cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Phosphatidylinositol-Specific Phospholipase C: A Unified View of the Mechanism of Catalysis†,‡

The mechanism of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) has been suggested to resemble that of ribonuclease A. The goal of this work is to rigorously evaluate the mechanism of PI-PLC from Bacillus thuringiensis by examining the functional and structural roles of His-32 and His-82, along with the two nearby residues Asp-274 and Asp-33 (which form a hydrogen bond with His-32 and His-82, respectively), using site-directed mutagenesis. In all, twelve mutants were constructed, which, except D274E, showed little structural perturbation on the basis of 1D NMR and 2D NOESY analyses. The H32A, H32N, H32Q, H82A, H82N, H82Q, H82D, and D274A mutants showed a 104−105-fold decrease in specific activity toward phosphatidylinositol; the D274N, D33A, and D33N mutants retained 0.1−1% activity, whereas the D274E mutant retained 13% activity. Steady-state kinetic analysis of mutants using (2R)-1,2-dipalmitoyloxypropane-3-(thiophospho-1d-myo-inositol) (DPsPI) as a substrate generally agreed well with the speci...
Acid pH Increases Carbonic Anhydrase II and Calcitonin Receptor mRNA Expression in Mature Osteoclasts

Numerous resorptive stimuli have been shown to enhance osteoclast differentiation, increasing osteoclast numbers and accelerating bone resorption. Currently, there is much less understanding of regulation of mature osteoclast activity. Indeed, there is presently only minimal evidence of changes in gene expression as a mechanism for altering bone resorption. We investigate here, in the mature osteoclast, regulation of 2 genes-carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) and calcitonin receptor (CTR) in response to acidosis, which is known to increase bone resorption. We studied the effect of acid pH on CAII and CTR mRNA expression in mature osteoclasts raised in coculture of ST-2 and primary marrow cells. On day 6 of culture, stromal cells were removed with collagenase, the remaining osteoclasts were incubated overnight, and then exposed to varying pH. RT-PCR was performed on total RNA using primers for CAII, CTR, or glyceraldehyde dehydrogenase phosphate (GAP). Expression of CTR mRNA was increased 2.14 +/- 0.41 and 2.56 +/- 0.45 (P < 0.05)-fold by a 4-hour exposure to pH 6.75 and 6.5, respectively. CAII mRNA was similarly increased 2.18 +/- 0.42 and 2.63 +/- 0.48 (P < 0.05)-fold by pH 6.75 and 6.5, respectively. Increased expression of CAII and CTR mRNA was seen by 2 hours and maximally by 4 hours. Increased expression of CTR and CAII mRNA was not explained by increases in osteoclast numbers: pH 7.4-100 +/- 3.7, 6.75-133 +/- 8.3, 6.5-124 +/- 7.8. These results demonstrate upregulation of two osteoclast genes in response to acidosis, illustrating the ability of the mature osteoclast to respond to resorptive signals with increased functional gene expression.
France’s Grotian moment? Hugo Grotius and Cardinal Richelieu’s commercial statecraft

Cardinal Richelieu's commercial projects have long been seen as a part of his early efforts to reform the French state. This paper argues that Richelieu's commercial activity can more profitably be viewed in the context of his thinking about relations between France and its neighbours and of a pan-European movement to reconsider the connections among commerce, governance and sovereignty spawned by the Dutch war with Spain. Specifically, it examines Richelieu's relations with the Dutch jurist Hugo Grotius. In 1626 the cardinal attempted to hire Grotius as a commercial expert, consulting with him on several occasions. Although Grotius declined, the cardinal was deeply influenced by Grotius’ arguments about the freedom of commerce and trade. Richelieu adapted these arguments to suit French needs and his own Catholic vision of the state.
Functional genomic analysis of RNA interference in C. elegans

RNA interference (RNAi) of target genes is triggered by double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) processed by conserved nucleases and accessory factors. To identify the genetic components required for RNAi, we performed a genome-wide screen using an engineered RNAi sensor strain of Caenorhabditis elegans. The RNAi screen identified 90 genes. These included Piwi/PAZ proteins, DEAH helicases, RNA binding/processing factors, chromatin-associated factors, DNA recombination proteins, nuclear import/export factors, and 11 known components of the RNAi machinery. We demonstrate that some of these genes are also required for germline and somatic transgene silencing. Moreover, the physical interactions among these potential RNAi factors suggest links to other RNA-dependent gene regulatory pathways.
The Binary Tree as an Interconnection Network: Applications to Multiprocessor Systems and VLSI

The binary tree is a natural way to organize complex computations by a computer. For problems that can be naturally divided into a tree structure, a great deal of parallelism may be employed. In this paper we examine several aspects of the binary tree structure as it relates to both multiprocessor systems and to VISI circuit design. First, we present an algorithm for mapping an arbitrary binary tree onto the plane. An analysis shows the density of this mapping. Second, we consider the problem of routing messages within a binary tree under the assumption that certain nodes may be faulty. Finally, we analyze the binary tree's capacity to transfer information between nodes and we compare it to the capacity of the linear array and the grid.
Mutational analysis of the Caenorhabditis elegans cell-death gene ced-3.

