cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystal Structure of the Processivity Clamp Loader Gamma (γ) Complex of E. coli DNA Polymerase III

The gamma complex, an AAA+ ATPase, is the bacterial homolog of eukaryotic replication factor C (RFC) that loads the sliding clamp (beta, homologous to PCNA) onto DNA. The 2.7/3.0 A crystal structure of gamma complex reveals a pentameric arrangement of subunits, with stoichiometry delta':gamma(3):delta. The C-terminal domains of the subunits form a circular collar that supports an asymmetric arrangement of the N-terminal ATP binding domains of the gamma motor and the structurally related domains of the delta' stator and the delta wrench. The structure suggests a mechanism by which the gamma complex switches between a closed state, in which the beta-interacting element of delta is hidden by delta', and an open form similar to the crystal structure, in which delta is free to bind to beta.
Autism: highly heritable but not inherited

The genetic basis of autism is beginning to come to light. De novo mutations in gene copy number may have a big role.
Implementing trials of complex interventions in community settings: the USC-Rancho Los Amigos pressure ulcer prevention study (PUPS).

BackgroundRandomized trials of complex, non-pharmacologic interventions implemented in home and community settings, such as the University of Southern California (USC)-Rancho Los Amigos National Re...
Cysteine protease inhibitors block Toxoplasma gondii microneme secretion and cell invasion.

Toxoplasma gondii enters host cells via an active, self-driven process to fulfill its need for intracellular replication and survival. Successful host cell invasion is governed by sequential release of secretory proteins from three specialized organelles, including the micronemes, which contribute adhesive proteins necessary for parasite attachment and penetration. Cumulative evidence from studies of Trypanosoma species and malaria parasites has shown that cysteine protease inhibitors represent potent anti-parasitic agents capable of curing infections in vivo. In this study, we screened a series of selective cysteine protease inhibitors for their effects on T. gondii cell invasion. Two of these compounds, morpholinourea-leucyl-homophenolalaninyl-phenyl-vinylsulfone and N-benzoxycarbonyl-(leucyl)3-phenyl-vinyl-sulfone, impaired T. gondii invasion and gliding motility at low-micromolar concentrations. Unexpectedly, these inhibitors did not affect surface proteolysis of microneme products but instead impaired an earlier step by precluding the secretion of microneme-derived adhesins to the parasite surface. Our findings suggest that cysteine protease activity is required for microneme secretion and cell invasion by T. gondii. Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan protozoan that infects approximately one-third of the human population worldwide. Primary infection among pregnant women and recrudescence in immunodeficient patients are two major clinical presentations that arise from T. gondii infection. The standard administration for toxoplasmosis is a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine or clindamycin; however, allergic reaction to this treatment is common among patients, thereby limiting treatment in some cases (26). This problem has lingered with the ever-increasing number of individuals experiencing immunodeficiencies due to human immunodeficiency virus infection, organ transplantation, or cancer therapy in recent decades. The identification of novel antitoxoplasmic compounds effective against crucial steps in the parasite’s life cycle may eventually improve the therapeutic options for managing toxoplasmosis. As a hallmark of an obligate intracellular parasite, T. gondii relies on an efficient and robust host cell invasion strategy to support its survival and transmission. This process is driven by the parasite’s actin-myosin motor system and is accomplished by a sequential release of secretory proteins from three specialized organelles, the micronemes, rhoptries, and dense granules, through its apical end (9). Unlike rhoptry and dense
Using fleets of electric-drive vehicles for grid support

Electric-drive vehicles can provide power to the electric grid when they are parked (vehicle-to-grid power). We evaluated the economic potential of two utility-owned fleets of battery-electric vehicles to provide power for a specific electricity market, regulation, in four US regional regulation services markets. The two battery-electric fleet cases are: (a) 100 Th!nk City vehicle and (b) 252 Toyota RAV4. Important variables are: (a) the market value of regulation services, (b) the power capacity (kW) of the electrical connections and wiring, and (c) the energy capacity (kWh) of the vehicle's battery. With a few exceptions when the annual market value of regulation was low, we find that vehicle-to-grid power for regulation services is profitable across all four markets analyzed. Assuming now more than current Level 2 charging infrastructure (6.6 kW) the annual net profit for the Th!nk City fleet is from US$ 7000 to 70,000 providing regulation down only. For the RAV4 fleet the annual net profit ranges from US$ 24,000 to 260,000 providing regulation down and up. Vehicle-to-grid power could provide a significant revenue stream that would improve the economics of grid-connected electric-drive vehicles and further encourage their adoption. It would also improve the stability of the electrical grid.
Trans-Splicing of Nematode Premessenger RNA

In nematodes, many mRNAs contain a common 5' terminal 22-nt sequence. This sequence, the spliced leader (SL), is acquired from a small (approximately 100 nt) SL RNA via trans-splicing. Parallel in vitro and in vivo experiments have begun to clarify both the mechanism and biological role of trans-splicing. In vitro analysis (in cell free extracts) has shown that trans-splicing is remarkably similar to the snRNP mediated removal of intervening sequences from pre-mRNAs (cis-splicing). Additionally, this analysis has suggested a mechanism that may explain how the two substrates of trans-splicing (the SL RNA and pre-mRNA) efficiently associate with one another in the absence of sequence complementarity. In vivo experiments suggest that a major biological function of trans-splicing in nematodes may be to process polycistronic transcription units. Results obtained from the study of both parasitic and free-living species are discussed, and trans-splicing in nematodes is compared and contrasted to the analogous process in trypanosomatid protozoans.
The carpal insertions of the transverse carpal ligament.

