cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
2-Cyano-lup-1-en-3-oxo-20-oic acid, a cyano derivative of betulinic acid, activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in colon and pancreatic cancer cells

Betulinic acid (BA) is a phytochemical triterpenoid acid from bark extracts and is cytotoxic to cancer cells and tumors. We modified the A-ring of BA to give a 2-cyano-1-en-3-one moiety and the effects of the 2-cyano-lup-1-en-3-oxo-20-oic acid (CN-BA), 2-cyano derivative of BA, and its methyl ester (CN-BA-Me) were investigated in colon and pancreatic cancer cells. Both CN-BA and CN-BA-Me were highly cytotoxic to Panc-28 pancreatic and SW480 colon cancer cells. CN-BA and CN-BA-Me also induced differentiation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which exhibited a characteristic fat droplet accumulation induced by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) agonists. Based on these results, we investigated the activities of CN-BA and CN-BA-Me as PPARgamma agonists using several receptor-mediated responses including activation of transfected PPARgamma-responsive constructs, induction of p21 in Panc-28 cells and induction of caveolin-1 and Kruppel-like factor 4 in colon cancer cells. The results clearly demonstrated that both CN-BA and CN-BA-Me activated PPARgamma-dependent responses in colon (caveolin-1) and pancreatic (p21) cancer cells, whereas induction of KLF4 by these compounds in colon cancer cells was PPARgamma independent and also dependent on cell context. The PPARgamma agonist activities of CN-BA and CN-BA-Me were structure-, response/gene- and cell context-dependent suggesting that these compounds are a novel class of selective PPARgamma modulators with potential for clinical treatment of colon and pancreatic cancer.
Tutorial Review: X-ray Mapping in Electron-Beam Instruments

This review traces the development of X-ray mapping from its beginning 50 years ago through current analysis procedures that can reveal otherwise obscure elemental distributions and associations. X-ray mapping or compositional imaging of elemental distributions is one of the major capabilities of electron beam microanalysis because it frees the operator from the necessity of making decisions about which image features contain elements of interest. Elements in unexpected locations, or in unexpected association with other elements, may be found easily without operator bias as to where to locate the electron probe for data collection. X-ray mapping in the SEM or EPMA may be applied to bulk specimens at a spatial resolution of about 1 μm. X-ray mapping of thin specimens in the TEM or STEM may be accomplished at a spatial resolution ranging from 2 to 100 nm, depending on specimen thickness and the microscope. Although mapping has traditionally been considered a qualitative technique, recent developments demonstrate the quantitative capabilities of X-ray mapping techniques. Moreover, the long-desired ability to collect and store an entire spectrum at every pixel is now a reality, and methods for mining these data are rapidly being developed.
Processes Linking Social Class and Racial Socialization in African American Dual-Earner Families

We examined the links between social class, occupational self-direction, self-efficacy, and racial socialization in a sample of 128 two-parent African American couples raising adolescents. A series of multivariate, multilevel models revealed that mothers’ SES was connected to self-efficacy via its association with occupational self-direction; in turn, self-efficacy partially explained the association between occupational self-direction and racial socialization. The link between maternal self-efficacy and racial socialization depended on whether or not children had experienced discrimination. For fathers, a strong link between SES and occupational self-direction emerged, but significant associations were not found between occupational self-direction and self-efficacy, or self-efficacy and racial socialization. The discussion focuses on mother-father differences and the role of child effects in racial socialization.
Economic considerations in the use of neuromuscular blocking drugs

The acceptance of new and increasingly expensive technologies is a major component of the rising costs of health care. While the practice of anesthesia has been relatively immune from the effects of cost containment, it is inevitable that practitioners will have to justify costly practices. Available pharmacoeconomic methods can be applied to the use of all anesthetic drugs, particularly neuromuscular blocking drugs. Cost-effectiveness analysis allows the practicing anesthesiologist to prioritize the use of neuromuscular blocking drugs to maximize their benefit while reducing unnecessary costs.
Orthogonally tunable inductorless RF LNA for adaptive wireless systems

Modern wireless systems are increasingly incorporating adaptability to operate at low power under varying channel conditions and to increase yield under severe process variation. Effective adaptation requires built in tuning knobs in the RF front end circuits. Due to the sensitive nature of RF circuits traditional turning knobs affect more than one specification simultaneously. To ensure optimal adaptation it is beneficial to have carefully designed tuning knobs that allows independent control of important specifications. In this paper the design of an inductorless RF LNA is discussed whose specifications can be traded off independently/orthogonally of each other for reduced power consumption. Two built in tuning knobs are introduced for orthogonal adaptation of Gain and linearity. The proposed LNA, designed in 0.18µ CMOS achieves a 14 dB Gain and 30 dB OIP3 control range as its power consumption goes down by 20×.
Effect of Heme Oxygenase Inhibitors on Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase Activity

