cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acute antibody‐mediated rejection in ABO‐compatible pediatric liver transplant recipients: case series and review of the literature

Acute AMR is well reported following ABO-incompatible LTx. However, it remains uncommon in ABO-compatible LTx. It typically presents with graft dysfunction ≤2 weeks post-LTx and is often associated with graft loss. We report the clinical presentation, treatment regimen, and outcome of six pediatric LTx recipients diagnosed with early acute AMR based on (i) clinical signs of graft dysfunction, (ii) histopathology indicative of acute injury ± C4d staining, and (iii) presence of HLA DSA. All patients developed elevated ALT and GGT ≤ 45 days post-LTx. All showed HLA class I (n=4) and/or II (n=6) DSA (peak MFI 6153–11 910). Four had de novo DSA, and two had preformed DSA. Five were initially diagnosed with ACR refractory to steroid therapy. Four exhibited resolution of graft dysfunction with AMR therapy. Two had refractory AMR—one was re-transplanted; the other was treated with eculizumab and showed improvement in graft function but later died due to a tracheostomy complication. Our case series suggests that AMR following ABO-compatible LTx may be under-diagnosed. The presentation can be variable, and treatment should be individualized. Eculizumab may be an option for refractory AMR. Ultimately, future multicenter studies are needed to better define diagnostic criteria, characterize optimal treatment, and assess long-term outcomes following liver AMR.
Brain Tumors in Infants

The clinical manifestations, histological typing, location and results of surgical and oncological treatment in 76 children with intracranial tumors presenting during the first 2 years of life are reported from the Hopital Neurologique et Neurochirurgical Pierre Wertheimer, Service de Neurochirurgie Infantile, BP Lyon Montchat, Lyon, France.
Estimating the time of death in stillborn fetuses: II. Histologic evaluation of the placenta; a study of 71 stillborns

Objective To determine whether placental histologic examination is useful for predicting the approximate time of death in stillborn fetuses. Methods Hematoxylin and eosin slides of 71 placentas of stillborns with accurately timed deaths were studied retrospectively. Fifty-one placentas (learning set) were used to develop proposed histologic criteria for the timing of fetal death, which were then tested in the remaining 20 placentas (test set). Results Among 15 histologic variables assessed in the learning set, three features appeared to correlate well with specific death-to-delivery intervals: 1) villous intravascular karyorrhexis (6 or more hours); 2) vascular lumen abnormalities of stem villi, including fibroblast "septation" and total luminal obliteration (multifocal, 2 or more days; extensive, 2 or more weeks); and 3) extensive fibrosis of terminal villi (2 or more weeks). When the placentas in the test set were evaluated using the three histologic criteria, 18 of 20 cases were classified correctly with respect to the approximate time of fetal death. Conclusions Placental histologic examination seems to be useful for determining the approximate time of death in many stillborn fetuses.
Apoptotic Microrna Profiling of Packed Red Blood Cells During Storage.

Abstract 3145 Poster Board III-82 Introduction During storage, RBCs undergo physiological changes often termed as storage lesions that adversely affect their survival in vivo, following transfusion. MicroRNAs (miRs), the negative regulators of cellular mRNAs, control cellular expression of genes relevant to differentiation and apoptosis via mRNA degradation or inhibition of translation. Recent reports indicate that matured red blood cells (RBC) contain diverse population of miRs in abundance. Understanding the role of miRs in RBC during storage would perhaps provide insights into the mechanisms associated with storage lesions. Methods In this study, we utilized a membrane-based array to obtain differential miR profiles of 52-apoptosis-associated miRs in packed RBCs during storage. The packed RBCs were obtained from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) blood bank and stored at appropriate storage condition (4-8°C) for up to 40 days. Samples were collected at days 0, 10, 20, 30 and day 40 and subjected to miR analysis. Our rationale is that since miRs are regulators of apoptosis, profiling of apoptosis associated miRs in packed RBCs during storage would provide the first step towards understanding the underlying mechanisms associated with storage lesions. Results Our miR analysis identified perturbation of six miRNAs during packed RBC storage. Two miRs remain at high levels throughout the RBC storage period studied while four miRs demonstrated an upward trend from day 0 to day 40 of storage. TarMir bioinformatics-based target gene identification for miR-96 identified CASPN1 mRNA as its target. The presence of CASPN1 mRNA was confirmed by RT-PCR. Although this observation tempts us to speculate that an interaction of CASPN1 with miR-96 in stored RBC is possible, further experimental verification of this interaction is warranted. Conclusion The differential microarray analysis presented here suggest that further refinement of miR profiling of stored red blood cells could be of value as predictive markers of ‘cellular status of RBC’ during storage. Future experimental analysis of selected mRNA-miR interactions in packed RBC during storage would provide insights into the mechanisms of storage lesions The findings and conclusions in this abstract have not been formally disseminated by the Food and Drug Administration and should not be construed to represent any Agency determination or policy. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Cardiovascular devices: Potent angioscopy for weak plaques

A new endoscope provides high-resolution structural and biochemical videos of human atherosclerotic plaques.
Levels of L-malate and other low molecular weight metabolites in spores of Bacillus species and Clostridium difficile.