Purpose To quantitatively define the anatomic insertions of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) to the carpals. Methods We dissected 5 fresh-frozen cadaver limbs, isolating the TCL. The ligament insertion sites into bone were clearly marked and photographed. We then used computer software to measure the area of insertion into the individual carpals. Results The TCL had consistent insertion sites into the scaphoid, trapezium, pisiform, and hamate. The average insertion of the TCL on the scaphoid was 6 × 6 mm (proximal to distal × radial to ulnar maximum distance), trapezium 13 × 6 mm, pisiform 9 × 6 mm, and hamate 11 × 5 mm. The area of ligament insertion on the scaphoid was 29 mm 2 , trapezium was 42 mm 2 , pisiform was 38 mm 2 , and hamate was 40 mm 2 . The perimeter of the ligament insertion on the scaphoid was 21 mm, trapezium was 28 mm, pisiform was 25 mm, and hamate was 29 mm. Conclusions The TCL has a broad but definable footprint on the trapezium and scaphoid on the radial side and the hamate and the pisiform on the ulnar side of the carpal tunnel. The distal carpal insertion sites are longer and oblong, whereas the proximal insertion sites are more circular. Clinical relevance Precise knowledge of TCL attachment sites may allow the surgeon greater confidence and safety during procedures that involve its release, such as carpal tunnel release, trapeziectomy, hook of hamate excision, or Guyon canal release.
Timing constraint-driven technology mapping for FPGAs considering false paths and multi-clock domains

Modern FPGA chips contain multiple dedicated clocking networks, because nearly all real designs contain multiple clock domains. In this paper, we present an FPGA technology mapping algorithm targeting designs with multi-clock domains such as those containing multi-clocks, multi-cycle paths, and false paths. We use timing constraints to handle these unique clocking issues. We work on timing constraint graphs and process multiple arrival/required times for each node in the gate-level netlist. We also recognize and process constraint conflicts efficiently. Our algorithm produces a mapped circuit with the optimal mapping depth under timing constraints. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first FPGA mapping algorithm working with multi-clock domains. Experiments show that our algorithm is able to improve circuit performance by 16.8% on average after placement and routing for a set of benchmarks with multi-cycle paths, comparing to a previously published depth-optimal algorithm that does not consider multi-cycle paths.
Reward‐guided learning beyond dopamine in the nucleus accumbens: the integrative functions of cortico‐basal ganglia networks

Here we challenge the view that reward-guided learning is solely controlled by the mesoaccumbens pathway arising from dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area and projecting to the nucleus accumbens. This widely accepted view assumes that reward is a monolithic concept, but recent work has suggested otherwise. It now appears that, in reward-guided learning, the functions of ventral and dorsal striata, and the cortico-basal ganglia circuitry associated with them, can be dissociated. Whereas the nucleus accumbens is necessary for the acquisition and expression of certain appetitive Pavlovian responses and contributes to the motivational control of instrumental performance, the dorsal striatum is necessary for the acquisition and expression of instrumental actions. Such findings suggest the existence of multiple independent yet interacting functional systems that are implemented in iterating and hierarchically organized cortico-basal ganglia networks engaged in appetitive behaviors ranging from Pavlovian approach responses to goal-directed instrumental actions controlled by action-outcome contingencies.
A new broadband antenna for transient electromagnetic field measurements

A novel broadband antenna based on the resistively loaded V dipole is presented. For a given sensitivity bandwidth compared with the Wu-King dipole. A 30-cm monopole configuration with a 500- Omega commercially available probe as the termination is estimated to have a bandwidth of 20 MHz-10 GHz and sensitivity of 10.5*10/sup -3 /V/(Vm/sup -1/). This antenna can be used to measure electromagnetic pulses and transients with subnanosecond rise times. It can also be used as the receiving antenna in time-domain scattering ranges. >
EVALUATION OF GLAZE-FIT TEST METHODS*

The various glaze-fit test methods are described, and the results of the ring, flat-plate, and tuning-fork tests on semivitreous types of bodies and glazes are compared.
Analysis and Design of Behavioral Experiments to Characterize Population Learning

In population learning studies, between-subject response differences are an important source of variance that must be characterized to identify accurately the features of the learning process commo...
How to prove that some acts are wrong (without using substantive moral premises)

