cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development and standardization of disomic microsatellite markers for lake sturgeon genetic studies

Summary Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) are of conservation concern in North America. To facilitate the recovery of this fish species, an understanding of their population genetic structure is necessary to develop and implement spatially and temporally appropriate management actions. Until recently, few genetic data using nuclear loci have been collected, primarily due to the paucity of suitable genetic markers because most microsatellite loci in lake sturgeon appeared to be tetrasomic. The authors identified nine microsatellite loci (from 254 examined) that were putative polymorphic disomic loci and tested their conformance to a disomic mode of inheritance using three lake sturgeon families. The objectives of the study were to: (i) confirm the disomic status of the nine loci through inheritance testing, and (ii) standardize the genetic markers among participating laboratories. At all nine loci, disomic inheritance were confirmed, and all nine loci segregated independently in the 26 of 36 loci pairs possible to test. One of the nine loci showed non-Mendelian segregation, possibly due to meiotic drive and/or selection. Three progeny had peak patterns inconsistent with disomy at one or more loci. The nine loci when combined with four microsatellite loci previously confirmed in other studies as disomic in lake sturgeon now yield a suite of 13 microsatellite markers. These 13 markers have been standardized among four other laboratories to facilitate building an inter-laboratory genetic database for lake sturgeon.
Partitioning Network Testbed Experiments

Understanding the behavior of large-scale systems is challenging, but essential when designing new Internet protocols and applications. It is often infeasible or undesirable to conduct experiments directly on the Internet. Thus, simulation, emulation, and testbed experiments are important techniques for researchers to investigate large-scale systems. In this paper, we propose a platform-independent mechanism to partition a large network experiment into a set of small experiments that are sequentially executed. Each of the small experiments can be conducted on a given number of experimental nodes, e.g., the available machines on a testbed. Results from the small experiments approximate the results that would have been obtained from the original large experiment. We model the original experiment using a flow dependency graph. We partition this graph, after pruning uncongested links, to obtain a set of small experiments. We execute the small experiments in two iterations. In the second iteration, we model dependent partitions using information gathered about both the traffic and the network conditions during the first iteration. Experimental results from several simulation and testbed experiments demonstrate that our techniques approximate performance characteristics, even with closed-loop traffic and congested links. We expose the fundamental trade off between the simplicity of the partitioning and experimentation process, and the loss of experimental fidelity.
Detection Avoidance and Enforcement Theory: Survey and Assessment

The conventional economic model of enforcement focuses on the cost and effect of the state’s efforts to detect violations. This survey considers attempts to add to this framework the cost and effect of violators’ efforts to avoid detection. The survey describes how the conventional model must be altered to accommodate detection avoidance, and how results derived within the conventional framework are accordingly affected. The survey also considers policies directed at detection avoidance itself. It describes how the recursive nature of detection avoidance effects the efficacy of sanctioning detection avoidance. It also considers alternative, "technological" approaches.
Spontaneous Goal Inference (SGI)

When people learn about or observe the behaviors of others, they tend to make implicit inferences from these behaviors (e.g., Uleman, Saribay, & Gonzalez, 2008). Such inferences are an essential part of a person's ability to understand his/her environment and to prepare appropriate behavior within that environment. In the present paper, we review the conditions under which people are more likely to make implicit goal inferences versus implicit trait inferences. The distinction between these two ways of understanding the behavior we observe has important consequences for how we make predictions about future behavior, set expectations for our interaction partners, and how we choose to behave. It can determine when we stereotype. However, until now, the literature has focused on trait inference as the dominant way perceivers make sense of their environment, with little discussion of inferences concerning a person's goals.
Abstract 3941: Altered helical structures: Repair and induction of genomic instability

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Naturally occurring DNA sequences capable of forming H-DNA (triplexes) are found in the human genome as frequently as 1 in every 50,000 base pairs. These sequences, typically located in promoters and exons have been found to be intrinsically mutagenic and are believed to be involved in the regulation of expression of several cancer-linked genes. To counteract the potentially devastating effects of altered helical structures on genomic integrity, an intricate balance between DNA repair and apoptosis is critical. In the present work, we have investigated the potential for non-canonical structures to trigger pro-apoptotic pathways. In conjunction with the use of a fibroblast line containing multiple chromosomal target sites, sequence-specific triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) were used to synthetically create altered helical structures. Our studies demonstrate that DNA damage induced by these structures can trigger the switch from DNA repair to apoptosis. Additional studies were initiated to determine whether key proteins that contributed to cellular survival by participating in the repair of helical distortions also played a role in triggering the cell to activate a pro-apoptotic pathway. The TFIIH factor, XPD has been implicated in our studies to occupy a central role in triggering apoptosis in response to excessive H-DNA induced damage. Knock-down of XPD resulted in a significant decrease in H-DNA induced apoptosis, thus suggesting that key proteins that contribute to cellular survival by acting in DNA repair become executioners in the face of excess DNA damage. The maintenance of this mechanism may be of central importance for avoiding progression to cancer, because the default mechanism of apoptosis prevents expansion of cells in which unrepaired damage would lead to mutation and carcinogenesis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3941.
Small and diminutive colorectal polyps: risk of malignancy

