cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic relationships and floral evolution in the papilionoid legume clade Amorpheae

Amorpheae (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae) was first considered a natural group by Rupert Barneby in his illustrated monographDaleae Imagines. Amorpheae currently comprise eight genera, ca. 250 spp., and extensive floral diversity, including loss of corolla and addition of a stemonozone. The Amorpheae and many of Barneby’s subtribal groups are supported as monophyletic by previous phylogenetic analysis of nuclear ribosomal and chloroplast sequence data. However, some relationships remain unclear. A nuclear marker derived from a genomic study inMedicago CNGC 4, was sequenced in selected Amorpheae This is one of the first applications of this marker. for phylogenetic study. The new data confirm some relationships inferred usingtrnK and ITS, but also provide evidence for new arrangements. Combined data were used to explore several aspects of Barneby’s taxonomic framework. The phylogeny, in concert, with data on floral morphology, implies that simplification of the complex papilionoid flower has occurred several times in the history of the Amorpheae.
Surface inpainting with sparsity constraints

In this paper we devise a new algorithm for completing surface with missing geometry and topology founded upon the theory and techniques of sparse signal recovery. The key intuition is that any meaningful 3D shape, represented as a discrete mesh, almost certainly possesses a low-dimensional intrinsic structure, which can be expressed as a sparse representation in some transformed domains. Instead of estimating the missing geometry directly, our novel method is to find this low-dimensional representation which describes the entire original shape. More specifically, we find that, for many shapes, the vertex coordinate function can be well approximated by a very sparse coefficient representation with respect to the dictionary comprising its Laplacian eigenfunctions, and it is then possible to recover this sparse representation from partial measurements of the original shape. Taking advantage of the sparsity cue, we advocate a novel variational approach for surface inpainting, integrating data fidelity constraints on the shape domain with coefficient sparsity constraints on the transformed domain. Because of the powerful properties of Laplacian eigenbasis, the inpainting results of our method tend to be smooth and globally coherent with the remaining shape. We demonstrate the performance of our new method via various examples in geometry restoration, shape repair, and hole filling. A surface inpainting framework based on representations in the transformed domain.Sparsity as a prior to estimate reconstruction coefficients.Laplacian eigenvectors are utilized for constructing reconstruction dictionary.
Phenotypic expression and management factors affecting the selling price of feeder cattle sold at Arkansas livestock auctions

ABSTRACT Data (38,346 lots) were collected from 14 Arkansas livestock auctions to determine factors affecting selling price based on phenotypic expression and management. Data included selling calves in groups, sex, breed or breed type, color, muscle score, horn status, frame score, fill, body condition, age, health, BW, and price. Selling prices for steers ($116.16 ± 0.16), bulls ($109.85 ± 0.19), and heifers ($102.71 ± 0.13) were different (P 0.10). Black-white faced color sold for the highest price ($111.74 ± 0.29; P 0.10). The selling prices of muscle scores of 1, 2, 3, and 4 were $110.82 ± 0.10, $101.88 ± 0.21, $78.41 ± 0.84, and $53.64 ± 0.23, respectively, and were different (P 0.10) from that of medium-framed feeder calves. Several management and genetic factors affected the selling price of feeder cattle.
Finding Our Way Home: The Dynamics of Vote Choice and Partisan Activation

While there are many theories about the predictors of vote choice, far less is known about the dynamic processes by which voters reach these choices. Studies of campaigns frequently assume choices develop through activation of partisan attachment. This notion conficts with recent evidence that campaigns facilitate ideological or issue voting. The discrepancy persists because researchers rely on inadequate data for investigating how relationships between predispositions and individual-level dynamics of vote intention may themselves change over the course of a campaign. I develop a framework for identifying campaign activation that emphasizes the temporal dependence of these relationships. Applying this framework to a year-long eleven-wave panel survey from the 2008 election, I test for partisan activation against ideological activation. Results show that the campaign activates ideology rather than party identification, challenging the long-standing assumption of partisan activation.
pH Effect on Protein G Orientation on Gold Surfaces and Characterization of Adsorption Thermodynamics

The pH effect on adsorbed antibody-binding protein (protein G) orientation on gold (Au) and its adsorption thermodynamic characteristics were investigated using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The adsorbed protein G orientation was measured by binding response of two antibody–antigen systems: the model bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the foodborne pathogen E. coli O157:H7. Surface coverage was not significantly affected by pH, but its orientation was. The most properly oriented protein G for antibody binding was achieved at near-neutral pH. Adsorption was verified by XPS measurements using nitrogen (N) 1s, oxygen (O) 1s, and Au 4p peak heights. Adsorption energetics were determined by van’t Hoff and Langmuir kinetic analyses of adsorption data obtained at 296, 303, and 308 K. Large characteristic entropy change of protein adsorption was observed (ΔS° = 0.52 ± 0.01 kcal/mol·K). The adsorption process was not classical physisorption but exhibited chemisorption ch...
The Effects of Foam Density and Metal Velocity on the Heat and Mass Transfer in the Lost Foam Casting Process

