cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling of discontinuities in microwave and millimeter wave integrated circuits using the curvilinear finite difference time domain approach

Describes a full-wave approach based on the curvilinear finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm for accurate modeling of discontinuities in microstrip lines that do not conform to the Cartesian coordinate system. The use of the curvilinear FDTD approach circumvents the staircasing problem that arises in the transmission line matrix (TLM) method as well as in the conventional FDTD approach based on the Yee-grid, and, consequently, makes it possible to accurately model arbitrary geometries without the use of a very fine mesh. The curvilinear FDTD method is more accurate than other proposed FDTD approaches or nonorthogonal grids; this superior accuracy is accomplished by transforming Maxwell's equations from curvilinear space into a regular, rectilinear domain. >
TRENDS IN LATIN AMERICANIST GEOGRAPHY IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA

The question of what lies ahead is of particular concern for Latin Americanists. The last decade has witnessed a serious erosion of both the popularity of their specialty, and an equally troublesome reduction in employment opportunities. This paper uses Association of American Geographers (AAG) data bases to document the age-gender structure of contemporary Latin Americanist geographers, and projects likely compositional changes through the end of the century.
Auto) biographical Methodologies to Enhance Learning and Perspectives

In order to interpret and learn from complex issues of the past, we must have a deep and well-versed understanding of human history; to do so, many educators and researchers have demonstrated that teaching students to develop multiple perspectives through various modes is one way to achieve this (Ciardiello, 2012). History and identity are documented in narrative and (auto) biographical stories and texts which assist educators in teaching students to develop a stronger awareness of the world they inhabit and the future ahead of them. (Auto) biographical methodologies will illuminate societal developments, cultural changes, and evolution of economic, political, and religious institutions. The aim of this literature review is to understand how educators are using (auto) biographical methodologies to increase awareness and empathy, develop multiple perspectives, and enhance learning of the past, present, and future among students.
A comparison of methods for estimating the causal effect of a treatment in randomized clinical trials subject to noncompliance.

Summary. We consider the analysis of clinical trials that involve randomization to an active treatment (T =1 ) or ac ontrol treatment (T = 0), when the active treatment is subject to all-or-nothing compliance. We compare three approaches to estimating treatment efficacy in this situation: as-treated analysis, per-protocol analysis, and instrumental variable (IV) estimation, where the treatment effect is estimated using the randomization indicator as an IV. Both model- and method-ofmoment based IV estimators are considered. The assumptions underlying these estimators are assessed, standard errors and mean squared errors of the estimates are compared, and design implications of the three methods are examined. Extensions of the methods to include observed covariates are then discussed, emphasizing the role of compliance propensity methods and the contrasting role of covariates in these extensions. Methods are illustrated on data from the Women Take Pride study, an assessment of behavioral treatments for women with heart disease.
A concentration addition model for the activation of the constitutive androstane receptor by xenobiotic mixtures.

The effects of contaminants are typically studied in individual exposures; however, environmental exposures are rarely from a single contaminant. Therefore, the study of chemical mixtures is important in determining the effects of xenobiotics. The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) responds to endobiotics and xenobiotics, and in turn induces detoxification enzymes involved in their elimination. First, we compared several androgens as inverse agonists, including androgens allegedly used by Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative to enhance athletic performance. CAR inverse agonists ranked in order of potency were dihydroandrosterone (DHA) > tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) > androstanol > norbolethone. Therefore, we used DHA as an inverse agonist during transactivation assays. Next, we examined the effects of several pesticides, plasticizers, steroids, and bile acids on CAR activation. Our data demonstrates that several pesticides and plasticizers, including diethylhexylphthalate, nonylphenol, cypermethrin, and chlorpyrifos activate CAR. Both full and partial CAR activators were discovered, and EC50 values and Hillslopes were determined for use in the concentration addition models. Concentration addition models with and without restraint values to account for partial activators were developed. Measured results from transactivation assays with a mixture of two to five chemicals indicate that the concentration addition model without restraints correctly predicts activity unless all of the chemicals in the mixture are partial activators, and then restraint values be considered. Overall, our data indicates that it is important to consider that we are exposed to a milieu of chemicals, and the efficacy of each individual chemical is not the sole factor in determining CAR's activity in mixture modeling.
Selection of Human Antibody Fragments by Anti-Idiotypic Interaction