The prevalence of advanced histological features in diminutive (≤5 mm) and small (6-9 mm) colon polyps is low, and they are considered to have low potential for malignant transformation. Performing a polypectomy increases the costs associated with a colonoscopy as well as the risk of complications. Newer diagnostic techniques have prompted the approach of ‘predict, resect and discard’ for diminutive and small polyps, a strategy whereby real time diagnosis of polyps would serve as a substitute for histopathological diagnosis to reduce costs.
Depressive symptoms in older long-term colorectal cancer survivors: a population-based analysis using the SEER-Medicare healthcare outcomes survey

Colorectal cancer survivorship has improved significantly over the last 20 years; however, few studies have evaluated depression among older colorectal cancer survivors, especially using a population-based sample. The aim of this study was to identify correlates for positive depression screen among colorectal cancer survivors who underwent potentially curative surgery. Using the 1998–2007 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Result registry and the Medicare Health Outcome Survey linked dataset, we identified patients over 65 with pathology confirmed and resected colorectal cancer enrolled in Medicare. Using univariate and multiple variable analyses, we identified characteristics of patients with and without positive depression screen. Resected colorectal cancer patients (1785) (median age 77, 50.8 % female) were identified in the dataset with 278 (15.6 %) screening positive for symptoms of depression. Median time from diagnosis to survey was 62 months. On univariate analysis, larger tumor size, advanced cancer stage, and extent of resection were not correlates of depressive symptoms (all p > 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, income less than US$30,000 per year (OR 1.50, 1.02–2.22, 95 % CI, p = 0.042), non-white race (OR 1.51, 1.05–2.17, 95 % CI, p = 0.027), two or more comorbidities (OR 1.78, 1.25–2.52, 95 % CI, p = 0.001), and impairment in activities of daily living (OR 5.28, 3.67–7.60, 95 % CI, p < 0.001) were identified as independent correlates of depressive symptoms in colorectal cancer survivors. In the current study, socioeconomic status and features of physical health rather than tumor characteristics were associated with symptoms of depression among long-term colorectal cancer survivors.
Gender and entrepreneurial success: evidence from survey data

ABSTRACTA wealth of studies have contributed to the literature on gender differences in entrepreneurial success, but most lack key controls that aid in determining that success. Scale of the entrepreneur’s business is often not accounted for, and no studies to the author’s knowledge approach the gender comparison by specifically utilizing a sample of entrepreneur-only managed businesses. This allows for a direct comparison between individual entrepreneurs’ performance by gender, without the confounding heterogeneity that workforces may introduce. Data are taken from a national US survey of individuals, and model specifications include a number of important but oftentimes unavailable controls that have never before been used in conjunction. Female and male entrepreneurial success are statistically equal after controlling for risk preferences, intelligence, start-up capital, prior industry experience and hours worked at the business. Alternative specifications and sensitivity checks confirm and expand on th...
Serotonin agonists inhibit synaptic potentials in the rat locus ceruleus in vitro via 5-hydroxytryptamine1A and 5-hydroxytryptamine1B receptors.

Intracellular recordings were made from rat locus ceruleus neurons in the slice preparation in vitro. Depolarizing synaptic potentials (DSP)2 elicited by electrical stimulation were typically 10 to 15 mV in amplitude and 200 msec in duration. Superfusion with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) or the 5-HT1 receptor agonist 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT), produced an inhibition of the DSP. The maximal inhibition was 55 +/- 2% (mean +/- S.E.M.). The EC50 for 5-CT was 60 nM, whereas for 5-HT it was 12 microM. Cocaine (10 microM) shifted the 5-HT concentration-response curve to the left and the EC50 to 320 nM. 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin, a selective 5-HT1A receptor ligand, also inhibited the DSP, but only produced about 65% of the maximal 5-CT or 5-HT response (EC50 = 50 nM). A relatively selective 5-HT1B ligand (65-fold 5-HT1B greater than 5-HT1A), 1-(m-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazine, acted as a full agonist (EC50 = 110 nM). None of these compounds had any effects on the membrane properties of the cell at the doses tested. The response to 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin was antagonized by pretreatment with the 5-HT1A antagonist spiperone (1 microM). The estimated KD for spiperone was 16 nM. At this same concentration, however, there was no effect on the 5-CT-induced inhibition. The antagonist 4-(3-ter-butyl-amino-2-hydroxy-propoxyl)-indol-2-carbonic acid isopropyl ester (LM 21-009, 100 nM) was found to be a partial agonist producing a 26 +/- 4% inhibition of the DSP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Localization of Pheochromocytoma by Computerized Axial Tomography