I first argue that there are many true claims of the form: Φ-ing would be morally required, if anything is. I then explain why the following conditional-type is true: If φ-ing would be morally required, if anything is, then anything is actually morally required. These results allow us to construct valid proofs for the existence of some substantive moral facts—proofs that some particular acts really are morally required. Most importantly, none of my argumentation presupposes any substantive moral claim; I use only plausible claims that most moral skeptics and error theorists can and do accept. The final section diagnoses why my arguments work. Here, I offer an explanation for the supervenience of the moral on the non-moral that may help those worried that the strategy is a sophisticated trick. I conclude by considering two objections. In replying to these objections, I explain why the strategy may allow us to demonstrate more than “obvious” moral truths, and why it may also address a stronger version of error theory, according to which, moral truths are not possible.
Comparison of Two Milk Fat Extraction Methods for Pesticide Residue Analysis

Abstract Results, based on 38 comparisons, indicate that in the analysis of two organochlorine insecticides (heptachlor epoxide and dieldrin) in milk the fat recovery can be made with a surfactant method. This is faster, less expensive, and easier than the modified Roese-Gottlieb extraction commonly used.
The Prospects, Practices, and Prescriptions for the Pursuit of Happiness

HAPPINESS IS A CENTRAL criterion of mental health (Keyes, 2005; Taylor & Brown, 1988) and has been found to be associated with numerous tangible bene!ts, such as enhanced physical health, reduced psychopathology, greater productivity, more ful!lling relationships, and even longer life (see Lyubomirsky, King, & Diener, 2005, for a review). Thus, an important goal for psychology is advancing knowledge about how to help people increase their levels of happiness, positivemental health, and personal thriving. During the last decade, researchers have made a great deal of progress investigating intentional ways to increase happiness—yielding both theory (Lyubomirsky, Sheldon, & Schkade, 2005) and empirical evidence (see Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009, for a meta-analysis) supporting the notion that happiness levels can be increased. Furthermore, growing research is pointing to the optimal conditions under which happiness-enhancing activities work to increase well-being, as well as the processes underlying these strategies’ success (Lyubomirsky & Layous, 2013). Finally, preliminary studies suggest that increasing happiness through positive activities may lead to multiple favorable downstream effects on people’s health, work, and relationships (e.g., Fredrickson, Cohn, Coffey, Pek, & Finkel, 2008). Although the concept of happiness is widely understood by laypeople, it is important to de!ne it scienti!cally. Our de!nition corresponds to the growing consensus that happiness (or subjective well-being) comprises a global feeling that life is going well (i.e., general satisfaction with life), as well as the frequent experience of positive emotions and infrequent experience of negative emotions (Diener, Suh, Lucas, & Smith, 1999). Notably, although our de!nition of happiness does not explicitly include meaning and purpose in life (concepts that laypeople typically associate with overall well-being), research has shown that satisfaction with life, positive emotions, and (fewer) negative emotions are highly correlated with these constructs (Ryff, 1989). Despite the growing body of evidence supporting the notion that happiness can be improved, some contemporary theories indicate that trying to increase one’s happiness levels is futile—an endeavor doomed from the start. This pessimism is rooted in several assumptions about the nature of well-being, including the in"uence
Dynamic behaviour of sandwich structure containing spring-mass resonators

The behaviour of wave propagation in a sandwich beam with internal resonators is studied analytically and experimentally. It is found that, with the occurrence of a bandgap, waves generated by actuations in certain frequency range are forbidden to propagate into the sandwich beam without attenuation. By tailoring the local resonance frequency of the resonator, the range and the location of the bandgap can be selected. Also, from the experimental and FEA results, it is seen that waves can be significantly attenuated in a sandwich beam with a finite number of internal resonators if the forcing frequency is near the local resonance frequency. It is concluded that the resonators can be used as a mechanism for suppressing the flexural motion in a sandwich beam.
Proteomics Opens Doors to the Mechanisms of Developmentally Regulated Secretion

The program of multicellular development in Dictyostelium discoideum culminates with the assembly of a rugged, environmentally resistant spore coat around each spore cell. After synthesis, the proteins that will constitute the coat are stored in prespore vesicles (PSVs) until an unknown developmental signal triggers the PSVs to move to the cell surface where they fuse with the plasma membrane and secrete their cargo by exocytosis. These events occur synchronously in 80% of the cells in each developing multicellular aggregate, and thus the system offers a unique opportunity to study the developmental regulation of protein secretion in situ. Proteomic analysis of purified PSVs identified many of the constituent proteins, which in turn has lead to novel hypotheses and new experimental avenues regarding the molecular mechanisms regulating secretion from the PSVs.
Atmospheric Movement of Microorganisms in Clouds of Desert Dust and Implications for Human Health

Billions of tons of desert dust move through the atmosphere each year. The primary source regions, which include the Sahara and Sahel regions of North Africa and the Gobi and Takla Makan regions of Asia, are capable of dispersing significant quantities of desert dust across the traditionally viewed oceanic barriers. While a considerable amount of research by scientists has addressed atmospheric pathways and aerosol chemistry, very few studies to determine the numbers and types of microorganisms transported within these desert dust clouds and the roles that they may play in human health have been conducted. This review is a summary of the current state of knowledge of desert dust microbiology and the health impact that desert dust and its microbial constituents may have in downwind environments both close to and far from their sources.
Wireless access system for Wide Area Ubiquitous Network

