cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corrosion Characteristics of AA7075 Reinforced with Nano-SiC Particles in NaCl Solution

Corrosion characteristics of AA7075 reinforced with nano-SiC particles(SiC_p/7075Al) after T6 treatment were studied in 3.5%NaCl solutions and the corrosion mechanisms were further analyzed.The results show that in comparison with the bare 7075A1,the free corrosion potential of SiC_p/7075Al become much positive and its corrosion rate decreases,therewith its corrosion resistance enhances.The surface microstructure of the sample after corrosion text and then polished was analyzed by SEM,two distinct features were found:(1) micropitting corrosion occorred at grain boundary and the adjacent Al matrix in the SiC_p/7075Al-T6;(2) The number and the spread area of pits on the AA7075-T6 are significantly larger than that on the SiC_p/7075Al-T6; intergranular corrosion of AA7075-T6 is very serious,which are consistent with the EIS and immersion test.The SiC_p distributes discontinuously on the grain boundary was observed by TEM,theη(MgZn_2) phase and the active corrosion path resulting from theηphase and their adjacent Al matrix were destroyed by SiC_p,the corrosion resistance was then improved.
Effects of an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis on postcapillary venules

The objective of this study was to determine whether an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NG,NG'-dimethyl-L-arginine; L-DMA) that is produced by vascular endothelium elicits the inflammatory...
Highlights from the past decade of interventional device research.

The treatment of patients with coronary artery disease has undergone dramatic improvement over the last 10 years due to the introduction of new, innovative devices. The introduction of devices to remove plaque and thrombus, metal stents to scaffold the artery, and protection to shield the heart muscle form emboli during treatment has made a visit to the catheterization suite much safer. The total length of hospitalization for these procedures is now approximately 24 hours. The near future promises even more innovation, including improvements in stent design and delivery and the use of low dose radiation administered directly to the endothelium to prevent re-narrowing of the treated segment.
SCIMLA, A general tool for measuring somatic mutation load in solid tissues: Dramatic inter-individual variation mutagen hypothesis of breast cancer

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 4210 Cancer is a disease of mutations and most if not all mutagens are carcinogens. More rigorous analysis of the relationship between mutations and cancers would benefit from a general method of measuring of mutation load, i.e., mutation frequency, pattern and spectrum, in humans and animals. Single Cell Imunohistochemical Mutation Load Assay (SCIMLA) is a method to measure somatic mutation load from single cells. SCIMLA requires reporter genes in which missense mutations often cause protein accumulation. P53 is the prototype reporter gene; other reporter genes will be developed. For SCIMLA, single cells that stain positively for protein accumulation are microdissected from ethanol fixed and paraffin embedded tissues. The reporter gene is amplified from the single cell and sequenced for somatic mutations. SCIMLA was used to test a first prediction of the lipophilic hypothesis of breast cancer, i.e. mammary cells are uniquely sensitive to a diverse population of lipophilic mutagens in the diet due to the unique anatomy of breast tissue: many tiny islands of cancer-prone mammary cells surrounded by a sea of terminally differentiated fat cells that serve to concentrate lipophilic mutagens. Our observation of marked interindividual variation in mammary cell mutation pattern is consistent with the hypothesis that marked interindividual variation in mutation pattern could reflect dietary exposure to the mutagenic fingerprints of a diversity lipophilic mutagens. Based on these data, a mouse model is being used to examine directly the effect of dietary lipophilic mutagens on mutation frequency and pattern in mammary vs colon and lung epithelium. Conclusion: SCIMLA is a tool for making key and unprecedented measurements of somatic mutation from single cells in situ, which may clarify the relationship between mutations and cancer as well as other diseases. The dramatic interindividual variations observed in mammary tissues constitutes the first biological application of this novel technology.
Glycogen Storage Diseases

Glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) comprise a group of rare inherited disorders caused by dysfunction of the synthesis or degradation of glycogen. Manifestations of GSDs are largely related to their direct effects on liver and/or muscle metabolism. The medical consequences of GSDs directly relate to glycogen's central role in glucose homeostasis. Analyzing this group of disorders has identified most of the enzymes directly related to glycogen metabolism. Recognizing the presence and consequences of GSD is the basis for rational treatment of affected individuals.
Surgical management of medial humeral epicondylitis, cubital synovial osteochondromatosis and humeroradial subluxation in a cat:

Case summaryA 13-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented for evaluation of pain and difficulty ambulating. Orthopedic examination and CT facilitated a diagnosis of bilateral elbow synovial osteoc...
Determination and Enforcement of Least-Privilege Architecture in Android

Modern mobile platforms rely on a permission model to guard the system's resources and apps. In Android, since the permissions are granted at the granularity of apps, and all components belonging to an app inherit those permissions, an app's components are typically over-privileged, i.e., components are granted more privileges than they need to complete their tasks. Systematic violation of least-privilege principle in Android has shown to be the root cause of many security vulnerabilities. To mitigate this issue, we have developed DELDROID, an automated system for determination of least privilege architecture in Android and its enforcement at runtime. A key contribution of our approach is the ability to limit the privileges granted to apps without the need to modify them. DELDROID utilizes static program analysis techniques to extract the exact privileges each component needs for providing its functionality. A Multiple-Domain Matrix representation of the system's architecture is then used to automatically analyze the security posture of the system and derive its least-privilege architecture. Our experiments on hundreds of real world apps corroborate DELDROID's ability in effectively establishing the least-privilege architecture and its benefits in alleviating the security threats.
The Comparative Effectiveness of Treatments for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction.

