cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perfectly matched layer in three dimensions for the time-domain finite element method applied to radiation problems

A new perfectly matched layer (PML) formulation for the time-domain finite element method is described and tested for problems in three-dimensional space. An integral part of this PML algorithm is a novel time integration scheme based on Galerkin's method with a piecewise linear temporal expansion of the electric field. Our time integration procedure is constructed by forming a linear combination of exact and trapezoidal integration applied to the temporal weak form, which reduces to the well-known Newmark scheme in the case where the PML is not present. This technique allows for a consistent time discretization of the electric field vector wave equation augmented with the PML, which includes terms that involve the electric field itself, time derivatives thereof and exponential functions temporally convolved with the electric field. The auxiliary variables that are associated with such convolutions are efficiently updated in an explicit manner by matrix-vector products. The new PML formulation is successfully tested on canonical problems. The PML can very efficiently absorb propagating electromagnetic waves, which is demonstrated by reflections coefficients as low as -100 dB. The PML formulation is capable of giving highly accurate results for very broad frequency bands which is confirmed by tests that show an error smaller than 2% over more than six octaves in frequency. Finally, we apply the PML formulation to a bow-tie antenna and comparisons with measurements show good agreement.
Working Memory: The What, the Why, and the How

Working memory, our ability to work with information, plays an important role in learning from kindergarten to the college years. In this article, we review the what, the why, and the how of working memory. First, we explore the relationship between working memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. We also investigate research on the link between whether environmental factors, such as financial background and mother's educational level, affect working memory. In the next section — the why of working memory — we compare the predictive nature of working memory and IQ in learning outcomes. While IQ typically measures the knowledge acquired by the student, working memory measures what they do with that knowledge. Working memory skills are linked to key learning outcomes, including reading and math. In the final section, we present classroom strategies to support working memory. We also review current research on the efficacy of working memory training.
Reciprocal Peer Tutoring: A Multimodal Assessment of Effectiveness with College Students

This study assessed the effect of reciprocal peer tutoring on the academic performance of college students, and measured the impact of this procedure on levels of student distress and course satisfaction. Forty-nine students were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: reciprocal peer tutoring (RPT), questions only (QO), and placebo control (PC). There were no significant group differences in demographic variables or pretest scores. Results indicated that the RPT condition resulted in greater improvement in exam scores, reduction in distress, and greater student satisfaction.
What is a Concept, that a Person May Grasp It?

Expose d'une theorie semantique du concept qui distingue entre concepts externes (E-concepts) et concepts internes (I-concepts). L'A. fonde une theorie des I-concepts qu'il nomme semantique conceptuelle et montre les resultas empiriques qui decoulent de son approche
WSN14-1: Power Efficient 3-Dimensional Topology Control for Ad Hoc and Sensor Networks

Topology control in wireless ad hoc and sensor networks has been heavily studied recently. Different geometric topologies were proposed to be the underlying network topologies to achieve the sparseness of the communication networks or to guarantee the package delivery of specific routing methods. However, most of the proposed topology control algorithms were only applied to 2D networks where all nodes are distributed in a 2D plane. In practice, the ad hoc and sensor networks are often deployed in 3D space, such as notebooks in a multi-floor building and sensor nodes in a forest. This paper seeks to investigate power efficient topology control protocols for 3D ad hoc and sensor networks. In our new protocols, we extend several 2D geometric topologies to 3D case, and propose some new 3D Yao-based topologies. We also prove several properties (e.g., bounded degree and constant power stretch factor) for them in 3D space. The simulation confirms our theoretical proofs for these proposed 3D topologies.
Anticipatory robot control for a partially observable environment using episodic memories

This paper explains an episodic-memory-based approach for computing anticipatory robot behavior in a partially observable environment. Inspired by biological findings on the mammalian hippocampus, here, episodic memories retain a sequence of experienced observation, behavior, and reward. Incorporating multiple machine learning methods, this approach attempts to help reducing the computational burden of a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) problem. In particular, proposed computational reduction techniques include: (1) abstraction of the state space via temporal difference learning; (2) abstraction of the action space by utilizing motor schemata; (3) narrowing down the state space in terms of goals through instance-based learning; (4) elimination of the value-iteration by assuming a unidirectional-linear-chaining formation of the state space; (5) reduction of the state-estimate computation by exploiting the property of the Poisson distribution; and (6) trimming the history length by imposing a cap on the number of episodes that are computed. Claims (5) and (6) were empirically verified, and it was confirmed that the state estimation can be in fact computed in an 0(n) time (where n is the number of the states), more efficient than a conventional Kalman-filter based approach of 0(n2).
Suckling Behavior of Pine Voles (Microtus Pinetorum)

