cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
J-Western Forms of Helicobacter pylori cagA Constitute a Distinct Phylogenetic Group with a Widespread Geographic Distribution

Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori strains expressing the bacterial oncoprotein CagA confers an increased risk of gastric cancer. While much is known about the ancestry and molecular evolution of Western, East Asian, and Amerindian cagA sequences, relatively little is understood about a fourth group, known as “J-Western,” which has been detected mainly in strains from Okinawa, Japan. We show here that J-Western cagA sequences have a more widespread global distribution than previously recognized, occur in strains with multiple different ancestral origins (based on multilocus sequence typing [MLST] analysis), and did not arise recently. As shown by comparisons of Western and J-Western forms of CagA, there are 45 fixed or nearly fixed amino acid differences, and J-Western forms contain a unique 4-amino-acid insertion. The mean nucleotide diversity of synonymous sites (πs) is slightly lower in the J-Western group than in the Western and East Asian groups (0.066, 0.086, and 0.083, respectively), which suggests that the three groups have comparable, but not equivalent, effective population sizes. The reduced πs of the J-Western group is attributable to ancestral recombination events within the 5′ region of cagA. Population genetic analyses suggest that within the cagA region encoding EPIYA motifs, the East Asian group underwent a marked reduction in effective population size compared to the Western and J-Western groups, in association with positive selection. Finally, we show that J-Western cagA sequences are found mainly in strains producing m2 forms of the secreted VacA toxin and propose that these functionally interacting proteins coevolved to optimize the gastric colonization capacity of H. pylori.
Amniography for detection of congenital malformations.

The association of hydramnios with congenital malformations is helpful because it alerts the clinician to the problem. Diabetes, erythroblastosis fetalis, and multiple gestation are conditions that initially should be ruled out. In a 20-year review of 86,301 consecutive deliveries, one-third of all patients with unexplained hydramnios had fetuses with congenital malformations. Although the roentgenogram detects skeletal abnormalities, amniography is necessary to diagnose such soft-tissue malformations as encephalocele, meningomyelocele, or exstrophy of the bladder. In addition malformations involving the gastrointestinal tract can be detected. Prenatal diagnosis of congenital malformations is important in order to avoid intrapartum maternal and fetal trauma as well as to provide surgical correction immediately postpartum.
EGFR-targeted gelatin nanoparticles for systemic administration of gemcitabine in an orthotopic pancreatic cancer model.

Abstract In this study, we have formulated redox-responsive epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted type B gelatin nanoparticles as a targeted vector for systemic delivery of gemcitabine therapy in pancreatic cancer. The gelatin nanoparticles were formed by ethanol-induced desolvation process to encapsulate the bound drug. The surface of the nanoparticles was decorated either with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains to impart enhanced circulation time or with EGFR targeting peptide to confer target specificity. Our in vitro studies in Panc-1 human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells confirm that gemcitabine encapsulated in EGFR-targeted gelatin nanoparticles, released through disulfide bond cleavage, had a significantly improved cytotoxic profile. Further, the in vivo anticancer activity was evaluated in an orthotopic pancreatic adenocarcinoma tumor bearing SCID beige mice, which confirmed that EGFR-targeted gelatin nanoparticles could efficiently deliver gemcitabine to the tumor leading to higher therapeutic benefit as compared to the drug in solution. From the Clinical Editor The treatment of pancreatic cancer remains unsatisfactory, with an average 5-year survival of less than 5%. New treatment modalities are thus urgently needed. In this study, the authors presented their formulation of redox-responsive epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted type B gelatin nanoparticles as a carrier for gemcitabine. In-vitro and in-vivo experiments showed encouraging results. It is hoped that the findings would provide a novel and alternative drug delivery platform for the future.
Recovery of Elemental Tellurium Nanoparticles by the Reduction of Tellurium Oxyanions in a Methanogenic Microbial Consortium.

This research focuses on the microbial recovery of elemental tellurium (Te0) from aqueous streams containing soluble tellurium oxyanions, tellurate (TeVI), and tellurite (TeIV). An anaerobic mixed microbial culture occurring in methanogenic granular sludge was able to biocatalyze the reduction of both Te oxyanions to produce Te0 nanoparticles (NPs) in sulfur-free medium. TeIV reduction was seven times faster than that of TeVI, such that TeIV did not accumulate to a great extent during TeVI reduction. Endogenous substrates in the granular sludge provided the electron equivalents required to reduce Te oxyanions; however, the reduction rates were modestly increased with an exogenous electron donor such as H2. The effect of four redox mediators (anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate, hydroxocobalamin, riboflavin, and lawsone) was also tested. Riboflavin increased the rate of TeIV reduction eleven-fold and also enhanced the fraction Te recovered as extracellular Te0 NPs from 21% to 64%. Lawsone increased the rate of T...
Residual Impact of Previous Injury on Musculoskeletal Characteristics in Special Forces Operators

