cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Palaeomagnetic evidence for local and regional post-Eocene rotations in northern Mexico

SUMMARY 122 oriented core samples were collected from folded Lower Cretaceous units at four localities in the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains near Torreon, northeast Mexico. Palaeomagnetic analyses of these samples identify a stable synfolding remanence at three localities that was acquired during the Laramide Orogeny (Eocene). The fourth locality exhibited a post-folding or late-synfolding remanence. Each locality has undergone a regional rotation and at least three localities have undergone local rotations since remanence acquisition. By examining the relationships between the apparent polar wander paths for North America and Mexico, pole positions generated by this study and observed structural trends, it has been possible to evaluate the different contributions of local versus regional rotations and to calculate a least-locally-rotated Eocene pole position for the Torreon region. This pole (Lat. = 69.9"N, Long. = 172.8"E, n = 27, k = 30, ag5 = 5.2") agrees well with a published Mexican Eocene pole position for a locality located 450 km northnorthwest of the present study area. On the basis of this information, we conclude that a large fragment of northern Mexico has undergone a 10"-15" post-Eocene counterclockwise rotation with respect to the rest of North America, in agreement with the model proposed by Urrutia-Fucugauchi (1981).
Explaining Why Presidents Count: Signaling and Information

This paper suggests why presidents, despite their reliable knowledge of Congress, utilize headcounts. It examines two general conjectures: The first emphasizes the opportunity counting provides for "signaling." Four signaling effects are hypothesized: the count mobilizes members, additional effort increases mobilization, counting increases the retention of commitments, and counting prompts crystallization of positions. The second conjecture asserts that headcounts provide vitally specific information and thus, improve upon the expectations of administrations about their current legislative situation. Two information effects are hypothesized; one suggesting that headcounts supplement administration expectations, while the other suggests head-counts provide a better prediction than administration expectations. The data do not suggest a signaling effect beyond the basic mobilization of core supporters. The data support both information hypotheses suggesting that even an administration with no prior experienc...
Trust in Sociotechnical Systems

The purpose of this panel is to provide a general overview and discussion of trust relationships in sociotechnical systems. The panel will be composed of five well-known experts in complex systems ...
Identification of T Cells that Respond to Serovar-Specific Regions of the Chlamydia trachomatis Major Outer Membrane Protein in Persons with Serovar E Infection

Protection from Chlamydia trachomatis infection is serovar-specific and T cell-dependent; however, the T cell epitopes identified to date have not been serovar-specific. The chlamydial major outer membrane protein (MOMP) contains serovar-specific B cell epitopes in four regions of the molecule whose amino acid sequence varies among serovars, the variable segments (VS). Serovar-specific T cell epitopes were sought by examining proliferation of blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from Chlamydia-infected patients in response to VS peptides of serovar E MOMP. Serovar E-specific peptides from VS1, VS2, and VS4 stimulated PBMC to a greater extent in serovar E-infected than in non-E-infected subjects. Peptides containing constant regions of MOMP were recognized equally by all infected persons. The observed responses were attributable to T cells. T cell recognition of serovar-specific regions of MOMP is common and may contribute to the serovar-specific protection previously observed.
Evaluation of sub grid scale and local wall models in Large-eddy simulations of separated flow

The performance of the Sub Grid Scale models is studied by simulating a separated flow over a wavy channel. The first and second order statistical moments of the resolved velocities obtained by using Large-Eddy simulations at different mesh resolutions are compared with Direct Numerical Simulations data. The effectiveness of modeling the wall stresses by using local log-law is then tested on a relatively coarse grid. The results exhibit a good agreement between highly-resolved Large Eddy Simulations and Direct Numerical Simulations data regardless the Sub Grid Scale models. However, the agreement is less satisfactory with relatively coarse grid without using any wall models and the differences between Sub Grid Scale models are distinguishable. Using local wall model returned the basic flow topology and reduced significantly the differences between the coarse meshed Large-Eddy Simulations and Direct Numerical Simulations data. The results show that the ability of local wall model to predict the separation zone depends strongly on its implementation way. (Less)
Capacitive sensing of local bond layer thickness and coverage in thermal interface materials

Abstract An instrumentation technique is developed using embedded capacitive sensors to measure the thickness and evenness of coverage of a thin layer of dielectric thermal interface material (TIM) between two substrates. The technique requires an array of sensors embedded into one substrate, with an electrically conductive opposing substrate. Local capacitance measurements are sensitive to both local bond layer thickness and local voiding. We propose a means for using an array of capacitance measurements to interpret both bond layer thickness and local voiding at every sensor location. An algorithm is developed which reveals both characteristics from a single set of capacitance measurements. Experiments are conducted with thermal grease layers of different bond layer thicknesses and void distributions using a prototype system constructed on printed circuit boards. The thickness and void distribution are successfully mapped across the bond layer using the algorithm developed. The technique offers a sensing approach for in situ instrumentation of layers of thermal grease in a thermal test vehicle.
Prevention of Lesion Recurrence in Endovascular Devices