Objective To examine the effectiveness of the 3 primary treatments for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (ie, open pyeloplasty, minimally invasive pyeloplasty, and endopyelotomy) as assessed by failure rates. Materials and Methods Using MarketScan data, we identified adults (ages 18-64 years) who underwent treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction between 2002 and 2010. Our primary outcome was failure (ie, need for a secondary procedure). We fit a Cox proportional hazards model to examine the effects of different patient, regional, and provider characteristics on treatment failure. We then implemented a survival analysis framework to examine the failure-free probability for each treatment. Results We identified 1125 minimally invasive pyeloplasties, 775 open pyeloplasties, and 1315 endopyelotomies with failure rates of 7%, 9%, and 15%, respectively. Compared with endopyelotomy, minimally invasive pyeloplasty was associated with a lower risk of treatment failure (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR] 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.69). Minimally invasive and open pyeloplasties had similar failure rates. Compared with open pyeloplasty, endopyelotomy was associated with a higher risk of treatment failure (aHR 1.78; 95% CI, 1.33-2.37). The average length of stay was 2.7 days for minimally invasive pyeloplasty and 4.2 days for open pyeloplasty (P Conclusion Endopyelotomy has the highest failure rate, yet it remains a common treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Future research should examine to what extent patients and physicians are driving the use of endopyelotomy.
Crack Detection and Identification Using Vibration Signals and Fuzzy Clustering

Abstract Cracks in machine and structural components are among the most critical faults that require immediate attention by operations and maintenance personnel. In many cases it is difficult to directly and accurately identify the fault type and its extent under varying operating conditions. Therefore the ability to monitor and diagnose machine and structures health at early stages of fault initiation is one of the fundamental requirements of the development of online machine monitoring systems. This work demonstrates a novel procedure for crack detection and identification in an experimental set-up. Cracks of different lengths are introduced at three different locations along a cantilevered steel beam. The beam is exposed to several forms of excitation at different levels of amplitude and frequency. The excitation is introduced to the beam next to its fixed end using an electromagnetic shaker controlled by an arbitrary function generator. The vibration signals are analyzed for the beam dynamic signatures in the form of statistical moments, frequency spectra and wavelet coefficients. These are then used as features to create a data-partition using fuzzy relational clustering. The objective is to correlate crack length and crack propagation to the statistical moments, frequency spectra and wavelet coefficient data. The work will be later extended to supervise learning by training a classifier in a two-class problem to identify signal features that correlate to critical faults
Embodying History and Pedagogy: A Personal Journey into the Dokyoku Style of Japanese Shakuhachi

The shakuhachi ( Open image in new window ) came to Japan in the seventh century from China as a six-holed flute used in Imperial Court music. In the middle ages, mendicant komusō Zen monks, wishing to be delivered from earthly desires by blowing zen “suizen” ( Open image in new window ), transformed the shakuhachi into the five-holed flute played today. Honkyoku are the songs created by these monks. The name shakuhachi ( Open image in new window ) means “1.8 shaku,” and refers to its size. It is a compound of two words: ( Open image in new window ) means “shaku,” an archaic unit of width equal to 30.3 cm (0.994 English feet) and subdivided in ten subunits and hachi ( Open image in new window ), which means “eight,” here “eight sun or tenths” of a shaku. The shakuhachi world is divided up among various schools, called ryu, most commonly the Tozan-, Meian- or Myoan- and Kinko-ryu. The Tozan-ryu, which utilizes western notions of rhythm and structure is built on an iemoto Open image in new window structure, with the head of the organization defining the values and styles of the school. The Meian- or Myoan-ryu is often associated with the Fuke Zen sect and traditionally employs the shakuhachi for spiritual reasons. The Kinko-ryu focuses on a combination of both komusō related honkyoku as well as modern music. In this chapter, I describe the historical background and performance techniques associated with my work as an accredited master (shihan) performer of the shakuhachi. I reflect on how shakuhachi music has evolved across time and how cultural memory and perceived historical truths often conflict. I also describe some of my own experiences as a student of shakuhachi, and the array of complex techniques and considerations required for a performance of a program of selected shakuhachi repertoire that was mastered through many years of intensive training.
Catholic schools as spaces for transformative encounter