Mutations in the gene ced-3, which encodes a protease similar to interleukin-1b converting enzyme and related proteins termed caspases, prevent programmed cell death in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We used site-directed mutagenesis to demonstrate that both the presumptive active-site cysteine of the CED-3 protease and the aspartate residues at sites of processing of the CED-3 proprotein are required for programmed cell death in vivo. We characterized the phenotypes caused by and the molecular lesions of 52 ced-3 alleles. These alleles can be ordered in a graded phenotypic series. Of the 30 amino acid sites altered by ced-3 missense mutations, 29 are conserved with at least one other caspase, suggesting that these residues define sites important for the functions of all caspases. Animals homozygous for the ced-3(n2452) allele, which is deleted for the region of the ced-3 gene that encodes the protease domain, seemed to be incompletely blocked in programmed cell death, suggesting that some programmed cell death can occur independently of CED-3 protease activity.
The Effect of Reminiscing about Laughter on Relationship Satisfaction

Despite independent evidence that reminiscing about positive events has positive emotional benefits, and that laughter plays a role in seemingly successful relationships, there is a lack of empirical research examining how reminiscing about laughter might influence relationship well being. Specifically, the current study assessed whether reminiscing about shared laughter would increase relationship satisfaction among romantic couples. Fifty-two couples were randomly assigned to one of four reminiscing conditions and completed pre- and post-manipulation assessments of relationship satisfaction. As predicted, couples who reminisced about events involving shared laugher reported higher relationship satisfaction at the post-manipulation satisfaction assessment as compared to couples in the three control conditions. The effect was not attributed to positive mood induction as mood scores across groups were similar. Results show preliminary support for the notion that reminiscing about laughter may have a more potent influence on relationship well being than reminiscing about other positive events.
Head phantoms for neutron capture therapy

A water-filled head phantom that is designed for use in boron neutron capture therapy is described. The shape of this ellipsoidal phantom, based on the Synder head model, and its composition are designed to simulate the neutron slowing down properties of the human skull and brain. Small ion chambers or activation foils can be placed in many locations within the phantom volume. This permits accurate three-dimensional mapping of all relevant dose components and use of these dose contours for beam development as well as for benchmarking of computer-based patient treatment codes.
Effects of a carbon nanotube layer on electrical contact resistance between copper substrates

Reduction of contact resistance is demonstrated at Cu–Cu interfaces using a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) layer as an electrically conductive interfacial material. The MWCNTs are grown on a copper substrate using plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) with nickel as the catalyst material, and methane and hydrogen as feed gases. The MWCNTs showed random growth directions and had a bamboo-like structure. Contact resistance and reaction force were measured for a bare Cu–Cu interface and a Cu–MWCNT–Cu interface as a function of probe position. For an apparent contact area of 0.31 mm 2 ,a n80% reduction in contact resistance was observed when the MWCNT layer was used. Resistance decreased with increasing contact force, thereby making it possible to use this arrangement as a small-scale force sensor. Also, the Cu–MWCNT–Cu interface was roughly two times stiffer than the bare Cu–Cu interface. Contact area enlargement and van der Waals interactions are identified as important contributors to the contact resistance reduction and stiffness increase. A model based on compaction of the MWCNT layer is presented and found to be capable of predicting resistance change over the range of measured force. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
A comprehensive assessment of the prognostic utility of the Stephenson nomogram for salvage radiation therapy postprostatectomy

Abstract Purpose To investigate the prognostic utility of the Stephenson nomogram for clinically relevant endpoints, freedom from metastasis (FFM), and prostate cancer–specific survival (PCSS) in patients treated with salvage external beam radiation therapy (SRT) following a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods and materials From an institutional cohort of 575 patients treated with SRT between 1986 and 2010, the Stephenson nomogram variables were retrospectively collected and available for 179 patients. The prognostic impact of the Stephenson nomogram on 6-year freedom from biochemical failure (FFBF), FFM, and PCSS was assessed on univariate and multivariate analysis using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models. The prognostic utility of the Stephenson nomogram was compared with individual pretreatment, treatment, and clinical characteristics using concordance indices. Results In the 179 patients with all available nomogram variables, median follow-up was 85.0 months (interquartile range [IQR], 53-113) and 6-year FFBF, FFM, and PCSS were 38% (95% confidence interval [CI], 30-46), 79% (95% CI, 73-85), and 96% (95% CI, 92-100), respectively. Univariate analysis, demonstrated that the Stephenson nomogram, as a continuous variable and as a risk stratified group, was prognostic of FFBF (both, P P P ≤ .0005). When analyzing individual Stephenson nomogram variables, multivariate analysis revealed that positive surgical margins ( P = .02; hazard ratio [HR], 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.8) and pre-RT PSA ( P = .0001; HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3-2.0) were prognostic for FFM, while pre-RT PSA ( P = .03; HR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0-1.4) was the only prognostic variable for PCSS. Concordance indices revealed the Stephenson nomogram to have superior prognostic capability for biochemical failure (0.71), distant metastasis (0.75), and prostate cancer–specific mortality (0.75) when compared with individual variables (BF all ≤0.65, DM all ≤0.67, PCSM all ≤0.71). Conclusions For patients treated with SRT for a rising PSA postprostatectomy, the Stephenson nomogram is an appropriate prognostic tool for estimating the response to treatment; however, there remains a need for improvement in current and future nomograms.
GENES AFFECTING THE REGULATION OF SUC2 GENE EXPRESSION BY GLUCOSE REPRESSION IN SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE

Mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with defects in sucrose or raffinose fermentation were isolated. In addition to mutations in the SUC2 structural gene for invertase, we recovered 18 recessive mutations that affected the regulation of invertase synthesis by glucose repression. These mutations included five new snf1 (sucrose nonfermenting) alleles and also defined five new complementation groups, designated snf2, snf3, snf4, snf5 and snf6. The snf2, snf4 and snf5 mutants produced little or no secreted invertase under derepressing conditions and were pleiotropically defective in galactose and glycerol utilization, which are both regulated by glucose repression. The snf6 mutant produced low levels of secreted invertase under derepressing conditions, and no pleiotropy was detected. The snf3 mutants derepressed secreted invertase to 10–35% the wild-type level but grew less well on sucrose than expected from their invertase activity; in addition, snf3 mutants synthesized some invertase under glucose-repressing conditions.—We examined the interactions between the different snf mutations and ssn6, a mutation causing constitutive (glucose-insensitive) high-level invertase synthesis that was previously isolated as a suppressor of snf1 . The ssn6 mutation completely suppressed the defects in derepression of invertase conferred by snf1, snf3, snf4 and snf6, and each double mutant showed the constitutivity for invertase typical of ssn6 single mutants. In contrast, snf2 ssn6 and snf5 ssn6 strains produced only moderate levels of invertase under derepressing conditions and very low levels under repressing conditions. These findings suggest roles for the SNF1 through SNF6 and SSN6 genes in the regulation of SUC2 gene expression by glucose repression.
Catch-Per-Unit-Effort, Environmental Conditions and Spawning Migration of Cycleptus meridionalis Burr and Mayden in Two Coastal Rivers of the Northern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Cycleptus meridionalis Burr and Mayden (Catostomidae) is a new species recently distinguished from blue sucker C. elongatus in large rivers draining to the northern Gulf of Mexico. Collections of this new species were taken for 12 mo from the Pearl and Pascagoula rivers, Mississippi, to document catch-per-unit-effort, relationships with physical-chemical conditions and spawning migration. We observed/collected 263 C. meridionalis in the Pearl River on 14 dates and 296 in the Pascagoula River on 19 dates. River stage was highest between January and late April in both rivers and there was a negative relationship between CPUE and river stage in both rivers. Highest CPUE of C. meridionalis was after May in both rivers when river stage decreased and we consistently collected more C. meridionalis in the Pearl than the Pascagoula river. Stepwise multiple regression indicated C. meridionalis were abundant in the Pascagoula River from summer through fall when conductivity was high and in fall and winter w...
Subseafloor microbial communities in hydrogen‐rich vent fluids from hydrothermal systems along the Mid‐Cayman Rise

Summary Warm fluids emanating from hydrothermal vents can be used as windows into the rocky subseafloor habitat and its resident microbial community. Two new vent systems on the Mid-Cayman Rise each exhibits novel geologic settings and distinctively hydrogen-rich vent fluid compositions. We have determined and compared the chemistry, potential energy yielding reactions, abundance, community composition, diversity, and function of microbes in venting fluids from both sites: Piccard, the world's deepest vent site, hosted in mafic rocks; and Von Damm, an adjacent, ultramafic-influenced system. Von Damm hosted a wider diversity of lineages and metabolisms in comparison to Piccard, consistent with thermodynamic models that predict more numerous energy sources at ultramafic systems. There was little overlap in the phylotypes found at each site, although similar and dominant hydrogen-utilizing genera were present at both. Despite the differences in community structure, depth, geology, and fluid chemistry, energetic modelling and metagenomic analysis indicate near functional equivalence between Von Damm and Piccard, likely driven by the high hydrogen concentrations and elevated temperatures at both sites. Results are compared with hydrothermal sites worldwide to provide a global perspective on the distinctiveness of these newly discovered sites and the interplay among rocks, fluid composition and life in the subseafloor.
Distributional patterns of fall armyworm parasitoids in a corn field and a pasture field in Florida