Although the use of autogenous bypass grafts is generally considered the optimal technique of augmenting perfusion to poorly perfused limbs, many patients do not have adequate conduit or are not at suitable risk for invasive surgery. One of the innovations over the last few decades has been the development of techniques to restore flow through endovascular methods such as angioplasty and vascular stents. Intra-arterial stent placement to treat atherosclerotic obstruction was proposed by Dotter and Judkins in 1964. The first use of percutaneously implanted stents in human arteries was the placement of the Wallstent in coronary, iliac, and femoral arteries in 1987 [1]. Shortly thereafter, favorable results in a multicenter trial with the Palmaz stent in iliac arteries were reported [2]. Stents were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in iliac arteries in the United States in 1991.
The Digital Pipetting Badge: A Method To Improve Student Hands-On Laboratory Skills

An evidence centered design approach was used to develop, implement, and assess a novel and innovative digital pipetting badge using Purdue’s Passport system. Each student in a large lecture course created a video demonstrating how to use a 10 mL pipet to dispense liquid. The video was uploaded into the Passport system, which allowed instructors to give each student feedback on their pipetting technique and to either accept or deny the video. Students who had denied videos were able to use the feedback to improve their technique, reshoot the video, and upload it again for grading. Student perceptions of their knowledge, confidence, and experience pipetting were collected before and after the laboratory where the videos were created. Analysis demonstrated significant differences in student perceptions and large effect sizes. Over 90% of students correctly answered a multiple-choice item on the first exam and the final pertaining to the process of pipetting. The digital pipetting badge significantly and pos...
Invariant natural killer T cells in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: killer choice for natural suppression

Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKTs) are innate-like lipid-reactive T lymphocytes that express an invariant T-cell receptor (TCR). Following engagement of the iTCR, iNKTs rapidly secrete copious amounts of Th1 and Th2 cytokines and promote the functions of several immune cells including NK, T, B and dendritic cells. Accordingly, iNKTs bridge the innate and adaptive immune responses and modulate susceptibility to autoimmunity, infection, allergy and cancer. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is one of the most effective treatments for patients with hematologic malignancies. However, the beneficial graft versus leukemia (GvL) effect mediated by the conventional T cells contained within the allograft is often hampered by the concurrent occurrence of graft versus host disease (GvHD). Thus, developing strategies that can dissociate GvHD from GvL remain clinically challenging. Several preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate that iNKTs significantly attenuate GvHD without abrogating the GvL effect. Besides preserving the GvL activity of the donor graft, iNKTs themselves exert antitumor immune responses via direct and indirect mechanisms. Herein, we review the various mechanisms by which iNKTs provide antitumor immunity and discuss their roles in GvHD suppression. We also highlight the opportunities and obstacles in manipulating iNKTs for use in the cellular therapy of hematologic malignancies.
Relationship between left ventricular mass and prognosis of arterial hypertension

Echocardiographic measurement of left ventricular mass has provided a way of evaluating the undesirable effects of high blood pressure on the heart in the same way as for obesity, excess salt intake and blood hyperviscosity. Recently, the left ventricular mass was shown to correlate (r = 0.81) with the hemodynamic stimuli of blood pressure, stroke volume and left ventricular contractility. Prospective trials at Cornell and Framingham indicate that left ventricular mass is a powerful predictive factor of the risk of complications in hypertension. In the first of these trials, we demonstrated in a 5 year follow-up study of 140 men with uncomplicated hypertension that the incidence of death, myocardial infarction or angina requiring myocardial revascularisation, was four times greater in patients with increased left ventricular mass and that this association was independent of the blood pressure levels. Then, in a 10 year follow-up study of hypertensive patients of both sexes, we established that the left ventricular mass was the most powerful predictive factor of mortality and morbidity and that this was so marked (15% death rate in subjects with LVH vs 1% in subjects with normal left ventricular mass--p less than 0.00001--, cardiovascular accidents in 26% of subjects with LVH compared with 12% in subjects with normal left ventricular mass--p less than 0.0001) that only left ventricular mass and age were independant predictive factors of morbid events in multiple variable analysis. In the Framingham study, the frequency of coronary events in a 4 year follow-up period of healthy subjects from the original cohort (average age 69 years) was significantly related to the left ventricular mass and independent of other risk factors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Agree or disagree: How do party leader changes affect the distribution of voters’ perceptions

Political party leaders are among the most influential actors in parliamentary democracies, and a change in party leadership is an important event for a party organization. Yet, we do not know how ...
Protecting the Vacuum System

Power interruptions can play havoc with UHV systems operating with a turbopump, and particularly when these systems are being baked out. A power failure has the effect of venting a turbopump, using the commercial vent valve designed to prevent oil back-streaming from the forepump into the turbopump and the vacuum chamber during a power interruption.
Electronic Marketing in the Sustainable Tourism Industry: Are Sustainability Credentials Reflected in Website Content?

