cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blood type biochemistry and human disease.

Associations between blood type and disease have been studied since the early 1900s when researchers determined that antibodies and antigens are inherited. In the 1950s, the chemical identification of the carbohydrate structure of surface antigens led to the understanding of biosynthetic pathways. The blood type is defined by oligosaccharide structures, which are specific to the antigens, thus, blood group antigens are secondary gene products, while the primary gene products are various glycosyltransferase enzymes that attach the sugar molecules to the oligosaccharide chain. Blood group antigens are found on red blood cells, platelets, leukocytes, plasma proteins, certain tissues, and various cell surface enzymes, and also exist in soluble form in body secretions such as breast milk, seminal fluid, saliva, sweat, gastric secretions, urine, and amniotic fluid. Recent advances in technology, biochemistry, and genetics have clarified the functional classifications of human blood group antigens, the structure of the A, B, H, and Lewis determinants and the enzymes that produce them, and the association of blood group antigens with disease risks. Further research to identify differences in the biochemical composition of blood group antigens, and the relationship to risks for disease, can be important for the identification of targets for the development of nutritional intervention strategies, or the identification of druggable targets.
Humor in Academic Fiction: From Subtle Satire to LMAO

In a homage to Julie Schumacher’s Dear Committee Members (2014), the authors investigate the portrait of higher education in 25 comedic novels from 1828 to 2015. As the depiction expanded over time, one constant was the existence of incompetent administrators, isolated faculty, and fun-loving students more interested in a good time than studying. From silly to satire, comic novels foment divisions between town and gown, students and faculty, and higher education and the real world.
Post-traumatic stress disorder and cancer.

Summary Being diagnosed with and treated for cancer is highly stressful and potentially traumatic. An extensive literature has evaluated the prevalence, predictors, and correlates of cancer-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and diagnoses. In this qualitative review of cancer-related PTSD literature, we highlight conceptual, methodological, and diagnostic issues, and identify clinical implications and areas for future research. Cancer-related PTSD has been documented in a minority of patients with cancer and their family members, is positively associated with other indices of distress and reduced quality of life, and has several correlates and risk factors (eg, prior trauma history, pre-existing psychiatric conditions, poor social support). The literature on treatment of cancer-related PTSD is sparse. Existing literature on cancer-related PTSD has used DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria; the revised DSM-5 PTSD criteria have important implications for the assessment of cancer-related distress. Application of PTSD diagnosis to patients with cancer has been critiqued on conceptual and methodological grounds, and important differential diagnosis considerations should be taken into account. Psychosocial assessment of patients with cancer should include careful evaluation of pre-cancer diagnosis trauma and psychiatric history, and diagnostic interviewing should consider concurrent conditions (eg, adjustment disorder). Treatment of cancer-related PTSD should be approached with caution and be informed by existing evidence-based approaches for traumatic stress.
Chemical Aspects of Nitrogenase

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the chemical aspects of nitrogenase. Nitrogenase chemistry for review purposes can conveniently be divided into extrinsic aspects, pertaining to chemical transformations effected catalytically by the functioning enzyme, and intrinsic aspects, pertaining to chemical changes effected on the two component proteins required for activity (FeMo and Fe proteins). The first category includes reductions of substrates, ATP hydrolysis, and reversible inhibition phenomena involving one or both of these processes. Subsumed within the second category are the chemical modifications of the protein or metal (Mo, Fe) moieties of the enzyme system, which may in turn lead to altered catalytic or physical (for example, spectroscopic) properties or to dissociation into smaller molecular entities. The investigation of the chemical aspects of nitrogenase has provided useful information and a number of hints, not yet fully understood, about the enzyme and its catalytic properties. Evidence concerning the nature of metal participation in catalysis, possible reduction intermediates, active site topology, and reduction stereochemistry has come from studies on reduction and inhibition.
Satellite cell-mediated breast muscle regeneration decreases with broiler size.

Abstract Satellite cells (SCs) reside between the sarcolemma and basal lamina of muscle fibers and are the primary contributor of DNA for post-hatch muscle growth and repair. Alterations in SC content or properties by intrinsic and extrinsic factors can have detrimental effects on muscle health and function, and ultimately meat quality. We hypothesized that disrupted SC homeostasis may account in part for the increased breast myopathies observed in growing broilers. To test this hypothesis, we selected broilers with different body weights at comparable ages and studied SC characteristics in vitro and in vivo. Data shows that SC numbers in the breast muscles decrease (P
Control of PNG kinase, a key regulator of mRNA translation, is coupled to meiosis completion at egg activation