As an innovative technique, the lost foam casting (LFC) process has drawn great attention from both academia and industry in recent years. The key feature of LFC process is that a desired shape pattern made of expandable polystyrene (EPS) foam is buried in unbonded sand and replaced by advancing molten metal. The heat and mass transfer between the molten metal front and the EPS foam pattern plays an important role in the soundness of the product in the LFC process. The present study focuses on determining the characterization of heat and mass transfer during the EPS pattern degradation process. A unique experimental system using a cylindrical quartz window and heated steel block simulating the hot molten metal front has been constructed to make measurements and visualize the process. The foam pattern is 88 mm in diameter and 254 mm long. It is coated twice with DCH Ashland refractory material and the average coating thickness is 1.2 mm. The heat flux and pressure between the moving steel block and the EPS pattern are measured. The process variables studied during this experiment include foam density and steel block speed. It was found that unlike the fluidity of the molten metal which is highly dependent on the density of the foam patterns, foam density has marginal effect on the heat flux from the steel block to the foam pattern. The heat flux increases about 37% during a one-minute process under steel block velocity of 4.4 mm/s using different EPS foam density of 24 kg/m3 and 27 kg/m3 . Flow visualization shows a gaseous gap formed between the steel block and the foam pattern. The phase change and degradation of EPS foam pattern and the heat and mass transfer in the gap are crucial to characterize the mold filling process which decides the quality of casting products. The maximum pressures measured in the gap using steel block velocity of 4.4 mm/s are 1.1 kPa and 1.4 kPa for EPS foam density of 24 kg/m3 and 27 kg/m3 , respectively. Under a slower steel block velocity of 3.6 mm/s the gap peak pressure using 24 kg/m3 density EPS foam pattern is 0.43 kPa. It is concluded that higher foam density and faster steel block speed give rise to larger gas pressure between the steel block and foam pattern. The measured pressure values confirm data reported in literature.© 2003 ASME
Analytic Validation of RNA In Situ Hybridization (RISH) for AR and AR-V7 Expression in Human Prostate Cancer.

Purpose: RNA expression of androgen receptor splice variants may be a biomarker of resistance to novel androgen deprivation therapies in castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We analytically validated an RNA in situ hybridization (RISH) assay for total AR and AR-V7 for use in formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) prostate tumors. Experimental Design: We used prostate cell lines and xenografts to validate chromogenic RISH to detect RNA containing AR exon 1 (AR-E1, surrogate for total AR RNA species) and cryptic exon 3 (AR-CE3, surrogate for AR-V7 expression). RISH signals were quantified in FFPE primary tumors and CRPC specimens, comparing to known AR and AR-V7 status by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Results: The quantified RISH results correlated significantly with total AR and AR-V7 levels by RT-PCR in cell lines, xenografts and autopsy metastases. Both AR-E1 and AR-CE3 RISH signals were localized in nuclear punctae in addition to the expected cytoplasmic speckles. Compared to admixed benign glands, AR-E1 expression was significantly higher in primary tumor cells with a median fold increase of 3.0 and 1.4 in two independent cohorts (p<0.0001 and p=0.04, respectively). While AR-CE3 expression was detectable in primary prostatic tumors, levels were substantially higher in a subset of CRPC metastases and cell lines, and were correlated with AR-E1 expression. Conclusions: RISH for AR-E1 and AR-CE3 is an analytically valid method to examine total AR and AR-V7 RNA levels in FFPE tissues. Future clinical validation studies are required to determine whether AR RISH is a prognostic or predictive biomarker in specific clinical contexts.
Iron Age Reciprocity

This paper focuses on reciprocity in the context of Bronze Age collapse and early Iron Age ‘reboot’. The highest level of Mycenaean hierarchy collapsed, but neither the entire system, nor the entire ideology, vanished with the palaces: the basileus and a warrior elite survived and moved into places of authority. The circulation of prestige goods through networks of relationships continued, connecting especially the Levant and Cyprus with Crete and Euboia in the early Iron Age. Such objects and the relationships they embody created and maintained control of space and time through long-distance connections with the eastern Mediterranean. Items such as Cypriot bronze stands and other drinking paraphernalia combined the practices of commensality with the ideology of lineage and ancestors previously utilized by the wanax, but now in support of a new order. The concept of ‘house societies’ is introduced to suggest that houses, both the structures and the concept of social grouping, materially manifest claims of duration and power. The monumental burial building of Toumba at Lefkandi may be staking such a claim, with exotic antiques (rather than Mycenaean heirlooms). In the aftermath of disruptions at the close of the Bronze Age, including perhaps those of elite lineages, Lefkandi may be an attempt to found a lineage or a ‘house’, constituted by feasting and gifts, creating a kinship different than one based strictly on birth.
DIETARY AND GONADAL HORMONE EFFECTS ON LIPID METABOLISM IN THE RAT.