This research examines the nature and scope of electronic marketing practices in the sustainable tourism industry; specifically, the congruency of tourism organizations’ sustainability credentials with their electronic marketing efforts as reflected in website content. Content analysis of the websites of a global sample of 72 sustainable tourism providers, compared with the providers#x0027; documented sustainability credentials, reveals a low average congruency between credentials and electronic marketing efforts. Breakdowns of the results by region and by specific sustainability dimension are also reported, and the primary implication—missed opportunities—is discussed.
Precision Medicine, Genomics, and Public Health.

Despite the advances in molecular genetics and… as genetic tests are proliferating in the U.S. population, their appropriate usage in the public health setting needs careful scrutiny.—Muin J. Khoury The issues that Muin J. Khoury (1) identified as relevant in the intersection of genomics and public health—rapid advances in the molecular technologies available for interrogating the genome, the proliferation of genetic and genomic testing in the clinical setting, uncertainties surrounding the use and value of such tests—are far from surprising. These issues form the basis of much discussion in today’s scientific, professional, and popular literature. What is perhaps surprising about the statement, however, is that it was made nearly 20 years ago. As advances in molecular genetics have marched steadily forward and genetic epidemiologists have attempted to generate useful public health knowledge, paradigms have meanwhile shifted and developing disciplines (e.g., epigenetics, metabolomics) now contribute substantively to the conversation. The challenges faced by public health practitioners in this context have stemmed from the shifting landscape upon which the discipline is built. President Barack Obama's Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI), unveiled during his 2015 State of the Union Address, represents a concerted effort to lay the scientific foundation for the careful scrutiny Khoury called for. How does this PMI impact the prevention and treatment of diabetes? As public health practitioners, we must face the current reality of the high and increasing global prevalence of diabetes. Between 1980 and 2008, the global age-standardized diabetes prevalence increased from 8.3 to 9.8% in men and from 7.5 to 9.2% in women (2). Precision medicine (PM) may offer new strategies to prevent and reduce diabetes in populations. PM seeks to integrate a bounty of data from each person's genome—combined with data from his or her environment and lifestyle (i.e., behaviors)—to tailor medical treatment to the individual …
Comparison of Delay Times from Symptom Onset to Medical Contact in Blacks Versus Whites With Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Clinical outcomes in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) worsen with increasing delay between symptom onset and clinical presentation. Previous studies have shown that black patients with AMI have longer presentation delays. The objective of this analysis is to explore the potential contribution of community factors to presentation delays in black patients with AMI. We linked clinical data for 346,499 consecutive patients with AMI from Acute Coronary Treatment Intervention Outcomes Network Registry-Get With the Guidelines™ (2007-2014) to socioeconomic and community information from the American Community Survey. Black patients with AMI had longer symptom onset to first medical contact times than white patients (114 vs 101 minutes, p <0.0001) regardless of ambulance versus self-transport. Compared with white patients, black patients were younger and more likely to have clinical co-morbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, previous heart failure, and stroke. They were also more likely to live in urban communities with lower socioeconomic status, lower rates of long-term residence, and higher proportion of single-person households than white patients. In sequential linear regression models adjusting for patient demographic and clinical characteristics, logistic barriers to prompt presentation, and community socioeconomic and composition factors, black patients had a persistent 9% greater time from symptom onset to presentation compared with white patients (95% CI 8% to 11%, p <0.0001). In conclusion, the longer delay in time to presentation in black patients with AMI compared with white patients persists after accounting for a number of both patient and community factors.
Objects: Nothing Out of the Ordinary, by Korman, Daniel Z.

An exceptionally clear, systematic, and thoughtful defence of conservatism: ordinary objects, like dogs, trees, statues, and cars exist; extraordinary objects, like the object composed of my nose a...
Building Subsurface Velocity Models with Sharp Interfaces Using Interface-Guided Seismic Full-Waveform Inversion

