cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of root-cause analysis on the utility resource balance

The authors describe the development of a model-based approach to the process of determining the root-cause of component failure in power plants. They define the elements needed to analyze heat exchanger failure scenarios and generalize the structure of the analytic and cause-linking processes to formulate a generic methodology. Case studies are cited that demonstrate the validity and necessity of this structured approach to determining the root cause of component failure. Particular attention is given to the case of a large nuclear central generating facility which experienced a thru-wall (tube to shell) penetration failure in an emergency diesel generator heat exchanger. The methodology described is being expanded and partially automated using artificial intelligence techniques to produce an operations and maintenance (O&M) decision support tool for plants which can guide the user in producing an accurate, fully documented analysis of component failure events. >
Making space for the placebo effect in pain medicine

A broad view of the “placebo effect” incorporating neurobiology, individual psychology, epistemology, history, and culture deeply enriches our understanding of these complex and powerful forces and, indeed, urges us to abandon that narrow and logically inconsistent concept for a much more interesting one. We review some of the data and background for such a contention in a thoroughly interdisciplinary way showing how differently presented, but equally “inert,” treatments (2 placebo tablets versus 4, for example) can have different effects; how the same inert treatment can act differently in different historical times and cultural places; and how crucial is the attitude of the clinician in shaping these intensely meaningful forces. These matters, which typically are left to chance, to ideology, or to market forces, should be embraced by the scientific community. We believe that fundamental insights into human biology remain to be discovered in this area.
Synergism of mosquitocidal toxicity between CytA and CrylVD proteins using inclusions produced from cloned genes of Bacillus thuringiensis

Summary The toxicity to mosquito larvae of the parasporal body produced by Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis and the PG-14 isolate of B. thuringiensis subsp. morrisoni is at least 20-fold greater than any of the four mosquitocidal proteins of which It is composed (CytA, CrylVA, B, and D). This high toxicity is postulated to be due to synergistic interactions among parasporal proteins. However, this remains controversial because values reported for the specific toxicity of individual proteins, especially the CytA protein, vary widely owing to the methods used to purify and assay toxins against larvae. In an attempt to resolve questions of purity, specific toxicity, and synergism, individual genes encoding the CytA and CrylVD toxins were cloned and expressed in acrystalliferous B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis cells using the shuttle vector pHT3101. CytA and CryIVD inclusions were purified and their toxicity was determined alone and when combined at different ratios using bio-assays against first instars of Aedes aegypti. The LC50 for the CytA inclusion was 60 ng ml−1, whereas the LC50 for the CryIVD was 85ng ml−1 In comparison, the LC50s for different combinations of CytA and CrylVD inclusions ranged from 12–15 ng ml−1, 4–5 times higher than the toxicity of either protein alone, demonstrating marked synergism between these two proteins. These results suggest that the high toxicity of the wild-type parasporal bodies of B. thuringiensis subspp. israelensis and morrisoni Is due to synergism among three or four of their major proteins.
Circuit-level electrothermal simulation techniques for designing output protection devices

The design of I/O protection circuits is crucial for the reliable operation of integrated circuits. Typical protection circuits are designed to meet certain specifications (ESD/EOS failure levels) and the use of CAD tools in the design stage will help in their characterization and design. We recently developed a circuit-level electrothermal simulator, iETSIM, which we have used to study different protection circuit designs. iETSIM solves the heat diffusion equation simultaneously with the device electrical equations. The device models extend to the avalanche breakdown regime. We show that the circuit-level electrothermal simulator can be a useful tool for designing reliable output protection devices.
On the Mental Accounting of Restricted-Use Funds: How Gift Cards Change What People Purchase

This article emphasizes the role of categorization in mental accounting and proposes that once a mental account is established, purchases that are highly congruent with the purpose of the mental account (i.e., typical category members) will be more preferred in selection decisions compared to purchases that are less congruent (i.e., atypical category members). This hypothesis is tested in the context of gift cards. Six studies find that people shopping with a retailer-specific gift card—and so, the authors argue, possessing a retailer-specific mental account—express an increased preference for products more typical of the retailer compared to those shopping with more fungible currency. This pattern is found to occur for both well-known retailers, where people already possess product-typicality knowledge, and fictional retailers, where product-typicality cues are provided. An alternative account based on semantic priming is not supported by these data. These results both broaden the contemporary understanding of how mental accounting influences preferences and provide retailers deeper insight into their customers’ decision processes.
Interaction of immobilized anti-salivary amylase antibody with human macroamylases: implications for use in a pancreatic amylase assay to distinguish macroamylasemia from acute pancreatitis.