ABSTRACTThe U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops created a curriculum for Catholic secondary schools that describes what adolescents should learn including the importance of developing a religious a...
Various forms of the strain-displacement relations applied to experimental strain analysis: Strain-displacement relations are presented in a general way and modified forms are developed for three special cases

The purpose of this paper is to present the strain-displacement relations in a general way and to develop modified forms for three special cases which have application in experimental strain analysis: 1. Small rotations—large strains 2. Small strains—large rotations 3. Small strains—small rotations
On the Topology of Liapunov Functions for Dissipative Periodic Processes

The existence and nature of nonlinear oscillations for periodically forced nonlinear differential equations has historically attracted quite a bit of attention in both the pure and the applied mathematics literature. In control theory, it encompasses the study of the steady-state response of control systems to periodic inputs, generalizing the frequency domain theory that underlies classical control and its many successes. More than fifty years ago, Levinson initiated the study of dissipative periodic processes for planar systems, an approach that has since inspired the development of a general theory of dissipative systems for both lumped and distributed nonlinear systems. In the lumped case, dissipative processes have a dissipative Poincare map \(\mathcal{P}\) and a fair amount of effort has been expended determining the fixed point properties of \(\mathcal{P}\), culminating in the use of a remarkable fixed point theorem of F. Browder which showed that general dissipative periodic processes always have harmonic oscillations. An alternative approach to studying dissipative periodic processes using Liapunov theory was developed by the Russian school of nonlinear analysis, pioneered by Pliss, Krasnosel’skiĭ and others. It is fair to say that the largest technical challenge arising in this approach is the lack of a general, user-friendly description of the the level and sublevel sets of these Liapunov functions. In the equilibrium case, the recent solution of the Poincare Conjecture in all dimensions has resulted in a simple description and useful description of these sets [3], viz. the sublevel sets are always homeomorphic to a disk \(\mathbb{D}^n\). Fortunately, the techniques underlying the proofs of the Poincare conjectures have shed enough light on related classification questions that we can now also describe the topology of the level and sublevel sets of Liapunov functions for dissipative periodic process. Among the results we prove in this paper is that these sublevel sets of a Liapunov function are always homeomorphic to solid tori, \(\mathbb{D}^n \times S^1\), and diffeomorphic except perhaps when n = 3. Together with recent sufficient conditions for periodic orbits proven by Brockett and the author [4], these descriptions give streamlined proofs of the existence of harmonic oscillations, and some related results. The proof of our main theorem uses the work of Wilson on the topology of Liapunov functions for attractors, the s-cobordism theorem in dimensions greater than five, the validity of the Poincare Conjecture in dimension three and four, and a smoothing result of Kirby and Siebenmann for five-manifolds.
Rescaling social dynamics in climate change: The implications of cumulative exposure, climate justice, and community resilience

Abstract In this study, we explore cumulative exposure, climate justice, and flood risk with specific reference to community resilience, vulnerability, and social justice characteristics at the county-level within the U.S. Mississippi River basin from 1990 to 2009. Using a basic conceptual model of spatial resilience to climate risks, temporal lag effect of community capacity, urban and rural spatial classification, integrative cumulative exposure, and spatial clustering of risk, we examine spatial climate risk outcomes and the role of community resilience in reducing such risks. Our approach accounted for local social, economic, environmental, regulatory policy, and planning mitigation contexts. Results suggest that community social and ecological characteristics were influenced by flood losses and that social capital and climate justice characteristics combined with local proactive planning and policy measures lead to lower disaster losses and enhanced community resilience.
Approximate Ultra-Low Voltage Many-Core Processor Design

Computing at ultra-low voltages can increase the energy efficiency significantly, however, operating frequency and resilience to errors degrade as the operating voltage reaches the transistor threshold voltage. More parallelism can help prevent degradation in throughput performance arising from the lower frequency. More parallelism, however, makes more components subject to errors, which exacerbates the already intensified vulnerability to errors. This chapter is all about how to exploit the intrinsic noise tolerance of emerging R(ecognition), M(ining), and S(ynthesis) applications in addressing degraded resilience at ultra-low voltages by embracing errors.
The Neglected Narratives of Cuba's Partido Independiente de Color: Civil Rights, Popular Politics, and Emancipatory Reading Practices

On March 10, 1910, Pio Coronel informed his readers that he was abandoning his home in the western province of Pinar del Rio and saddling up his horse to set out on an important journalistic and political assignment. The black press journalist noted that once he got wind of Cuban president Jose Miguel Gomez's plans to set off from the presidential palace on a political campaign across the island, he kissed his wife goodbye and took off in pursuit with little more than a pen and a shoulder bag. In the following weeks, Pio galloped hundreds of miles across the Cuban countryside, or, as he called it, the “ill-fated American Colony,” to report on how black communities from Havana to Guantanamo received President Gomez. In other words, Pio showcased Cuba's black public sphere, which despite its effervescent political and civic life was outside the purview of Cuba's mainstream reporters. As this article argues, it was also largely neglected by subsequent generations of historians.
Severely injured trauma patients with admission hyperfibrinolysis: Is there a role of tranexamic acid? Findings from the PROPPR trial

INTRODUCTIONAdministration of tranexamic acid (TXA) in coagulopathy of trauma gained popularity after the CRASH-2 trial. The aim of our analysis was to analyze the role of TXA in severely injured trauma patients with admission hyperfibrinolysis.METHODSWe reviewed the prospectively collected Pragmati
Abstract: An Evaluation of Planned Missing Data Designs in Large Surveys.