Dormant spores of Bacillus species lack ATP and NADH and contain notable levels of only a few other common low mol wt energy reserves, including 3-phosphoglyceric acid (3PGA), and glutamic acid. Recently, Bacillus subtilis spores were reported to contain ~ 30 μmol of L-malate/g dry wt, which also could serve as an energy reserve. In present work, L-malate levels were determined in the core of dormant spores of B. subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus megaterium and Clostridium difficile, using both an enzymatic assay and 13C-NMR on extracts prepared by several different methods. These assays found that levels of L-malate in B. cereus and B. megaterium spores were ≤ 0.5 μmol/g dry wt, and ≤ 1 μmol/g dry wt in B. subtilis spores, and levels of L-lactate and pyruvate in B. megaterium and B. subtilis spores were 3 μmol/g dry spores are: i) dipicolinic acid, carbonate/bicarbonate and 3PGA in B. megaterium, B. subtilis and C. difficile; ii) glutamate in B. megaterium and B. subtilis; iii) arginine in B. subtilis; and iv) at least one unidentified compound in all three species.
Greenland iceberg melt variability from high-resolution satellite observations

Abstract. Iceberg discharge from the Greenland Ice Sheet accounts for up to half of the freshwater flux to surrounding fjords and ocean basins, yet the spatial distribution of iceberg meltwater fluxes is poorly understood. One of the primary limitations for mapping iceberg meltwater fluxes, and changes over time, is the dearth of iceberg submarine melt rate estimates. Here we use a remote sensing approach to estimate submarine melt rates during 2011–2016 for 637 icebergs discharged from seven marine-terminating glaciers fringing the Greenland Ice Sheet. We find that spatial variations in iceberg melt rates generally follow expected patterns based on hydrographic observations, including a decrease in melt rate with latitude and an increase in melt rate with iceberg draft. However, we find no longitudinal variations in melt rates within individual fjords. We do not resolve coherent seasonal to interannual patterns in melt rates across all study sites, though we attribute a 4-fold melt rate increase from March to April 2011 near Jakobshavn Isbrae to fjord circulation changes induced by the seasonal onset of iceberg calving. Overall, our results suggest that remotely sensed iceberg melt rates can be used to characterize spatial and temporal variations in oceanic forcing near often inaccessible marine-terminating glaciers.
Subcycle fatigue crack growth formulation under positive and negative stress ratios

Abstract A new fatigue crack growth model at the subcycle scale is proposed for both positive and negative stress ratios. The term “subcycle” refers to the crack growth modeling within a cyclic loading duration rather than the classical cycle averaged crack growth rate (i.e., da/dN). The proposed model includes two major components: a subcycle crack growth rate function and a crack opening stress estimation algorithm for tension–tension and tension–compression cyclic loading. The subcycle crack growth rate function is proposed based on existing in situ scanning electron microscopy testing results. Following this, separation of far field crack contact and near tip crack contact are discussed for both positive and negative stress ratios. A simple linearized model is proposed to estimate the crack opening stress. The developed simplified crack opening stress estimation model is compared with several other models available from open literatures. Next, the proposed subcycle fatigue crack growth methodology is validated with several sets experimental data for various metallic materials under different positive and negative stress ratios. Some discussions and conclusions are drawn based on the proposed model.
Cost-effectiveness of adjuvant intravaginal brachytherapy in high-intermediate risk endometrial carcinoma.

Abstract PURPOSE We assessed the cost-effectiveness of adjuvant intravaginal brachytherapy (IVBT) vs. observation after total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TH/BSO) for high-intermediate risk (HIR) endometrial carcinoma. Methods AND MATERIALS A Markov model was used to assess the cost-effectiveness of IVBT by comparing average cumulative costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) between patients allocated to (1) ‘observation’ or (2) ‘IVBT’ after TH/BSO. We used a prototype Post-Operative Radiation Therapy in Endometrial Carcinoma (PORTEC)–defined HIR patient in the base case analysis. We calibrated the model to match the outcomes reported in the PORTEC-1 and PORTEC-2 trials. Utilities were obtained from published estimates, and costs were calculated based on Medicare reimbursement ($5445 for IVBT). The societal willingness-to-pay threshold was set at $100,000 per QALY. The time horizon was 5 years. Results IVBT was associated with a net increase of 0.094 QALYs (4.512 vs. 4.418) as well as an increase in mean cost ($17,453 vs. $15,620) relative to observation. The ICER for IVBT was $19,500 per QALY. On one-way sensitivity analysis, IVBT remained cost-effective when its cost was less than $12,937. If the probability of vaginal recurrence in the observation arm was increased or decreased by 25%, the ICER became $1335 per QALY and $87,925 per QALY, respectively. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed that IVBT was the preferred management option in 86% of simulations. Conclusions IVBT is cost-effective compared with observation after TH/BSO for HIR endometrial carcinoma by commonly accepted willingness-to-pay thresholds.
Somatosensory Input to the Periaqueductal Gray: A Spinal Relay to a Descending Control Center