Hepatic cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid concentrations, plasma cholesterol levels, cholesterol biosynthesis, and fatty acid patterns in plasma lipids and liver lipid fractions, have been studied in intact, gonadectomized, and hormone-treated gonadectomized male and female rats fed a fat-free diet, a control diet containing fat, and a diet containing cholesterol, to determine relationships between diet, sex hormones, and lipid metabolism. Both estradiol benzoate and testosterone propionate affected lipid metabolism; in general, the estrogenic influence was more pronounced and more predictable. The greatest effects were found in animals fed the essential fatty acid-deficient diet (a sex difference in susceptibility to essential fatty acid deficiency has previously been reported). It is concluded that the effect of estrogenic deficiency on lipid metabolism includes: (a) decreased hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis; (b) increased hepatic sterol ester and decreased phospholipid concentration; (c) increased depletion of unsaturated fatty acid in plasma and liver during essential fatty acid deficiency; and (d) increase in severity of essential fatty acid deficiency symptoms, using as criteria the ratios of trienoic to tetraenoic fatty acids in plasma and liver lipids.
Physical Activity Experiences and Beliefs Among Single Mothers: A Qualitative Study.

Purpose: Single motherhood has been associated with negative health consequences such as depression and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity might reduce these consequences, but little is known about physical activity experiences and beliefs that might inform interventions and programs for single mothers. The present study used social-cognitive theory as a framework to explore physical activity beliefs and experiences among single mothers. Method: Single mothers (N = 14) completed a semistructured interview and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Participants were categorized into 3 activity levels, and data were analyzed according to these categories. Results: All participants reported barriers to physical activity. Physically active single mothers seemed to be more confident in their ability to overcome these barriers and more likely to plan physical activity in their daily routine, and they more frequently reported having social support compared with low-active single mothers. Acros...
Influence of kinetin [6-furfurylo-amino-purine] on human fibroblasts in the cell culture

Abstract Influence of kinetin on human fibroblasts cultured in vitro was studied. Investigations were carried out on I passage fibroblasts, taken from the human skin. Feulgen's method and radioautography were used. Quantitative estimations of DNA in nuclei of fibroblasts were done on cytophotometer. An increase in amount of DNA in nuclei of fibroblasts cytophotometer. An increase in amount of DNA in nuclei of fibroblasts cultured in the presence of kinetin was found. Stronger 3H uridine incorporation was recorded in cultures after administration of the lowest dosis of kinetin. Kinetin, derivative of adenine (6-furfurylo-amino-purine) belongs to cytokinins and it regulates the growth of plants.
The Mechanism of Bradykinin Edema

It is well established that bradykinin, administered locally, increases the efflux rate of water from capillaries and venules in systemic vascular beds. The mechanism of this effect, however, is not so well established. The major question yet to be answered is whether it results from: 1.) a direct action on the membrane, 2.) indirectly from actions on vascular smooth muscle, or 3.) both. Does bradykinin increase the rate of water efflux by directly increasing the permeability of the capillary and venular wall to protein, thereby reducing effective colloid asmotic pressure, or does it first act on the muscle in arteries, arteriovenous anastomosis, and veins in such a manner as to cause a rise in effective capillary hydrostatic pressure? Both actions could account for the edema, as well as for the repeatedly observed increased efflux rate of protein. It is the purpose of this paper to review studies from our laboratory in the dog forelimb, hind-limb and lung bearing on these questions. The studies suggest that more attention should be given the possibility that a rise in effective capillary hydrostatic pressure is importantly involved in the production of the edema.
Racial differences in breast cancer diagnosis and initial course of therapy

A13 Background: There is growing evidence that breast cancer diagnosis differs by race, and these differences may in part explain racial differences in prognosis. >Methods: The Pathways Study is a prospective study of breast cancer prognosis being conducted in Kaiser Permanente Northern California. With ongoing enrollment since January, 2006, over 1,300 women have been enrolled in the study. The analyses presented here include 691 study participants who were also listed in the KPNC Cancer Registry (updated through March, 2007), the source of diagnostic detail. >Results: Among the 691 study participants, 48 (7.0%) were African American, 73 (10.7%) were Asian, 65 (9.5%) were Latina, and 496 (72.4%) were White. African American women were substantially more likely to be diagnosed with tumors that were estrogen-receptor negative (39.1%, compared to 23.4% for Latina, 14.1% for Asian, and 12.9% for White women), and progesterone-receptor negative (51.1%, compared to 30.4% for Latina, 23.9% for Asian, and 27.8% for White women). Her-2-neu marker status differed much less markedly by race/ethnicity (negative status for 79.1% of African American women, compared to 75.9% for Latina, 74.6% for Asian, and 73.7% for White women). The proportion of women who were negative for ER, PR and her-2-neu marker status was substantially higher for African Americans than others (32.6%, compared to 14% for Latina, 3% for Asian, and 7.4% for White women). A higher proportion of African Americans were likely to begin chemotherapy (61.7%, compared to 55.6% for Latina, 51.4% for Asian, and 38.1% for White women), and a lower proportion to receive hormone therapy (24.4%, compared to 35% for Latina, 40.3% for Asian, and 46.9% for White women). Although the proportions of women who were negative for ER, PR or Her-2-neu marker status decreased with increasing age, age did not account for racial differences in diagnosis. BMI and menopausal status also did not appear to account for these racial differences in diagnosis. >Conclusions: These results confirm other observations of substantial racial differences in breast cancer diagnosis. Higher proportions of breast cancers that are negative for hormone receptor status result in fewer effective conventional treatment options. Interactions of these tumor characteristics with other genetic and lifestyle factors will provide insight into explanations for racial differences in breast cancer prognosis. >Supported in part by grants R01 CA105274 from the National Cancer Institute and BC043120 from the Department of Defense.
Implant options for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of the hip: rationale, evidence, and recommendations.