Planned missing data designs in large surveys can efficiently reduce respondents’ burden and lower the cost associated with data collection, without cutting down on the questionnaire items. If the ...
On the Whys and Hows of Quantitative Research

For this issue of JBE, Zyphur and Pierides (J Bus Ethics 143(1):1–16, 2017) have written a paper on a concept that they have labeled relational validity. The purpose of the paper and of their advocacy for the concept of relational validity is to improve the way that quantitative research (QR) is done by expanding our understanding of its ethics-laden aspects. I agree entirely with the authors that every decision regarding QR is an ethics-laden one and that our research as a whole would be improved by recognition of this fact. I disagree with the authors regarding some of the ways that this improvement might be brought about.
Non-invasive neuromodulation using rTMS and the Electromagnetic-Perceptive Gene (EPG) facilitates plasticity after nerve injury

Peripheral nerve injury leads to altered cortical excitation-inhibition balance which is associated with sensory dysfunctions. We tested if non-invasive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) which has shown to induce neuronal excitability, and cell-specific magnetic activation via the Electromagnetic-perceptive gene (EPG) which is a novel gene that was identified and cloned from Kryptopterrus bicirrhis and demonstrated to evoke neural responses when magnetically stimulated, can restore cortical excitability. A battery of behavioral tests, fMRI and immunochemistry were performed in the weeks following limb denervation in rats. The results demonstrate that neuromodulation significantly improved long-term mobility, decreased anxiety and enhanced neuroplasticity. The study also identifies the acute post-injury phase as a critical time for intervention. Moreover, the results implicate EPG as an effective cell-specific neuromodulation approach. Together, these results reinforce the growing amount of evidence from human and animal studies that are establishing neuromodulation as an effective strategy to promote plasticity and rehabilitation.
Effect of Instrumentation Techniques and Kinematics on Apical Extrusion of Debris: An In Vitro Study.

Aim To evaluate the effect of instrumentation kinematics on debris extrusion by comparing the amount of apically extruded debris after canal preparation using ProTaper next in continuous rotation as well as forward reciprocating motion and WaveOne gold in reverse reciprocating motion. Materials and methods We randomly divided ninety buccal roots of maxillary bicuspids with fully formed apices into three groups. After achieving the coronal access, the patency of the root canals was established with a size 10 K file. The canals were then instrumented using ProTaper next in continuous rotation or in a forward reciprocating motion and WaveOne gold in reverse reciprocating motion. Eppendorf tubes were used to collect the debris extruded through the apical foramen. The tubes were placed in a -80° freezer for 8 hours and then in a lyophilizer for 24 hours. The quantity of the apically extruded debris was assessed by subtracting the weights of Eppendorf tubes before and after instrumentation. The analysis was done using a one-way ANOVA test and the Bonferroni test to compare the groups. Results The mean weight of extruded debris with WaveOne gold in reverse reciprocation was significantly lower than ProTaper next in forward reciprocation and ProTaper next in continuous rotation (p value = Conclusion WaveOne gold in reverse reciprocation was associated with a significantly lower amount of apical extrusion of debris than ProTaper next rotary files in forward reciprocation and continuous rotation. Clinical significance According to the results of this study, reciprocating instrumentation technique was associated with a less amount of debris extrusion compared to continuous rotation.
Made to Feel Like Less of a Woman: The Experience of Stigma for Mothers Who Do Not Breastfeed.

Background: Breastfeeding has become the recognized standard for good parenting, with social costs for not breastfeeding, but not every mother wants to or is able to breastfeed. Objectives: This study investigated social and personal costs with no breastfeeding. Materials and Methods: An in-depth survey was conducted with 250 mothers with infants who were not breastfeeding. Situated in the Framework Integrating Normative Influences on Stigma model for stigma, the study analyzed internalized stigma and perception of stigma from others, maternal feelings of warmth for the infant, and hiding formula use. Results: Mothers who chose not to breastfeed reported little personal or public stigma. In comparison, mothers who were unable to breastfeed experienced relatively more internalized stigma and perceived that other people saw them as failures. Mothers who experienced more internalized and perceived social network stigma were likely to hide use of infant formula from others and had lower feelings of warmth for their infants. Knowledge about formula use and availability of support resulted in less stigma and more warmth for the infant. Conclusions: These results suggest that public responses causing a mother to feel guilty for using infant formula result in negative feelings of self-worth and dysfunctional maternal behaviors.
Character-based lending for micro business development: empirical insights into conceptualizing character