We examined the ability of an immobilized antibody to salivary amylase (Clin Chem 1985;33:1283-8) to react with amylase in macroamylasemic sera. The antibody removed 50% (SD 23%) of the total amylase activity from 39 macroamylase sera, a percentage indistinguishable (P greater than 0.75) from the percentage removed from concurrently analyzed sera from healthy volunteers (49%, SD 11%). Electrophoretic analysis of 23 macroamylasemic sera revealed that the antibody removed only part of the macroamylase band(s) in 71% of the cases. We conclude that the mean isoenzyme composition of the macroamylase complexes is essentially identical to the mean isoenzyme distribution in normal sera (i.e., about half salivary and half pancreatic amylase). Further, the immobilized antibody can be used to distinguish most patients with macroamylasemia from those with acute pancreatitis, because sera from the latter contain an increased proportion (greater than 80%) of pancreatic amylase.
Abstract 161: ABCB10 Plays a Role in Heme Synthesis and Mitochondrial δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Export

Introduction: Heme is essential for cardiovascular health, as it is a component of myoglobin, cytochrome P450, electron transport chain complexes, and antioxidant enzymes. The eight steps of heme synthesis are well characterized; however, it is not known how the synthetic intermediates are transported between mitochondria and cytosol. We hypothesized that the mitochondrial ATP-binding cassette protein-B10 (ABCB10) plays a role in heme synthesis by mediating the export of δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) out of the mitochondria. Results: Lentiviral shRNA-based knockdown of ABCB10 in H9c2 cardiac myoblasts significantly reduced cytosolic and mitochondrial heme levels and the activities of heme-containing proteins (catalase, peroxidase and complex IV), while their mRNA levels remained unchanged. The observed heme deficiency was not due to a defect in heme synthesis, iron incorporation, or enhanced heme degradation, as ABCB10 shRNA had no effect on the expression of enzymes mediating these steps. We then tested whether ABCB10 regulates mitochondrial export of ALA. Addition of exogenous ALA completely reversed the reduction in heme levels and normalized the activities of heme containing enzymes in cells with ABCB10 knockdown. However, overexpression of ALA synthase 1 (ALAS1), an enzyme catalyzing the production of ALA in the mitochondria, resulted in increased heme levels at baseline, but failed to restore heme content in ABCB10 shRNA-treated cells. To examine the role of ABCB10 in cardiac disease, we measured ABCB10 expression in the hearts of mice subjected to myocardial infarction and in explanted human hearts with ischemic cardiomyopathy. ABCB10 protein was significantly elevated in mouse and human hearts, and adenoviral overexpression of ABCB10 in H9c2 cardiac myoblasts significantly attenuated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), suggesting the protective role for ABCB10 in heart disease. Conclusions: Our studies place ABCB10 between the mitochondrial synthesis of ALA by ALAS1 and the cytosolic conversion of ALA into heme, suggesting that ABCB10 plays a role ALA export out of the mitochondria. Furthermore, its overexpression exerts protective effects against oxidant induced cell death in cardiac cells.
A 1 μm-Pitch Quanta Image Sensor Jot Device With Shared Readout

Characterization of a 1 μm-pitch, four-way shared readout quanta image sensor jot device is reported. The jot device achieved 0.48e- r.m.s. read noise with 230 μV/econversion gain. Quantum efficiency, dark current, and lag results are discussed. Cross-talk was investigated using TCAD simulation and the results are analyzed.
Role of bad dihedral angles: methylfluorenes act as energy barriers for excitons and polarons of oligofluorenes.

“Defects” are one of the main obstacles for the use of organic conjugated molecules in efficient organic photovoltaics, but the definite origins of these defects are elusive to experiments and even in concept. Bad dihedral angles in conjugated molecules produced by adjacent units are considered to act as defects for excitons and polarons, slowing down their transports. While such defects are discussed, their properties were not well-understood. As a model system for such defects, we synthesized oligofluorenes incorporating methylfluorene(s) that can create large dihedral angles between adjacent fluorenes due to steric hindrance, mimicking bad dihedral angles presumably produced in polyfluorenes. Experimental measurements find that singlet excitons are substantially more sensitive to such bad dihedral angles than triplet excitons or negative or positive polarons. The barrier heights for singlets are about three times higher than the barriers for electrons, holes, or triplets. For all four species, the larg...
Toxic Shock Syndrome is Mediated by Interleukin 1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor

Toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) induction of interleukin 1 (IL-1) secretion in the human and the rabbit has previously been demonstrated. Stimulation of the secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) by TSST-1 in the human and the rabbit in vitro and in vivo is now reported. TNF (2-jg/kg bolus) and IL-1 (2to 5-jig/kg bolus) induce a sharp fall of mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the rabbit within 10-15 minutes. Associated with the fall in MAP, decreases in the systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and central venous pressure (CVP) were observed, while cardiac output and heart rate increased. Intravenous injection of 2 jg of TSST-1/kg into the rabbit induced significant decreases in MAP and SVR and an increase in CVP. The dose of 5 jg/kg caused a shock-like state followed by death. High serum TNF levels in the TSST-l-injected rabbits were detected by use of a cytotoxicity test with L929 cells. The bioassay also demonstrated the secretion of TNF from culture supernatants of rabbit mononuclear cells (MNCs) that were stimulated with TSST-1. Both the radioimmunoassay and the bioassay showed a significant TNF secretion from human MNCs; 1 ng of TSST-1/mL induced 800 pg of TNF/mL. Combined administration of IL-1 and TNF (each with a 1-jg/kg bolus and a 5 ng/[kg-min] infusion for 2 hours) in the rabbit caused a shock-like state with a more profound and sustained fall into MAP than did single administration of IL-1 or TNF These results demonstrate that TSST-1 induces the secretion of IL-1 and TNF by human and rabbit MNCs and that IL-1 and TNF act synergistically to induce a profound shock-like state.
Huelga Schools in Houston: Community-Based Education in the Struggle for Legal Recognition, 1970.

