cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed Knowledge Coordination across Virtual Organizational Boundaries

This paper examines boundary-spanning knowledge-coordination in the definition of information systems by the e-Commerce systems group for a global service consultancy. We report on the findings of an eighteen-month field study to investigate distributed and virtual knowledge coordination across organizational boundaries. Our study reveals multiple ways in which knowledge is coordinated by means of a web of functional and domain-expert roles, distributed knowledge-resources, and imposed or negotiated procedures. We identify a “problemcoordination distance” that relates to the organizational-span of coordination and the type of problems to be resolved. We observe that different forms of group memory are used to manage boundary-spanning collaboration according to three degrees of problem-coordination-distance. These findings are related to the potential use of knowledge management systems to support boundary-spanning coordination for enterprise managers in virtual organizations.
Chronically raised glucocorticoids reduce innate immune function in Belding's ground squirrels (Urocitellus beldingi) after an immune challenge.

The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis releases glucocorticoids (GCs), or stress hormones, during the vertebrate stress response. GCs can both enhance and suppress the immune system depending on whether the experienced stressor is acute or chronic and what aspect of immune function is measured. More research is needed to fully understand how the immune system reacts to stressors. In this study, we examined the effects of chronically raised GCs on innate immune function in Belding’s ground squirrels (Urocitellus beldingi). We measured immune function with a bacteria killing ability (BKA) assay, an integrative and functional assessment of an animal’s ability to clear a bacterial infection. All studies to date have examined how acute stressors or repeated social stressors impact BKA. This study is the first to our knowledge to investigate how chronically raised GCs impact BKA both before and after an immune challenge. We noninvasively raised GCs in treatment squirrels for six days and then gave them, and a group of untreated (control) squirrels, an injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to stimulate their innate immune system. Treatment squirrels exhibited lower BKA after, but not before, being challenged with LPS. These results suggest that experiencing chronic stress may not be detrimental to immune functioning until an individual is challenged with an infection.
A reflectometer calibration method resistant to waveguide flange misalignment

A new reflectometer calibration method is described that utilizes four standards: a flush short, two delay shorts with unspecified but different phases, and an open-ended waveguide. The calibration method eliminates the requirement for a precision waveguide matched load, which can be problematic to realize at submillimeter wavelengths. Importantly, it is shown that the technique is resistant to waveguide flange misalignment, which is among the most serious factors that degrade the calibration accuracy of vector network analyzers operating above 100 GHz. Scaled measurements using this method have been performed in the W-band (75-110 GHz) where it is readily compared to other calibration methods such as thru reflect line to assess its utility and performance. Measurement results demonstrate the robustness of this new calibration method and have verified it is superior to the commonly utilized short/delayed-short/load technique with respect to the influence of waveguide flange misalignment
Single layer fluropolymer resists for 157-nm lithography

ABSTRACT We have developed a family of 157 nm resists that utilize fluorinated terpolymer resins composed of 1) tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), 2) a norbornene fluoroalcohol (NBFOH), and 3) t-butyl acrylate (t-BA). TFE incorporation reduces optical absorbance at 157 nm, while the presence of a norbornene functionalized with hexafluoroisopropanol groups contributes to aqueous base (developer) solubility and etch resistance. The t-butyl acrylate is the acid-catalyzed deprotection switch that provides the necessary contrast for high resolution 157 nm imaging. 157 nm optical absorbances of these resists depend strongly upon the amount of t-BA in the polymers, with the TFE/NBFOH dipolymers (which do not contain t-BA) exhibiting an absorbance lower than 0.6 m -1 . The presence of greater amounts of t-BA increases the absorbance, but also enhances the dissolution rate of the polymer after deprotection, yielding higher resist contrast. Formulated resists based upon these fluorinated terpolymer resins have been imaged at International Sematech, using the 157 nm Exitech microstepper with either 0.6 NA or 0.85 NA optics. We have carefully explored the relationship between imaging performance, resist contrast, optical absorbance, and t-BA content of these terpolymer resist resins, and describe those results in this cont ribution. Keywords : 157 nm photoresists, fluoropolymers, tetrafluoroethylene, optical absorbance, lithographic performance, etch resistance
International consensus guidelines for surgical resection of mucinous neoplasms cannot be applied to all cystic lesions of the pancreas.

