cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cave Ecology and the Evolution of Troglobites

Obligatory cavernicoles, or troglobites, have traditionally been of special interest to evolutionary biologists for several reasons. The existence of animal life in caves and other subterranean spaces at first attracted attention because of its novelty; intensive biological exploration of caves began little more than a century ago. Although the discovery and description of the cave faunas of the world is far from complete, especially in the Western Hemisphere, so much descriptive information has been compiled that we can safely assert that, at least in unglaciated, temperate parts of the world, the occurrence of numerous species of troglobites in any major limestone region is a common and highly probable phenomenon.
Information Cost Theory and the Design of Copyright Systems: Presentation Slides IPSC 2009

Presentation delivered on August 6, 2009 at the IP Scholars Conference held at Cardozo School of Law, New York.
Some Stochastic Growth Processes

The growth of non-saturating and saturating populations is modeled by a general kind of stochastic differential equation. The transition density functions of the solutions of these equations, obtained using the Stratonovich stochastic integral, are obtained in closed form. Moments, first passage time probability densities and probabilities of extinction can be found explicitly in a number of cases. Specifically considered are Malthusian growth, a general non-saturating process, a general saturating process which contains the Pearl-Verhulst model as a special case, and Gompertzian growth. This last-named process is examined with a view to the stochastic modeling of large populations of tumor cells.
New control strategies for underactuated tethered formation flight spacecraft

We introduce a decentralized attitude control strategy that can dramatically reduce the usage of propellant, by taking full advantage of the physical coupling of the tether. Moti- vated by a controllability analysis, indicating that both spin-up and relative attitudes are fully controllable by the reaction wheels, we report the first propellant-free underactuated linear and nonlinear control results for tethered formation flying spacecraft. We take a nonlinear control approach to underactuated tethered formation flying spacecraft, whose lack of full state feedback linearizability, along with their complex nonholonomic behavior, characterizes the difficult nonlinear control problem. We introduce several nonlinear control laws that are more efficient in tracking time-varying trajectories than linear control. We also extend our decentralized control approach to underactuated tethered systems, thereby eliminating the need for any inter-satellite communication.
An F-type test for detecting departure from monotonicity in a functional linear model

When studying associations between a functional covariate and scalar response using a functional linear model (FLM), scientific knowledge may indicate possible monotonicity of the unknown parameter curve. In this context, we propose an F-type test of monotonicity, based on a full versus reduced nested model structure, where the reduced model with monotonically constrained parameter curve is nested within an unconstrained FLM. For estimation under the unconstrained FLM, we consider two approaches: penalised least-squares and linear mixed model effects estimation. We use a smooth then monotonise approach to estimate the reduced model, within the null space of monotone parameter curves. A bootstrap procedure is used to simulate the null distribution of the test statistic. We present a simulation study of the power of the proposed test, and illustrate the test using data from a head and neck cancer study.
Research on reliability-based dynamic fatigue of locomotive wheels

With the increase of train speed,the requirement of fatigue reliability of components of trains is higher and higher.Based on fatigue life prediction theory,fatigue life curve of dangerous points of wheels under force of a certain locomotive was established.By taking the data from measurement and finite element analysis as basic parameters,fatigue life prediction of wheels under constant amplitude loading and random load spectrum was carried out by adopting linear cumulative damage rule and Monte-Carlo simulation,and the relationship curve between reliability and distance under different road conditions was obtained,which provides theoretical basis for security maintenance of trains.Moreover,it is of great practical significance for secure operation of trains.
Hemoglobin synthesis in human BFU-E and CFU-E-derived erythroid colonies

Abstract We have analyzed the synthesis of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in the differentiated erythroid colonies produced by erythro-poietin-responsive committed erythroid progenitors in plasma cultures of human marrow and peripheral blood. Two independent biochemical techniques, carboxy-methyl-cellulose column chromatography of 3H-leucine-labeled globin, and polyacryl-amide gel electrophoresis of 69Fe-labeled hemoglobin were used to quantitate the hemoglobin(s) synthesized in replicate cultures containing varying concentrations of the erythropoiesis-stimulating hormone erythropoietin. Excellent quantitative agreement between these two methods was observed. Sensitivity of these assay methods was such that 5% fetal hemoglobin could be detected. In separate studies of three normal adult males, we observed little or no detectable fetal hemoglobin synthesis in the differentiated colonies derived from marrow erythroid progenitors over a range of erythropoietin concentration that produced increasing numbers and size of erythroid colonies. Peripheral blood erythroid progenitors of these same individuals were studied in cultures containing 0.5 U/ml and 2.0 U/ml of erythropoietin. At both these erythropoietin doses, fetal hemoglobin was synthesized at concentrations varying between 9% and 39% of the adult hemoglobin. Cytoplasmic RNA was isolated from the differentiated progeny of peripheral blood erythroid progenitors to permit analyses using radioactive cDNA probes specific for human a-, β-. and γ-globin mRNA. Results from the RNA-excess cDNA liquid hybridization experiments also indicated that γ-globin mRNA was present in peripheral blood BFU-E-derived erythroid colonies at a level comparable to the amount of γ-globin chain synthesis observed. In contrast, erythroid colonies derived from marrow and blood erythroid progenitors of three hematologically abnormal individuals synthesized approximately equal amounts of fetal hemoglobin in plasma culture. Once again, the level of HbF synthesis was unrelated to erythropoietin concentration in culture. We conclude that the erythroid progenitor cells ordinarily found in the peripheral blood (F progenitors) are programmed to produce differentiated erythroid colonies that synthesize fetal hemoglobin. The great majority of normal bone marrow erythroid progenitors are not programmed to produce colonies that synthesize hemoglobin F, but under conditions of anemic stress, the population of F progenitors within the marrow expands sufficiently to populate erythroid cultures with colonies that produce considerable quantities of hemoglobin F.
Motivation and Design of the Sirocco Storage System Version 1.0.