The oocyte-to-embryo transition involves extensive changes in mRNA translation, regulated in Drosophila by the PNG kinase complex whose activity we show here to be under precise developmental control. Despite presence of the catalytic PNG subunit and the PLU and GNU activating subunits in the mature oocyte, GNU is phosphorylated at Cyclin B/CDK1sites and unable to bind PNG and PLU. In vitro phosphorylation of GNU by CyclinB/CDK1 blocks activation of PNG. Meiotic completion promotes GNU dephosphorylation and PNG kinase activation to regulate translation. The critical regulatory effect of phosphorylation is shown by replacement in the oocyte with a phosphorylation-resistant form of GNU, which promotes PNG-GNU complex formation, elevation of Cyclin B, and meiotic defects consistent with premature PNG activation. After PNG activation GNU is destabilized, thus inactivating PNG. This short-lived burst in kinase activity links development with maternal mRNA translation and ensures irreversibility of the oocyte-to-embryo transition.
Geometry of neural network loss surfaces via random matrix theory

Understanding the geometry of neural network loss surfaces is important for the development of improved optimization algorithms and for building a theoretical understanding of why deep learning works. In this paper, we study the geometry in terms of the distribution of eigenvalues of the Hessian matrix at critical points of varying energy. We introduce an analytical framework and a set of tools from random matrix theory that allow us to compute an approximation of this distribution under a set of simplifying assumptions. The shape of the spectrum depends strongly on the energy and another key parameter, ϕ, which measures the ratio of parameters to data points. Our analysis predicts and numerical simulations support that for critical points of small index, the number of negative eigenvalues scales like the 3/2 power of the energy. We leave as an open problem an explanation for our observation that, in the context of a certain memorization task, the energy of minimizers is well-approximated by the function 1/2(1 - ϕ)2.
Ghosts in the Posthuman Machine: Prostheses and Performance in The Chosen Place, the Timeless People

When scholars consider performances within Paule Marshall’s The Chosen Place, the Timeless People, they tend to subscribe to its easy execution—either the revelers in town or the Bournehills residents who reenact Cuffee Ned’s uprising. In thinking about Marshall’s text from a posthuman perspective, in which I consider the posthuman to be the joining, and interaction, of a human and an intelligent machine, I posit that the performance that warrants greater scrutiny in a twenty-first century environment, in which humans gravitate toward the posthuman condition, is Vere’s racing of a USAmerican car upon his return from the U.S. plantation labor scheme. During the race the Opel’s performance eventually gains it a kind of sentience that outstrips Vere’s and enables both of their destruction. This kind of destructive performance is seen in another machine in the novel, the cane rollers that extract the juice from the sugar cane plants on the island. The difference between the cane rollers and the Opel lies in their types of performance: while the cane rollers’ actions are repetitive, the Opel’s performance relies on reenactment. Both, however, are extensions of the colonial mission, and both result in the subjugation of the descendants of Bournehills’ slaves. For these descendants effective resistance comes in the form of the reenactment of Cuffee Ned’s uprising through their carnival performance. This mode of reenactment is limited, however, to the period of time in which the carnival operates. Another mode of resistance to the destructive impulse of the machines lies in the deployment of Caribbean folklore characters and their characteristics that tend to feature enhanced modes of mobility. Because the descendants of the sugar cane estates still rely on the cane rollers in order to extract their cane, this also becomes a limited mode of reenactment. The only true way to usurp the colonial authority of either machine is for the descendants to develop, like Merle, a vibrant mode of mobility that allows them to escape the machines’ valence by leaving the island. For most of the descendants, however, this proves difficult, and it results in a cycle of dependence underscored by high rates of character mortality in the novel.
A germline deletion of 9p21.3 presenting as familial melanoma, astrocytoma and breast cancer: clinical and genetic counselling challenges

Baker and collaborators describe a family with melanomas, nerve sheath tumours, gliomas and haematological malignancies caused by a large, 25-gene deletion resulting from an unbalanced translocation in 9p21.3.1 The 9p21.3 region contains at least three tumour suppressor genes: CDKN2A , CDKN2B and MTAP . Somatic deletions involving this region have been identified in tumours such as breast, prostate, melanoma, leukaemia, among many. Germline mutations and deletions involving the genes in this region are causative of inherited cancer predisposition. We report the case of a family with a germline 9p21.3 deletion encompassing nine genes. The family presented with melanomas, astrocytomas, neurofibromas and breast cancer. The CDKN2A gene encodes two proteins: p16 and p14, by means of alternative splicing. Protein p16 inhibits cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) which controls the progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle by phosphorylating Rb.2 In turn, p14 is a stabiliser of p53—a key protein in inducing cell apoptosis.3 CDKN2B encodes p15, which similarly inhibits CDK4 and CDK6.4 MTAP encodes methylthioadenosine phosphorylase—an enzyme that appears to also exhibit features of a tumour suppressor gene. Mutations affecting the p16 transcript of CDKN2A can cause familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome5 also known as pancreatic cancer–melanoma syndrome.6 Melanoma–astrocytoma syndrome (MAS) presents with melanomas, astrocytoma, neurofibromas, …
Regional analysis and genetic association of nigrostriatal degeneration in Lewy body disease.

