cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A model of symbol grounding in a temporal environment

The authors present a simple recurrent neural network which was trained to generate sequences of symbols classifying sequences of perceptual input originating from an environment. The symbols generated, although from a small set, constitute classifications of an environment which is both analog valued and which has strongly temporal features. The symbol grounding problem is addressed by relating the learned categories directly to the perceptual input, and by analyzing the representation space constructed by the network to perform the task. The authors demonstrate that such a grounded system can exhibit useful generalization, and that the internal representation of the symbolic classes is usually different than the traditional predicate logic approach. >
Distributed peak power management for many-core architectures

Recently proposed techniques for peak power management [4] involve centralized decision-making and assume quick evaluation of the various power management states. These techniques do not prevent instantaneous power from exceeding the peak power budget, but instead trigger corrective action when the budget has been exceeded. Similarly, they are not suitable for many-core architectures (processors with tens or possibly hundreds of cores on the same die) due to an exponential explosion in the number of global power management states. In this paper, we look at a hierarchical and a gradient ascent-based technique for decentralized peak power management for many-core architectures. The proposed techniques prevent power from exceeding the peak power budget and enable the placement of several more cores on a die than what the power budget would normally allow. We show up to 47% (33% on average) improvements in throughput for a given power budget. Our techniques outperform the static oracle by 22%.
Prevalence of delayed emergence of permanent teeth as a result of local factors

The prevalence of delayed emergence as a result of local factors as these relate to age, causation, teeth involved, and sex of the patients was determined with a patient population of 1,032. Delayed emergence of permanent teeth associated with local factors is estimated to occur in 4.3% of patients, if the delayed emergence of teeth as a result of premature primary molar extraction is excluded, the condition is estimated to occur in 3.5% of patients. Teeth most commonly delayed in emergence are mandibular second premolars, maxillary canines, and maxillary central incisors, and the most common causes are space loss, palatal position, and mesiodens.
SOLAR WIND IMPLANTATION MODEL FOR 10 Be IN CALCIUM-ALUMINUM INCLUSIONS

We propose a model for the incorporation of 10 Be within calcium–aluminum inclusions (CAIs) in primitive carbonaceous meteorites. In this model, 10 Be is produced by energetic particle reactions in the proto-solar atmosphere of a more active proto-Sun characterized by energetic particle fluxes higher than contemporary particle fluxes. This 10 Be is incorporated into the solar wind that is then implanted into CAI precursor material. This production mechanism is operational in the contemporary solar system implanting 10 Be in lunar materials. The contemporary production rate of 10 Be at the surface of the Sun is ∼0.1 10 Be cm −2 s −1 . Scaling up the contemporary 10 Be production in the protoSun by a factor of 10 5 would increase the production rate to 10 41 0 Be cm −2 s −1 . Using this enhanced production value in conjunction with refractory mass inflow rates at 0.06 AU from the proto-Sun we model 10 Be concentrations in CAI precursors. We calculate the content of solar-wind-implanted 10 Be would have been of the order of 10 12 10 Be g −1 in CAIs, consistent with initial 10 Be content found from boron–beryllium isotopic systematics in CAIs.
Study of trajectories of jets in crossflow using direct numerical simulations

This paper studies the trajectories and near field of round jets in crossflow. Incompressible direct numerical simulations are performed at velocity ratios of 1.5 and 5.7 and the effects of jet velocity profile and boundary layer thickness on the jet trajectory are examined. The ‘rd’ scaling used at present (Margason 1993) does not contain any information on these parameters, and trajectories scaled by rd do not collapse. The trajectory is strongly influenced by the near field which depends on both the jet velocity profile and the crossflow boundary layer. A length scale is proposed to describe the near field of the jet. An analytical expression is proposed for this length scale which is a measure of the relative inertia of the jet and the crossflow. Incorporating this length scale significantly improves the scaling of the trajectories.
Central Nervous System Regulation of Adrenocorticotropin Secretion: Role of Somatostatins

Somatostatin-28 (SS-28) and desAA1,2,4,5,12,13[dTrp8] somatostatin (ODT8-SS), but not somatostatin-14, given intracerebroventricularly, but not when given iv, inhibit stressinduced pituitary ACTH and adrenomedullary epinephrine secretion in rats. The elevation of ACTH after tail-suspension stress is totally prevented by iv administration of antisera raised against corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). SS-28 and ODT8-SS do not inhibit CRF-induced ACTH secretion in vivo or in vitro. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that SS-28 and ODT8-SS prevent stress-induced ACTH secretion by inhibition of CRF release. (Endocrinology 114: 1546, 1984)
Analysis of decentralized controller for multiple-input converters