The spinomesencephalic tract (SMT) with its varied origins (Mantyh, 1982; Menetrey et al., 1982; Swett et al., 1985; Wiberg and Blomqvist, 1984; Wiberg et al., 1987; Yezierski and Mendez, 1991; Zhang et al., 1990), spinal trajectories (Hylden et al., 1986b; Kerr, 1975; McMahon and Wall, 1985; Yezierski and Schwartz, 1986; Zemlan et al., 1978), and sites of termination (Anderson and Berry, 1959; McMahon and Wall 1985; Mehler, 1969; Morin, 1953; Bjorkeland and Boivie, 1984; Blomqvist and Craig, this volume; Yezierski, 1988) is often described as having a role in nociception (Bowsher, 1976; Mehler, 1969; Willis, 1985; Willis and Coggeshall, 1978; Yezierski, 1988). Consistent with this hypothesis are the responses of SMT cells to noxious mechanical and thermal stimuli (Hylden et al., 1986a; 1989; Menetrey et al., 1980; Yezierski and Schwartz, 1986; Yezierski et al., 1985). Furthermore, recent studies have shown SMT cells in the upper cervical and lumbosacral spinal cord respond to inputs from cutaneous and /or deep structures, including joints, muscles, and viscera (Yezierski and Broton, 1991; Yezierski and Schwartz, 1986; Yezierski et al., 1987; Yezierski, 1990). These observations as well as the varied functions associated with SMT projection targets supports a role of the SMT in sensory, motor and visceral functions.
The impact of low self-control and delinquent peer associations on bullying perpetration and victimization among South Korean adolescents: Time-concurrent, time-lagged, and latent growth curve modeling

This study examines the impact of low self-control and deviant peer affiliations on bullying perpetration and victimization in South Korea. Our sample is drawn from a five-wave, longitudinal study ...
A survey of valleys and basins of the western United States for the capacity to produce winter ozone.

High winter ozone in the Uintah Basin, Utah, and the Upper Green River Basin, Wyoming, occurs because of the confluence of three separate factors: (1) extensive oil or natural gas production, (2) t...
Wrenching: transient migration from commonality to variability in product line engineering of smart homes

Currently smart home are created and deployed on each user's specifications, which guarantees their complete satisfaction, but incurs a very high deployment cost and non-usable resources. Techniques from product line engineering provide a framework to promote resource reusability by identifying reusable common features. They help to reduce the cost but can compromise users' satisfaction, especially when they need special accommodations or have unique preferences. In this paper, we propose wrenching, a transient relaxation of common features into variability, so uncommon, ad hoc request can be satisfied. Based on wrenching, we further devise Smart Variability Model, that can accommodate situations where existing models are not applicable.
Effects of a myofunctional appliance on orofacial muscle activity and structures

Abstract The aim of the study was to examine the effect of an oral shield treatment on orofacial muscle activity and facial morphology in children with lip and/or tongue dysfunction. The sample consisted of 7 girls and 2 boys, 7 to 12 years old. EMG recordings with and without the shield in situ were obtained when the shield was placed, and 3, 6, and 12 months later. Lateral cephalograms were obtained at the initial and 1-year stages. The lip muscles showed dominant activity when the subjects were sucking on an empty straw and during swallowing; this was strongest during the first 3 months. The mentalis, buccinator, and digastric muscles generally showed weaker activity. The anterior temporal muscle showed dominant activity during maximal clench, but after the 3-month stage a significant decrease was noted. After 1 year of treatment, no significant changes in overjet or overbite were observed. Most of the craniofacial growth changes were normal for the age group. The results indicate that treatment with a...
Targeting the Cell Cycle and p53 in Combination with BRAF-Directed Therapy

The incidence of melanoma continues to increase with the vast majority of skin cancer-related deaths attributable to melanoma. Historically, response rates for systemic treatments for metastatic melanoma were only 5–20 % for chemotherapy, and the prognosis of patients with metastatic disease was extremely poor. The discovery of BRAF mutations in melanoma led to the development of BRAF-directed therapy which dramatically increased response rates. However, most patients treated with BRAF inhibitors eventually show disease recurrence, and it is now believed that combination therapies based upon a BRAF inhibitor backbone is the therapeutic future. Appropriate regulation of the cell cycle is critical for preventing progression to cancer, however the vast majority of melanomas harbor alterations in cell cycle and p53 regulatory pathways such as loss of CDKN2A and overexpression of CDK4, cyclin D1, MDM2 and MDM4. The alterations in these pathways appear to play critical roles in the development of melanoma and may represent potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, some studies suggest that there is interaction between BRAF, key cell cycle proteins and the p53 pathway and that BRAF inhibitors may synergize with treatments that either enhance p53 function or inhibit CDK activity. Preclinical studies in melanoma have shown the potential efficacy of enhancing p53 function through inhibition of MDM2 or MDM4. Other studies have shown potential benefit in antagonizing CDK activity through use of small molecule inhibitors. However, targeting p53 and CDK function in melanoma is at an early stage and additional studies are needed particularly to understand the effects of combining these therapies with BRAF inhibition. Furthermore, clinical trials testing these therapeutic combinations specifically in melanoma patients are also needed to determine if the results of preclinical studies can be translated into beneficial effects in humans.
Vergleichende Endokrinologie der Fetalzeit