Reverse-time migration has the potential to image complex subsurface structures, including steeply-dipping fault zones, but the method requires an accurate velocity model. Acoustic- and elastic-waveform inversion is a promising tool for high-resolution velocity model building. Because of the ill-posedness of acoustic- and elastic-waveform inversion, it is a great challenge to obtain accurate velocity models containing sharp interfaces. To improve velocity model building, we develop an acoustic- and elastic-waveform inversion method with an interface-guided modified total-variation regularization scheme to improve the inversion accuracy and robustness, particularly for models with sharp interfaces and steeply-dipping fault zones with widths much smaller than the seismic wavelength. The new regularization scheme incorporates interface information into seismic full-waveform inversion. The interface information of subsurface interfaces is obtained iteratively using migration imaging during waveform inversion. Seismic migration is robust for subsurface imaging. Our new acoustic- and elastic-waveform inversion takes advantage of the robustness of migration imaging to improve velocity estimation. We use synthetic seismic data for a complex model containing sharp interfaces and several steeply-dipping fault zones to validate the improved capability of our new acoustic- and elastic-waveform inversion method. Our inversion results are much better than those produced without using interface-guided regularization. Acoustic- and elastic-waveform inversion with an interface-guided modified total-variation regularization scheme has the potential to accurately build subsurface velocity models with sharp interfaces and/or steep fault zones.
Quasimodular forms and automorphic pseudodifferential operators of mixed weight

Jacobi-like forms for a discrete subgroup $$\Gamma $$ of $$SL(2, \mathbb R)$$ are formal power series which generalize Jacobi forms, and they are in one-to-one correspondence with automorphic pseudodifferential operators for $$\Gamma $$ . The well-known Cohen–Kuznetsov lifting of a modular form f provides a Jacobi-like form and therefore an automorphic pseudodifferential operator associated to f. Given a pair $$(\lambda , \mu )$$ of integers, automorphic pseudodifferential operators can be extended to those of mixed weight. We show that each coefficient of an automorphic pseudodifferential operator of mixed weight is a quasimodular form and prove the existence of a lifting of Cohen–Kuznetsov type for each quasimodular form.
Manuka honey and methylglyoxal increase the sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus to linezolid.

The continued emergence and global spread of bacterial antibiotic resistance has fuelled the search for novel antimicrobial agents and resistance-modifying compounds. Manuka honey has both antimicrobial properties and the ability to increase the efficacy of FDA-approved antibiotic drugs. Compared to other types of honey, manuka honey contains elevated levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), a small molecule that contributes to its antibacterial activity. Manuka honey has shown particular promise for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive organisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic used in the treatment of infections caused by a range of Gram-positive pathogens. Here, we demonstrate that manuka honey, as well as MGO in isolation, increases the sensitivity of S. aureus to linezolid in both agar diffusion and broth microdilution assays. This synergistic interaction is mediated in part by increased intracellular accumulation of linezolid in the presence of MGO. Significance and impact of the study Manuka honey is widely recognized for its antimicrobial activity. Our study adds to the growing body of evidence that manuka honey and its active ingredient, methylglyoxal (MGO), can also function as antibiotic adjuvants. In this study, we provide the first report of synergy between MGO and linezolid against Staphylococcus aureus. Both manuka honey and purified MGO significantly increased the sensitivity of S. aureus to linezolid.
Photoceuticals: a mechanistic pharmacological approach to photobiomodulation dosimetery (Conference Presentation)

Can we treat ‘light as a drug’ for Photobiomodulation therapy? To satisfy the definition of an active pharmaceutical agent, the substance should be absorbed and capable of changing bodily function that light satisfies. Our understanding of our visual cycle and Vitamin D metabolism are clear evidences for this phenomenon. Advances in optophotonic technologies along with a better understanding of light-tissue interactions, especially in in vivo optical imaging and optogenetics, are spearheading the popularity of biophotonics in biology and medicine. This therapy is defined as the non-thermal use of non-ionizing forms of photonic devices including lasers, LEDs and broad-band light to alleviate pain, inflammation, modulate immune responses and promote wound healing and tissue regeneration. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the two most well understood phenomenon namely, an intracellular mechanism involving cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria and an extracellular mechanism involving activation of a latent growth factor, TGF-β1. Surprisingly, despite vast volumes of scientific literature from both clinical and laboratory studies noting the phenomenological evidences for this innovative therapy, there has been inconsistent, non-reproducible clinical outcomes. It is hoped that outlining the molecular mechanism will enable development of more robust, safe and efficacious PBM clinical regimens.
FAR: A 4.12μW ferro-electric auto-recovery for battery-less BSN SoCs

This paper presents a Ferro-electric Auto-Recovery (FAR) sub-system designed to support a battery-less body sensor node (BSN) system-on-chip (SoC). FAR enables this type of SoCs to recover from power loss when energy harvesting conditions are poor. It is designed to minimize the power consumption during recovery through architectural optimizations to reduce the number of required accesses to the memory and by introducing a specialized cold-boot bus that speeds-up the transfer of information to the SoC. The bus enables the integration of FAR and the SoC in a compact system-in-package (SiP) to reduce the overall system's form-factor and enable its use in BSNs. FAR has a 2KB boot-up memory to hold the programming code and a 16B backup memory to hold critical data (such as average heart rate and afib events). The proposed architecture allows recovery within a maximum of 64.8ms while consuming 4.12uW. Assuming one recovery per hour (pessimistic), FAR consumes on average 74.1pW.
A Review of Enteric-coated Mycophenolate Sodium for Renal Transplant Immunosuppression