Abstract The suckling behavior of some mammals is characterized by preferences for anterior or posterior nipples and consistent return by individual young to particular nipples or nipple pairs. Some murid species also display tenacious nipple attachment. Pine voles (= woodland voles, Microtus pinetorum) have tenaciously clinging young and 2 pairs of abdominal mammae. We examined whether young pine voles preferred particular nipple pairs and whether young on the 2 pairs were differentially groomed or dislodged by their mothers. We also examined whether young showed fidelity to suckling location. Young pine voles preferred the hindmost nipples and were dislodged less frequently from those nipples than from the more anterior pair. We found no evidence that mothers differentially groomed young on the 2 pairs. Fidelity to nipple and nipple pair was greater in small than in large litters, which may reflect less competition for hind nipples in small litters and the need to consistently stimulate a nipple to ensu...
Chronic Granulocytic Leukemia (CGL) During the Course of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Correlation of Blood, Marrow, and Spleen Morphology and Cytogenetics

Second malignancies occur with a greater frequency in patients with chronic lymphatic leukemia than in the general population. Previously, 20 patients having CLL have been reported as developing acute leukemia, but no cases of development of chronic granulocytic leukemia have been observed. In the present report, we will describe patients with Ph1 chromosome positive CGL associated with previously described CLL. One patient received total body radiation treatment for his CLL, while the second was not treated. It is apparent that previous therapy may not necessarily be a prerequisite for the development of a second malignancy in CLL. Cytogenetics offers a useful tool to confirm morphologic criteria in establishing the diagnosis of a second neoplasm.
Mechanistic Insights into Phosphopeptide–BRCT Domain Association: Preorganization, Flexibility, and Phosphate Recognition

Promiscuous proteins are commonly observed in biological systems, for example, in modular domains that recognize phosphopeptides during signal transduction. This promiscuous recognition is of fundamental interest in chemistry and biology but is challenging when designing phosphopeptides in silico for cell biology studies. To investigate promiscuous recognition and binding processes of phosphopeptides and the modular domain, we selected a domain essential in breast cancer—the breast-cancer–associated protein 1 (BRCA1) C-terminal (BRCT) repeats as our model system. We performed molecular dynamics simulations and detailed analyses of the dihedral space to study protein fluctuation and conformational changes with phosphopeptide binding. We also studied the association processes of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated peptides using Brownian dynamics with a coarse-grained model. We found that the BRCT domain is preorganized for phosphopeptide binding but has a moderate arrangement of side chains to form complex...
What Is Normal, True, and Right: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Students' Written Resistance Strategies on LGBTQ Topics.

AbstractThis study examines how students perform resistance to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer topics in their written reflections in a higher education diversity course. Using a three-tiered critical discourse analysis , this article maps students’ resistant textual devices in their written reflections, analyzes the institutional setting of the course, and examines how the larger social discourse plays an important role. Findings suggest that students engage in resistance and (re)produce oppressive discourse in part due to the institutional and larger social discourse of the course and the topic. Implications suggest the need to promote to course instructors how language can (re)position students in a place of privilege.
Mechanism of bovine plasminogen activation by human plasmin and streptokinase.

SummaryEquilibration of human plasmin-streptokinase mixtures at pH 2 led to a loss in ability of mixture to convert bovine plasminogen to plasmin. Plasminogen conversion activity could be re-establ...
Ethnic Favoritism in Education in Kenya

Quarterly Journal of Political Science, 2016, 11: 1–58 Ethnic Favoritism in Education in Kenya Eric Kramon 1 and Daniel N. Posner 2∗ 1 Department of Political Science, George Washington University, 2115 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20052, USA; ekramon@gwu.edu 2 Department of Political Science, University of California, Los Angeles, 4289 Bunche Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1472, USA; dposner@polisci.ucla.edu ABSTRACT We test the claim that African leaders favor members of their own ethnic groups by studying ethnic favoritism in the education sector in Kenya. We use data on the educational attainment of more than fifty thousand Kenyans dating back to the colonial era, as well as information about the ethnic identities of Kenyan presidents, cabinet members, and high- level education bureaucrats since the 1960s. Consistent with previous work, we find that having a coethnic as president during one’s school-age years is associated with an increase in the schooling that children acquire. In contrast to recent studies, we find that multiparty political competition has no impact on the degree of ethnic favoritism in the educa- tion sector. We also go beyond prior work in three ways. First, we show that coethnics of the minister of education also acquire more schooling than children from other ethnic groups — evidence that ministerial appointments come with The authors thank members of the Working Group in African Political Economy (WGAPE) and seminar participants at Dartmouth, Georgetown, MIT, NBER, Oxford, Penn, Princeton, Rochester, Stanford, Virginia, Columbia, Hebrew University, the Supplementary Material available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1561/100.00015005_supp MS submitted on 8 January 2015; final version received 15 September 2015 ISSN 1554-0626; DOI 10.1561/100.00015005 © 2016 E. Kramon and D. N. Posner
Observational study to blood flow dynamics change of retinal vascular by color Doppler ultrasound in diabetes