Sirocco is a massively parallel, high performance storage system for the exascale era. It emphasizes client-to-client coordination, low server-side coupling, and free data movement to improve resilience and performance. Its architecture is inspired by peer-to-peer and victim- cache architectures. By leveraging these ideas, Sirocco natively supports several media types, including RAM, flash, disk, and archival storage, with automatic migration between levels. Sirocco also includes storage interfaces and support that are more advanced than typical block storage. Sirocco enables clients to efficiently use key-value storage or block-based storage with the same interface. It also provides several levels of transactional data updates within a single storage command, including full ACID-compliant updates. This transaction support extends to updating several objects within a single transaction. Further support is provided for con- currency control, enabling greater performance for workloads while providing safe concurrent modification. By pioneering these and other technologies and techniques in the storage system, Sirocco is poised to fulfill a need for a massively scalable, write-optimized storage system for exascale systems. This is version 1.0 of a document reflecting the current and planned state of Sirocco. Further versions of this document will be accessible at http://www.cs.sandia.gov/Scalable_IO/ sirocco .
Querying the Database

This chapter explains different ways to query the database by creating different Statement objects. The Statement class is extended by two subclasses: PreparedStatement and CallableStatement. CallableStatement is a subclass of PreparedStatement. When a PreparedStatement is created, part of the query is sent to the database. The query includes the tables used in the query and the names of the columns returned. Parts of the Where clause can be omitted with the understanding that they are filled in later. The ability to do part of the query ahead of time is very beneficial when large numbers of similar queries are going to be sent to the database. A database management system (DBMS) caches the information about the query and thus performs subsequent queries faster than when each query is sent individually. The CallableStatement interface executes a stored procedure at the DBMS. Both PreparedStatements and CallableStatements generate dynamic and updatable ResultSets.
Structural preconditions for the rise of the rule of law in China

AbstractThis essay advocates for adopting a disaggregated approach when evaluating the progress that non-democratic countries like China are making towards establishing the rule of law. An understanding that the rule of law may develop in some areas, though not in others, allows us to identify the structural underpinnings of a limited rule-of-law system. The essay adopts a procedural definition of the rule of law as rules-based governance and argues that the regularized enforcement of laws and regulations is the key precondition for its emergence. This study defines regularized enforcement as consistent, transparent, and procedurally fair enforcement and identifies the conditions under which such enforcement may emerge. Although bureaucracies with clear mandates can provide this type of enforcement, it is more likely to develop when courts of law arise as the main enforcers of laws and regulations. The theoretical argument about the issue-specific rule of law in China is illustrated through three case stu...
Long-term complications of inferior vena cava filters

Objective Some inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) complications only manifest after prolonged dwell time (IVCF fracture, inferior vena cava [IVC] occlusion, and IVC perforation). Incidence of these complications is often based on mathematical projections given the lack of long-term imaging follow-up. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of long-term complications of IVCFs using ideal imaging, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Methods From 2007 to 2009, 3303 IVCFs were placed across a large healthcare region. Only patients with contrast enhanced CTs of the abdomen at a minimum of 4 years post-IVCF implantation were selected. A retrospective observational study was performed in 96 patients. Primary outcomes were prevalence and predictive factors for IVCF fracture, IVC thrombosis, and IVC perforation. Results Of 96 patients, 39 had permanent IVCFs and 57 had retrievable IVCFs. Mean dwell time at most recent CT scan was 61 months. Overall rate of fracture was 14% with the majority (92%) in Cordis OptEase and TrapEase filters (Cordis, Fremont, Calif; P < .0001). Overall rate of partial/complete IVC occlusion was 13% (7.3% total and 5.2% partial). IVC perforation rates were higher among retrievable devices (70%) compared with permanent devices (15%; P < .0001). Perforation involving retroperitoneal structures was 68% among conical retrievable devices and 5% among permanent devices (P < .0001). Conclusions Long-term complications related to chronic IVCFs are relatively common, and the incidence of fracture and IVC perforation varies with device type. Higher rates of fracture were seen with the Cordis OptEase and TrapEase filters, whereas higher rate and degree of IVC perforation were seen with retrievable conical type devices.
Panoramic Synthesis as an Effective Materials Discovery Tool: The System Cs/Sn/P/Se as a Test Case.