Mycophenolic acid inhibits an enzyme, inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), blocking purine synthesis of lymphocytes and therefore functioning as an effective immunosuppressive agent in transplantation. Currently, there are two available forms of mycophenolic acid (MPA) available; mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and enteric-coated, delayed-release mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS). Both products are approved for prophylaxis of organ rejection in renal transplant recipients. The use of MPA may be associated with adverse gastrointestinal effects which can lead to a reduction of the dose or discontinuation of therapy. Enteric-coated MPS was developed to reduce the upper gastrointestinal side effects due to its delayed release in the small intestines. Similar systemic MPA exposure is provided by oral administration of MMF 1000 mg daily and EC-MPS 720 mg, which contain near equimolar MPA content. Clinical trials in renal transplant recipients have demonstrated that EC-MPS is therapeutically equivalent to MMF when used at the time of transplantation and when used for conversion for gastrointestinal complications. The available literature regarding the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal adverse effects and the impact on quality of life remains controversial. Prospective, randomized trials of the available MPA formulations are warranted to further explore the gastrointestinal adverse effect profiles.
The Search for Neutrino Oscillations: Present Experimental Data and Future Experiments

We review the analysis of neutrino oscillations for the three neutrino system in present experimental data. The solar neutrino experiment, reactor experiments, and deep mine experimental data provide evidence for oscillations. Three broad classes of solutions are found. Using these clues we discuss definitive experiments to discover neutrino oscillations and to measure the parameters of the lepton mixing.
Growth Hormone Receptor Gene Expression in the Mouse Uterus Modulation by Gonadal Steroids

Objectives We hypothesized that the mouse uterus expresses a growth hormone receptor (GHR) and that mouse endometrial GHR mRNA may undergo in vivo regulation by estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P). Methods Two weeks after bilateral ovariectomy, 35-day-old Balb/c mice were randomly assigned to receive either vehicle injections; E2 priming (300 ng/day) on days 1-6 and E2 (50 ng/day) on day 11; P (1 mg/day) on day 8-11; or E2 priming with P (days 8-11) and E2 on day 11, with or without RU 486 on day 8-11. At sacrifice 24 hours after the last injection, the uteri were processed for RNA extraction and in situ hybridization for GHR mRNA. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction amplification of uterine mRNA was performed to establish whether treatment with gonadal steroids differentially affected GHR gene expression. The GHR primers flanked a 326-bp region from the intracellular domain sharing no homology to the prolactin receptor or to the GH-binding protein. A 48-bp digoxigenin-labeled oligoprobe was used for in situ hybridization. Results Densitometry analysis of polymerase chain reaction products from total uterine mRNA revealed similar GHR mRNA expression in vehicle- and estrogen-treated animals. The addition of progesterone reduced GHR mRNA expression. In situ hybridization localized the GHR mRNA to the endometrium, glands, stroma, and myometrium. Stromal staining was reduced in the progesterone-treated mice. Conclusions The identification of GHR message suggests that the mouse uterus is a site of action of GH. The lack of modulation of epithelial GHR by sex steroids does not support a role of GHR in this compartment.
Kinetic model for surfactant-induced pore wetting in membrane distillation

Abstract Appendix CMembrane pore wetting is a unique and important technical challenge for membrane distillation (MD). While the general principle of pore wetting is well known, the detailed mechanism of pore wetting induced by surfactants that can actively adsorb onto membrane pore surface has not been theoretically elucidated. In this study, we developed a theoretical model, based on surfactant transport in a partially wetted membrane pore under the pseudo-steady state assumption, to quantify the kinetics of pore wetting. The theoretical model predicts several key dependences of wetting kinetics on operating parameters and solution properties, which are highly consistent with results from MD experiments using feed solution containing sodium dodecyl sulfate. It was found that kinetics of pore wetting is strongly dependent on vapor flux, surfactant concentration, but relatively independent of the transmembrane hydraulic pressure. The critical surfactant concentration below which pore wetting does not occur was also predicted by the wetting model. Finally, the impact of surfactant species on wetting kinetics was also discussed.
In the Shadow of Gratz and Grutter: Grieving Diversity at the University of Michigan