BackgroundMusculoskeletal injuries are a significant burden to United States Army Special Operations Forces. The advanced tactical skill level and physical training required of Army Special Operato...
Potential confounding in colchicine and cardiovascular disease study

We appreciate the interest in our recent paper.1 As Nielen2 notes, we were explicit about potential limitations of the observational methods. The author's suggestion to pick a random index date for non-users is a widely employed method, but we strongly believe that the intensity …
Sensory Mechanisms and Environmental Clues Used by the American Robin in Locating Earthworms

The familiar sight of the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) foraging for earthworms on a lawn has not prompted a detailed investigation of the sensory mechanisms and environmental clues employed by the birds when finding worms, although several workers have commented on and made speculations about this behavior. Tyler (in Bent, 1949) has supplied a good general description of the behavior of robins foraging for worms. Polyak (1957) and Allen (1934) assume that robins are definitely employing vision to find worms. Bent (1949) mentions the possible use of hearing while foraging but thinks that vision is the more important
Nutrition of the Almond Moth. I. Analysis and Improvements of the Experimental Diet

Cadra cautella (Walker) larvae, were reared on a modification of Fraenkel and Blewett’s diet, and the effect of the diet components on larval growth and survival was studied. Casein and sucrose in a ratio of 1:1 was a satisfactory protein-carbohyrate combination. Larval growth retardation and/or high mortality were caused when thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, Ca pantothenate, folic acid, biotin, and nicotinic acid were individually omitted from the diet. No significant effect was found when p -aminobenzoic acid, choline, inositol, and vitamin B12 were individually reduced in the diet or omitted. When cholesterol was in the diet, wheat germ oil could be replaced by an unsaturated fatty acid. Without the fatty acid or wheat germ oil only a small number of larvae reached pupation, and fewer emerged. Linolenic acid was more effective than linoleic acid. The highest concentrations of esters of both acids were detrimental to larvae; linolenate was less detrimental in the lower concentrations. No pupation occurred when sterol was omitted from the diet. Fortification of the diet with K3PO4enhanced larval growth.
The stabilizing effect of sucrose upon respiratory syncytial virus infectivity.

SummaryThe effect of various concentrations of sucrose upon retention of RS virus viability during storage at different temperatures was studied. As the concentration of sucrose was increased, the survival of virus was enhanced. A concentration of 44.5% sucrose with storage at −70°C appeared to be optimal for retention of RS virus infectivity. Virus was stored under these conditions for periods in excess of 2 years with no significant loss in infectivity. Storage at −20°C, even in the presence of hypertonic sucrose, was less satisfactory than at 4°C or at −70°C. Cotton swabs containing less than 10 TCID50 retained viable virus in 44.5% sucrose at 4°C for a period of 7 days. The application of these observations in both the laboratory and clinic are discussed.
Advances on Study of Rice False Smut(Ustilaginoidea virens)

Rice false smut is one of the most serious diseases on rice worldwide.This paper reviews the recent achievements in the research on its occurrence,distribution,pathogen's biological characteristic,infection,and circulation.Also included are the selection of disease resistant materials and resistant gene mapping,as well as the existing problems and direction of further studies on the disease.
Venture Capitals' Impact on Investment Behavior of Invested Companies——An Empirical Research on Listed Companies of ChiNext Market

Taking companies initially and publicly offering new shares on ChiNext market in 2009 and 2010 as sample,The author has analyzed venture capitals' impact on capital investment and research and development( RD) investment behavior of invested companies from the perspective of shareholding proportion,proportion of board seats and shareholders' backgrounds of venture capitals. The results of the empirical analysis showed that shareholding proportion,proportion of board seats are both positively related to the initiative of capital investment behavior of invested companies,there is no significant difference among influence of state-owned,private and foreign venture capitals on capital investment behavior of invested companies. Generally speaking,there is no significant relationship among shareholding proportion and proportion of board seats and initiative of RD investment behavior of invested companies,but compared with companies invested by domestic venture capitals,companies invested by foreign venture capitals have higher initiative in RD investment behavior.
Gallstones. Who are good candidates for nonsurgical treatment

Although surgery remains the ultimate treatment for symptomatic gallstone disease, the number of nonsurgical alternatives continues to grow. It is important to consider these options. The patient's age and overall health and the composition, number, and size of gallstones are major factors in determining whether alternative methods of therapy are appropriate. Many patients are eliminated from consideration when criteria for nonsurgical therapy are carefully followed. For example, oral dissolution therapy is relatively effective, but only about 20% to 25% of patients are candidates.
Adult-onset hypogonadism: evaluation and role of testosterone replacement therapy