NO is the physiological activator of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) thereby acting as a signaling molecule in the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Despite its poor sGC-activating ability, CO, produced by the enzyme heme oxygenase (HO), has also been implicated as a physiological stimulator of sGC in neurotransmission and vasorelaxation. Zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPIX) and tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPPIX) are competitive HO inhibitors and have been used in studies implicating a messenger role for CO in the brain and periphery; however, little is known about the specificity of these metalloporphyrins. In the present study, the effects of ZnPPIX and SnPPIX on sGC activity have been investigatedin vitro.Interestingly, purified sGC is markedly activated by SnPPIX (20- to 30-fold) but has a very low affinity for this metalloporphyrin (Ka= 4.9 μM); high concentrations of SnPPIX (25 μM) still activated the enzyme. On the other hand, sGC has a high affinity for ZnPPIX (Ka= 16.1 nM). ZnPPIX activates heme-containing sGC weakly at low (nM) concentrations (3- to 4-fold) but at higher concentrations, ZnPPIX is a potent inhibitor; at 2.5 μM, it inhibits the basal activity of sGC by about 80%. These results imply that HO inhibitors may affect cGMP levels independently of HO activity.
A latent trait theory via a stochastic learning theory for a knowledge space

To capture the cognitive organization of a set of questions or problems pertaining to a body of information, Doignon and Falmagne have proposed, and analyzed in a number of papers, the concept of aknowledge space, that is, a distinguished collection of subsets of questions, representing the possibleknowledge states. This collection of sets is assumed to satisfy a number of conditions. Since this concept is a deterministic one, the problem of empirical testing arises. A stochastic version of a knowledge space is developed in this paper, in which the knowledge states are considered as possible epochs in a subject's learning history. The knowledge space is decomposed as a union of a number of possible learning paths, calledgradations. The model specifies how a subject is channelled through and progresses along a gradation. A probabilistic axiom of the “local indepencence” type relates the knowledge states to the observable responses. The predictions of this model are worked out in details in the case of parametric assumptions involving gamma distributions. An application of the model to artificial data is described, based on maximum likelihood methods. The statistical analysis is shown to be capable of revealing the combinatoric core of the model.
Massively Parallel Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Gas Permeation across Molecular Sieving Porous Membranes

In this work we simulate the diffusion of gases in a microporous solid models using a newly developed dual control volume grand canonical molecular dynamics technique. This allows spatial variation of chemical potential and hence an accurate simulation of steady-state pressure driven diffusion. The molecular sieving nature of microporous zeolites are discussed and compared with that for amorphous silica from sol-gel methods. Massively parallel supercomputers allow a quick and insightful study of these microporous structures.
Noninvasive Surgery for Epilepsy: The Era of Image Guidance

Epilepsy affects approximately 1% to 2% of the US population. It is a family of conditions that, if left untreated, results in recurrent seizures. The underlying disease processes resulting in epilepsy are myriad, and include destructive lesions of the brain, congenital malformations and dysplasias
Impact melts in the MAC88105 lunar meteorite: Inferences for the lunar magma ocean hypothesis and the diversity of basaltic impact melts

The MAC88105 lunar meteorite, as represented by thin section 78, contains three major types of impact melt breccias. The most abundant type is clast-laden, fine-grained, and rich in Al2O3 (28 wt pct); these clasts constitute most of the meteorite. Their abundance and aluminous nature indicate that the MAC88105 source area was very aluminous. This is consistent with formation of the primordial lunar crust from a global magma ocean. The second type of impact melt is represented by only one clast in 78. It has a basaltic bulk composition similar to many other lunar impact melts, but is significantly richer in P2O5 than most and has a much lower MgO/(MgO + FeO). The third impact-melt type resembles a prominent melt group at Apollo 16, but has lower MgO/(MgO + FeO). These data show that basaltic impact melts are compositionally diverse. Dating samples of the Al-rich impact melts and the new types of basaltic impact melts from this meteorite can test the idea that the Moon suffered a terminal cataclysm 3.9 Ga ago.
‘Would women leaders have prevented the global financial crisis?’ Teaching critical thinking by questioning a question

‘Would having more women in leadership have prevented the financial crisis?’ This question, raised in the popular media, can make effective fodder for teaching critical thinking within courses such as gender and economics, money and financial institutions, pluralist economics, or behavioural economics. While the question, as posed, demands an answer of ‘Yes – sex differences in traits are important’ or ‘No – gender is irrelevant’, students can be encouraged to question the question itself. The first part of this essay briefly reviews literature on the sameness-versus-difference debate, noting that the belief in exaggerated behavioural differences between men and women is not, in fact, empirically supported. But neither is gender irrelevant. The second part of this essay examines the important role of gender biases in the social construction of markets, and especially financial markets. Specific examples and tools that can be used when teaching about difference, similarity, and markets are discussed throughout.
Elution profiles of lysine and tyrosine transfer RNA during avian development