At the same time the affirmative action cases of Gratz and Grutter were winding their way to the Supreme Court, an internal grievance alleging discrimination and the failure to consider the value of diversity in the tenure process was being considered inside the University of Michigan Law School. This article explores the interconnected histories of Gratz, Grutter and the grievance, examining the internal difficulties and contradictions universities face in living up to their public commitments to fight discrimination and cultivate meaningful forms of diversity. The year following the Supreme Court decision, the University celebrated its accomplishments in 'Defending Diversity: Affirmative Action at the University of Michigan', co-authored by Patricia Gurin, the University’s lead expert witness on the effects of diversity in higher education and Jeffrey S. Lehman, Dean of the Law School through most of the litigation. In the internal grievance, Jeff Lehman advocated an interpretation of the Law School Grievance Policy that prohibited the grievance of any matter relating to tenure, including the crassest forms of discrimination or the failure of the faculty to consider the virtues of diversity. The Grievance Review Board, chaired by Patricia Gurin, adopted Dean Lehman’s position and categorically barred all grievances. Ironically, the hearing took place the very same day the University filed its response to plaintiff’s petition for writ of certiorari, where the University actively maintained that diversity in higher education constituted a compelling state interest. Meaningful progress on civil rights requires deep institutional change. It is often difficult to get even good people to do the right thing. The interconnected stories of Gratz, Grutter and the grievance – the same institution, with the same actors, at the same time the cases were being litigated – illustrate broader lessons about the challenges often preventing universities from making progressive change.
Coulombic Basis for Relative Hydrogen-Bonding Basicities and Conformational Energies of Tertiary Amine Oxides and Phosphine Oxides

The structures, energies, and natural atomic charges of 2-dimethylaminophenol oxide, 2-Me2N-(O)C6H4OH, and 2-dimethylphosphinylphenol, 2-Me2P(O)C6H4OH, in three different conformations were computed at the ab initio MP2/6-31G* level. Computed natural charges indicate distributions of electron density in amine oxides and phosphine oxides that are quite different from what is normally assumed on the basis of the formal charges in the usual representations of these compounds. The charges on nitrogen and phosphorus in these compounds are typically computed to be approximately zero on nitrogen and +2 on phosphorus, and the oxygen is considerably more negative in the phosphine oxide than in the amino oxide. Electronegativity differences thus play a larger role and formal charges a smaller one in determining atomic charges in these compounds than is generally believed. Despite the more negative oxygen in phosphine oxides, amine oxides are computed to be considerably more basic when participating in hydrogen bonding. Calculations treating the computed natural charges on these six conformations as point charges for classical approximations of the coulombic energies support the idea that the quantum mechanically computed relative energies are largely determined by coulombic interactions.
Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell Engulfment Reveals Metastatic Advantage in Breast Cancer

Twenty percent of breast cancer (BC) patients develop distant metastasis for which there is no cure. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) in the tumor microenvironment were shown to stimulate metastasis, but the mechanisms are unclear. Here, we identified and quantified cancer cells engulfing stromal cells in clinical samples of BC metastasis by dual immunostaining for EZH2 and ALDH1 expression. Using flow cytometry and a microfluidic single-cell paring and retrieval platform, we show that MSC engulfment capacity is associated with BC cell metastatic potential and generates cells with mesenchymal-like, invasion, and stem cell traits. Whole-transcriptome analyses of selectively retrieved engulfing BC cells identify a gene signature of MSC engulfment consisting of WNT5A, MSR1, ELMO1, IL1RL2, ZPLD1, and SIRPB1. These results delineate a mechanism by which MSCs in the tumor microenvironment promote metastasis and provide a microfluidic platform with the potential to predict BC metastasis in clinical samples.
A Novel Approach for ECG-Based Human Identification Using Spectral Correlation and Deep Learning

In this paper, we utilize the electrocardiogram (ECG) as a primary biometric modality in human identification. The design steps of the proposed approach are the following. First, we segment the ECG signal and utilize its cyclostationarity and spectral correlation to enrich the signal’s original informational content. Then, we generate spectral correlation images. During this process, we disregard the time-consuming algorithmic step, typically used in other similar ECG-based machine learning approaches, namely the fiducial points detection and noise removal steps. Next, our spectral correlation images are fed into two convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures, which we fine-tune, test and evaluate, before we suggest a final architecture that demonstrates improved ECG-based human identification accuracy. To evaluate the efficiency of the proposed approach, we perform cross-validation on nine small and large scale ECG databases that encompass both normal and abnormal ECG signals. Experimental results show that independent of the database used, our approach results in improved system performance (compared to state-of-art approaches), yielding an identification accuracy, false acceptance and false rejection rates of 95.6%, 0.2%, and 0.1% respectively.
Insights into the behavior of nonanoic acid and its conjugate base at the air/water interface through a combined experimental and theoretical approach