Historisch gesehen hat das Gebiet der “vergleichenden fetalen Endokrinologie” mit den grundlegenden Arbeiten von Keller und Tandler (1), und Lillie (2) seinen Anfang genommen. Diese Autoren zeigten eindrucksvoll, das fetale Rinderzwillinge einander dann beeinflussen, wenn zwischen den chorialen Blutgefasen Anastomosen bestehen. Die weiblichen Feten eines verschiedengeschlechtlichen Paares werden in fruhen Embryonalstadien regelmasig in spater unfruchtbare Zwicken (“freemartins”) umgewandelt, ein Effekt der ausbleibt, wenn keine placentaren Anastomosen vorliegen. Hierbei werden die Mullerschen Gange erheblich reduziert und die Ovarien strukturell so weitgehend verandert, das sie zuweilen histologisch wie Hoden erscheinen. Gleichzeitig gehen die primordialen Germinalzellen zugrunde. Ist ein Weibchen mit zwei mannlichen Feten verbunden, sind die Virilisierungsprozesse noch starker ausgepragt (3).
Predicting Project Completion

(1991). Predicting Project Completion. Research-Technology Management: Vol. 34, No. 3, pp. 46-49.
Physician information seeking: improving relevance through research.

Abstract Health sciences libraries have considerable potential as resources for both formal continuing professional education, as well as the informal continuing education that results from the professional's efforts to solve problems in daily practice. While there is a growing interest in making the resources of health sciences libraries more accessible to practitioners on a routine, day-to-day basis, there also needs to be more awareness of how, when, where, and why professionals look for information in the context of practical problems. This paper reviews recent research that identifies the context in which physicians seek information and advice from external sources, the information sources that physicians access, and the factors that influence which particular sources are sought. The results indicate that physicians vary in their information needs, preferences, motivations, and strategies for seeking information. This diversity suggests that health sciences libraries, in their efforts to be more accessible, should consider "market research" to determine the needs, preferences, and use patterns of the library's targeted users. Libraries may also benefit from exploring alternative methods of improving access to their resources.
Bipolar-Multipolar Electrocoagulation of Bleeding Ulcers

Despite advances in medical technology, the mortality from bleeding ulcers is reported to have remained relatively stable. In the last decade, however, a variety of endoscopic modalities for the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding have been evaluated in clinical trials. This article reviews the experimental background, equipment, technique, clinical trials, and complications of bipolar- multipolar electrocoagulation.
Caregiver burden in head and neck cancer and the perceived educational needs.

e21673Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) caregivers (CG) engage in time consuming, complex and potentially distressing tasks. While the psychosocial impact of HNC CG has been studied, few repor...
Sensorimotor adaptation when steering with altered vehicle dynamics

Abstract Though adaptive sensorimotor processes have been studied for simple, laboratory tasks such as reaching, less is known about how they might function during complex, real-world behaviors such as steering. The effects of altered vehicle dynamics on steering were investigated, using a physically moving electric vehicle outfitted with a portable virtual reality system. Vehicle dynamics were manipulated via changes in steering gain. Three groups of participants attempted to steer a series of curving paths with a lower steering gain, a higher steering gain, or a reversed steering gain. This adaptation phase was compared with pre-adaptation and post-adaptation phases, for which the steering gain was unaltered. As drivers accrued experience with the altered steering gains, they became more accurate and fluent in steering a vehicle. Adaptation to subtler steering gain changes was rapid, and without aftereffects, but adaptation to a more extreme steering gain (i.e., reversed) was slower, with aftereffects upon the initial return to the unaltered gain in the post-adaptation phase. Drivers can adapt relatively quickly to changes in steering gain, incorporating the relevant dynamics of the vehicle. The approach developed here could be used to refine theories of sensorimotor adaptation in the context of more practical applications, such as real-world human-tool systems.
The Maximum Principle: Mixed Inequality Constraints

The problems to which the maximum principle derived in the previous chapter was applicable had constraints involving only the control variables. We will see that in many applied models it is necessary to impose constraints involving both control and state variables. Inequality constraints involving control and possibly state variables are called mixed inequality constraints.
Comparison of self-organized micro/nanostructure formation on copper using dual-pulse versus single-pulse femtosecond laser surface processing