Abstract Changes in the reversed-phase chromatography patterns of the isoaccepting species of 13 aminoacyl-tRNA's during avian development were investigated. Only lysyl- and tyrosyl-tRNA's from whole chick embryo showed altered profiles when compared to the corresponding tRNA's from individual adult chicken organs. At least 3 species of lysyl-tRNA were found. The distribution of lysyl-tRNA radioactivity in whole chick embryo profiles was 12, 50, and 38% for Peaks I, II, and III, respectively. The corresponding values for adult liver were 4, 50 and 46%. No effect on these distributions was observed when liver enzymes were used to charge both liver and embryo tRNA. The changes for lysyl-tRNA were observed in 4-, 8- and 20-day-old chick embryos. Similar variations of lysyl- and tyrosyl-tRNA's in duck embryos were absent. When lysyl-tRNA was chromatographed on benzoylated DEAE-cellulose columns, Peak I of chicken liver and whole chick embryo did not coincide. An additional peak was also detected, for both samples, in the ethanol-salt wash. When lysyl-tRNA prepared from either the subcellular or soluble cell fraction of adult liver was chromatographed with lysyl-tRNA of the corresponding whole embryo fraction, the same differences for Peak I were found.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in wheat stem sawfly Cephus cinctus and cross-species amplification in related species

The wheat stem sawfly is an important insect pest of wheat that can cause significant damage to yield and grain quality. Five microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus , to facilitate future population genetic studies and help delineate their geographical origin. These loci were found to be polymorphic with an expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.304 to 0.937 and an observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.05 to 0.65. Successful cross-species amplification demonstrates the potential for these markers to provide a valuable tool for future population studies among related Cephus species.
Asian American Acculturation and Enculturation Construct Clarification and Measurement Consolidation

An overview of the evolution of Asian American acculturation and enculturation theory and measurement is offered, focusing on major theoretical advancements and methodological issues that are salient for measuring these constructs. Informed by these considerations, an empirical approach is taken to clarifying the dimensions of Asian American acculturation and enculturation in existing measures. Existing measures of Asian American acculturation and enculturation as well as items from some population-nonspecific measures were selected for consolidation, with attention to item content, uniqueness, and format variability. Exploratory factor analyses of data from 275 Asian and Asian American participants in the United States suggested that the measures reflected three factors of acculturation and enculturation: (a) Language-related Behavior, (b) Cultural and Sociopolitical Knowledge, and (c) Pride and Cultural Group Association. Results suggested that values measures assessed distinct (but correlated) construc...
Understanding the Effect of Political Advertising on Voter Turnout: A Response to Krasno and Green

Krasno and Green have argued that political advertising has no impact on voter turnout. We remain unconvinced by their evidence, given concerns about how they measure the advertising environment, how they measure advertising tone, their choice of modeling techniques and the generalizability of their findings. These differences aside, we strongly agree that political advertising does little to undermine voter participation.
Assuring assessment success

An assessment is a complex, labor-intensive process in which a number of things can go awry. This can cause the assessment team to waste time and may result in the presentation of an inaccurate picture of compliance status. By identifying and responding to risks and issues which can negatively impact upon the efficiency of the assessment process, an organization can maximize the opportunity for assessors to accurately determine an organization's true level of compliance. Accurate, relevant findings provide a solid foundation from which to facilitate continuous improvement and achievement of higher process goals. This paper describes the strategies used to successfully conduct an assessment against the Capability Maturity Model for Software in the Motorola iDENtrade Subscriber Group engineering organization in April 2003. The techniques can be applied to other similar appraisal methods (including ISO 9000 audit or a SCAMPISM for CMMIreg ) which involve some combination of interviews and evidence review
Efficient Placement of Compressed Code for Parallel Decompression

Code compression is important in embedded systems design since it reduces the code size (memory requirement) and thereby improves overall area, power and performance. Existing researches in this field have explored two directions: efficient compression with slow decompression, or fast decompression at the cost of compression efficiency. This paper combines the advantages of both approaches by introducing a novel bitstream placement method. The contribution of this paper is a novel code placement technique to enable parallel decompression without sacrificing the compression efficiency. The proposed technique splits a single bitstream (instruction binary) fetched from memory into multiple bitstreams, which are then fed into different decoders. As a result, multiple slow-decoders can work simultaneously to produce the effect of high decode bandwidth. Our experimental results demonstrate that our approach can improve decode bandwidth up to four times with minor impact (less than 1%) on compression efficiency.
Optimizing economic/environmental dispatch with wind and thermal units

