cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of a conditional degradation signal in yeast and mammalian cells

The N-end rule pathway is a ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic system, the targets of which include proteins that bear destabilizing N-terminal residues. The latter are a part of the degradation signal called the N-degron. Arg-DHFRts, an engineered N-end rule substrate, bears N-terminal arginine (a destabilizing residue) and DHFRts [a temperature-sensitive mouse dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) moiety]. Previous work has shown that Arg-DHFRts is long-lived at 23 degreesC but short-lived at 37 degreesC in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In the present work, we extended this analysis, and found that the degradation of Arg-DHFRts can be nearly completely inhibited in vivo by methotrexate (MTX), a low-Mr ligand of DHFR. In S. cerevisiae, Arg-DHFRts is degraded at 37 degreesC exclusively by the N-end rule pathway, whereas in mouse cells the same protein at the same temperature is also targeted by another proteolytic system, through a degron in the conformationally perturbed DHFRts moiety. In mouse cells, MTX completely inhibits the degradation of Arg-DHFRts through its degron within the DHFRts moiety, but only partially inhibits degradation through the N-degron. When the N-terminus of Arg-DHFRts was extended with a 42-residue lysine-lacking extension, termed eDeltaK, the resulting Arg-eDeltaK-DHFRts was rapidly degraded at both 23 degreesC and 37 degreesC. Moreover, the degradation of Arg-eDeltaK-DHFRts, in contrast with that of Arg-DHFRts, could not be inhibited by MTX, suggesting that the metabolic stability of Arg-DHFRts at 23 degreesC results, at least in part, from steric inaccessibility of its N-terminal arginine. The N-degron of Arg-DHFRts is the first example of a portable degradation signal the activity of which can be modulated in vivo by a cell-penetrating compound. We discuss implications of this advance and the mechanics of targeting by the ubiquitin system.
Challenges facing academic urology training programs: An impending crisis

Objective To determine the most pressing issues facing academic urology training centers. The supply of urologists per capita in the United States continues to decrease. Stricter resident requirements, restriction of resident duty hours, and a Graduate Medical Education (GME) funding cap on resident education has led to significant challenges for academic centers. Methods A 32-question survey was sent to Society of University Urologists members. Respondents defined themselves as academic faculty tenure track, program director, academic chair, program director and academic chair, clinical faculty nontenure track, and community faculty member. Results A total of 143 of 446 members(32%) responded. A lack of funding was indicated as an obstacle to adding new residency positions (65% respondents) and recruiting new faculty (60% respondents). Residency positions not funded by GME (40% respondents) required either clinical or hospital dollars to support these slots. Most respondents (51%) indicated resident research rotations are funded with clinical dollars. Surgical skills laboratories are commonly used (85% respondents) and are supported mostly with hospital or clinical dollars. The majority of respondents (84%) indicated they would expand simulation laboratories if they had better funding. Other than urodynamics and ultrasound, urology residency training programs reported little income from ancillary dollars. Conclusion There is a significant workforce shortage within urology training programs. Clinical revenue and hospital funding seem to be the main financial support engines to supplement the GME funding shortage, proficiency training, and faculty salary support for teaching. The current system of GME funding for urology residency programs is not sustainable.
The areawide real-time traffic control (ARTC) system: a new traffic control concept

A traffic control system, called areawide real-time traffic control (ARTC), that addresses frequent occurrences of congestion and provides areawide traffic progression is presented. The signal controllers in ARTC are interconnected through a computer network. By exchanging traffic flow information among the signal controllers, ARTC provides a new concept in areawide traffic control. With a global view of the traffic in the area, ARTC anticipates congestion. Simulation results of the ARTC prototype control algorithm over a linear road topology are also presented, and the results show significant improvement over an optimized fixed time control. The signal controllers and the computer network are designed to support the real-time communication requirements and a sufficient level of fault tolerance. >
High temperature properties of rubberized binders containing warm asphalt additives

Abstract Several studies have been conducted evaluating the properties of warm mix asphalt (WMA), and it is observed that warm asphalt additives work in different ways to either reduce the viscosity of the binder or to allow better workability of the mix at lower temperatures. In terms of rubberized asphalt mixtures, they are compacted at a higher temperature than conventional mixtures, based on the field experience. If the technologies of warm mix asphalt are incorporated, it is expected to reduce the mixing and compaction temperatures of rubberized asphalt mixtures to those of conventional mixtures. This paper presents the high temperature properties of rubberized binders containing warm asphalt additives. Rubberized binders were produced at 10% by binder weight using five binder sources, and the binders with the additives were produced using two (i.e. Aspha-min® and Sasobit®) of the available processes and artificially short-term aged through the rolling thin film oven (RTFO) method. Tests were conducted on the binders using the rotational viscometer and the Dynamic Shear Rheometer. The results indicated that the viscosity properties of rubberized binders can be changed significantly through the use of warm asphalt additives. Also, the addition of the additives was found to improve rutting resistance of the rubberized binders.
Neural network-based real-time malfunction diagnosis of reactive ion etching using in situ metrology data