The use of self-organized micro/nanostructured surfaces formed using femtosecond laser surface processing (FLSP) techniques has become a promising area of research for enhancing surface properties of metals, with many applications including enhancing heat transfer. In this work, we demonstrate advantages of the use of dual-pulse versus single-pulse FLSP techniques to produce self-organized micro/nanostructures on copper. With the dual-pulse technique, the femtosecond pulses out of the laser (spaced 1 ms apart) are split into pulse pairs spaced < 1 ns apart and are focused collinear on the sample surface. Single-pulse FLSP techniques have been widely used to produce self-organized “mound-like” structures on a wide range of metals including a number of stainless steel alloys, aluminum, nickel, titanium, and recently on copper. Due to its high thermal conductivity, copper is used in many critical heat transfer applications and micro/nanostructured copper surfaces are desired to further improve heat transfer characteristics. Using single-pulse (pulses spaced 1 ms apart) FLSP techniques, self-organized microstructure formation on copper requires much higher pulse fluence than is commonly used for producing microstructures on other metals, which results in instabilities during laser processing (non-uniform surfaces), low processing efficiency, and limitations on the control of the types of structures produced. In this paper, we report results that demonstrate that the dual-pulse FLSP technique can be used to produce microstructures on copper more efficiently than using single-pulse FLSP, with better control of the surface structures produced. Cross-sectional subsurface microstructure analysis is also presented for single-pulse versus dual-pulse FLSP functionalized copper surfaces.
Adoption of Secure Pork Supply Plan Biosecurity by U.S. Swine Producers.

There is mounting concern about the negative animal health and supply chain consequences of animal disease outbreaks in the United States. Recent disease outbreaks have drawn attention to the need for additional understanding of biosecurity efforts to reduce disease frequency, spread, and impact. Biosecurity is a key component of the Secure Pork Supply (SPS) Plan designed to provide business continuity in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak as well as help protect operations from endemic diseases. Core biosecurity recommendations outlined in the SPS plan are a written site-specific biosecurity plan and implementation of a perimeter buffer area and a line of separation practices. To-date, no benchmarking of SPS Plan biosecurity implementation has been done. Utilizing data from a 2017 survey of U.S. swine producers, this study shows that SPS Plan biosecurity adoption varies and is affected by how feasible producers believe implementation of each biosecurity practice is on their operation. Furthermore, binomial logit regression analyses indicate producer and operation demographics and producer risk attitudes and perceptions affect biosecurity adoption. Conditional probabilities reveal that adoption of biosecurity practices is overwhelmingly complementary, suggesting that one biosecurity practice likely increases marginal efficacy of another biosecurity practice. The insights this study provides regarding the complexities of biosecurity adoption are vitally important to both educators and policy makers.
The Physical Education System as a Consequential Social Determinant

ABSTRACTEmploying the ideal type of “The Physical Education System,” in this analysis I explore the import of systems frameworks for new institutional designs which hold promise for better outcomes...
UV surface plasmon resonance modification by graphene Pi plasmon resonance (Conference Presentation)

Despite of increasing understandings of UV plasmonic materials, materials that can enable active tuning of UV plasmonic resonance has not been reported. Here, we demonstrate a modification of UV SPR on an aluminum (Al) hole-array by coupling Graphene π plasmon resonance with Al SPR. Graphene monolayer exhibits an abnormal absorption peak in the UV region (270-290nm) due to π plasmon resonance. The location and intensity of the absorption peak depend on the position of Fermi-level, which can be adjusted by electric or chemical doping. Al SPR is shown here to be modified by coupling Graphene π plasmon resonance with Al SPR. FDTD simulation shows the modification of Al hole-array transmission by adding a single layer of Graphene on top. The shifts of transmission dips after adding a Graphene layer shows a distinct transition at around the Graphene π plasmon position. For transmission dips that are located at shorter wavelength compared to Graphene π plasmon, up to 8nm blue shifts occur after adding Graphene. On the other hand, up to 20nm redshifts occur for transmission dips that are at a longer wavelength relative to Graphene π plasmon. This change in the sign of shifts of transmission dips corresponds to the change in the sign of the real permittivity of Graphene. The amount of shifts diminishes as the transmission dip moves further away from Graphene π plasmon resonance into the visible spectrum. Experimentally we have observed redshifts of SPR dips but not blue shifts possibly due to the poor light collection below 250nm.
Cross-Cultural Learning in Gameplay: BAFÁ BAFÁ, Persuasive Technology, and the Exploration of Intercultural Sensitivity:

Background. Serious games have the potential to provide benefits that beyonds entertainment value. Recent growth in the empirical research of serious games shows their abilities to deliver prosocia...
Coexistence Management Algorithms for Cognitive Radio Diversity Networks Using 802.19.1 Standard