This paper studies the close-loop multiple-input converters (MIC) stabilization through a decentralized controller. For an MIC, a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) state-space representation can be derived by the averaging method. Based on the averaged MIMO model, an MIMO small-signal model can be generated. Both conventional method and multivariable frequency analysis are applied to the small-signal model of a multiple-input Single Ended Primary Inductor Converter (MI SEPIC) as a case study, in which the open-loop and closed-loop characteristics are explored. In addition to verifying the nominal stability and nominal performance, this work explores robust stability, and robust performance with the MΔ-structure. Although the analysis is motivated through a decentralized controller, the analysis of robust stability and performance can be extended to general cases. Simulations and experimental results verify the theoretical analysis and demonstrate that the decentralized PI controller is effective to regulate the output of an MIC under uncertainties.
An organocatalytic strategy for the stereoselective synthesis of C-galactosides with fluorine at the pseudoanomeric carbon

The α-fluorination of α- and β-C-ethanals of galactose using Jorgensen catalysts and NFSI was investigated. The crude reaction products were transformed to their primary alcohol or methylenated derivatives, which are versatile precursors to biologically interesting fluorinated glycomimetics. The α-C-glycoside substrate gave moderate to high yields of fluorinated α-C-glycosides with minor amounts of β-C-glycoside analogues. The reactions on the β-C-glycoside were lower yielding but gave exclusively fluorinated β-C-glycosides. For both α- and β-C-glycoside substrates (R) and (S) catalyst showed complementary stereoselectivity. The preparation of difluorinated materials required the use of racemic catalyst as enantiomerically pure catalyst gave intractable mixtures of products. These results are in line with the results for simple achiral aldehydes, and suggest that stereochemistry in the reactions of these chiral, highly substituted, carbohydrate-derived aldehydes are controlled primarily by the chirality in the catalyst.
Crystal structure and thermal expansion of (Mg,Fe)SiO3 perovskite

High-resolution x-ray diffraction data were collected from 10 to 433K on a homogeneous polycrystalline specimen of Mg{sub 0.9}Fe{sub 0.1}SiO{sub 3}-perovskite. Rietveld structural refinement and x-ray absorption fluorescence measurements demonstrate that Fe substitutes for Mg and not Si. The thermal expansion behavior is anisotropic, with the orthorhombic distortion becoming less with increasing temperature. The volumetric thermal expansion, which is dominated by the decrease in octahedral tilts, is 1.9 {times} 10{sup {minus}5} K{sup {minus}1} between 150 and 373K. No evidence of conversion to enstatite could be found up to 873 K.
New polynomial transform algorithms for multidimensional DFT's and convolutions

This paper introduces a new method for the computation of multidimensional DFT's by polynomial transforms. The method, which maps mtiltidimensional DFT's into one-dimensional odd-time DFT's by use of inverse polynomial transforms, is shown to be significantly more efficient than the conventional row-column method from the standpoint of the number of arithmetic operations and quantization noise. The relationship between DFT and convolution algorithms using polynomial transforms is clarified and new convolution algorithms with reduced computational complexities are proposed.
Kangaroo Transport Instead of Incubator Transport

Objective. Compared with in utero transport, incubator transport for preterm infants has several disadvantages including instability during transport with increased mortality and morbidity, lack of adequate systems for securing the infant in the event of an accident, and separation of mother and infant. As a new kind of postnatal transportation that bears some analogy to in utero transport and may be safer than incubator transport, we investigated kangaroo transport, transporting the infant on the mother’s or other caregiver’s chest. This article presents a description and preliminary data for kangaroo transport. Design. We conducted kangaroo transports of 31 stable preterm and term infants in different settings and recorded data regarding transport conditions and cardiorespiratory stability. Eighteen transports were back transfers, and 13 were transfers in. Twenty-seven transports were conducted by the mother, 1 by the father, 2 by nurses, and 1 by a doctor. Transport distance was 2 to 400 km. Results. Heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and rectal temperature remained stable during all kangaroo transports lasting 10 to 300 minutes. Weight at transport was 1220 to 3720 g. Parents felt very comfortable and safe and appreciated this method of transport. Conclusions. Kangaroo transport promotes mother-infant closeness and might ameliorate several of the risks associated with incubator transport.
Exponential convergence of the tracking error in adaptive systems without persistent excitation

Conditions are investigated for exponential convergence of the tracking error in feedforward adaptive systems. A main result is that for a bounded periodic regressor, the tracking error associated with the adaptive gradient algorithm converges exponentially without regard to persistent excitation (PE) conditions.
Analysis of Steel-With-Composite Material Substitution in Military Vehicle Hull Floors Subjected to Shallow-Buried Landmine-Detonation Loads

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the problem of substitution of steel with fiber-reinforced polymer-matrix composite in military-vehicle hull-floors, and identifies and quantifies the associated main benefits and shortcomings. Design/methodology/approach – The problem is investigated using a combined finite-element/discrete-particle computational analysis. Within this analysis, soil (in which a landmine is buried), gaseous detonation products and air are modeled as assemblies of discrete, interacting particles while the hull-floor is treated as a Lagrangian-type continuum structure. Considerable effort has been invested in deriving the discrete-material properties from the available experimental data. Special attention has been given to the derivation of the contact properties since these, in the cases involving discrete particles, contain a majority of the information pertaining to the constitutive response of the associated materials. The potential ramifications associated with the afor...
Mechanism of action of 2-hydroxyestradiol on steroidogenesis in ovarian granulosa cells: interactions with catecholamines and gonadotropins involve cyclic adenosine monophosphate.