A hypovascular pheochromocytoma not visualized by nephrotomography or arteriography but demonstrated successfully by computerized axial tomography is described. We propose that this non-invasive test be used alone or in conjunction with other modalities to assist in the localization of this elusive and potentially fatal tumor.
Cho Endonuclease Functions during DNA Interstrand Cross-Link Repair in Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT DNA interstrand cross-links are complex lesions that covalently link both strands of the duplex DNA. Lesion removal is proposed to be initiated via the UvrABC nucleotide excision repair complex; however, less is known about the subsequent steps of this complex repair pathway. In this study, we characterized the contribution of nucleotide excision repair mutants to survival in the presence of psoralen-induced damage. Unexpectedly, we observed that the nucleotide excision repair mutants exhibit differential sensitivity to psoralen-induced damage, with uvrC mutants being less sensitive than either uvrA or uvrB. We show that Cho, an alternative endonuclease, acts with UvrAB and is responsible for the reduced hypersensitivity of uvrC mutants. We find that Cho9s contribution to survival correlates with the presence of DNA interstrand cross-links, rather than monoadducts, and operates at a step after, or independently from, the initial incision during the global repair of psoralen DNA adducts from the genome. IMPORTANCE DNA interstrand cross-links are complex lesions that covalently bind to both strands of the duplex DNA and whose mechanism of repair remains poorly understood. In this study, we show that Cho, an alternative endonuclease, acts with UvrAB and participates in the repair of DNA interstrand cross-links formed in the presence of photoactivated psoralens. Cho9s contribution to survival correlates with the presence of DNA interstrand cross-links and operates at a step after, or independently from, the initial incision during the repair process.
Guided-mode resonance nanophotonics: fundamentals and applications

We review principles and applications of nanophotonic devices based on electromagnetic resonance effects in thin periodic films. We discuss the fundamental resonance dynamics that are based on lateral Bloch modes excited by evanescent diffraction orders in these subwavelength devices. Theoretical and experimental results for selected example devices are furnished. Ultra-sparse nanogrids with duty cycle less than 10% are shown to provide substantially wide reflection bands and operate as effective polarizers. Narrow-passband resonant filters with extensive low sidebands are presented with focus on the zero-contrast grating architecture. This study is extended to long-wave operation in the THz region. Examples of fabricated guided-mode resonance devices with outstanding performance are given. This includes an unpolarized wideband reflector using serial single-layer reflectors, an ultra-sparse silicon nanowire grid as wideband reflector and polarizer, resonant bandpass filter with wide low sidebands, and a spatial/spectral filter permitting compact nonfocusing spatial filtering. The guided-mode resonance concept applies in all spectral regions, from the visible band to the microwave domain, with available low-loss materials.
In vitro chondrocyte toxicity following long-term, high-dose exposure to Gd-DTPA and a novel cartilage-targeted MR contrast agent

To determine the concentrations exhibiting toxicity of a cartilage-targeted magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent compared with gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DT-PA) in chondrocyte cultures. A long-term Swarm rat chondrosarcoma chondrocyte-like cell line was exposed for 48 h to 1.0–20 mM concentrations of diaminobutyl-linked nitroxide (DAB4-DLN) citrate, 1.0–20 mM Gd-DTPA, 1.0 μM staurosporine (positive control), or left untreated. Cell appearance, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays of metabolic activity, quantitative PicoGreen assays of DNA content, and calcein-AM viability assays were compared. At 1.0–7.5 mM, minimal decrease in cell proliferation was found for both agents. At all doses of both agents, cell culture appearances were similar after 24 h of treatment. At the higher doses, differences in cell culture appearance were found after 48 h of treatment, with dose-dependent declines in chondrocyte populations for both agents. Concentration-dependent declines in DNA content and calcein fluorescence were found after 48 h of treatment, but beginning at a lower dose of DAB4-DLN citrate than Gd-DTPA. Dose-dependent decreases in MTT staining (cell metabolism) were apparent for both agents, but larger effects were evident at a lower dose for DAB-DLN citrate. Poor MTT staining of cells exposed for 48 h to 20 mM DAB4-DLN citrate probably indicates dead or dying cells. The minimal effect of the long-term exposure of model chondrocyte cell cultures to DAB4-DLN citrate and Gd-DTPA concentrations up to 7.5 mM (3x typical arthrographic administration) is supporting evidence that these doses are acceptable for MR arthrography. The findings are reassuring given that the experimental exposure to the contrast agents at sustained concentrations was much longer than when used clinically.
An InN/InGaN/GaN nanowire array guided wave photodiode on silicon

