cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proteomics and comparative genomic investigations reveal heterogeneity in evolutionary rate of male reproductive proteins in mice (Mus domesticus)

Male reproductive fitness is strongly affected by seminal fluid. In addition to interacting with the female environment, seminal fluid mediates important physiological characteristics of sperm, including capacitation and motility. In mammals, the male reproductive tract shows a striking degree of compartmentalization, with at least six distinct tissue types contributing material that is combined with sperm in an ejaculate. Although studies of whole ejaculates have been undertaken in some species, we lack a comprehensive picture of the specific proteins produced by different accessory tissues. Here, we perform proteomic investigations of six regions of the male reproductive tract in mice—seminal vesicles, anterior prostate, dorsolateral prostate, ventral prostate, bulbourethral gland, and bulbourethral diverticulum. We identify 766 proteins that could be mapped to 506 unique genes and compare them with a high-quality human seminal fluid data set. We find that Gene Ontology functions of seminal proteins are largely conserved between mice and humans. By placing these data in an evolutionary framework, we show that seminal vesicle proteins have experienced a significantly higher rate of nonsynonymous substitution compared with the genome, which could be the result of adaptive evolution. In contrast, proteins from the other five tissues showed significantly lower nonsynonymous substitution, revealing a previously unappreciated level of evolutionary constraint acting on the majority of male reproductive proteins.
Modeling Genetic Regulatory Networks by Sigmoidal Functions: A Joint Genetic Algorithm and Kalman Filtering Approach

In this paper, the problem of genetic regulatory network inference from time series microarray experiment data is considered. A noisy sigmoidal model is proposed to include both system noise and measurement noise. In order to solve this nonlinear identification problem (with noise), a joint genetic algorithm and Kalman filtering approach is proposed. Genetic algorithm is applied to minimize the fitness function and Kalman filter is employed to estimate the weight parameters in each iteration. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by using both synthetic data and microarray measurements.
Transformative architecture for the shrinking city

Many cities such as Detroit and Cleveland have been shrinking over the past decades. As cities shrink there is a weeding out of inefficiencies in businesses, social venues and in occupied spaces. When growth returns, the perforations in the urban fabric become the spaces for growth opportunities. There are over 4.6 million commercial buildings in the United States housing nearly 70 billion square feet of floor space. Most do not meet ASHRAE Standards for thermal comfort, ventilation and energy efficiency, due to age. The embodied energy in each of these buildings is enormous. Replacement of outdated buildings is not only a loss of this embodied energy, but requires additional resources for the disposal of the demolished structure. A shrinking city has an abundance of outdated buildings at low prices creating opportunity to replace the concept of urban re-growth with that of transformation. Transformation is different than restoration or renovation in that it does not necessarily strive to maintain the social, political or cultural embodiment of the place. Transformation allows a sustainable update with a new concept for user encounter. The idea of building replacement is the economical choice at present not due to the merits of replacement but rather due to the lack of research into the transformation of existing structures into sustainable environments. While new methods and materials are important, the idea of building on a virgin site has passed its time. Exploration into the retrofitting of existing buildings with new program and updated sustainable systems is important and preferable to development of urban pockets or brownfields. This paper will discuss the need for transformative architecture in research. Examples of transformative projects highlighting success and failures will be reviewed. The paper will provide a basis for discussion of the development of transformative ideas for practicing architecture firms.
Understanding Squeezed States and their Detection Using the Schrödinger Picture

Nearly all theoretical treatments of squeezed states employ the Heisenberg picture. Moreover, the nonclassical nature of the squeezed state is often emphasized. This can lead one to believe that it is difficult to develop an intuitive feel for what squeezed states are and what makes them special. We show that the important features of a squeezed state can be effectively understood through an elementary wavefunction method. By viewing the time-dependent Schrodinger wavefunctions for the electric and magnetic fields, we see that the crucial aspects of squeezed light involve time-dependent correlations between the fluctuations of the electric and magnetic fields. This approach yields not only an easy way to understand squeezed states, but also an elementary means for calculating their properties.
Thoracic traction on the trachea: mechanisms and magnitude