To mitigate capital equipment investments and enhance product quality, semiconductor manufactures are turning to advanced process control (APC) methods. With the objective of facilitating APC, this paper investigates a methodology for real-time malfunction diagnosis of reactive ion etching (RIE) employing two types of in situ metrology: optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and residual gas analysis (RGA). Based on metrology data, time series neural networks (TSNNs) are trained to generate evidential belief for potential malfunctions in real time, and Dempster-Shafer (D-S) theory is adopted for evidential reasoning. Successful malfunction diagnosis is achieved, with only a single missed alarm and a single false alarm occurring out of 21 test runs when both sensors are used in tandem. From the results, we conclude that the OES and RGA sensors, in conjunction with the TSNN models, can be effectively used for RIE monitoring and diagnosis. Furthermore, D-S theory is shown to be an appropriate inference methodology.
A new low-cost CFAR detector for spectrum sensing with cognitive radio systems

For cognitive radio technology, energy detection using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is a common technique for spectrum sensing so that underutilized frequency bands can be opportunistically used while causing no detrimental interference to the primary user. However, traditional detection and false alarm rate analyses of FFT-based detectors require incorporating the characteristics of the propagation environment and the primary user. More specifically, the detection threshold is derived in terms of the statistics of the environment, namely the noise variance, and the probability of false alarm P FA . This paper presents a new decision statistic for a wideband spectrum sensing FFT-based constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detector that has a detection threshold that is independent of the noise variance and windowing sequence. This detector enables multiple frequency bands to be monitored simultaneously and allows for the flexibility to ignore certain FFT bins such as those adversely affected by front-end filtering. For an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel, the exact probability distribution of the decision statistic is derived as well as the threshold. Implementation of this detector requires neither a calibration period nor real-time numerical threshold estimation algorithms to guarantee a constant false alarm rate. Furthermore, theoretical predictions of PFA were found to be in agreement with laboratory measurements performed with a digital hardware realization of the proposed detector using an field programmable gate array.
Numerical Experiments on Galactic Halo Formation

We have used a hybrid N-body-FFT approach to solving Poisson’s equation in a cosmological setting. Using this method, we have explored the connection between the form of the initial Gaussian density perturbations that by today have grown into galaxies and the internal properties of the individual galactic halos that are formed.
Aneurysmectomy with arterial reconstruction of renal artery aneurysms in the endovascular era: a safe, effective treatment for both aneurysm and associated hypertension.

Background Renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) represent a rare vascular pathology with an estimated incidence of Methods A review was performed of all patients with RAA, identified by ICD-9 codes, from January 2003 to December 2008 seen at a tertiary care medical center. Data were collected regarding patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, surgical repair, and outcomes, as well as follow-up care. Results A total of 14 patients (10 women and 4 men; mean age, 48 ± 19 years) were included, representing 15 aneurysms. Ten aneurysms underwent open repair via AAR and five were followed nonoperatively. Mean RAA size was larger for those undergoing repair (2.12 cm vs. 1.62 cm, p = 0.037). Seven RAAs were repaired in situ with either patch angioplasty or primary repair; three required ex vivo reconstruction; and none underwent bypass. Average operative time was similar for repair type, with a higher blood loss with ex vivo repair. Median length of stay was 5 days (range, 4 to 14 days). Operative repair had no effect on mean systolic blood pressure or GFR. This repair, however, resulted in lower medication requirement for those with concurrent hypertension (2.7 pre vs. 1.6 post, p = 0.03). There was a trend toward shorter time until oral intake for retroperitoneal approach compared with transperitoneal. Mean follow-up time was 11.6 months (range, 3 to 30 months). No incidences of rupture, death, nephrectomy, or renal failure occurred in the operative group. Conclusion In the era of endovascular repairs for RAAs, open repair, specifically via AAR, of RAAs remains a safe treatment with low associated morbidity. RAA repair resulted in a reduction in medications for those with associated hypertension. Open repair of RAAs should be the primary treatment modality for complex RAA, with specific consideration given to those with associated hypertension.
Geothermal Direct Use

Direct or nonelectric utilization of geothermal energy refers to the immediate use of the heat energy rather than to its conversion to some other form such as electrical energy. The primary forms of direct heat use are for swimming, bathing, and balneology (therapeutic use); space heating and cooling, including district heating; agriculture (mainly greenhouse heating and some animal husbandry), aquaculture (mainly fish pond and raceway heating), and industrial processes; and heat pumps (for both heating and cooling). In general, the geothermal fluid temperatures required for direct heat use are lower than those for economic electric power generation.
An Empirical Dynamic Model of OPEC and Non-OPEC