The common approach to the synthesis of a new material involves reactions held at high temperatures under certain conditions such as heating in a robust vessel in the dark for a period until it is judged to have concluded. Analysis of the vessel contents afterward provides knowledge of the final products only. Intermediates that may form during the reaction process remain unknown. This lack of awareness of transient intermediates represents lost opportunities for discovering materials or understanding how the final products form. Here we present new results using an emerging in situ monitoring approach that shows high potential in discovering new compounds. In situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies were conducted in the Cs/Sn/P/Se system. Powder mixtures of Cs2Se2, Sn, and PSe2 were heated to 650 °C and then cooled to room temperature while acquiring consecutive in situ synchrotron diffraction patterns from the beginning to the end of the reaction process. The diffraction data was translated into the ...
Temporal dynamics of neurogenomic plasticity in response to social interactions in male threespined sticklebacks

Animals exhibit dramatic immediate behavioral plasticity in response to social interactions, and brief social interactions can shape the future social landscape. However, the molecular mechanisms contributing to behavioral plasticity are unclear. Here, we show that the genome dynamically responds to social interactions with multiple waves of transcription associated with distinct molecular functions in the brain of male threespined sticklebacks, a species famous for its behavioral repertoire and evolution. Some biological functions (e.g., hormone activity) peaked soon after a brief territorial challenge and then declined, while others (e.g., immune response) peaked hours afterwards. We identify transcription factors that are predicted to coordinate waves of transcription associated with different components of behavioral plasticity. Next, using H3K27Ac as a marker of chromatin accessibility, we show that a brief territorial intrusion was sufficient to cause rapid and dramatic changes in the epigenome. Finally, we integrate the time course brain gene expression data with a transcriptional regulatory network, and link gene expression to changes in chromatin accessibility. This study reveals rapid and dramatic epigenomic plasticity in response to a brief, highly consequential social interaction.
Catheter placement in a stenotic central vein

This chapter discusses the case of a patient referred for hemodialysis initiation in the setting of multiple myeloma requiring chemotherapy.
Trends in Illicit Cigarette Use in Brazil Estimated From Legal Sales, 2012-2016.

Objectives. To estimate the proportions of illicit cigarette consumption in Brazil from 2012 to 2016, a period of sharp increases in cigarette taxes.Methods. We used an approach based on legal sales provided by the Secretariat of Federal Revenues and self-reported consumption data from an annually conducted telephone survey (VIGITEL) to estimate the changes over time in illegal cigarette use in Brazil. For that purpose, we also used available information on the proportion of illegal cigarette consumption from a nationwide household survey conducted in 2013 to calculate a constant proportion of underreporting from VIGITEL in relation to total consumption and sales in Brazil.Results. There was an increase in the estimated proportion of illicit cigarette use from 2012 to 2013 (from 28.6% to 32.3%), then a decrease from 2013 to 2014 (32.3% to 28.8%), and then a sustained trend of increase from 2014 to 2016 (28.8% to 42.8%).Conclusions. Novel and feasible approaches to estimate changes over time in the illegal...
Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis associated with aggressive renal angiomyolipoma

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare cystic pulmonary disease that may occur in association with mutations in the tuberous sclerosis genes or arise sporadically. The histologic hallmark of the disease is the "LAM" cell, a spindled to epithelioid smooth muscle-like cell that bears morphologic and immunohistochemical resemblance to the perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas). The origin of the "LAM" cell is unknown; emerging theories suggest that a member of the PEComa family, the renal angiomyolipoma, may be the primary source and that both LAM and angiomyolipomas are associated with the genetic syndrome tuberous sclerosis. We present a young woman with LAM with an aggressive renal angiomyolipoma confirmed at autopsy.
Genetic removal of eIF2α kinase PERK in mice enables hippocampal L-LTP independent of mTORC1 activity

Characterization of the molecular signaling pathways underlying protein synthesis-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity, such as late long-term potentiation (L-LTP), can provide insights not only into memory expression/maintenance under physiological conditions but also potential mechanisms associated with the pathogenesis of memory disorders. Here, we report in mice that L-LTP failure induced by the mammalian (mechanistic) target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibitor rapamycin is reversed by brain-specific genetic deletion of PKR-like ER kinase, PERK (PERK KO), a kinase for eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α). In contrast, genetic removal of general control non-derepressible-2, GCN2 (GCN2 KO), another eIF2α kinase, or treatment of hippocampal slices with the PERK inhibitor GSK2606414, does not rescue rapamycin-induced L-LTP failure, suggesting mechanisms independent of eIF2α phosphorylation. Moreover, we demonstrate that phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) is significantly decreased in PERK KO mice but unaltered in GCN2 KO mice or slices treated with the PERK inhibitor. Reduction in eEF2 phosphorylation results in increased general protein synthesis, and thus could contribute to the mTORC1-independent L-LTP in PERK KO mice. We further performed experiments on mutant mice with genetic removal of eEF2K (eEF2K KO), the only known kinase for eEF2, and found that L-LTP in eEF2K KO mice is insensitive to rapamycin. These data, for the first time, connect reduction in PERK activity with the regulation of translation elongation in enabling L-LTP independent of mTORC1. Thus, our findings indicate previously unrecognized levels of complexity in the regulation of protein synthesis-dependent synaptic plasticity. Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 119. Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14185.
Use of Intravenous Acetaminophen in Postoperative Pain Management After Partial and Full Bony Impacted Third Molar Extractions: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