Testosterone deficiency (TD) has become a growing concern in the field of men's sexual health, with an increasing number of men presenting for evaluation of this condition. Given the increasing demand for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), a panel of experts met in August of 2015 to discuss the treatment of men who present for evaluation in the setting of low or normal gonadotropin levels and the associated signs and symptoms of hypogonadism. This constellation of factors can be associated with elements of both primary and secondary hypogonadism. Because this syndrome commonly occurs in men who are middle-aged and older, it was termed adult-onset hypogonadism (AOH). AOH can be defined by the following elements: low levels of testosterone, associated signs and symptoms of hypogonadism, and low or normal gonadotropin levels. Although there are significant benefits of TRT for patients with AOH, candidates also need to understand the potential risks. Patients undergoing TRT will need to be monitored regularly because there are potential complications that can develop with long-term use. This review is aimed at providing a deeper understanding of AOH, discussing the benefits and risks of TRT, and outlining each modality of TRT in use for AOH.
The Color of Money: Maharishi's Rationale and Recommendations for Green Investing

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1963) presented a theory of earnings that, when applied to investing, explains why socially responsible investors would be averse to "blood money" out of self-interest, not merely as a reflection of values-based investing. We motivate this theory about the origination of money using a weak analogy to renewable energy certificates and distinguish it from the so-called karmic theory of investing (Damodaran, 2012). We consider Maharishi’s presentation of the theory in detail and discuss its implications for investors: investing in companies that are socially responsible over their supply chain, acquiring renewable energy certificates and carbon allowances, engaging in charity and practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique.
Estimating natural illumination from a single outdoor image

Given a single outdoor image, we present a method for estimating the likely illumination conditions of the scene. In particular, we compute the probability distribution over the sun position and visibility. The method relies on a combination of weak cues that can be extracted from different portions of the image: the sky, the vertical surfaces, and the ground. While no single cue can reliably estimate illumination by itself, each one can reinforce the others to yield a more robust estimate. This is combined with a data-driven prior computed over a dataset of 6 million Internet photos. We present quantitative results on a webcam dataset with annotated sun positions, as well as qualitative results on consumer-grade photographs downloaded from Internet. Based on the estimated illumination, we show how to realistically insert synthetic 3-D objects into the scene.
Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma: Responses in Phase 1 Trial of Combination Therapy with Liposomal Doxorubicin, Bortezomib, and Gemcitabine.

Abstract BACKGROUND: There is preclinical data suggesting pro-apoptotic synergy between the proteosome inhibitor bortezomib, doxorubucin and gemcitabine. Therefore, we are currently conducting a Phase I dose finding trial of this combination. As a part of this trial, high response rates with excellent tolerance were noted in advanced cutaneous T- cell lymphoma, and are presented here. METHODS: A 3+ 3 design was used. There were two cohorts of patients: RESULTS: There were 33 patients who were treated on this trial to date. We are reporting the results of 7 patients with cutaneous T cell lymphoma. These patients had been heavily pretreated with a median of 6 prior therapies (range 1–12). All six of six evaluable patients (100%) achieved a partial remission (PR). Some of these responses are ongoing and the patients are still improving. The most common toxicities were grade 2 thrombocytopenia (50% of patients), grade 1–2 fatigue (44% patients), grade1–2 mucositis (14% patients), and myelosuppression (12% patients). Four patients needed hospitalization early in the course for sepsis. All of these patients had advanced disease with ulcerating skin lesions. Dose limiting toxicity has not been seen. CONCLUSIONS: The above combination is safe up to the doses tested so far- (dose level 5 = doxil 24mg/m2 on day1, gemcitabine 800 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 and bortezomib 1.0 mg/m2 on days 1,4,8,11) and has activity in heavily pretreated, advanced cutaneous T-Cell lymphoma. Responses in Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma Age Sex Stage Number of prior therapies Dose Level Response Duration of therapy in months 71 F IV 12 1 PR 4 32 F IV 6 1 PR 3 (sent to BMT) 61 F IV 8 2 Lost to follow up after 2 doses 72 M IV 2 2 PR 7+ 73 M IV B 6 2 PR 4+ 53 M II B 1 5 PR 7+ 60 F IV 5 5 PR 8+
Intraoperative Frozen Section Analysis of the Pancreas: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract Background: Intraoperative frozen section analysis is frequently used to obtain a histological diagnosis at the time of resection and to assess resection margins. Although many surgeons perceive a clinical benefit, particularly with respect to the transected resection margins, the limitations and pitfalls of frozen section analysis have not been well documented. Case: Here, we report a case of serous cystadenoma with background pancreatitis masquerading on frozen section as an invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This interpretation was a surprise in light of preoperative imaging that was highly suggestive of a benign cystic tumor, but nevertheless prompted intraoperative consideration of a more radical operation to ensure a complete resection was achieved. Conclusions: Frozen section analysis is an imperfect test, and misdiagnoses can potentially impact patient outcomes adversely. Intraoperative decisions must carefully integrate the preliminary pathological interpretation with the overall...
In vitro porcine blastocyst development in three‐dimensional alginate hydrogels