This paper estimates a dynamic model of the world oil market and tests whether OPEC countries colluded and whether non-OPEC countries behaved oligopolistically over the period 1970-2004. The model generates estimates of the shadow price of the resource with minimal functional form assumptions. Results support oligopolistic behavior among non-OPEC producers and collusion among OPEC producers except in the last 15 years. The shadow price does not rise monotonically, which is evidence for stock effects in extraction costs. The recent rise in the shadow price reflects the rising economic scarcity of oil. JEL Classification: L10, L71, N50
Strategic Science Translation and Environmental Controversies

In contested areas of environmental research and policy, all stakeholders are likely to claim that their position is scientifically grounded but disagree about the relevant scientific conclusions o...
Antennal Bud Development in Bracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) Examined by Light and Electron Microscopy during the Third and Fourth Instars

Antennal development of Bracon hebetor (Say) was examined at a cellular and ultrastructural level. Imaginal buds from parthenogenetically produced male larvae of known age were examined by dissection, light microscopy, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The adult male antenna consists of 18-20 cylindrical flagellar segments with proximal scape and pedicel. In the 56- to 60-h-old larva, the antennal bud is an undifferentiated, ovoid cellular mass. By 92-96 h, the bud has developed into an elongated, tubular, fully segmented appendage. Cell death, uniformly distributed in the bud, occurs at a low level throughout the 40 h but does not appear to have a major morphogenetic role. Cell size remains constant throughout the 40 h. A high level of mitotic activity is responsible for growth of the bud. A peak in mitosis is detected between 72 and 76 h, just before segmentation. Segments appear to be formed synchronously. Segmentation does not appear to involve localized zones of proliferation, or cell death, or statistically significant changes in cell size. Alterations in cellular interactions with resultant shifts in cell shape or position may be involved.
SUBNORMAL OPERATORS, SELF-COMMUTATORS, AND PSEUDOCONTINUATIONS

We study pure subnormal operators whose self-commutators have zero as an eigenvalue. We show that various questions in this are closely related to questions involving approximation by functions satisfying\(\bar \partial ^2 f = 0\) and to the study ofgeneralized quadrature domains.
Optimum Pitch Settings and RPM for Tethered, Yawed Wind Turbines

Wind at higher altitudes is steadier, more persistent and of higher velocity than wind near the earth’s surface. Various mechanisms have been developed for capturing the kinetic energy of these winds at high altitudes. One approach is a tethered rotorcraft that is able to tap the high power density wind without any requirements for slip rings or yaw mechanism. With its rotors mounted on an airframe, the tethered rotorcraft is attached by a cable from the ground. It can deliver power and lift. In this paper, the maximum produced power and the optimum operational conditions for such tethered wind turbines are derived under various loading conditions from combined momentum-energy and blade-element concepts. Based on numerical analysis, optimum operating conditions of tethered wind turbines are found. With the rising rotorcraft and cable weights, the maximum produced power and the optimum induced flow decrease while the optimum tip speed and the wind direction angle increase. It is also shown that the optimum attachment angle is mainly influenced by the cable weight. Typical values ranges for optimum operational parameters of tethered wind turbines are generated. It is shown that the configuration of tethered wind turbines operated in jet streams is feasible and efficient.
Research of Bayes Discriminant Analysis in Prediction of Tank Bottom Corrosion

The condition of tank bottom corrosion is the main indicators to guide the maintenance of tank.Considering the difficulty to shut down and carry out testing on tank floors,combining with expertise,the major external factors of the tank bottom corrosion are determined with variance analysis.The Bayes distinguishing prediction technique is established.Through the prediction and analysis on 16 tanks in a depot,comparing with the result of acoustic emission testing,coincidence rate reaches 87.5%.The results show that this prediction technique is able to resolve the problem of the prediction of tank bottom corrosion,and can be applied in engineering applications.
Diagnosis and Disposal for Emergent Vibration of a 330MW Turbo-Generator Unit

The aim of this paper is to give analysis and diagnosis about the emergent vibration of a 330MW turbo-generator unit after A overhaul.After analysis and judgment,the possibilities of rotor dynamics instability and the flying-off of shaft coupling or rotating components were excluded.It was found that the matter lay in the displacement of shaft coupling.After examination and processing,the emergent vibration was eliminated thoroughly.
Hair Transplantation for Male Pattern Baldness

A thorough discussion of the strip graft technique, with particular attention to construction of a new frontal hairline.
Identification and Characterization of Novel Small RNAs in Rickettsia prowazekii.