Previously we have shown that 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OH-E2) synergizes with catecholamines to enhance progesterone production by porcine granulosa cells in vitro. The present studies were undertaken to determine if the synergistic effects of 2-OH-E2 and catecholamines were 1) modulated by gonad otropins, 2) unique to catecholamines, and 3) mediated by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Undifferentiated granulosa cells from 1- to 3-mm porcine follicles were cultured in serum-free medium for periods of 6-9 days. A 3-day pretreatment plus a 4-day cotreatment versus a 4-day cotreatment of granulosa cell cultures with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) did not significantly alter progesterone production stimulated by a saturating concentration of epinephrine (EPI; 2 j.Lg/ml) but significantly reduced the effect of 4 pg/ml 2-OH-E2 on Day 7 of culture. Four-day cotreatment of either FSH or luteinizing hormone (LH) from Day 3 to 7 of culture dramatically enhanced progesterone production stimulated by 2-OH-E2 and estradiol (E2) but not by EPI wben measured on Day 7 of culture. Progesterone production (expressed as ‘�-fold of controls”) stimulated by 4-day treatment of EPI, 2-OH-E2, or EPI-plus-2-OH-E2 was 1.4 ± 0.2, 8.2 ± 2.2, and 10.7 ± 1.0, respectively, in the presence of LH (n = 5 experiments), and 1.9 ± 0.1, 7.8 ± 1.4, and 10.6 ± 1.8, respectively, in the presence of FSH (n = 3 experiments). Similar to E2, 2-OH-E2 significantly enhanced the stimulating effect of the cAMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP (0.5 mM) on progesterone production. The synergism between saturating concentrations of 2-OH-E2 and EPI on progesterone production was not observed in the presence of 8-bromo-cAMP. However, the synergism between 2-OH-E2 and EPI persisted in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1 -methylxanthine (IBMX, 0.5 mM). In addition, cAMP accumulation over 24 b (medium plus cell extracts) stimulated by EPI or by FSH was significantly elevated in the presence of 2-OH-E2 but not E2. Collectively, tbese results suggest that 1) 2-OH-E2 can dramatically enhance LH- and FSH-stimulated progesterone production; 2) the synergism between 2-OH-E2 and gonadotropins was at least as great as that of the synergism between 2-OH-E2 and catecholamines; 3) in contrast to studies with rat granulosa cells, pretreatment or concurrent treatment of porcine granulosa cells with gonad otropins and catecholamines exerts, at best, an additive effect on the catecholaminergic response; and 4) a major locus of 2-OH-E2 (but not E2)-p otentiated progesterone production stimulated by EPI or FSH is exerted at the level of the generation of cAMP.
Deterioration of venous function in normal lower extremities during daily activity

Abstract The change in venous function during the course of the day was studied noninvasively in 50 normal lower extremities of 25 physically active normal subjects. Venous refilling time, measured by photoplethysmography, was significantly shorter (p
NOISE AMPLIFICATION IN A STOCHASTIC IKEDA MODEL

Abstract The effect of spontaneous emission noise on the light circulating in a ring cavity with a nonlinear absorbing medium is studied by means of a set of stochastic delay-differential equations based on the deterministic Ikeda model. Noise fluctuations are found to be amplified as the first bifurcation from the steady state of the system is approached.
Abstractions of constrained linear systems

Simulation relations are powerful abstraction techniques in computer science that reduce the complexity of analysis and design of labeled transition systems. In this paper, we define and characterize simulation relations for discrete-time linear systems in the presence of state and input constraints. Given a discrete-time linear system and the associated constraints, we consider a control-abstract embedding into a transition system. We then establish necessary and sufficient conditions for one constrained linear system to simulate the transitions of the other. Checking the simulation conditions is formulated as a linear programming problem, which can be efficiently solved for systems of large dimensions. We provide an example where our approach is applied to the hybrid model of the electronic throttle control (ETC) system.
Therapy for Alopecia Areata in Mice by Stimulating the Hair Cycle with Parathyroid Hormone Agonists Linked to a Collagen-Binding Domain.

