply reinforcement learning to navigation problems, the environment is modeled by a grid based representation where each cell of the grid represents a physical space in the environment. A grid based representation results into a finite sized state-space of the system which can be used to solve the path planning problem using traditional reinforcement techniques. However, grid based representation gives rise to a new question regarding the size of each cell in the grid. A smaller grid size leads to better resolution of the state-space resulting in more optimal solutions to the path planning problem. A larger grid size, on the other hand, results into computationally tractable smaller state-space. This demands obtaining the grid size based upon trade-off between the optimality of the solution and the computational efficiency. This paper is focused on solving the above problem using a variable resolution grid size strategy. The method works by obtaining finer grids near obstacles where better resolution is needed to obtain more optimal solutions. Spaces where there are no obstacles have larger grid size so that the state-space does not become too big. Also, we focus on a novel way to store and understand the terrain of the environment. We describe and compare the algorithms for both classic and variable grid size based reinforcement learning. A test bed with Pioneer III DX robot is used to evaluate the real world scenario and a variety of simulations are used to evaluate the improved algorithm. We conclude by discussing the results and the other possible applications of the proposed method.
Epidemiological analysis of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Xi'an from 2004 to 2012

Objective To know the distribution and characteristics of human epidemic hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome(HFRS) in order to provide evidences to improve the prevention and control of this region. Methods All the reported cases were collected and analyzed by epidemic data and case investigation. Results There were 8 440 cases reported in Xi'an from 2004 to 2012, the incidence rate was 11.99/lakh; 106 died cases, the mortality rate was 0.15/lakh; gender ratio was 3.07: 1; the persons younger than 15 years old and older than 60 years old, who could not be vaccinated, occupied 21.21%. Conclusion The prevention and control of HFRS is deficient in Xi'an. In order to reduce the HFRS incidence, we should best prepare to deal in advance. Meanwhile, we need to solve the problem about prevention and control technology besides vaccine. College freshmen should be treated as the main target population to reduce morbidity and prevent outbreak of epidemics.
Ambulatory and Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography

Transesophageal echocardiography is a relatively new imaging technique that is rapidly evolving into a major tool for general cardiac imaging in a variety of venues. This article focuses on the current probe technology, the technique of performing transesophageal echocardiography, standard anatomic image views used, and currently accepted indications for intraoperative and ambulatory transesophageal echocardiography.
An improved technique for the combined Collis-Belsey approach to dilatable esophageal strictures.

The rate of recurrence of gastroesophageal reflux is unacceptably high in patients with severe reflux esophagitis who have undergone the routine Belsey transthoracic reconstruction of the cardia. For this reason, the standard operation in this group is contraindicated. Addition of the esophagus-lengthening gastroplasty technique of Collis to the Belsey operation, however, provides a valuable surgical alternative in patients with peptic esophageal strictures. This report describes a simplified technique of performing the combined Collis-Belsey procedure with the GIA surgical stapler.
Amiodarone for the maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation

Objective:To discuss the role of amiodarone for the maintenance of normal sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and review the clinical trial data evaluating the efficacy and safety of amiodarone in patients with AF.Data Sources:A MEDLINE search was used to identify pertinent literature. Additional references were identified from the articles obtained in the search. Key search terms were atrial fibrillation, amiodarone, and sinus rhythm.Study Selection:All studies available at the time the article was prepared evaluating the efficacy and safety of amiodarone in AF were included. In addition, review articles discussing the role of amiodarone in AF were selected.Data Extraction:NO large, prospective, randomized trials have been performed. Data from 8 nonrandomized and 2 randomized trials are reported. Information derived from review articles is discussed.Data Synthesis:In patients with AF, maintenance of normal sinus rhythm is desirable to eliminate symptoms, improve functional capacity, an...
Relationship of anxiety disorders to affective disorders