Objective Observe The hemodynamicschanges of the central retinal artery(CRA) and the central vein(CRV) in patients with diabetes mellitus(DM).Methods The hospital diagnosed 40 cases of DM patients and the same age healthy population in 40 cases, CRAwere measuredthe peak systolic velocity(PSV), resistance index(RI) and central retinal vein blood flow velocity(Vmean) were compared and analyzed. Results The PSV of CRA in DM patients have varying degrees of decline compared with same age healthy people,DM in patients with RI increased markedly,P0.01,there was significant difference;and the blood flow velocity of CRV is increased to varying degrees, P0.01,there was significantdifference.Conclusion There are obvious hemodynamic changes in CRA and CRV of DM patients.topoint out vascular sclerosis,there is positive correlation with blood sugar level,application of color Doppler examination can reflect this change.
A filterless, visible-blind, narrow-band, and near-infrared photodetector with a gain

In many applications of near-infrared (NIR) light detection, a band-pass filter is needed to exclude the noise caused by visible light. Here, we demonstrate a filterless, visible-blind, narrow-band NIR photodetector with a full-width at half-maximum of 4 μm) nanocomposite absorbing layers made of polymer–fullerene:lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dots (QDs). The PbS QDs yield a photoconductive gain due to their hole-trapping effect, which effectively enhances both the responsivity and the visible rejection ratio of the external quantum efficiency by >10 fold compared to those without PbS QDs. Encouragingly, the inclusion of the PbS QDs does not increase the device noise. We directly measured a noise equivalent power (NEP) of 6.1 pW cm−2 at 890 nm, and a large linear dynamic range (LDR) over 11 orders of magnitude. The highly sensitive visible-blind NIR narrow-band photodetectors may find applications in biomedical engineering.
Acute methemoglobinemia during cardiopulmonary bypass caused by intravenous nitroglycerin infusion

The case of a patient is presented who was undergoing coronary bypass grafting and who, during cardiopulmonary bypass, became severely cyanotic because of methemoglobinemia after intravenous infusion of nitroglycerin. His condition responded promptly and favorably to the withdrawal of the offending agent and to administration of methylene blue.
Assessing illness severity and outcome in critically ill patients.

SUMMARY Severity of illness scores have great potential to improve use of scarce resources and to help monitor quality of care. Injury severity scores can reliably separate trauma patients into high- and low-mortality groups, but have limitations when applied in triage decision making. Specific predictive models for chest pain patients have improved admitting practices in some emergency departments. Univariate predictors of survival include age, severity of illness, and presence of chronic illnesses, especially cancer. General multivariate models for intensive care patients have correctly categorized hospital outcome in approximately 85 per cent of cases when applied in a retrospective fashion. These models are insufficiently precise for application to individual patients; but they may be helpful in assessing quality of care in the intensive care unit, in assessing efficacy of new technologies, and in utilization review audits.
Fluoride penetration into the hybrid layer from a dentin adhesive.

PURPOSE To evaluate the in vitro microleakage of a new fluoride-containing dentin adhesive and to provide evidence for fluoride release from the adhesive and penetration into the dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Class V preparations with margins in enamel and dentin were made in the buccal and lingual surfaces of six extracted human third molars. Six preparations were restored with Scotchbond Multipurpose (SBMP)/Z100 composite and six with a new fluoride containing dentin adhesive (FB)/Litefil composite. After aging for 30 days in water at 37 degrees C, the teeth were stained with silver nitrate, sectioned and graded by two observers for leakage at the enamel and dentin margins. Selected FB specimens were examined in the scanning electron microprobe using WDS for fluoride and EDS for calcium and phosphorous. Fluoride release into water from disks of FB adhesive was evaluated for up to 112 days using a specific ion electrode. RESULTS Fluoride leached from the adhesive at a decreasing rate with time. The final rate over 112 days was 0.02 ppm/day (0.2 microgram/cm2/day). Leakage at the enamel and dentin margins was similar for both adhesives (Mann-Whitney U-test; P < or = 0.05). SEM evaluation showed the presence of a discontinuous hybrid layer of 2-3 microns. Fluoride was present within, but limited to, the hybrid layer for the FB adhesive. The penetration of fluoride could only be confirmed in areas where leakage had occurred.
Dissolution and Solubility Enhancement of the Highly Lipophilic Drug Phenytoin via Interaction with Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-vinylpyrrolidone) Excipients.