Appropriate embryonic and fetal development significantly impact pregnancy success and, therefore, the efficiency of swine production. The pre-implantation period of porcine pregnancy is characterized by several developmental hallmarks, which are initiated by the dramatic morphological change that occurs as pig blastocysts elongate from spherical to filamentous blastocysts. Deficiencies in blastocyst elongation contribute to approximately 20% of embryonic loss, and have a direct influence on within-litter birth weight variation. Although factors identified within the uterine environment may play a role in blastocyst elongation, little is known about the exact mechanisms by which porcine (or other species') blastocysts initiate and progress through the elongation process. This is partly due to the difficulty of replicating elongation in vitro, which would allow for its study in a controlled environment and in real-time. We developed a three dimensional (3-D) culture system using alginate hydrogel matrices that can encapsulate pig blastocysts, maintain viability and blastocyst architecture, and facilitate reproducible morphological changes with corresponding expression of steroidogenic enzyme transcripts and estrogen production, consistent with the initiation of elongation in vivo. This review highlights key aspects of the pre-implantation period of porcine pregnancy and the difficulty of studying blastocyst elongation in vivo or by using in vitro systems. This review also provides insights on the utility of 3-D hydrogels to study blastocyst elongation continuously and in real-time as a complementary and confirmatory approach to in vivo analysis.
The enzymatic synthesis of thymidylate. III. The further purification of thymidylate synthetase and its separation from natural fluorescent inhibitors.

This paper describes convenient large scale procedures that result in the further purification of thymidylate synthetase and in the separation of the enzyme from natural fluorescent inhibitors. The fluorescent material inhibits dihydrofolate reductase from mouse leukemic cells as well as the thymidylate synthetase of Escherichia coli. It is probably a mixture of two or more pteridine compounds related in structure to the folic acid group and is now under study in our laboratory.
When to resect following neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer-issues and limitations in addressing this decision.

In this issue of the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery , Ranney et al. address the very pressing and often debated issue of the timing of esophagectomy following neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) for patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (1). As the authors highlight, this question has persisted among those who treat esophageal cancer. Its importance lies in the balance of choosing the optimal time frame after nCRT. On the one hand, increasing the time to surgery can lead to superior pathologic responses (2,3). On the other, a prolonged period after nCRT can make surgical resection more technically challenging as the effects of radiation accumulate, and studies (including this one) have shown that overall survival (OS) may be more inferior the longer one waits to resect (4,5). Still other studies have reported no association between timing of resection and outcomes, further complicating this issue (6,7).
Introduction: The Paradox of Citizenship

The Introduction explains the basic premise of the book that the evolution of American citizenship consists in its paradoxes and anomalies rather than in coherent narratives of the ideological, racial, legal, or political dimensions of citizenship. The five paradigms selected for this purpose—national identity, state expansion, global status, immigration, and state power—and their interconnections and overlaps are discussed in detail. Each of these paradigms contains its own dimensions of rhetoric versus reality and subsequent paradoxes. This book is about the production, meanings, and implications of these processes, as it aims to uncover and capture the porous and hidden contours of citizenship in America.
Demonstration of AlGaN-delta-GaN QW by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy for 260-nm ultraviolet light emitting diodes

III-nitride ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LEDs) with emission wavelengths in the range of 250-280 nm have attracted considerable interest for applications such as germicidal disinfection and biological detection. However, the widely-used AlGaN quantum well (QW)-based LEDs at such wavelengths suffer from low quantum efficiencies. One main factor that limits the AlGaN QW LED efficiency at ~250-280 nm is the suffering of the severe band mixing effect caused by the valence subbands crossover, as well as the Quantum Confined Stark Effect (QCSE). Therefore, the novel AlGaN-delta-GaN QW design was proposed to address these issues in order to realize high-efficiency deep-UV LEDs. Here, we proposed a novel Al0.9Ga0.1N-delta-GaN QW by inserting an ultra-thin delta-GaN layer into a conventional Al0.9Ga0.1N QW active region. The physics from such QW design was investigated by 6-band k·p model and the structure was experimentally demonstrated by Plasma-assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy (PAMBE). The calculated results show that the insertion of delta-GaN layer could successfully address the band mixing issue and QCSE, leading to a significant improvement in spontaneous emission rate as compared to that of Al0.55Ga0.45N QW at 260 nm. The 5-period Al0.9Ga0.1N-delta-GaN QW with 3-nm AlN barrier was grown on AlN/sapphire substrate by MBE with ~2-monolayer delta-GaN layer, which was evidenced by the cross-sectional transmission electron microscope. The two-photon photoluminescence spectrum presented a single peak emission centered at 260 nm from the grown Al0.9Ga0.1N-deltaGaN QW with a full width at half maximum of 12 nm, which shows that the demonstrated QW would be promising for high-efficiency UV LEDs.
Knowledge, Opportunities and Information Ethics