Alopecia areata is a common disorder in which autoimmune destruction of hair follicles results in patchy hair loss. Currently there is no adequate therapy, although immune modulator therapies are currently in development. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a hair cycle stimulator which shows promise in treating various forms of alopecia, although its short half-life limits its clinical use. PTH-CBD is a PTH analog which binds collagen, prolonging retention in skin. We tested effects of PTH-CBD in C3H/HeJ-engrafted mice, the animal model for alopecia areata, on hair growth and found that a significant proportion of animals had reduced hair loss (PTH-CBD: 13/21, 62% vs. control: 3/10, 30%; P
Maria Heim: The Forerunner of All Things: Buddhaghosa on mind, intention, and agency

Philosophers interested inwhatBuddhist ethics has to offer contemporary debates have largely focused on finding distinctively Buddhist reasons to choose to act ethically. But this may be to miss the point. Maria Heim’s recent study illustrates vividly how a very different conception of intention, agency, and ethics emerges from the canonical Pāli texts and the extensive commentaries on these attributed to the fifth-century author Buddhaghosa. She finds in this textual tradition a sophisticated moral anthropology and moral phenomenology, one that focuses not on providing reasons against acting in ways we should not, but instead on providing tools for constructing ourselves such that the question of whether to act in an unwholesome way simply would not occur to us. In the first chapter, Heim engages with the approach to intention and agency found in the Suttas, by bringing in the complex distinctions and textual connections that Buddhaghosa adds to these discussions. To note just one high point among many, Heim offers a compelling account of the positive “presence of absence”—for instance, the beautiful states that arise in one who has nothing to be remorseful for—as a distinctive theoretical contribution of these Buddhist sources (p. 79). The second chapter examines Buddhaghosa’s nuanced approach to the canonical Abhidhamma texts. Whereas many modern scholars have taken the Abhidhamma texts as little more than dry lists of mental and physical factors, Heim notes how Buddhaghosa adds narrative context in many places (pp. 90–91) and also takes these not as closed lists but rather as open invitations to explore lived experience, a “moral phenomenology” (p. 91). In this way, Heim aims to bring out for modern readers a model of mental experience at “a level of detail distinctive in the history of human thought” (p. 83). Whereas the
Mechanisms responsible for postmenopausal hypertension in a rat model: Roles of the renal sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin system.

Hypertension in postmenopausal women is less well controlled than in age‐matched men. The aging female SHR is a model of postmenopausal hypertension that is mediated in part by activation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and by the renal sympathetic nervous system. In this study, the hypothesis was tested that renal denervation would lower the blood pressure in old female SHR and would attenuate the antihypertensive effects of AT1 receptor antagonism. Retired breeder female SHR were subjected to right uninephrectomy (UNX) and left renal denervation (RD) or UNX and sham, and 2 weeks later, baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP; radiotelemetry) was measured for 4 days, and then rats were treated with angiotensin (AT1) receptor antagonist, losartan (40 mg/kg/day po) for 6 days. Renal denervation reduced MAP in old females compared to sham (172 ± 6 vs. 193 ± 6 mm Hg; P < 0.05). Losartan reduced MAP in both sham and RD rats similarly (numerically and by percentage) (142 ± 10 vs. 161 ± 6 mm Hg; P < 0.05 vs. RD, P < 0.05 vs. baseline). However, female SHR rats remained significantly hypertensive despite both pharmacological intervention and RD. The data suggest that both the renal sympathetic nervous system and the RAS have independent effects to control the blood pressure in old female SHR. Since the denervated rats treated with losartan remained hypertensive, the data also suggest that other mechanisms than the RAS and renal sympathetic nervous system contribute to the hypertension in old female SHR. The data also suggest that multiple mechanisms may mediate the elevated blood pressure in postmenopausal women.
Signaling Factor Interactions with Polysaccharide Aggregates of Bacterial Biofilms

Biofilms are surface-attached colonies of bacteria embedded in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Inside the eukaryotic hosts, bacterial biofilms interact with the host cells through signaling factors (SFs). These signaling processes play important roles in the interaction between bacteria and host cells and the outcome of infections and symbiosis. However, how host immune factors diffuse through biofilms is not well understood. Here, we describe synergistic molecular dynamics and experimental approaches for studying the translocation of signaling factors through polysaccharide chain aggregates present in the extracellular matrix of bacterial biofilms. The effect of polysaccharide chain degradation on the energetics of SF-EPS interactions was examined by simulating an EPS consisting of various polysaccharide chain lengths. It is shown that the SF stabilization energy, defined as the average potential of mean force difference between the environments outside and within the matrix, increases linear...
Retrograde Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Urological Treatment of a Urological Problem

AbstractWe present our experience during a 22-month period with the retrograde approach to gain renal access for percutaneous stone removal in 71 consecutive patients. The retrograde puncture technique is fast and accurate, and it allows the physician to perform a 1-stage operation, saving the patient time, frustration and expense. The Lawson technique was used in all patients and it was successful in all but 2. In those 2 patients the Hawkins-Hunter technique was successful. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications related to this approach. Except for 1 patient who suffered a post-procedure pulmonary embolus, no transfusions were required. The targeted stone was removed in 1 procedure in 61 of 71 patients (86 per cent). Ten patients required another procedure to remove the targeted stone or a second stone.Percutaneous procedures still are required for certain stone problems or when extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is not readily available. The ability of the urologist to perform t...
Delayed upper tract drainage on voiding cystourethrogram may not be associated with increased risk of urinary tract infection in children with vesicoureteral reflux.