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relationship of anxiety disorders to depressive disorders. Although there were a number of biological studies by the 1960s which suggested a possible biological basis for anxiety disorders, research interest in anxiety disorders waned as interest in depression grew in the 1970s. Thus, the findings of Jones and Mellersh (1946) that patients with anxiety disorders developed increased lactate in the blood after exercise and the findings of Pitts and McClure (1967) of panic attacks being induced by infusions of sodium lactate in patients with anxiety disorders did not result in intensive biological studies of anxiety during the 1970s.
The Challenge of Defining Treatment Standards for a Rare Disease: Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma

It is clearly no surprise that there are controversies regarding the management of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, an infrequent subgroup of an already uncommonmalignancywithavariablenatural history and no randomized data to support specific interventions.Approximately3,000 Americans are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma each year. Only 10.5% of the mesotheliomas identified in the SEER database between 1973 and 2005 originated in the peritoneum. The rarity of this diagnosis renders randomized studies nearly impossible to contemplate. Treatment standards are principally derived from highly selected patients in small, retrospective series at centers of excellence, along with a few multicenter databases and systematic reviews. Prospective clinical trials are infrequent, small, and nonrandomized. The potential selection bias inherent in these analyses is compounded by the heterogeneous natural history of peritoneal mesothelioma, which makes it challenging to determine the actual impact of a therapeutic intervention. Despite these limitations, for most surgeons andmedical oncologistswho treat this cancer routinely, the value of cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is no longer a matter of debate. When compared with historical controls, the results achieved with this aggressive locoregional approach, including a 5-year survival approaching 50%, are quite remarkable. The durable palliation of malignant ascites achieved in up to 90% of patients is equally impressive. In the article accompanying this commentary, Sugarbaker et al clearly delineate the rationale for cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and make an excellent case for their routine implementation in appropriately selected patients at highly experienced centers. Although the proportion of patients managed nonoperatively is gradually decreasing, there remains considerable room for improvement, because more than 60% of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma still do not undergo cytoreduction. A substantial fraction of those with potentially resectable peritoneal mesothelioma referred to my medical oncology practice for chemotherapy have never even seen a surgeon; this referral bias likely reflects a general lack of knowledge about the natural history of peritoneal mesothelioma and the long-term disease control achievable with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Of course, there are unanswered questions about this approach. From a surgical perspective, one may wish to finesse the specific cytotoxic agent, the exposure technique (open v closed), the degree of peritonectomy (selective v complete), or the duration and temperature of the chemoperfusion. These are relatively minor issues, often driven by surgeon preference. Given the significant variability in the survival of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, it is more critical to be able to identify those
The Cac2 subunit is essential for productive histone binding and nucleosome assembly in CAF-1

Nucleosome assembly following DNA replication controls epigenome maintenance and genome integrity. Chromatin assembly factor 1 (CAF-1) is the histone chaperone responsible for histone (H3-H4)2 deposition following DNA synthesis. Structural and functional details for this chaperone complex and its interaction with histones are slowly emerging. Using hydrogen-deuterium exchange coupled to mass spectrometry, combined with in vitro and in vivo mutagenesis studies, we identified the regions involved in the direct interaction between the yeast CAF-1 subunits, and mapped the CAF-1 domains responsible for H3-H4 binding. The large subunit, Cac1 organizes the assembly of CAF-1. Strikingly, H3-H4 binding is mediated by a composite interface, shaped by Cac1-bound Cac2 and the Cac1 acidic region. Cac2 is indispensable for productive histone binding, while deletion of Cac3 has only moderate effects on H3-H4 binding and nucleosome assembly. These results define direct structural roles for yeast CAF-1 subunits and uncover a previously unknown critical function of the middle subunit in CAF-1.
Overview of the Molecular Pathways and Mediators of Sepsis

Sepsis is a common clinical problem among the critically ill, and it is associated with high morbidity and mortality due to lack of effective therapeutic options. Sepsis results from dysregulation of immune responses to infection, characterized by mixed antagonistic response syndrome (MARS) in which both aspects of the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses are believed to be present concomitantly. These immune responses are mediated by a number of immune cells, including monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, natural killer cells, γδ T cells, natural killer T cells, and T and B lymphocyte cells that comprise innate and adaptive immune system. In addition, a variety of molecules and pathways exist to help maintain a delicate balance between protection against invading pathogens and bystander host damage. This chapter will present a general overview of the molecular pathways and mediators involved in sepsis in an attempt to provide a framework for understanding potential targets for sepsis treatment.
Beta-Catenin and the Survival of Hepatocytes