Purpose Currently, there is a concern at the national level of the overuse of both prescription and nonprescription opioid use. The purpose of this study was to identify whether the use of the intravenous (IV) formulation of acetaminophen (Ofirmev; Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Staines-upon-Thames, United Kingdom) is an effective tool in the reduction of postoperative pain, with a secondary goal of reduction of postoperative narcotic use. Materials and Methods A total of 72 patients with previously diagnosed either partial bony or complete bony impacted third molars were selected with care to avoid long-acting local anesthetics or dissociative anesthetic agents. The patients' postoperative pain scores at 4 and 24 hours were collected via a verbal rating scale by the primary investigator. The exclusion criteria included administration of bupivacaine or ketamine, hepatic or renal impairment, pregnancy, or allergy to any of the normally administered sedation medications. Results At all postoperative increments (immediately, 4 hours, and 24 hours), there was no significant difference at P Conclusions The use of IV acetaminophen showed no statistically significant decrease in patient pain at either 4 or 24 hours postoperatively. Although there are not representative data suggesting the routine use of IV acetaminophen, on the basis of the abundance of literature on the treatment of pain for other procedures, this medication should not be discarded as ineffective.
Neutrophil-specific knockout demonstrates a role for mitochondria in regulating neutrophil motility in zebrafish.

Neutrophils are fast moving cells essential for host immune functions. Although they primarily rely on glycolysis for ATP, isolated primary human neutrophils depend on mitochondrial membrane potential for chemotaxis. Whether mitochondria regulate neutrophil motility in vivo, however, and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain obscure. Here, we visualized mitochondria in an interconnected network that localizes to the front and rear of migrating neutrophils using a novel transgenic zebrafish line. To disrupt mitochondrial function genetically, we established a gateway system harboring the CRISPR/Cas9 elements for tissue-specific knockout. In a transgenic line, neutrophil-specific disruption of mitochondrial DNA polymerase, polg , significantly reduced the velocity of neutrophil interstitial migration. In addition, inhibiting the mitochondrial electron transport chain or the enzymes that reduce mitochondrial reactive oxygen species also inhibited neutrophil motility. In addition, the reduced cell motility resulted from neutrophil-specific knockout of sod1 was rescued with sod1 mRNA overexpression or treating with scavengers of reactive oxygen species. Together, our work has provided the first in vivo evidence that mitochondria regulate neutrophil motility, tools for the functional characterization of mitochondria related genes in neutrophils, and insights into immune deficiency seen in patients with primary mitochondrial disorders.
Study of Sulfide Water Fountains in Al-Hisayah and Al-khasif / Iraq

The aim of this research was studied the (morphological , chemical and biological ) properties for sulfidefountains in Al-Diwaniyahprovince were include two region, the first was Al-hisayahand the second was Al-khasif. The soil samples were taken from the side and the center of sulfidefountains and then the water samples were taken from the center of sulfidefountains. The results were summarized as : 1. The morphological properties were differ between the two regions , the soil color were yellowishbrown (10yr 7/6 and 10yr 7/4 ) to side and center soil consequently of Al-hisayah but the Al-khasifwere light brown (10yr 6/2 and 10yr 6/4 ) to side and center soil consequently . The distance of sulfide fountains were (350, 45000)m2to the Al-hisayah and Al-khasifconsequently , the water smell has very terrible in Al-hisayahregion withalgea,but in Al-khasifregion has terrible water with some small fishes . 2. The chemical properties were measured intwo regions . the results showed the al-khasifregion in the (side and center) were highest than Al-hisayahregion properties in Ec , soluble ions , Calicium carbonate , Total Nitrogen and Potassium but the Al-hisayahregion were highest than Al-khasifregion properties in pH , Organic matter , Total phosphorus . The sulfidewater in Al-hisayahregionhas the highest values the Al-khasifregion properties in Ec, soluable ions , total Potassium and phosphorusbut the sulfide water in Al-khasifregion has a highest values in total nitrogen. 3. The soil texture were differ between the two regions , the Al-hisayahregion were silty and silty loam in the side and center consequently of the fountain,but the texture were loame and silt clay loame in side and center consequently in Al-khasifregion .The bulk densitywere proximate among the soils in both regions . 4. The Al-hisayahregion soils (side and center) has the highest values than Al-khasifregion(side and center) in the bacteria numbers (12.02 , 13.20, 10.20 , 11.20) ×106 cell . gm-1.drysoil-1 consequently and the Al-hisayahregion (center ) has the highest valuestoo in fungi numbers (5.00 and 12.00) ×106 cell . gm-1.drysoilconsequently but it has the lowest values in the (side) (13.10 and 7.00) ×106 cell . gm-1.drysoil consequently . The Al-khasifsulfide were the highest values in bacteria numbers but it has the lowest values in fungi values . The cyano water in the Al-hisayahregionhas the highestvalues in bacteria and fungi numbers than the sulfide water in both regions 98.80×106 cell . gm-1.drysoiland 13.00×103 cell . gm-1.drysoil consequently.
Laser Induced Redistribution of Ion Implanted and Surface Deposited B in Silicon: A SIMS Study *