Excipients of natural or synthetic origin play an important role in pharmaceutical performance to enhance the solubility, bioavailability, release, and stability of insoluble drugs. Herein, a series of seven excipient models was prepared by both homopolymerization and copolymerization of 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (VP) and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) by free radical polymerization yielding two homopolymers poly(VP) and poly(NIPAAm) and five copolymers of poly(NIPAAm-co-VP) at difference compositions. While the VP monomer provided aqueous solubility at a variety of conditions to the excipient, the incorporation of NIPAAm into the copolymer offered additional hydrogen bond donating sites to optimize the drug–polymer interactions in the system. Due to the presence of NIPAAm, the copolymers were sensitive to temperature as well. It was found that as the proportion of VP was increased (from 0 to 100%), the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and the water solubility of the polymer models increased. To exa...
Clinical application of dynamic posturography for evaluating sensory integration and vestibular dysfunction.

This article reviews the clinical applications of dynamic posturography in assessing patients with vestibular disorders, multisensory deficits, and central nervous system lesions interfering with sensorimotor integration. Dynamic posturography is unique compared with clinical maneuvers and other vestibular tests in its ability to isolate the relative contributions of visual, somatosensory, and vestibular feedback in overall balance control. Its major utility is in functionally defining different types of sensory deficits or central disorders interfering with normal balance control.
Chapter 29 Empirical methods of event studies in corporate finance

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the spectrum of experimental designs adopted by empiricists who employ event studies methods. In concert with the variety of detail, several investigations into empirical methods have concluded that minor variations have little impact on inferences. Researchers are left with discretion over the choice of estimation window, projection model, raw versus excess returns, forecast error versus event parameter and the form of hypothesis tests. Where these decisions are made ex ante, this discretion seems harmless although latitude can be manipulated, however unintentionally, to generate significant results in any specific application. If a researcher can choose an estimation window between 200 and 300 days, choose an event window between 1 and 5 days, select a projection model with 3 or 4 different types of explanatory variables, use raw or excess returns, pick parametric or nonparametric tests and exercise judgment over modeling how the event affects different firms, it is likely that something of interest will turn up in the data. Credibility is added to the findings of empirical investigations when the methods chosen can be defended on the basis of objective econometric or economic criteria, however minor the improvement in the estimation method on average.
DD15: Business-Pornographie (Februar 2006)

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Does socioeconomic status impact physical activity and sleep among children with cancer

Background Compared with healthy children, pediatric oncology patients have impaired sleep and engage in less physical activity (PA). Socioeconomic status (SES) may be one determinant of PA and sleep among pediatric oncology patients. Procedure Between November 12, 2009 and March 27, 2013, 50 pediatric oncology patients between the ages of 8 and 18 years were recruited from an urban children's hospital. PA and sleep were assessed by actigraphy and diaries over 7 days. Fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Scale. SES was defined by primary payer status of insurance (state or private) and by Median Household Income (MHI) obtained from 2010 U.S. Census block data for residences. MHI was compared to Connecticut state median income ($67,000). Multivariate regression models examined the relationship between SES and PA, sleep and fatigue. Results PA and sleep efficiency were strongly correlated (r = 0.31, P = 0.03). Children with state insurance had higher average PA (P = 0.004) than children on private insurance. There were no significant differences in PA or sleep efficiency by block MHI. The 7-day fatigue score was lower among the participants aged 8–12 years in the group with MHI less than $67,000 (P = 0.03), although there was no significant difference among participants aged 13–18 years in the group. There was no difference in mean fatigue scores by insurance status. Conclusions Participants on state insurance had higher PA than those with private insurance. Although block MHI did not influence PA or sleep efficiency among children with cancer, participants aged 8–12 years in a lower MHI block had less fatigue. Future research is needed to further understand how SES influences PA.
Expanding the CRISPR Toolbox: Targeting RNA with Cas13b

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Smargon et al. (2017) unearth Cas13b from type VI-B CRISPR-Cas immune systems and characterize its RNA-guided, RNA-targeting activity, including regulation by the novel co-factors Csx27 and Csx28, as well as non-specific collateral RNA damage.
In Vivo and in Vitro Properties of CD34 + and CD14 + Endothelial Cell Precursors

To begin we will briefly describe the history of how we, in collaboration with Jeffrey Isner’s group, contributed to the ‘rediscovery’ of circulating cells that integrate into the endothelium and function as endothelial cells. A number of years ago Dr. Isner and colleagues were studying the effect of vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) on reendothelialization of arteries. To test this, they denuded carotid arteries bilaterally and then delivered VEGF protein locally via a double balloon catheter to one of the carotid arteries. Isner and colleagues found that VEGF markedly increased re-endothelialization of the treated artery.’ However, they also observed that the local delivery of VEGF to one artery improved re-endothelialization of the untreated contralateral artery. Since only small amounts of VEGF were administered, systemic levels of VEGF could not have been appreciably elevated even if none of the VEGF remained at the site of administration. What then might account for the increased contralateral re-endothelialization?
Breast cancer in male veterans: A retrospective chart review.