The partitioning of medium-chain fatty acid surfactants such as nonanoic acid (NA) between the bulk phase and the air/water interface is of interest to a number of fields including marine and atmospheric chemistry. However, questions remain about the behavior of these molecules, the contributions of various relevant chemical equilibria, and the impact of pH, salt and bulk surfactant concentrations. In this study, the surface adsorption of nonanoic acid and its conjugate base is quantitatively investigated at various pH values, surfactant concentrations and the presence of salts. Surface concentrations of protonated and deprotonated species are dictated by surface-bulk equilibria which can be calculated from thermodynamic considerations. Notably we conclude that the surface dissociation constant of soluble surfactants cannot be directly obtained from these experimental measurements, however, we show that molecular dynamics (MD) simulation methods, such as free energy perturbation (FEP), can be used to calculate the surface acid dissociation constant relative to that in the bulk. These simulations show that nonanoic acid is less acidic at the surface compared to in the bulk solution with a pKa shift of 1.1 ± 0.6, yielding a predicted surface pKa of 5.9 ± 0.6. A thermodynamic cycle for nonanoic acid and its conjugate base between the air/water interface and the bulk phase can therefore be established. Furthermore, the effect of salts, namely NaCl, on the surface activity of protonated and deprotonated forms of nonanoic acid is also examined. Interestingly, salts cause both a decrease in the bulk pKa of nonanoic acid and a stabilization of both the protonated and deprotonated forms at the surface. Overall, these results suggest that the deprotonated medium-chain fatty acids under ocean conditions can also be present within the sea surface microlayer (SSML) present at the ocean/atmosphere interface due to the stabilization effect of the salts in the ocean. This allows the transfer of these species into sea spray aerosols (SSAs). More generally, we present a framework with which the behavior of partially soluble species at the air/water interface can be predicted from surface adsorption models and the surface pKa can be predicted from MD simulations.
CFTR trafficking mutations disrupt cotranslational protein folding by targeting biosynthetic intermediates.

Protein misfolding causes a wide spectrum of human disease, and therapies that target misfolding are transforming the clinical care of cystic fibrosis. Despite this success, however, very little is known about how disease-causing mutations affect the de novo folding landscape. Here we show that inherited, disease-causing mutations located within the first nucleotide-binding domain (NBD1) of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) have distinct effects on nascent polypeptides. Two of these mutations (A455E and L558S) delay compaction of the nascent NBD1 during a critical window of synthesis. The observed folding defect is highly dependent on nascent chain length as well as its attachment to the ribosome. Moreover, restoration of the NBD1 cotranslational folding defect by second site suppressor mutations also partially restores folding of full-length CFTR. These findings demonstrate that nascent folding intermediates can play an important role in disease pathogenesis and thus provide potential targets for pharmacological correction. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal genetic disease that is primarily caused by misfolding of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Here authors show that disease-causing mutations located within the first nucleotide binding domain of CFTR have distinct effects on nascent polypeptides.
Effects of Receiver Input Impedance on Nonlinear Distortion in Full-Duplex Radios

This paper explores and models the generation of nonlinearities arising from common- and differential-mode transmitter (TX) self-interference (SI) at the input of full-duplex (FD) radio receivers (RX). The analysis reveals the impact of residual TX-SI which drives the RX input impedance(Z rx ), generating distortion products that degrade the RX linearity. Circuit simulation results confirm a nonlinear Z rx introduces non-negligible distortion at the RX input from the residual TX-SI. To suppress the total distortion below the RX noise floor, SI mitigation circuits at RF front-end must provide at least 60dB SI suppression and 50dB common-mode isolation to achieve sufficient RX linearity performance. This paper draws conclusions with respect to strategies that allow a reduction in the nonlinearities generated at the RX input due to residual TX-SI as would be found in FD transceivers.
Ingested Foreign Bodies and Toxic Materials: Who Needs to be Scoped and When?

1. Yasemin Cagil, MD* 2. Jenna Diaz, MD† 3. Seth Iskowitz, MD‡ 4. Alisa J. Muniz Crim, MD§ 1. *Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, CA 2. †Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, MO 3. ‡Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 4. §Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Miami, FL Providers should be able to identify the signs and symptoms of foreign body and toxic material ingestion in children, select the proper diagnostic tests needed to confirm the diagnosis, and describe adequate treatment modalities for the described ingestions. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Understand the common types of foreign body and toxic material ingestions. 2. Recognize the presenting symptoms of the described ingestions. 3. Recognize which patients warrant emergency endoscopic intervention. 4. Recognize which patients warrant nonemergency endoscopic intervention. 5. Recognize which patients warrant noninvasive medical management. 6. Review the role of prevention. Foreign body and toxic substance ingestions are a common reason for families to seek emergency care. Often, the pediatric patient is unable to describe the nature of the ingestion and/or the timing of the event. This can pose significant barriers to both caregivers and the medical team. Coins, button batteries, magnets, pointed and/or large objects, food, absorptive substances, alcohol, acidic and alkaline substances, detergent pods, and hydrocarbons are all frequently reported ingestions. Each ingested object or substance requires an individualized approach to management. The most common site for foreign bodies to become entrapped is in the proximal esophagus at the site of the cricopharyngeus muscle. Other common locations include the midesophagus, at the site of compression from the aortic arch, and at the lower esophageal sphincter. Most foreign bodies that are ingested by children pass spontaneously without complications; however, endoscopic removal may be necessary in some situations. Parameters that must be considered regarding the need for endoscopic removal of ingested foreign bodies include the child’s age, weight, clinical presentation, time since ingestion, type and size of the foreign body, location in the gastrointestinal tract, and underlying intestinal abnormalities. This section describes the most commonly ingested foreign bodies and their management. (1) ### Coins Coins remain the most commonly ingested …
Course Reserves during the COVID 19 Pandemic: Pivoting Print to Electronic Reserves through a Data Driven Process