Background & Aims International consensus guidelines, aimed at predicting malignancy, are available for surgical resection of mucinous cysts but not for other cystic lesions of the pancreas. We sought to determine whether the consensus guidelines can be applied to all cystic lesions of the pancreas. Methods We identified all patients who underwent surgical resection of pancreatic cysts from 2001–2007. Pathology analyses of surgical specimens served as the reference standard. Surgical resection criteria proposed by the Sendai Guidelines and 5 modifications of these criteria were tested to determine their accuracy for diagnosis of malignant cysts. Results Patients with cystic lesions of the pancreas (n = 154; mean age, 59.8 years; 64% women) underwent resection and met prespecified study criteria. Twenty-one patients had a malignancy. The classification cyst size ≥3 cm had an accuracy of 56%, negative predictive value of 84%, and identified only 57% of the malignant cysts. The classification cyst size ≥3 cm or cyst with main pancreatic duct ≥10 mm had an accuracy of 55%, negative predictive value of 86%, and identified 66% of malignant cysts. The modified criterion of cyst size ≥3 cm or cyst with main pancreatic duct >3 mm had an accuracy of 48%, negative predictive value of 94%, and identified 91% (19/21) of the malignancies. Cyst size (odds ratio, 1.05) and pancreatic duct dilation >3 mm (odds ratio, 10.5) were strong and independent predictors of malignancy. Conclusions When applied to all cystic lesions of the pancreas, the international consensus criteria cause some malignant cysts to be missed. Modified criteria could identify most malignant cysts, although overall accuracy remains low.
Characterization of stretch-activated cation current in coronary smooth muscle cells

Stretch-activated ion currents were recorded from vascular smooth muscle (VSM) after enzymatic isolation of single cells from porcine coronary arterioles. Patch pipettes were used to record whole c...
New optical method for determining Poisson’s ratio/Young’s modulus for transparent materials

In this study, an optical method is developed for the determination of the mechanical properties of polymers. The proposed method utilized the transmitted and reflected caustics. Thus, it can be used in a typical optical stress analysis laboratory. The mechanical properties of an optically isotropic material are determined using thin specimens with a central hole that are loaded in tension. The diffraction effects were considered using a digital image-analysis system. The effect of the hole size on the determination of the mechanical property is investigated. Excellent results were obtained using the proposed method.
Airborne bathymetric charting using pulsed blue-green lasers.

Laboratory and airborne experiments have proven the feasibility and demonstrated the techniques of an airborne pulsed laser system for rapidly mapping coastal water bathymetry. Water depths of 10 plus or minus 0.25 m were recorded in waters having an effective attenuation coefficient of 0.175 m. A 2-MW peak power Nd:YAG pulsed laser was flown at an altitude of 600 m. An advanced system, incorporating a mirror scanner, a high pulsed rate laser, and a good signal processor, could survey coastal zones at the rate of several square miles per hour.
Egg and seed removal at urban and suburban forest edges

Predation rates of natural and artificial bird nests in rural landscapes have been the subject of numerous studies, often in the context of proximity to edge. Similar studies in urban and suburban landscapes are lacking. We carried out a study of egg and seed removal at forest reserve edges in three urban and two suburban forests in and near New York City in 1994-1995. Few significant edge effects were found, but this may have been because of the extraordinarily high rates of egg and seed removal. Daily removal rates were higher in suburban sites (eggs, 86%; seeds, 95%) than in urban sites (eggs, 64%; seeds, 88%). Exposed seeds and eggs suffered higher rates of removal than seeds and eggs covered by leaf litter. Despite statistically significant differences among treatments, all of these rates would be prohibitively high if experienced by ground-nesting birds or large-seeded trees (if removal was associated with predation). A survey of the literature suggests that egg predation rates are prohibitively high in cities and peak in suburban sites (at least in this study), then drop rapidly in ex-urban and rural sites, perhaps because of a similar pattern in the abundance of corvid bird predators.
Back to Malyan

Dans cet article l'A rend compte des recherches effectuees sur le site de Malyan en Iran. Les fouilles ont permis de mettre a jour une ville fortifiee. L'A presente les principales structures du site et le materiel archeologique decouvert.
Sharing Rules and Individual Incentives: Implications to Collaboration

Economic agents collaborate and jointly produce value in a variety of contexts. Oftentimes, the application of an implicit or explicit “sharing rule” determines how this created value is allocated between the collaborators. The current article examines how the broader collaboration patterns in a population arise as a result of the individual incentives provided by these sharing rules. Our analytical model reveals that sharing rules result in (i) (relative) homophily in the groups wherein group members are less likely to collaborate with people outside the group, (ii) decreased collaboration in the population as a whole, and (iii) decreased collaboration among the group that is (systematically) disadvantaged by the sharing rule. Finally, we use US patenting data to offer an empirical test, and we offer evidence that sharing rules influence collaboration patterns in patenting as predicted by our model.
Integrated Chip-Scale Prediction of Copper Interconnect Topography

In this work, we present an integrated prediction of thickness variations in electroplating and chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) processes across an entire chip for random layouts. We achieve chip-scale prediction by first calibrating both electroplating and CMP models with experimental data using the same test mask. Using the calibrated plating model in conjunction with a discretized and binned layout extraction for a random chip layout, a prediction of plated copper topography is then performed. Finally, using the plated thickness prediction as the initial condition, the CMP model predicts the dishing and erosion across the chip. Layout geometry extraction for each discretized region of a chip as well as layout parameter manipulation and model output integration are all critical elements, in addition to the model development itself, enabling the integrated chip-scale prediction of final copper interconnect thickness variation.
Water oxidation investigated by rapid-scan FT-IR spectroscopy