e12531 Background: Male breast cancer (BCA) is rare and makes up < 1% of all of breast cancer cases. Treatment is mainly based on what is known from female BCA and survival is similar between genders. Objectives: To investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics of BCA and overall survival in male veterans. Methods: Medical records of male patients diagnosed with breast cancer at the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers of Washington DC, Baltimore and Martinsburg from 1992-2012 were reviewed after Institutional Review Board approval. Results: From 1995-2012, 51 male patients with BCA were identified from cancer registry. 29/51(57%) were African American (AA), 41% Caucasian (WM), and 2% other race. Median age was 70 years (44-86years). Palpable mass was presenting symptom in 41/51(80%) and 8(16%) had gynecomastia or bloody nipple discharge. Family history of breast cancer was positive in 11 patients without mention of BRCA genes except pt #24 who was BRCA2+. 3 patients were exposed to Agent Orange. ER/PR wa...
MicroRNA-31-3p Is Involved in Substance P (SP)-Associated Inflammation in Human Colonic Epithelial Cells and Experimental Colitis

Substance P (SP) mediates colitis. SP signaling regulates the expression of several miRNAs, including miR-31-3p, in human colonocytes. However, the role of miR-31-3p in colitis and the underlying mechanisms has not been elucidated. We performed real-time PCR analysis of miR-31-3p expression in human colonic epithelial cells overexpressing neurokinin-1 receptor (NCM460 NK-1R) in response to SP stimulation and in NCM460 cells after IL-6, IL8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon-γ exposure. Functions of miR-31-3p were tested in NCM460–NK-1R cells and the trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) models of colitis. Targets of miRNA-31-3p were confirmed by Western blot analysis and luciferase reporter assay. Jun N-terminal kinase inhibition decreased SP-induced miR-31-3p expression. miR-31-3p expression was increased in both TNBS- and DSS-induced colitis and human colonic biopsies from ulcerative colitis, compared with controls. Intracolonic administration of a miR-31-3p chemical inhibitor exacerbated TNBS- and DSS-induced colitis and increased colonic TNF-α, CXCL10, and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) mRNA expression. Conversely, overexpression of miR-31-3p ameliorated the severity of DSS-induced colitis. Bioinformatic, luciferase reporter assay, and Western blot analyses identified RhoA as a target of miR-31-3p in NCM460 cells. Constitutive activation of RhoA led to increased expression of CCL2, IL6, TNF-α, and CXCL10 in NCM460–NK-1R cells on SP stimulation. Our results reveal a novel SP–miR-31-3p–RhoA pathway that protects from colitis. The use of miR-31-3p mimics may be a promising approach for colitis treatment.
Revisiting Scalable Coherent Shared Memory

Scalable and coherent shared memory has been a long-sought-after but elusive goal. In contrast to today’s popular distributed-computing models, the authors present a software-defined server architecture that is a scale-up shared-memory multiprocessor, yet uses ubiquitous commodity scale-out clusters.
Enhancing manual P-phase arrival detection and automatic onset time picking in a noisy microseismic data in underground mines

Abstract Accurate detection and picking of the P-phase onset time in noisy microseismic data from underground mines remains a big challenge. Reliable P-phase onset time picking is necessary for accurate source location needed for planning and rescue operations in the event of failures. In this paper, a new technique based on the discrete stationary wavelet transform (DSWT) and higher order statistics is proposed for processing noisy data from underground mines. The objectives of this method are to (i) improve manual detection and picking of P-phase onset; and (ii) provide an automatic means of detecting and picking P-phase onset time accurately. The DSWT is first used to filter the signal over several scales. The manual P-phase onset detection and picking are then obtained by computing the signal energy across selected scales with frequency bands that capture the signal of interest. The automatic P-phase onset, on the other hand, is achieved by using skewness- and kurtosis-based criterion applied to selected scales in a time-frequency domain. The method was tested using synthetic and field data from an underground limestone mine. Results were compared with results obtained by using the short-term to long-term average (STA/LTA) ratio and that by Reference Ge et al. (2009). The results show that the method provides a more reliable estimate of the P-phase onset arrival than the STA/LTA method when the signal to noise ratio is very low. Also, the results obtained from the field data matched accurately with the results from Reference Ge et al. (2009).
Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations Are Associated with Computed Tomography Markers of Subclinical Interstitial Lung Disease among Community-Dwelling Adults in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Background Activated vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency might contribute to subclinical interstitial lung disease (ILD). Objective We examined associations between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and subclinical ILD among middle-aged to older adults who were free of cardiovascular disease at baseline. Methods We studied 6302 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) participants who had baseline serum 25(OH)D concentrations and computed tomography (CT) imaging spanning ≤ 10 y. Baseline cardiac CT scans (2000-2002) included partial lung fields. Some participants had follow-up cardiac CT scans at exams 2-5 and a full-lung CT scan at exam 5 (2010-2012), with a mean ± SD of 2.1 ± 1.0 scans. Subclinical ILD was defined quantitatively as high-attenuation areas (HAAs) between -600 and -250 Hounsfield units. We assessed associations of 25(OH)D with adjusted HAA volumes and HAA progression. We also examined associations between baseline 25(OH)D and the presence of interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) assessed qualitatively (yes or no) from full-lung CT scans at exam 5. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors (including smoking), and lung volumes. Results The cohort's mean ± SD characteristics were 62.2 ± 10 y for age, 25.8 ± 10.9 ng/mL for 25(OH)D concentrations, and 28.3 ± 5.4 for body mass index (kg/m2); 53% were women, with 39% white, 27% black, 22% Hispanic, and 12% Chinese race/ethnicities. Thirty-three percent had replete (≥30 ng/mL), 35% intermediate (20 to <30 ng/mL), and 32% deficient (<20 ng/mL) 25(OH)D concentrations. Compared with those with replete concentrations, participants with 25(OH)D deficiency had greater adjusted HAA volume at baseline (2.7 cm3; 95% CI: 0.9, 4.5 cm3) and increased progression over a median of 4.3 y of follow-up (2.7 cm3; 95% CI: 0.9, 4.4 cm3) (P < 0.05). 25(OH)D deficiency was also associated with increased prevalence of ILAs 10 y later (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.2). Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency is independently associated with subclinical ILD and its progression, based on both increased HAAs and ILAs, in a community-based population. Further studies are needed to examine whether vitamin D repletion can prevent ILD or slow its progression. The MESA cohort design is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00005487.
Nuclear macromolecular changes in hepatomas.