ABSTRACTThis essay provides an overview of the huelga schools established in Houston, Texas, in 1970. For 2 years, from 1970 to 1972, the Mexican American community opposed the Houston Independent School District’s plan to integrate the schools by pairing so-called White Mexican Americans with African American students. While they protested this decision, Mexican Americans also established huelga or strike schools in order to provide their children with basic skills in education and to explain the meaning and significance of their political actions. This is the history of the huelga schools established in the 1st months of this struggle.
Real-time processing of ASL signs: Delayed first language acquisition affects organization of the mental lexicon

Sign language comprehension requires visual attention to the linguistic signal and visual attention to referents in the surrounding world, whereas these processes are divided between the auditory and visual modalities for spoken language comprehension. Additionally, the age-onset of first language acquisition and the quality and quantity of linguistic input for deaf individuals is highly heterogeneous, which is rarely the case for hearing learners of spoken languages. Little is known about how these modality and developmental factors affect real-time lexical processing. In this study, we ask how these factors impact real-time recognition of American Sign Language (ASL) signs using a novel adaptation of the visual world paradigm in deaf adults who learned sign from birth (Experiment 1), and in deaf adults who were late-learners of ASL (Experiment 2). Results revealed that although both groups of signers demonstrated rapid, incremental processing of ASL signs, only native signers demonstrated early and robust activation of sublexical features of signs during real-time recognition. Our findings suggest that the organization of the mental lexicon into units of both form and meaning is a product of infant language learning and not the sensory and motor modality through which the linguistic signal is sent and received.
Environmental variability drives rapid and dramatic changes in nutrient limitation of tropical macroalgae with different ecological strategies

Nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) limits primary productivity in nearly every ecosystem worldwide, yet how limitation changes over time, particularly in connection to variation in environmental drivers, remains understudied. We evaluated temporal and species-specific variability in the relative importance of N and P limitation among tropical macroalgae in two-factor experiments conducted twice after rains and twice after dry conditions to explore potential linkages to environmental drivers. We studied three common macroalgal species with varying ecological strategies: a fast-growing opportunist, Dictyota bartayresiana; and two calcifying species likely to be slower growing, Galaxaura fasciculata and Padina boryana. On the scale of days to weeks, nutrient responses ranged among and within species from no limitation to increases in growth by 20 and 40 % over controls in 3 d with N and P addition, respectively. After light rain or dry conditions, Dictyota grew rapidly (up to ~60 % in 3 d) with little indication of nutrient limitation, while Padina and Galaxaura shifted between N, P, or no limitation. All species grew slowly or lost mass after a large storm, presumably due to unfavorable conditions on the reef prior to the experiment that limited nutrient uptake. Padina and Galaxaura both became nutrient limited 3 d post-storm, while Dictyota did not. These results suggest that differing capabilities for nutrient uptake and storage dictate the influence of nutrient history and thus drive nutrient responses and, in doing so, may allow species with differing ecological strategies to coexist in a fluctuating environment. Moreover, the great variability in species’ responses indicates that patterns of nutrient limitation are more complex than previously recognized, and generalizations about N versus P limitation of a given system may not convey the inherent complexity in governing conditions and processes.
Attenuation of earthquake generated P waves along the western flank of the Andes

abstract The attenuation of longitudinal body waves generated by local shocks in southern Peru was investigated. Thirty-four shocks, with focal depths between 20 and 180 km, were used in the study of attenuation as a function of depth and as a function of frequency (1-30 cps). Shocks were recorded on magnetic tape at three stations along the western flank of the Andes. The dimensionless specific attenuation factor Q was computed from measurements of the relative change in shape of P -particle velocity spectra with distance from the source. Near surface effects on amplitudes were taken into account. It was found that: Q p (1.5-15 cps) > 1 × 10 3 ; the attenuation of P waves increases markedly above 15 cps, probably due to scattering losses; and although absolute Q p values as a function of depth could not be resolved, an increase in P wave attenuation at a depth of about 80 km is suggested. V p /V s , determined from S-P and P readings at seven stations for 150 shocks, is significantly higher for oceanic shocks than inland shocks.
Phase transformation behavior of alumina grown on FeAl alloys with reactive element dopants at 1273 K