This paper introduces a wireless access system for the Wide Area Ubiquitous Network (WAUN), which is a large cell-based public sensor network, and provides feasibility study results gained through field tests. The wireless access system uses several key technologies to accommodate widely dispersed small simple terminals. First, to realize the large cell radius of several kilometers, space and site diversity technique based on digital radio over optical fiber (DROF) is developed. Second, an intelligent multiple access control scheme, a combination of demand assignment and random access, is employed to effectively accommodate tens of thousand of wireless terminals (WTs) per cell. Finally, techniques that yield low power consumption are introduced to create the long WT lifetimes needed. The system performance realized by the above-mentioned technologies is confirmed by field tests.
Differential Equations for Jacobi-Pineiro Polynomials

For r ∈ ℕ0, we present a Fuchsian linear differential operator of order r + 1 with three singular points at 0,1, ∞. This operator annihilates the r-multiple Jacobi-Pineiro polynomial.
Nectar Robbery by Bees Xylocopa virginica and Apis mellifera Contributes to the Pollination of Rabbiteye Blueberry

Abstract Honey bees, Apis mellifera L., probe for nectar from robbery slits previously made by male carpenter bees, Xylocopa virginica (L.), at the flowers of rabbiteye blueberry, Vaccinium ashei Reade. This relationship between primary nectar robbers (carpenter bees) and secondary nectar thieves (honey bees) is poorly understood but seemingly unfavorable for V. ashei pollination. We designed two studies to measure the impact of nectar robbers on V. ashei pollination. First, counting the amount of pollen on stigmas (stigmatic pollen loading) showed that nectar robbers delivered fewer blueberry tetrads per stigma after single floral visits than did our benchmark pollinator, the southeastern blueberry bee, Habropoda laboriosa (F.), a recognized effective pollinator of blueberries. Increasing numbers of floral visits by carpenter bee and honey bee robbers yielded larger stigmatic loads. As few as three robbery visits were equivalent to one legitimate visit by a pollen-collecting H. laboriosa female. More tha...
A revision of the Australian intertidal water beetle genus Hughleechia Perkins (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae)

The Australian intertidal water beetle genus Hughleechia Perkins, 1981, is revised, based on the study of 123 specimens. The genus and the type species, H. giulianii Perkins, are redescribed. One new species, H. gracilis, is described. High resolution digital images of the primary types are presented (online version in color), male genitalia and elytral microsculpture are illustrated, scanning electron micrographs of selected morphological features are given, and geographic distributions are mapped. Both species are intertidal, but differ markedly in habitus, elytral setae, and some ventral characters, whereas they share basic morphology of the exocrine secretion delivery system and have similar aedeagal form. H. giulianii is known from several localities on the southwestern and southern coasts of Australia, being collected from rock crevices that are covered by high tides, dry rock crevices in the high tide splash zone, and in rock pools a few feet above the water line, created by splash and spray but seldom or never reached by waves. H. gracilis is known from two localities in Tasmania, all specimens being collected from high intertidal rock faces, by pyrethrin fogging.
Optimizing needle tip visualization during out-of-plane ultrasonography: A novel technique

Abstract Ultrasound-guided interventions are rapidly growing area in pain medicine. We developed a novel “underhand” technique aimed to improve upon the “freehand technique”. With the operator's hand stabilization, precise movements of the transducer are easier to perform that can improve visualization of the needle and targeted anatomical structures. Similar to the classical technique hydrolocalization can be used incrementally during the needle advancement to the target structure. Both the wrist up and the wrist down underhand approaches are described and provide the patient and physician comfort with superior needle visualization that can improve injection accuracy. This novel underhand out-of-plane technique may serve as a convenient and precise method to carry out ultrasound-guided interventions when the classical freehand technique may be challenging to perform.
Burroughs Wellcome and the Pricing of AZT (B)

The B case opens with Wellcome PLC's announcement of the wholesale price of AZT (see the A case, UVA-E-0074). The remainder of the case chronicles the responses of various groups involved in the AIDS crisis: Wellcome's investors, U.S. government officials, members of the medical community, and AIDS activists. The case concludes with Wellcome's defense of its pricing rationale. See also the C case (UVA-E-0076).
A 65-Year-Old Groundskeeper With High Fever, Pulmonary Nodules, and Thoracic Lymphadenopathy.