Background A number of genetic loci are associated with risk for Parkinson's disease (PD) based on genome-wide association studies; however, the relationship between genetic variants and nigrostriatal degeneration, which is the structural correlate of parkinsonism, has not been reported. Objectives We quantified nigrostriatal dopaminergic integrity with image analysis of putaminal tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in 492 brains with Lewy body disease and used this pathologic endophenotype to explore possible association with PD genetic variants. Methods The study cases had Lewy-related pathology and variable degrees of nigrostriatal degeneration. They were assigned to one of the following clinical subgroups according to their predominant clinical syndrome: parkinsonism-predominant, parkinsonism+dementia, and dementia-predominant. In addition to putaminal tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity, semiquantitative scoring was used to assess substantia nigra neuronal loss. A total of 29 PD genetic risk variants were genotyped on each case. Results When compared with controls, tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity was reduced in Lewy body cases in the dorsolateral (79%) and ventromedial (57%) putamen. The dorsolateral region was better preserved in dementia-predominant cases than in cases with parkinsonism. Dorsolateral putaminal tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity correlated with neuronal loss in the ventrolateral substantia nigra. Genetic analyses showed no significant association of PD risk variants with putaminal tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity. Conclusions The results confirm regional differences in putaminal dopaminergic degeneration and vulnerability of nigrostriatal pathway in Lewy body disorders with parkinsonism. The lack of association with PD genetic risk variants suggests that they may not be associated with quantitative endophenotypes of nigrostriatal degeneration, but more likely related to the risk of disease per se. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AND RELEVANT LEGISLATION IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

Mental health legislation compiles and integrates fundamental doctrine, principles, goals, objectives and mental health policy. This legislation is required to assure that the self-respect and the dignity of patients is conserved and that their fundamental rights are protected. This article considers legislation in the Indo-Pak subcontinent, especially the Mental Health Act in Pakistan, and asserts that the act has limitation that serve as a barrier to mental health services currently provided in Pakistan. The purpose of this article is to identify the mental health legislation in a developing country like Pakistan. It also emphasizes the need of a modern mental health law that provides priority to protect the rights of patient with mental disorder to promote development of community based care and improves its access.
Recruitment and remilitarization

Sarah Zukerman Daly’s Organized Violence after Civil War: The Geography of Recruitment in Latin America poses an important and timely question for scholars of political violence: following peace ag...
Perforin-2 Permeabilizes the Envelope of Phagocytosed Bacteria

Perforin-2, the product of the MPEG1 gene, limits the spread and dissemination of bacterial pathogens in vivo. It is highly expressed in murine and human phagocytes, and macrophages lacking Perforin-2 are compromised in their ability to kill phagocytosed bacteria. In this study we used Salmonella typhimurium as a model intracellular pathogen to elucidate the mechanism of Perforin-29s bactericidal activity. In vitro Perforin-2 was found to facilitate the degradation of antigens contained within the envelope of phagocytosed bacteria. In contrast, degradation of a representative surface antigen was found to be independent of Perforin-2. Consistent with our in vitro results a protease sensitive, periplasmic superoxide disumutase (SodCII) contributed to the virulence of S. typhimurium in Perforin-2 knockout but not wild-type mice. In aggregate our studies indicate that Perforin-2 breaches the envelope of phagocytosed bacteria facilitating the delivery of proteases and other antimicrobial effectors to sites within the bacterial envelope.
Essential E-Learning and M-Learning Methods for Teaching Anatomy

Computer assisted e-learning has become a vital, integral part of teaching anatomy, virtually independent of type of curriculum. The rapid student adoption of personal mobile computing technology has promoted the development of online instructional resources that support more ubiquitous—learn anywhere—methods. This chapter covers practical e-learning in the context of different types of health sciences curricula and the basic methods and tools that anatomists can use to produce resources to suit various curricular models. Specific attention is given to fundamental word and image processing, presentation media, portable document and media formats, ebooks, video, Web design, virtual anatomy and other simulation methods, quizzes and self-assessment, and integrated self-learning modules. Learning management systems are presented as institutional media channels for e-learning distribution and communications, while emphasizing the importance of dedicated Web services for hosting and organizing crucial anatomy learning resources and activities. Finally, the effects of student diversity are considered in the context of e-learning effectiveness and educational research, along with perspectives for continuing e-learning research and development in an environment increasingly stressing revolutionary changes through online technologies.
CircuitTSAT: a solver for large instances of the disjunctive temporal problem

In this paper, we report on a new solver for large instances of the Disjunctive Temporal Problem (DTP). Our solver is based primarily on the idea of employing "compact" circuit-based representations of disjunctive temporal constraints (akin to ripple-carry adders used in computer arithmetic operations). These circuit-based representations are in turn converted to CNF clauses of a SAT instance, and a powerful SAT solver is subsequently employed to efficiently solve the resulting SAT instance. We refer to this efficient DTP solver as "CircuitTSAT." A thorough empirical evaluation of CircuitTSAT shows that it significantly outperforms TSAT++ and Yices on a wide range of DTP instances. We also comment on the generality of our approach and its potential usefulness in dealing with more expressive constraints.
Management of Lacerations and Avulsion Injuries of the Foot and Pastern Region and Hoof Wall Cracks