In this paper, the economic/environmental dispatch for a smart grid with wind and thermal units is formulated. The formulation takes into account the stochastic nature of wind power output and the imbalance charges due to the mismatch between the actual and scheduled wind power outputs. Because minimizing the operating cost of thermal and wind units, and minimizing the emissions of thermal units are two conflicting objectives, multi-objective optimization (MOO) technique is used. With MOO, a set of solutions that are optimal in the Pareto sense is identified. An enhanced multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MO-PSO) is proposed to search for the set of Pareto-optimal solutions. The effect of different system conditions on the Pareto-optimal solutions is investigated. These system conditions include load level and different imbalance cost coefficients. Test results show the effectiveness of the proposed technique in identifying the set of Pareto optimal solutions. This technique is an important tool that system operators require in order to operate the grid with high penetration of wind power more efficiently while maintaining emissions within restricted limits.
Effect of physical aging on tensile stress relaxation and tensile creep of cured EPON 828/epoxy adhesives in the linear viscoelastic region

The effect of physical aging on viscoelastic properties was studied for several cross-linked epoxies in the glassy state. Tensile creep and tensile stress relaxation were measured during isothermal physical aging, following rapid quenching of samples annealed above the glass-transition temperature (Tg). The momentary creep curves measured at 21°C, 45°C, and 61°C below Tg for different epoxies could be fitted to an empirical equation for the creep compliance D(t): Values for β and to were obtained, and the dependence of to on the aging time was determined. Shift factors were calculated to investigate changes in molecular mobility during physical aging. The momentary stress relaxation was measured on the same epoxy materials as used for the creep studies. The stress relaxation curves were fitted to the following equation for the tensile modulus E(t): Values for α and to were obtained. The influence of physical aging on-to was again studied by calculating shift factors as a function of the aging time. The results are compared with the results of the creep tests and discussed in the context of current molecular theories of physical aging of glassy polymers.
Scattering of acoustic surface waves from periodic grating filters

New data are presented on the scattering of the z-propagating Rayleigh wave on y-cut LiNbO3 by a metallic grating into the x-propagating Rayleigh wave, a pseudo-surface-wave, and bulk shear waves. Estimates of the magnitudes of the scattering coefficients are given
Novel method to quantify defect-limited yield loss mechanisms on a mixed-mode analog/digital process

Defects inherent in fab processes limit achievable yields. To improve defect limited yield, it is necessary to identify which defect types contribute most to yield loss and focus resources on reducing those defect types. For memory processes, the standard approach is to utilize the bitmap ability of the products in conjunction with in-line defect data to identify which defects are contributing most to yield los. For wafer fabs producing analog circuitry, in the absence of a suitable bitmapable memory product, an alternative method of quantifying defect limited yield loss mechanisms is required. This paper describes the development and verification of such a method on a mixed mode analog/digital 0.6um CMOS process. This is based on a 'smart' in-line defect classification system in which the likelihood of a defect presence causing a failure is coded. The approach is developed and verified using a mixed mode product that has a section of bitmapable memory. The 'yield prediction' ability of the in-line classification system alone is investigated.
Fibroblasts and the ground they walk on.

To understand how fibroblasts migrate in normal wound healing and pathologies like fibrosis, we must decipher how they navigate the fibrillar matrices they are also responsible for depositing and m...
Diurnal Variability of the Hydrologic Cycle and Radiative Fluxes: Comparisons between Observations and a GCM

The simulated diurnal cycle is in many ways an ideal test bed for new physical parameterizations. The purpose of this paper is to compare observations from the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission, the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment, the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project, the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System Experiment, and the Anglo-Brazilian Amazonian Climate Observation Study with the diurnal variability of the Amazonian hydrologic cycle and radiative energy budget as simulated by the Colorado State University general circulation model, and to evaluate improvements and deficiencies of the model physics. The model uses a prognostic cumulus kinetic energy (CKE) to relax the quasi-equilibrium closure of the Arakawa‐ Schubert cumulus parameterization. A parameter, a, is used to relate the CKE to the cumulus mass flux. This parameter is expected to vary with cloud depth, mean shear, and the level of convective activity, but up to now a single constant value for all cloud types has been used. The results of the present study show clearly that this approach cannot yield realistic simulations of both the diurnal cycle and the monthly mean climate state. Improved results are obtained using a version of the model in which a is permitted to vary with cloud depth.
Theology, Anthropology, and the Human Body in Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion

One of the most important questions to ask when one is beginning to reformulate the views of a historic author on the human body is the question of what role his discussion of the body plays in his theology. Does his theology require and depend on his evaluation of the meaning and value of the body? Do pressing polemical or cultural discussions demand the author's interest in describing the role of the body in human life? These questions are consistently useful in illuminating the author's intent in writing about the body. Placing ideas of the body in the theological and anthropological context in which they appear is essential if we are to avoid the inevitable distortion of an author's ideas, which is the result of “proof-texting” the author's statements about the body.
Influence of morphological disorder on in- and out-of-plane charge transport in conjugated polymer films