The direct biopanning of specific antibody presenting phage may be difficult or impossible when the specificity or affinity for the antigen is too low compared to the background phages or the antigen is not available in a suitable form, resulting in nonspecific adherence of the phages. For this reason researchers used anti-idiotypic antibodies for the panning procedure. These were generated by immunization of rabbits with human IgG Fab (idiotype) that were affinity purified with the target antigen (Ishida et al. 1995). Alternatively, anti-idiotypic antibodies mimicking the target antigen were used for isolating the specific phage (Hombach et al. 1998). In addition, the cloning of anti-idiotypic antibodies themselves may be required to isolate antigen-mimicking antibody fragments, e. g. for vaccination, or to derive a tool for targeting clonal myeloma cells (Wil-lems et al. 1998). On the other hand, the cloning of unknown antibodies that are the target of regulatory anti-idiotypic antibodies may be the primary goal. This was the case when autoantibodies from patients with autoimmune disease where selected by anti-idiotypic panning using intravenous IgG preparations (IVIG). This technique did not only enable to determine the genetic origin of those antibodies (Jendreyko et al. 1998) but also allowed for the first time to clone platelet reactive IgG antibodies from patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia (Fischer et al. 1999).
Preparation of a water‐permselective composite membrane by the concentrated emulsion method: Its swelling and permselectivity characteristics

A water-permselective composite membrane was prepared by the concentrated emulsion polymerization method. A large volume fraction of an aqueous sodium acrylate solution was dispersed in a small amount of divinyl benzene. Each of the two phases contained a suitable initiator and the continuous phase contained an appropriate surfactant. The concentrated emulsion thus obtained has the appearance and behavior of a gel. The gel was sandwiched between tow glass plates and subjected to polymerization via heating at 45°C for 24 h. The resulting membrane was dried and further employed in several kinds of experiments. The swelling of the membrane in water depends on the pH of water and can be as large as 86. At low pH values, the swelling was very small. The permeation rate of a water-ethanol mixture was in the range of 96–560 g/m2 h and decreased with increasing alcohol concentration and increasing poly(sodium acrylate) fraction in the membrane. The permselectivity varied between 32 and 235, increasing with increasing poly(sodium acrylate) fraction in the membrane and with increasing or decreasing ethanol concentration (depending upon the composition of the membrane). The activation energy for pervaporation varied between 6.58 and 8.14 kcal/mol, depending upon the composition of the feed. The permselectivity decreased slightly with increasing temperature.
Inverted DNA repeats channel repair of distant double-strand breaks into chromatid fusions and chromosomal rearrangements

Inverted DNA repeats are known to cause genomic instabilities. Here we demonstrate that double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) introduced a large distance from inverted repeats in the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) chromosome lead to a burst of genomic instability. Inverted repeats located as far as 21 kb from each other caused chromosome rearrangements in response to a single DSB. We demonstrate that the DSB initiates a pairing interaction between inverted repeats, resulting in the formation of large dicentric inverted dimers. Furthermore, we observed that propagation of cells containing inverted dimers led to gross chromosomal rearrangements, including translocations, truncations, and amplifications. Finally, our data suggest that break-induced replication is responsible for the formation of translocations resulting from anaphase breakage of inverted dimers. We propose a model explaining the formation of inverted dicentric dimers by intermolecular single-strand annealing (SSA) between inverted DNA repeats. According to this model, anaphase breakage of inverted dicentric dimers leads to gross chromosomal rearrangements (GCR). This "SSA-GCR" pathway is likely to be important in the repair of isochromatid breaks resulting from collapsed replication forks, certain types of radiation, or telomere aberrations that mimic isochromatid breaks.
Synorogenic extension localized by upper-crustal thickening: An example from the Late Cretaceous Nevadaplano

Synconvergent extension within orogenic systems is often interpreted as gravitational spreading of thickened crust or as a response to thrust belt dynamics. However, the processes that spatially localize extension during orogenesis are not fully understood. Here, a case study from the United States Cordillera demonstrates that localized upper-crustal thickening can exert a first-order control on the spatial location of synorogenic extension. The Eureka culmination, a 20-km-wide, north-trending anticline with 4.5 km of structural relief in the hinterland plateau of the Sevier orogenic belt (or “Nevadaplano”) in eastern Nevada was deformed by two sets of north-striking normal faults that pre-date late Eocene volcanism. (U-Th)/He and fission-track thermochronology data collected from Paleozoic quartzite in the footwalls of two normal faults demonstrate rapid (10 °C/m.y.), Late Cretaceous to Paleocene (75–60 Ma) cooling, which we interpret as tectonic exhumation during extension, and which was concurrent with late-stage shortening in the frontal Sevier thrust belt. This example illustrates that structural and topographic relief generated within zones of localized upper-crustal thickening can spatially focus extension during orogenesis, and adds to a growing body of evidence that Late Cretaceous–Paleocene extension in the Nevadaplano occurred at both mid- and upper-crustal levels.
Young men's risk behaviors for HIV infection and sexually transmitted diseases, 1988 through 1991.