A new DNA polymerase (6–8S) was detected and isolated from nuclei of several experimental hepatomas. This new polymerase activity could not be found in normal adult rat tissues. However, it appeared in liver nuclei about 2 weeks after dietary introduction of 3′-methyl-4-dimethylaminobenzene (3′-MDAB), increased considerably with time,and reached a prominent maximum between 30–40 days on the diet. The activity of 6–8S nuclear DNA polymerase of the Morris hepatomas could be directly correlated with their degree of differentiation and growth rates.
Tour de Force: The James Webb Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope, known as JWST, is the next big step for observational astronomy. Figure 12.1 shows a scale model of the telescope on the campus of Johns Hopkins University. The telescope has a six and a half meter diameter mirror made of 18 smaller segments. It features a sunshield that is the size of a tennis court. The telescope has to be folded up in order to fit into the Ariane rocket that will launch it. It will take a series of complex movements in space to deploy the full telescope (see the clip on youtube entitled ‘JWST deployment’ for an animation depicting the process). JWST will operate 1 million miles from the Earth, about four times further from the Earth than the Moon is. Unlike the Hubble Space Telescope JWST will be too far away for astronauts to carry out service missions. JWST is designed to find the first stars and galaxies but will also be able to detect earth-like planets. In fact if JWST was located 25 light years from the solar system it would still be able to detect the Earth. The telescope can also peer into the molecular clouds where stars are born and see planets as they form. The telescope is designed to work at infrared wavelengths which is ideal for searching for the first galaxies.
P-glycoprotein-targeted photodynamic therapy boosts cancer nanomedicine by priming tumor microenvironment

Cancer nanomedicines only modestly improve the overall survival of patients because their anticancer activity is limited by biological barriers posed by the tumor microenvironment. Currently, all the drugs in FDA-approved cancer nanomedicines are substrates for P-glycoprotein (Pgp), and thus, Pgp-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a hurdle for cancer nanomedicines. Methods: In this study, Pgp-targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) was developed to enhance the anticancer efficacy of nanomedicines by depleting MDR cancer cells as well as enhancing tumor penetration of nanomedicines. We first examined the Pgp specificity of our targeted PDT approach, and then tested combination therapy of PDT with Doxil in mixed tumor models of MDR cancer cells and stromal cells, mimicking human heterogeneous tumors. Results: In vitro studies showed that the antibody-photosensitizer conjugates produced Pgp-specific cytotoxicity towards MDR cancer cells upon irradiation with a near-infrared light. The studies with a co-culture model of MDR cancer cells and stromal cells revealed synergistic effects in the combination therapy of PDT with Doxil. Using a mouse model of mixed tumors containing MDR cancer cells and stroma cells, we observed markedly enhanced tumor delivery of Doxil after PDT in vivo. We further examined the effects of the two modalities on individual cell populations and their synergism using an in vivo dual substrate bioluminescence assay. The results indicated that Pgp-targeted PDT specifically depleted MDR cancer cells and further enhanced Doxil's actions on both MDR cancer cells and stromal cells. Conclusion: We conclude that our targeted PDT approach markedly enhances anticancer actions of nanomedicines by depleting MDR cancer cells and increasing their tumor penetration, and thereby, may provide an effective approach to facilitate translation of cancer nanomedicines.
Tip60- and sirtuin 2-regulated MARCKS acetylation and phosphorylation are required for diabetic embryopathy.