Emerging evidence implicates a critically important role for bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs) as post-transcriptional regulators of physiology, metabolism, stress/adaptive responses, and virulence, but the roles of sRNAs in pathogenic Rickettsia species remain poorly understood. Here, we report on the identification of both novel and well-known bacterial sRNAs in Rickettsia prowazekii, known to cause epidemic typhus in humans. RNA sequencing of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs), the preferred targets during human rickettsioses, infected with R. prowazekii revealed the presence of 35 trans-acting and 23 cis-acting sRNAs, respectively. Of these, expression of two trans-acting (Rp_sR17 and Rp_sR60) and one cis-acting (Rp_sR47) novel sRNAs and four well-characterized bacterial sRNAs (RNaseP_bact_a, α-tmRNA, 4.5S RNA, 6S RNA) was further confirmed by Northern blot or RT-PCR analyses. The transcriptional start sites of five novel rickettsial sRNAs and 6S RNA were next determined using 5’ RLM-RACE yielding evidence for their independent biogenesis in R. prowazekii. Finally, computational approaches were employed to determine the secondary structures and potential mRNA targets of novel sRNAs. Together, these results establish the presence and expression of sRNAs in R. prowazekii during host cell infection and suggest potential functional roles for these important post-transcriptional regulators in rickettsial biology and pathogenesis.
The Sudden Separation of Political Economy

The history of “economics” strictly speaking is of short duration. The most defensible terminus a quo is the decade beginning in 1885, which saw the foundation of the American Economic Association, the first numbers of the Quarterly Journal of Economics and the Economic Journal, and the publication of Marshall’s Principles.1 But “economic thought” of some kind is a detectable feature of every civilized society. “Economic thought” — like all other “thought” is and must be conceived and developed within the metaphysical and theological presuppositions of its time and place. In the Christian West, from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century, “economic” thought can be regarded for the most part as a specialized branch of moral theology: in particular, of casuistry. Mutatis mutandis, much the same can be said of Talmudic economic doctrine during the same period.2
Liver Regeneration in Zebrafish

Regenerative medicine promises to alleviate morbidity and mortality caused by acute or chronic organ dysfunction. While regenerative approaches for a few diseases have been highly successful, no current treatment approaches truly harness the high-intrinsic regenerative potential of the liver. In this chapter, the zebrafish model and the current approaches to model liver injury and investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of liver regenerations are described. The promising results obtained using this model indicate the potential of the zebrafish to deliver more insights into regenerative mechanisms and novel clinically relevant therapeutic approaches in the future.
Interactions between inflammation, sex steroids, and Alzheimer's disease risk factors.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder for which there are no effective strategies to prevent or slow its progression. Because AD is multifactorial, recent research has focused on understanding interactions among the numerous risk factors and mechanisms underlying the disease. One mechanism through which several risk factors may be acting is inflammation. AD is characterized by chronic inflammation that is observed before clinical onset of dementia. Several genetic and environmental risk factors for AD increase inflammation, including apolipoprotein E4, obesity, and air pollution. Additionally, sex steroid hormones appear to contribute to AD risk, with age-related losses of estrogens in women and androgens in men associated with increased risk. Importantly, sex steroid hormones have anti-inflammatory actions and can interact with several other AD risk factors. This review examines the individual and interactive roles of inflammation and sex steroid hormones in AD, as well as their relationships with the AD risk factors apolipoprotein E4, obesity, and air pollution.
Deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in bacteriophage SP01-infected Bacillus subtilis. II. Purification and catalytic properties of a deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase induced after infection.

Abstract A new DNA polymerase has been purified 1000-fold from Bacillus subtilis infected with bacteriophage SP01. It consists of a single polypeptide chain of approximately 122,000 molecular weight. The enzyme requires deoxyribonucleoside 5'-triphosphates, Mg2+, β-mercaptoethanol, and single stranded DNA templates for activity. Bihelical DNA which has been partially denatured serves as the preferred template in in vitro reactions. Although 5-hydroxymethyluracil replaces thymine in SP01 DNA, deoxynucleotide analogues of 5-hydroxymethyldeoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate can serve as efficient substrates for the phage polymerase. The purified enzyme is free of endonuclease activity.
On the use of metal inserts for attachment of composite components to structural assemblies - a review

Composites not only afford the designer the luxury of increased specific strength and stiffness and durability over metals but also offer the potential of greater manufacturing flexibility in making large complex parts and reducing assembly through parts integration. However, composite parts rarely form the entire structure or system. Hence, integration of the composite members with the rest of the system is a critical part of the design process. In this paper, we briefly review the incorporation of metal inserts or attachments in composite compartments. The advantages and limitations of using injection moulding, compression molding, filament winding, and resin transfer moulding (RTM) as processes to encapsulate the insert/attachment are reviewed. Particular attention is given to the incorporation of metal inserts in composites using resin transfer moulding (RTM), because the process offers the advantages of local tailorability and encapsulation through textile performing processes. Issues of interest and the critical needs of industry in the further development of this processing technology are addressed.
Reduced ex vivo susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum after oral artemether–lumefantrine treatment in Mali