A 65-year-old man with treated latent tuberculous infection presented with 1 week of fevers (up to 39.6°C), chills, headache, lightheadedness, and malaise. He reported a chronic, nonproductive cough without hemoptysis but denied other localizing symptoms, sick contacts, or recent travel. He lived in an urban area in eastern Colorado and owned one healthy dog but otherwise denied known animal exposures. He was a retired oil driller who had worked in southern Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico (Sonora region). Other travel included 3 years in the early 1970s working as a military aircraft mechanic in Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Six weeks prior to admission, he began work as a groundskeeper on a golf course that had experienced recent flooding, using a riding mower and exposing himself to airborne dust and organic debris. He smoked a pipe daily for 30 years but quit 2 months prior to presentation, although he continued to smoke marijuana weekly. He denied intravenous drug use.
Neurological soft signs and psychopathology. Incidence in diagnostic groups

SummaryIn earlier studies the authors have reported impairments of cortical function in the parietal and frontal lobes of schizophrenic patients. In this study these results are pursued. The performance of different groups of psychiatric patients with respect to individual neurological soft signs rather than combined cortical function scores, was studied. The potential influence of psychotropic drugs on the significant findings was also analyzed. The results show that specific individual neurologic soft signs are significantly more frequently present in schizophrenics than in either controls or in other psychiatric groups. Additionally, there was no statistical evidence of psychotropic drug effects on the findings.
Ontogeny of baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity and heart rate

The purpose of this study was to characterize the developmental changes in baroreflex function during fetal and postnatal life in sheep. Resting mean arterial blood pressure increased significantly...
Ship waves in a stratified fluid

The far-’ eld asymptotics of the linear waves excited by a moving object are obtained for a ‘ uid consisting of n density layers (n is arbitrary). The structure of the perturbations of free surface and density interfaces is analyzed as a function of the depth of the object and its velocity. The amplitudes of different types of waves are compared. The present model also con’ rms and generalizes the features of the ship waves that were known previously only for the cases of one-layer and two-layer ‘ uids.
EQUIVALENT CONTINUUM MODELING FOR WAVE PROPAGATION IN DISCONTINUOUS MEDIA

This study presents numeric simulations of nonlinear wave propagating through jointed rock masses. The simulations were performed using the Lagrangian hydrocode GEODYN-L with joints treated explicitly using an advanced contact algorithm.
Rh-Catalyzed, Regioselective, C–H Bond Functionalization: Access to Quinoline-Branched Amines and Dimers

Rh-catalyzed, chelation-induced, C-5 regioselective C–H functionalization of 8-amidoquinolines with a range of N-Boc aminals is reported for the first time. The addition of in situ generated imines to C(sp2)–H bonds afforded branched amines in good to excellent yields. Moreover, this transformation features good functional group compatibility, broad substrate scope, and mild reaction conditions and is suitable for gram-scale synthesis. In addition, an unprecedented, chelation-induced, site-selective, remote dimerization of quinolines led to the formation of dimer frameworks in moderate yields under Rh-catalyzed conditions.
Comparing tumor response to VEGF blockade therapy using high frequency ultrasound imaging with size-selected microbubble contrast agents

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) are key mediators in tumor growth and angiogenesis. Suppression of tumor growth by VEGF-blockade therapy is a popular approach towards improving cancer treatment. Bevacizumab (BV) is monoclonal antibody used to inhibit VEGF that has shown promise in treating several forms of cancer. However, BV is ineffective in certain forms of cancer, presumably due to unpredicted compensatory mechanisms of VEGF deficient tumors. In clinical practice, it would be advantageous to determine as early as possible whether a particular cancer would be responsive to BV treatment. In this study, we evaluate the vascular response (perfusion and molecular expression) of two human cancer cell lines (SKNEP and NGP) implanted in mice to BV therapy using high-frequency ultrasound imaging. Size-selected, lipid-coated microbubbles were used as vascular probes.
Influences to the mechanical performances of the travelling wave ultrasonic motor by varying the prestressing force between stator and rotor

Based on a mathematical model, simulation results show how the mechanical performances of the motor are sensitive to the prestressing force. A test bench has been developed in the laboratory for experimental measurements. The motor is driven by a two-phase resonant converter controlled by a DSP in order to realize a flexible control scheme. An hysteresis brake dynamometer controlled by PC make it possible to generate any load profile. Results obtained by measurement confirm the motor sensitivity to the variation of the prestressing force, as shown in the simulation result. Thus, it makes it possible to validate the model and proves that the choice of the prestressing force is very important to optimize the motor design.
“Misfits,” “stars,” and immigrant entrepreneurship

Prior research has shown that immigrants are more likely than natives to become entrepreneurs, and that entrepreneurs are disproportionately drawn from the extremes of the ability distribution. Using a large panel of US residents with bachelors’ degrees in scientific fields, we ask whether higher rates of entrepreneurship among immigrants can be explained by their position on the ability spectrum and establish four new facts about science-based and immigrant entrepreneurship. First, in this sample, an immigrant entrepreneurship premium exists only in science-based entrepreneurship. Second, this premium persists after controlling for ability (measured by paid employment wage residuals.) Third, a U-shaped relationship between ability and entrepreneurship exists only in non-science entrepreneurship; for science entrepreneurship, the relationship is increasing. Finally, the immigrant premium in science entrepreneurship is largest among immigrants with non-US degrees and those from non-English-speaking or culturally dissimilar countries. Stated preferences for self-employment do not explain the immigrant premium. The results suggest that immigrants may on average have higher levels of unobservable skills related to entrepreneurship.
Auditor Response to Clients' Reputational Risk