Aims The aim of this paper is to review the evidence relating to the anatomy of the proximal femur, the geometry of the fracture and the characteristics of implants and methods of fixation of intertrochanteric fractures of the hip. Materials and Methods Relevant papers were identified from appropriate clinical databases and a narrative review was undertaken. Results Stable, unstable, and subtrochanteric intertrochanteric fractures vary widely in their anatomical and biomechanical characteristics, as do the implants used for their fixation. The optimal choice of implant addresses the stability of the fracture and affects the outcome. Conclusion The treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of the hip has evolved along with changes in the design of the implants used to fix them, but there remains conflicting evidence to guide the choice of implant. We advocate fixation of 31A1 fractures with a sliding hip screw and all others with an intramedullary device. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:128–33.
Hydrogen weakens interlayer bonding in layered transition metal sulfide Fe1+xS

The presence of interlaminar interstitial defects like hydrogen affects the mechanical properties of van der Waals-bonded layered materials such as transition metal chalcogenides. While the embrittling effect of hydrogen is well understood in metals, the impact of hydrogen defects on the mechanical behavior of layered chalcogenides remained unexplored. In this article, we use density functional calculations to reveal the influence of different hydrogen point defects on important mechanical metrics, including binding energies, elastic moduli and tensile and shear strengths of a prototypical ionic layered material, mackinawite, Fe1+xS. We find that one of the low-energy hydrogen defect structures, interlaminar molecular H2 interstitials, severely degrades the strength of inter-layer van der Waals interactions in the mackinawite crystal. This leads to a significant (over 80%) degradation in the mechanical properties of the mackinawite crystal and enables facile interlayer sliding and exfoliation. This finding suggests the mechanisms for cathodic exfoliation of transition metal chalcogenides like Fe1+xS, and presents a plausible mechanism for the poor protectiveness of layered passive films like mackinawite that undergo failure by spalling or delamination.
Moral Bioenhancement, Social Biases, and the Regulation of Empathy

Some proponents of moral bioenhancement propose that people should utilize biomedical practices to enhance the faculties and traits that are associated with moral agency, such as empathy and a sense of justice. The hope is that doing so will improve our ability to meet the moral challenges that have emerged in our contemporary, globalized world. In this paper, we caution against this view by arguing that biomedically inducing more empathy may, in fact, diminish moral agency. We argue that this type of increase in empathy would not be effective for addressing empathy’s vulnerability to the biases that can undermine moral judgment. Furthermore, doing so may undermine the important capacity to regulate empathy. We determine that if the moral enhancement project is to be a serious one, it must address these challenges.
Anti-inflammatory activity of cannabinoid receptor 2 ligands in primary hPDL fibroblasts

Abstract Objectives Approximately 65 million adults in the US have periodontitis, causing tooth loss and decreased quality of life. Cannabinoids modulate immune responses, and endocannabinoids are prevalent during oral cavity inflammation. Targets for intervention in periodontal inflammation are cannabinoid type 1 and 2 receptors (CB1R, CB2R), particularly CB2R because its levels increase during inflammation. We previously demonstrated that SMM-189 (CB2R inverse agonist) decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine production in primary microglial cells. The hypothesis of this study was that cannabinoids anandamide (AEA), HU-308 (CB2R selective agonist), and SMM-189 decrease pro-inflammatory IL-6 and MCP-1 production by primary human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs) stimulated with P. gingivalis LPS, TNF-α, or IL-1β. Design Cytotoxic effects of cannabinoid compounds (10−4–10−6.5 M), LPS (1–1000 ng/ml), TNFα (10 ng/ml) and IL-1β (1 ng/ml) were assessed by measuring effects on cellular dehydrogenase activity. IL-6 and MCP-1 production were measured using Mesoscale Discovery (MSD) Human Pro-Inflammatory IL-6 and MSD Human Chemokine MCP-1 kits and analyzed using MSD Sector 2400 machine. Results EC50 values for AEA, SMM-189, and HU-308 were 16 μM, 13 μM, and 7.3 μM respectively. LPS (1 μg/ml), TNF-α (10 ng/ml), and IL-1β (1 ng/ml) increased IL-6 and MCP-1 production, which were inhibited by AEA, SMM-189, and HU-308. AEA alone significantly increased IL-6, but not MCP-1 levels, but the other cannabinoids alone had no effect. Conclusion The effective inhibition of LPS, TNF-α, IL-1β stimulated IL-6 and MCP-1 production by CB2R ligands in hPDLFs suggests that targeting the endocannabinoid system may lead to development of novel drugs for periodontal therapy, aiding strategies to improve oral health.
Ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate up-regulates BDNF expression through NF-κB as an adaptive response against ROS, which may improve neuronal bioenergetics and enhance neuroprotection (P3.090)