Abstract An assessment of parasitoids and their selective patterns among Spodoptera frugiperda corn and rice host strains was performed from August 2008 to August 2010 in a corn crop and a grass pasture in northern Florida under different seasonal conditions (spring and fall). Sentinel larvae from our laboratory were placed in both habitats. Results obtained in the corn crop differed from those in the pasture due to poor recovery rate of larvae in the pasture habitat. In corn fields, we found that the parasitoid community was composed of eight species of Hymenoptera and one Diptera species, which represented four families and two guilds. The more abundant parasitoid species in the corn field included Aleiodes laphygmae , Meteorus autographae , Cotesia sp., Euplectrus platyhypenae and Ophion flavidus while the Diptera species constituted the most abundant parasitoid in pastures. Among the parasitoid species collected in pastures were three Diptera species and four hymenoptera species. Parasitoid species did not discriminate among fall armyworm host strains, however they varied among the different habitats in the corn field. The ectoparasitoid Euplectrus platyhypenae and an unknown ichneumonid species were found primarily at the edges of the crop (in areas adjacent to the woods); while the endoparasitoids Cotesia sp. and Meteorus sp. were recovered more often in the main corn crop. Meteorus and Ophion were more abundant in the spring while the unknown ichneumonid was more abundant in the fall. Predator species differ among corn and pasture, which might contribute to the dynamics of parasitoid species in these fields.
Reduction of Residual Transient Photocurrents in A Si:H Elevated Photodiode Array Based Cmos Image Sensors

While a-Si:H based elevated photodiode arrays hold the promise of superior performance and lower cost CMOS-based image sensors relative to those based upon crystalline silicon photodiodes, the one area where a-Si:H based sensor performance has not been as good is in image lag. This problem is only exacerbated by Staebler Wronski Effect induced junction degradation. Image lag is caused by residual charge from photocurrents trapped within the junction once the light source is removed and can be measured for several seconds, even under continuous applied reverse bias. It is seen both in constant and variable bias pixel architectures. However, by carefully controlling a-Si:H junction bias conditions, it is possible to significantly reduce these transient photocurrents. This article will describe how the photocurrent decay time exponent can be reduce by almost an order of magnitude. Finally the physical causes behind image lag in a-Si:H based photodiode arrays will be discussed.
Relationship Between Adolescent Report of Patient-Centered Care and of Quality of Primary Care.

Abstract Objective Few studies have examined adolescent self-report of patient-centered care (PCC). We investigated whether adolescent self-report of PCC varied by patient characteristics and whether receipt of PCC is associated with measures of adolescent primary care quality. Methods We analyzed cross-sectional data from Healthy Passages, a population-based survey of 4105 10th graders and their parents. Adolescent report of PCC was derived from 4 items. Adolescent primary care quality was assessed by measuring access to confidential care, screening for important adolescent health topics, unmet need, and overall rating of health care. We conducted weighted bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression models of the association of PCC with adolescent characteristics and primary care quality. Results Forty-seven percent of adolescents reported that they received PCC. Report of receiving PCC was associated with high quality for other measures, such as having a private conversation with a clinician (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.9, 2.6]) and having talked about health behaviors (aOR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4, 1.8); it was also associated with lower likelihood for self-reported unmet need for care (aOR 0.8; 95% CI 0.7, 0.9) and having a serious untreated health problem (aOR 0.4; 95% CI 0.3, 0.5). Conclusions Many adolescents do not report receiving PCC. Adolescent-reported PCC positively correlates with measures of high-quality adolescent primary care. Our study provides support for using adolescent-report of PCC as a measure of adolescent primary care quality.
Directional neighbor discovery in dual-band systems

The neighbor discovery process is a key component of Device-to-Device (D2D) communication. This paper considers the problem of directional neighbor discovery in dual-band systems, where wireless devices operate in both mm-wave and microwave frequency bands and employ antenna arrays. Due to the propagation loss, the set of neighbors in a direction at mm-wave frequencies is a subset of the neighbors at microwaves. Consequently, the knowledge of neighbors in one of the bands allows to greatly accelerate the neighbor discovery process. We propose a distributed random discovery algorithm for the mm-wave band, where each device finds the relevant algorithm parameters, i.e., transmission and beam steering probabilities, given only local information at the microwave band. Because each node knows only its own local information, imposition of a fairness condition prevents selfish behavior that would deteriorate network performance. Optimum algorithm parameters are obtained as solutions of a linear program. Simulations show that the proposed scheme outperforms the optimum single-band random scheme and significantly reduces the average discovery time, especially for small numbers of neighbors per beam.
On local Görtler instability

On a presente une modification simple de la critere de Gortler pour l'instabilite de la couche limite laminaire sur une paroi de courbature concave, ce qui met en evidence la dependence de la critere sur la longueur finie de la region de courbature. L'effet de la longueur finie n'est signifiant que pour les tourbillons excites ayant les plus grandes possibles longueurs d'onde. On a suggere que ce sont les derniers qui peuvent etre les plus importants parce qu'ils s'amortissent le moins rapidement avec la distance en aval de la region de courbature.
Direct measurement of radioactive sulfate uptake by rat mast cells.

Summary1) Radioactivity of S35O4 labeled cells can be measured directly with cells collected on Millipore filters. 2) Following a single intravenous injection of S35O4 rat peritoneal mast cells take up the radioactivity; the maximum is reached by 48 hours. No loss of radioactivity is evident in the following 5 days. Radioactivity in other free cells of peritoneal fluid attains a maximum at 4 hours and then falls rapidly to low levels.
Impact of pH on the structure and function of neural cadherin.