Character-based lending (CBL) is a model that considers the applicant’s character over one’s financial conditions to increase the borrowing opportunities for populations with low asset and low cred...
Two-dimensional 19F–13C correlation NMR for 19F resonance assignment of fluorinated proteins

19F solid-state NMR is an excellent approach for measuring long-range distances for structure determination and for studying molecular motion. For multi-fluorinated proteins, assignment of 19F chemical shifts has been traditionally carried out using mutagenesis. Here we show 2D 19F–13C correlation experiments that allow efficient assignment of the 19F chemical shifts. We have compared several rotational-echo double-resonance-based pulse sequences and 19F–13C cross polarization (CP) for 2D 19F–13C correlation. We found that direct transferred-echo double-resonance (TEDOR) transfer from 19F to 13C and vice versa outperforms out-and-back coherence transfer schemes. 19F detection gives twofold higher sensitivity over 13C detection for the 2D correlation experiment. At MAS frequencies of 25–35 kHz, double-quantum 19F–13C CP has higher coherence transfer efficiencies than zero-quantum CP. The most efficient TEDOR transfer experiment has higher sensitivity than the most efficient double-quantum CP experiment. We demonstrate these 2D 19F–13C correlation experiments on the model compounds t-Boc-4F-phenylalanine and GB1. Application of the 2D 19F–13C TEDOR correlation experiment to the tetrameric influenza BM2 transmembrane peptide shows intermolecular 13C–19F cross peaks that indicate that the BM2 tetramers cluster in the lipid bilayer in an antiparallel fashion. This clustering may be relevant for the virus budding function of this protein.
Insights into eukaryogenesis from the fossil record

Eukaryogenesis-the process by which the eukaryotic cell emerged-has long puzzled scientists. It has been assumed that the fossil record has little to say about this process, in part because important characters such as the nucleus and mitochondria are rarely preserved, and in part because the prevailing model of early eukaryotes implies that eukaryogenesis occurred before the appearance of the first eukaryotes recognized in the fossil record. Here, I propose a different scenario for early eukaryote evolution than is widely assumed. Rather than crown group eukaryotes originating in the late Paleoproterozoic and remaining ecologically minor components for more than half a billion years in a prokaryote-dominated world, I argue for a late Mesoproterozoic origin of the eukaryotic crown group, implying that eukaryogenesis can be studied using the fossil record. I review the proxy records of four crown group characters: the capacity to form cysts as evidenced by the presence of excystment structures; a complex cytoskeleton as evidenced by spines or pylomes; sterol synthesis as evidenced by steranes; and aerobic respiration-and therefore mitochondria-as evidenced by eukaryotes living in oxic environments, and argue that it might be possible to use these proxy records to infer the order in which these characters evolved. The records indicate that both cyst formation and a complex cytoskeleton appeared by late Paleoproterozoic time, and sterol synthesis appeared in the late Mesoproterozioc or early Neoproterozoic. The origin of aerobic respiration cannot as easily be pinned down, but current evidence permits the possibility that it evolved sometime in the Mesoproterozoic.
A Causal Look at Statistical Definitions of Discrimination

Predictive parity and error rate balance are both widely accepted and adopted criteria for assessing fairness of classifiers. The realization that these equally reasonable criteria can lead to contradictory results has, nonetheless, generated a lot of debate/controversy, and has motivated the development of mathematical results establishing the impossibility of concomitantly satisfying predictive parity and error rate balance. Here, we investigate these fairness criteria from a causality perspective. By taking into consideration the data generation process giving rise to the observed data, as well as, the data generation process giving rise to the predictions, and assuming faithfulness, we prove that when the base rates differ across the protected groups and there is no perfect separation, then a standard classifier cannot achieve exact predictive parity. (Where, by standard classifier we mean a classifier trained in the usual way, without adopting pre-processing, in-processing, or post-processing fairness techniques.) This result holds in general, irrespective of the data generation process giving rise to the observed data. Furthermore, we show that the amount of disparate mistreatment for the positive predictive value metric is proportional to the difference between the base rates. For the error rate balance, as well as, the closely related equalized odds and equality of opportunity criteria, we show that there are, nonetheless, data generation processes that can still satisfy these criteria when the base rates differ by protected group, and we characterize the conditions under which these criteria hold. We illustrate our results using synthetic data, and with the re-analysis of the COMPAS data.
Murine polyomavirus microRNAs promote viruria during the acute phase of infection