OBJECTIVES. This paper analyzes age- and period-related changes in risk behaviors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and sexually transmitted diseases among young men in the United States between 1988 and 1991. METHODS. Data were from the 1988 and 1991 waves of the National Survey of Adolescent Males. The 1988 survey was a nationally representative survey of 1880 males aged 15 through 19 years. The 1991 survey was a longitudinal follow-up of 1676 males aged 17 through 22 years. RESULTS. As they aged, the young men increased their levels of sexual activity and decreased their condom use. Period-related changes between 1988 and 1991 were examined by comparing similar cohorts of 17.5- through 19-year-old men: there were signs that sexual activity and intravenous drug injection increased, but condom use did not change significantly. In 1991 51% of the young men said they were occasionally "high" during sex, a state that is related to reduced condom use. CONCLUSIONS. Early progress in fostering s...
Plasminogen activator system and vascular disease

Vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, thromboembolic disorders and stroke, in addition to surgical procedures such as restenosis, all share the plasminogen activator system as a central component in the pathogenesis of vascular injury. Since the development of plasminogen deficient mice our knowledge of the effects of this proteolytic system in cardiovascular disease has vastly increased. The plasminogen activator system plays a key role in vascular homeostasis and constitutes a critical response mechanism to cardiovascular injury. The central components of the PA system are the proteolytic activators, urokinase-plasminogen activator (u-PA) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen (plg) and its degradation product, plasmin, together with the major inhibitors of this system, plasminogen activator inhibitor- 1 and -2 (PAI-1, PAI-2). An extensive network of additional proteases, inhibitors, receptors and modulators directly associate and are influenced by the PA system, the largest group being the Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their respective inhibitors the Tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPS).
Influence of Delivery Methods and Legislative Impediments on Project Performance Information

The choice of a suitable delivery method plays a considerable role in the performance of a construction project. Previous research has attempted the development of a systematic approach to project delivery method selection focusing on performance information. However, such attempts did not properly address public agencies and legislative impediments are almost entirely neglected as suggested variables in such models. This paper addresses these limitations by presenting a quantitative analysis to test whether federal and state legal limitations do influence project performance. Project characteristics from the U.S. General Services Administration Capital Construction Project database are presented. The database is analyzed using cross-tabulation to determine potential correlations among the variables, and specifically their relation to project delivery method choice and performance information. Contributions from this research are reflected in presenting a methodology for choosing alternative delivery methods while considering project characteristics and specifically the legislative impediments associated with a construction project and their influence on project performance.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Inhibits Bacterial Endotoxin-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Response: Potential Anti-Inflammatory Signaling Pathways

Previous studies have demonstrated that heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory (Gi) protein-deficient mice exhibit augmented inflammatory responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These findings suggest that Gi protein agonists will suppress LPS-induced inflammatory gene expression. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) activates G protein-coupled receptors leading to Gi protein activation. We hypothesized that LPA will inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory responses through activation of Gi-coupled anti-inflammatory signaling pathways. We examined the anti-inflammatory effect of LPA on LPS responses both in vivo and in vitro in CD-1 mice. The mice were injected intravenously with LPA (10 mg/kg) followed by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (75 mg/kg for survival and 25 mg/kg for other studies). LPA significantly increased the mice survival to endotoxemia (P < 0.05). LPA injection reduced LPS-induced plasma TNF-α production (69 ± 6%, P < 0.05) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in lung (33 ± 9%, P < 0.05) as compared to vehicle injection. LPS-induced plasma IL-6 was unchanged by LPA. In vitro studies with peritoneal macrophages paralleled results from in vivo studies. LPA (1 and 10 µM) significantly inhibited LPS-induced TNFα production (61 ± 9% and 72 ± 9%, respectively, P < 0.05) but not IL-6. We further demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory effect of LPA was reversed by ERK 1/2 and phosphatase inhibitors, suggesting that ERK 1/2 pathway and serine/threonine phosphatases are involved. Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3) kinase signaling pathways also partially reversed the LPA anti-inflammatory response. However, LPA did not alter NFκB and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) activation. Inhibitors of PPARγ did not alter LPA-induced inhibition of LPS signaling. These studies demonstrate that LPA has significant anti-inflammatory activities involving activation of ERK 1/2, serine/threonine phosphatases, and PI3 kinase signaling pathways.
Comparison of femtosecond laser small-incision lenticule extraction and laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy to correct myopic astigmatism