Artemisinin-based combination therapy is the recommended first-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria worldwide. However, recent studies conducted in Mali showed an increased frequency of recurrent parasitaemia following artemether–lumefantrine (AL) treatment. Study samples were collected during a large WANECAM study. Ex-vivo Plasmodium falciparum sensitivity to artemether and lumefantrine was assessed using the tritiated hypoxanthine-based assay. The prevalence of molecular markers of anti-malarial drug resistance (pfcrt K76T, pfmdr1 N86Y and K13-propeller) were measured by PCR and/or sequencing. Overall 61 samples were successfully analysed in ex vivo studies. Mean IC50s increased significantly between baseline and recurrent parasites for both artemether (1.6 nM vs 3.2 nM, p < 0.001) and lumefantrine (1.4 nM vs 3.4 nM, p = 0.004). Wild type Pfmdr1 N86 allele was selected after treatment (71 vs 91%, 112 of 158 vs 95 of 105, p < 0.001) but not the wild type pfcrt K76 variant (23.5 vs 24.8%, 40 of 170 vs 26 of 105, p = 0.9). Three non-synonymous K13-propeller SNPs (A522C, A578S, and G638R) were found with allele frequencies <2%. Malian post-AL P. falciparum isolates were less susceptible to artemether and lumefantrine than baseline isolates.
A parallel domain decomposition algorithm for coastal ocean circulation models based on integer linear programming

This paper presents a new parallel domain decomposition algorithm based on integer linear programming (ILP), a mathematical optimization method. To minimize the computation time of coastal ocean circulation models, the ILP decomposition algorithm divides the global domain in local domains with balanced work load according to the number of processors and avoids computations over as many as land grid cells as possible. In addition, it maintains the use of logically rectangular local domains and achieves the exact same results as traditional domain decomposition algorithms (such as Cartesian decomposition). However, the ILP decomposition algorithm may not converge to an exact solution for relatively large domains. To overcome this problem, we developed two ILP decomposition formulations. The first one (complete formulation) has no additional restriction, although it is impractical for large global domains. The second one (feasible) imposes local domains with the same dimensions and looks for the feasibility of such decomposition, which allows much larger global domains. Parallel performance of both ILP formulations is compared to a base Cartesian decomposition by simulating two cases with the newly created parallel version of the Stevens Institute of Technology’s Estuarine and Coastal Ocean Model (sECOM). Simulations with the ILP formulations run always faster than the ones with the base decomposition, and the complete formulation is better than the feasible one when it is applicable. In addition, parallel efficiency with the ILP decomposition may be greater than one.
The Effect of Iodine-based Contrast Material on Radiation Dose at CT: It's Complicated.

The studies by Sahbaee et al were well performed, and the results are provocative, but the authors of this editorial suggest that there are limitations to all modeling studies and that the results should be considered as only the first chapter in a much longer story about the role of contrast agents on radiation dose at CT.
GM2 Activator Deficiency Caused by a Homozygous Exon 2 Deletion in GM2A

GM2 activator (GM2A) deficiency (OMIM 613109) is a rare lysosomal storage disorder, with onset typically in infancy or early childhood. Clinically, it is almost indistinguishable from Tay-Sachs disease (OMIM 272800) or Sandhoff disease (OMIM 268800); however, traditionally available biochemical screening tests will most likely reveal normal results. We report a 2-year-old male with initially normal development until the age of 9 months, when he presented with developmental delay and regression. Workup at that time was unrevealing; at 15 months, he had abnormal brain MRI findings and a cherry red spot on ophthalmological examination. Family history and all laboratory studies were uninformative. The combination of a cherry red spot and developmental regression was strongly suggestive of a lysosomal storage disorder. Sequence analysis of GM2A did not reveal any pathogenic variants; however, exon 2 of GM2A could not be amplified by PCR, raising suspicion for a large, homozygous deletion. Subsequent copy number analysis confirmed a homozygous deletion of exon 2 in GM2A. This is the first reported case of GM2A deficiency being caused by a whole exon deletion. We describe previously unreported electron microscopy findings in this disease, thus expanding the clinical and variant spectrum for GM2 activator deficiency. These findings demonstrate the increased degree of suspicion required for diagnosis of this rare disorder.
Cultivating Institutional Capacities for Learning Analytics

This chapter details the process the University of Michigan developed to build institutional capacity for learning analytics. A symposium series, faculty task force, fellows program, research grants, and other initiatives are discussed, with lessons learned for future efforts and how other institutions might adapt such efforts to spur cultural change to utilize institutional data to improve teaching and learning processes.
The Status and Possibilities of Rural Producing Cooperatives