High-speed Internet provides unprecedented opportunities in the information domain. The wealth of information in the web-based knowledge banks brings about innumerable business prospects. This relentless rush for knowledge lowers the information ethics. The rewards had brought a stream of successful dot-com corporations in the 1990s. The dangers have also brought bankruptcy for most of these corporations. The plunderers are the knowledgeable and skilled few and the victims are the ignorant who are not able to see through the games that Internet exploiters can play. The boom and bust of the dot-com opportunists is grim reminder of how knowledge cycle has taken the ignorant few to the depth of despair. In this paper, we suggest that intelligent knowledge processing software should curtail the abuse of the IP networks, much as the network security programs that block the spread of spam and viruses.
Free Movement and Equal Rights for Low-Wage Workers? What the United States Can Learn from the New EU Migration to Britain

Until recently, there have been few examples around the world of immigration systems that admit low-wage workers under conditions of true mobility and equal rights. While the European Union has permitted free movement of workers between its member states for half a century, and guarantees those workers equivalent rights to citizen workers on the job, many in the United States have assumed that there is little to learn about our own situation from looking at the EU, often perceived as an accord between rich white nations. But times have changed. The EU’s enlargement in 2004 and 2007 brought ten Eastern and Central European nations into the free movement regime. Wage disparities are now as high as sixteen to one between the wealthiest and poorest EU member states, nearly three times the average ratio between the US and Mexico. Using the UK as a primary example, this paper asks to what extent the EU free movement regime has delivered on its promises for new EU nationals doing low-wage work in the UK, and, where it has faltered, seeks to understand why. The paper concludes with an exploration of the insights this experience offers for efforts in the United States to improve the conditions of work for all low wage workers, immigrants and residents alike.
CHAPTER 55 – Parathyroid Hormone and Growth Hormone in the Treatment of Osteoporosis

This chapter discusses the role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and growth hormone (GH) in the treatment of osteoporosis. In accord with predictions based on clinical experience, continuous infusion of PTH reliably decreases bone mass in animals to: (1) increase bone resorption, (2) osteoblast suppression. However, a substantial body of evidence provides a rationale for considering PTH an osteotropic agent when administered under appropriate circumstances. Administration of PTH is rapidly followed by a shift of calcium from plasma into the skeleton and that low doses of PTH induced calcium retention. These results attribute to an anabolic effect of PTH on bone. Pituitary growth hormone is a classic peptide hormone with profound effects on somatic growth and body composition. Circulating concentrations of GH decline with advancing age, similar is the case with— GH secretion rates and pituitary GH responsiveness to a variety of provocative stimuli. GH directly stimulates insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) production in osteoblasts by activating cell surface receptors in cultured osteoblast-like cells to increase IGF-I production. In osteoblasts raised in serum-free medium, GH also stimulates proliferation and increases the relative amount of newly synthesized type I collagen, an effect that is obliterated by anti-IGF-I immunoglobulin.
Deuterium Rotating Frame NMR Relaxation Measurements in the Solid State under Static Conditions for Quantification of Dynamics

The feasibility of static deuterium rotating frame NMR relaxation measurements for characterization of slow timescale motions in powder systems is demonstrated. Using a model compound dimethyl sulfone-d6 , we show that these measurements yield conformational exchange rates and activation energy values in accordance with results obtained with other techniques. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the full Liouvillian approach as opposed to the Redfield approximation is necessary to analyze the experimental data.
Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Fused Filament Fabrication Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Printed Composites

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a polymer that offers a variety of desirable material properties. Its high resistance to corrosive acids and its capability to show piezoelectric behavior are some of these properties that are attractive to many industrial applications. Three-dimensional printing of PVDF is extremely difficult using fused filament fabrication processes due to the large coefficient of thermal expansion of homopolymer PVDF, which results in substantial component warping. In the present work, the effect of zirconium tungstate microparticles as a secondary phase within a PVDF matrix is experimentally studied. Viable printing parameters and the corresponding mechanical and thermal behavior of the PVDF composite structures based on digital image correlation tests are presented.
Computational methods to identify bimodal gene expression and facilitate personalized treatment in cancer patients.