Recently, it has been shown that high powered pulses of laser radiation can be used to anneal ion implanted silicon [1]. Changes in the implant dopant profile as a result of laser annealing provides fundamental insight into the laser annealing mechanism. Consequently, we have used secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to investigate the effect of laser annealing on the distribution of ion implanted and surface deposited boron in single crystal silicon.
In Silico Screen and Structural Analysis Identifies Bacterial Kinase Inhibitors which Act with β-Lactams To Inhibit Mycobacterial Growth

New tools and concepts are needed to combat antimicrobial resistance. Actinomycetes and firmicutes share several eukaryotic-like Ser/Thr kinases (eSTK) that offer antibiotic development opportunities, including PknB, an essential mycobacterial eSTK. Despite successful development of potent biochemical PknB inhibitors by many groups, clinically useful microbiologic activity has been elusive. Additionally, PknB kinetics are not fully described, nor are structures with specific inhibitors available to inform inhibitor design. We used computational modeling with available structural information to identify human kinase inhibitors predicted to bind PknB, and we selected hits based on drug-like characteristics intended to increase the likelihood of cell entry. The computational model suggested a family of inhibitors, the imidazopyridine aminofurazans (IPAs), bind PknB with high affinity. We performed an in-depth characterization of PknB and found that these inhibitors biochemically inhibit PknB, with potency ro...
Exploring the applicability of occupational therapy transition assessments for students with disabilities

Young adults with disabilities often require extensive support and planning to ensure that they have a successful transition from the secondary education setting to the postsecondary work, educatio...
A 3D Lithiophilic Mo 2 N-Modified Carbon Nanofiber Architecture for Dendrite-Free Lithium-Metal Anodes in a Full Cell

The pursuit for high-energy-density batteries has inspired the resurgence of metallic lithium (Li) as a promising anode, yet its practical viability is restricted by the uncontrollable Li dendrite growth and huge volume changes during repeated cycling. Herein, a new 3D framework configured with Mo2 N-mofidied carbon nanofiber (CNF) architecture is established as a Li host via a facile fabrication method. The lithiophilic Mo2 N acts as a homogeneously pre-planted seed with ultralow Li nucleation overpotential, thus spatially guiding a uniform Li nucleation and deposition in the matrix. The conductive CNF skeleton effectively homogenizes the current distribution and Li-ion flux, further suppressing Li-dendrite formation. As a result, the 3D hybrid Mo2 N@CNF structure facilitates a dendrite-free morphology with greatly alleviated volume expansion, delivering a significantly improved Coulombic efficiency of ≈99.2% over 150 cycles at 4 mA cm-2 . Symmetric cells with Mo2 N@CNF substrates stably operate over 1500 h at 6 mA cm-2 for 6 mA h cm-2 . Furthermore, full cells paired with LiNi0.8 Co0.1 Mn0.1 O2 (NMC811) cathodes in conventional carbonate electrolytes achieve a remarkable capacity retention of 90% over 150 cycles. This work sheds new light on the facile design of 3D lithiophilic hosts for dendrite-free lithium-metal anodes.
On the Crystal Structures of Missing Links in the Early History of Solid-State Reactions: The Group IA Acrylates and Methacrylates

The crystal structures of potassium acrylate and related compounds studied by the group of Herbert Morawetz (1915-2017) have remained unknown for 60 years. 60Co γ-irradiation of potassium acrylate, the most reactive of all materials studied, affords high yields of polyacrylate, with molecular weights in the range 120,000 – 400,000. At the present time, the only alkali metal salts of acrylic and methacrylic acid whose structures appear in the Cambridge Structural Database are those of lithium. We report five new crystal structures: potassium acrylate (1), potassium methacrylate (2), potassium hydrogen dimethacrylate (3), rubidium hydrogen dimethacrylate (4), and sodium dihydrogen trimethacrylate (5). The discussion focuses on metal coordination, proposed reaction pathways for radical polymerization in the solid state, and possible reasons for differences in acrylate vs. methacrylate reactivity.
Evolutionary dynamics of gene regulation.