R. T. V. EMCLIANOFF at the end of his book, Economic Theory of Cooperation,' concludes that: "'Productive' cooperative associations . . . always (have) been a favorite type, supported by public opinion, by its socio-reformistic enthusiasts, by governments in various states, and by special subsidies, public and private. Despite this, and notwithstanding never-ceasing attempts to promote and organize such associations, they have not demonstrated any viability and still remain a lifeless theoretical scheme without any chance of realization in a surveyable future." In spite of this categorical statement a reconsideration of the status of producing cooperatives in general and rural producing cooperatives in particular appears to be warranted, if only for two reasons. First, and this aspect appears to be of primary interest at this particular time, it may be well to consider whether and to what extent rural producing cooperatives can play a role in the implementation of President Truman's bold New Program, point four of his 1949 Inaugural Address. Second, the Russian and Israeli experiment with regard to rural producing cooperatives on a large scale, as well as the numerous machinery pools in various countries, including the United States, furnish interesting material for analysis. To study the possibilities and implications of using rural producing cooperatives as an instrument in the development of economically less fortunate and little developed countries, is a major concern of this paper.
A College Outreach Mentorship Program for High School Students: Considering College Student Mentors’ Roles and Perspectives

This case study examined a uniquely designed university-based college outreach work-study mentoring program in practice that is rooted in university-school partnerships. The study focuses on the roles and perspectives of the college student mentors in the program, as such perspectives are limited in the literature. The mentors assist high school students, many from underserved backgrounds, as they navigate the pathways of college admission. Interviews with mentors, as well as mentor training documents and report data, revealed the overall positive role mentors believed they played in improving college access for their mentees. Findings also shed light on improvements for the university-based program and its school partners.
Using Evolutionary Diversity to Identify Problematic Software Parameters

Many computer performance and security issues can be attributed to poor software configuration settings (misconfigurations). However, finding and resolving errors is complicated by the number of parameters to set and the complexity (unsuspected interdependencies) of these configurations. This problem only becomes more difficult as software systems become more integrated and complex. This paper introduces an evolutionary technique to identify and resolve parameter errors found in software configurations. The approach discovers characteristics of correct and incorrect parameter settings by comparing and contrasting a set of configurations. The composition of the configuration set is important and must contain sufficient information to identify and resolve the errors. Given the difficulty of forming this set, an evolutionary algorithm is used to discover configurations that have these characteristics. The effectiveness of this approach is analyzed experimentally through a study of various configurations with various security issues. Experimental results indicate the approach is able to identify and determine secure parameter settings when confronted with a variety of simulated attacks.
A final note on the ones assignment method and its variants: they do not work

A recent paper presented a new algorithm, called the ones assignment method, for solving the assignment problem. This method is similar to the Hungarian method, but seeks to create, through division, ones in each row and column (instead of zeros as in the Hungarian method) of the assignment matrix. Subsequent steps are analogous to the Hungarian method. Several other researchers have suggested modifications to the ones assignment method in an effort to overcome flaws in the original method. In this brief paper, we provide a trivial assignment problem and show that neither the ones assignment method nor any of its variants are able to find the optimal solution to this problem which is obvious on inspection. We further argue that any further modifications to this or any similar method will likewise prove to be ineffective.
Fault tolerance in belief formation networks

The paper investigates the formation of beliefs in multi-agent systems with a fixed topology of the communication channels. Specifically, it considers the relation "beliefs formed by agents in set A are not influenced by faulty or malicious behavior of agents in set B". This relation has a non-trivial Shield Wall property that has no equivalent in other settings in which information flow over a fixed network of communication channels has been previously studied. A new logical system based on the Shield Wall property is proposed and is proven to be sound and complete with respect to the fault tolerance semantics.
Gallium-67 Scintigraphy for the Diagnosis and Localization of Perinephric Abscesses

Abstract Four patients with suspected perinephric abscess were evaluated by gallium-67 scintigraphy. Gallium-67 scintigraphs proved instrumental in correctly diagnosing and localizing 4 left perinephric abscesses. Roentgenographic examinations were negative in 2 cases. Gallium-67 scintigraphy can be a useful non-invasive technique to evaluate patients with suspected perinephric abscess.
IONIC LIQUIDS FOR SPECTROSCOPY; SPECTROSCOPY FOR IONIC LIQUIDS

In this paper we address two aspects of ionic liquids (ILs) that to date have either no or limited studies. They are (1) exploitation of unique features of ILs to develop novel spectroscopic methods which otherwise is not possible and (2) development of novel spectroscopic methods for the sensitive and accurate determination of thermal physical properties of ILs. In the first category, we have successfully developed a novel, highly sensitive and accurate method for the determination of enantiomeric compositions of chiral compounds with different sizes, shape and functional groups including pharmaceutical products. This method is based on the use of a chiral IL which serves both as a solvent and also as a chiral selector. We have also demonstrated that ILs can be used to substantially enhance the sensitivity of thermal lens measurements. In the second category, we have demonstrated that transient grating technique and thermal lens technique can be used for the sensitive, accurate, nondestructive determination of thermal physical properties of ILs.
DISTRIBUTION AND FUNCTION OF DEFINED REGIONS OF AVIAN TUMOR VIRUS GENOMES IN VIRUSES AND UNINFECTED CELLS