Polyomaviruses (PyVs) can cause serious disease in immunosuppressed hosts. Several pathogenic PyVs encode microRNAs (miRNAs), small RNAs that regulate gene expression via RNA silencing. Despite recent advances in understanding the activities of PyV miRNAs, the biological functions of PyV miRNAs during in vivo infections are mostly unknown. Studies presented here use murine polyomavirus (MuPyV) as a model to assess the roles of the PyV miRNAs in a natural host. This analysis reveals that a MuPyV mutant that is unable to express miRNAs has enhanced viral DNA loads in select tissues at late times after infection, indicating that during infection of a natural host, PyV miRNAs function to reduce viral replication during the persistent phase of infection. Additionally, MuPyV miRNAs promote viruria during the acute phase of infection as evidenced by a defect in shedding during infection with the miRNA mutant virus. The viruria defect of the miRNA mutant virus could be rescued by infecting Rag2-/- mice. These findings implicate miRNA activity in both the persistent and acute phases of infection and suggest a role for MuPyV miRNA in evading the adaptive immune response.
Comparison of adult versus paediatric staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome inpatients: A retrospective database analysis

Dear Editor, Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a rare dermatologic disease caused by toxigenic strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Adult SSSS is less common than pediatric cases of the disease, likely due to the development of immunity early in life, but has a higher fatality rate 1-3 . These facts hint at the different clinical nature of SSSS between patients of different ages.
Abstract P727: Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Identifies Ifi27l2a as a Novel Gene Involved in Regulating Microglial Inflammation in the Context of Aging and Stroke

Microglial cells (MG) serve as resident immune cells in the brain and play a critical role in the acute response and chronic recovery to stroke. However, how the transcriptional signature of these ...
A large lipoprotein mediates target specificity for T6SS-dependent killing

Abstract Interbacterial competition is prevalent in host-associated microbiota, where it can shape community structure and function, impacting host health in both positive and negative ways. However, the factors that permit bacteria to discriminate among their various neighbors for targeted elimination of competitors remain elusive. We identified a specificity factor in Vibrio species that is used to target specific competitors for elimination. Here, we describe this specificity factor, which is associated with the broadly-distributed type VI secretion system (T6SS), by studying symbiotic Vibrio fischeri, which use the T6SS to compete for colonization sites in their squid host. We demonstrate that a large lipoprotein (TasL) allows V. fischeri cells to restrict T6SS-dependent killing to certain genotypes by selectively integrating competitor cells into aggregates while excluding other cell types. TasL is also required for T6SS-dependent competition within juvenile squid, indicating the adhesion factor is active in the host. Because TasL homologs are found in other host-associated bacterial species, this newly-described specificity factor has the potential to impact microbiome structure within diverse hosts.
“Is there no Balm in Gilead?”: Health, Illness, Death, and Dying in the Hebrew Bible and Today:

This essay argues that the Hebrew Bible contains conceptual resources that can contribute to and enrich the ongoing discussions surrounding healthcare in the U.S. and in other modern Western societ...
Social and economic impacts of rural employment in the rural tourism sector(Case study in the village of Tunis in Fayoum governorate)

The objective of the study was to identify the causes of rural employment in the ecotourism sector, and the variables related to it, and to identify the most important problems facing workers in the ecotourism sector and the proposed solutions from their point of view. 228 workers, based on the lists and records of tourism establishments and organizations, The research data were collected during the period from January to march 2020, The analysis of the study data used several different statistical methods and measurements to achieve the objectives of the study and test their hypotheses. The use of the ki square test and the use of percentages in highlighting these relations, Kramer to show the strength of these relations. Some descriptive statistical methods such as frequency distributions, percentages, averages, range and standard deviation were used in the presentation and description of study variables. The results of the study indicated the following: The results of the study showed that the most important reasons for rural employment in the ecotourism sector are: stable and stable income and the possibility of increase and promotion (86.8%), working in agriculture is not remunerative, especially when compared to working in tourism (79.8%), acquiring new experiences and skills (76.7%), availability of work Tourism within the village and not having to travel and exile (68.4%), feeling psychological and physical comfort, and enjoying work in tourism as a result of the nature of work (64.9%), the best opportunities available in the village (44.7%), and the desire to improve the standard of living (44.2%).
Loss Of Tbx3 Enhances Pancreatic Progenitor Generation From Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Summary Tbx3 has been identified as a regulator of liver development in the mouse, but its function in human liver development remains unknown. TBX3 mutant human pluripotent stem cell (PSC) lines were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. TBX3 loss led to impaired liver differentiation and an upregulation of pancreatic gene expression, including PDX1, during a hepatocyte differentiation protocol. Other pancreatic genes, including NEUROG3 and NKX2.2, displayed more open chromatin in the TBX3 mutant hepatoblasts. Using a pancreatic differentiation protocol, cells lacking TBX3 generated more pancreatic progenitors and had an enhanced pancreatic gene expression signature at the expense of hepatic gene expression. These data highlight a potential role of TBX3 in regulating hepatic and pancreatic domains during foregut patterning, with implications for enhancing the generation of pancreatic progenitors from PSCs.
Non-Reciprocal MMIC-Based Dual-Band Bandpass Filters