Purpose To compare the efficacy of correcting myopic astigmatism with femtosecond laser small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) versus laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK). Setting The study was conducted at the Ophthalmology Department, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai, China. Design A retrospective, cross-sectional study. Methods This study included patients who underwent small-incision lenticule extraction or LASEK for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. Preoperative and 6-month postoperative astigmatism values were analyzed. The efficacies of the 2 surgeries to correct astigmatism were compared. Results A total of 180 right eyes of 180 patients (small-incision lenticule extraction: n = 113, LASEK: n = 67) were included. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in the preoperative astigmatism (small-incision lenticule extraction: 1.16 ± 0.85D, LASEK: 1.16 ± 0.83D, P > .05) or the postoperative astigmatism (small-incision lenticule extraction: 0.35 ± 0.37D; LASEK: 0.31 ± 0.42D, P > .05), determined by manifest refraction. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in surgically induced astigmatism vector (small-incision lenticule extraction: 1.13 ± 0.83D, LASEK: 1.01 ± 0.65D, P > .05). The correction index was higher for the small-incision lenticule extraction group (1.05 ± 0.53) than for the LASEK group (0.95 ± 0.21, P = .045). The postoperative astigmatism was significantly higher for the small-incision lenticule extraction group when the preoperative astigmatism was 1.0 D or less (small-incision lenticule extraction: 0.26 ± 0.30D, LASEK: 0.12 ± 0.20D, P = .007) and lower for the small-incision lenticule extraction group when the preoperative astigmatism was more than 2.0 D (small-incision lenticule extraction: 0.48 ± 0.37D, LASEK: 0.89 ± 0.46D, P = .002). Conclusions An adjustment of nomograms for correcting low astigmatism (≤1.0 D) by small-incision lenticule extraction is suggested due to the tendency toward overcorrection, whereas a nomogram adjustment for tissue-saving ablation profile is needed for the correction of high astigmatism (>2.0 D) by LASEK due to the tendency toward undercorrection. Financial Disclosure The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests.
Review of Mail and Telephone Surveys

This review gives a description of the content of Dillman's book. It goes on to describe the flaws not only to alert the reader but also in the hope that Dillman will write a new edition to overcome these problems. He could convert a gold book into an excellent one.
Hypoderma lineatum in White Mice: Effects of Immunosuppressive Procedures on Survival and Growth of Larvae

When white mice were exposed to infestation by (1) transplanting 1st-stage, 2- to 4-month-old larvae of Hypoderma lineatum (de Villers) from the esophagus of cattle to subdermal sites in mice or (2) by allowing female flies to lay fertile eggs on the hairs of mice, the larvae migrated to the thoracic or abdominal cavity of the host mice where the survival and growth of the larvae were enhanced by injections of rabbit antimouse lymphocyte serum to the mice. Also, in mice so treated, the midgut of larvae appeared morphologically normal; in untreated mice, the midgut epithelium appeared abnormal. The extent of coverage and the cellular composition of host capsular tissue adhering to larvae did not seem to be related to survival or growth of larvae.
Reliability and Validity of Ambulatory Cognitive Assessments

Mobile technologies are increasingly used to measure cognitive function outside of traditional clinic and laboratory settings. Although ambulatory assessments of cognitive function conducted in people's natural environments offer potential advantages over traditional assessment approaches, the psychometrics of cognitive assessment procedures have been understudied. We evaluated the reliability and construct validity of ambulatory assessments of working memory and perceptual speed administered via smartphones as part of an ecological momentary assessment protocol in a diverse adult sample ( N = 219). Results indicated excellent between-person reliability (≥0.97) for average scores, and evidence of reliable within-person variability across measurement occasions (0.41-0.53). The ambulatory tasks also exhibited construct validity, as evidence by their loadings on working memory and perceptual speed factors defined by the in-lab assessments. Our findings demonstrate that averaging across brief cognitive assessments made in uncontrolled naturalistic settings provide measurements that are comparable in reliability to assessments made in controlled laboratory environments.
Modern Chinese Homonyms and the Arrangement of Entries in a Dictionary

In A Dictionary of Modern Chinese, some mordern Chinese homonyms originated from polysemants are divided into different entries while others are united into one entry,without unified arrangement for them. Homonyms recognized by academic circles must be and can be divided into different entries in the dictionary. Putting all the homonyms in order is a very difficult job. The crux is how to distinguish polysemants from homonyms. The semantic property analyzing method can help to compare and distinguish them from a rational angle. It is very important to promote the standardization of the dictionary if we can solve the problem of arranging the entries in the dictionary.
Abstract A43: DNA repair by non-homologous end joining induced gene silencing via DNA hypermethylation

Double strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA are repaired throughout the cell cycle and in non-dividing cells by the error-prone process of non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). In order to evaluate expression of a gene following NHEJ repair, we use a GFP reporter system to allow for targeted induction of a DSB in the genome of Hela cells. Prior to induction of the DSB, GFP is transcribed but inactive due to an extra exon interrupting the gene sequence, however cells that successfully repair the DSB express WT GFP that can be detected by fluorescent based assays. Following repair, two different GFP expression classes can be detected by flow cytometry: one that expresses GFP robustly (‘bright9) and one that expresses GFP at a lower level (‘dim9). This is surprising given that these experiments are done in a cell line derived from a single clone. This phenomenon was confirmed using live cell imaging. Treatment with a hypomethylating drug causes some ‘dim9 cells to be converted to ‘bright9 cells, suggesting that the gene silencing that occurs in the ‘dim9 population is a result of hypermethylation of the gene. Bisulfite deep sequencing confirms that areas up- and downstream of the break site are hypomethylated in ‘bright9 cell populations and hypermethylated in ‘dim9 cell populations. It can be concluded from these data that, following repair of a DSB by NHEJ, the epigenetic landscape of the repaired gene, specifically the methylation status of its CpGs, is altered in a way that changes the expression levels of the repaired gene. Though their cause is not fully understood, gene expression changes caused by epigenetic reprogramming are a hallmark of many different types of cancer. Given the increased reliance of cancer cells on DNA repair, a link between epigenetic revision and DNA repair could provide an explanation for changes in the epigenome that occur during cancer progression. Citation Format: Brittany N. Allen, Michal Masternak, Mark Muller. DNA repair by non-homologous end joining induced gene silencing via DNA hypermethylation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Chromatin and Epigenetics in Cancer; Sep 24-27, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A43.
How Robust Is the Performance of Growth Options of R&D and Capital Expenditures?