ABSTRACT. We have prepared radioactive DNA's complementary to three regions of the genomes of avian RNA tumor viruses for use as nucleic acid hybridization reagents. cDNA sarc measures sequences required for transformation by avian sarcoma viruses; cDNA gp detects sequences responsible for synthesis of envelope glycoproteins; and cDNA 3 , is complementary to sequences adjacent to the poly(A) region at the 3′ terminus of viral RNA. These cDNA's have been used to compare the sequence content of several virus isolates and to search for homologues of viral genes in uninfected avian cells. All three sets of sequences can be identified in many virus strains and in the normal chicken genome; the sarc sequences, in contrast to gp sequences, are highly-conserved among avian species, and they are transcribed into RNA under a wide variety of conditions. The findings have implications for theories of the origins of RNA tumor viruses.
Comprehensive Internal Medicine Residency Curriculum on Primary Care of Patients Who Identify as LGBT.

Abstract Purpose: Graduate medical education curricula that provide training on LGBT healthcare are limited. The purpose of this study was to create and evaluate an LGBT curriculum for internal med...
A homogeneous model for monotone mixed horizontal linear complementarity problems

We propose a homogeneous model for the class of mixed horizontal linear complementarity problems. The proposed homogeneous model is always solvable and provides the solution of the original problem if it exists, or a certificate of infeasibility otherwise. Our formulation preserves the sparsity of the original formulation and does not reduce to the homogeneous model of the equivalent standard linear complementarity problem. We study the properties of the model and show that interior-point methods can be used efficiently for the numerical solutions of the homogeneous problem. Numerical experiments show convincingly that it is more efficient to use the proposed homogeneous model for the mixed horizontal linear complementarity problem than to use known homogeneous models for the equivalent standard linear complementarity problem.
Alternative customized instrumentation and technique for percutaneous balloon compression rhizotomy for trigeminal neuralgia.

OBJECTIVE Trigeminal neuralgia is a debilitating disease that can be treated effectively by a number of modalities. Percutaneous balloon compression rhizotomy of the gasserian ganglion is an important technique that can be offered as a primary or secondary strategy after failure of medical therapy. However, the commercial kit for this procedure was discontinued in the United States in early 2016 and therefore is not currently available. The authors describe a low-cost, effective solution for continuing to offer this procedure using equipment already available in most hospitals. METHODS The authors provide a detailed equipment list with step-by-step instructions on how to prepare all the necessary items and perform a percutaneous balloon compression rhizotomy. RESULTS The custom "homemade" kit and technique described have been utilized successfully since June 2016 in 34 patients. The kit is a low-cost alternative, and its application does not add any operative time beyond that required for the previously commercially available kit. CONCLUSIONS Percutaneous balloon compression rhizotomy of the gasserian ganglion is an important technique that should be readily available to patients who are not medically fit for microvascular decompression and need immediate relief of their pain. The alternative kit described here can be assembled easily using equipment that is readily available in most hospitals.
LABEL-EFFICIENT AUDIO CLASSIFICATION THROUGH MULTITASK LEARNING AND SELF-SUPERVISION

While deep learning has been incredibly successful in modeling tasks with large, carefully curated labeled datasets, its application to problems with limited labeled data remains a challenge. The aim of the present work is to improve the label efficiency of large neural networks operating on audio data through a combination of multitask learning and self-supervised learning on unlabeled data. We trained an end-to-end audio feature extractor based on WaveNet that feeds into simple, yet versatile task-specific neural networks. We describe several easily implemented self-supervised learning tasks that can operate on any large, unlabeled audio corpus. We demonstrate that, in scenarios with limited labeled training data, one can significantly improve the performance of three different supervised classification tasks individually by up to 6% through simultaneous training with these additional self-supervised tasks. We also show that incorporating data augmentation into our multitask setting leads to even further gains in performance.
Identification of zinc and Zur-regulated genes in Corynebacterium diphtheriae