Abstract The long controversy over the importance of changes in the regulatory genome has been resolved with the recognition that such changes are a fundamental component of evolutionary dynamics. Comparative studies have revealed four dominant modes of change as the regulatory genome evolved: (1) the origin of regulatory novelties such as distal enhancers and new types of promoters at the origin of Metazoa; (2) the expansion of regulatory capacity, most notably with diversification of transcription factors. Together these changes expanded the available combinatoric complexity of regulatory interactions and allow an increase in the variety of cell types. There are two more common modes of regulatory evolution: (3) Repatterning of gene regulatory networks. Such repatterning largely involves the introduction of transposons, promoter switching, co-option of regulatory genes or subcircuits, recombination, and the de novo generation of new regulatory sequences. Finally, (4) changes in enhancer and promoter specificity enable fine-scale adaptive changes. One of the outstanding issues at the intersection of evolutionary and developmental biology is how these various modes of regulatory evolution translate to morphological change, and particularly macro- and microevolutionary patterns and whether evolutionary novelties are associated with distinctive patterns of regulatory change.
The interplay of damping and amplitude in the nonlinear pendulum

A highly accurate solution of the nonlinear pendulum with small initial amplitude and damping proportional to the velocity is derived using multi-time scale perturbation methods. The nonlinear pendulum has been studied extensively, but its formulation has rarely incorporated damping. This paper extends the body of traditional results by using a mathematical framework that incorporates damping to get a clear, robust solution in which the interplay of the damping and amplitude yields new physical insights into the pendulum's motion.
Policy Analysis of Instrument Design: How Policy Design Affects Policy Constituency

This research investigates the extent to which the design of different policy instruments directed towards the same goal shape the constituencies of residents that participate in the program, and d...
Evidence Supporting High-Dose Use of Biologics in Clinical Practice

Biologic therapies have transformed the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, a significant proportion of patients demonstrate primary non-response (PNR) or develop a secondary loss of response (LOR) to these agents. Studies using therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) have demonstrated a correlation between drug concentration and improved outcomes and that inadequate drug concentrations may be accountable for a significant proportion of PNR and LOR. This review aims to evaluate the role for high-dose biologic therapy in the treatment of IBD. Several studies have demonstrated an important role for dose optimization of anti-TNF agents to achieve desired therapeutic outcomes. More recently, there is also evidence for dose optimization and empiric dose escalation of vedolizumab and ustekinumab. With anti-TNF agents, dose optimization results in improved therapeutic outcomes by controlling inflammation and reducing immunogenicity. Immunogenicity may play less of a role with vedolizumab and ustekinumab. There is a role for TDM to guide dose optimization of biologics in IBD. Further prospective studies are needed to determine if there is a role for accelerated induction therapy with these agents and to evaluate target trough concentrations for vedolizumab and ustekinumab.
First-Semester Organic Chemistry during COVID-19: Prioritizing Group Work, Flexibility, and Student Engagement

Our first-semester organic chemistry class focused on structured group work to enable active learning in class. When Smith College switched to online learning after spring break, the class was adapted to fit into an online learning model while retaining active learning. Using feedback from students, we implemented two tracks, one focused on independent work and one focused on group work. Using Zoom’s breakout rooms, we were able to simulate the full-class and small-group experiences of our in-person class with the help of student learning assistants to facilitate group learning. Slack was introduced for class questions and communications. Student feedback was positive overall and indicated that their perceptions about group work improved over the semester. In the case of in-person classes in the fall, this method might be preferable to a class in which social distancing hampers student-to-student discussion.
The snowball effect: Planning for preservation infrastructure in a small library

Small libraries frequently face significant challenges related to funding and staff capacity when attempting to complete large projects and improve infrastructure. With careful planning and a bit of luck, however, it is possible to leverage small successes into much larger accomplishments. The University of Arizona Poetry Center, a special collections library of contemporary poetry within the College of Humanities at the University of Arizona, recently adopted this approach to implement a systematic overhaul of its preservation program.
Intergroup Dialogue: A Pedagogical Tool for Continuous Allyship for Black Women

Vice-President Kamala Harris tweeted on June 5, 2020, “We cannot forget about our Black women in our quest for justice.” The vice-president’s comment was in response to the killing of Breonna Taylo...
Applying a Transformative Service Research (TSR) Lens to Understanding Refugee Crisis and its Association with Donations Behavior

Migration could be voluntary or involuntary, sought for better living or to escape from heat or cold. In addition, the study of migration across disciplines e.g. economics, anthropology, psychology, and consumer research is not new. However, in marketing science, most of the research primarily focuses on identity research conducted at the individual level (Crockett et al., 2011). In this essay, I will be discussing involuntary migration which may happen to war, oppression or natural disaster. More specifically, I will be discussing the Rohingya Refugee crisis through the lens of Transformation Service Research (TSR) to understand the refugee crisis and its connection with donation behavior. This specific form of involuntary migration is one of the primary reasons behind the world refugee crisis. According to the United Nations (1951) Article 1(A)(2), 1951 convention a refugee is defined as victims of involuntary migration that caused by prosecution e.g. armed conflict.
Atlas of the Lunar Terminator