Neural (N-) cadherin is a transmembrane protein within adherens junctions that mediates cell–cell adhesion. It has 5 modular extracellular domains (EC1–EC5) that bind 3 calcium ions between each of the modules. Calcium binding is required for dimerization. N-Cadherin is involved in diverse processes including tissue morphogenesis, excitatory synapse formation and dynamics, and metastasis of cancer. During neurotransmission and tumorigenesis, fluctuations in extracellular pH occur, causing tissue acidosis with associated physiological consequences. Studies reported here aim to determine the effect of pH on the dimerization properties of a truncated construct of N-cadherin containing EC1–EC2. Since N-cadherin is an anionic protein, we hypothesized that acidification of solution would cause an increase in stability of the apo protein, a decrease in the calcium-binding affinity, and a concomitant decrease in the formation of adhesive dimer. The stability of the apo monomer was increased and the calcium-bindin...
Incorporation of Silicon in Low Temperature Molecular Beam Epitaxial GaAs

The localized vibrational mode (LVM) of silicon donor (SiGa) in molecular beam epitaxial GaAs layers grown at various temperatures is studied using the infrared absorption technique. It is found that the total integrated absorption of this LVM is decreased as the growth temperature decreases. This finding suggests a nonsubstitutional incorporation of Si in GaAs layers grown at ~200 °C. On the other hand, an almost complete substitutional incorporation is obtained in GaAs layers grown at temperatures higher that 350 °C. Thermal annealing does not cause any recovery of the SiGa LVMs in present GaAs layers grown at ~200°C.
Studies on Ultrafiltration Separation of Agaricus blazei Polysaccharide

Abstrcat It was simple and feasible that Agaricus blazei polysaccharide was extracted by centrifugal pretreatment with ultrafiltration separation technology. The results showed that polysaccharide could be condensedto 35g/L at room temperature(20℃), the ultrafiltration pressure 0.08～0.1 MPa, pH7～8. The purity of polysaccharide was up to 82.79%.
Tapered Intraluminal versus Imbricated Extraluminal Valve: Comparison of Two Continence Mechanisms for Urinary Diversion

AbstractOne of the major limitations of continent intestinal reservoirs currently in use is failure of the efferent continence mechanisms. Unsatisfactory results have been reported in the literature in up to 40% of cases. While progress has been made toward better continence in urinary diversions, evolution of the actual continence mechanisms has been along two rather distinct paths: those with a valve mechanism placed inside the pouch (either by intussusception or surgical insertion), and those with the valve outside to the pouch (by imbrication of an externally located ileal segment).A canine experimental model was used to investigate a type of intraluminal continence mechanism and to compare it to an extraluminal imbricated ileocecal valve. In eight mongrel dogs a reservoir was made out of ascending and transverse colon with two different valve mechanisms-one intraluminal and one extraluminal-connected via separate stomas to the skin. Radiographic, sonographic, endoscopic and urodynamic studies of the ...
A REACTION TUBE FOR METHANOLYSIS; INSTABILITY OF HYDROGEN CHLORIDE IN METHANOL.

A test tube fitted with an O-ring joint closure is described for use in methanolysis of lipids with HCI-methanol. Data on the reaction of HCl with methanol during methanolysis and storage are presented.
Effect of serum from patients with minimal to mild endometriosis on mouse embryo development in vitro

Two-cell mouse embryos were cultured at 37°C in 5% CO 2 , 95% air with a 7.5% serum supplement from patients with minimal to mild endometriosis, (group I, n=31), tubal factor (group II, n=33), male factor (group III, n=17), fetal cord samples (group IV, n=37), and Ham's F-10 medium (Gibco, Grand Island, NY) without a serum supplement (group V, n=30). The progression to blastocyst stage (mean percent±SE) at 96 hours in groups I, II, III, IV, and V was 29.9%±3.7%, 60.6%±4.9%, 56.2%±5.2%, 61.7%±5.8%, and 63.2%±6.9%, respectively. Serum factors appear to be associated with an inhibition of early embryogenesis, which may explain the decreased fertility rates observed in patients with minimal to mild endometriosis.
Heat energy for growing goats and sheep grazing different pastures in the summer

Angora goat, Spanish goat, and Suffolk x Rambouillet sheep wethers (20 of each type; 30.4+/-.57, 31.3+/-.93, and 32.4+/-1.08 kg BW for Angora goats, Spanish goats, and sheep, respectively) were used to investigate influences of animal type and two grass-based pasture treatments on heat energy during summer grazing (mid-August through September in Oklahoma). The improved pasture treatment consisted of .7-ha paddocks primarily of Old World bluestem and johnsongrass, whereas the native pasture treatment entailed 10.8-ha paddocks dominated by big and little bluestems and indiangrass. Grasses were 95 to 100% of diets for the improved pasture treatment and 71 to 95% for the native pasture treatment; forbs were 2 to 25%, and shrubs were less than 4% of diets for the native pasture treatment. Metabolizable energy intake was similar (P > . 10) between pasture treatments but differed (P <.01) among animal types: 79, 99, and 113 kcal/(kg(.75) BW.d) for Angora goats, Spanish goats, and sheep, respectively; SE 7.1. Heat energy estimated via CO2 entry rate was affected by pasture treatment ( P = .08) and animal type (P < .001): improved pasture treatment 109, 132, and 151 kcal/(kg(.75) BW.d); native pasture treatment 126, 138, and 163 kcal/(kg(.75) BW.d) for Angora goats, Spanish goats, and sheep, respectively. Likewise, daylight grazing time was greater (P = .04) for the native than for the improved pasture treatment and differed (P < .01) among animal types: improved pasture treatment 5.3, 4.7, and 6.7 h; native pasture treatment 6.0, 5.7, and 8.1 h for Angora goats, Spanish goats, and sheep, respectively. In conclusion, heat energy during summer grazing of grass-based paddocks was less for goats than for sheep, and animal type can affect the increase in heat energy as energy intake and grazing time increase.
SHMEMPMI: shared memory based PMI for improved performance and scalability