Thin films of the conjugated polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) of different morphological structures were fabricated using both conventional spin-casting and the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE). Films deposited by MAPLE exhibit inhomogeneous morphologies comprised globular subfeatures with dimensions of the order of 100 nm. We show that whereas the in-plane carrier mobilities of MAPLE-deposited films (8.3 × 10−3 cm2/V/s) are comparable with those of spin-cast analogs (5.5×10−3 cm2/V/s), the out-of-plane mobilities are an order of magnitude lower (4.1 × 10−4cm2/V/s versus 2.7 × 10−3 cm2/V/s). Both in- and out-of-plane carrier transport characteristics of MAPLE-deposited films indicate a broad density of states and high carrier trap concentration. Optical absorbance spectroscopy not only corroborates a high degree of energetic disorder in MAPLE-deposited films, but also suggests that the P3HT chains possess average conjugation lengths comparable with spin-cast counterparts. Our findings, rationalized in terms of the Gaussian Disorder Model, describing carrier transport in an environment characterized by both positional and energetic disorder, provide important perspectives on the extent to which disorder impacts mechanisms of charge transport in conjugated polymers.
Disease tolerance mediated by microbiome E. coli involves inflammasome and IGF-1 signaling

Infections and inflammation can lead to cachexia and wasting of skeletal muscle and fat tissue by as yet poorly understood mechanisms. We observed that gut colonization of mice by a strain of Escherichia coli prevents wasting triggered by infections or physical damage to the intestine. During intestinal infection with the pathogen Salmonella Typhimurium or pneumonic infection with Burkholderia thailandensis, the presence of this E. coli did not alter changes in host metabolism, caloric uptake, or inflammation but instead sustained signaling of the insulin-like growth factor 1/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT pathway in skeletal muscle, which is required for prevention of muscle wasting. This effect was dependent on engagement of the NLRC4 inflammasome. Therefore, this commensal promotes tolerance to diverse diseases.
Numerical method for the estimation of column radial heterogeneity and of the actual column efficiency from tailing peak profiles.

It is probably impossible to prepare high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns that have a completely homogeneous packing structure. Many reports in the literature show that the radial ...
Synthesis of High-Temperature Silicides Via Rapid Solid-State Metathesis

MoSi2 has a very favorable combination of materials properties, including a high melting point (2020°C), high strength at elevated temperatures, and resistance to high temperature oxidation and corrosion. These properties make it a good candidate for a high-temperature structural material; however, it has very poor ductility. A great deal of research has focused on improving the ductility of this alloy through various preparative routes. We have synthesized MoSi2, as well as WSi2, TaSi2, and NbSi2, using rapid solid-state metathesis reactions between a high oxidation state metal halide and an alkaline earth suicide. These reactions take advantage of the large exothermic heat of formation of the alkaline earth halide and can reach temperatures as high as the melting point of the product suicides. In addition, this approach yields crystalline products in seconds. The synthetic technique will be discussed along with characterization results.
Incident learning in pursuit of high reliability: implementing a comprehensive, low-threshold reporting program in a large, multisite radiation oncology department.

Article-at-a-Glance Background Incident learning programs have been recognized as cornerstones of safety and quality assurance in so-called high reliability organizations in industries such as aviation and nuclear power. High reliability organizations are distinguished by their drive to continuously identify and proactively address a broad spectrum of latent safety issues. Many radiation oncology institutions have reported on their experience in tracking and analyzing adverse events and near misses but few have incorporated the principles of high reliability into their programs. Most programs have focused on the reporting and retrospective analysis of a relatively small number of significant adverse events and near misses. To advance a large, multisite radiation oncology department toward high reliability, a comprehensive, cost-effective, electronic condition reporting program was launched to enable the identification of a broad spectrum of latent system failures, which would then be addressed through a continuous quality improvement process. Methods A comprehensive program, including policies, work flows, and information system, was designed and implemented, with use of a low reporting threshold to focus on precursors to adverse events. Results In a 46-month period from March 2011 through December 2014, a total of 8,504 conditions (average, 185 per month, 1 per patient treated, 3.9 per 100 fractions [individual treatments]) were reported. Some 77.9% of clinical staff members reported at least 1 condition. Ninety-eight percent of conditions were classified in the lowest two of four severity levels, providing the opportunity to address conditions before they contribute to adverse events. Conclusions Results after approximately four years show excellent employee engagement, a sustained rate of reporting, and a focus on low-level issues leading to proactive quality improvement interventions.
Fear Versus Scare Appeals as Moderators in Effective Health Messaging

Fear appeals are often engaged in prosocial change marketing campaigns with the belief that these messages will raise severity and susceptibility beliefs among consumers. With effective advertising messages, persuasion models from the marketing literature suggest that if consumers believe the advertising claims, have positive attitudes toward the advertisements, that will produce both information seeking and medical care seeking behaviors. However, perceptions of the source or sponsor of the advertisement may influence consumers’ attitudes and therefore intentions along the way. This study seeks to examine the role of fear versus scare appeals and perceived social responsibility of the sponsor in social marketing campaign messages to motivate consumers to seek further information and medical care; in this study specifically for Type II diabetes.
Global Perspectives on the Biology and Life History of the White Shark