Oxidation of water provides the electrons and protons needed for the generation of fuels in any solar fuel system. In order to guide catalyst performance improvement, knowledge of the detailed mechanism of the four-electron oxidation of water to oxygen at the elementary step level is required. This has proved especially challenging for robust, Earth abundant metal oxide catalysts. Electrokinetic methods and ex situ or in situ steady state spectroscopy have revealed some insights into rate limiting steps or structural phase transformations of the catalyst under applied potential. Recent observation of surface reaction intermediates with rapid-scan FT-IR spectroscopy under reaction conditions with temporal resolution of milliseconds has allowed to establish the molecular structure and kinetic relevancy of transient species, and to identify their role in the catalytic cycle.
A Feasibility Study to Test Structure Integrity by Infrared Scanning Technique

A feasibility study is made to test structure integrity using the infrared scanning technique. The method is based on the concept that the heat flow inside a structure depends on the thermal resistance where thermal gradient exists; any flaws such as cracks, dislocations, delaminations and unbounds will increase the local thermal resistance, thereby changing the thermal patterns visualized on the surface of the structure. The instrument used for infrared scanning consists primarily of an infrared camera of AGA Thermovision System 680. To facilitate analyzing thermal patterns, the camera is operated in the isotherm mode. The transient isotherm pictures are used for analysis.
Combined detection of infection markers in early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis

Objective:To investigate the application value of leukocyte surface antigens CD64,serum procalcitonin(PCT)and hs-CRP in the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.Methods:A total of 200 patients were divided into sepsis group(n=100)and non-infection group(n=100),and the leukocyte surface antigens CD64,PCT and hs-CRP were measured before the use of antibiotics.The three markers were measured again 7days after treatment for 50sepsis patients in effective remedy as recovery group. The CD64,PCT and hs-CRP were detected by FCM,ECLIA and nephelometry,respectively.Results: The levels of CD64,PCT and hs-CRP in the sepsis group were higher than those in non-infection group(P0.05),and were decreased significantly in the recovery group compared with the sepsis group(P 0.05).Compared with any single measurement,the sensitivity,specificity,positive predict value(PPV), negative predict value(NPV)and Youden index of combined detection were apparently increased.Conclusion:The combined detection of CD64,PCT and hs-CRP may be useful for the early diagnosis and curative effect evaluation of neonatal sepsis.
Diagnostic Evaluation of Hirsutism in Women by Selective Bilateral Adrenal and Ovarian Venous Catheterization

To determine the most significant secretory source of their androgens, 13 hirsute nonvirilized women underwent selective bilateral adrenal and ovarian venous catheterization to obtain effluent blood for the assay of testosterone and Δ 4 -androstenedione. In three patients the testosterone and Δ 4 -androstenedione gradients were significantly greater in the adrenal venous effluents. Testosterone and Δ 4 -androstenedione gradients were significantly greater in the ovarian venous effluents in four patients. In six patients there were no significant differences in the testosterone gradients between the adrenal and ovarian venous effluents. The Δ 4 -androstenedione gradients were greater in the adrenal venous effluents in three of these patients, greater in the ovarian venous effluents in one, and not significantly different in two of these patients. The fact that the measurement of urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion, the suppressibility of peripheral plasma androgens with dexamethasone, and the stimulation of peripheral plasma androgens with human chorionic gonadotropin correlated poorly with the selective catheterization data suggests that the former modalities are imprecise in the diagnostic evaluation of hirsutism in women.
The effect of preoperative diagnosis on the incidence of adjacent segment disease after lumbar fusion

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of adjacent segment disease (ASD) requiring reoperation after lumbar fusion and to compare survivorship of adjacent levels according to preoperative diagnosis. METHODS Two hundred and seventy five patients who underwent instrumented posterolateral fusion of the lumbar spine without an interbody device were included. Patients were stratified by preoperative diagnoses (lumbar spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or postlaminectomy revision) and were followed for an average time of 59 months. The incidence of ASD requiring reoperation was calculated via Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis. A Cox-proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to identify the independent impact of preoperative diagnosis, age, sex, and number of segments fused on ASD development. RESULTS A total of 59 (21.5%) patients required reoperation for ASD. Following Kaplan-Meier analysis, the predicted ASD-free survival was 79.7% (95% CI, 72.3-85.3) at 5 years and 53.4% (95% CI, 40.0-65.0) at 10 years. Moreover, the incidence was not significantly different between diagnostic subgroups by the log-rank test (P=0.144). Following risk factor analysis, the only significant factor associated with ASD was increasing age (RR 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.05). Male sex, preoperative diagnosis, and the numbers of segments fused were not significantly associated with ASD. CONCLUSIONS Few studies to date have specifically investigated the influence of pre-operative diagnosis on lumbar fusion outcomes. The incidence of ASD requiring reoperation was estimated at 20.3% and 45.7% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. In this study, the incidences of ASD based on preoperative diagnosis were not significantly different between groups; the only significant risk factor was increasing age.
Infrared anisotropy of La/sub 1. 85/Sr/sub 0. 15/CuO/sub 4-//sub y/