Dense systems with large number of cores per node are becoming increasingly popular. Existing designs of the Process Management Interface (PMI) show poor scalability in terms of performance and memory consumption on such systems with large number of processes concurrently accessing the PMI interface. Our analysis shows the local socket-based communication scheme used by PMI to be a major bottleneck. While using a shared memory based channel can avoid this bottleneck and thus reduce memory consumption and improve performance, there are several challenges associated with such a design. We investigate several such alternatives and propose a novel design that is based on a hybrid socket+shared memory based communication protocol and uses multiple shared memory regions. This design can reduce the memory usage per node by a factor of Processes per Node. Our evaluations show that memory consumption per node can be reduced by an estimated 1 GB with 1 million MPI processes and 16 processes per node. Additionally, performance of PMI Get is improved by 1,000 times compared to the existing design. The proposed design is backward compatible, secure, and imposes negligible overhead.
Corrigendum to “Simplified energy-based analysis of collapse risk of reinforced concrete buildings” [Struct. Saf. 63 (2016) 47–58]

Abstract This corrigendum corrects a typographical error in the paper entitled “Simplified energy-based analysis of collapse risk of reinforced concrete buildings” by B. Xue and J.-L. Le (Structural Safety 63 (2016) 47–58).
Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins: A Look at their Evolving Use in Medicine with a Focus on the Treatment of Chorioretinal Vascular Disorders.

Background Antibodies constitute an important drug development platform for drugs to treat several ophthalmic, oncologic, and immunologic conditions, but due to limitations inherent in antibody production and structure, a wide range of other protein binding scaffolds are being investigated. Designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) are simple to produce and offer a range of advantages over antibodies because of their stability, high binding affinity, and rigid structure. Objective DARPins are being developed for a wide variety of medical applications, and the most studied molecule, abicipar pegol, is used to treat chorioretinal vascular diseases. This mini-review will discuss the current state of DARPin technology and will summarize drug development with a focus on abicipar. Methods PubMed searches with keywords "DARPin" and "designed ankyrin repeat proteins" were performed and the reference lists of identified articles were examined for additional research material. Studies using DARPin molecules were identified at Clinicaltrials. gov. Non-peer reviewed data were found through Google searches of pertinent websites. Results Abicipar prevents angiogenesis by binding all isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A with single-digit picomolar affinity. Abicipar has a long intraocular half-life in rabbits and has produced promising results in pre-clinical studies. Pivotal phase III registration trials for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration are ongoing and a phase II/III trial for the treatment of diabetic macular edema has been announced. Conclusion Abicipar pegol has the potential to effectively treat chorioretinal vascular conditions with an extended duration of action beyond those of currently used anti-VEGF drugs.
High-resolution seismic profiling reveals faulting associated with the 1934 Ms 6.6 Hansel Valley earthquake (Utah, USA)

The 1934 Ms 6.6 Hansel Valley, Utah, earthquake produced an 8-km-long by 3-km-wide zone of north-south−trending surface deformation in an extensional basin within the easternmost Basin and Range Province. Less than 0.5 m of purely vertical displacement was measured at the surface, although seismologic data suggest mostly strike-slip faulting at depth. Characterization of the origin and kinematics of faulting in the Hansel Valley earthquake is important to understand how complex fault ruptures accommodate regions of continental extension and transtension. Here, we address three questions: (1) How does the 1934 surface rupture compare with faults in the subsurface? (2) Are the 1934 fault scarps tectonic or secondary features? (3) Did the 1934 earthquake have components of both strike-slip and dip-slip motion? To address these questions, we acquired a 6.6-km-long, high-resolution seismic profile across Hansel Valley, including the 1934 ruptures. We observed numerous east- and west-dipping normal faults that dip 40°−70° and offset late Quaternary strata from within a few tens of meters of the surface down to a depth of ∼1 km. Spatial correspondence between the 1934 surface ruptures and subsurface faults suggests that ruptures associated with the earthquake are of tectonic origin. Our data clearly show complex basin faulting that is most consistent with transtensional tectonics. Although the kinematics of the 1934 earthquake remain underconstrained, we interpret the disagreement between surface (normal) and subsurface (strike-slip) kinematics as due to slip partitioning during fault propagation and to the effect of preexisting structural complexities. We infer that the 1934 earthquake occurred along an ∼3-km wide, off-fault damage zone characterized by distributed deformation along small-displacement faults that may be alternatively activated during different earthquake episodes.
“You Can Steal Livestock but You Can’t Steal Trees.” The Livelihood Benefits of Agroforestry during and after Violent Conflict