The III-nitride nanowire heterostructure arrays with multiple InN disk light absorbing regions have been grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on (001)Si substrates, and guided wave photodiodes have been fabricated and characterized. The spectral photocurrent of the devices has been measured under reverse bias, and the data exhibit distinct shoulders in the range of 0.69–3.2 eV (0.39–1.8 μm). The estimated responsivity at a wavelength of 1.3 μm is 0.2 A/W. The nanowire photodiode response was also measured with an excitation at one facet provided by an edge-emitting laser fabricated with the same nanowire array and emitting at 1.3 μm.
Transfer of development rights and urban land markets

Transfer of development rights (TDR) is seen as an important tool for land use planning, in large part because it leverages market mechanisms. TDR extends market concepts used primarily in emissions trading programs to the arena of land use. However, with the exception of a handful of success stories, TDR programs generate few transfers. Although researchers generally attribute the weak performance of TDR to program design flaws, this study demonstrates that the unique conditions presented by urban land markets explain, in part, why TDR programs often underperform. I present a case study of a TDR program in Sarasota, Florida, to address two questions. First, what attributes of urban land markets may impact TDR program design and outcomes? Second, is TDR a planning tool that can achieve desired planning goals, given the conditions of land markets? I find that the unique features of land markets—specifically (1) the sensitivity of development to timing; (2) imperfect information, uncertainty, and speculativ...
Understanding the Security Challenges of Oblivious Cloud Storage with Asynchronous Accesses

This demonstration introduces the database community to state-of-the-art cryptographic methods that ensure efficient oblivious access to cloud data. In particular, we explore oblivious storage systems which hide both the content of data and data access patterns from an untrusted cloud provider. The demo considers the popular and realistic setting where multiple users from a trusted group asynchronously access and edit potentially overlapping data sets through a trusted proxy. We present a detailed implementation of TaoStore (Sahin et al., S&P 2016), a new tree-based ORAM scheme that processes client requests concurrently and asynchronously in a non-blocking fashion, resulting in substantial gains in throughput, simplicity, and flexibility over previous systems. The demo is presented in the context of a pedagogical game, Guess the Access, which allows participants to play as an adversary trying to guess queries against TaoStore or ObliviStore (Stefanov and Shi, S&P 2013), a recent oblivious storage system which has been shown to leak access patterns. The proposed game will highlight the subtleties and intricacies that underlie the cryptographic methods used to design oblivious storage systems.
Computer Assisted Segmentation Tool: A Machine Learning Based Image Segmenting Tool for TrakEM2

The recent availability of serial block face scanning electron microscopy has permitted researchers to reconstruct cells and neurons by manually identifying and coloring objects. This technique was instrumental in work such as uncovering the anatomical basis for direction selectivity of vision [1]. Unfortunately, reconstruction involves an expenditure of time which can be expensive or prohibitive. We have developed the Computer Assisted Segmentation Tool (CAST), which produces results that appear similar to manual segmentation with reduced personnel time requirements. Results are shown for serial block face electron micrograph (SBEM) images of Mus musculus retinal axons; however, CAST is capable of operation on other image types. CAST is available under an open source license in a modified version of the TrakEM2 plugin for the popular Fiji image analysis suite. Usage and installation instructions can be found at http://isoptera.lcsc.edu/segmentation_tool/.
Multicriteria Decision Framework for Cybersecurity Risk Assessment and Management

Risk assessors and managers face many difficult challenges related to novel cyber systems. Among these challenges are the constantly changing nature of cyber systems caused by technical advances, their distribution across the physical, information, and sociocognitive domains, and the complex network structures often including thousands of nodes. Here, we review probabilistic and risk-based decision-making techniques applied to cyber systems and conclude that existing approaches typically do not address all components of the risk assessment triplet (threat, vulnerability, consequence) and lack the ability to integrate across multiple domains of cyber systems to provide guidance for enhancing cybersecurity. We present a decision-analysis-based approach that quantifies threat, vulnerability, and consequences through a set of criteria designed to assess the overall utility of cybersecurity management alternatives. The proposed framework bridges the gap between risk assessment and risk management, allowing an analyst to ensure a structured and transparent process of selecting risk management alternatives. The use of this technique is illustrated for a hypothetical, but realistic, case study exemplifying the process of evaluating and ranking five cybersecurity enhancement strategies. The approach presented does not necessarily eliminate biases and subjectivity necessary for selecting countermeasures, but provides justifiable methods for selecting risk management actions consistent with stakeholder and decisionmaker values and technical data.
Temporal binding of auditory spatial information across dynamic binaural events.