Abstract The short-term isothermal oxidation behavior of B2 FeAl alloys doped with different reactive elements (REs) at 1273 K was investigated. All the RE-doped alloys showed retarded phase transformation from θ-to α-Al 2 O 3 as compared to the RE-free alloy. The Y- and La-doping even led to much lower transformation rate than the Hf-, Zr- and Ce-doping. The effect mechanism associated with RE ion size and valence on the phase transformation of alumina was discussed. The additions of RE ions which have large size and matched valence with Al ions could be anticipated to inhibit the transformation more effectively and the combined effects of retarding θ-α phase transformation, promoting α phase nucleation and suppressing Al outward diffusion produced by RE doping might provide FeAl with improved oxidation property.
Fluoroscopic Guided Percutaneous Insertion of PD Catheters

Peritoneal dialysis is a cost-effective modality that offers the patient the opportunity to receive dialysis in the home setting, which gives the patient more freedom to travel and work, and preserve the vascular access for future use. Percutaneous placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters using fluoroscopy and ultrasound guidance is associated with high technical success rate and low risk of complications. The procedure is performed in the outpatient setting which has the advantages of avoiding the inefficiencies related to the operating room scheduling and the need for general anesthesia. It also allows for expeditious catheter placement within 24–48 h, which is an essential component in urgent-start dialysis programs. In this chapter, the authors will discuss the technique of placement in details and will outline the indications, contraindication and outcomes of this technique compared to laparoscopic surgical placement.
An integrated microwell array platform for cell lasing analysis.

Biological cell lasers are emerging as a novel technology in biological studies and biomedical engineering. The heterogeneity of cells, however, can result in various lasing behaviors from cell to cell. Thus, the capability to track individual cells during laser investigation is highly desired. In this work, a microwell array was integrated with high-quality Fabry-Perot cavities for addressable and automated cell laser studies. Cells were captured in the microwells and the corresponding cell lasing was achieved and analyzed using SYTO9-stained Sf9 cells as a model system. It is found that the presence of the microwells does not affect the lasing performance, but the cell lasers exhibit strong heterogeneity due to different cell sizes, cycle stages and polyploidy. Time series laser measurements were also performed automatically with the integrated microarray, which not only enables the tracking and multiplexed detection of individual cells, but also helps identify "abnormal" cells that deviate from a large normal cell population in their lasing performance. The microarrayed cell laser platform developed here could provide a powerful tool in single cell analysis using lasing emission that complements conventional fluorescence-based cell analysis.
Optical tug-of-war tweezers: shaping light for dynamic control of bacterial cells-corrigendum

The authors would like to apologize for an error in the paper Chinese Optics Letters vol. 15, no. 3, page 030010. On page 030010-3, the caption for Figs. 5 (a)–(c) should read “2 μm silica” (not 3 μm polystyrene).
Split-bolus single scan CTA for evaluation of mesenteric ischemia

To evaluate split-bolus single scan CTA protocol for evaluation of acute mesenteric ischemia. In this HIPAA-compliant IRB-approved study, consecutive patients evaluated for mesenteric ischemia between 11/2015 and 10/2016 were included. Patients scanned prior to 4/2016 were scanned with multiphasic CTA protocol and after with split-bolus single scan CTA. Objective and subjective evaluation was performed by three board-certified readers. Findings were correlated to composite clinical reference outcome. Eighty patients were included: 40 with split-bolus and 40 with multiphasic CTA protocol with similar age (60.3 ± 16.2 years vs. 64.7 ± 17.0 years, p = 0.19) and BMI (28.0 ± 6.7 vs. 27.0 ± 8.7, p = 0.56). SMA attenuation was higher in multiphasic protocol compared to split-bolus protocol (336.5 ± 97.5 HU vs. 258.0 ± 67.3 HU, p < 0.001) with similar SMV attenuation (multiphasic 213.7 ± 58.4 HU vs. split-bolus 194.2 ± 52.2 HU, p = 0.14). Optimal phase of bowel, liver, and spleen enhancement was seen in similar high proportion (94–99%) in both protocols. There were 8/40 (20%) positive cases of mesenteric ischemia in each group. There was no difference in the diagnostic confidence of the readers for evaluation of the mesenteric vessels and bowel ischemia. There were no missed cases of mesenteric ischemia in either group. Mean effective dose was 42% lower in the split-bolus group, p < 0.001. There was a higher number of axial images to review in multiphasic protocol compared to split-bolus protocol (437.9 ± 48.7 vs. 263.5 ± 31.2, p < 0.001). The split-bolus protocol for evaluation of mesenteric ischemia is clinically feasible with confident and accurate diagnostic ability, while reducing number of images and decreasing radiation exposure to the patient.
The End Game for Early-Onset Scoliosis

The treatment of early-onset scoliosis is a rapidly developing field with the goals of promoting growth of the spine, maximizing thoracic volume to improve pulmonary function, and preventing further spinal deformity while the child grows to skeletal maturity. When the child reaches skeletal maturity and the end of growth-friendly treatment, spinal fusion may be indicated to stabilize the curve, correct residual deformity, and gain spinal length; however, spinal fusion at the end of growth-friendly treatment is associated with significant challenges such as spine stiffness and autofusion, previous incisions, retained implants, and psychologic consequences of multiple procedures. The purpose of this chapter is to highlight some of these issues in the decision-making process and treatment of patients at the end of growth-friendly treatment.
Exercise echocardiography in asymptomatic HCM: exercise capacity, and not LV outflow tract gradient predicts long-term outcomes.