By calculating the infrared reflectance R(..omega..) for a collection of randomly oriented crystallites, we fit the reflectance of polycrystalline La/sub 1.85/Sr/sub 0.15/CuO/sub 4-//sub y/. From this calculation, the normal state of La/sub 1.85/Sr/sub 0.15/CuO/sub 4-//sub y/ is found to be metallic in the Cu-O planes and nonmetallic out-of-plane. The deconvolution of R(..omega..) into R/sub X/ and R/sub perpendicular/ allows the anisotropy of the system to be examined and provides a method by which infrared measurements of polycrystalline materials can be interpreted.
A Brighter Tomorrow: My Thoughts

This chapter speaks to the importance of effectively assigning and delegating appropriate security authority, responsibility, and accountability across the entire corporate structure. It highlights the criticality of keeping executive management advised of security operations, programs, and capabilities, including emergency response planning, and the need for executive management to be approachable and sensitive to security needs. The importance of establishing and maintaining strong security leadership throughout the entire corporation, and gaining the full support and confidence of C-suite executives in the security decision-making process, are also emphasized. Only with a better understanding of the root causes of vulnerability creep-in; the background/history associated with safeguarding against threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences of loss; and a thorough definition of how effective the recommended strategies can be will the reader have a real appreciation for the information presented in this chapter and book. Actual case histories provide a perspective of general industry capabilities.
Pulmonary neoplasm with solitary cerebral metastasis: Results of combined excision

Twenty-two patients underwent excision of a primary pulmonary neoplasm and solitary cerebral metastasis. Six patients had metastatic tumor removed on two occasions and there was one operative death in 28 craniotomies. Seven of 22 patients (32 per cent) survived one year following craniotomy and were free of significant symptoms for one year. Survival for at least 9 months and freedom from significant symptoms was achieved in a total of 12 patients (55 per cent). Relief of severe neurologic symptoms for a minimum of 3 months was achieved in 17 patients (77 per cent). The over-all one-year survival rate was 45 per cent and the average survival period is 14 months with 3 patients still living. The following factors had a favorable bearing on the outcome: Stage I lung cancer at pulmonary resection, whole-brain radiation therapy, and a longer interval between pulmonary resection and cerebral metastasis. The experience encourages us to pursue an aggressive surgical approach to pulmonary neoplasm and solitary cerebral metastasis.
Neoplastic cellularity is associated with clinical and molecular features of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma.

Abstract Objective Most molecular analyses of high-grade serous ovarian, peritoneal and fallopian tube carcinomas (HGSC) require ≥70% tumor (neoplastic) cell nuclei. We characterized the distribution of the percentage of neoplastic nuclei (PNN) in a large cohort of HGSC and correlated PNN with clinical outcomes to determine the fraction of cases outside this range and whether this cut-off introduces selection bias. Methods Subjects were prospectively enrolled and normal and neoplastic tissues were snap-frozen. All subjects had grade 2 to 3 HGSC. Subjects that received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were excluded. PNN was determined by estimating the fraction of neoplastic nuclei relative to non-neoplastic nuclei on a representative hematoxylin and eosin stained frozen section from the primary neoplasm. Germline BRCA mutation status was determined with Sanger or BROCA sequencing. Results PNN was P =0.018). 55 subjects had germline BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations. HGSC associated with BRCA2 but not BRCA1 mutations had significantly lower PNN compared to HGSC in non-carriers (54% vs. 70%, P =0.018). Overall survival was not significantly different between subjects with P =0.858). Conclusions One-third of HGSC has PNN BRCA2 mutations. Our findings suggest a nonrandom distribution of PNN that may reflect cancer biology. Further studies exploring the stromal microenvironment are needed. Molecular analyses of HGSC selected for high PNN exclude a significant fraction of patients.
Robust fiber packaging in a scalable photonics process

We present a scalable photonics process utilizing i-line lithography to achieve 2.46dB/cm propagation losses and multiple high-performance devices. Fiber support structures are lithographically aligned to gratings, enabling durable packaging of multiple fibers on a chip.
Online English Language Learning: Theory-Based Course Design and Pedagogy.