Libraries worldwide were physically shut down, although remotely quite active, for some or much of 2020 in reaction to the COVID-19 virus sweeping the globe. This happened mid-semester for many aca...
Ewing’s Sarcoma of the Pelvis

Ewing’s sarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor of the pelvis in children and adolescents. It often presents late, with an insidious onset of vague symptoms. Histology is notable for sheets of small, round blue cells, and the EWSR1 gene rearrangement is present in 95% of cases. It continues to have the worst prognosis of Ewing’s tumors due to large size at diagnosis, frequent metastases, and difficult surgical approach and reconstruction. The presence of metastatic disease at presentation is the most important prognostic factor. Treatment approach generally consists of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgical resection with or without pelvic reconstruction, and adjuvant chemotherapy. The addition of radiation may be indicated in some patients.
Dishevelled-1 DIX and PDZ domain lysine residues regulate oncogenic Wnt signaling

DVL proteins are central mediators of the Wnt pathway and relay complex input signals into different branches of the Wnt signaling network. However, molecular mechanism(s) that regulate DVL-mediated relay of Wnt signals still remains unclear. Here, for the first time, we elucidate the functional significance of three DVL-1 lysines (K/Lys) which are subject to post-translational acetylation. We demonstrate that K34 Lys residue in the DIX domain regulates subcellular localization of β-catenin, thereby influencing downstream Wnt target gene expression. Additionally, we show that K69 (DIX domain) and K285 (PDZ domain) regulate binding of DVL-1 to Wnt target gene promoters and modulate expression of Wnt target genes including CMYC, OCT4, NANOG, and CCND1, in cell line models and xenograft tumors. Finally, we report that conserved DVL-1 lysines modulate various oncogenic functions such as cell migration, proliferation, cell-cycle progression, 3D-spheroid formation and in-vivo tumor growth in breast cancer models. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of DVL-1 domain-specific lysines which were recently shown to be acetylated and characterize their influence on Wnt signaling. These site-specific modifications may be subject to regulation by therapeutics already in clinical use (lysine deacetylase inhibitors such as Panobinostat and Vorinostat) or may possibly have prognostic utility in translational efforts that seek to modulate dysfunctional Wnt signaling.
Implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol at a safety net hospital : a silver lining to COVID-19?

Aims This study aimed to evaluate whether an enhanced recovery protocol (ERP) for arthroplasty established during the COVID-19 pandemic at a safety net hospital can be associated with a decrease in...
Cost/benefit assessment of green infrastructure: Spatial scale effects on uncertainty and sensitivity

Abstract Green infrastructure (GI) is becoming a common solution to mitigate stormwater-related problems. Given the uncertain costs of GI relative to other stormwater management strategies, stakeholders investing in GI need performance-analysis tools that consider the full suite of benefits and the impacts of uncertainty to help justify GI expenditures. This study provides a quantitative and comparative analysis of GI benefits, including nutrient uptake from stormwater and air pollutant deposition. Economic costs and benefits of GI are assessed using two metrics, benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) and nutrient removal costs, at three scales: household, subwatershed, and watershed scale. Results from a case study in the state of Maryland show that the costs of nutrient uptake at the subwatershed scale can be lower than those at either the watershed or household scales. Moreover, rain gardens are far more efficient in stormwater treatment at the household scale in comparison to watershed scale, for which large-scale dry or wet basins are more efficient. Using a BCR metric, smaller subwatersheds show more promise, while using a nutrient removal cost metric indicates that upstream subwatersheds are more suitable for stormwater treatment. The results also show that implementation of GI at all potential pervious locations does not necessarily increase nutrient removal costs and that self-installation of rain gardens greatly reduces nutrient removal costs. Finally, the results show that using numerous small-sized rain garden practices in front of residential buildings yields lower nutrient removal costs in comparison to permeable pavements placed in parking lots and commercial buildings.