This study investigates the robustness of growth options/assets-in-place theoretical frameworks with respect to firm and investor characteristics. Specifically, analyses contribute to the investment knowledge frontier by examining the proposition that different growth option (e.g. research and development (R&D), and capital expenditures) model formulations have different incremental explanatory power. With regards to the question whether there is increasing/decreasing returns to scale of capital expenditures and R&D, the empirical findings indicate a diminishing (negative) association of R&D with price, but a positive association of capital expenditures with price.
Equator Principles – Now and Then

The Equator Principles are a transnational corporate social responsibility initiative in the project finance sector. In 2013, the Equator Principles Association celebrated the tenth anniversary of its principles and at the same time the formal launch of the latest generation of the Equator Principles (EP III). The paper describes the historic development of the Equator Principles – from the initial drafting process in the early 2000s up to the latest review process which led to the third generation of the Equator Principles. The paper also analyzes the current state of affairs of the Equator Principles (Association) and gives a brief outlook on potential lines of (future) development. In particular, the paper deals with the following questions: What are the main characteristics of the Equator Principles framework? What are the relevant actors involved in the drafting and reviewing process? Why are the EPs and other organizational and associational codes of conduct in the finance sector so important? What has been achieved so far by the Equator Principles (Association) and the participating (financial) institutions and what remains to be done?
The Home(-sickness) Bias of Foreign Holdings

The well documented \Equity home bias puzzle" refers to the fact that investors tend to hold poorly diversied portfolios by favoring domestic stocks over international stocks. However, I show that even holdings of international stocks exhibit a form of home bias. I nd that U.S. mutual funds invest signicantly more in countries that have a strong associated ethnic group population near the funds’ oces. Mutual funds that take advantage of the information generated by the local ethnic groups out-perform otherwise similar funds by more than 1.4% per quarter in their foreign holdings. This paper documents a new form of home-bias, shed light on a new information channel for foreign investment decisions, and contribute to the debate on whether mutual fund managers have skills.
Free Amino Acids and Peptides in Tissues

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an overview of free amino acids and peptides in tissues. Free amino acids are generally recognized to serve as the principal currency of protein metabolism in the multicellular organism, and their concentrations are low compared with the quantities present in the protein-bound form. The plasma level of each of the various amino acids is controlled by balances between the entry and exit from the plasma, as is the case for the blood sugar level. Under basal conditions each level is expected to tend to reach a characteristic value, as does the blood sugar. Although the interposition of a concentrative step and the multiplicity of the amino acids have discouraged the study of this behavior with the same care that the control of the blood sugar level has received, nevertheless a corresponding interplay of factors must be at work. Peptides were found to enter cells sluggishly, in comparison with free amino acids; in fact, peptides in partial protein hydrolyzates are to a large extent rejected by the human organism. Peptides are believed to have little importance in nutrition at the cellular level, and as free intermediates in protein synthesis.
Computational fracture mechanics

Numerical procedures for accurate determination of elastic stress intensity factors for the general two-dimensional crack problem are reviewed. The elastic perfectly plastic state of crack tip deformation is studied by a finite element procedure. Elastic-plastic fields in the immediate vicinity of a crack tip are determined numerically by finite element procedures based on asymptotic studies of crack tip singularities in plastic materials. The small-scale yielding problem is modeled, and expressions for crack tip opening displacement, shear singularity amplitude, and plastic zone extent are derived. A finite element solution to the large-scale yielding of a circumferentially cracked round tension bar is obtained. The three-dimensional aspects of flawed structures and numerical methods of treating them are studied. Ductile fracture mechanisms, in particular crack tip fracture on the microscale, are discussed.
Localization of Factor VIII Residues Contributing to Factor VIII and/or VIIIa Structural Stability as Detected by Rates of Activity Decay.