Part I. Terminator Observation and Interpretation: 1. Observing the Moon and its terminator 2. The Moon's surface features. Part II. The Atlas.
Microbial Reduction of Chromate

Chromium is one of the most widely used metals in industry. In addition, trivalent chromium( Cr(III)), is an essential trace element necessary for glucose and lipid metabolism and for the utilization of amino acids. Current treatment techniques for chromium-containing wastes generally involve aqueous reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) to Cr(III) by using a reducing agent at lowered pH with subsequent adjustment of the solution pH to near-neutral ranges to precipitate the less soluble Cr(III). Many facultative anaerobes are capable of reducing Cr(VI) to Cr(III) under appropriate conditions. Chromium-reducing bacteria may utilize a variety of organic compounds as electron donors for chromium reduction. The toxicity of Cr(VI) toward Cr(VI) reduction may be illustrated by the finite capacity of cells. The ability of an enzyme-based kinetic model to analyze Cr(VI) reduction was further demonstrated with two other strains, D. vulgaris and P. ambigua, reported in the literature. The model illustrates an important characteristic of microbial Cr(VI) reduction. The electron donors known for Cr(VI) reduction are generally limited to nontoxic aliphatic compounds, mainly low-molecular-weight carbohydrates, amino acids, and fatty acids. Recent work has revealed the potential of using Cr(VI)-reducing microorganisms for detoxifying Cr(VI)-contaminated environments or for treating Cr(VI)-containing wastes, even if the biochemical mechanisms of Cr(VI) reduction are not yet fully understood. Recent success in using a biofilm reactor for continuous reduction of Cr(VI) may have shed some light on methods for the biological treatment of Cr(VI)-containing wastes.
Graph based interactive detection of curve structures in 2D fluoroscopy

An accurate and robust method to detect curve structures, such as a vessel branch or a guidewire, is essential for many medical imaging applications. A fully automatic method, although highly desired, is prone to detection errors that are caused by image noise and curve-like artifacts. In this paper, we present a novel method to interactively detect a curve structure in a 2D fluoroscopy image with a minimum requirement of human corrections. In this work, a learning based method is used to detect curve segments. Based on the detected segment candidates, a graph is built to search a curve structure as the best path passing through user interactions. Furthermore, our method introduces a novel hypergraph based optimization method to allow for imposing geometric constraints during the path searching, and to provide a smooth and quickly converged result. With minimum human interactions involved, the method can provide accurate detection results, and has been used in different applications for guidewire and vessel detections.
Psychological factors and ischemic heart disease.

To the Editor: Rozanski et al,1 in discussing the role of psychological factors in inducing ischemic heart disease (IHD), indicated that “the pathophysiological mechanisms by which behavior therapies reduce cardiac events need to be identified.” I suggest that behavior therapies operate to prevent stress-induced IHD by countering mechanisms by which stress induces IHD. The recently described altered homeostatic theory (AHT)2 asserts that mechanisms that prevent stress-induced IHD directly counter mechanisms that induce such symptoms. Importantly, the AHT is a general theory and includes multiple risk factors besides stress (such as cholesterol, smoking, and homocysteine) and multiple disorders besides IHD (such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and stroke). The AHT asserts that multiple risk factors for IHD and other disorders induce disease by the single action of shifting homeostasis inappropriately toward defensive fight/flight and that multiple preventative factors (such as stress reduction, vitamins, aspirin, and exercise) shift homeostasis toward health by an opposite shift of homeostasis. For …
Analysis of Clocks in X10 Programs (Extended)

Clocks are a mechanism for providing synchronization barriers in concurrent programming languages. They are usually implemented using primitive communication mechanisms and thus spare the programmer from reasoning about low-level implementation details such as remote procedure calls and error conditions. Clocks provide flexibility, but programs often use them in specific ways that do not require their full implementation. In this paper, we describe a tool that mitigates the overhead of general-purpose clocks by statically analyzing how programs use them and choosing optimized implementations when available. We tackle the clock implementation in the standard library of the X10 programming language—a parallel, distributed object-oriented language. We report our findings for a small set of analyses and benchmarks. Our tool only adds a few seconds to analysis time, making it practical to use as part of a compilation chain.
On the complexity and accuracy of motion estimation using Lie operators

Conventional motion estimation algorithms in video coding consider only translations, which can be readily characterized by displacement motion vectors. We might be able to achieve more accurate motion estimation by enlarging the search windows, at the expense of drastically increased computational complexity. Alternatively, we could also increase the accuracy of motion estimation by taking into account potential non-translation motions of objects in a video scene, without increasing the search window size. In this paper, we conduct a comparative study on the computational complexity of these two methods. We demonstrate that our motion estimation method based on the Lie operators can significantly increase the accuracy of motion estimation, while requiring much lower complexity than the method of enlarged search windows.
Characterization of the Microsomal Cytochrome P450 2B4 O2 Activation Intermediates by Cryoreduction and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