A new class of an RF front-end component that exhibits the co-designed function of a dual-band bandpass filter and an RF isolator is presented. The proposed non-reciprocal dual-band bandpass filter (NDBPF) is based on two multiresonant cells and one non-reciprocal resonant stage. By cascading them in series, a dual-band transfer function-shaped by four poles (two for each passband) and six transmission zeros-is created in the forward direction and full RF signal cancellation is obtained in the reverse one. For proof-of-concept demonstration purposes, a NDBPF prototype was designed at X-band and manufactured with a commercially-available MMIC GaAs process. It exhibited two bands with the following RF measured characteristics: center frequencies: 8.33 GHz and 10.17 GHz, 3-dB fractional bandwidth: 6.4% and 3.6%, maximum gain: 6.38 dB and 0.3 dB, and isolation >36.7 dB and 19.5 dB at respectively the lower and upper band.
An efficient second-order accurate and continuous interpolation for block-adaptive grids

In this paper we present a second-order and continuous interpolation algorithm for cell-centered adaptive-mesh-refinement (AMR) grids. Continuity requirement poses a non-trivial problem at resolution changes. We develop a classification of the resolution changes, which allows us to employ efficient and simple linear interpolation in the majority of the computational domain. The algorithm is well suited for massively parallel computations. Our interpolation algorithm allows extracting jump-free interpolated data distribution along lines and surfaces within the computational domain. This capability is important for various applications, including kinetic particles tracking in three dimensional vector fields, visualization (i.e. surface extraction) and extracting variables along one-dimensional curves such as field lines, streamlines and satellite trajectories, etc. Particular examples are models for acceleration of solar energetic particles (SEPs) along magnetic field-lines. As such models are sensitive to sharp gradients and discontinuities the capability to interpolate the data from the AMR grid to be passed to the SEP model without producing false gradients numerically becomes crucial. We provide a complete description of the algorithm and make the code publicly available as a Fortran 90 library.
Onset and progression of calcification in porcine aortic bioprosthetic valves Implanted as orthotopic mitral valve replacements in juvenile sheep

The purpose of this study was to characterize the onset and progression of mineralization in porcine bioprosthetic valves implanted in sheep and to test the hypothesis that such valves simulate calcification that is observed clinically and in other experimental models. Hancock I porcine aortic bioprosthetic valves (Medtronic Heart Valve Division, Irvine, Calif.) were implanted as orthotopic mitral valve replacements in juvenile sheep, retrieved after 1 to 124 days, and analyzed as follows: gross inspection, radiography, light, transmission, and surface scanning electron microscopy, and calcium analysis by absorption spectroscopy. Mineralization increased with increasing time after implantation in both valve cusps and adjacent aortic wall. Mean cuspal calcification was 80 μg/mg in valves removed after 3 to 4 months. Nevertheless, considerable variability among valves was apparent in the level of calcification noted at specific time intervals. Virtually all aspects of the morphologic characteristics were identical to those previously noted for clinical explants and experimental specimens, both subcutaneous and circulatory. In particular, ultrastructural examination revealed that the earliest calcific deposits were associated with devitalized cuspal connective tissue cells and their fragments. Collagen calcification was sparse. Both surface scanning and transmission electron microscopy indicated a lack of endothelial or blood-derived cells on the valves at all sampling times. We conclude that porcine bioprosthetic valves implanted as mitral valves in sheep provide a useful calcification model, simulating morphologic and pathobiologic events that occur clinically and in noncirculatory models. However, sufficient specimen replicates must be done to overcome variability in calcification among valves and sampling sites.
Chapter 8. Emerging Opportunities in the Treatment of Asthma and Allergy

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the two molecular targets, such as modulators of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and inhibitors of lymphocyte-derived cytokines. Current asthma therapies, such as theophylline and steroids, are used to stimulate the cAMP pathways. Cyclic nucleotide PDEs are viewed as attractive molecular targets for the treatment of asthma and inflammation. PDE isozymes are classified into five families based on their specificity, for either cAMP or cGMP, inhibitor sensitivity and calciumcalmodulin dependence. PDE IV and PDE III/lV inhibitors possess both bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory activity in animal models. A major obstacle in the development of PDE IV inhibitors is the elimination of emetic side effects. PDE IV inhibitor 1 reduces the abnormal levels of IL-4 production, for controlling the defective immune function in atopic dermatitis. Eosinophil counts in conjunctival epithelium in LT-challenged guinea pigs that receive are reduced compared to the LT-challenged controls. The pulmonary anti-allergic activity of theophylline results in part from the inhibition of PDE IV and the bronchodilator activity of theophylline results in part from the inhibition of PDE 111. Several isoforms of the PDE IV isozyme have been cloned, from rat and from man, and access to these isoforms lead to more selective PDE inhibitors. Elevated cAMP binds the two regulatory subunits of the protein kinase A (PKA) holoenzyme, promoting dissociation of two monomeric catalytic subunits.
A commentary on the satires of Juvenal