Simultaneity judgments were used to measure temporal binding windows (TBW) for brief binaural events (changes in interaural time and/or level differences [ITD and ILD]) and test the hypothesis that ITD and ILD contribute to perception via separate sensory dimensions subject to binding via slow (100+ ms)—presumably cortical—mechanisms as in multisensory TBW. Stimuli were continuous low-frequency noises that included two brief shifts of either type (ITD or ILD), both of which are heard as lateral position changes. TBW for judgments within a single cue dimension were narrower for ITD (mean = 444 ms) than ILD (807 ms). TBW for judgments across cue dimensions (i.e., one ITD shift and one ILD shift) were similar to within-cue ILD (778 ms). The results contradict the original hypothesis, in that cross-cue comparisons were no slower than within-cue ILD comparisons. Rather, the wide TBW values—consistent with previous estimates of multisensory TBW—suggest slow integrative processing for both types of judgments. Narrower TBW for ITD than ILD judgments suggests important cue-specific differences in the neural mechanisms or the perceptual correlates of integration across binaural-cue dimensions.
Erasmus and Christian Humanist Latin

This essay looks at the quarrel of Ciceronianism among European Renaissance humanists from the perspective of Erasmus’s biblical scholarship and his evangelical understanding of the proper relation...
A Value-Driven Approach to Capture Unintended Consequences Impacting Mission Success

Large-scale complex engineered systems are systems whose complexity and numerous inherent couplings can lead to unintended consequences or unanticipated behaviors during system operation. In many cases, these behaviors have negligible impact on system functionality; however, some unanticipated behaviors can contribute to a deficiency or even a failure of the system. Capturing these behaviors during the design and development phase (before testing and operation) can aid system managers in a reduction of time, costs, or even cancellation of projects due to a disastrous unforeseen interaction. Early identification also aids engineers to redesign components at an early phase of the development process, instead of relying on mitigation to address the issue after the fact. The goal of this paper is to use a coupling strength analysis from the field of multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) to identify possible unanticipated behaviors or consequences due to interactions that were previously assumed of little importance. An evaluation of possible losses in value due to unforeseen behaviors will also be made using a value-based systems engineering (VBSE) approach.
Meeting the Dalai Lama and perceptions of democracy in China: a quasi-natural experiment

How does the international human rights community affect the likelihood of democratization? Scholarship on Chinese citizens’ preferences about their political system has not explored the importance...
Drug exposure during pregnancy: analytical methods and toxicological findings

Drug use during pregnancy constitutes a major preventable worldwide public health issue. Birth defects, growth retardation and neurodevelopmental disorders are associated with tobacco, alcohol or drugs of abuse exposure during pregnancy. Besides these adverse health effects, drug use during pregnancy also raises legal and social concerns. Identification and quantification of drug markers in maternal and newborn biological samples offers objective evidence of exposure and complements maternal questionnaires. We reviewed the most recent analytical methods for quantifying drugs of abuse, tobacco, alcohol and psychotropic drugs in maternal, newborn and maternal-fetal unit biological samples by gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. In addition, manuscripts comparing the usefulness of different biological samples to detect drug exposure during pregnancy were reviewed.
First record of Triops strenuus Wolf, 1911 (Branchiopoda, Notostraca), a tadpole shrimp of Australian origin, from Japan

Three species of tadpole shrimp, i.e., Triops granarius (Lucas, 1864), Triops longicaudatus (LeConte, 1846) and Triops cancriformis (Bosc, 1801-1802), have been known from Japan. In this paper the author describes a fourth Triops species (= Triops strenuus Wolf, 1911) living in the rice paddies of a southern area of Honshu, the largest of the four main islands of Japan. This species was probably endemic to the Australian continent, and no habitat distribution outside Australia has been reported so far. The impact on the existing ecosystem of Japan is quite unknown, and therefore, it is necessary to announce this intrusion into Japan in order to clarify the invasion route, habitat ecology, and the future measures against this new alien species. This invasion is considered to be caused by the resting eggs brought together with silica sand (imported from Western Australia into Japan for the large-scale beach improvement). The results presented here also describe the phylogenetic relationship with all the Australian species described so far, but also all the known Triops species of the world, based on the nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial DNA.
Surgical Treatment of Pediatric Aortic Stenosis

Distortion of the normal anatomy of the aortic root by the processes of congenital malformation presents special problems for the surgeon. Traditionally, obstructions of the left ventricular outflow tract occurring in the aortic root are classified as valvular, subvalvular or supravalvular. There is a spectrum of defects which involve the aortic root with some blending together and overlap of these anomalies.
Female Motive to Avoid Success: A Psychological Barrier or a Response to Deviancy?.

This study interprets female “motive to avoid success” as a normative response to social deviancy. It examines the responses of males and females to a TAT-type verbal cue regarding a female actor's success at an activity depicted as either typical for both sexes or deviant for women. When the activity is described as typical for both sexes, no sex differences in the incidence of reported “motive to avoid success” appear; reports of the “motive” are few. When the activity is described as typical for males but deviant for females, a higher percentage of men than women report negative consequences for female success.
Changing the Landscape: A Look at a Market District as an Emerging Model of K-12 Schooling:

Despite research indicating significant challenges of market-based schooling, charter schools remain a growing trend in the United States. In this article, we examine an emerging market model: a K-...
Efficient screening of spherical nucleic acids.