In this study, we use new data to examine client reputation risk as a component of auditor risk assessment and response. The RepRisk database captures negative media coverage of companies’ environmental, social, and governance practices in a quantified measure of client reputational risk. Due to its focus on non-financial risk, this measure is uniquely able to disentangle auditor reputation considerations from the risk of material misstatement. We predict that auditors consider client reputational risk in the risk assessment phase of the audit. Specifically, client reputation risk may impact auditor business risk, where an auditor suffers reputation losses from their association with a client with impaired reputation. We find that client reputational risk has a positive impact on audit fees and the likelihood of auditor changes. Thus, our findings suggest that auditors monitor negative media coverage of their clients and incorporate it into pricing and retention decisions. We conduct supplemental analyses suggesting that our evidence is consistent with an auditor business risk explanation incremental to responses explained by risk of material misstatement and increased effort.
Hiding Kernel Level Rootkits Using Buffer Overflow and Return Oriented Programming

Kernel Level Rootkits are malwares that can be installed and hidden on a user’s computer without revealing their existence. The goal of all rootkits is to carry out malicious execution while being hidden as long as possible on the user’s system. We have developed and demonstrated, such a hiding technique for kernel level rootkits from static detection mechanisms. The hiding mechanism uses Return Oriented Programming, which allows the user to execute malicious code in the presence of certain inbuilt security defenses and detection tools. In this technique, an attacker diverts the control flow without injecting any new code in the program overflowing the buffer. We chain together short instruction sequences already present in a program’s address space, each of which ends in a “return” instruction. This implemented hiding technique was tested using a custom detection tool which performs static analysis, for specified malicious behavior patterns along with other techniques. We have also examined it with other detection techniques. Experimental results indicate that our prototype was effective in hiding kernel level rootkits.
Validation of the oesophageal hypervigilance and anxiety scale for chronic oesophageal disease

Background Oesophageal hypervigilance and anxiety can drive symptom experience in chronic oesophageal conditions, including gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, achalasia and functional oesophageal disorders. To date, no validated self-report measure exists to evaluate oesophageal hypervigilance and anxiety. Aims This study aims to develop a brief and reliable questionnaire assessing these constructs, the oesophageal hypervigilance and anxiety scale (EHAS). Methods Questions for the EHAS were drawn from 4 existing validated measures that assessed hypervigilance and anxiety adapted for the oesophagus. Patients who previously underwent high-resolution manometry testing at a university-based oesophageal motility clinic were retrospectively identified. Patients were included in the analysis if they completed the EHAS as well as questionnaires assessing symptom severity and health-related quality of life at the time of the high-resolution manometry. Results Nine hundred and eighty-two patients aged 18-85 completed the study. The EHAS demonstrates excellent internal consistency (α = 0.93) and split-half reliability (Guttman = 0.87). Inter-item correlations indicated multicollinearity was not achieved; thus, no items were removed from the original 15-item scale. Principal components factor analysis revealed two subscales measuring symptom-specific anxiety and symptom-specific hypervigilance. Construct validity for total and subscale scores was supported by positive correlations with symptom severity and negative correlations with health-related quality of life. Conclusions The EHAS is a 15-item scale assessing oesophageal hypervigilance and symptom-specfic anxiety. The EHAS could be useful in evaluating the role of these constructs in several oesophageal conditions in which hypersensitivity, hypervigilance and anxiety may contribute to symptoms and impact treatment outcomes.
Factors affecting the performance and monitoring of a chlorine wash in preventing Escherichia coli O157:H7 cross-contamination during postharvest washing of cut lettuce

Abstract This study examined factors that may affect the performance of a produce wash in preventing E. coli O157:H7 cross-contamination. Fresh-cut romaine lettuce (8 or 20 g) inoculated with ca. 7 log CFU/g of E. coli O157:H7 expressing green fluorescence protein was washed with uninoculated cut lettuce (800 or 2000 g) in 40 L of water for 2 min. Washing trials were performed in both sterile tap water and spent wash water collected from a commercial leafy greens processing facility under different prewash free chlorine levels (0, 5, 20 and 30 ppm), water temperatures (3 and 20 °C), leaf-to-water ratios (1:20 and 1:50), and flow rates (fast, medium, and slow). Performance of the chlorine wash was greatly affected by free chlorine level and wash water quality. Temperature, lettuce-to-water ratio, or water flow rate did not appear to have a significant impact. A prewash free chlorine concentration of 10 or 20 ppm was effective in preventing E. coli O157:H7 cross-contamination when lettuce was washed in tap water in the two washing systems assembled; 30 ppm of chlorine was needed to prevent cross-contamination during washing in industry water. Small-scale (100 ml) inactivation studies were performed to examine the impact of organic and solid contents (with the addition of lettuce juice and play sand) on the antimicrobial efficacy of chlorinated water. Increases in organic matter resulted in greater depletion of chlorine and the presence of solids enabled the pathogen to better survive chlorination; both led to a lower antimicrobial efficacy observed. ORP did not correlate linearly with free chlorine. E. coli O157:H7 cross-contamination was observed when ORP exceeded 650 mV, indicating that a threshold level of 650 mV may not ensure the safety of produce wash water. Since effective chlorine level is highly influenced by wash water quality, monitoring of produce washing systems may best be performed by measuring wash water quality in conjunction with rapid measurement of free chlorine.
Stable Isotope Studies of Cantharidin Biosynthesis by Epicauta Pestifera