The demand for higher education is increasing worldwide. To meet this demand, and to provide increased access, flexible forms of delivery are needed. Although online courses are criticized for a lack of interaction, when intentionally designed, they can provide learners with opportunities for collaboration that supports the achievement of desired learning outcomes. The latter may focus on only content mastery, however, rather than on specific learner needs. The diverse learners entering higher education institutions today due to widening access often need help with how to learn and particularly how to learn in an online context. Inclusion of this element in course design supports immediate and future academic success. This study illustrates how online English language courses, based on distance education, learning, and language acquisition theories and related pedagogical approaches, can result not only in improved linguistic skill, but also broader educational outcomes. The significance of this approach is its focus on how to learn and how to facilitate learning rather than simply on what to learn. The theoretical framework is introduced followed by application of the theories for course design and illustrations of instructor/learner interaction.
In vivo assessment of wound re-epithelialization by UV fluorescence excitation imaging

Background and Objectives: We have previously demonstrated the efficacy of a non-invasive, non-contact, fast and simple but robust fluorescence imaging (u-FEI) method to monitor the healing of skin wounds in vitro. This system can image highly-proliferating cellular processes (295/340 nm excitation/emission wavelengths) to study epithelialization in a cultured wound model. The objective of the current work is to evaluate the suitability of u-FEI for monitoring wound re-epithelialization in vivo. Study Design: Full-thickness wounds were created in the tail of rats and imaged weekly using u-FEI at 295/340nm excitation/emission wavelengths. Histology was used to investigate the correlation between the spatial distribution and intensity of fluorescence and the extent of wound epithelialization. In addition, the expression of the nuclear protein Ki67 was used to confirm the association between the proliferation of keratinocyte cells and the intensity of fluorescence. Results: Keratinocytes forming neo-epidermis exhibited higher fluorescence intensity than the keratinocytes not involved in re-epithelialization. In full-thickness wounds the fluorescence first appeared at the wound edge where keratinocytes initiated the epithelialization process. Fluorescence intensity increased towards the center as the keratinocytes partially covered the wound. As the wound healed, fluorescence decreased at the edges and was present only at the center as the keratinocytes completely covered the wound at day 21. Histology demonstrated that changes in fluorescence intensity from the 295/340nm band corresponded to newly formed epidermis. Conclusions: u-FEI at 295/340nm allows visualization of proliferating keratinocyte cells during re-epithelialization of wounds in vivo, potentially providing a quantitative, objective and simple method for evaluating wound closure in the clinic.
Pathogenic conversion of Foxp3+ T cells into Th1 and Th17 cells in Stromal Keratitis

Ocular infection with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) can result in a chronic immuno-inflammatory lesion that is a significant cause of human blindness. IFN-γ producing CD4 + T cells are generally considered the main orchestrators, and lesions are more severe if the regulatory T cell (Treg) response is compromised. Tregs have been shown to lose FoxP3 (Treg lineage factor) and adopt alternate lineage fates in a changing cytokine environment. Moreover, little is known about the stability of Treg cells in an ongoing inflammatory reaction such as is the case of SK. In this study-using fate mapping mice, we were able to demonstrate that the population of ex-Tregs increased at the site of infection that is the cornea and also at the secondary lymphoid organs after HSV-1 infection. In vivo studies showed that these ex-Tregs acquired the Th1 and Th17 phenotype, which may play a destructive role in stromal keratitis. We also demonstrate in vivo that CD25lo subset of Tregs is less suppressive and more prone to conversion than CD25hi Tregs. Additionally, in-vitro studies suggested that Tregs in the presence of IL-12 converted into ex-Tregs, however this plasticity was prevented when Tregs were generated in the presence of DNMT inhibitor (Azacytidine). Thus, plasticity of Tregs might represent a problem during SK, which needs to be controlled with appropriate therapeutic procedures. Overall, our results indicate that Tregs lose FoxP3 expression in ocular inflammatory setting and drugs that reverse Treg plasticity could be useful to restore Treg function and to inhibit ocular immunopathology.
GRACE Detected Rise of Groundwater in the Sahelian Niger River Basin

West African regions along the Niger River experience climate and land cover changes that affect hydrological processes and therewith the distribution of fresh water resources (WR). This study provides an investigation of long-term changes in terrestrial water storages (TWS) of the Niger River basin and its subregions by analyzing a decade of satellite gravity data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission. The location of large trends in TWS maps of differently processed GRACE solutions points to rising groundwater stocks. Soil moisture data from a global land surface model allow separating the effect of significantly increasing amount of WR from that of TWS variations. Surface water variations from a global water storage model validated with observations from altimetry data were applied to estimate the groundwater component in WR. For the whole Niger, a rise in groundwater stocks is estimated to be 93 ± 61 km3 between January 2003 and December 2013. A careful analysis of uncertainties in all data sets supports the significance of the groundwater rise. Our results confirm previous observations of rising water tables, indicating that effects of land cover changes on groundwater storage are relevant on basin scales. Areas with rising water storage are stocking a comfortable backup to mitigate possible future droughts and to deliver water to remote areas. This has implications for Niger water management strategies. Increasing groundwater recharges may be accompanied by reduction in water quality. This study helps to inform authority's decision to mitigate its negative impacts on local communities.
E-Cigarette Airflow Rate Modulates Toxicant Profiles and Can Lead to Concerning Levels of Solvent Consumption