Summary Introduction Urinary stasis in the setting of obstruction provides an opportunistic environment for bacterial multiplication and is a well-established risk factor for UTI. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) with delayed upper tract drainage (UTD) on VCUG has been reported to correlate with increased UTI risk. We sought to determine whether delayed UTD can be reliably classified, and whether it correlates with UTI incidence, VCUG, or endoscopic findings. Methods Children undergoing endoscopic surgery for primary VUR (2009–2012) were identified. VUR grade, timing, and laterality were abstracted. Demographics, hydrodistention (HD) grade, reported febrile and culture-proven UTI were assessed. UTD on VCUG was graded on post-void images as 1 = partial/complete UTD or 2 = no/increased UTD. Inter-observer agreement was calculated. Patients were excluded for incomplete imaging or inability to void during VCUG. Results The cohort included 128 patients (10M, 118F), mean age 4.1 ± 2.1 years. Mean age at diagnosis was 2.8 ± 2.8 years. Mean maximum VUR grade was 3 ± 0.9: 1 (7.8%), 2 (20.3%), 3 (43%), 4 (25.8%), 5 (3.1%). UTD occurred in 45 (35%), and no drainage in 83 (65%) patients. Agreement coefficient between graders was 0.596 (p Conclusion We sought to determine whether UTD was an accurate predictor of UTI risk to maximize available prognostic information from a single VCUG. Delayed UTD was not a predictor of infection in our patients, nor was it associated with previously described UTI risk factors, such as VUR timing or grade, and voiding dysfunction. Limitations included the retrospective nature of the study in patients undergoing endoscopic VUR treatment, and possible inaccurate UTI reports from parents and pediatricians. UTD can be reliably scored using a binary system with high inter-observer correlation. Our data call into question the previous finding that children with poor UTD are at increased risk of recurrent UTI. Delayed UTD is also not associated with higher HD, or VUR grade compared with those with more prompt UTD. Table . Urinary tract infection rate/year by parent reported and positive culture UTI versus upper tract drainage on voiding cystourethrogram according to binary drainage scoring system. Urinary tract infection vs. upper tract drainage p-value N Mean (SD) Median (mad) UTI rate/year by parent reported UTI Complete upper tract contrast drainage or less than filling 45 0.66 (0.53) 0.47 (0.28) 0.71 Unchanged upper tract contrast or more than filling 83 0.7 (0.5) 0.62 (0.33) UTI rate/year by positive culture Complete upper tract contrast drainage or less than filling 24 0.746 (0.657) 0.47 0.1664 Unchanged upper tract contrast or more than filling 49 0.538 (0.410) 0.441
Mass Spectrometry-Based Bottom-Up Proteomics: Sample Preparation, LC-MS/MS Analysis, and Database Query Strategies

Recent technological advances in mass spectrometry (MS) have made possible the investigation and quantification of complex mixtures of biomolecules. The exceptional sensitivity and resolving power of today's mass spectrometers allow for the detection of proteins and peptides at low femtomole quantities; however, these attributes demand high sample purity to minimize artifacts and achieve the highest degree of biomolecule identification. Tissue preparation for proteomic studies is particularly challenging due to their heterogeneity in cell type, presence of insoluble biomaterials, and wide diversity of biomolecules. The workflow described herein details sample preparation from tissues through protein extraction, proteolysis, and purification to generate peptides for MS analysis. Increased peptide resolution and a corresponding increase in protein identification is accomplished using polarity-based fractionation (C18 resin) at the peptide level. Additionally, approaches to instrument set up, including the use of nanoscale liquid chromatography and quadrupole Orbitrap MS, along with database searching, are described. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Head and Neck Coding

Head and neck procedures of most interest to general surgeons are described by CPT codes that span the respiratory, hematologic and lymphatic, digestive, and endocrine systems. These codes are listed in Table 25.1, and as the reader will quickly discover, the list is not all-inclusive of all codes that pertain to head and neck surgery. The purpose of this chapter is to describe proper coding of head and neck surgery procedures most commonly performed by general surgeons, highlighted by specific examples. The organization will generally follow CPT systems and numbering except for the first section, which will describe diagnostic procedures typically performed in outpatient settings or, in some cases, at the hospital bedside.
Engaged Learning Through Online Collaborative Public Relations Projects Across Universities

Online learning is complementing and even replacing traditional face-to-face educational models at colleges and universities across the world. Distance education offers pedagogical and resource adv...
An Unchartered Journey for Ribosomes: Circumnavigating Circular RNAs to Produce Proteins

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Legnini et al. (2017) and Pamudurti et al. (2017) demonstrate that endogenous circular RNAs may generate proteins, thereby expanding the eukaryotic proteome and revealing novel modes of cap-independent translation.
Single-Molecule Imaging Using Atomistic Near-Field Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Advances in tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) have demonstrated ultrahigh spatial resolution so that the vibrational modes of individual molecules can be visualized. The spatial resolution of TERS is determined by the confinement of the plasmon-induced field in the junction; however, the conditions necessary for achieving the high spatial confinement required for imaging individual molecules are not fully understood. Here, we present a systematic theoretical study of TERS imaging of single molecules, using a hybrid atomistic electrodynamics–quantum mechanical method. This approach provides a consistent treatment of the molecule and the plasmonic near field under conditions where they cannot be treated separately. In our simulations, we demonstrate that TERS is capable of resolving intricate molecule vibrations with atomic resolution, although we find that TERS images are extremely sensitive to the near field in the junction. Achieving the atomic resolution requires the near field to be confined withi...
Implications of family risk pooling for individual health insurance markets