We study the coexistence management and propose coexistence decision algorithms for assigning TV channels to TV Band Devices considering IEEE 802.19.1 standard specifications. As mandated by 802.19.1, there is a hierarchy of servers providing coexistence mechanisms. Coexistence Managers (CMs) are the central servers serving a specific set of dissimilar networks. We propose that the CM assigns a channel to each Access Point (AP) based on two events (as considered in this paper): a new AP joins/leaves, and channel availability changes. The event in which a new AP joins and needs a channel assignment is contingent upon the spatio-spectral interference index (first introduced in this paper). The event in which a channel becomes unavailable is contingent upon both spatio-spectral interference index as well as switching of the APs involved. These two factors are optimized based on the event and thus two optimization problems are formulated as quadratic integer programming (QIP) problems. These QIP problems are NP hard. To avoid the NPhard complexity, we propose two heuristic algorithms; Least Interference based TSB Scheduling for Diversity Networks (DLITS) algorithm and Least Interference and Switching based TSB Scheduling for Diversity Networks (D-LISTS) algorithm. The results obtained confirm that the two algorithms provide near optimal solutions.
Worker Protection Standard: Requirements for Commercial Pesticide Handler Employers

In 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency issued a comprehensive regulation called the Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides (WPS). The EPA has made several changes to the WPS since it was fully implemented in 1995. This 5-page document will address the WPS protections commercial pesticide handler employers must provide to their handlers. Written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, January 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi275
Structure of phospholipase Cε reveals an integrated RA1 domain and previously unidentified regulatory elements.

Phospholipase Ce (PLCe) generates lipid-derived second messengers at the plasma and perinuclear membranes in the cardiovascular system. It is activated in response to a wide variety of signals, such as those conveyed by Rap1A and Ras, through a mechanism that involves its C-terminal Ras association (RA) domains (RA1 and RA2). However, the complexity and size of PLCe has hindered its structural and functional analysis. Herein, we report the 2.7 A crystal structure of the minimal fragment of PLCe that retains basal activity. This structure includes the RA1 domain, which forms extensive interactions with other core domains. A conserved amphipathic helix in the autoregulatory X–Y linker of PLCe is also revealed, which we show modulates activity in vitro and in cells. The studies provide the structural framework for the core of this critical cardiovascular enzyme that will allow for a better understanding of its regulation and roles in disease. Rugema, Garland-Kuntz et al. report the 2.7 A crystal structure of a fragment of a catalytically active PLCe in which the RA1 domain is integrated into the core. They find that a conserved amphipathic helix in the autoregulatory X–Y linker of PLCe modulates its catalytic activity in cells. This study provides structural insights into the regulation of this essential cardiovascular enzyme.
Thermal interface materials with graphene fillers: review of the state of the art and outlook for future applications

We review the current state-of-the-art graphene-enhanced thermal interface materials for the management of heat in the next generation of electronics. Increased integration densities, speed and power of electronic and optoelectronic devices require thermal interface materials with substantially higher thermal conductivity, improved reliability, and lower cost. Graphene has emerged as a promising filler material that can meet the demands of future high-speed and high-powered electronics. This review describes the use of graphene as a filler in curing and non-curing polymer matrices. Special attention is given to strategies for achieving the thermal percolation threshold with its corresponding characteristic increase in the overall thermal conductivity. Many applications require high thermal conductivity of composites, while simultaneously preserving electrical insulation. A hybrid filler approach, using graphene and boron nitride, is presented as a possible technology providing for the independent control of electrical and thermal conduction. The reliability and lifespan performance of thermal interface materials is an important consideration towards the determination of appropriate practical applications. The present review addresses these issues in detail, demonstrating the promise of graphene-enhanced thermal interface materials compared to alternative technologies.
Impact of donor smoking history on post heart transplant outcomes: A propensity-matched analysis of ISHLT registry

Purpose Smoking is a major public health issue, and its effect on cardiovascular outcomes is well established. This study evaluates the impact of donor smoking on heart transplant (HT) outcomes. Methods HT recipients between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2016, with known donor smoking status were queried from the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) registry. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and secondary endpoints were graft failure, acute rejection, and cardiac allograft vasculopathy. We utilized propensity-score matching to identify cohorts of recipients with and without a history of donor smoking. Hazard ratios for post-transplant outcomes for the matched sample were estimated from separate Cox proportional hazard models. Results Of 26 390 patients in the cohort, 18.9% had history of donor smoking. Donors with history of smoking were older, predominantly male and had higher incidence of diabetes, hypertension, cocaine use, and "high-risk" status. In propensity-matched analysis, recipients with a history of donor smoking had increased risk of death (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03-1.20) and higher risk of graft failure (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03-1.20). Conclusion Donor smoking was associated with increased mortality and higher incidence of graft failure following HT. Consideration of donor smoking history is warranted while evaluating donor hearts.
Computed Tomography Measurements in Assessment of Idiopathic Vocal Fold Paralysis.