Author(s): Courtney, Edward | Abstract: Edward Courtney's study of the Satires of Juvenal is the only full-scale commentary on the corpus since the nineteenth century and retains its value for students and scholars a generation after its first appearance in 1980. This commentary incorporates the findings of classical study up to that time, including the work of A. E. Housman, new discoveries such as those of papyri, and the expanding horizons of classical research. Courtney elucidates the form of each poem and the progression of thought, and offers many suggestions for the adjustment of traditional punctuation. In addition to basic explanation of the text, the commentary offers a detailed understanding of the literary and historical context, including thorough treatment of social customs, realia, development of the Latin language, and rhetorical features. The Introduction discusses Juvenal's life, his development as a satirist, his view of society and morals, his style, and his handling of metre.
Soluble factors in tolerance and contact sensitivity to DNFB in mice: VIII. Regulation of T suppressor cell function by autoreactive T helper cells

Abstract When cultured with DNP-labeled I-A + cells, Lyt 2 + T suppressor cells (Ts) from 2,4,-dinitrobenzene sulfonate (DNBS)-tolerized mice are activated to synthesize and release a suppressor factor (SSF) which suppresses the transfer of contact sensitivity to DNFB. The signals required to activate the DNBS-primed Ts to produce SSF were studied in greater detail. As previously observed with fixed DNP-labeled spleen cell stimulators, the supernatants from cultures of DNBS-primed spleen cells and gluteraldehyde-fixed DNP-labeled P388D 1 cell monolayers did not contain SSF. When the tolerant cells were harvested from these monolayers and were treated with IL-1, the Ts released the synthesized SSF. Synthesis and release of SSF required Ts recognition of DNP/class I MHC on the hapten-presenting cells followed by interaction with the costimulator IL-1. When the tolerant cells were cultured with fixed DNP-labeled I-A + or I-A − stimulators to induce SSF synthesis, release was induced by adding either unlabeled or TNP-labeled unprimed spleen cells to the cultures. The release of SSF was blocked when the second stimulators were pretreated with anti-I-A antibody but not with anti-DNP or anti-class I MHC antibodies. These results indicate that the release of SSF by DNBS-primed Lyt 2 + Ts is regulated by the activity of a self-I-A-reactive (i.e., autoreactive) T cell in the tolerant spleen cell population.
The octant rule. XX: Synthesis and circular dichroism of (1S,5S)-dimethyladamantan-2-one ― predicted to have zero cotton effect

Abstract The title compound was synthesized in optically active form from adamantane. Although the methyl perturbers lie in the extended local symmetry planes of the carbonyl chromophore, and octant and quadrant rules therefore predict they should make no contributions to the Cotton effect (CE), weak negative CEs are found in cyclopentane and in CF3CH2OH solvents.
Privacy-preserving data mining through knowledge model sharing

Privacy-preserving data mining (PPDM) is an important topic to both industry and academia. In general there are two approaches to tackling PPDM, one is statistics-based and the other is crypto-based. The statistics-based approach has the advantage of being efficient enough to deal with large volume of datasets. The basic idea underlying this approach is to let the data owners publish some sanitized versions of their data (e.g., via perturbation, generalization, or l-diversification), which are then used for extracting useful knowledge models such as decision trees. In this paper, we present a new method for statistics-based PPDM. Our method differs from the existing ones because it lets the data owners share with each other the knowledge models extracted from their own private datasets, rather than to let the data owners publish any of their own private datasets (not even in any sanitized form). The knowledge models derived from the individual datasets are used to generate some pseudo-data that are then used for extracting the desired "global" knowledge models. While instrumental, there are some technical subtleties that need be carefully addressed. Specifically, we propose an algorithm for generating pseudo-data according to paths of a decision tree, a method for adapting anonymity measures of datasets to measure the privacy of decision trees, and an algorithm that prunes a decision tree to satisfy a given anonymity requirement. Through an empirical study, we show that predictive models learned using our method are significantly more accurate than those learned using the existing l-diversity method in both centralized and distributed environments with different types of datasets, predictive models, and utility measures.
Parameter Estimation and Asymptotics

In stochastic modeling, probability distributions often involve unknown parameters, and this chapter deals with some principles of estimation of such parameters. That involves various classes of loss functions, and the study concentrates on certain desirable properties of estimators which are (known) functions of random variables. These include a detailed mathematical analysis of Bayes and maximum likelihood estimation as well as (nonlinear) prediction. Also treated are the asymptotics of the methodology to be explored for particular types of processes later on, and a relatively short account of sequential estimation together with some important complements.
Generalized Approzimate Algorithms for Point Set Congruence

We address the question of determining if two point sets are congruent. This task consists of defining the concept of point congruence, and developing algorithms that test for it. We introduce the (e,κ)-map, a device which pictorially represents the degree of congruence between two point sets. Point set congruence has been studied by previous researchers, but we feel that our definitions offer a more general and powerful approach to the problem. By using the paradigm of approximate algorithms, we are able to construct the (e,κ)-map efficiently.