High-throughput nanoparticle synthesis combined with machine learning speeds up the exploration of structure–activity relationships for nanomedicines, as shown for spherical nucleic acids functioning as cancer-vaccine candidates.
Growth and characterization of detector-grade CdZnTeSe by horizontal Bridgman technique

We have investigated the effect of incorporation of Se into CdZnTe (CZT) matrix on x-ray response of single crystal direct conversion detectors. We used horizontal Bridgman technique for crystal growth. We have characterized the crystals using an array of diagnostics including photo-induced current transient spectroscopy (PICTS), electric field distribution using Pockels effect, and count rate response to high flux incident x-ray irradiation. We have demonstrated that the density of deep-level traps was significantly reduced by the addition of Se, resulting in more uniform electric field inside the crystal and an associated increase in x-ray count rate. The inclusion of Se within the CZT matrix, combined with additional optimization of the growth recipe enabled linear response at high incident x-ray flux.
The use of multi-objective optimization to improve the design process of nuclear power plant systems

Abstract Multi-objective optimization is proposed to address the problem of design optimality in the nuclear power plant design process. This is done via the creation/development of the Optimization and Preference Tool for the Improvement of Nuclear Systems (OPTIONS). This work details applications of multi-objective optimization methods (in Python 3) to two different nuclear system design problems: the flash-Rankine power conversion system (PCS) of the I2S-LWR and the Passive Endothermic Reaction Cooling System (PERCS) attached to a standard PWR primary system (in RELAP5). The PCS design problem is first solved for three configurations using a specific particle swarm optimization method, achieving a thermodynamic efficiency of 34.81%. A new method, the Mixed-Integer Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (MI-NSGA), is created and then used, solving a PCS superstructure of 22 configurations and achieving an efficiency of 35.63%. The OPTIONS tool is finally used to optimize the PERCS, improving cost, core temperature control, and cooling longevity.
Treatment of Inflammatory Choroidal Neovascular Membranes

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) represents a severe sight-threatening occurrence in patient with inflammation of the uveal tract. CNV might can be secondary to both infectious and noninfectious uveitis.
Future Approaches to the Treatment of Malnutrition Malnutrition in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: Etiologic Factors and Treatment Options:

It is clear that malnutrition is common in chronic dialysis patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Evidence is accumulating that several measures can be taken to improve...
Editorial Perspective: The autism waitlist crisis and remembering what families need

Differential diagnosis of autism is very complex. Best practice guidelines in the US encourage the use of specialized tools by a highly trained provider. The need for this comprehensive evaluation, coupled with the increase in autism prevalence and awareness, has led to alarmingly long wait times for diagnostic evaluations. Several solutions are currently being researched to remedy this problem and relieve the pressure, including testing new devices or procedures that can speed up the diagnostic process. Creative solutions are welcomed; however, we urge caution in the use of new devices and methods without being fully vetted. Moreover, a quality assessment provides much more than just a designation of whether or not autism is present. Thus, even in cases when alternative means could be used to more quickly arrive at a diagnosis, a comprehensive assessment with a trained clinician is needed to guide recommendations and ongoing care.
Ligand-Binding-Site Refinement to Generate Reliable Holo Protein Structure Conformations from Apo Structures.

The first important step in a structure-based virtual screening is the judicious selection of a receptor protein. In cases where the holo protein receptor structure is unavailable, significant reduction in virtual screening performance has been reported. In this work, we present a robust method to generate reliable holo protein structure conformations from apo structures using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation with restraints derived from holo structure binding-site templates. We perform benchmark tests on two different datasets: 40 structures from a directory of useful decoy-enhanced (DUD-E) and 84 structures from the Gunasekaran dataset. Our results show successful refinement of apo binding-site structures toward holo conformations in 82% of the test cases. In addition, virtual screening performance of 40 DUD-E structures is significantly improved using our MD-refined structures as receptors with an average enrichment factor (EF), an EF1% value of 6.2 compared to apo structures with 3.5. Docking of native ligands to the refined structures shows an average ligand root mean square deviation (RMSD) of 1.97 A (DUD-E dataset and Gunasekaran dataset) relative to ligands in the holo crystal structures, which is comparable to the self-docking (i.e., docking of the native ligand back to its crystal structure receptor) average, 1.34 A (DUD-E dataset) and 1.36 A (Gunasekaran dataset). On the other hand, docking to the apo structures yields an average ligand RMSD of 3.65 A (DUD-E) and 2.90 A (Gunasekaran). These results indicate that our method is robust and can be useful to improve virtual screening performance of apo structures.
SGI: Automatic clinical subgroup identification in omics datasets.