Global Perspectives on the Biology and Life History of the White Shark was inspired by the International White Shark Symposium in 2010, and incorporates the most important contemporary research findings into a single peer-reviewed book. This beautifully illustrated reference represents a historic change in the context of White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) research. Formerly, the introduction of White Shark research papers included the obligatory statement that this species is rarely the focus of comprehensive studies and little is known of its basic biology and life history. Thanks to great strides in technology and an increased focus on this species, this timely book brings the White Shark from obscurity to the most studied shark in the ocean.
Signs and Learning Theories

We begin with the most primitive level of signs, and then proceed in the next four chapters to progressively more advanced levels, ending with the forms of discourse used within institutionalized specializations. We shall see how each advancement of level makes possible increased specialization of pragmatic function and extension of reference. Signs at the most primitive level we shall term natsigns. Natsigns are contrasted with what Morris called comsigns, signs produced with a communicative intent recognized by interpreters. Within comsigns we can distinguish the differing levels of unstructured signals of animal communication, subject-predicate sentences formulated within a language, and forms of discourse as combinations of sentences about a common topic.
Morphology of printed lines and droplet deposits using hydrophilic nanoparticle suspensions

This paper focuses on the morphology of continuous mode printed lines of a generic polymer suspension. The suspension consists of carboxylate nanoparticles. The printing is performed by forming a stable capillary-bridge of the suspension between the print-nozzle and glass substrate. The printed deposits are examined microscopically. The printing technique used here is easy to implement and allows a wider property window for the fluids that can be printed compared to drop on demand mode printing. The morphology of these printed lines is found to be dependent on the number of layers of the nanoparticles present. To further understand the fundamental mechanism of printed nanoparticle deposit morphology development, droplet deposits of the suspension are also prepared and analyzed.
Rendezvous Scheme without a Predetermined Sender or Receiver in Cognitive Radio Ad-Hoc Networks

Cognitive radio emerges as a promising technology to improve the utilization of the allocated spectrum. In a cognitive radio network, secondary users (SUs) need to sense the spectrum to obtain currently available channels and have to vacate the occupied channels when primary users (PUs) return. In cognitive radio networks, establishing a link through a common available channel is defined as the rendezvous process between two SUs. Channel hopping is a widely used method to solve the rendezvous problem that two SUs hop according to a designed channel hopping sequence until they meet on a common available channel. Past works on rendezvous focus on designing the channel hopping sequence while ignoring the necessary RTS-and-CTS exchange process to build a link when two SUs hop to a common available channel. However, during the initialization phase of a cognitive radio network (CRN), each SU may try to rendezvous with other SUs to exchange control information. There is no explicit role for an SU, since it cannot determine if other SUs are senders or receivers currently. Therefore, in this paper, we define a send-or-receive problem in a rendezvous process of SUs during the initialization phase of a CRN and propose a new rendezvous problem as the link rendezvous problem. We also propose a blind rendezvous scheme to solve the link rendezvous problem considering practical scenarios in a CRN. Simulation results show that our proposed schemes can achieve a fast successful link rendezvous considering the send-or-receive problem. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that addresses the link rendezvous problem in a cognitive radio ad-hoc network.
Anion-binding catalyst designs for enantioselective synthesis

Abstract Select hydrogen bond donors can catalyze reactions of ion pairs through the recognition of anions. This mode of action can be exploited in enantioselective catalysis if a suitable chiral hydrogen bond donor is applied. Beyond just anionic recognition, an enantioselective anion-binding catalyst often must host numerous non-covalent interactions, including hydrogen bonding, general base, π-π, and π-cation, to achieve high levels of enantiocontrol. Anion-binding catalysts can be strategically designed to support those non-covalent interactions required to render a process highly stereoselective. Tactics applied in anion-binding catalyst development include enhancing arene substituents for improved π-stacking, linking two anion-binding units together on a single scaffold, expanding types of functional groups for anion recognition, and building frameworks with bifunctional modes of action. The intent of this digest is to highlight observations that suggest as anion-binding catalyst designs advance, their associated synthetic methodologies for complex molecule construction become increasingly impressive.
The Limits to Cloud Price Reduction

Although public clouds benefit from economies of scale from massive and centralized data centers with high utilization, and continuous improvements in cost per unit of processing capacity from Moore's law, they're unlikely to be able to drop prices more than 15 percent annually over the long haul, barring some massive technology discontinuity such as free electric power or disruptive new computing paradigms. The simple reason is that even if CPUs were free, there would still be infrastructure capital expenditures, such as for data centers, and ongoing operating expenses, such as for power. These cost elements don't follow Moore's Law.
Value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and programmed ventricular stimulation in patients with frequent premature ventricular complexes undergoing radiofrequency ablation.