While family purchase of health insurance may benefit insurance markets by pooling individual risk into family groups, the correlation across illness types in families could exacerbate adverse selection. We analyze the impact of family pooling on risk for health insurers to inform policy about family-level insurance plans. Using data on 8,927,918 enrollees in fee-for-service commercial health plans in the 2013 Truven MarketScan database, we compare the distribution of annual individual health spending across four pooling scenarios: (1) “Individual” where there is no pooling into families; (2) “real families” where costs are pooled within families; (3) “random groups” where costs are pooled within randomly generated small groups that mimic families in group size; and (4) “the Sims” where costs are pooled within random small groups which match families in demographics and size. These four simulations allow us to identify the separate contributions of group size, group composition, and family affinity in family risk pooling. Variation in individual spending under family pooling is very similar to that within “simulated families” and to that within random groups, and substantially lower than when there is no family pooling and individuals choose independently (standard deviation $12,526 vs. $11,919, $12,521 and $17,890 respectively). Within-family correlations in health status and utilization do not “undo” the gains from family pooling of risks. Family pooling can mitigate selection and improve the functioning of health insurance markets.
Case Study: Travoprost: A Potent PGF2α Analog

Travoprost, an analog of prostaglandin PGF2α, was designed to be a potent agent for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) as well as a selective FP prostaglandin receptor agonist in the treatment of glaucoma.
Abstract 5401: Assessment of whole genome amplification for whole exome sequencing in detecting genetic mutation

Whole exome sequencing (WES) has been widely used for studying genetic mutations in DNA coding regions to elucidate cancer etiology and for identifying biomarkers to optimize chemotherapy. However, these studies can be limited when only small amount of DNA is available. Whole genome amplification (WGA) technology can be combined with WES to make these studies technically possible. Here, we evaluated WGA using a phi 29 polymerase prior to library preparation for WES in samples with various DNA concentrations. WES was performed by targeted exon amplification followed by massively parallel sequencing. We compared the base calls of single nucleotide variants for individual same samples with or without WGA prior to library construction to determine the concordance rate of variant calls. We also assessed genetic variant call rate in the same samples with or without WGA. The number of variants obtained ranged from 159,851,999 to 390,784 in the non-amplified samples and from 353,215 to 384,118 in the same amplified samples. The average concordance rate of identical variants in the samples with or without WGA was 96.5%. Our results indicate that WGA in prior to WES can increase detection efficiency of single nucleotide variants in samples with relatively small amount of DNA and/or low DNA concentration. Citation Format: Crystal Xue, Laura Gardner, Guanglong Jiang, Fei Shen, Bryan Schneider. Assessment of whole genome amplification for whole exome sequencing in detecting genetic mutation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5401. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5401
The Ottoman 'Wild West': The Balkan Frontier in the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries

In the late fifteenth century, the north-eastern Balkans were under-populated and under-institutionalized. Yet, by the end of the following century, the regions of Deliorman and Gerlovo were home to one of the largest Muslim populations in southeast Europe. Nikolay Antov sheds fresh light on the mechanics of Islamization along the Ottoman frontier, and presents an instructive case study of the 'indigenization' of Islam – the process through which Islam, in its diverse doctrinal and socio-cultural manifestations, became part of a distinct regional landscape. Simultaneously, Antov uses a wide array of administrative, narrative-literary, and legal sources, exploring the perspectives of both the imperial center and regional actors in urban, rural, and nomadic settings, to trace the transformation of the Ottoman polity from a frontier principality into a centralized empire. Contributing to the further understanding of Balkan Islam, state formation and empire building, this unique text will appeal to those studying Ottoman, Balkan, and Islamic world history.
Clinical implications of genetic variation in carboxylesterase drug metabolism

Mammalian carboxylesterase enzymes are a highly conserved metabolic pathway involved in the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous compounds including many widely prescribed therapeutic agents. Recent advances in our understanding of genetic polymorphisms affecting enzyme activity have exposed potential therapeutic implications. Areas covered: The aims of this review are to provide an overview of carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) and carboxylesterase 2 (CES2) gene structure, to summarize the known polymorphism affecting substrate-drug metabolism, and to assess the potential therapeutic implications of genetic variations affecting enzyme function. Expert opinion: Genetic variability in carboxylesterase drug metabolism is a nascent area of research with only a handful of the thousands of SNPs investigated for their potential effects of enzyme activity or carboxylesterase-substrate disposition and therapeutics. It remains to be determined if the wide variability in enzyme activity can be explained by genetic variation, and used in personalized medicine to improve clinical outcomes.
Fan Activism, Symbolic Rebellions, and the Magic of Mythical Thinking