Both inspiratory increases and tonic thoracic traction (pull of the thorax) on the trachea [Ttx(tr)] have been shown to improve patency of the upper airway. To evaluate the origins and magnitude of...
A lens holographic-moiré technique to obtain components of displacements and derivatives

A symmetrical-double-beam illumination technique is combined with holographic-plate rotation around an axis in its own plane and with lens holography to obtain components of displacement in two- and three-dimensional bodies, or also the derivatives of the displacements. A pipe under internal pressure has been utilized to obtain components of displacement and disk under diametral compression is used to obtain derivatives of displacements. A very good agreement is obtained between holographic results and elasticity-theory solution.
Characteristics of all-OMCVD Grown GaAs MESFETS on Si Substrates

We present DC characteristics of all-OMCVD grown GaAs MESFET structures on Si substrates with unintentionally doped GaAs or AlGaAs buffer layers. MESFETs fabricated in two and three inch GaAs on Si wafers pinch off well and exhibit reasonably high transconductances up to 110 mS/mm for 1 µm gate devices. The reverse Schottky breakdown voltage of the MESFET gate is as high as 15 V and the forward turn on voltage is ~0.65 V. The ohmic isolation is comparable to the typical homoepitaxial layer with a leakage current of 100 nA at a I V bias. The low background doping levels of unintentionally doped GaAs buffer layers is the key factor for this successful MESFET operation.
Reflections on the New Hampshire Primary

Rather, in one of his more buoyant moments, referred to Gephardt's comingback "Lazarus-like" to triumph in the Iowa caucuses. If this had been the major theme, then Gephardt would have steamed into New Hampshire with much more momentum, and Paul Simon's campaign would probably have been over. Another speculation revolves around Bush and Robertson. It seems obvious that Robertson's supporters were not talking to the pollsters, of if they were, they weren't giving them straight answers. What would have happened if the polls had reflected the Robertson surge a month ago? I suspect that the story might have been somewhat different in this case
Spectral and Scatterer-Size Correlation during Angular Compounding: Simulations and Experimental Studies

In a previous study, theoretical expressions were derived for the correlation between ultrasonic scatterer-size estimates and their associated spectral measures when echo data are acquired from the same location but at different angles. The results were verified using simulations. In the present work, we further analyze simulation data for these conditions; in addition, we measure the correlations using a cylindrical tissue-mimicking phantom. Experimental and theoretical results show that the relationship of scatterer-size correlation to insonification angle depends on gate duration, gate type and beam profile. Some discrepancies are noted between experimental results and theoretical predictions, particularly when using smaller gated windows. The sources of the discrepancies are discussed. Experimental results using a 6-MHz linear array suggest that, to save acquisition and processing time while reducing variance, a 2 degree-3 degree angular increment step provides efficient angular compounding for scatterer-size imaging with this array. Theoretical predictions can provide estimates of expected correlations between angular acquisitions when compounding with other transducers.
Present status of blepharoptosis surgery.

Ptosis may be surgically corrected by shortening the levator muscle of the eyelid, suspending the eyelid from the frontalis muscle, or employing the superior rectus muscle.The most widely used and most applicable procedure is levator resection, which may be done by either the skin or the conjunctival approach.The most difficult problem in levator resection is to determine the extent of resection to perform. The degree of correction varies in congenital and acquired ptosis. The author discusses a formula for determining the amount of resection necessary; however, this determination depends chiefly on the surgeon's judgment and experience.
Professor Shi Yumin's Experience in Treating Functional Constipation in Children

Based on long-term clinical practice,Professor Shi Yumin concludes that childhood functional constipation results from yin deficiency and dryness,accompanied by qi deficiency and qi stagnation,that its treatment concentrates on enriching yin and essence,moisten dryness and promote bowel movement by modified "Zengye Decoction",as well as reasonable diets and defecation exercises.
Alterations in carbohydrate metabolism as they apply to reproductive endocrinology