SUMMARY Objective Our study aimed to both identify the incidence and clinical presentation of patients presenting with idiopathic vocal fold paralysis (IVFP). Secondarily we aimed to assess the radiographic findings of computed tomography (CT) studies along the course of the vagus and recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLN), specifically measuring for potential areas of compression at the skull base and mediastinum. We hypothesized that a proportion of patients diagnosed with IVFP would have significant differences in measurements when compared to age-gender matched controls on CT imaging. Study Design Institutional review board approved retrospective cohort study Methods We assessed patients presenting to a tertiary voice care center between 2003 and 2019 with diagnosis of vocal fold paralysis. Data collected includes demographics, clinical exam findings, and CT measurements including dimensions at bilateral jugular foramen, aortopulmonary (AP) window and surrounding vascular structures. Statistical analysis was then performed using Pearson χ2, and Mann Whitney U tests to determine differences variables of interest. Results A total of 606 patients were reviewed. Of these patients 60 (9.9%) patients were determined to have IVFP. Left-sided VFP was seen more commonly in 78.3% (N = 47) of idiopathic patients. Our IVFP group had an overall higher incidence of cardiovascular disease [OR = 3.378, 95%CI 1.907-5.941, P Conclusion The significance of cardiovascular comorbidities combined with findings of statistically narrowed AP window may help provide an explanation of a subset of patients diagnosed with IVFP.
Climate Change Forecast in Kyrgyzstan for 2050 and 2100

The article presents the results of the analysis of climate change in Kyrgyzstan, according to observations at sensitive weather stations of the northern and southern regions. Based on a retrospective analysis of temperature changes over the observational period and based on the dynamics (rates) of temperature growth and the preservation of this trend, a forecasted temperature increase for the period up to 2050 and 2100 was reported.
Experimental demonstration of coupled multi-peak Bragg coherent diffraction imaging with genetic algorithms

Bragg coherent diffraction imaging has the potential to provide significant insight into the structure-properties relationship for crystalline materials by imaging, with nanoscale resolution, three-dimensional strain fields within individual grains and nanoparticles. The capability of present-day synchrotrons to locate and measure a multiplicity of Bragg reflections from a single grain makes it possible to recover the full strain tensor with nanometer resolution. Recent methods for coupling reconstructions from several peaks to determine the strain tensor have been developed and applied to synthetic data, but have not been applied to experimental data. Here, using a coupled genetic reconstruction algorithm, we reconstruct an experimental data set and demonstrate improvements in the ability to resolve vector-valued displacement fields internal to the particle as compared to what is achieved with a noncoupled approach. The coupled approach developed in this work was also validated on simulated data sets. In both simulated and experimental data, reconstructions from our coupled Bragg peak algorithm show improvements over the noncoupled independent reconstruction method of $5%$ in terms of accuracy and $53%$ in terms of consistency.
Identification of HCN1 as a 14-3-3 client

Hyperpolarization activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 1 (HCN1) is expressed throughout the nervous system and is critical for regulating neuronal excitability, with mutations being associated with multiple forms of epilepsy. Adaptive modulation of HCN1 has been observed as has pathogenic dysregulation. While the mechanisms underlying this modulation remain incompletely understood, regulation of HCN1 has been shown to include phosphorylation. A candidate phosphorylation-dependent regulator of HCN1 channels is 14-3-3. We used bioinformatics to identify three potential 14-3-3 binding sites in HCN1. Isothermal titration calorimetry demonstrated that recombinant 14-3-3 binds all three phospho-peptides with low micromolar affinity. We confirmed that 14-3-3 could pull down HCN1 from multiple tissue sources and used HEK293 cells to detail the interaction. Two binding sites in the intrinsically disordered C-terminus of HCN1 were necessary and sufficient for a phosphorylation-dependent interaction with 14-3-3. The same region of HCN1 containing the 14-3-3 binding sites is required for phosphorylation-independent protein degradation. We propose a model in which phosphorylation of S810 and S867 (human S789 and S846) recruits 14-3-3 to inhibit a yet unidentified factor signaling for protein degradation, thus increasing the half-life of HCN1.
High-Resolution Modeling and Apportionment of Diesel-Related Contributions to Black Carbon Concentrations

Exposure to diesel-related air pollution, which includes black carbon (BC) as a major component of the particulate matter emitted in engine exhaust, is a known human health hazard. The resulting health burden falls heavily on vulnerable communities located close to major sources including highways, rail yards, and ports. Determination of source contributions to the overall pollution burden is challenging due to collinearity in the exhaust composition profiles for relevant sources including heavy-duty diesel trucks, railroad locomotives, cargo-handling equipment, and marine engines. Additionally, the impact of each source depends not just on the magnitude of emissions but on its location relative to receptors as well as on meteorology. We modeled source-resolved BC concentrations in West Oakland, California, at a high (150 m) spatial resolution using the Weather Research and Forecasting model. The ability of the model to predict hourly and 24 h average BC concentrations is evaluated for a 100-day period in summer 2017 when BC was measured at 100 sites within the community. We find that a community monitoring site is representative of population-weighted average BC exposure in the community. Major contributing sources to BC in West Oakland include on-road diesel trucks (44 ± 5%) and three off-road diesel sources: ocean-going vessels (19 ± 1%), railroad locomotives (16 ± 2%), and harbor craft such as tugboats and ferries (11 ± 1%).
Under God?: Religious Faith and Liberal Democracy