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a Gram-positive bacterial pathogen and the causative agent of diphtheria, a severe disease of the upper respiratory tract of humans. Factors required for C. diphtheriae to survive in the human host are not well defined, but likely include the acquisition of essential metals such as zinc. In C. diphtheriae, zinc-responsive global gene regulation is controlled by the Zinc Uptake Regulator (Zur), a member of the Fur-family of transcriptional regulators. In this study, we use transcriptomics to identify zinc-regulated genes in C. diphtheriae by comparing gene expression of a wild-type strain grown without and with zinc supplementation. Zur-regulated genes were identified by comparing wild-type gene expression with that of an isogenic zur mutant. We observed zinc repression of several putative surface proteins, the heme efflux system hrtBA, various ABC transporters, and the non-ribosomal peptide synthetase/polyketide synthase cluster sidAB. Furthermore, increased gene expression in response to zinc was observed for the alcohol dehydrogenase, adhA. Zinc and Zur regulation were confirmed for several genes by complementing the zur deletion and subsequent RT-qPCR analysis. We used MEME to predict Zur binding sites within the promoter regions of zinc- and Zur-regulated genes, and verified Zur binding by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Additionally, we characterized cztA (dip1101), which encodes a putative cobalt/zinc/cadmium efflux family protein. Deletion of cztA results in increased sensitivity to zinc, but not to cobalt or cadmium. This study advances our knowledge of changes to Zur-dependent global gene expression in response to zinc in C. diphtheriae. The identification of zinc-regulated ABC transporters herein will facilitate future studies to characterize zinc transport in C. diphtheriae.
Parental Incarceration and Children’s Well-being: Findings from the Fragile Families and Child Well-being Study

The Fragile Families and Child Well-being Study, which follows a cohort of US children born around the turn of the twenty-first century to mostly unmarried parents in urban areas, is one data source commonly used to examine the relationship between parental incarceration and children’s well-being. In this chapter, we synthesize the existing literature that has used the Fragile Families data to understand the intergenerational consequences of parental incarceration. First, we provide an overview of these data, by documenting the sampling frame and outlining its strengths and limitations. Next, we describe key findings that have emerged from the Fragile Families data, focusing on research that examines how parental incarceration shapes children’s family environments and their well-being. Finally, we provide suggestions for future researchers interested in using the Fragile Families data to further extend our understanding of the intergenerational consequences of incarceration for families and children across the life course.
Per-oral Endoscopic Myotomy

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy is an accepted procedure for the treatment of achalasia. Pre-procedure workup should include upper endoscopy, esophagram, and high-resolution manometry. The procedure is performed in the submucosal space using specialized endoscopic submucosal dissection tools. Submucosal tunneling and selective myotomy of the lower esophageal sphincter circular muscle are key components of the procedure. Common complications include minor bleeding and capno-peritoneum. There are robust short- and moderate-term outcomes data showing procedural safety as well as excellent relief of symptoms compared to laparoscopic Heller myotomy. Emerging long-term literature supports the effectiveness and durability of this procedure.
Anti-VEGF Therapy Immediately after Plaque Radiation Therapy Prevents or Delays Radiation Maculopathy.

Abstract In this case-matched study of 28 patients, early treatment with intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy preserved vision by preventing or delaying visually significant radiation maculopathy for high-risk choroidal melanoma patients following plaque radiation therapy.
Detective Storyworlds: Longmire, True Detective, and La trêve

This paper addresses one question: What makes detective series popular today? In the past, scholars have responded that the genre is mainly focused on plot, to the point of becoming a narrative pro...
8.7 – Hydrothermal Processes

Hydrothermal circulation of seawater through newly formed ocean crust along the global mid-ocean ridge system was only discovered in the late twentieth century, yet it has already been recognized as a major mechanism for delivering chemicals to, and removing them from, the ocean that is comparable to global riverine fluxes in its importance. Hydrothermal activity can occur in a range of geologic settings along an oceanic spreading axis, emitting fluids with a wide range of temperature and composition. Hydrothermal circulation occurs in every ocean basin on Earth, along the full spectrum of mid-ocean ridges that encircle the globe, from the fastest spreading and most magmatically robust to the slowest. The authors review the size and scale of fluxes associated with hydrothermal flow, the processes that control the composition of the fluids venting from the seafloor, and the range of mineral deposits they produce. The authors further review the broader impact of hydrothermal venting on ocean biogeochemical budgets and its contribution to deep-ocean sediments. This article closes with some recommendations for future research.
Sample size and power considerations for cluster randomized trials with count outcomes subject to right truncation.

Cluster randomized trials (CRTs) are widely used in epidemiological and public health studies assessing population-level effect of group-based interventions. One important application of CRTs is the control of vector-borne disease, such as malaria. However, a particular challenge for designing these trials is that the primary outcome involves counts of episodes that are subject to right truncation. While sample size formulas have been developed for CRTs with clustered counts, they are not directly applicable when the counts are right truncated. To address this limitation, we discuss two marginal modeling approaches for the analysis of CRTs with truncated counts and develop two corresponding closed-form sample size formulas to facilitate the design of such trials. The proposed sample size formulas allow investigators to explore the power under a large number of scenarios without computationally intensive simulations. The proposed formulas are validated in extensive simulations. We further explore the implication of right truncation on power and apply the proposed formulas to illustrate the power calculation for a malaria control CRT where the primary outcome is subject to right truncation.