Background Frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) have been associated with increased mortality. However, the optimal approach to the risk stratification of these patients is unclear. Objective The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess the use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and programmed ventricular stimulation to identify patients with PVCs undergoing radiofrequency ablation at risk for adverse long-term outcomes. Methods A total of 321 consecutive patients (52 ± 15 years; 157 men [49%]; left ventricular ejection fraction 51% ± 12%) underwent PVC ablation between 2004 and 2015, preceded by cardiac MRI to assess for structural heart disease (SHD). Programmed stimulation was performed at the time of the ablation procedure. If ventricular tachycardia (VT) was induced in the presence of SHD, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) was implanted. Results SHD was identified by MRI in 64 patients (20%), and sustained monomorphic VT was inducible in 15 patients (5%). Fourteen patients had both SHD and inducible VT, and received an ICD after the procedure. The primary endpoint of VT/ventricular fibrillation or death was met in 15 patients after a median 20 months of follow-up. The combination of SHD by MRI and VT inducibility conferred independently an increased risk of adverse outcome (multivariate hazard ratio 25.73, 95% confidence interval 6.74–98.20; P Conclusion Preablation cardiac MRI and programmed stimulation can be useful for risk stratification in patients with frequent PVCs. Patients with inducible VT in the setting of SHD may benefit from ICD implantation after ablation regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction.
Value relevance of banks' cash flows from operations

Abstract This study examines the value relevance of banks' cash flows from operations. While banks are required to provide statements of cash flows under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), banks have long argued that cash flow information is not useful for the banking industry. Using a sample of banks from 2004 to 2014, we find that banks' cash flows from operations are predictive of future earnings and cash flows. Applying a modified Ohlson's (1995) valuation model, we document that banks' cash flows from operations are positively and significantly associated with share prices. Furthermore, we find the usefulness of banks' cash flows to vary depending on three important bank characteristics: profitability, capital adequacy, and credit risk. Taken together, these findings suggest that banks' cash flows from operations provide useful information to investors in valuing banks' equity. This study contributes novel empirical findings that enhance our understanding of the predictive ability and valuation usefulness of banks' operating cash flows.
Cholesterol-lowering effects of dietary pomegranate extract and inulin in mice fed an obesogenic diet.

Abstract Background It has been demonstrated in animal studies that both polyphenol-rich pomegranate extract (PomX) and the polysaccharide inulin, ameliorate metabolic changes induced by a high-fat diet, but little is known about the specific mechanisms. Objective This study evaluated the effect of PomX (0.25%) and inulin (9%) alone or in combination on cholesterol and lipid metabolism in mice. Methods Male C57BL/6 J mice were fed high-fat/high-sucrose [HF/HS (32% energy from fat, 25% energy from sucrose)] diets supplemented with PomX (0.25%) and inulin (9%) alone or in combination for 4 weeks. At the end of intervention, serum and hepatic cholesterol, triglyceride levels, hepatic gene expression of key regulators of cholesterol and lipid metabolism as well as fecal cholesterol and bile acid excretion were determined. Results Dietary supplementation of the HF/HS diet with PomX and inulin decreased hepatic and serum total cholesterol. Supplementation with PomX and inulin together resulted in lower hepatic and serum total cholesterol compared to individual treatments. Compared to HF/HS control, PomX increased gene expression of Cyp7a1 and Cyp7b1, key regulators of bile acid synthesis pathways. Inulin decreased gene expression of key regulators of cholesterol de novo synthesis Srebf2 and Hmgcr and significantly increased fecal elimination of total bile acids and neutral sterols. Only PomX in combination with inulin reduced liver and lipid weight significantly compared to the HF/HS control group. PomX showed a trend to decrease liver triglyceride (TG) levels, while inulin or PomX-inulin combination had no effect on either serum or liver TG levels. Conclusion Dietary PomX and inulin supplementation decreased hepatic and serum total cholesterol by different mechanisms and the combination leading to a significant enhancement of the cholesterol-lowering effect.
Precise Editing at DNA Replication Forks Enables Multiplex Genome Engineering in Eukaryotes

We describe a multiplex genome engineering technology in Saccharomyces cerevisiae based on annealing synthetic oligonucleotides at the lagging strand of DNA replication. The mechanism is independent of Rad51-directed homologous recombination and avoids the creation of double-strand DNA breaks, enabling precise chromosome modifications at single base-pair resolution with an efficiency of >40%, without unintended mutagenic changes at the targeted genetic loci. We observed the simultaneous incorporation of up to 12 oligonucleotides with as many as 60 targeted mutations in one transformation. Iterative transformations of a complex pool of oligonucleotides rapidly produced large combinatorial genomic diversity >105. This method was used to diversify a heterologous β-carotene biosynthetic pathway that produced genetic variants with precise mutations in promoters, genes, and terminators, leading to altered carotenoid levels. Our approach of engineering the conserved processes of DNA replication, repair, and recombination could be automated and establishes a general strategy for multiplex combinatorial genome engineering in eukaryotes.
Spinocerebellar Ataxia 27: A Review and Characterization of an Evolving Phenotype