Stable isotope labeling experiments provide evidence regarding the chemistry of the biosynthesis of cantharidin from farnesol by adult male blister beetles (Epicauta pestifera): (1) Incorporation levels of D3-labeled farnesol, farnesal, and farnesoic acid were similar and indicated that they are natural intermediates in the transformation of farnesol into cantharidin, while the much lower incorporation of D3-methyl farnesoate offers evidence that it is not a normal intermediate in this transformation.
Metal-Dioxygen Complexes

There has been considerable interest in metal chelates that will complex with dioxygen. These chelates are of interest to biochemists because they provide a comparison to the biological dioxygen carriers, hemoglobin and hemocyanin, and show what characteristics are crucial to enzymes that combine with dioxygen.
System Analysis and Optimization of Human-Actuated Dynamical Systems

This paper investigates dynamical systems where system inputs are induced by human behavior. In particular, we consider linear time-invariant systems with a stochastic discrete choice actuation model. We are motivated by increasingly important cyber-physical-social systems (CPSS), such as smart mobility, smart energy, and smart cities. Existing literature regarding random dynamical systems (RDS) predominantly considers additive noise models with well-defined probability distributions. Furthermore, the role of human interactions is usually considered a disturbance. The closed-loop system must not be designed explicitly for this disturbance, but must be robust to it instead. This paper adds two original contributions to the existing literature. First, we integrate Discrete Choice Models (DCM) from behavioral economics into dynamical systems to incorporate human decision making, yielding a Dynamical System with Discrete Choice Models (DSDCM). System inputs are triggered by human actuators, who act selfishly by taking actions that maximize their own utility functions. Second, we formulate a convex optimization problem for DSDCM that seeks to incentivize human decision making to achieve a system-wide objective. Finally, we apply DSDCM in the context of demand response and provide potential directions for future work.
Aspirations and Motivations for Facebook Use Through Sem Modeling

Facebook is one of the most pervasive social networking sites in the world. Growing out of a humble Harvard cataloging project, Facebook has over 2 billion monthly active users (Facebook Newsroom, ...
CARDIOVASCULAR BIOMARKERS AND HEART FAILURE RISK IN PATIENTS WITH STABLE ATHEROTHROMBOTIC DISEASE: A NESTED BIOMARKER STUDY FROM TRA 2°P-TIMI 50

Patients with stable atherothrombotic disease vary in their risk of developing heart failure (HF). Circulating cardiovascular biomarkers may improve assessment of incident HF risk. We measured high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) (Abbott ARCHITECT) in 14,603
Prediction of Crop Cultivation

Farmers have certain expectations of how much crop will get and make financial decisions based on it. In the past, farmers used to predict crops based on their own experience and observed weather conditions. Weather, pests, and harvest operation may be kept as reference for future years. Currently software can augment traditional knowledge. Keeping accurate data is an important aspect of agricultural risk management. We propose to use machine-learning techniques to develop a prediction model for crop yield production. We compare the performance of various linear and non-linear regressor models using 5-fold cross validation. We found that using mostly default settings, the random forest regressor performed the best, followed by nearest-neighbor regression, L2 linear regression with polynomial features, and support-vector regression using a Radial Basis Function (RBF) kernel.
Effects of a Lead Chloride Shell on Lead Sulfide Quantum Dots

The size of a quantum-confined nanocrystal determines the energies of its excitonic transitions. Previous work has correlated the diameters of PbS nanocrystals to their excitonic absorption; however, we observe that PbS quantum dots synthesized in saturated dispersions of PbCl2 can deviate from the previous 1Sh-1Se energy vs diameter curve by 0.8 nm. In addition, their surface differs chemically from that of PbS quantum dots produced via other syntheses. We find that these nanocrystals are coated in a shell that is measurable in transmission electron micrographs and contains lead and chlorine, beyond the monatomic chlorine termination previously proposed. This finding has implications for understanding the growth mechanism of this reaction, the line width of these quantum dots' photoluminescence, and electronic transport within films of these nanocrystals. Such fundamental knowledge is critical to applications of PbS quantum dots such as single-photon sources, photodetectors, solar cells, light-emitting diodes, lasers, and biological labels.
Chapter 3 Biological Activity of Unnatural Alkaloid Enantiomers

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses the biological activity of unnatural alkaloid enantiomers. The plant alkaloids—morphine, scopolamine, reserpine, and physostigmine—are widely used in medicine and are single enantiomers of high optical purity. Investigating the antipodal isomers of biologically active alkaloids is challenging and useful for several reasons: (1) it requires a practical resolution of racemic intermediates or an efficient asymmetric synthesis, (2) it shows whether the natural alkaloid is enantioselective in its pharmacological action, (3) it signals whether the unnatural enantiomer has a pharmacological quality of its own, which may be potentially useful, and (4) gives qualitative information whether the toxicities of the two enantiomers are significantly different. Such information has to be based on proper analytical data and data allowing for the quantitation of the optical purity of the two enantiomers. Developing an analog of (+)- morphine as an antitussive agent has to show improvements over dextromethorphan, which is widely accepted. Antipodal isomers of alkaloids having the same pharmacological effect and practically identical toxicities, as observed with antimalarial aminoalcohols, may well set the stage for developing a racemic drug.
Lateral Violence in a Respiratory Therapy Department