Abstract Factor VIII circulates as a heterodimer composed of a heavy chain and light chain. Thrombin converts factor VIII into the active cofactor, factor VIIIa, by cleaving heavy chain into A1 and A2 subunits. While the A1 subunit maintains a stable interaction with the light chain-derived A3C1C2 subunit, the A2 subunit is weakly associated in the trimer and this low affinity interaction accounts for the instability of factor VIIIa activity. In examining the ceruloplasmin-based factor VIII A domain model, potential hydrogen bond pairings based upon spatial separations of 2-fold compared to wild type (WT) (Figure). Of these mutants, R282A showed the largest increase in both factor VIII and VIIIa decay rates (∼30-fold compared to WT). Interestingly, 5 mutants (T522A, D1795A, Y1792F, Y1786F, and E1892A) showed >2-fold increased rates in factor VIIIa decay compared with the rates for factor VIII decay, whereas 2 mutants (N694A and Y664F) showed >2-fold increased rates in factor VIII decay compared with rates for factor VIIIa decay. These results suggest that several residues at the A1-A2 and A2-A3 domain interfaces contribute to stabilizing the protein through hydrogen bonding and that mutation at these sites result in loss of stability as determined by enhanced rates of activity decay. Furthermore, these results permit discrimination between stabilizing hydrogen bonding in the procofactor from active cofactor, where bonding in the latter appears to make a more significant contribution to stability. This observation is consistent with an altered conformation involving new inter-subunit interactions for the A2 domain following factor VIII activation. Download : Download high-res image (91KB) Download : Download full-size image Factor VIII/FVIIIa Decay Rate
Emerging insights into recurrent and metastatic human papillomavirus‐related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Objective To review recent literature on human papillomavirus-related (HPV-positive) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPC) and focus on implications of recurrent and metastatic disease. Methods Primary articles from 1990 to 2016 indexed in MEDLINE (1) pertaining to the epidemiology of HPV-positive OPC and (2) providing clinical insight into recurrent and metastatic OPC. Results The incidence of HPV-positive OPC is increasing globally. HPV-positive OPC is a subtype with distinct molecular and clinical features including enhanced treatment response and improved overall survival. While disease recurrence is less common in patients with HPV-positive OPC, up to 36% of patients experience treatment failure within eight years. Recurrent and metastatic OPC has historically signified poor prognosis, however recent data are challenging this dogma. Here, we discuss recurrent and metastatic OPC in the context of HPV tumor status. Conclusion HPV-positive OPC exhibits distinct genetic, cellular, epidemiological, and clinical features from HPV-negative OPC. HPV tumor status is emerging as a marker indicative of improved prognosis after disease progression in both locoregionally recurrent and distant metastatic OPC. Level of Evidence N/A.
Engaging rural communities in genetic research: challenges and opportunities

Statistical analyses of health and disease in rural communities is frequently limited by low sample counts. Still, some studies indicate increased risk for some diseases even after adjustment for known risk factors. It has been hypothesized that the context of community formation in rural areas facilitates the propagation of genetic founder effects-potentially impacting disease susceptibility. However, outright examination of genetic diversity in such communities has not been performed. Our objective was to engage otherwise research-inexperienced rural communities of largely European descent in genomic research in the context of cancer susceptibility. From September 2015 to February 2016, we implemented a systematic process of progressive community engagement. This iterative method sought project buy-in from first the town mayor, then village council. If approved by both, a focus group of community members examined how residents might view the research, informed consent and specimen collection, and issues of privacy. We were successful in engaging three of the four communities approached for the research project. There was universal enthusiasm for the project by all mayors and village councils. The focus groups' main point of discussion involved wording in the informed consent, with little concern regarding the research question or privacy. Perhaps contrary to popular thought, we found each community we approached to be both welcoming and enthusiastic about collaborating in research on genomic diversity. The systematic method of engagement did much to preserve community respect and autonomy and facilitated buy-in.
Abstract TMP49: Translating Ribosome Affinity Purification for Qualitative Assessment of Human Neural Stem Cells Transcripts in the Ischemic Rat Brain

Introduction: Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation is being explored as a potential therapy for ischemic stroke (IS). Although research has shown the efficacy of NSCs in IS, little is known about...
Magneto-nanosensors for precision medicine and precision health

Magneto-nanosensors based on magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) labeling of biomolecules (such as proteins and DNA) and giant-magnetoresistive sensors used in computer hard drives have gained great interests in nanotechnology and biomedicine community.
Spatially and temporally resolved measurements of a dense copper plasma heated by intense relativistic electrons

A 100-μm-thick Cu foil is isochorically heated by a ∼100-ns-long electron bunch with an energy of 19.8 MeV and current of 1.7 kA to Te > 1 eV. After 100 ns of heating and 20 ns of expansion, the plasma exhibits a stable, quiescent temperature and density distribution for >200 ns. Several intense Cu-I emission lines are observed after ∼20 J of electron beam energy is deposited. These lines have well known Stark widths providing a direct measurement of ne. The Los Alamos ATOMIC code [Magee et al., AIP Conf. Proc. 2004, 168–179 and Hakel et al., J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Transfer 99, 265 (2006)] was run in local-thermodynamic-equilibrium mode to estimate Te and ne. Spatially and temporally resolved measurements are presented in both the vertical and horizontal directions adjacent to the foil indicating temperatures >1 eV and densities ranging from 1–3 × 1017 cm−3 after expansion and cooling.
The significance of organ prolapse in gastroschisis.