This review has characterized the current state of knowledge of four clinical situations in which an interrelationship of gynecology, endocrinology and carbohydrate metabolism is recognized. The literature contains conflicting descriptions of changes in glucose homeostasis during the menstrual cycle and while using birth control pills. Physiologic changes in receptor number have been demonstrated in each of these situations, so failure to observe differences using glucose tolerance testing may reflect an in vivo homeostatic response to changes in these hormone levels. Thus, in vivo identification of alterations in carbohydrate metabolism induced by endogenous or exogenous steroids may require utilization of models that prevent these homeostatic mechanisms. The association between hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinism has been better characterized, but the relationship is complicated by the frequent coexistence of obesity. The association may be due to insulin-stimulated ovarian androgen production, and insulin insensitivity may reflect a postreceptor defect. Insulin and its metabolic effects have also been implicated in ovulatory dysfunction in women with diabetes mellitus and identified as a factor affecting all levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. A clearer understanding of these relationships and their application to clinical management await further study.
Diagnosis and Initial Management of Urological Injuries Associated with 200 Consecutive Pelvic Fractures

Abstract During 26 months 200 consecutive patients with fracture of the bony pelvis were evaluated and treated for urological injury. There was no correlation between the extent of pelvic injury and degree of hematuria but hematuria was present in all patients with a urological injury. All urological injuries occurred with anterior arch fractures. The over-all incidence of injury was 13.5 per cent (bladder 9 per cent, urethra 3.5 per cent and combined 1 per cent). Limited extraperitoneal bladder ruptures were treated successfully by Foley catheter drainage.
Evidence for Dual Peripheral 5’Deiodinases (5’D) Regulating Circulating T3 Levels in Man

The majority of circulating T3 in euthyroid man appears to be derived from conversion of T4 to T3 via 5’deiodinase (5’D) systems located in peripheral tissues. Recently, we have reported that a progressive reduction in the efficiency of T4 to T3 conversion occurs when circulating T4 levels rise from subnormal to supraphysiological concentrations (1,2). As shown in Fig. 1 (left panel), the greatest change in conversion efficiency of T4 to T3 is seen over the span of T4 values ranging between 0 and 5 µg/dl in eu-TBG-emic subjects. These data were obtained in 254 patients who had been placed on varying doses of chronic T4 therapy. Some of the T3 values in patients with identical serum T4 levels have been averaged in order to obtain a better overview of the mean pattern of the T3 response in the study population. In separate T4 tracer kinetic studies, we have found that a 50% conversion efficiency of T4 to T3 occurs at low serum T4 values which progressively drops to less than 15% at T4 levels in excess of 20 µg/dl (3).It is of interest that no apparent alteration in the efficiency of T4 to rT3 was detected over this same range of serum T4 values (2).
Kindred Spirits, Common Spark: The Theory of the Authoritarian Dynamic

If we hope to make real progress in understanding predispositions to intolerance of difference, then it is no longer sufficient simply to admire the empirical regularities – the variance “accounted for” – and to persist in our lazy conviction that whatever authoritarianism is, whatever its origins and essential nature, it is somehow fundamentally implicated in this cluster of intolerant attitudes and behaviors. I develop in this chapter my own argument regarding what I have labeled the authoritarian dynamic (Stenner 1997). This posits a dynamic process in which an enduring individual predisposition interacts with changing environmental conditions – specifically, conditions of “normative threat” – to produce manifest expressions of intolerance. I will show that this hypothesized dynamic can resolve the persistent empirical puzzles that I have described, and reconcile theoretical perspectives alternately emphasizing the individual psychology or environmental conditions conducive to intolerance. The first step forward is to distinguish among the sources of authoritarianism, the predisposition itself, and the attitudinal and behavioral consequences of authoritarianism: racial, political, and moral intolerance. Once we unpack these pieces of the puzzle, we can strip authoritarianism down to an elemental predisposition that is not tautological with the dependent variables it purports to “explain”; allow for manifold sources, including both psychological factors and social learning; and admit that the relationship between the predisposition and its manifest products depends upon the environment, that is, that societal conditions affect the extent to which those predispositions are expressed in racist and intolerant attitudes and behaviors.
Adaptive harmonics comb notch digital filter for measuring heart rate of laboratory rat using a 60-GHz radar