This chapter shows how young adult (YA) literature has inspired political protest and advocacy and considers these activities through a peacebuilding lens. Developing a new model of social change based on the contemporary myths of popular culture, the Harry Potter Alliance (HPA) has mobilized young fans to participate in a variety of campaigns. The use of social media and other technology by fans is an example of ‘info-peace’ (as coined by Der Derian). The Hunger Games’ series has been used in a range of political struggles from partisan US political conflicts to global human security campaigns. In addition to being used in virtual (online) activism, images and slogans from The Hunger Games’ series have also been brought into the streets in protests related to the environment, police killings, and military coups.
Palatability of 14 over-the-counter antacids.

Abstract Although a number of differently flavored antacids have been introduced recently, no blinded comparative palatability evaluations have been conducted since 1977. A comparative, randomized, single-blind evaluation of over-the-counter aluminum and magnesium antacid suspensions was conducted to determine their relative palatability. Thirty healthy volunteers were asked to evaluate 14 antacids for smell, taste, texture, and aftertaste. The study found a statistically significant difference in all rated characteristics of antacids. Mylanta Cherry Creme (score 24.4 out of a possible 36) and Mylanta Double Strength Cool Mint Creme (score 24.2) were ranked highest in overall palatability; Riopan Plus 2 (score 18.7) and Di-Gel Lemon Orange (score 18.0) were ranked lowest. The study concluded that the palatability of various antacid suspensions differs markedly and should be considered when selecting an antacid product.
Transneuronal Signals for Afferent Regulation in the Chick Auditory System

Previous chapters in this volume have made it abundantly clear that the effects of early sensory deprivation are robust. In fact, an important role of sensory experience has been implicated in the development of every sensory system thus far examined, (this volume, also see for example, Levi-Montalcini, 1949; Wiesel and Hubel, 1963a,Wiesel and Hubel, 1963b; Wiesel and Hubel, 1965; Peusner and Morest, 1977; Webster and Webster, 1977; Mistretta and Bradley, 1978; Stryker and Harris, 1986; Frazier and Brunjes, 1988; Rubel et al., 1990). This role of early experience has been documented using a variety of procedures for manipulating sensory input. One common approach is to examine changes in neural development after raising the animal without exposure to the sensory stimulus, such as by rearing an animal in the dark or raising them in an “impoverished” environment. Alternatively, peripheral sensory structures could be modified to prevent the detection of the sensory stimulus. In the previous chapter by Johnson and Leon, for example, the naris was occluded to limit exposure to olfactory cues. A more extreme manipulation is to totally abolish sensory processing in a given system by damaging the sensory receptors or primary sensory nerves, as seen in the earlier chapter by Parks in which the otocyst was removed. From a psychological point of view, these various manipulations would certainly be different in terms of how they change the organism’s perceptual experience. From the perspective of the developing neuron, however, the important aspect of these manipulations is how they change the activity of the sensory afferents, not the perceptual outcome. In other words, regardless of the exact type of manipulation, any effects of these manipulations can be attributed to the fact that the manipulation produced a change in the rate or pattern of activity in the sensory nerves.
Feeling Powerful but Incompetent: Fear of Negative Evaluation Predicts Men’s Sexual Harassment of Subordinates

Although research has examined the role of power in men’s likelihood of perpetrating sexual harassment against women, less is known about specific personality traits that might predict sexual harassment. Building upon theorizing that men are especially prone to engage in sexual harassment to the extent that their social status is threatened (Berdahl 2007a), we conducted three studies with samples of adults (Studies 1 and 3) and college students (Study 2). In Studies 1 and 3, we asked participants to indicate their likelihood of engaging in sexual harassment of subordinates across a variety of scenarios. In Study 2, we experimentally primed power and had participants choose to send either neutral or sexuality-related articles to an ostensibly real female participant. Results demonstrated that concerns about being perceived as incompetent (i.e., Fear of Negative Evaluation scores) positively predicted men’s sexual harassment of female subordinates. Among women, Fear of Negative Evaluation scores were unrelated to sexual harassment of male subordinates. Further, this relationship held controlling for Narcissism, Self-Esteem, and Generalized Self-Efficacy scores, suggesting that the fear that others would see oneself as incompetent was a better predictor of sexual harassment than one’s self-perceived incompetence. Implications for the relationship between power, personality, and sexual harassment, and for interventions designed to curb sexual harassment, are discussed.
Evidence for Multiple Functions of the Intrinsic, 32–34 Kda Chloroplast Membrane Polypeptide of Scenedesmus in Photosystem II Reactions