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is critical for liver development, differentiation, metabolism, and homeostasis. Aberrations in this pathway have also been identified in many pathophysiological conditions, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and hepatobiliary neoplasias. Recent research has uncovered a role for Wnt/β-catenin signaling in regulating cell survival or cell death after acute or chronic liver injury as well. In this chapter, we will provide background on this signaling pathway as well as various mechanisms involved in apoptosis and survival in both experimental and clinical models of liver injury. We will then discuss the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the context of various types of liver injury, focusing on two types of regulation: direct (through transcription of target genes and physical interaction with survival pathway components) and indirect (through regulation of processes such as oxidative stress and inflammation during liver injury). Finally, we will discuss the therapeutic implications of modulating this pathway to impact cell survival during liver injury.
Gaussian Accelerated Molecular Dynamics: Theory, Implementation, and Applications

A novel Gaussian Accelerated Molecular Dynamics (GaMD) method has been developed for simultaneous unconstrained enhanced sampling and free energy calculation of biomolecules. Without the need to set predefined reaction coordinates, GaMD enables unconstrained enhanced sampling of the biomolecules. Furthermore, by constructing a boost potential that follows a Gaussian distribution, accurate reweighting of GaMD simulations is achieved via cumulant expansion to the second order. The free energy profiles obtained from GaMD simulations allow us to identify distinct low energy states of the biomolecules and characterize biomolecular structural dynamics quantitatively. In this chapter, we present the theory of GaMD, its implementation in the widely used molecular dynamics software packages (AMBER and NAMD), and applications to the alanine dipeptide biomolecular model system, protein folding, biomolecular large-scale conformational transitions and biomolecular recognition.
A Quantitative Test of Critical Heterosexuality Theory: Predicting Straight Identification in a Nationally Representative Sample

Using Add Health, a US-based nationally representative survey, this study predicts the likelihood of identifying as straight among (1) individuals who reported same-sex attractions and/or sexual practices and (2) among those who reported neither, given that many respondents nonetheless identified as something other than straight. It also (3) predicts the likelihood of changing one’s sexual identity to heterosexuality across survey waves. Weighted logistic regression identifies political conservatism and religiosity as predictors of straight identification and changing to a straight sexual identity, even after controlling for attractions and sexual practices. The results suggest that individuals with same-sex attractions and/or sexual practices do not identify as straight simply because of limitations of well-known sexual identities (straight, bisexual, gay/lesbian), given that Add Health offered more nuanced options, such as mostly straight. Instead, the results suggest that non-sexual social factors, such as religiosity and conservative political attitudes—themselves shaped by patterned social forces—are keys to heterosexual identification and heterosexual identity change. This paper offers the first quantitative test of critical heterosexuality theory using a nationally representative sample, suggesting that the approach is theoretically generalizable beyond qualitative studies.
Recent Advances in Lynch Syndrome: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Cancer Prevention.

Identification of individuals with inherited predispositions to cancer, including Lynch syndrome, can help prevent cancer and cancer-related death by allowing for the uptake of specific cancer prevention and screening as well as the use of therapies directed toward the underlying neoplastic process for individuals with advanced cancer. In the 25 years since the discovery of microsatellite instability (MSI) and the first recognition of germline mismatch repair (MMR) gene variants as the etiologic basis of Lynch syndrome, there has been tremendous progress in the understanding of the spectrum of cancer risk associated with Lynch syndrome as well as in cancer prevention and risk-reduction strategies. The past few years, in particular, have brought transformative changes in the treatment of Lynch syndrome–associated cancers with immune checkpoint inhibitors. In parallel, advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies now allow rapid and scalable somatic and germline sequencing that promises to help...
Standing and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights

The African Commission has in its individual communications procedure adopted an approach where no connection needs to be present between the victim and the complainant in a case. The reasoning is justified as allowing Africans with limited economic or technical abilities to have a chance to have their cases heard. The broad approach to standing has led to difficulties for complainants to provide sufficient evidence and information as well as unexplained withdrawals of cases. This article explores the Commission's approach to standing, focusing on the preparatory work of the African Charter and communications decided by the Commission. It concludes that a connection to the victim of the alleged violation should be present, while at the same time ensuring an open procedure, allowing accessibility for victims with limited economic or technical abilities. It is suggested that the procedure of the CEDAW Committee should be used as a point of departure. With the inauguration of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, it is imperative that the African Commission works efficiently and smoothly to ensure a trustworthy regional mechanism, amongst others requiring that a solid foundation of evidence and certainty be present.
Zinc Forms and Plant Availability in a Compost Amended Soil

Compost can be used to remediate metal-contaminatedsites because it binds metals and reduces metal uptakeby plants. A greenhouse experiment was conducted totest the effectiveness of compost to remediate Zntoxicity to plants and to determine its effect on zinc(Zn) distribution among operationally defined forms. Cecil soil (Typic kanhapludults) was amendedwith 0 to 5000 mg kg-1 Zn and biosolid compost at0, 100, and 300 tons ha-1, and then corn (Zea mays L.) was planted. After 42 days of growthplants were weighed and analyzed for Zn concentration. Soil was analyzed for Mehlich 1-extractable Zn andfractionated by a sequential extraction procedure forforms of Zn. Compost lowered soil pH while increasingCEC, exchangeable hydrogen and percent carbon. Concentrations of Mehlich 1-extractable Zn weredecreased by compost addition. Compost additionsdecreased plant Zn concentration and allowed moreplant survival with toxic levels of soil Zn. Compostamendment redistributed Zn from the water soluble andexchangeable fractions to the manganese oxide andamorphous iron oxide fractions, which shows a changein form of Zn from more plant available to less plantavailable. Biosolid compost soil amendments decreaseplant availability of Zn making it less toxic toplants even where it decreases soil pH, which wouldtend to have the opposite effect.
Random neighbourhood dynamic clustering

Recognition of arbitrary shaped clusters is a highly active research topic in data mining and cluster analysis. In this paper, we consider the problem of data clustering of arbitrary shaped clusters as a random evolutionary process. We propose a new algorithm RNDC which uses the random process for cluster analysis. RNDC assumes that an object contains information only about the characteristic values of its local neighbourhood. It explores the local cluster structures to determine the global partitions of dataset. It is of significance that RNDC evolve randomly among the objects of dataset, while other well-known partitioning clustering algorithms used the techniques of sequential propagation through the nearest connected/reachable objects. Our method is, in principle, applicable for any arbitrary shaped clusters. Since randomness is an essential part of RNDC, it makes this algorithm suitable for multiprocessing parallel computation.
The Role of miRNAs in Drosophila melanogaster Male Courtship Behavior

Drosophila melanogaster courtship, although stereotypical, continually changes based on cues received from the courtship subject. Such adaptive responses are mediated via rapid and widespread transcriptomic reprogramming, a characteristic now widely attributed to microRNAs (miRNAs), along with other players. Here, we conducted a large-scale miRNA knockout screen to identify miRNAs that affect various parameters of male courtship behavior. Apart from identifying miRNAs that impact male–female courtship, we observed that miR-957 mutants performed significantly increased male–male courtship and “chaining” behavior, whereby groups of males court one another. We tested the effect of miR-957 reduction in specific neuronal cell clusters, identifying miR-957 activity in Doublesex (DSX)-expressing and mushroom body clusters as an important regulator of male–male courtship interactions. We further characterized the behavior of miR-957 mutants and found that these males court male subjects vigorously, but do not elicit courtship. Moreover, they fail to lower courtship efforts toward females with higher levels of antiaphrodisiac pheromones. At the level of individual pheromones, miR-957 males show a reduced inhibitory response to both 7-Tricosene (7-T) and cis-vaccenyl acetate, with the effect being more pronounced in the case of 7-T. Overall, our results indicate that a single miRNA can contribute to the regulation of complex behaviors, including detection or processing of chemicals that control important survival strategies such as chemical mate-guarding, and the maintenance of sex- and species-specific courtship barriers.
Fourier restriction to a hyperbolic cone