Electronic cigarettes enabling enhanced airflow have grown in popularity in recent years. The objective of this study is to show that flow rates modulate the levels of specific aerosol toxicants produced in electronic cigarettes. Flow rates used in various laboratory investigations involving e-cigarettes have varied widely to date, and can thus promote interlaboratory variability in aerosol product profiles. The thermal decomposition of hydroxyacetone and glycolaldehyde is less favorable at lower temperatures, supporting the observations of these products at higher flow rates/lower heating coil temperatures. Higher temperatures promote the formation of acetaldehyde from hydroxyacetone and formaldehyde from both hydroxyacetone and glycolaldehyde. A separate finding is that greater airflow can also expose users to concerning levels of e-liquid solvents. Under the modest conditions studied, propylene glycol aerosol levels are found at above the acceptable inhalation levels defined by NASA, and in range of the generally recognized as safe levels for daily ingestion.
World leaders describe the latest in IGF research.

One of the most pervasive systems in biology is the insulinlike growth factor (IGF) system of ligands, binding proteins and receptors. Since their discovery in the 1950s, the interest in the IGFs has motivated biologists, biochemists, molecular geneticists, evolutionists, physiologist, pharmacologists and pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The IGF system plays important roles in normal physiology but in addition has been shown to be intimately involved in a wide array of disease processes including growth retardation, diabetes, cancer and neurological disorders, to name but a few. Thus, there has been interest in stimulating the IGF system on the one hand and inhibiting the system on the other hand. The current issue has been created on a range of topics that cover some of the recent developments in the field to give the reader a taste of this exciting and relevant biological system.
Sludge Dewatering Operations

This chapter provides a brief overview of alternative dewatering technologies used in wastewater treatment and sludge concentrating applications. Many of the techniques described can be used in conjuction or integrated with filtration operations. The objective of dewatering is to increase the solid content (decrease the water content) of the particulate matter separated out from filtration for one or more of the following reasons: 1. Dewatered solids are more easily handled.
The Bert and Peggy Dupont Lecture. Discovering science stories.

I want to talk to you today about science discovery. Not the sort you medical researchers do, not discovery that comes from scientific research. This is a different sort of discovery. It is the discovery of the stories in science, discovering what is important and what is exciting and why. Now, you might be asking, why is this so difficult? There are great science stories everywhere. And, I have to say, the journals and publicists for universities and for companies and for individual doctors who want to be called upon as experts are all too eager to let me know about them, in emails and phone calls and sometimes FedExes. Yet, most of the time, their pleas for attention go unnoticed. So how and why do we — or, to be more precise, how do I — discover stories, especially in an area of science that I have not been following?
Cryptography after the Aliens Land

Maybe the whole idea of number theory–based encryption, which is what our modern public-key systems are, is a temporary detour based on our incomplete model of computing. Now that our model has expanded to include quantum computing, we might end up back to where we were in the late 1970s and early 1980s: symmetric cryptography, code-based cryptography, Merkle hash signatures. That would be both amusing and ironic.
Accommodation System: Other

Abstract A domain within the accommodation system (AS) model, the Other represents the individuals with whom interaction occurs in the workplace. The Other is one of five domains comprising the AS which also includes Self, Environment, Accommodations, and Situated Experience. Each of the domains reciprocally interact with the others. Others are selves in their own right. Communication, language, and dialog are foundational to the development of workplace relationships. Integration and inclusion within the workplace is a process of mutuality—the awareness, and negotiation of shared experiences. The AS separates the constructs of Others and Environment to facilitate discussion of service-delivery process. Separation also emphasizes the fundamental importance the social domain plays in the success of workplace inclusion. The AS sets the stage for the provision of accommodation services within the context of the employment of people with disabilities.
Effects of retinoid-related agents on basal cell carcinoma in the UV-irradiated Patched1+/- mouse