Objectives This study sought to assess long-term outcomes in asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who underwent exercise echocardiography, without invasive therapies for relief of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. Background Many HCM patients present with LVOT obstruction, mitral regurgitation (MR), and diastolic dysfunction, often requiring invasive therapies for symptomatic relief. However, a significant proportion of truly asymptomatic patients can be closely monitored. In HCM patients, exercise echocardiography has been shown to be a useful assessment of functional capacity and risk stratification. Methods We included 426 HCM patients (44 ± 14 years; 78% men) undergoing exercise echocardiography, excluding hypertensive heart disease of elderly, ejection fraction Results Patients were asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic on history, but 82% of patients achieved 100% of age-sex predicted METs had 1% event rate versus 12% in those achieving Conclusions In asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic HCM patients, exercise stress testing provides excellent risk stratification, with a low event rate in patients achieving >100% of predicted METs.
Plasticity of Descending Spinal Pathways in Developing Mammals

Publisher Summary Brainstem axons grow through a spinal lesion, including a complete transection, if the lesion is made early enough during development. New growth (growth of late arriving axons that are deflected by the lesion, and/or caudal growth of collaterals from axons that normally terminate rostral to the lesion) appears to be the major contributor to growth around a lesion. Regeneration of cut axons has been documented, however, and the degree to which it occurs may depend upon the number of neurons that survive axotomy. The number of surviving neurons increases with age, although they no longer regenerate a process around the lesion. The relative contributions of new growth and regeneration to growth through a lesion have not yet been established in mammals.
Perceived Health Outcomes of College Climbers: Exploring Why They Climb

The sport of rock climbing has become more mainstream in recent years. It is now in the Olympics, many YMCAs, middle schools, and colleges. College climbing programs have become increasingly popular. Yet there is little evidence of the value and benefits of college and university rock climbing programs. Additionally, colleges and universities are constantly seeking high-impact practices and beneficial programs that address flourishing and well-being (Shellman & Hill, 2017). According to the 2015 National College Health Assessment, over 56% of college students reported feeling “overwhelming anxiety” (American College Health Association, 2015). Many studies highlight the potential benefits of climbing in general. For example, studies have determined training for rock climbing can reduce anxiety (Gallotta et al., 2015) and depression (e.g., Kleinstauber, Reuter, Doll, & Fallgatter, 2017) among adults. Other studies provide evidence of the physical benefits of climbing among youth with unhealthy lifestyles (Siegal & Fryer, 2015). However, the literature has limited research on the beneficial outcomes and values of college climbing programs. Subscribe to JOREL
Design variable analysis and generation for performance-based parametric modeling in architecture

Many architectural designers recognize the potential of parametric models as a worthwhile approach to performance-driven design. A variety of performance simulations are now possible within computa...
Comparison of consumers’ acceptance of online apparel mass customization across web and mobile channels

The purpose of this study is to shed light on understanding consumer apparel mass customization experiences through an experiment focusing on comparing customers’ experiences across different onlin...
Performance Analysis of Perturb and Observe, Incremental Conductance and Robust Sliding Mode MPPT Controllers for a 500KW PV Based Microgrid Using Actual Solar Irradiance Data

The World is moving towards an era where electricity generation is highly depending on renewable energy resources. The popularity of Microgrid for future grid system to meet consumer demand increased interest of scientists and researchers towards renewable i.e. mostly towards Photovoltaic System for past few decades. But unfortunately PV System has nonlinear characteristic and its performance highly depends upon temperature and solar irradiance, therefore Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Controller is required to cater this issue. A robust control technique, namely Sliding Mode Control is proposed so that the Photovoltaic panel of Microgrid can be efficiently operated at its peak power in the presence of parametric variations and dynamic atmospheric conditions. Here we intend to examine other traditional MPPT controllers i.e. P&O and IC as well along with proposed controller. The efficacy of the proposed scheme is verified by Modelling and Simulation of 500KW PV Based Microgrid in Matlab / Simulink platform on real time irradiance data of Port Qasim, Karachi, to effectively address standard test condition as well as real time environmental conditions. Comparative analysis shows that proposed SMC MPPT control improves the overall PV based Microgrid performance.
A dual C–H functionalization strategy for the total synthesis of tambromycin

Abstract We describe the evolution of our synthetic strategy toward the total synthesis of tambromycin, a nonribosomal tetrapeptide possessing promising antiproliferative activity in human cancer B- and T-cell lines and several unusual structural features. The final route relies on the strategic use of chemocatalytic and biocatalytic C–H functionalization to prepare two key precursors to tambromycin in an efficient and scalable manner. The success of this approach toward tambromycin highlights the potential of tandem biocatalytic and chemocatalytic C–H methods toward the synthesis of complex molecular scaffolds.
A Pilot Study to Assess Attitudes Toward Future Fertility and Parenthood in Transgender and Gender Expansive Adolescents