The causes, clinical signs and various approaches to treatment of injuries involving the foot and pastern regions are reviewed, and the prognosis for each type of injury is discussed.
Energy-aware Persistent Coverage and Intruder Interception in 3D Dynamic Environments

This paper considers the persistent coverage of a 2-D manifold that has been embedded in 3-D space. The manifold is subject to continual collisions by intruders that are generated with random trajectories. The trajectories of intruders are estimated online with an extended Kalman filter and their predicted impact points contribute normally distributed decay terms to the coverage map. A formal hybrid control strategy is presented that allows for power-constrained 3-D free-flyer agents to persistently monitor the domain, track and intercept intruders, and periodically deploy from and return to a single charging station on the manifold. Guarantees on intruder interception with respect to agent power lifespans are formally proven. The efficacy of the algorithm is demonstrated through simulation.
Isolated Tricuspid Valvectomy: A Series of cases with Intravenous Drug Abuse Associated Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis.

Introduction Surgical management for tricuspid valve (TV) endocarditis is usually TV repair or replacement. When repair is not feasible, and concerns for patient recidivism preclude TV replacement, tricuspid valvectomy without replacement is an option to alleviate symptoms and allow time for addiction management. Methods We reviewed our institution's experience with isolated tricuspid valvectomy for cases of intravenous drug use (IVDU)-associated endocarditis (n = 7) from 2009 to 2017. Results The decision for tricuspid valvectomy was based on each patient's comorbid condition and realization of active IVDU. This intervention resulted in 100% perioperative and mid-term survival with a mean follow-up of 25.4 months. One patient required a valve replacement in the long term only after appropriate substance abuse management was completed. Conclusion Cardiac surgeons increasingly encounter patients with active endocarditis who suffer from IVDU addiction. Drug addiction increases the risk for recurrent endocarditis and requires an effective management plan. Multidisciplinary endocarditis care teams may play a pivotal role in improving outcomes by better addressing addiction treatment.
Superconditioning TMS unmasks latent voluntary innervation in MND – A case report

Abstract Motor neuron disease (MND) includes both ALS and Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA) as variants. Abnormalities in brain excitability and upper motor neuron (UMN) function are characteristic of ALS, but by definition are absent in PMA. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be useful in demonstrating UMN pathology, but loss of muscle responsiveness with disease progression limits its usefulness in later stages of MND. We have developed a novel form of TMS comprised of 4 stimulating pulses that can enhance MEPs in target muscles already responding to traditional TMS inputs, in some cases even restoring MEPs in target muscles rendered unresponsive by the disease. An example of restored MEPs in response to this superconditioning TMS pattern (TMSsc) in a person with PMA is described, along with an unexpected finding. Despite a prolonged (> 5 year) history of movement paralysis in his right tibialis anterior (TA), immediately after cessation of TMSsc delivery the subject could now easily contract and relax this muscle; the presence of a latent pathway for voluntary innervation of his right TA was revealed. This modulation of central motor functional connectivity in response to TMSsc suggests a further, clinically-significant benefit of this form of noninvasive brain stimulation beyond its ability to enhance MEPs to traditional TMS inputs.
Crime Trends and Debates

The reasons offered by criminologists for the greatest crime decline in the twentieth century, occurring between the early 1990s and 2000, have been varied and have led to a number of debates in the field. The crime decline during this period, explanations offered to account for this trend and related debates are the focus of this article. We discuss the demographic influence of age structure and ethnic immigration, incarceration, police forces and strategies, the waning crack-cocaine markets, the economy and abortion laws. No one of these by itself can account for the crime decline; but they all likely contributed to some extent.
Community Integration in Traumatic Brain Injury: The Contributing Factor of Affect Recognition Deficits.

Objective: Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) can experience social isolation, which is damaging to well-being and counterproductive to successful rehabilitation. It has been proposed that social cognitive deficits that commonly result from TBI may contribute to weakened social integration. However, the consequences of specific social cognitive deficits in TBI are still being delineated. The current work sought to better characterize the relationship between community integration and facial affect recognition (FAR) in TBI. Participants and Methods: A total of 27 participants with moderate to severe TBI and 30 healthy controls (HCs) completed two tests of FAR, which employed either static photographic stimuli or dynamic video stimuli (The Awareness of Social Inference Test). The Community Integration Questionnaire was also administered to participants. Results: Participants with TBI were significantly impaired on both the static and dynamic FAR measures, yet the deficits were most pronounced within the dynamic task. Furthermore, participants with TBI reported lower community integration compared with HCs. FAR was positively associated with community integration in both groups, such that participants with proficient affect recognition skills were better integrated into their communities. Conclusions: FAR deficits may contribute to the lack of community integration often observed in TBI; thus, interventions designed to improve FAR may be beneficial to this population’s ability to successfully reintegrate into society.
Hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias

Abstract Hemoglobinopathies are inherited structural disorders of hemoglobin. Thalassemia is reduced rate of globin chain synthesis. There are over a thousand different types of hemoglobinopathies. Most are clinically insignificant. The wide variation of clinical manifestation of these disorders is attributable to both genetic and environmental factors. Some hemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell disease, once a fatal disorder of childhood, is now treatable with hydroxyurea or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Hemoglobinopathies are transmitted in autosomal recessive fashion. Therefore, carriers who have one affected chromosome and one normal chromosome are usually healthy or slightly anemic. When both parents are carriers, then children have 25% chance of being normal, 25% chance of being severely affected by the disease, and 50% chance of being normal. Hemoglobinopathies are caused by inherent mutation of genes coded for globin synthesis. Point mutation of the gene in coding region (exons), which cause production of defective globin that results in formation of abnormal hemoglobin (hemoglobin variants). Thalassemia syndrome is not due to structural defect in globin chain but due to lack of sufficient synthesis of globin chain and is also a genetically inherited disease. This is due to mutations that disrupt gene expression. When there is reduced amount of alpha chain synthesis, the condition is termed as alpha thalassemia. When beta chain synthesis is reduced the condition is termed as beta thalassemia. Similarly, we have delta and delta beta thalassemia. Of these, alpha and beta thalassemias are seen most often.
Deficient Active Transport Activity in Healing Mucosa After Mild Gastric Epithelial Damage

Peptic ulcers recur, suggesting that ulcer healing may leave tissue predisposed to subsequent damage. In mice, we have identified that the regenerated epithelium found after ulcer healing will remain abnormal for months after healing. To determine whether healed gastric mucosa has altered epithelial function, as measured by electrophysiologic parameters. Ulcers were induced in mouse gastric corpus by serosal local application of acetic acid. Thirty days or 8 months after ulcer induction, tissue was mounted in an Ussing chamber. Transepithelial electrophysiologic parameters (short-circuit current, Isc. resistance, R) were compared between the regenerated healed ulcer region and the non-ulcerated contralateral region, in response to luminal hyperosmolar NaCl challenge (0.5 M). In unperturbed stomach, luminal application of hyperosmolar NaCl transiently dropped Isc followed by gradual recovery over 2 h. Compared to the starting baseline Isc, percent Isc recovery was reduced in 30-day healing mucosa, but not at 8 months. Prior to NaCl challenge, a lower baseline Isc was observed in trefoil factor 2 (TFF2) knockout (KO) versus wild type (WT), with no Isc recovery in either non-ulcerated or healing mucosa of KO. Inhibiting Na/H exchanger (NHE) transport in WT mucosa inhibited Isc recovery in response to luminal challenge. NHE2-KO baseline Isc was reduced versus NHE2-WT. In murine gastric organoids, NHE inhibition slowed recovery of intracellular pH and delayed the repair of photic induced damage. Healing gastric mucosa has deficient electrophysiological recovery in response to hypertonic NaCl. TFF2 and NHE2 contribute to Isc regulation, and the recovery and healing of transepithelial function.
Outpatient dermatology consultations for oncology patients with acute dermatologic adverse events impact anticancer therapy interruption: a retrospective study.

Background Dermatologic adverse events (dAEs) of anticancer therapies may negatively impact dosing and quality of life. While therapy interruption patterns due to dAEs have been studied in hospitalized cancer patients, similar outcomes in outpatient oncodermatology are lacking. Objectives To analyse the therapy interruption patterns, clinico-histopathologic characteristics and management outcomes of outpatient dermatology consultations for acute dAEs attributed to the most frequently interrupted class of oncologic agents. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of all cancer patients who received a same-day outpatient dermatology consultation for acute dAEs at our institution from 1 January to 30 June 2015. Relevant data were abstracted from electronic medical records, including demographics, oncologic history and explicit recommendations by both the referring clinician and consulting dermatologist on anticancer therapy interruption. Consultations with the most frequently interrupted class of oncologic treatment were characterized according to clinico-histopathologic features, dermatologic management and clinical outcomes. Results There were 426 same-day outpatient dermatology consultations (median age 59, 60% female, 30% breast cancer), of which 295 (69%) had systemic anticancer therapy administered within 30 days prior. There was weak inter-rater agreement between referring clinicians and consulting dermatologists on interruption of anticancer treatment (n = 150, κ = 0.096; 95% CI -0.02 to 0.21). Seventy-three (25%) consultations involved interruption by the referring clinician, most commonly targeted therapy (24, 33%). Maculopapular rash was commonly observed in 23 consultations with 25 dAEs attributed to targeted agents (48%), and topical corticosteroids were most frequently utilized for management (22, 38%). The majority (83%) of consultations with targeted therapy-induced dAEs responded to dermatologic treatment and 84% resumed oncologic therapy, although three (19%) at a reduced dose. Rash recurred only in two instances (13%). Conclusions A high frequency of positive outcomes in the management of targeted therapy-induced dAEs by outpatient consulting dermatologists and low recurrence of skin toxicity suggests impactful reductions in interruption of anticancer therapy.
Non-Markovian dephasing of disordered quasi-one-dimensional fermion systems