The 'Subgroup Identification' (SGI) toolbox provides an algorithm to automatically detect clinical subgroups of samples in large-scale omics datasets. It is based on hierarchical clustering trees in combination with a specifically designed association testing and visualization framework that can process an arbitrary number of clinical parameters and outcomes in a systematic fashion. A multi-block extension allows for the simultaneous use of multiple omics datasets on the same samples. In this paper, we first describe the functionality of the toolbox and then demonstrate its capabilities through application examples on a type 2 diabetes metabolomics study as well as two copy number variation datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas. AVAILABILITY SGI is an open-source package implemented in R. Package source codes and hands-on tutorials are available at https://github.com/krumsieklab/sgi. The QMdiab metabolomics data is included in the package and can be downloaded from https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.5904022. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
On the Limitations of Obfuscating Redundant Circuits in Frustrating Hardware Trojan Implantation

Split manufacturing is a method to secure circuits by creating layers of a circuit separately—one layer is manufactured at a trusted foundry and the other at an untrusted foundry. The complete circuit is unknowable without both pieces, thus the circuit cannot be effectively manipulated by, e.g., inserting a hardware Trojan at manufacture time. A prominent example of this approach is the work “Securing Computer Hardware Using 3D Integrated Circuit (IC) Technology and Split Manufacturing for Obfuscation” [1]. In the work, it is claimed that even if an attacker knows the exact layout of a circuit before division, the technique set forth would prevent the attacker from inserting an efficient (i.e., undetectable) hardware Trojan into the circuit unless they possessed knowledge of the trusted layer. This paper is notable because it gives strong theoretical reasons, as opposed to only providing empirical results, to suggest that the proposed method provides security for circuits. In this work, we examine whether this particular split manufacturing approach is effective in protecting redundant circuits, such as implementations of cryptographic ciphers, from the implantation of hardware Trojans. We show that it is indeed possible to insert a Trojan with a much higher success rate, and smaller footprint, than the example discussed in [1], which implies that, at least for this class of circuits, obfuscation provides significantly less security than the authors’ theoretical analysis would suggest. To demonstrate its general applicability, our analysis is carried out not only on a the same type of circuit used as an example in [1] (an implementation of the Data Encryption Standard (DES)) but also an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) circuit. For both circuits, we demonstrate vast improvement for attacker success using the metrics used in [1]
An Algorithm for Filtering the Time-series I-V curves of a PV plant

This paper presents a Machine learning-based algorithm to filter the time-series I-V curves collected from a PV plant. The filter’s objective is detecting and segregating the normal looking I-V curves from the abnormal ones. A non-linear Machine learning regression model was used for this purpose. Initially the model is trained on the labeled data and then tested on a unknown data. The proposed model is trained and tested on the time-series I-V curves of experimental PV strings installed in the field. The obtained model coefficients, results are discussed in the paper.
The H-index of 'an approach to correlate tandem mass spectral data of peptides with amino acid sequences in a protein database'.

Over 20 years ago a remarkable paper was published in the Journal of American Society for Mass Spectrometry. This paper from Jimmy Eng, Ashley McCormack, and John Yates described the use of protein databases to drive the interpretation of tandem mass spectra of peptides. This paper now has over 3660 citations and continues to average more than 260 per year over the last decade. This is an amazing scientific achievement. The reason for this is the paper was a cutting edge development at the moment in time when genomes of organisms were being sequenced, protein and peptide mass spectrometry was growing into the field of proteomics, and the power of computing was growing quickly in accordance with Moore’s law. This work by the Yates lab grew in importance as genomics, proteomics, and computation all advanced and eventually resulted in the widely used SEQUEST algorithm and platform for the analysis of tandem mass spectrometry data. This commentary provides an analysis of the impact of this paper by analyzing the citations it has generated and the impact of these citing papers.
Social Capital and Health from Cradle to Grave

Epidemiological research has revealed a wide array of circumstances under which it can be expected that health conditions in childhood affect adult wellbeing, health outcomes, and survival. Economic, emotional and social adversities in childhood have been reported to associate with health outcomes and survival in adulthood, but the links have remained tentative. Consequently, no causal pathways from early social circumstances to later health outcomes have been established either.
Hepatic toxicity of tetracycline in pregnancy.

Abstract Uncomplicated gravid women were selected from the clinic population at the University of Arkansas Medical Center. An initial hepatic profile and liver biopsy was performed. The subjects were then treated for 3 days with intravenous tetracycline or oxytetracycline. The hepatic profile and liver biopsy was then repeated. The pre- and posttreatment results were then compared. There was no significant difference between the hepatic chemistries. The tissue obtained from the liver biopsy was stained for fat content. There was a consistent increase in the amount of fatty metamorphosis seen after administration of the drug.
CONTROLS OVER LANDSLIDE DISTRIBUTION IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Debris avalanches and other mass wasting deposits are common geomorphic features in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This study, based on air photo interpretation of 173 randomly selected slide scars, and supported by field observations and statistical analysis, examines the relative importance of lithology and geologic structure on slide occurrence, as well as the relationship between topography and slide morphology. Results indicate that the frequency of slide scars is significantly higher in sections underlain by metasedimentary lithologies than in areas dominated by plutonic rocks. The metasedimentary schist of the Littleton Formation is most susceptible to sliding, and directional analysis shows that the direction of foliation within this lithology corresponds strongly to slide aspect. Thus foliation and jointing within the bedrock can influence slide occurrence. This study also indicates that White Mountain landslides vary in type and form owing to the different processes that dominate in diffe...
The Effect Of A Firm's Financial Condition On The Market Reaction To Company Layoffs