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate whether and how ketones activate adaptive neuronal stress response signaling pathways through brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to bolster neuronal bioenergetics and mediate neuroprotection. Background: During fasting and exercise, a shift of brain cell energy substrate utilization from glucose to the ketone 3-hydroxybutyrate (3OHB) occurs. Studies have shown that 3OHB and ketogenic diets can protect neurons against excitotoxicity and oxidative stress during epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Since BDNF signaling has also been linked to beneficial effects of fasting and exercise on neuroprotection, we investigated whether and how 3OHB induces BDNF expressions to improve bioenergetics and stress resistance. Design/Methods: After primary culture of cortical and hippocampal neurons was maintained with or without 3OHB for 24 hours, BDNF expression, ROS levels, and oxidative mitochondrial capacity were measured. Experiments were repeated after treatments with ROS scavengers and NF-kB inhibitors to identify the targets that mediate ketone-dependent BDNF upregulation. Then, in the presence or absence of inhibitor for BDNF receptor (TrkB), neurons pre-incubated with or without ketone media were assessed for capacity of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and survival after kainic acid treatment. Results: ROS was significantly increased in neurons after 6 hours of ketone incubation. However, after 24 hours, neurons show improved efficiency in ATP productions, upregulated expressions of antioxidant enzyme SOD2, and enhanced resistance to excitotoxicity. These effects were significantly abolished in neurons after treatment with TrkB inhibitor. More interestingly, ROS scavengers or blocking ROS-dependent NF-kB activation significantly decreased ketone-dependent BDNF-upregulation in neurons, suggesting that ROS may have increased BDNF expressions to improve mitochondrial respiration as adaptive responses. Conclusions: 3OHB initially generates ROS and poses oxidative stress. However, ROS appears to trigger adaptive responses against oxidative stress by upregulating BDNF through NF-kB activation, which can improve mitochondrial oxidative capacity and ultimately enhance neuroprotection. Study Supported by: Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Aging. Disclosure: Dr. Kim has nothing to disclose. Dr. Marosi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mattson has nothing to disclose.
Born that way or became that way: Stigma toward congenital versus acquired disability:

Stigma may differ depending on the timing of group-membership entry, whether a person was “born that way” or “became that way.” Disability, a highly understudied minority group, varies on this domain. Three studies demonstrated that congenital disability is more stigmatized than acquired disability and essentialism and blame moderate and mediate this effect. Congenital disability was more stigmatized than the acquired version of the same disability (Studies 1–2). People with congenital disability were more essentialized, but less blamed than people with acquired disability (Study 2). Manipulating onset and essentialism revealed that when disability was acquired, low essentialism predicted greater stigma through blame (Study 3). However, when disability was congenital, essentialism did not affect stigma through blame. For stigmatized groups unlikely to be blamed for their group membership, reducing essentialism could ameliorate stigma, but for groups that might be blamed for their group membership, increas...
The Bone Marrow in Disseminated Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection

Thirteen cases of disseminated Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI), representing a total of 27 bone marrow specimens, were studied. The patients ranged from 25 to 46 years of age and included ten immunocompromised and three immunocompetent hosts. Peripheral blood findings included anemia in all patients, leukopenia in 73%, thrombocytopenia in 45%, and pancytopenia in 45%. Fourteen of the specimens (52%) showed granulomas ranging from small, subtle lymphohistiocytic aggregates to larger lymphohistiocytic lesions and clusters of epithelioid histiocytes; almost half of these lesions were missed initially. Rare acid-fast bacilli were seen in only one case, but 53% grew MAI on culture. In one case of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, culture was positive in the absence of inflammation or AFB on staining. These findings are not significantly different from those reported in disseminated Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
Learning to coordinate controllers-reinforcement learning on a control basis

Autonomous robot systems operating in an uncertain environment have to be reactive and adaptive in order to cope with changing environment conditions and task requirements. To achieve this, the hybrid control architecture presented in this paper uses reinforcement learning on top of a Discrete Event Dynamic System (DEDS) framework to learn to supervise a set of basis controllers in order to achieve a given task. The use of an abstract system model in the automatically derived supervisor reduces the complexity of the learning problem. In addition, safety constraints may be imposed a priori, such that the system learns on-line in a single trial without the need for an outside teacher. To demonstrate the applicability of the approach, the architecture is used to learn a turning gait on a four legged robot platform.
Compliance als interdisziplinäre Herausforderung – Das Augsburger Qualifizierungsmodell