Abstract Standard methods for detecting cancer-associated genes rely on comparison of sample means between cancer patients and healthy controls. While such methods have successfully identified several oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, they neglect to account for heterogeneity within the cancer population. Genetic mutations, translocations, and amplifications are often inconsistent across tumors, and instead they often affect smaller subsets of patients. This concept gives rise to the idea of bimodally expressed genes, or genes that display two modes of expression within one population. Analysis of bimodal gene expression has been explored via a variety of techniques including test statistics and clustering. In this review, we summarize the methodologies used to quantify bimodal gene expression and address the utility of these genes in patient stratification and specialized therapeutics in breast and lung cancer. Finally we discuss the limitations and future directions for bimodal genes in the era of high-throughput sequencing and personalized medicine.
RF-Trojan: Leaking Kernel Data Using Register File Trojan.

Register Files (RFs) are the most frequently accessed memories in a microprocessor for fast and efficient computation and control logic. Segment registers and control registers are especially critical for maintaining the CPU mode of execution that determinesthe access privileges. In this work, we explore the vulnerabilities in RF and propose a class of hardware Trojans which can inject faults during read or retention mode. The Trojan trigger is activated if one pre-selected address of L1 data-cache is hammered for certain number of times. The trigger evades post-silicon test since the required number of hammering to trigger is significantly high even under process and temperature variation. Once activated, the trigger can deliver payloads to cause Bitcell Corruption (BC) and inject read error by Read Port (RP) and Local Bitline (LBL). We model the Trojan in GEM5 architectural simulator performing a privilege escalation. We propose countermeasures such as read verification leveraging multiport feature, securing control and segment registers by hashing and L1 address obfuscation.
Generalized Non-Standard Lagrangians

A generalized Lagrange formalism is developed for Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE) with the special function solutions1. The formalism is based on non-standard Lagrangians, which represent a novel family of Lagrangians. It is shown that the Euler-Lagrange equation needs to be supplemented with an auxiliary condition to retrieve the original equation - this is a new phenomenon in the calculus of variations.
Sensorimotor impairment from a new analog of spaceflight-altered neurovestibular cues

We propose, implement, and demonstrate the feasibility of a new analog for spaceflight-altered neurovestibular stimulation. Following extended exposure to the analog, we found subjects reported ill...
Sexually Problematic Behaviors

This chapter describes the empirical literature related to the assessment of sexual dangerousness and provides a framework for conducting such evaluations, including the use of technology and social media. Across studies, the reported recidivism rate for sexual reoffending has been shown to be around 14% during an average of five years of follow-up and risk factors have frequently been reported to include having sexual interest in children and antisociality. The Internet appears to have made accessing would-be victims of both hands on and hands off sexual offenses more accessible. Advances in technology can add data sources to consider during evaluations of sexual behavior and practical, ethical, and legal considerations unique to the use of online collateral data are discussed. The chapter concludes with two case studies regarding the assessment of sexual behavior and the use of online data to inform these evaluations.
Coupled thermodynamically consistent thermo-mechanical model of silica glass subjected to hypervelocity impact

Abstract Silica-based glass may possess paradoxically high resistance to hypervelocity impact due to the experimentally observed phase change emanating from high pressure characteristic to hypervelocity impact combined with irreversible densification of the material, which leads to a highly efficient kinetic energy-absorption mechanism. In order to capture this extraordinary behavior of silica glass in hypervelocity impact, a coupled thermo-mechanical model is developed in the framework of thermodynamics with internal state variables. In addition to pressure induced densification (phase change), the proposed model is aimed at capturing the effects of dramatic increase in temperature, strain rate sensitivity and fragmentation/comminution of the material. The proposed model is based on the multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient into thermoelastic and plastic parts. The irreversible densification of silica glass is characterized by the plastic volumetric strain which is a basic internal state variable associated with a molecular structure rearrangement due to phase change. Evolution of the plastic deformation is described by a critical state plasticity model combined with damage evolution. In the absence of damage, the elastic domain is fully informed by molecular dynamics simulations of perfectly intact silica glass. With evolving damage, the atomistically informed elastic domain shrinks smoothly to another critical state plasticity elastic domain which serves as a granular description of the fragmented/comminuted state of the material. Thermo-mechanical coupling is considered where temperature rises as a result of mechanical dissipation while mechanical behavior depends on temperature through thermal softening. In addition, the model is capable of capturing both the material’s ductile behavior (featuring significant densification due to high pressure) in the vicinity of projectile–target contact interface and its characteristically brittle behavior exhibited elsewhere. This is achieved by introducing a brittle damage initial criterion based on the thermodynamic driving force for damage that is analogous to the energy release rate-based criterion for crack growth. Constitutive functions and material parameters in the model are determined from the molecular dynamics simulations. The proposed model has been implemented in the explicit coupled thermo-mechanical finite element code and validated against hypervelocity impact experiments.
Strain-Work Function Relationship in Single-Crystal Tetracene