The proper role of religious faith in the public life of a liberal democracy is one of the most important and controversial issues in the United States today. Since the publication in 1991 of his book Love and Power, Michael J. Perry's important writings on this issue have been among the most insightful. In this new book, Perry argues that political reliance on religious faith violates neither the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution nor, more broadly, the morality of liberal democracy. Nonetheless, Perry argues, religious believers sometimes have good reasons to be wary about relying on religious beliefs in making political decisions. Along the way, Perry thoughtfully addresses three subjects at the center of fierce contemporary political debate: school vouchers, same-sex marriage, and abortion.
Violaxanthin de-epoxidase. Lipid composition and substrate specificity.

Abstract Violaxanthin de-epoxidase isolated from lettuce chloroplasts ( Lactuca sativa var. Romaine) contained a single lipid component, monogalactosyldiglyceride (MG) at about 8 g per 100 g protein. The effects of MG on activation of solvent-extracted enzyme and on K m suggest that MG has two roles, namely, as a functional component of the binding site and as a substrate-solubilizing agent whose structure satisfies binding site requirements. Substrate specificity examined with various naturally occurring and semisynthetic epoxy carotenoids with known chirality showed violaxanthin de-epoxidase to be stereospecific for 3-hydroxy, 5,6-epoxy carotenoids which are in a 3 S , 5 R , 6 S configuration. Although monoepoxides with the above configuration were active, their rates varied, apparently due to the influence of structural differences in the nonepoxide end groups. Hence while all- trans neoxanthin showed low rates, the de-epoxidation rate of antheraxanthin was 5-fold higher than violaxanthin. Neoxanthin and violeoxanthin, both naturally occurring pigments with 9- cis configurations in the acyclic polyene chain, were inactive. These effects support the view that violaxanthin de-epoxidase is a mono de-epoxidase and that the stereospecific active center is situated in a narrow well-like cavity which favors an all- trans configuration of the polyene chain. The 3-hydroxy, 5,6-epoxy group of the naturally occurring pigments, diadinoxanthin, antheraxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin epoxide are assumed to be the 3 S , 5 R , 6 S configuration based on their reactivity with violaxanthin de-epoxidase.
Soluble δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Synthetase of Rat Liver II. STUDIES RELATED TO THE MECHANISM OF ENZYME ACTION AND HEMIN INHIBITION

Abstract The present study describes some characteristics of soluble hepatic δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase, including end product inhibition by hemin. The enzyme is shown to contain a —SH group at its active center which is associated with the initial binding of the cofactor pyridoxal-5'-PO4 to the enzyme. In addition, the —SH group may influence the activation of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase by divalent cations. A mechanism is suggested for the catalytic formation of δ-aminolevulinic acid from glycine and succinyl-CoA. From data derived from isotopic studies with [1 -14C]glycine, and studies utilizing specific inhibitors, the following sequence of reactions resulting in the formation of δ-aminolevulinic acid is proposed. The initial formation of a thiohemiacetal between the enzyme and pyridoxal-5'-PO4; the subsequent formation of a Schiff base with glycine which is followed by its condensation with succinyl-CoA; the enzymatic reaction is terminated with the decarboxylation of the glycyl carboxyl group in association with the release of δ-aminolevulinic acid from the enzyme. End product inhibition of the mammalian enzyme was confirmed using hemin, which was demonstrated to have a Ki of 2 x 10-5 m. In addition, various metalloporphyrins, porphyrins, and bilirubin also inhibit δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity. The relative potencies of the inhibitors appear to be dependent on the net charge present on the tetrapyrrole.
Extending XACML access control architecture for allowing preference-based authorisation

European data protection regulation states that organisations must have data subjects' consent to use their personally identifiable information (PII) for a variety of purposes. Solutions have been proposed which generally handle consent in a coarse-grained way, by means of opt in/out choices. However, we believe that consent's representation should be extended to allow data subjects to express a rich set of conditions under which their PII can be used. In this paper we introduce and discuss an approach enabling the representation of consent as fine-grained preferences. To enforce such consent, we leverage and extend the current standard XACML architecture and framework. As data collectors maintain links between PII and associated preferences, preferences should also be considered as part of this PII. Therefore our solution prevents access control components from directly accessing any PII.
Linearized OTAs for high-frequency continuous-time filters: a comparative study

This paper presents a comparative study of three single-stage high frequency linearized OTAs for the design of high-performance continuous-time filters. The advantages and disadvantages of each structure are discussed. The two pseudo-differential OTAs are suitable for very low-voltage applications. One OTA is suitable for very high frequency applications and the other one has a very large linear signal swing and a large transconductance tuning range. The third OTA is based on complementary differential pairs and has very low power consumption. Design examples and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the performance characteristics of each structure.