Der Begriff Compliance hat in den letzten Jahren einen einmaligen Siegeszug durch wirtschaftliche und rechtliche Fachkreise angetreten. Dabei haben sich unterschiedliche Definitionen mit verschiedenen Schwerpunkten herausgebildet. Im Allgemeinen wird Compliance verstanden als Handeln in Ubereinstimmung mit allen anwendbaren Regeln. Folgt man dieser Definition, besitzt die Thematik Compliance als Untersuchungsgegenstand vor allem zwei Dimensionen: Zum einen umfasst sie die Summe der organisatorischen Masnahmen im Unternehmen, die gewahrleisten, dass sich Organe und Mitarbeiter des Unternehmens rechtmasig verhalten (auch Corporate Compliance). Zum anderen schliest der Begriff Compliance aber auch die Perspektive auf das individuelle gesetzestreue Verhalten ein. Im Folgenden wird Compliance daher konturenstarker als institutionalisierte und intuitive Normloyalitat im Unternehmen begriffen.
Cytologic Manifestations of Benign Disorders Affecting Cells of the Lower Urinary Tract

A number of benign disorders including bacterial and viral inflammatory conditions, metaplastic processes, urolithiasis, systemic drugs, and other entities may have a significant impact on the cytology of the urinary tract. Cellular changes produced by these conditions may either mimic or conceal the presence of malignant tumors. These disorders are described in this chapter, not necessarily in the order of their importance but according to their etiology.
Temporal Profiles and Dose-Responsiveness of Side Effects with Escitalopram and Duloxetine in Treatment-Naïve Depressed Adults.

Side effect profiles of antidepressants are relevant to treatment selection and adherence among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), but several clinically-relevant characteristics of side effects are poorly understood. We aimed to compare the side effect profiles of escitalopram and duloxetine, including frequencies, time to onset, duration, dose responsiveness, and impact on treatment outcomes. Side effects occurring in 211 treatment-naive patients with MDD randomized to 12 weeks of treatment with flexibly-dosed escitalopram (10–20 mg/day) or duloxetine (30–60 mg/day) as part of the Predictors of Remission in Depression to Individual and Combined Treatments (PReDICT) study were evaluated. Escitalopram- and duloxetine-treated patients experienced a similar mean number of overall side effects and did not differ in terms of the specific side effects observed or their temporal profile. Experiencing any side effect during the first 2 weeks of treatment was associated with increased likelihood of trial completion (86.7% vs. 73.7%, p = 0.045). Duloxetine-treated patients who experienced dry mouth were significantly more likely to achieve remission than those who did not (73.7% vs. 44.8%, p = 0.026). Side effects that resolved prior to a dose increase were unlikely to recur after the increase, but only about 45% of intolerable side effects that required a dose reduction resolved within 30 days of the reduction. At the doses used in this study, escitalopram and duloxetine have similar side effect profiles. Understanding characteristics of side effects beyond simple frequency rates may help prescribers make more informed medication decisions and support conversations with patients to improve treatment adherence.
Coffee terroir: cupping description profiles and their impact upon prices in Central American coffees

We examine the gustatory properties and flavors of 742 coffees from the Cup of Excellence program in Central America to determine if there are distinct quality profiles for each of five coffee-growing countries, which can provide evidence of coffee terroir. We further compare these properties with the price of a coffee at auction to answer the following research questions: (1) Does the presence or absence of specific properties impact a coffee’s price at auction? (2) Can flavor profiles be used to identify a coffee’s country of origin? (3) Are the effects of descriptors upon price mitigated by country, or do they vary by country? Employing statistical and machine learning techniques, we find evidence of terroir in coffee production, and that the country-scale flavor profiles resulting from this can have a substantial impact on the coffee’s auction price. This information can potentially assist coffee growers in aligning their product’s qualities with the qualities their buyers are seeking. It can also enable the development of formal appellations to confirm each country’s unique coffee profile.
Differences in Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Capacity Among Different Genotypes of Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellate Thunb.)

Summary Fruit from six genotypes of autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellate Thunb.); Brilliant Rose, Delightful, Jewel, Natural 1, Natural 2 and Sweet N Tart; were evaluated for fruit quality, phenolic content, carotenoids, antioxidants, antioxidant capacity, and antioxidant enzyme activity. The fruit soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acids (TA), total carotenoids, and total phenolic content varied with genotypes. Soluble solids content (SSC) in six genotypes of autumn olive ranged from 10.6 to 18.4 %, while titratable acids ranged from 0.79 to 1.29 %. Jewel had the highest SSC and Sweet N Tart had the highest TA. Fructose and glucose were the two predominant sugars, and malic acid was the predominant organic acid found in autumn olive fruit. Jewel and Sweet N Tart cultivars had the highest sugar and organic acid content among the six genotypes. Autumn olive had potent free radical scavenging activities for 2,2-di(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH · ), 2,2’-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS +· ), peroxyl radical (ROO · ), superoxide radicals (O2 –· ), hydroxyl radicals ( · OH), and singlet oxygen ( 1 O2). Autumn olive also had high activities of antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase (GHS-POD), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (AsA-POD), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR). Among the six genotypes, Brilliant Rose and Jewel had the highest levels of antioxidants and antioxidant enzyme activity.
Introduction to Discrete Time