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and importance of organ prolapse (stomach, bladder, reproductive organs) in gastroschisis. Methods This is a retrospective review of gastroschisis patients from 2000 to 2014 at a single tertiary institution. Statistical analysis was performed using a chi-square test, Student's t test, log-rank test, or Cox regression analysis models. All tests were conducted as two-tailed tests, and p-values Results One hundred seventy-one gastroschisis patients were identified. Sixty-nine (40.6%) had at least one prolapsed organ besides bowel. The most commonly prolapsed organs were stomach (n=45, 26.3%), reproductive organs (n=34, 19.9%), and bladder (n=15, 8.8%). Patients with prolapsed organs were more likely to have simple gastroschisis with significant decreases in the rate of atresia and necrosis/perforation. They progressed to earlier enteral feeds, discontinuation of parenteral nutrition, and discharge. Likewise, these patients were less likely to have complications such as central line infections, sepsis, and short gut syndrome. Conclusions Gastroschisis is typically described as isolated bowel herniation, but a large portion have prolapse of other organs. Prolapsed organs are associated with simple gastroschisis, and improved outcomes most likely due to a larger fascial defect. This may be useful for prenatal and postnatal counseling of families. Type of study Case Control/Retrospective Comparative Study. Level of evidence Level III.
The Treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder with Nonstimulant Medications

Between 25% and 30% of children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) respond unsatisfactorily to stimulant medications. The indications for using nonstimulant drugs in the treatment of ADHD are reviewed, as well as pertinent studies. The use of tricyclic antidepressants and their potential cardiotoxicity are emphasized. In addition, the combined use of a nonstimulant medication and a stimulant for their synergistic effects or to augment an inadequate therapeutic response to a stimulant alone is discussed. Reliable criteria for identifying etiologically distinct subgroups of subjects and determining to which psychopharmacologic agent or agents they will have optimal responses remain for future research to elucidate.
Electrochemical activated MoO2/Mo2N heterostructured nanobelts as superior zinc rechargeable battery cathode

Abstract Aqueous Zn-ion batteries are desirable for large-scale application over Li-ion batteries due to the low cost, high safety and environment friendliness. However, the development of Zn-ion batteries is seriously impeded by a limited choice of positive electrodes. Herein, we report an electrochemical activated porous MoO2/Mo2N heterostructured nanobelts cathode. During the electrochemical activation, it is interesting to find that MoO2 grains in-situ generate in Mo2N matrix. The generated MoO2 grains can not only accommodate the intercalated zinc ions, leading to high reversible capacity, but also provide high electronic conductivity, thereby improving the rate capability. On the other hand, the Mo2N matrix could protect the MoO2 grains from structure degradation during cycling and keep stable in the slight acidic electrolyte. Based on the synergic effect of MoO2 and Mo2N, electrochemical activated MoO2/Mo2N heterostructured nanobelts exhibit a high reversible capacity of 113 mAh/g at high current density of 1 A/g for 1000 cycles, showing long-term cyclic stability (capacity retention is 78.8%) and remarkable rate capability. It is believed that the superior performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of integrated MoO2 grains and Mo2N nanobelt matrix. This strategy of electrochemical activation process can be expanded to other metal nitride as zinc battery cathode.
Socio-technical Systems That Foster and Support Mindfulness Can Benefit from End-User Control Mechanisms

Human beings often make decisions without fully realizing the factors that influence their choices. A woman buys the same type of car that most of her neighbors drive. A man at a salad bar loads up on the croutons that are in the front row of items instead of olives that are in the middle row. While these mindless decisions aren’t always deleterious, they may not be what a person most desires or what is best for them. Deciding mindfully, however, may provide a person the opportunity to be fully aware of their choices and select the best outcome based on their needs. Socio-technical systems can be designed to support mindful decision making, and these systems can benefit from the incorporation of end-user controls. End-user controls can provide users with opportunities to analyze new information and create new categories, two useful techniques in fostering mindful behaviors and decisions. This paper discusses how end-user controls that support mindful decision making will be added to EMPIRE, a socio-technical system designed to help consumers reduce their electricity consumption.
Kinetics and mechanisms of densification