Understanding the impact of strain on organic semiconductors is important for the development of electronic devices and sensors that are subject to environmental changes and mechanical stimuli; it ...
Identification of unfamiliar people from point-light biological motion: A perceptual reevaluation

Point-light displays (PLDs) depict humans in motion and support action perception. Previous studies indicate that biological motion provides identity cues for familiar, but not unfamiliar, people. ...
The initial stellar mass function from random sampling in hierarchical clouds II: statistical fluctuations and a mass dependence for starbirth positions and times

Observed variations in the slope of the initial stellar mass function are shown to be consistent with a model in which the protostellar gas is randomly sampled from hierarchical clouds at a rate proportional to the square root of the local density. RMS variations in the IMF slope around the Salpeter value are +/- 0.4 when only 100 stars are observed, and +/- 0.1 when 1000 stars are observed. The hierarchical-sampling model also reproduces the tendency for massive stars to form closer to the center of a cloud, at a time somewhat later than the formation time of the lower mass stars. The assumed density dependence for the star formation rate is shown to be appropriate for turbulence compression, magnetic diffusion, gravitational collapse, and clump or wavepacket coalescence. The low mass flattening in the IMF comes from the inability of gas to form stars below the thermal Jeans mass at typical temperatures and pressures. Consideration of heating and cooling processes indicate why the thermal Jeans mass should be nearly constant in normal environments, and why it might increase in some starburst regions. The steep IMF in the extreme field is not explained by the model, but other origins are suggested.
Continuous neuromonitoring during radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules provides objective evidence of laryngeal nerve safety.

Abstract Introduction The recurrent laryngeal nerves(RLN) run immediately posterior to the thyroid capsule and could be injured during thyroid radiofrequency ablation(RFA). This study assesses whether RLN functional integrity is altered during RFA using continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring(CIONM). Methods Prospective case series of twenty nodules treated with RFA under general anesthesia utilizing the laryngeal adductor reflex(LAR) for CIONM. Results Thirteen nodules abutted the posterior thyroid capsule and ‘danger triangle’ for RLN injury. The ablative field did not breach the posterior capsule; 40 W was the maximal power used adjacent to the capsule. No patient experienced significant LAR amplitude alterations. Pre and postoperative laryngoscopy and voice assessments were comparable. At 12 months’ median follow-up, no patient displayed posterior nodule regrowth. Conclusions This prospective case series supports the premise that benign nodule RFA is safe with regards to RLN functional integrity provided the posterior capsule is not breached by the ablation zone and posterior power is ≤ 40 W
The heme-binding protein PhuS transcriptionally regulates the Pseudomonas aeruginosa tandem sRNA prrF1,F2 locus.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen requiring iron for its survival and virulence. P. aeruginosa can acquire iron from heme via the nonredundant heme assimilation system and Pseudomonas heme uptake (Phu) systems. Heme transported by either the heme assimilation system or Phu system is sequestered by the cytoplasmic protein PhuS. Furthermore, PhuS has been shown to specifically transfer heme to the iron-regulated heme oxygenase HemO. As the PhuS homolog ShuS from Shigella dysenteriae was observed to bind DNA as a function of its heme status, we sought to further determine if PhuS, in addition to its role in regulating heme flux through HemO, functions as a DNA-binding protein. Herein, through a combination of chromatin immunoprecipitation–PCR, EMSA, and fluorescence anisotropy, we show that apo-PhuS but not holo-PhuS binds upstream of the tandem iron-responsive sRNAs prrF1,F2. Previous studies have shown the PrrF sRNAs are required for sparing iron for essential proteins during iron starvation. Furthermore, under certain conditions, a heme-dependent read through of the prrF1 terminator yields the longer PrrH transcript. Quantitative PCR analysis of P. aeruginosa WT and ΔphuS strains shows that loss of PhuS abrogates the heme-dependent regulation of PrrF and PrrH levels. Taken together, our data show that PhuS, in addition to its role in extracellular heme metabolism, also functions as a transcriptional regulator by modulating PrrF and PrrH levels in response to heme. This dual function of PhuS is central to integrating extracellular heme utilization into the PrrF/PrrH sRNA regulatory network that is critical for P. aeruginosa adaptation and virulence within the host.
Peri-operative blood transfusion and risk of infectious complications following intestinal-cutaneous fistula surgical repair: A retrospective nationwide analysis