Background: Lateral violence (LV) happens in many different areas of the workforce and is prevalent in the medical field. LV can be seen on all levels impacting all health care providers. The Joint Commission (TJC) defines lateral violence as 9repeated, health harming mistreatment of one or more persons by one or more perpetrators9. Abusive conduct can be verbal abuse; threatening, intimidating or humiliating behaviors. This behavior can interfere with work productivity and have an effect on workers. In health care, this can be a patient safety issue. TJC states that 38% of health care workers reported psychological harassment. LV has been researched in nursing, however it has not been investigated in respiratory therapy. Methods: An anonymous survey on LV, exempt by the Children9s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) IRB, was sent to all respiratory therapists employed to the inpatient respiratory therapy department. Results: 87 of 233 therapists responded to the survey (37%). Participants had 1-20+ y of experience and had been employed at CHOP for > 1 y.86% work in the ICU, 2.8% on general pediatric floors, 2.8% in long term care, and 8.3% in leadership. 42% had been a victim of lateral violence.91% felt bullying is present in the department and 9 % felt they were a victim of LV. The most common form of LV (61%) within the department was found to be bullying from a peer. 77.8% believed bullying was not gender specific. When asked about the tactics of the bully, 44.4% believed humiliation was the main form of LV. Verbal abuse and shouting tied with slander at 22.2% and 75% believed the bully did not work alone.83.3% believed staff sometimes tolerated the behavior and 16.7% believed it was always tolerated. However it is believed that leadership is sometimes tolerating the behavior 75% of the time and 25% all of the time and 63.9% of participants believed that behavior has never been addressed. When asked if LV can have a negative effect on patient care, 55.6% responded with sometimes, 41.7% with always, and 2.8% with never.52.8% responded they had been a victim or witnessed bullying by someone in a different department. Results on beliefs of how the company handles LV can be seen in Table 1. Conclusions: This survey indicates that LV is believed to be present within the respiratory therapy department and the organization as a whole. Further inquiry should be initiated to gain a better understanding of the current issue and how to combat it.
Laboratory training in silicon photonics for undergraduate and graduate students

We will discuss laboratory experiments in silicon-photonics developed for senior and graduate level students. The learning objectives for this laboratory includes basic microfabrication techniques in cleanroom, understanding design and process flow, fabrication and testing of silicon waveguides and Mach-Zehnder interferometers on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer. We will also discuss a typical team project outcomes and examples of experimental work and report by student group. Additionally, we will comment on student’s learning and skill set acquired through this introductory hands-on project-based silicon photonics class.
Bronchial Obstruction Caused by a Dilated Pulmonary Artery

Airway obstruction from an enlarged pulmonary artery (PA) is not a common occurrence. We present a rare case of respiratory failure secondary to right bronchus obstruction from a dilated right PA. A 54-year-old male with a known history of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) presented with worsening dyspnea. He was found to have collapse of his right middle and lower lobes. Intubation was required for respiratory failure. To our knowledge, this is the first case to be reported in the literature where PH caused PA dilatation to such a degree as to cause bronchial obstruction and subsequent lobar collapse.
Multifunctional flat optics (Conference Presentation)

Metasurfaces enable arbitrary control of the wavefront of light by locally manipulating polarization in addition to amplitude and phase. As a result, multiple optical functions can be encoded with greatly reduced complexity that be accessed by changing the input polarization, wavelength and k-vector. Unique ways to generate structured light, a new polarization optics that greatly surpasses the capabilities of the standard and a new class of lenses that correct aberrations without requiring multiple stacked lenses have emerged from this approach .1-5 I will present spin-to-total angular momentum converters (J-plates) that create complex entangled states with applications in quantum optics and other fields6 , new polarimeters and polarization state generators7 and broadband achromatic lenses8. 1. N. Yu and F. Capasso Nature Materials 13, 139 (2014) 2. N. Yu et al. Science 334, 333 (2011) 3. M. Khorasaninejad et al. Science 352, 1190 (2016) 4. M. Khorasaninejad and F. Capasso Science 358,1146 (2017) 5. J. P. Balthasar Mueller et al. Physical Review Letters 118, 113901 (2017) 6. R. C. Devlin et al. Science 358, 896 (2017) 7. Noah A. Rubin, et al. Optics Express 26, 21455 (2018) 8. Wei-Ting Chen et al. Nature Nanotechnology (2018) doi:10.1038/s41565-017-0034-6
A Performance-Based Wind Engineering Framework for Envelope Systems of Engineered Buildings Subject to Directional Wind and Rain Hazards

AbstractThe adoption of performance-based wind engineering (PBWE) is rapidly becoming recognized as a fundamental step to reducing the huge economic losses caused by severe windstorms. This has led...