Abstract Using a bilinear restriction theorem of Lee and a bilinear-to-linear argument of Stovall, we obtain the conjectured range of Fourier restriction estimates for a conical hypersurface in R 4 with hyperbolic cross sections.
Foreword to Arcs of Justice: Essays in Honour of William A. Schabas

In this foreword to Arcs of Global Justice: Essays in Honour of William A. Schabas (Oxford University Press 2018), co-editors Diane Marie Amann and Margaret M. deGuzman first recall the claim of Martin Luther King Jr. that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Then they summarize this collection’s 27 essays, in which 35 eminent scholar analyze developments in global justice since the end of World War II. Discussed are institutions like the United Nations, the European Court of Human Rights, and the International Criminal Court, and instruments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention Against Torture, and the Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. The volume examines fits and starts in global justice regarding peace and war, international crimes, culture, capital punishment, environmental degradation, and not least, education and scholarship.
Cross-sectional and longitudinal measures of chitinase proteins in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and expression of CHI3L1 in activated astrocytes

Objective Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex disease with numerous pathological mechanisms resulting in a heterogeneous patient population. Using biomarkers for particular disease mechanisms may enrich a homogeneous subset of patients. In this study, we quantified chitotriosidase (Chit-1) and chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1), markers of glial activation, in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma and determined the cell types that express CHI3L1 in ALS. Methods Immunoassays were used to quantify Chit-1, CHI3L1 and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain levels in longitudinal CSF and matching plasma samples from 118 patients with ALS, 17 disease controls (DCs), and 24 healthy controls (HCs). Immunostaining was performed to identify and quantify CHI3L1-positive cells in tissue sections from ALS, DCs and non-neurological DCs. Results CSF Chit-1 exhibited increased levels in ALS as compared with DCs and HCs. CSF CHI3L1 levels were increased in ALS and DCs compared with HCs. No quantitative differences were noted in plasma for either chitinase. Patients with ALS with fast-progressing disease exhibited higher levels of CSF Chit-1 and CHI3L1 than patients with slow-progressing disease. Increased numbers of CHI3L1-positive cells were observed in postmortem ALS motor cortex as compared with controls, and these cells were identified as a subset of activated astrocytes located predominately in the white matter of the motor cortex and the spinal cord. Conclusions CSF Chit-1 and CHI3L1 are significantly increased in ALS, and CSF Chit-1 and CHI3L1 levels correlate to the rate of disease progression. CHI3L1 is expressed by a subset of activated astrocytes predominately located in white matter.
Interaction of Pb2+ ions in water with two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide

The removal of heavy metal contaminants from water is important for public health, and recently many two-dimensional (2D) materials with high specific surface areas are being studied as promising new active components in water purification. In particular, 2D MoS2 nanosheets have been used for the removal of various heavy metals, but usually in either in complex geometries and composites, or in the chemically exfoliated metallic 1T-MoS2 phase. However, the interaction of heavy metals dissolved in water with unmodified semiconducting 2H-MoS2 is not well studied. In this paper, we report a detailed fundamental investigation of how Pb2+ ions interact with 2H-MoS2. We observe small solids clusters that form on the MoS2 surfaces after exposing them to Pb(NO3)2 aqueous solutions as shown by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and for liquid phase exfoliated MoS2 we observe the nanosheets precipitating out of dispersion along with insoluble solid granules. We use a combination of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) to identify these solid clusters and granules as PbMoO4 and PbSO4. We put forth an interaction mechanism that involves MoS2 defects that act as initiation sites for the partial dissolution in aqueous oxygenated conditions which produces MoO4 2- and SO4 2- ions which can form the solids with Pb2+. These results are an important contribution to our fundamental understanding of how MoS2 interacts with metal ions and will influence further efforts to exploit MoS2 for water remediation applications.