Harmonics of respiration frequency due to nonlinear Doppler phase demodulation may interfere the identification of heartbeat frequency in vital sign radar's baseband spectrum. The proposed adaptive harmonics comb notch digital filter is a type of spectrum-based filtering function with no degradation on the heartbeat signal, and no calibration is needed when the detection distance changes. Experimental results show that the proposed filter for removing respiration harmonics can help measuring laboratory rat's heart rate more accurately when the heartbeat movement is weak or overwhelmed by the respiratory movement in the detected spectrum. Furthermore, even when the heart rate is totally overlapped by the respiration rate harmonics, the heart rate can still be extracted.
Cystatin C-calculated Glomerular Filtration Rate—A Marker of Early Renal Dysfunction in Patients With Neuropathic Bladder

Objective To asses if cystatin c-calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can reveal chronic kidney disease (CKD) not detected by creatinine-based calculations in a larger prospective cohort of children with myelomeningocele (MMC). Wheelchair-bound MMC patients frequently have low muscle mass, and assessing renal deterioration based on creatinine-based GFR is imprecise. MMC patients are also at risk for end-stage renal disease. Methods Prospectively enrolled patients with MMC underwent annual serum creatinine and cystatin c testing. Anthropometric measurements were obtained from clinic visit. The modified (bedside) Schwartz formula for creatinine-based GFR and the Zappitelli cystatin C formula were utilized for calculation. The exclusion criteria were patients with reduced GFR (CKD stage 2) or chronic CKD (CKD stage 3 and greater); these patients were excluded from analysis on the premise that they had already been identified for closer renal monitoring. Results A total of 131 patients were included in the analysis. The median creatinine-based estimated GFR was 126.5 mL/min/1.73 m 2 (range: 22-310). The median cystatin C-based estimated rate was 98.5 mL/min/1.73 m 2 (range: 16-171), yielding an absolute median rate reduction of 30.2%. Using cystatin c-calculated GFR, CKD stage was upgraded from stage 1 to ≥2 in 34 patients (26%). Conclusion In MMC patients with poor muscle mass, cystatin C-based GFR is more sensitive than creatinine-based GFR in detecting early CKD. In this high-risk population, serial cystatin C estimation is a valuable tool in identifying children who may benefit from early nephrology referral and intervention.
REST corepressors RCOR1 and RCOR2 and the repressor INSM1 regulate the proliferation–differentiation balance in the developing brain

The transcriptional events that lead to the cessation of neural proliferation, and therefore enable the production of proper numbers of differentiated neurons and glia, are still largely uncharacterized. Here, we report that the transcription factor Insulinoma-associated 1 (INSM1) forms complexes with RE1 Silencing Transcription factor (REST) corepressors RCOR1 and RCOR2 in progenitors in embryonic mouse brain. Mice lacking both RCOR1 and RCOR2 in developing brain die perinatally and generate an abnormally high number of neural progenitors at the expense of differentiated neurons and oligodendrocyte precursor cells. In addition, Rcor1/2 deletion detrimentally affects complex morphological processes such as closure of the interganglionic sulcus. We find that INSM1, a transcription factor that induces cell-cycle arrest, is coexpressed with RCOR1/2 in a subset of neural progenitors and forms complexes with RCOR1/2 in embryonic brain. Further, the Insm1−/− mouse phenocopies predominant brain phenotypes of the Rcor1/2 knockout. A large number of genes are concordantly misregulated in both knockout genotypes, and a majority of the down-regulated genes are targets of REST. Rest transcripts are up-regulated in both knockouts, and reducing transcripts to control levels in the Rcor1/2 knockout partially rescues the defect in interganglionic sulcus closure. Our findings indicate that an INSM1/RCOR1/2 complex controls the balance of proliferation and differentiation during brain development.
Comparative Genomics of the Cucurbitaceae