Purpose: In this pilot study, we sought to characterize the knowledge about fertility and attitudes about future parenthood in a sample of transgender and gender expansive (TGE) youth attending an ...
What does it Mean to be “Legally Blind”?:

A short article reprinted from the Australian magazine Faithfully Theirs, in which a mobility instructor explains the measurement of 6/6 (metric) or 20/20 for normal vision and 6/60 or 20/200 as “l...
Hot Isostatic Pressing

Publisher Summary This chapter explores about hot isostatic pressing (HIP). It is a materials fabrication process in which a starting powder or a premolded shape is simultaneously subjected to both high temperatures and high isostatic pressures, using a gas transfer medium. The principal factor that distinguishes HIP from other processing techniques is the use of gas as the pressure-transmitting medium to effect equivalent changes in three dimensions in the material that it surrounds. For successful HIP, three variables—pressure, temperature, and time—must be sufficiently controlled. The selection of an appropriate method of HIP is primarily dependent on the desired material properties, the component geometry, and acceptable manufacturing costs. Exploratory HIP studies have been conducted on other structural ceramics using glass encapsulation. The metals of Japan use HIP for essentially all their production of ferrites, because it provides greater uniformity from piece to piece within a batch and from batch to batch. With the success of HIP of ferrites, piezoelectrics, and ceramic tool materials in Japan, an increasing level of research and HIP of these and other materials will be conducted in the U.S.A and Europe.
Higher education and oil: The cost of credit and crude – A strategic corollary for industry and higher education

The market shock that accompanied COVID-19 has the potential to significantly transform higher education. At the same time, it presents an opportunity for higher education to learn from industry an...
Methods for addressing publication bias in school psychology journals: A descriptive review of meta-analyses from 1980 to 2019.

Abstract Although meta-analyses are often used to inform practitioners and researchers, the resulting effect sizes can be artificially inflated due to publication bias. There are a number of methods to protect against, detect, and correct for publication bias. Currently, it is unknown to what extent scholars publishing meta-analyses within school psychology journals use these methods to address publication bias and whether more recently published meta-analyses more frequently utilize these methods. A historical review of every meta-analysis published to date within the most prominent school psychology journals (N = 10) revealed that 88 meta-analyses were published from 1980 to early 2019. Exactly half of them included grey literature, and 60% utilized methods to detect and correct for publication bias. The most common methods were visual analysis of a funnel plot, Orwin's failsafe N, Egger's regression, and the trim and fill procedure. None of these methods were used in more than 20% of the studies. About half of the studies incorporated one method, 20% incorporated two methods, 7% incorporated three methods, and none incorporated all four methods. These methods were most evident in studies published recently. Similar to other fields, the true estimates of effects from meta-analyses published in school psychology journals may not be available, and practitioners may be utilizing interventions that are, in fact, not as strong as believed. Practitioners, researchers employing meta-analysis techniques, education programs, and editors and peer reviewers in school psychology should continue to guard against publication bias using these methods.
Racial differences in the risk of second primary bladder cancer following radiation therapy among localized prostate cancer patients.

Abstract Objectives To investigate the race-specific second primary bladder cancer (SPBC) risk following prostatic irradiation. Methods Louisiana residents who were diagnosed with localized prostate cancer (PCa) in 1996–2013 and received surgery or radiation were included. Patients were followed until SPBC diagnosis, death, or Dec. 2018. The exposure variable was type of treatment (radiation only vs. surgery only). The outcome was time from PCa diagnosis to SPBC diagnosis, stratified by race. Fine and Gray’s competing risk model was applied with death as a competing event and adjustment of sociodemographic and tumor characteristics. We used 5 years and 10 years as lag time in the analyses. Results A total of 26,277 PCa patients with a median follow-up of 10.7 years were analyzed, including 18,598 white and 7679 black patients. About 42.9 % of whites and 45.7 % of blacks received radiation. SPBC counted for 1.84 % in the radiation group and 0.90 % in the surgery group among white patients and for 0.91 % and 0.58 %, respectively, among black patients. The adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio of SPBC was 1.80 (95 % CI: 1.30–2.48) for radiation recipients compared to surgery recipients among white patients; 1.93 (95 % CI: 1.36–2.74) if restricted to external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). The SPBC risk was not significantly different between irradiated and surgically treated among blacks. Conclusions The SPBC risk is almost two-fold among white irradiated PCa patients compared to their counterparts treated surgically. Our findings highlight the need for enhanced surveillance for white PCa survivors receiving radiotherapy, especially those received EBRT.
Memory Optimization for Deep Networks

Deep learning is slowly, but steadily, hitting a memory bottleneck. While the tensor computation in top-of-the-line GPUs increased by 32× over the last five years, the total available memory only grew by 2.5×. This prevents researchers from exploring larger architectures, as training large networks requires more memory for storing intermediate outputs. In this paper, we present MONeT, an automatic framework that minimizes both the memory footprint and computational overhead of deep networks. MONeT jointly optimizes the checkpointing schedule and the implementation of various operators. MONeT is able to outperform all prior hand-tuned operations as well as automated checkpointing. MONeT reduces the overall memory requirement by 3× for various PyTorch models, with a 9-16% overhead in computation. For the same computation cost, MONeT requires 1.2-1.8× less memory than current state-of-the-art automated checkpointing frameworks. Our code will be made publicly available upon acceptance.
Complete remediation of PCE contaminated unsaturated soils by sequential anaerobic-aerobic bioventing