1658 Cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is often caused by loss-of-function mutations in PATCHED 1 (PTCH1). Humans with basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS) are heterozygous (+/-) for PTCH1 and develop many BCCs. Similarly, Ptch1+/- mice develop BCCs after exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) or ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV-irradiated Ptch1+/- mice also develop dermal spindle cell tumors (SpCTs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Previously, we have shown that topical treatment with tazarotene (a retinoid with specificity for RARβ and RARγ) has remarkable chemopreventive efficacy against IR- or UV radiation-induced BCCs in Ptch1+/- mice. This effect was sustained after drug withdrawal and was effective against pre-existing microscopic BCCs. To further analyze retinoid signaling in BCC carcinogenesis, we carried out a chemoprevention study to test the topical effects of other retinoid receptor agonists and of a pan-RAR antagonist on BCC tumorigenesis. Of these agents, tazarotene was the most effective in preventing microscopic and visible BCC development, as well as SpCT development. The pan-RAR agonist, all-trans retinoic acid, and the pan-RXR agonist were almost as effective, while RARα activation alone resulted in only a moderate decrease in microscopic BCC number and size, however, a marked reduction of visible BCCs, concomitant with increased visible SpCT number, was observed. RAR antagonist treatment increased the number and size of microscopic and visible BCCs. Immunohistochemistry of untreated BCC tumors showed RARγ and RXRα localization to the nests of epithelial cells, while RARα protein was detected in the stroma. These data suggest that tazarotene’s efficacy against BCC is mediated by RARγ/RXRα activation in the tumor cells, while RARα may have a role in the stroma to suppress BCC growth and/or to induce or accelerate SpCT development. To further support this, we treated an epithelial BCC cell line, ASZ001 (established from a BCC from a Ptch1+/- mouse) with these retinoids for 48 hours. Tazarotene and the RXR agonist inhibited ASZ001 cell growth, while no inhibitory effect was seen with the RARα agonist or the RAR antagonist. Quantitative gene expression analysis showed that Gli1 mRNA was reduced with tazarotene, RXR agonist, or cyclopamine treatment, but was relatively unchanged in RARα agonist-treated ASZ001 cells. RAR antagonist-treated cells had increased Gli1 expression. Also, tazarotene treatment of ASZ001 did not up-regulate the RAR-target gene and tumor suppressor, RARβ. Collectively, these data suggest that i) tazarotene is the tested retinoid most effective against BCC carcinogenesis, ii) tazarotene acts directly on BCC tumor cells, via RARγ (rather than RARα or RARβ) to inhibit their growth iii) RARα activation may increase cutaneous SpCT development, and iv) physiological RAR signaling is necessary to antagonize BCC initiation and progression.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Are Associated With an Increased Risk for Chronic Kidney Disease, Which Decreases With Age

Background & Aims It is not clear what factors affect risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); increased risk has been inconsistently associated with use of 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASAs). We aimed to calculate the relative hazard of CKD among patients with IBD, adjusted for CKD risk factors, and to determine whether IBD medications are associated with change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of data from The Health Improvement Network. Patients with IBD (n = 17,807) were matched for age, sex, and practice to individuals without IBD (n = 63,466). The relative hazard of CKD, stages 3 through 5D, in patients with IBD was calculated using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for common CKD risk factors. We also evaluated the association of 5-ASAs, azathioprine, and methotrexate with change in eGFR using a longitudinal model. Results After we controlled for risk factors associated with CKD, we found IBD to be associated with development of CKD in patients 16–77 years old. As patient age increased, the adjusted hazard ratio for CKD decreased monotonically, from 7.88 (95% CI, 2.56–24.19) at age 16 to 1.13 (95% CI, 1.01–1.25) at age 77. In the longitudinal analysis, exposure to 5-ASAs or methotrexate was not associated with change in eGFR, whereas azathioprine was associated with a slightly higher eGFR (0.32 mL/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI, 0.16–0.48). Conclusions In a retrospective study of more than 80,000 persons, we found that IBD is associated with increased risk of CKD, and the hazard ratio is highest among younger patients. Commonly used non-biologic therapeutic agents were not associated with lower eGFR.
‘Sçavoir bien badiner est un grand avantage’: Monkey Business in the Labyrinth of Versailles

The Labyrinth of Versailles was a splendid horticultural space in early modern France frequented by courtiers and very likely by Louis XIV’s son the dauphin. In this article, the author argues that...
Selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase protein and activity: immunological investigations on cellular and plasma enzymes

Selenium-deficient humans and animals are known to be deficient in glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity in their cells and plasma. To determine the relationship between enzyme activity and protein content, the enzyme was purified from human erythrocytes, and polyclonal antibodies were made against the purified protein in rabbits. These antibodies were found to be monospecific, noninhibitory, and capable of precipitating the enzymatic activity. All the GSHPx activity in erythrocytes and almost all the activity in neutrophils and platelets was precipitated by these antibodies. None of the plasma enzyme was precipitated by these antibodies, indicating that the plasma enzyme activity was attributable to a different selenium dependent protein moiety. Utilizing a radioimmunoassay, we were able to determine that there was a direct relationship between GSHPx activity and protein content in the erythrocytes of both normal and selenium-deficient individuals, and a similar relationship between control and selenium-deficient rat erythrocytes and liver cells. Thus, the ability to examine GSHPx as a protein resulted in two new observations concerning the selenium-dependent GSHPx. The first is that the plasma enzyme is antigenically distinct from the erythrocyte enzyme, and the second is that in the absence of selenium, there is a concomitant decrease in GSHPx protein.
An adolescent girl with signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and negative immunologic workup: a case report