The genome size for watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), melon (Cucumis melo), cucumber (Cuucmis sativus) and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) is 425, 454, 367 and 502 Mbp, respectively, and considered medium size as compared with most other crops. Whole-genome duplication is common in angiosperm plants. Research has revealed a paleohexaploidy (ϒ) event in the common ancestor of eudicots after the divergence of monocotyledons and dicotyledons. While analysis of published whole-genome sequences of cucumber, melon and watermelon showed traces of these ancient duplication events, there was not evidence of more recent whole-genome duplications in these species. Analysis of the syntenic relationships among watermelon, cucumber, melon and grape has identified 3543 orthologous relationships covering the watermelon, melon, and cucumber genomes. Comparison of melon and cucumber genomes synteny to detect shorter regions of rearrangements confirmed previously reported ancestral fusions of five melon chromosome pairs in cucumber, and several inter- and intra-chromosome rearrangements between the two species. Sequenced genomes of cucumber, melon and watermelon revealed a comparable range of genes from 23 k to 27 k protein coding genes with an average of four to six exons per gene. Current progress in gene mapping technologies such as optical mapping, which produces maps of large individual DNA molecules, can improve cucurbit comparative genomics to detect large structural variations and DNA rearrangements across the species.
Efficacy of Visual–Acoustic Biofeedback Intervention for Residual Rhotic Errors: A Single-Subject Randomization Study

Purpose This study documented the efficacy of visual–acoustic biofeedback intervention for residual rhotic errors, relative to a comparison condition involving traditional articulatory treatment. A...
Characteristics of Emerging Economies

Today, roughly 30 countries are classified as "emerging markets" by the World Bank. Investor interest in these markets has grown substantially over time. During the first half of the 1990s, privatization and economic liberalization that took place across emerging market countries substantially enlarged the set of emerging market securities available to foreign investors and thereby provided a strong and decisive impulse for portfolio investments in emerging markets. The purpose of this technical note is to describe some key characteristics of emerging capital markets and compare them with those of developed and less-developed or frontier markets. This technical note is the first of three notes on emerging markets. See also UVA-F-1454 and UVA-F-1455. Excerpt UVA-F-1453 Investing in Emerging Markets Technical Note Series No. 1 CHARACTERISTICS OF EMERGING MARKETS Today, roughly 30 countries are considered to be in transition to higher levels of economic development and have hence earned the title “emerging markets” from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of The World Bank. Initially (in 1981) the IFC emerging market index included stocks of publicly traded companies from nine countries. By 2002, the total number of countries covered in the IFC emerging market indices had reached 33. Standard & Poor's acquired the IFC indices in January 2000, and they are now known as the S&P/IFC indices. Investor interest in emerging markets has grown over time. Before 1980, little capital flowed into these markets due to the lack of financial products and services available to foreign investors and the perceived high market risk and volatility. Beginning in 1981, private portfolio investment in the emerging markets began to grow. During the first half of the 1990s, the privatization and economic liberalization that took place across emerging market countries substantially enlarged the set of emerging market securities available to foreign investors, who thereby developed a strong and decisive interest in them for portfolio investments. Net portfolio inflows to emerging markets peaked in 1994 at $ 113 billion, only to decrease sharply in the following years, mainly due to the widespread financial turmoil that affected these markets (the “Tequila Effects,” kicked off by the devaluation of the Mexican peso). The purpose of this technical note is to describe some key characteristics of emerging capital markets and compare them with those of developed and less-developed, or frontier, markets. Although other emerging market indices are available (e.g., Morgan Stanley's Capital International [MSCI] index), the S&P/IFC cohort is used in this technical note, because it includes a broader set of countries than competing indices. S&P/IFC considers a market to be “emerging” if it meets at least one of the following criteria: 1. It is in a low- or middle-income country, as defined by the World Bank, and . . .
On the value of the dollar and income inequality: Asymmetric evidence from state level data in the U.S.