Bioventing principles have been applied to completely dechlorinate tetrachloroethylene vapors in the unsaturated zone in a sequential anaerobic-aerobic pattern. The aerobic step yields trans-DCE and VC as PCE reductive dechlorination byproducts, while TCE and cis-DCE are observed as intermediates. The aerobic step results in rapid oxidation of the VC and trans-DCE to carbon dioxide. Hydrogen was delivered in the gas phase as a reducing agent for the anaerobic step at levels of 1%, and oxygen at 4.2% was used as an electron acceptor in the aerobic step. PCE and VC half lives in the anaerobic and aerobic steps respectively, where less than 10 min.
A Faster “Transition” to Laminar Flow

A discussion is given of the ongoing research related to laminar flow airfoils, nacelles, and wings where the laminar flow is maintained by a favorable pressure gradient, surface suction or a combination of the two. Design methologies for natural laminar flow airfoil sections and wings for both low and high speed applications are outlined. Tests of a 7-foot chord, 23-deg sweep laminar flow-control airfoil at high subsonic Mach numbers are described, along with the associated stability theory used to design the suction system. The state-of-the-art of stability theory is simply stated and a typical calculation illustrated. In addition, recent computer simulations of transition using the time dependent Navier-Stokes equations are briefly described. Advances in wind tunnel capabilities and instrumentation will be reviewed, followed by the presentation of a few results from both wind tunnels and flight. Finally, some suggestions for future work will complete the paper.
Effects of visual latency on visual-haptic experience of stiffness

In multimodal virtual-reality, augmented-reality, and tele-operation systems, a temporal asynchrony often exists between visual and haptic feedback due to differences in processing and rendering the two types of signals. We have conducted two psychophysical experiments to examine how such asynchrony influences our perceptual experience with an object's stiffness. Participants explored a virtual elastic material using a haptic interface, and saw the deformation of the material in a simulated ultrasound that was displayed with a constant or variable latency relative to the haptic feedback. Their perception of stiffness and ability to differentiate stiffness were measured. The results showed that the perceived stiffness increased with the visual latency while the differentiation threshold was little influenced. When the visual latency was variable, the effects were reduced and participants relied more on the haptic sensations. Such effects will be further evaluated in clinical settings using a neural surgical simulator.
p105·IκBγ and Prototypical IκBs Use a Similar Mechanism to Bind but a Different Mechanism to Regulate the Subcellular Localization of NF-κB

Abstract p105, also known as NF-κB1, is an atypical IκB molecule with a multi-domain organization distinct from other prototypical IκBs, like IκBα and IκBβ. To understand the mechanism by which p105 binds and inhibits NF-κB, we have used both p105 and its C-terminal inhibitory segment known as IκBγ for our study. We show here that one IκBγ molecule binds to NF-κB dimers wherein at least one NF-κB subunit is p50. We suggest that the obligatory p50 subunit in IκBγ·NF-κB complexes is equivalent to the N-terminal p50 segment in all p105·NF-κB complexes. The nuclear localization signal (NLS) of the obligatory p50 subunit is masked by IκBγ, whereas the NLS of the nonobligatory NF-κB subunit is exposed. Thus, the global binding mode of all IκB·NF-κB complexes seems to be similar where one obligatory (or specific) NF-κB subunit makes intimate contact with IκB and the nonobligatory (or nonspecific) subunit is bound primarily through its ability to dimerize. In the case of IκBα and IκBβ, the specific NF-κB subunit in the complex is p65. In contrast to IκBα·NF-κB complexes, where the exposed NLS of the nonspecific subunit imports the complex to the nucleus, p105·NF-κB and IκBγ·NF-κB complexes are cytoplasmic. We show that the death domain of p105 (also of IκBγ) is essential for the cytoplasmic sequestration of NF-κB by p105 and IκBγ. However, the death domain does not mask the exposed NLS of the complex. We also demonstrate that the death domain alone is not sufficient for cytoplasmic retention and instead functions only in conjunction with other parts in the three-dimensional scaffold formed by the association of the ankyrin repeat domain (ARD) and NF-κB dimer. We speculate that additional cytoplasmic protein(s) may sequester the entire p105·NF-κB complex by binding through the death domain and other segments, including the exposed NLS.
Regulating the global fisheries: The World Wildlife Fund, Unilever, and the Marine Stewardship Council