As a potential window on transitions out of the ergodic, many-body-delocalized phase, we study the dephasing of weakly disordered, quasi-one-dimensional fermion systems due to a diffusive, non-Markovian noise bath. Such a bath is self-generated by the fermions, via inelastic scattering mediated by short-ranged interactions. We calculate the dephasing of weak localization perturbatively through second order in the bath coupling. However, the expansion breaks down at long times, and is not stabilized by including a mean-field decay rate, signaling a failure of the self-consistent Born approximation. We also consider a many-channel quantum wire where short-ranged, spin-exchange interactions coexist with screened Coulomb interactions. We calculate the dephasing rate, treating the short-ranged interactions perturbatively and the Coulomb interaction exactly. The latter provides a physical infrared regularization that stabilizes perturbation theory at long times, giving the first controlled calculation of quasi-1D dephasing due to diffusive noise. At first order in the diffusive bath coupling, we find an enhancement of the dephasing rate, but at second order we find a rephasing contribution. Our results differ qualitatively from those obtained via self-consistent calculations and are relevant in two different contexts. First, in the search for precursors to many-body localization in the ergodic phase. Second, our results provide a mechanism for the enhancement of dephasing at low temperatures in spin SU(2)-symmetric quantum wires, beyond the Altshuler-Aronov-Khmelnitsky result. The enhancement is possible due to the amplification of the triplet-channel interaction strength, and provides an additional mechanism that could contribute to the experimentally observed low-temperature saturation of the dephasing time.
Pareto Boundary Maps

This chapter discusses the Pareto boundary maps. Rather than a single method, Pareto boundary maps refer to a whole class of methods that first aggregate a problem's multiple objective functions into a single objective, and then systematically vary the parameters of scalarization while optimizing the resulting functions to generate a series of candidate solutions. Such methods can be thought of as exploring the non-inferior set in objective function space by parameterizing it using a mapping. The reason for resorting to the parameterization is that the characteristic irregularity of the non-inferior set makes it difficult to explore directly. With an appropriate parameterization, this obstacle is circumvented. The non-inferior set is explored indirectly by navigating around the much more amenable structure of the parameterization. While any number of parameterizations will work, the chosen one must satisfy some requirements if it is to successfully perform its navigational function. The parameter set must have a simple, a priori visible structure. Moreover, there must be a one-to-one mapping between parameter values and corresponding non-inferior values.
Buckling of Complete Spherical Shells under Slightly Nonuniform Loads

This chapter discusses buckling of complete spherical shells under slightly nonuniform load. It presents the study of the axisymmetric deformations of a complete thin spherical shell subject to external loads, of the form p(θ) = p_0 + τ d(θ); θ is the latitude and τ measures the deviation of the load from a uniform pressure, p_0. The techniques for solving this and a broad class of related problems are quite new and particularly relevant in elasticity theory. Estimates of the error in any iterate can be given and the results also show that some specific perturbation schemes actually yield asymptotic results. The problem is formulated in the chapter based on a modification of the equations. The chapter presents the analysis that is applied to this finite case is elementary and easily shows how these methods yield a rigorous treatment using only the first two variations of the energy functional.
Double-Shell Lignin Nanocapsules Are a Stable Vehicle for Fungicide Encapsulation and Release

Industry is increasingly turning to biobased and environmentally benign materials for use in high-value applications. Kraft lignin’s low cost and inherent properties, such as its easily tunable amp...
Dimensions of Variation in Chemistry Instructors’ Approaches to the Evaluation and Grading of Student Responses

Chemistry faculty instructors (FIs) and graduate student instructors (GSIs) regularly engage in the evaluation and grading of student responses in formal formative and summative assessments. In this study, we identified dimensions of variation in these instructors‘ approaches to the evaluation and grading of students’ answers. Using qualitative methods of research, we conducted individual interviews in which participating chemistry FIs and GSIs were asked to evaluate and grade the same set of students’ responses to a typical exam prompt and justify their decisions. Our results indicate that an observed variability in assigned grades emerged from the complex interaction of explicit and implicit decisions made and preferences manifested along various dimensions. Our findings suggest avenues for the professional development of chemistry instructors that can help reduce grading variability.
Infection Percolation: A Dynamic Network Model of Disease Spreading