Failure of neural tube closure results in severe birth defects and can be induced by high glucose levels resulting from maternal diabetes. MARCKS is required for neural tube closure, but the regulation and of its biological activity and function have remained elusive. Here, we show that high maternal glucose induced MARCKS acetylation at lysine 165 by the acetyltransferase Tip60, which is a prerequisite for its phosphorylation, whereas Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) deacetylated MARCKS. Phosphorylated MARCKS dissociates from organelles, leading to mitochondrial abnormalities and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Phosphorylation dead MARCKS (PD-MARCKS) reversed maternal diabetes-induced cellular organelle stress, apoptosis and delayed neurogenesis in the neuroepithelium and ameliorated neural tube defects. Restoring SIRT2 expression in the developing neuroepithelium exerted identical effects as those of PD-MARCKS. Our studies reveal a new regulatory mechanism for MARCKS acetylation and phosphorylation that disrupts neurulation under diabetic conditions by diminishing the cellular organelle protective effect of MARCKS. Neural tube defects can arise from high glucose levels caused by maternal diabetes, and MARCKS is required for neural tube closure. Here, Yang et al. show that acetylation and phosphorylation of MARCKS in hyperglycemic conditions causes mitochondrial and ER stress, leading to neural tube defects.
The Nigerian email scam novel

Looking to two third-generation Nigerian novels, Teju Cole’s Every Day Is for the Thief (2007) and Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s I Do Not Come to You by Chance (2009), this article examines representati...
Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome

Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES) is a disorder characterised by a dysfunctional epithelial ecosystem. It often begins after trauma, or in the setting of epithelial basement membrane degeneration or dystrophy. Historically, RCES has been understood as a structural derangement of the anterior corneal architecture. More recently, studies have demonstrated the important role of neuropeptides in corneal homoeostasis. Thus, RCES may also be understood as a disorder of corneal epithelial cell biology. Management of RCES can be challenging, but newer therapies have demonstrated improved efficacy for this condition. This review examines the aetiology and pathogenesis of RCES, and provides an update on current and emerging treatment modalities for the management of this disorder.
Anab initio energy surface for the trichloride ion, Cl 3 −

A partial energy surface for the trichloride ion has been calculated via anab initio SCF molecular orbital method. The significant feature of the surface is the existence of a single minimum, indicating the isolated Cl 3 − ion exists in a symmetrical (D∞ h ) configuration. The calculated Cl-Cl bond length is 0.26 A longer than the Cl-Cl bond length calculated for the Cl2 molecule. The calculated change distribution is in excellent agreement with that deduced from NQR data. Standard CNDO calculations gave a very poor description of the bonding in the trichloride ion. However, by reparameterizing β to give the correct bond distance for the Cl2 molecule and excludingd orbitals, excellent agreement between the CNDO andab initio results was obtained.
By the Numbers: Ranking the Problem

A general equation is introduced to allow comparison of environmental problems. The equation takes into account current and future potential for human deaths as well as current and future suffering. It deliberates over the unknowns in predicting the number of deaths and amount of suffering for major causes and how to compare death to suffering for each of the major potential causes. Then all the causes are compared to each other.
Curvature Regularized Surface Reconstruction from Point Cloud

We propose a variational functional and fast algorithms to reconstruct implicit surface from point cloud data with a curvature constraint. The minimizing functional balances the distance function from the point cloud and the mean curvature term. Only the point location is used, without any local normal or curvature estimation at each point. With the added curvature constraint, the computation becomes particularly challenging. To enhance the computational efficiency, we solve the problem by a novel operator splitting scheme. It replaces the original high-order PDEs by a decoupled PDE system, which is solved by a semi-implicit method. We also discuss approach using an augmented Lagrangian method. The proposed method shows robustness against noise, and recovers concave features and sharp corners better compared to models without curvature constraint. Numerical experiments in two and three dimensional data sets, noisy and sparse data are presented to validate the model.
Ratcheting quasi-ballistic electrons in silicon geometric diodes at room temperature

Ratcheting effects play an important role in systems ranging from mechanical socket wrenches to biological motor proteins. The underlying principle is to convert a fluctuating, unbiased force into unidirectional motion. Here, we report the ratcheting of electrons at room temperature using a semiconductor nanowire with precisely engineered asymmetry. Modulation of the nanowire diameter creates a cylindrical sawtooth geometry with broken inversion symmetry on a nanometer-length scale. In a two-terminal device, this structure responded as a three-dimensional geometric diode that funnels electrons preferentially in one direction through specular reflection of quasi-ballistic electrons at the nanowire surface. The ratcheting effect causes charge rectification at frequencies exceeding 40 gigahertz, demonstrating the potential for applications such as high-speed data processing and long-wavelength energy harvesting.
Returnable Reciprocity: When Optional Gifts Increase Compliance