Abstract: This chapter discusses the kinetics and mechanisms of densification in solid-state, liquid-phase, and pressure-assisted sintering. Theoretical approaches used to analyze the densification process are outlined, and their limitations for describing the sintering of real powder systems are discussed. The effects of key material and sintering parameters not commonly taken into account in the idealized models, such as particle packing, particle and pore shape anisotropy, gaseous atmosphere, and non-isothermal sintering, are described.
Mutations at the End of the Iso-l-cytochrome c Gene of Yeast

The cyl gene in the bakers’ yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is by far the most characterized gene from any eukaryotic organism. Genetic studies of this gene, along with protein analysis of its gene product, iso-l-cytochrome c, has led to the elucidation of the DNA changes associated with various mutational events and to the determination of AUG as a chain initiation codon (Stewart et al., 1971) and to UAA (ochre) and UAG (amber) as chain terminating codons (Stewart et al., 1972; Stewart and Sherman, 1972). Recently, the nucleotide sequence of a portion of the end of the cyl gene was deduced from altered forms of iso-l-cytochrome c (Stewart and Sherman, unpublished).
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS OF MOLTEN WELD POOL ALONG THE KEYHOLE IN LASER BEAM WELDING

ABSTRACT The temperature distribution of molten pool adjacent to the keyhole in laser beam welding has been investigated experimentally. Using a series of tungsten alloy thermocouples, thermal cycles through the thickness of laser beam welds in 13mm (0.5 in) thick carbon-manganese steel (A36) were also investigated. The observed peak temperatures through the thickness were 1490°C to 1600°C and this temperature distribution was compared with values predicted by a balancing force relationship in a keyhole. The variation in solidification structure from top to bottom of the plate was correlated with corresponding cooling rates. On the top surface of the weld the development in solidification mode from the fusion boundary to the weld center was also investigated.
Tejiendo redes de activismo transnacional: el balance entre estrategias internacionales y locales en la construcción de capacidades para la acción no violenta en América Latina

America Latina ha sido por decadas un escenario primordial para la creacion de innovadoras estrategias de la no violencia con el fin de confrontar la opresion, corrupcion, violaciones a los derechos humanos y el autoritarismo. Una de las explicaciones fundamentales del exito de ciertos movimientos en terminos de alcance y efectividad en el logro de sus objetivos es la habilidad de quienes los lideran de unificar a la poblacion, planear acciones estrategicas y mantener la disciplina de la no violencia. La preparacion y el entrenamiento para mejorar tales habilidades implican recursos, redes transnacionales e informacion suministrada por actores externos, asi como el conocimiento del contexto, la legitimidad local y las redes locales institucionales. Este ensayo propone un modelo de apoyo internacional de entrenamiento y educacion en accion no violenta que evita caer en la trampa de imponer el modelo liberal de la construccion de paz y que desafia jerarquias colonizadoras que podrian poner en peligro la legitimidad de los movimientos y exponer a los activistas a mayor escrutinio y represion. Con el fin de ilustrar como este modelo puede operar en la practica, este ensayo examina el caso del Programa Regional para el Estudio y Practica de la Accion Estrategica No violenta en las Americas. Traducido por Adriana Rincon Villegas University of Massachusetts Boston adriana.rinconvil001@umb.edu
Heterogeneous and low-intensity parathyroid autofluorescence: Patterns suggesting hyperfunction at parathyroid exploration

Abstract Background Although parathyroid glands have been found to exhibit autofluorescence with near-infrared fluorescence imaging, it is unknown if autofluorescence characteristics vary between hyperfunctioning and normofunctioning glands. The hypothesis was that pattern of autofluorescence exhibited by hyperfunctioning versus normofunctioning parathyroid glands would be different. Methods This is an Institutional Review Board–approved, prospective clinical study. Patients underwent bilateral neck exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism, during which autofluorescence from each gland was assessed with near-infrared fluorescence imaging. Pattern and intensity of autofluorescence between hyperfunctioning and normofunctioning parathyroid glands were compared. Results Overall, 199 parathyroid glands were identified in 50 patients (single gland disease, n = 31; multigland disease, n = 19). Autofluorescence was detected from 96% (n = 192) of parathyroid glands, all of which exhibited a higher intensity autofluorescence than the background tissues. Parathyroid gland location was revealed by near-infrared fluorescence imaging before dissection in 26% (n = 52). A total of 77 glands that were large or firm were excised and 122 were preserved because of normal appearance. Hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands had a lower mean normalized autofluorescence intensity than normofunctioning parathyroid glands (1.8, and 2.6, respectively, P Conclusion Our results indicate that hyperfunctioning and normofunctioning parathyroid glands exhibit different patterns of autofluorescence in hyperparathyroidism. Given these findings, autofluorescence pattern could be implemented as another adjunctive parameter for gland assessment during parathyroid exploration.
TCN culture and gender in Neuropsychology Department: inaugural editorial.

The roles, rights and representation of women and persons from underrepresented minority backgrounds (i.e., URM; racial/ethnic and linguistic minorities, LGBTQ) in the U.S. have radically expanded ...