Background: Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is an uncommon form of progressive cerebellar ataxia with multiple genetic causes and marked variability in phenotypic expression even across patients with identical genetic abnormalities. SCA27 is a recently identified SCA caused by mutations in the Fibroblast Growth Factor 14 gene, with a phenotypic expression that is only beginning to be fully appreciated. We report here a case of a 70-year-old male who presented with slowly worsening tremor and gait instability that began in his early adulthood along with additional features of parkinsonism on examination. Work-up revealed a novel pathogenic mutation in the Fibroblast Growth Factor 14 gene, and symptoms improved with amantadine and levodopa. We also provide a review of the literature in order to better characterize the phenotypic expression of this uncommon condition. Methods: Case report and review of the literature. Results: Review of the literature revealed a total of 32 previously reported clinical cases of SCA27. Including our case, we found that early-onset tremor (12.1 ± 10.5 years) was present in 95.8%, while gait ataxia tended to present later in life (23.7 ± 16.7 years) and was accompanied by limb ataxia, dysarthria, and nystagmus. Other features of SCA27 that may distinguish it from other SCAs include the potential for episodic ataxia, accompanying psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Discussion: Testing for SCA27 should be considered in individuals with ataxia who report tremor as an initial or early symptom, as well as those with additional findings of episodic ataxia, neuropsychiatric symptoms, or parkinsonism.
Reasons for Testing Mediation in the Absence of an Intervention Effect: A Research Imperative in Prevention and Intervention Research

Objective:Mediation models are used in prevention and intervention research to assess the mechanisms by which interventions influence outcomes. However, researchers may not investigate mediators in...
Low noise RF quadrature VCO using tail-switch network-based coupling in 40 nm CMOS

The proposed VCO presents an alternative approach to obtaining accurate quadrature phases by strategically modulating tail current sources while avoiding bimodal oscillations and noise due to coupling paths; the architecture is very compact, low power, robust and does not require tuning knobs. Demonstrated in a 40 nm CMOS process, the measured phase noise is −123.2 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset for an oscillation frequency of 4.9 GHz. The measured phase error at 4.9 GHz is 1.4°. A figure of merit (FoM) of 188.3 dBc/Hz was obtained while dissipating a power of 7.5 mW from a 1.1 V power supply.
Detection and quantitation of immunogenic epitopes related to celiac disease in historical and modern hard red spring wheat cultivars.

Abstract Celiac disease (CD) develops in genetically susceptible individuals as a result of ingesting gluten-forming proteins found in cereals, such as wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rye (Secale cereale L.) and barley (Hordeum sativum L.). There are claims that breeding practices have changed wheat protein chemistry over the years and this has resulted in modern wheat being more antigenic in terms of CD as opposed to historical wheat. The aim of this study was to detect and quantify celiac-disease-initiating peptides of α-gliadin proteins in historical and modern spring wheat cultivars. The results indicate that immunogenic epitopes are detected in both historical and modern spring wheat cultivars irrespective of release year. Quantitation indicated that the amount of immunogenic epitopes glia-α9 (PFPQPQLPY) and glia-α20 (FRPQQPYPQ), and total α-gliadin varied randomly across the cultivars that were analyzed, suggesting there is no association between cultivar release year and amounts of immunogenic epitopes and α-gliadin.
Abstract 17418: Vector Velocity Imaging: A Reliable Tool to Quantify Myocardial Function and Predict Clinical Outcomes in Single Ventricle Patients

Background: Ventricular function is one of the factors that correlate with survival to second stage surgical palliation in single ventricle (SV) patients. Standard 2D echocardiography (2DE) has lim...
Theory-Based Evaluation of Instruction: Implications for Improving Student Learning Achievement in Postsecondary Education

While student global ratings of college courses historically predict learning achievement, the majority of recent U.S. college graduates lack proficiency in desired skills. Teaching and Learning Quality (TALQ), a new course evaluation instrument, was developed from extant instructional theory that promotes student learning. A survey of 193 students in 111 different courses at multiple institutions was conducted using TALQ. Results indicated strong associations among student ratings of First Principles of Instruction, academic learning time, perceptions of learning gains, satisfaction with courses, perceived mastery of course objectives, and their overall evaluation of courses and instructors. Instructors can implement the theoretically derived First Principles of Instruction by challenging students with real-world problems or tasks, activating student learning, demonstrating what is to be learned, providing feedback on student learning attempts, and encouraging student integration of learning into their personal lives.