This analysis uses an analytical frameworkgrounded in political economy perspectives of theglobalization of the agro-food sector combined with acase study approach focusing on the Marine StewardshipCouncil (MSC) to inform discussions regarding thecharacteristics of societal regulation in thepost-Fordist era. More specifically, this analysisuses the case of the emergence of the MSC toinvestigate propositions regarding the existence of,and location of, nascent forms of a transnationalState. The MSC proposes to regulate the certificationof sustainable fisheries at the global level throughan eco-labeling program. The MSC was created in 1996by the transnational environmental organization theWorld Wildlife Fund and the transnational corporationUnilever. The emergence of the MSC has generatedheated discussion in fisheries management circles thatis in general divided along North/South lines. Thisanalysis indicates that the case of the MSC providesvaluable insights into the possible characteristics ofsupranational regulatory mechanisms that might emulatethe role of the nation-State in the post-Fordist era.
Female models in an American glamour website: geographic distribution, modeling limits and income according to their self presentations

ABSTRACT: The American glamour modeling market is the largest in the world and GlamourModels is the main specialized website in the field. We analyzed the 368 profiles of American models published at the site through 2011. The mean age of the models was 27,6 years and they were taller and slimmer that the general female population of the country (mean values: height 1,68m, weight 54kg and waist-to-hip ratio 0,73). From 2001 to 2011 the representation of models in the website expanded from the East to the Central and Western parts of the USA. The number of models in a state can be predicted from its total population size. The state with the most models was California, followed by Texas, New York and Arizona. Only six states were unrepresented at the website in 2011 and all were states with small populations and without large cities. Generally models preferred to work clothed, even if the approach in the clothed categories was more sexual than in the art nude categories. Models might be worried about how their work can affect their social acceptance. They find in glamour modeling a supplementary source of income that can be pursued along with other activities and that offers a relatively high pay. KEY WORDS modeling, glamour, geography, age, nudity, economy.
Osteocompatibility of Biofilm Inhibitors

The demand for infection prevention therapies has led to the discovery of several biofilm inhibitors. These inhibiting signals are released by bacteria, fungi, or marine organisms to signal biofilm dispersal or disruption in Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to test the biocompatibility of five different naturally-produced biofilm chemical dispersal and inhibition signals with osteoblast-like cells: D-amino acids (D-AA), lysostaphin (LS), farnesol, cis-2-decenoic acid (C2DA), and desformyl flustrabromine (dFBr). In this preliminary study, compatibility of these anti-biofilm agents with differentiating osteoblasts was examined over a 21 days period at levels above and below concentrations active against bacterial biofilm. Anti-biofilm compounds listed above were serially diluted in osteogenic media and added to cultures of MC3T3 cells. Cell viability and cytotoxicity, after exposure to each anti-biofilm agent, were measured using a DNA assay. Differentiation characteristics of osteoblasts were determined qualitatively by observing staining of mineral deposits and quantitatively with an alkaline phosphatase assay. D-AA, LS, and C2DA were all biocompatible within the reported biofilm inhibitory concentration ranges and supported osteoblast differentiation. Farnesol and dFBr induced cytotoxic responses within the reported biofilm inhibitory concentration range and low doses of dFBr were found to inhibit osteoblast differentiation. At high concentrations, such as those that may be present after local delivery, many of these biofilm inhibitors can have effects on cellular viability and osteoblast function. Concentrations at which negative effects on osteoblasts occur should serve as upper limits for delivery to orthopaedic trauma sites and guide development of these potential therapeutics for orthopaedics.
Tyrosine phosphorylation of P160 BCR by P210 BCR-ABL

It is well established that the chimeric BCR-ABL gene formed by joining parts of the BCR and ABL genes plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome-positive leukemias. We report that simultaneous expression of P210 BCR-ABL and P160 BCR in simian COS-1 cells yielded stable complexes of these two proteins, and induced phosphorylation of P160 BCR on tyrosine residues in vivo. Tyrosine phosphorylation of a deletion mutant encoding 553 amino acids of BCR N-terminal sequences was also detected when it was coexpressed with P210 BCR-ABL. We propose that tyrosine phosphorylation of P160 BCR by P210 BCR-ABL and their stable physical interaction may perturb normal BCR functions and that these alterations are directly involved in the pathologic processes found in Ph chromosome-associated leukemias.
Pearl Harbor: FDR Leads the Nation into War. By Steven M. Gillon. (New York, NY: Basic Books, 2011. Pp. vii, 224. $25.99.)

The first two images in the photo inset of Steven M. Gillon's book Pearl Harbor: FDR Leads the Nation into War are not of the destruction wrought by the Japanese but of President Roosevelt's Oval O...
Is it Time for Elevating the Standard for FAPE under IDEA

This article examines a critical question for the special education community: What should be the current meaning of “free appropriate public education” (FAPE) in light of not only the Supreme Court's landmark Rowley decision in 1982 but also developments in the 30 years since then? After synthesizing what the Rowley Court, the scholar-commentators, and the post-Rowley lower courts have said, the author examines the latest answer from Congress via the 2004 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act amendments. Particular attention is paid to the provision concerning peer-reviewed research and the recent case law interpreting this provision. The author suggests that the time is ripe for the special education community to help Congress fashion an appropriately heightened substantive or at least procedural standard for FAPE.