Consider a stochastic process which moves through a countable set I of states. At stage n, the process decides where to go next by a random mechanism which depends only on the current state, and not on the previous history or even on the time n. These processes are called Markov chains with stationary transitions and countable state space. They are the object of study in the first part of this book. More formally, there is a countable set of states I, and a stochastic process X0X1… on some probability triple (X, F, P), with X n (x) ∈ I for all nonnegative integer n and x ∈ C. Moreover, there is a function P on I × I such that $$ \mathcal{P}\left\{ {{X_{{n + 1}}} = j\left| {{X_0}, \ldots, {X_n}} \right.} \right\} = P\left( {{X_n},j} \right) $$ That is, the conditional distribution of X n +1 given X0, . . ., X n depends on X n , but not on n or on X0, . . ., X n -1, The process X is said to be Markov with stationary transitions P, or to have transitions P. Suppose I is reduced to the essential range, namely the set of j with P{X n = j} > 0 for some n. Then the transitions P are unique, and form a stochastic matrix. Here is an equivalent characterization: X is Markov with stationary transitions P iff $$ \mathcal{P}\left\{ {{X_n} = {j_n}\,for\,n = 0, \ldots, N} \right\} = \mathcal{P}\left\{ {{X_0} = {j_0}} \right\}\prod\nolimits_{{n = 0}}^{{N - 1}} {P\left( {{j_n},{j_{{n + 1}}}} \right)} $$ for all N and j n ∈ I. If P{X0 = j} = 1 for some j ∈ I, then X is said to start from j or to have starting state j. This involves no real loss in generality, as one sees by conditioning on X0.
Crystal structures of AztD provide mechanistic insights into direct zinc transfer between proteins.

Zinc acquisition from limited environments is critical for bacterial survival and pathogenesis. AztD has been identified as a periplasmic or cell surface zinc-binding protein in numerous bacterial species. In Paracoccus denitrificans, AztD can transfer zinc directly to AztC, the solute binding protein for a zinc-specific ATP-binding cassette transporter system, suggesting a role in zinc acquisition and homeostasis. Here, we present the first cry stal structures of AztD from P. denitrificans and tbe human pathogen Citrobacter koseri, revealing a beta-propeller fold and two high-affinity zinc-binding sites that are highly conserved among AztD homologs. These structures combined with transfer assays using WT and mutant proteins provide rare insight into the mechanism of direct zinc transfer from one protein to another. Given the importance of zinc import to bacterial pathogenesis, these insights may prove valuable to the development of zinc transfer inhibitors as antibiotics. Durga Prasad Neupane et al. report the crystal structures of AztD, a zinc-binding protein that can transfer zinc directly to solute binding proteins, from Paracoccus denitrificans and Citrobacter koseri. Along with transfer assays, they provide mechanistic insights into direct zinc transfer between proteins.
Enabling Secure and Privacy Preserving Identity Management via Smart Contract

Biometrics have been used increasingly heavily for identity authentication in many critical public services, such as border passes or security check points. However, traditional biometrics-based identity management systems collect and store personal biometrical data in a centralized server or database, and an individual has no control over how her biometrics will be used for what purpose. Such kind of systems can result in serious security and privacy issues for sensitive personal data. In this paper, we design a novel approach to leveraging biometrics and blockchain/smart contract to enable secure and privacy preserving identity management. The basic idea is to use blockchain to store an authority's attestation and the transformed value of an individual's biometrics. The stored data on the blockchain is then controlled by smart contracts which define various access control policies, e.g., access parties, access times, etc. The owner of the biometrical data can flexibly change the access control policies through a white list, a timer and other methods to any identity verifiers. We used the well-known Ethereum platform to implement the proposed approach and tested the effectiveness as well as the flexibility of various access control policies.
It Is All about Love. Listen to Me, Y’all. Yeah: Closing Keynote

Before reading this, I would like you to take a moment to put yourself in the body of our students as they step out from the darkness of the wings and into the light, center stage.It is the dream o...
Quantifying between-Host Transmission in Influenza Virus Infections

The error-prone replication and life cycle of influenza virus generate a diverse set of genetic variants. Transmission between hosts strictly limits both the number of virus particles and the genetic diversity of virus variants that reach a new host and establish an infection. This sharp reduction in the virus population at transmission--the transmission bottleneck--is significant to the evolution of influenza virus and to its epidemic and pandemic potential. This review describes transmission bottlenecks and their effect on the diversity and evolution of influenza virus. It also reviews the methods for calculating and predicting bottleneck sizes and highlights the host and viral determinants of influenza transmissibility.
Counting and Enumeration on a Set

The basic problem of combinatorial mathematics is that of recognizing and enumerating or at least counting objects of specified character, out of an enormous number of unspecified objects. Most often, this is accomplished, implicitly or explicitly, by attaching an algebraic tag or weight to each desired trait and summing the weights thereby obtained. The desired objects can then be identified at leisure.
Estimating volume fractions of superabundant vacancy phases and their potential roles in low energy nuclear reactions and high conductivity in the palladium – isotopic hydrogen system