Models of disease spreading are critical for predicting infection growth in a population and evaluating public health policies. However, standard models typically represent the dynamics of disease transmission between individuals using macroscopic parameters that do not accurately represent person-to-person variability. To address this issue, we present a dynamic network model that provides a straightforward way to incorporate both disease transmission dynamics at the individual scale as well as the full spatiotemporal history of infection at the population scale. We find that disease spreads through a social network as a traveling wave of infection, followed by a traveling wave of recovery, with the onset and dynamics of spreading determined by the interplay between disease transmission and recovery. We use these insights to develop a scaling theory that predicts the dynamics of infection for diverse diseases and populations. Furthermore, we show how spatial heterogeneities in susceptibility to infection can either exacerbate or quell the spread of disease, depending on its infectivity. Ultimately, our dynamic network approach provides a simple way to model disease spreading that unifies previous findings and can be generalized to diverse diseases, containment strategies, seasonal conditions, and community structures.
Local brand entry and incumbent variety response: evidence from the ice cream market

We investigate incumbent brands’ response to entry and increased competition in a large retail setting. We extend the nonprice competition and manufacturer stocking literatures by examining if incumbent brands increase quality, specifically increasing the number of varieties (product-line length), in response to entry of a new local brand in the ice cream market. We use the entry of a new, local, super-premium ice cream brand in a large supermarket chain as a quasi-natural experiment and empirically examine if incumbent ice cream brands increased the product-line length in stores carrying the new brand. Using Poisson difference-in-differences estimators, we find that incumbent brands increased the number of varieties offered by 0.9 (3 percent) after the new brand's entry, with most of the responses coming from super-premium ice cream, which increased the number of varieties offered by 2.9 (12 percent) product choices. These findings contribute new insights into quality changes, manufacturer stocking decisions, and nonprice competition associated with entry of a local brand into the food retail sector.
Basement Membrane Protein Secretion is Directed to a Basal Region of the Basolateral Membrane in Epithelial Cells by Kinesin-3 and Kinesin-1 Motors

Epithelial tissues are lined with a sheet-like basement membrane (BM) extracellular matrix at their basal surfaces that plays essential roles in adhesion and signaling. BMs also provide mechanical support to guide morphogenesis. Despite their importance, we know little about how epithelial cells secrete and assemble BMs during development. BM proteins are sorted into a basolateral secretory pathway distinct from other basolateral proteins. Because BM proteins self-assemble into networks and the BM lines only a small portion of the basolateral domain, we hypothesized that the site of BM protein secretion might be tightly controlled. Using the Drosophila follicular epithelium, we show that kinesin-3 and kinesin-1 motors work together to define this secretion site. Like all epithelia, the follicle cells have a polarized microtubule (MT) array along their apical-basal axes. Since these cells collectively migrate, they also have a polarized MT array along the migratory axis at the basal surface. We find these two MT arrays are interconnected, which allows kinesins to transport Rab10+ BM secretory vesicles both basally and to the trailing edge of each cell. This positions them near the basal surface and the basal-most region of the lateral domain for exocytosis. When kinesin transport is disrupted, the site of BM protein secretion is expanded, and ectopic BM networks form between cells that impede migration and disrupt tissue architecture. These results show how epithelial cells can define a subdomain on their basolateral surface through MT-based transport and highlight the importance of controlling the exocytic site of network-forming proteins.
4-Bromo-2-(5-bromo­thio­phen-2-yl)-1-[(5-bromo­thio­phen-2-yl)meth­yl]-5,6-dimethyl-1H-benzimidazole

The title compound, C18H13Br3N2S2, was obtained via the reaction of N-bromo­succinamide with 5,6-dimethyl-2-(thio­phen-2-yl)-1-[(thio­phen-2-yl)meth­yl]-1H-benzimidazole. The compound exhibits rotational disorder of the 5-bromo­thio­phen-2-yl substituent with a refined major:minor occupancy ratio of 0.876 (7):0.124 (7). The 5-bromo­thio­phen-2-yl mean plane is canted to the benzimidazole plane by 20.0 (4) and 21 (4)° in the major and minor components, respectively. In the crystal, weak C—H⋯N inter­actions link the mol­ecules into infinite C(7) chains along the 21 axes.
Stalking on Campus: The Prevalence and Strategies for Coping with Stalking

This epidemiological study explored the prevalence of stalkers and stalking victims among college students. Two questionnaires (one assessing the behaviors of those who stalk others, and the other assessing victims of stalking) were administered to 294 college undergraduates. The questionnaires were then revised and readministered to 299 undergraduates. Thirty percent of the female students and 17% of the males reported having been stalked; 80% reported that they knew their stalker (many had been previously romantically involved with the stalker). Only 1% of the subjects acknowledged having stalked someone, due perhaps to the social undesirability of this behavior. Methods of coping with being stalked were also assessed. The most common response among females was to ignore the stalker; among males it was to confront the stalker.
Development of A 3-D Eddy Current Model for Nondestructive Testing Phenomena