The oxy−ferrous complex of cytochrome P450 2B4 (2B4) has been prepared at −40 °C with and without bound substrate [butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)] and radiolytically one-electron cryoreduced at 77 K. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) shows that in both cases the observed product of cryoreduction is the hydroperoxo−ferriheme species, indicating that the microsomal P450 contains an efficient distal-pocket proton-delivery network. In the absence of substrate, two distinct hydroperoxo−ferriheme signals are observed, reflecting the presence of two major conformational substates in the oxy−ferrous precursor. Only one species is observed when BHT is bound, indicating a more ordered active site. BHT binding also changes the g-tensor components of the hydroperoxo−ferric 2B4 intermediate, indicating that the substrate modulates the properties of this intermediate. Step annealing the cryoreduced ternary 2B4 complex at ≥175 K causes the loss of hydroperoxo−ferric 2B4 and the parallel appearance of high-spin ferri...
Sensemaking handoff: When and how?

Computer support helpdesks often engage in sensemaking while working on atypical problems. Handoffs are common in these sensemaking situations due to shift changes, because a different skill or perspective is needed or simply because the current sensemaker may be exhausted. Though handoff may be needed, it may not always be successful. This could be true because sensemaking involves non-routine activities for which no structural support for handoff may exist, or because sensemakers may not be sure what to handoff if sensemaking is not complete. This study examined the issues related to sensemaking handoff in computer support helpdesks. Existing theories of sensemaking (Russell et al, 1993 and Weick, 1996) were used as a framework. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two different computer helpdesk personnel groups at a large mid-western university. Successful handoffs occurred either very early or very late in the sensemaking process. This choice of handoff time as well as other aspects of handoffs are discussed using the principles of least collaborative effort [13] and mindfulness [18].
Effect of water mobility on lateral diffusion of phospholipids in liposomes

Recently, several studies have shown that the rate of lateral diffusion of liquid-crystalline phospholipids in various phospholipid/water lamellar systems depends markedly on the hydration over the water content of 15–40 w/w%. In this paper, we calculated the change in lipid lateral diffusion as a function of water content according to the theory of Brownian motion in thin sheets developed by Saffman and Delbruck. These calculations, based on experimental data of lipid dimensions and bulk water diffusion coefficients obtained for the egg phosphatidylcholine/water system at various water contents, clearly indicate that the dependence of lipid lateral diffusion on the hydration can be attributed primarily to the change in bulk water mobility in the multilamellar phospholipid/water system.
Spectroscopy of Very Low Luminosity Young Stellar Objects in Taurus

I present low-resolution optical spectroscopy of two very low luminosity young stellar object candidates in Taurus. Both have faint companions with separations less than 6'', reported by Itoh, Tamura, & Nakajima, who considered them as likely substellar objects. However, the optical spectra demonstrate that they are reddened background stars (Av ≥ 4 mag). One of the candidate primaries is confirmed as a new member of the Taurus T Tauri association. It is a classical T Tauri star of early M spectral type with blue and near-infrared continuum excesses. The spectrophotometric properties indicate that it could be an edge-on disk. The other candidate primary is a background early-type star.
Extraction and Characterization of the Insecticidal Toxin Hirsutellin A Produced by Hirsutella thompsonii var. thompsonii

Hirsutellin A (HtA) produced by Hirsutella thompsonii var. thompsonii (strain JAB-04) was extracted and purified using a combination of ion-exchange, gel-permeation, and immunoaffinity chromatography. The identity of the purified HtA was confirmed by amino acid analysis and N-terminal sequencing. Monoclonal antibodies prepared against HtA were capable of detecting 25-50 ng of HtA by direct sandwich ELISA. In addition, utilizing Western blot methods, the antibodies were shown to be specific to HtA. The production of HtA was monitored during submerged fermentation. The peak level of exocellular HtA (13-14 micrograms/ml) was during the late exponential growth phase (39-45 h), determined by utilizing a combination of densitometric analysis of the 16.3-kDa bands on SDS-PAGE gels and ELISA. HtA production was directly correlated with mycelial growth. Twenty-one-hour culture filtrates were highly toxic to larvae of the greater wax moth. Pure HtA at a final concentration of 40 pmol was highly toxic to Galleria mellonella larvae.
Alternate Method for Determining Zinc in Hair

Abstract A new method for preparing samples of human hair for trace metal analysis is compared to the standard mineral acid digestion method. Samples of human hair were divided into identical portions and solutions prepared for spectral analysis for zinc, by using either the standard perchloric acid digestion or by reflux with aqueous thiol. The two methods gave the same results with equal precision. Features of the new method advantageous for its use in automated analyses are discussed.