Prior research has presented two conflicting hypotheses regarding the effect of a firm's financial condition on the market reaction to announcements of company layoffs. The "financial distress" hypothesis states that the market reaction to layoffs for financially weak firms will be more n egative than for financially healthy firms, because the layoff announcement reveals and/or confirms the problems that led to the layoff. On the other hand, the "potential benefit" hypothesis states that the market reaction for financially weak firms will be more positive than for financially healthy firms, because the financially weak firms have a greater potential to benefit from the layoff. Two prior studies, Iqbal and Shetty (1995) and Worrell, Davidson, and Sharma (1991), examine stock price reactions to announcements of company layoffs and how those reactions are related to the financial condition of the firm at the time of the layoff. They reach different conclusions, however, as to the effect of financial condition. Iqbal and Shetty find evidence supporting the potential benefit hypothesis, whereas WDS find evidence supporting the financial distress hypothesis. The current study offers an alternative hypothesis for the effect of a firm's financial condition on the market reaction to layoffs. Instead of concluding that the financial distress and potential benefit hypotheses are mutually exclusive and competing, this study provides evidence that these hypotheses simultaneously explain concurrent and additive effects on the stock price reactions to layoff announcements. These results have implications both for investors and management regarding the market's reaction to announcements of employee layoffs.
Comprehensive Molecular Diagnosis of Mitochondrial Disorders

Mitochondrial disorders can be caused by mutations in nuclear or mitochondrial encoded genes. Point mutations and large deletions in mitochon-drial DNA (mtDNA) are responsible for a small portion of the molecular defects in the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system. A significant number of molecular defects of respiratory chain disorders are probably due to mutations in nuclear genes. Molecular diagnosis of mitochondrial disorders has been difficult because of broad genetic and clinical heterogeneity. Mutational analysis of common point mutations of mtDNA such as A3243G, A8344G, and T8993G/C is routinely performed. However, many patients who clearly have clinical manifestations and muscle pathology consistent with oxidative phosphorylation deficiency do not have detectable common mtDNA point mutations. A more comprehensive mutation screening method, temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis, was used to scan for unknown muta-tions in the entire mitochondrial genome. Novel mutations have been discov-ered but only account for a small portion of patients with suspected mitochondrial RC disorders. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis was used to measure cellular mtDNA content Abnormal levels of mtDNA were found in many patients with respiratory chain disorders. Molecular analysis revealed that mutations in the thymidine phosphorylase gene are not seen in young patients with severe mtDNA depletion who do not demonstrate clinical features of mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy. It was also noted that an increase in the size or number of mitochondria was not necessarily associated with an increase in mtDNA content On the contrary, in some cases the mtDNA was depleted. Respiratory activity in patients with a defective mitochondrial genome due to either point mutations or deletions may be compensated by amplification of mtDNA. Therefore, a comprehensive molecular analysis of mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders should include qualitative identification of the mutation and quantitative measurement of both the degree of mutant heteroplasmy and the total amount of mtDNA.
The local zeta function for the non-trivial characters associated with the singular Jordan algebras

This paper investigates the local integrals Zm (t, x) = J x(det(x)) I det(x) I'dx M n(0C) where OC represents the integers of a composition algebra over a non-archimedean local field K and X is a non-trivial character on the units in the ring of integers of K extended to K* by setting x(7r) = 1. The local zeta function for the trivial character is known for all composition algebras C. In this paper, we show in the quaternion case that Z(t, x) = 0 for all non-trivial characters and then compute the local zeta function in the ramified quadratic extension case for X equal to the quadratic character. In this latter case, Z(t, X) = 0 for any character of order greater than 2.
Structural Investigations of Chitin and Chitosan Complexed with Iron or Tin

Chitin (N-acetyl-glucosamine) and its derivative chitosan (glucosamine) bind with most transition and main group metals, including iron and tin. Using 57Fe and 119Sn Mossbauer Spectroscopy it is determined that an oxidation reaction occurs during the metal uptake. Data also supports a structure with more than one metal bonding site and shows the ability of the chitin and chitosan polymers to bind large concentrations of iron.
Resource Sharing in Libraries: Concepts, Products, Technologies, and Trends by Marshall Breeding

This is a good starting point for librarians who need to learn the major players and constraints in the world of resource sharing. It serves as a snapshot of the resource sharing industry at the be...