The success of two-dimensional eddy current models for modeling a variety of important nondestructive testing situations has been reported elsewhere1-3. These models, based on the finite element method, are limited to two-dimensional and axisymmetric geometries but, nevertheless are quite capable of providing important data for many practical test geometries which can be approximated by 2-D or axisymmetric formulations. The general NDT problem, is, however, a true three-dimensional problem and must be modeled as such. A 3-D eddy current model is, therefore, a natural and obvious extension of the 2-D modeling capabilities available today. Such a model is particularly valuable since the interaction between applied fields, induced currents and complicated material discontinuities cannot be described by closed form equations nor can they be approximated by 2-D geometries. In addition, such situations cannot be replicated experimentally and, therefore, the numerical model is in many cases the only practical way to provide training data for signal processing equipment and algorithms and indeed, the only way to determine defect characterization parameters to aid in the design of eddy current probes and testing equipment.
In situ bacterial selenate reduction in the agricultural drainage systems of western Nevada

Dissimilatory in situ selenate reduction to elemental selenium in sediments from irrigated agricultural drainage regions of western Nevada was measured at ambient Se oxyanion concentrations. Selenate reduction was rapid, with turnover rate constants ranging from 0.04 to 1.8 h-1 at total Se concentrations in pore water of 13 to 455 nM. Estimates of removal rates of selenium oxyanions were 14.38, and 155 mumol m-2 day-1 for South Lead Lake, Massie Slough, and Hunter Drain, respectively.
On-chip combined C-V/I-V transistor characterization system in 45-nm CMOS

An on-chip transistor characterization system for combined C-V/I-V characterization is presented. Capacitance measurement uses a quasi-static charged-based measurement technique with atto-Farad resolution. Random and systematic variability in device I-V and C-V characteristics is studied. The random variability in intrinsic gate capacitance is shown to exhibit Pelgrom scaling. Correlation between I-V and C-V measurements is used to identify systematic channel-length variation gradients in a device array.
Alterations in proximal femur geometry in children treated with glucocorticoids for Crohn disease or nephrotic syndrome: impact of the underlying disease.

Proximal femur geometry was assessed in children and young adults treated with chronic GCs for CD or SSNS. Subperiosteal width and section modulus were significantly lower in CD and greater in SSNS compared with controls, highlighting the importance of the underlying disease, persistent inflammation, and alterations in lean mass. Introduction: The impact of glucocorticoid (GC) therapy on bone structure during growth is unknown. Our objective was to characterize proximal femur geometry in children and young adults with Crohn disease (CD) or steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) compared with controls and to evaluate the influence of lean mass and GC therapy on bone parameters. Materials and Methods: DXA scans of the hip and whole body were obtained in 88 subjects with CD, 65 subjects with SSNS, and 128 controls (4–26 years of age). Hip structural analysis parameters (subperiosteal width, cross-sectional area [CSA], and section modulus in the narrow neck [NN], intertrochanteric region [IT], and femoral shaft [FS]), areal BMD, and whole body lean mass were expressed as Z scores compared with controls. Multivariable linear regression was used to adjust outcomes for group differences in age, sex, race, and height. Results: Mean lean mass Z scores were lower in CD (−0.63, p 0.2) compared with controls. In CD, Z scores for subperiosteal width (NN: −1.66, p < 0.001; FS: −0.86, p < 0.001) and section modulus (NN: −0.60, p = 0.003; FS: –0.36, p = 0.03) were significantly lower than controls. In contrast, in SSNS, Z scores were greater for IT subperiosteal width (0.39, p = 0.02), FS CSA (0.47, p = 0.005), and FS section modulus (0.49, p = 0.004). Alterations in section modulus in CD and SSNS were eliminated after adjustment for lean mass. Cumulative GC dose was inversely associated with FS subperiosteal width and section modulus only in CD. Conclusions: These data show that the effects of GC on proximal femur geometry during growth are influenced by the underlying disease, persistent inflammation, and alterations in lean mass. These data also provide insight into the structural basis of hip fragility in CD.
Functional approximation of planar curves via adaptive segmentation

A now method of piece-wise linear functional approximation of planar curves is introduced. This method is baaed on an adaptive segmentation procedure that alleviates the need for segment number estimation and error norm minimization. It is shown that this approach results in a higher computational efficiency than existing methods with comparable accuracy
A Transformational Model of VLSI Systolic Design

The major contribution of this work is a transformational model of systolic design. In this design model, software transformations are first applied to put the algorithm to be implemented into a regular form conducive to systolic implementation. The steps of allocating operations to hardware, scheduling their execution, and optimizing the design are then performed bottom-up, starting with the innermost blocks of the algorithm. We have successfully used this model to rederive several published designs, and it appears suitable for designing complex systolic arrays. This model may help guide manual design, explain systolic algorithms, or capture the design process in the machine where it can benefit from effective automated support.
Spin label studies of oriented phospholipids: egg lecithin.

Abstract : Intercalation of a rigid spin label into phospholipid films provides a new approach to obtaining information about the extent of orientation and motional freedom of the lipid components and the effects of cholesterol. The data obtained in such model systems will be useful in providing the background necessary to interpret results in biological systems where orientation effects have been observed. The observation that an adduct such as cholesterol can cause changes in the ESR spectra raises the possibility that the mode of action of other materials which are known to affect membrane properties, for example, antibiotics and anesthetics, could be studied using this technique. (Author)