While violent conflict affects the lives of 1.5 billion people globally, little is known about how such people support and feed themselves. We explore how agroforestry may be used as a livelihood strategy to build livelihood resilience during and immediately after violent conflict. Research was conducted in Burat, Kenya, which underwent violent conflict over local ethnic politics and control in 2012 before the 2013 elections. Research included 13 qualitative case study households and 187 quantitative household surveys. Major livelihood coping strategies during the conflict included aid, help from relatives, and casual labor, with agroforestry as a supplementary livelihood activity for some. Our results are context-specific, but suggest that agroforestry can build livelihood resilience during and after conflict by providing income and food, places to hide from attackers, and construction materials for rebuilding homes.
Automatic identification of high impact articles in PubMed to support clinical decision making.

Abstract Objectives The practice of evidence-based medicine involves integrating the latest best available evidence into patient care decisions. Yet, critical barriers exist for clinicians’ retrieval of evidence that is relevant for a particular patient from primary sources such as randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. To help address those barriers, we investigated machine learning algorithms that find clinical studies with high clinical impact from PubMed®. Methods Our machine learning algorithms use a variety of features including bibliometric features (e.g., citation count), social media attention, journal impact factors, and citation metadata. The algorithms were developed and evaluated with a gold standard composed of 502 high impact clinical studies that are referenced in 11 clinical evidence-based guidelines on the treatment of various diseases. We tested the following hypotheses: (1) our high impact classifier outperforms a state-of-the-art classifier based on citation metadata and citation terms, and PubMed’s® relevance sort algorithm; and (2) the performance of our high impact classifier does not decrease significantly after removing proprietary features such as citation count. Results The mean top 20 precision of our high impact classifier was 34% versus 11% for the state-of-the-art classifier and 4% for PubMed’s® relevance sort (p = 0.009); and the performance of our high impact classifier did not decrease significantly after removing proprietary features (mean top 20 precision = 34% vs. 36%; p = 0.085). Conclusion The high impact classifier, using features such as bibliometrics, social media attention and MEDLINE® metadata, outperformed previous approaches and is a promising alternative to identifying high impact studies for clinical decision support.
Gait Characteristics Associated With a Greater Increase in Medial Knee Cartilage T1ρ and T2 Relaxation Times in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background:Osteoarthritis of the medial tibiofemoral joint (MTFJ) is prevalent among patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Magnetic resonance T1ρ and T2 relaxation t...
Relationships between illegitimate tasks and change in work-family outcomes via interactional justice and negative emotions

Abstract This study examines how illegitimate tasks in the workplace relate to changes in work-to-family conflict and enrichment. We explore a serial mediation model where illegitimate tasks degrade interactional justice perceptions and heighten employee negative emotions, which relates to work-to-family outcomes. Cross-national differences in this process were examined to test how national context moderates these linkages. Three hundred and twenty-one subjects from the US and India reported on focal variables at two time points, separated by a three-month lag. Results from multi-group structural equation modeling indicated that the links between illegitimate tasks and work-to-family outcomes vary by nation, with only the US sample supporting the theoretical model. Results from latent change score modeling suggest that changes in illegitimate tasks were associated with changes in WIF and WFE through changes in interactional justice.
A bang-bang PD based phase noise filter with 23 dB noise suppression

In this paper, we present a bang-bang phase detector (BBPD) and delay-line frequency discriminator (FD) based phase noise filter (PNF). With a larger phase detection gain, the BBPD based PNF enhances the phase noise cancellation and sensitivity by suppressing the charge pump (CP) noise. A time-amplifier (TA) and a 5 × voting machine are introduced together with the modified sense-amplifier-flip-flop (SAFF) to minimize the BBPD random noise. At 1 MHz offset, the maximum phase noise suppression is 23 dB and best phase noise sensitivity is −120.2 dBc/Hz. Its phase noise suppression offset frequency is from 100 kHz to 8 MHz with 100 MHz input frequency range. The circuit is fabricated in a 65 nm CMOS technology and dissipates 98 mW power.
Designing a foreign language curriculum in postsecondary education drawing from the multiliteracy, functionalist, and genre-based approaches

As a result of today�s multicultural societies, globalization, and the advent of the communication and information technology the demand has increased for second/foreign language abilities that far exceed those typically associated with communicative competence. In this essay I suggest that the curriculum in a postsecondary foreign language department should be conceptualized to enable students to develop cognitive and socio-cultural sensitivity to the language, and to mature advanced language skills. I argue that the synthesis of multiliteracy, funtionalist, and genre-based approaches in second/foreign language teaching is particularly effective to achieve these goals. Mastering advanced language levels and becoming a multicompetent and culturally multiliterate foreign language user has enormous advantages in our globalized societies.
Characterizing the Pattern of Weight Loss and Regain in Adults Enrolled in a 12-Week Internet-Based Weight Management Program.