A wealth of information has been developed in the past several years demonstrating that the reaction center core of photosystem II consists of minimally five major polypeptides with apparent molecular weights of 48, 44, 34, 32 and 10 kDa. These are recognized as the two apoproteins of two PS-II chlorophyll proteins, a protein of unknown, specific function, the Qb -binding protein and cytochrome b-559 respectively. Chloroplast genes encoding for each of these components have been identified, sequenced and the amino acid sequence determined for each of these membrane components. The product of the psbA gene the 32–34 kDa intrinsic polypeptide of chloroplast membranes, has been equated with the rapidly metabolized chloroplast protein as originally discovered by Ellis and coworkers (1). It has also been described as the Qb -binding protein, the Db -protein and the herbicide-binding protein (2). The primary role of this protein has been deduced to be the site of binding of a plastoquinone molecule, Qb that functions in electron transport on the reducing side of PS-II; DCMU and atrazine compete at the Qb binding site. This interpretation is supported by the preferential labeling of a 32–34 kDa PS-II core protein by the photoaffinity label, azidoatrazine (3). A comprehensive review of this subject area is presented in (2).
Programming Language Fundamentals by Example

Surveying the major programming languages that have hallmarked the evolution of computing, Programming Language Fundamentals by Example provides an understanding of the many languages and notations used in computer science, the formal models used to design phases, and the foundations of languages including linguistics. This textbook guides students through the process of implementing a simple interpreter with case-based exercises, questions, and a semester-long project that encompasses all of the concepts and theories presented in the book into one concrete example. It covers also such topics as formal grammars, automata, denotational and axiomatic semantics, and rule-based presentation.
In Vitro Models That Utilize Hypoxia to Induce Non-replicating Persistence in Mycobacteria

The Wayne model and Rapid Anaerobic Dormancy model are widely used methods to analyze the response of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to hypoxia and anaerobiosis. In these models tubercle bacilli are grown in sealed tubes in which bacilli aerobic respiration produces a temporal oxygen gradient. The gradual depletion of oxygen results in a non-replicating persistent culture capable of extended microaerobic and anaerobic survival. Here we describe both models used to induce hypoxic non-replicating persistence in M. tuberculosis. Additional techniques such as the isolation of RNA, the detection of nitrate reductase activity and ATP levels, and the determination of the NAD(+)/NADH ratio are described.
Small RNAs and Their Role in Herpesvirus-Mediated Cancers

EBV and KSHV are the human representatives of a broad group of oncogenic herpesviruses that includes lymphocryptoviridae and rhadinoviridae. Interestingly, all of these viruses encode a variety of small noncoding RNAs that are dispensable for virus replication, in vitro cell transformation, and host cell growth. Nevertheless, these RNAs are highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed, often in large amounts, in almost all types of latent infection and in virus-associated tumors. Thus, it is highly likely that these RNAs play an important role in vivo and are involved in one or more aspects of virus persistence and ultimately in tumorigenesis.
Abstract 3521: Glutamine metabolic inhibition synergizes with L-asparaginase in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. Though it accounts for about 10% of pediatric cancers, it is disproportionately responsible for 15% of pediatric cancer deaths. MYCN is amplified in 20% of neuroblastomas and correlates with adverse outcome. MYCN is involved in the maintenance of cancer stem cells, as well as in driving tumor cell growth, proliferation and tumorigenesis. Attempts to inhibit MYCN directly have been largely unsuccessful. MYCN is known to drive tumor cell reliance on glutamine for cellular metabolism. 6-Diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON) is a well-characterized glutamine analogue that inhibits glutamine metabolism by irreversibly inactivating multiple glutamine-utilizing enzymes. DON was well tolerated in a previous phase I clinical trial in pediatric patients, but it has never been systematically tested in neuroblastoma patients. We show that MYCN-amplification confers sensitivity to DON therapy in in vitro models of neuroblastoma, and that DON administered by intraperitoneal injection twice weekly significantly reduces flank tumor volume in orthotopic mouse models of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma (mean tumor volume 1715 mm3 vs. 207 mm3 in control animals, p-value = 0.00017 by t-test). We have also developed an orally bioavailable DON prodrug, JHU083, and we found that this drug administered orally three times weekly was similarly able to suppress neuroblastoma tumor growth in mice (mean tumor volume 1,115 mm3 vs. 217 mm3 in control animals, p-value = 0.0000088 by t-test). In metabolic flux experiments, tracing glutamine and glucose donation of 13C and 15N via liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, DON prevents asparagine synthesis, depleting intracellular asparagine levels by 40% compared to control treated cells (p-value = 0.006). DON combined with L-asparaginase synergistically inhibits growth of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cell lines (CI = 0.25 by the Chou-Talalay method, indicating strong synergy; p-value = 0.00011). We conclude that DON depletes cellular pools of asparagine, and combination therapy with DON and L-asparaginase synergistically inhibits the growth of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. These studies provide the preclinical justification for potential clinical trials for the use of DON or DON prodrugs in combination with L-asparaginase as new therapeutic options for patients with MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. Citation Format: Micah J. Maxwell, Brad Poore, Allison Hanaford, Jesse Alt, Rana Rais, Barbara S. Slusher, Charles G. Eberhart, Eric H. Raabe. Glutamine metabolic inhibition synergizes with L-asparaginase in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3521.