Classic takes on the norm of reciprocity find that receipt of a gift increases compliance with a later request. We find that giving people the opportunity to return this gift surprisingly increases compliance rates, a phenomenon we call “returnable reciprocity”. Across four studies (N = 3,786), we find evidence that returnable reciprocity leads to greater compliance in a large-scale field experiment (Study 1), as well as in conceptual lab replications (Studies 2 and 3) involving different domains. We provide evidence that this increased compliance may be due to increased feelings of guilt for non-compliance (Study 3). Finally, we find that while the economic cost of returnable reciprocity is negligible, it may create additional psychological or societal costs that must be taken into account when assessing its social welfare implications (Study 4). We end by discussing the theoretical, practical and social welfare implications of this novel compliance strategy.
Crystal Chemistry of Ordered Rocksalt-Type SrCaNF

A new Group 2 bimetallic nitride fluoride phase of approximate composition SrCaNF has been prepared and characterized via high resolution single crystal X-ray diffraction. Single crystalline samples were prepared from reaction of SrF2 with Ca and Sr metal under nitrogen. Structural analysis indicates a cubic rocksalt-type phase with a unit-cell doubled along [100] relative to related M2NF rocksalt polymorphs due to ordering of N and F atoms. Sr and Ca atoms share a site. Excess F atoms present in the lattice are disordered over two crystallographically distinct interstitial sites, with charge compensation due to partial vacancies at normal F lattice positions as well as F substitution for some N atoms. There is also disorder at normal F lattice positions, which appears to correlate with the occupancy of nearby F interstitial sites. The refined composition is Sr1.01Ca0.99N0.94F1.18, and the cubic phase has space group Fd $$\overline{3}$$ m (No. 227) with a = 10.3404(10) A and Z = 16. High resolution single crystal X-ray diffraction was utilized to describe the crystal chemistry of the new ordered rocksalt-type compound, SrCaNF, which shows significant disorder, particularly with respect to positioning of F atoms.
Security and Privacy Analysis of Mhealth Application: A Case Study

Mobile Health (mhealth) applications are widely used applications to monitor our health, well being and daily activities. The privacy and security of personal information while using mHealth apps are of great concerns. In this paper, we propose a method based on HIPAA privacy rule and security rule to analyze mHealth applications. There are total four parts in this method: privacy policy analysis, static analysis, dynamic analysis, and HTTP analysis. Through our analysis, we identify that mHealth applications are not as safe as they are shown in the posted privacy policy. Many mhealth apps could cause damage to personal privacy.
Symptom Prevalence and Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in Patients With TANGO2-Related Metabolic Encephalopathy and Arrhythmias (TRMEA)

Abstract Background TANGO2-related metabolic encephalopathy and arrhythmias (TRMEA) is a rare, phenotypically heterogeneous, neurological disease affecting children. Methods We conducted a chart review of five children with molecularly confirmed TRMEA diagnosed at our institution and compiled pathogenic variant frequency and symptom prevalence from cases previously reported in the literature. Results Including those patients in our case series, 76 patients with TRMEA have been described. Developmental delay (93%) and/or regression (71%), spasticity (78%), and seizures (57%) are common in TRMEA and frequently precede life-threatening symptoms such as metabolic decompensation with lactic acidosis (83%), cardiomyopathy (38%), and cardiac arrhythmias (68%). Deletion of exons 3 to 9 is the most common pathogenic variant (39% of alleles). The majority of reported intragenic variants (17 of 27) result in disruption of the reading frame, and no clear genotype-phenotype correlations could be identified for those variants wherein the reading frame is maintained, highlighting instead the variable expressivity of the disease. Conclusions Patients with TRMEA frequently experience life-threatening complications that are preceded by common neurological symptoms underscoring the need for pediatric neurologists to be familiar with this condition. Additional work pertaining to disease pathophysiology and potential therapeutics is needed.
Predicting Question Responses to Improve the Performance of Retrieval-Based Chatbot.

Chatbot models are built to mimic a conversation between humans and fulfill different tasks. Retrieval-based chatbot models are designed to select the most appropriate response from a pool of candidates given a past conversation and current input. During the conversation, chatbots are expected to (1) provide direct assistant when the user request is clear or (2) ask clarification questions to gather more information to better understand the user’s need. Despite its importance, few studies have looked at when to ask questions and how to retrieve relevant questions accordingly. As a result, existing retrieval-based chatbot models perform poorly when the correct response is a question. To overcome this limitation, we propose an adaptive response retrieval model. Specifically, we first predict whether the best response should be a question, and then apply different models to retrieve the responses accordingly. A novel question response retrieval model is proposed to better capture the matching patterns between question responses with the conversations. Experiments on two public data sets show the proposed adaptive model can significantly and consistently improve the retrieval performance in particular for the question responses.