Objective Although the trajectory of weight change during and/or after behavioral weight management interventions is believed to include a period of weight loss followed by maintenance and later regain, the sparse data produced by existing study designs (conducting assessments at 3- to 6-month intervals) have limited investigation into the precise pattern. Methods Seventy-five adults were asked to self-weigh daily via "smart" scales during a 12-week, Internet-based weight loss program and for an additional 9 months with no further intervention. Longitudinal change-point mixed-effect models were used to characterize overall weight change patterns and identify when individuals moved from weight loss to maintenance/regain. Results Analyses suggested a three-phase model. During the first phase, participants lost weight at a (mean ± SE) rate of -0.46 ± 0.04 kg/wk; after 77.66 ± 3.96 days, they transitioned to regain (0.07 ± 0.02 kg/wk). The next transition occurred at 222.55 ± 7.23 days, after which the rate of regain decreased slightly (0.06 ± 0.02 kg/wk). Exploratory analyses identified baseline/demographic factors predicting the timing of transition points and slope of weight change within phases. Conclusions In contrast to the hypothesized trajectory, results demonstrated that participants transitioned immediately from weight loss to regain (with no "maintenance" period) and later to a slower rate of regain. Future studies should investigate whether extended-care programs change or merely delay this pattern.
A multicenter investigation of respiratory syncytial viral infection in children with hematopoietic cell transplantation

Background Hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) may be a risk factor for morbidity and mortality from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Previous studies have been limited by small sample size. We took a multicenter approach with the goal of better understanding the epidemiology, risk factors, treatment, morbidity, and mortality associated with RSV infections among children with HCT in the United States. Methods A retrospective, multicenter, cohort study of pediatric HCT recipients were diagnosed with RSV infection between January 2010 and December 2014. Results Of the 1522 HCT, 47 (3%) patients were diagnosed with RSV. Of those with RSV, 9 (19.1%) were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), 6 (12.8%) received invasive mechanical ventilation, and 1 died. Prophylactic palivizumab was uncommon. All who required critical care received ribavirin vs 7.3% of those who did not (P = .004). Cobacterial infections were found in 16 patients and were not associated with the need for critical care. We examined potential risk factors for severity of RSV disease. In those who received invasive ventilation, 100% had one of the preidentified risk factors. Half of those requiring mechanical ventilation were diagnosed with RSV during their conditioning for transplant as opposed to only 2.4% of those that did not require invasive mechanical ventilation (P = .005). Conclusions In this multicenter cohort, RSV was not common in children following HCT. Few children infected with RSV required critical care and mortality was low. Those diagnosed with RSV during conditioning for transplant were at higher risk for invasive mechanical ventilation.
Riding the perennial gale: working-class Puerto Ricans and the involution of colonial capitalism

Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in September 2017, deepening an already dire economic situation and amplifying an ongoing wave of out-migration. In the age of permanent man-made climate change, hurricanes, like extended economic crises, are “big events” produced by the capitalist despoiling of nature and labor, further exposing the dispossessed and displaced to structural violence. A colony of the USA since 1898, perhaps Puerto Rico has now once again “changed forever,” as the popular belief goes in the wake of Maria. If so, these changes will continually be experienced and enacted differently by subjects unevenly positioned in terms of unequal relationships of power and privilege. I propose an empirically informed research orientation that examines the situation of contemporary working-class Puerto Ricans in terms of their strategic responses to the involution of colonial capitalism. As a dimension of social life, working-classness is not contracting but expanding, in the context of an ongoing “debt crisis” better understood in terms of the self-consumption, or involution, of the modality of colonial capitalism established in Puerto Rico in the 1940s. In this light, strategic actions of working-class Puerto Ricans such as migration, informal labor, and subsistence/domestic production are not evidence of alternate modes of being, but part of the very conditions of working-classness today. I conclude by briefly identifying three areas for future research to flesh out the proposed orientation, focusing in the immediate term on responses to Maria by working-class communities in the island and the diaspora, in interaction with local and US elites.
Connective Tissues: Everyday Engagements with Urban Yards

This photo essay is rooted in the overlapping edges of urban environmentalisms, the politics of care, and everyday microgeographies of cultivation and inhabitation. The essay offers situated and pa...
Poster: UMLx: A UML Diagram Analytic Tool for Software Management Decisions

A UML diagram analytic tool called UMLx is proposed, which automatically extracts information from UML diagrams to facilitate decision making in risk management, planning, resource allocation, and system design, based on a set of proposed metrics.
Portfolio Optimization with Combinatorial and Downside Return Constraints

We study a probabilistic portfolio optimization model in which trading restrictions modeled with combinatorial constraints are accounted for. We provide several deterministic reformulations equivalent to this stochastic programming problem and discuss their computational efficiency. The reformulated problem takes the form of a mixed-integer nonlinear problem and is solved with an exact outer approximation algorithm. This latter is based on the early recognition of the problem structure and permits a hierarchical organization of the computations. Computational tests show the contribution of the proposed algorithm that outperforms the Cplex 12.4 solver in terms of computational time and quality of the obtained solutions.