The increasing incidence of allergies and allergic reactions among children and adults has become a major public health concern. The etiology of allergic reactions can often be confirmed based on a detailed history and supportive testing. However, there are cases where the underlying factors are more complex and difficult to identify. Here we present the case report of a 14-year-old Caucasian girl with weight loss and a 3-year history of reported angioedema culminating in five intensive care unit admissions over the course of 2.5 months. Her initial clinical presentation included hypotension, dyspnea, and reported facial edema, but allergy and immunological workup were negative. A psychiatric workup identified an eating disorder with food restriction, comorbid major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. A close collaboration between Adolescent Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, and Psychiatry helped disentangle medical from psychiatric problems, including fluoxetine medication effects, as well as develop a treatment plan that was acceptable to the family. The angioedema was ultimately diagnosed as factitious disorder. This patient’s treatment highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach, a multifactorial etiology that needed to be addressed by multiple specialists, and the importance of long-term treatment and support.
The Multiverse of Methods: Extending the Multiverse Analysis to Address Data-Collection Decisions.

When analyzing data, researchers may have multiple reasonable options for the many decisions they must make about the data—for example, how to code a variable or which participants to exclude. Ther...
Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology of plant natural products – A minireview

Abstract Plant natural products include a diverse array of compounds that play important roles in plant metabolism and physiology. After elucidation of biosynthetic pathways and regulatory factors, it has become possible to metabolically engineer new capabilities in planta as well as successfully engineer whole pathways into microbial systems. Microbial expression systems for producing valuable plant compounds have evolved to incorporate polyculture and co-culture consortiums for carrying out robust biosynthesis strategies. This review focuses on four classes of plant secondary metabolites and the recent advances in generating useful compounds in microbial expression platforms and in plant metabolic engineering. They are the flavonoids, alkaloids, betalains, and glucosinolates.
Contributions of primary coordination ligands and importance of outer sphere interactions in UFsc, a de novo designed protein with high affinity for metal ions.

Abstract Metalloproteins constitute nearly half of all proteins and catalyze some of the most complex chemical reactions. Recently, we reported a design of 4G-UFsc (Uno Ferro single chain), a single chain four-helical bundle with extraordinarily high (30 pM) affinity for zinc. We evaluated the contribution of different side chains to binding of Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II) and Mn(II) using systematic mutagenesis of the amino acids that constitute the primary metal coordination and outer spheres. The binding affinity of proteins for metals was then measured using isothermal titration calorimetry. Our results show that both primary metal coordination environment and side chains in the outer sphere of UFsc are highly sensitive to even slight changes and can be adapted to binding different 3d metals, including hard-to-tightly bind metal ions such as Mn(II). The studies on the origins of tight metal binding will guide future metalloprotein design efforts.
Will they steal? Exploring ethics via an academic unsurveilled self-service checkout

The reported study presents the design and findings of a food honor system that was implemented in an academic building over 12 weeks. Relying on the tenets of self-concept maintenance theory, a fo...
Possessed by the Right Hand: The Problem of Slavery in Islamic Law and Muslim Cultures by Bernard K. Freamon

The last several years have seen an explosion of scholarly interest in slavery in the Islamic world and other global contexts. Recent contributions to this field include Jonathan A.C. Brown’s Slavery in Islam and Mary Ann Fay’s edited volume, Slavery in the Islamic World; a new edition of Orlando Patterson’s seminal Slavery and Social Death has also recently been published with a new preface. With his ambitious and erudite monograph, Possessed by the Right Hand: The Problem of Slavery in Islamic Law and Muslim Cultures, Bernard K. Freamon intervenes in this field from the perspective of a legal scholar. His legal focus emerges most strongly in the final two chapters, in which he urges Muslims and scholars of Islam to confront the continued legacy of slavery in the contemporary Islamic world. This exhortation is embedded within a broadly transhistorical and transregional study of slavery in the Middle East and Indian Ocean, ranging from ancient Persia to 19th-century Zanzibar to contemporary Arabia. Most of this historical material is based on a synthesis of secondary scholarship, rather than a new analysis of primary sources. Download
Emerging Transnational Self-Defense Norms & Unrealized Liberal Values

This Chapter critiques emerging norms regarding the use of alleged defensive force by powerful states against violent non-state groups located in the territory of other, typically "weaker" states, sometimes called “transnational self-defense.” Although the contemporary international legal system now formally and universally embraces basic liberal values of sovereignty, equality, and liberty/autonomy, emerging transnational self-defense norms effectively perpetuate a system of de facto inequality traceable to an earlier era. The use of armed conflict paradigms and war measures against “terrorist” groups, including targeted killing in what is effectively preemptive or preventive self-defense, perpetuates a discriminatory international system wherein sovereignty and humanity are deemed equal only between so-called “civilized” nations and peoples. Properly understood, the self-defense principles of necessity and proportionality require that states: (1) resort to defensive measures only when necessary to protect lives and property from relatively certain, significant harm and (2) use only the amount of force which is strictly necessary to neutralize the threat that is reasonably believed to exist at the time force is used. Because self-defense principles constrain both the resort to force and the nature of any force used, the alternate norms posited here do not implicate contested issues involving the extraterritorial application of international human rights law.