Abstract The addition of three superabundant vacancy (SAV) phases, γ (Pd7VacD6–8), δ (Pd3VacD4 – octahedral), and δ′ (Pd3VacD4 – tetrahedral) to the palladium – isotopic hydrogen phase diagram was recently reported [1] . Also, in that study, production of excess heat from a nuclear source during electrolysis in heavy water indicated portions of the palladium (Pd) – deuterium (D) specimen were in the ordered δ phase, while a drop in resistance of the Pd during excess heat, with an increase in temperature, indicated portions of the specimen had shifted to the ordered δ′ phase. Both δ and δ′, create intersecting channels along the edges of the unit cells which are in effect long strings of Pd lattice vacancies for fast electron transport or a deuteron resonance condition. At high D/Pd ratio, the Pd-D alloy can be multiphase. An estimate of the volume fraction (fv) of δ phase is made from the amount of nuclear energy measured. An estimate of fv of δ′ is made from the measurement of the change in resistivity of the overall multiphase Pd-D alloy using the rule of mixtures. Both δ and δ′ have low volume fractions with fv(δ) ≈ 0.03% and fv(δ′) ≈ 5%. These experimental measurements suggest that δ is the nuclear active environment (NAE) for low energy nuclear reactions (LENR) while δ′ is likely a high conducting state (phase). Which interstitial site (octahedral or tetrahedral) is occupied by isotopic hydrogen would determine whether the phase is nuclear active or highly conductive. These two phases are distinct and can coexist as minor volumetric components (phases) because they are both of low volume fractions, share the same composition (arrangement of Pd and lattice vacancy sites, and can also share the same D/Pd ratio), and result from hydrogen-induced vacancy formation. Thus, portions of the specimen can be producing nuclear energy (excess heat) while other portions can be highly conductive.
Statistical microlensing towards magnified high-redshift star clusters

We study light variability of gravitationally magnified high-redshift star clusters induced by a foreground population of microlenses. This arises as the incoherent superposition of light variations from a large number of source stars traversing the random magnification pattern on the source plane. The light curve resembles a scale-invariant, Gaussian process on timescales of years to decades, while exhibits rapid and frequent micro-caustic crossing flares of larger amplitudes on timescales of days to months. For a concrete example, we study a young Lyman-continuum-leaking star cluster recently discovered in the lensed Sunburst Arc at $z=2.37$. We show that one magnified image happens to be intervened by a faint foreground galaxy, and hence should exhibit a variable flux at the $1$--$2\%$ level, which is measurable in space with $\sim 1$--$3\,$ks exposures on the Hubble Space Telescope and more easily with the James Webb Space Telescope, or from the ground using a $\sim$4-meter telescope without adaptive optics. Detailed measurement of this variability will enable us to determine the absolute macro magnification and hence the intrinsic mass and length scales of the star cluster, test synthetic models of stellar population, and probe multiplicity of massive stars. We furthermore suggest that monitoring the other lensed images of the star cluster, which are free from significant intervention by foreground stellar microlenses, will allow us to probe planetary to stellar mass compact objects constituting as little as just a few percent of the dark matter. Given the typical surface density of intracluster stars, we expect this phenomenon to be relevant for many other gravitationally magnified star clusters at Cosmic Noon behind galaxy cluster lenses.
Socioeconomic and Racial Disparities in Cancer Stage at Diagnosis, Tumor Size, and Clinical Outcomes in a Large Cohort of Women with Breast Cancer, 2007-2016.

Socioeconomic and treatment factors contribute to diagnosis of early-stage (local-stage) breast cancer, as well as excess deaths among African American women. We evaluated socioeconomic and treatment predictive factors for early-stage breast cancer among African American women compared to Caucasian women. A secondary aim evaluated predictors and overall risks associated with all-cause and breast cancer–specific mortality. We used retrospective cohort population-based study data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program on 547,703 women aged ≥ 20 years diagnosed with breast cancer primary tumors from 2007 to 2016. Statistical analysis used logistic regression to assess predictors of early-stage breast cancer and Cox proportional hazards regression for mortality risks. African American women were more likely to be diagnosed at advanced-stage, had larger tumor size at diagnosis, and received less cancer-directed surgery, but more chemotherapy than Caucasian women. Insured women (> 50%) were more likely to be diagnosed at early-stage and to have smaller tumors (p < 0.05). Education level, poverty level, and household income had no impact on racial disparities or socioeconomic disparities in women diagnosed at early stage. We found increased risks for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio = 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–1.21) and breast cancer–specific mortality (HR = 1.22; 95% CI, 1.19–1.25) among African American women compared to Caucasian women after adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and treatment factors. In this population-based study using the most recent SEER data, African American women with breast cancer continued to exhibit higher all-cause mortality and breast cancer–specific mortality compared to Caucasian women.
Effects of exchange distortion and spin rotation in the magnetic Kagome Lattice

This study examines the effect of distorted triangular magnetic interactions in the kagome lattice. Using a Holstein-Primakoff expansion, we determine the analytical solutions for classical energies and the spin-wave modes for various magnetic configurations. By understanding the magnetic phase diagram, we characterize the changes in the spin waves and examine the spin distortions of the ferromagnetic, antiferrimagnetic, and ${120}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ phases that are produced by variable exchange interactions and lead to various noncollinear phases, which provides a deeper understanding of the magnetic fingerprints of these configurations for experimental characterization and identification.