Abstract Background Peri-operative blood transfusion (BT) may lead to transfusion-induced immunomodulation. We aimed to investigate the association between peri-operative BT and infectious complications in patients undergoing intestinal-cutaneous fistulas (ICF) repair. Methods We queried the ACS-NSQIP 2006–2017 database to include patients who underwent ICF repair. The main outcome was 30-day infectious complications. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the predictors of post-operative infections. Results Of 4,197 patients included, 846 (20.2%) received peri-operative BT. Transfused patients were generally older, sicker and had higher ASA (III–V). After adjusting for relevant covariates, patients who received intra and/or post-operative (and not pre-operative) BT had higher odds of infectious complications compared (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.01–1.48). Specifically, they had higher odds of organ-space surgical site infection (OR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.21–2.13), but not other infectious complications. Conclusions Intra and/or post-operative (and not pre-operative) BT is an independent predictor of infectious complications in ICF repair.
Promoting Graduate Student Mental Health During COVID-19: Acceptability, Feasibility, and Perceived Utility of an Online Single-Session Intervention

The COVID-19 outbreak has simultaneously increased the need for mental health services and decreased their availability. Brief online self-help interventions that can be completed in a single session could be especially helpful in improving access to care during the crisis. However, little is known about the uptake, acceptability, and perceived utility of these interventions outside of clinical trials in which participants are compensated. Here, we describe the development, deployment, acceptability ratings, and pre-post effects of a single-session intervention, the Common Elements Toolbox (COMET), adapted for the COVID-19 crisis to support graduate and professional students. Participants (n = 263), who were not compensated, were randomly assigned to two of three modules: behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring, and gratitude. Over 1 week, 263 individuals began and 189 individuals (72%) completed the intervention. Participants reported that the intervention modules were acceptable (93% endorsing), helpful (88%), engaging (86%), applicable to their lives (87%), and could help them manage COVID-related challenges (88%). Participants reported pre- to post-program improvements in secondary control (i.e., the belief that one can control their reactions to objective events;d (av) = 0.36, d (z) = 0.50, p < 0.001) and in the perceived negative impact of the COVID-19 crisis on their quality of life (d (av) = 0.22, d (z) = 0.25, p < 0.001). On average, differences in their perceived ability to handle lifestyle changes resulting from the pandemic were positive, but small and at the level of a non-significant trend (d (av) = 0.13, d (z) = 0.14, p = 0.066). Our results highlight the acceptability and utility of an online intervention for supporting individuals through the COVID-19 crisis.
Lessons learned through leadership.

LOOKING BACK: A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE Having been elected president of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 1975, I had the unique advantage of serving at approximately the midpoint of our 75-year history. When I completed my residency, physiatry was just 20 years old. Upon assuming office, I had practiced for 17 years. During my term in office (1975-1976), our nation was busy celebrating its bicentennial and the independent living movement was gaining steam. The 38 years that followed were to be among the most productive and life changing of my career. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, I am proud to recall the challenges we faced and how our specialty and its leaders grew.
Determination of the speed of light from the longitudinal modes beat frequencies of an open-cavity helium-neon laser

We empirically determined the speed of light by measuring the variation in longitudinal mode frequencies, or the beat frequencies, of an adjustable-length, open-cavity helium-neon laser as a function of its cavity length. The TEM$_{00}$ mode lasing output of the laser was analyzed using a fast frequency photodiode detector and a radio frequency spectrum analyzer. A Fabry-Perot interferometer was used to monitor the intensity of the longitudinal modes and we found that the phenomena of frequency pushing and pulling had little effects on the beat frequency measurements. Plotting the reciprocal of the beat frequency as a function of the change in cavity length, the speed of light was found, by using linear weighted least squares regression, to be $(2.997 \pm 0.003) \times 10^{8}$ ms$^{-1}$. This value is $0.3 \sigma$ away from the defined value of speed of light and is accurate to 1 part in 3200.
DARPA's ADAPTER Program: Applying the ELSI Approach to a Semi-Autonomous Complex Socio-Technical System

This paper presents a conceptual framework for Ethical, Legal and Social Aspects (ELSA) of the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency's (DARPA) ADvanced Acclimation and Protection Tool for Environmental Readiness (ADAPTER) Program. ADAPTER aims to develop a travel adapter for the human body, an implantable or ingestible bioelectronic carrier. This paper is written in my capacity as an unpaid ELSI panelist providing insights to the project and technical teams engaged with ADAPTER. The methodology employed in the work uses normativity to address the question of desirability and permissibility of an implantable for warfighters to achieve the goal of better sleep cycles and the diminishment of traveler's diarrhea. The paper's contribution is in defining ELSI, understanding ELSI aspects embedded in socio-technical systems design, the role of transdisciplinarity when applying ELSI, and presenting a conceptual framework that will be used to interrogate ADAPTER throughout the lifetime of the Program.