Abstract On the assumption that wages do not adjust fully to inflationary effects of currency depreciation, a depreciation could shift income from workers to producers which could worsen income inequality. When we tested this hypothesis using a standard linear ARDL model, we found no long-run support for the hypothesis in any of the 51 states of the U.S. However, when we applied recent advances in formulating nonlinearity and introduced nonlinear adjustment of the real effective exchange rate of the dollar, we found significant short-run and long-run asymmetric effects in almost half of the 51 states. In most states, dollar depreciation was found to have un-equalizing effects on income inequality, consistent with theory.
Designs enhancing Fisher information

ABSTRACTGiven a model with Fisher information matrix a principal objective is to find information enhancing transformations for which under the positive definite ordering, so as to improve essentials in linear inference. This is achieved through properties of congruences together with basic orderings of linear spaces. These foundations in turn support a new class of geometric mixture models on “mixing” the original design with another to assume the role of “target,” to the following effects. Ridge, surrogate, and other solutions are often used to mitigate the effects of ill-conditioned models. Instead, in this study an ill-conditioned design matrix is mixed with a well-conditioned design as target, leveraging the former toward the latter as the mixing parameter evolves, thus offering an alternative approach to ill-conditioning. The methodology is demonstrated with case studies from the literature, where the geometric mixtures are compared with the ridge, surrogate, and recently found arithmetic mixture mo...
The All-or-Nothing Marriage: How the Best Marriages Work: By Eli J. Finkel. New York, NY: Dutton, 2017, 352 pages,. $28.00 (hardcover).

As the title suggests, this book explores the paradox of current marriages. The author (a PhD social psychologist) directs a marriage research program at Northwestern University. Based on his studi...
Stellar End States

No material object can exist forever, and stars are no exception. Although their lives may be measured in millions or billions of years, stars do stop shining when all of the available sources of subatomic energy have been exhausted. Their central thermonuclear reactions, which keep the star hot inside, are then turned off. There is no heat and pressure being generated inside such a star, so the internal support has been removed and it begins its ultimate contraction. The demise of such a star results in the simultaneous creation of a new star from its collapsing core, with a final resting state that depends on the star’s mass.
Husbandry of Dairy Animals | Goat: Feeding Management

The article defines nutrition and nutrients and discusses the functions of each of the six nutrients in relation to providing that nutrient for the dairy goat. It also discusses animal production factors that affect nutrient requirements as well as the necessity of forage and feed analysis for ration balancing. It presents methods to assess nutritional adequacy and body condition scoring as a means to assess protein and energy adequacy. The article also outlines methods to troubleshoot vitamin and mineral problems and discusses feeding the doe from the dry period to the transitional period, through mid and late lactation. It presents management of body condition scores at each stage of lactation. Tables of goat nutrient requirements for growing doelings, dry does, and lactating does are provided as is a table of goat mineral requirements. The article also discusses nutritional diseases such as acidosis, pregnancy toxemia, enterotoxemia, milk fever, polioencephalomalacia, white muscle disease, urolithiasis, posthitis, and bloat with reference to their prevention through nutritional management. The effect of nutrition on milk composition and nutritional causes of milk off-flavors are also presented.
58-OR : SIGNALING NETWORKS REGULATING HLA CLASS II ANTIBODY-MEDIATED ACTIVATION AND MIGRATION OF ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

Aim Recipients producing posttransplant HLA antibodies (Ab) are at a higher risk for acute and chronic Ab-mediated rejection (AMR). Donor endothelial cells (EC) lining the blood vessels of the allograft are the primary targets of AMR. Angiogenesis and neovascularization are considered to be hallmarks of chronic rejection and transplant-associated vasculopothy (TAV). Angiogenesis is a multistep process of EC activation including proliferation and migration. This study investigated the potential for anti-class II Ab to contribute to the process of angiogenesis by stimulating EC activation and migration. Methods HLA-II expression was induced in primary human aortic EC by recombinant adenovirus pAd/PL-DEST encoding CIITA (Ad-CIITA), HLA-II transactvator, or treatment with TNFa and IFNg. HLA-II expression was determined by flow cytometry. Class II+ EC were stimulated with anti-HLA-II Ab and protein phosphorylation was detected by Western Blot. Class II induced cell migration was assessed by wound healing using phase contrast microscopy. Results Ligation of HLA-II antigens on cytokine pretreated or Ad-CIITA infected EC stimulated a marked increase in phosphorylation of Src, PI3K and a concomitant inactivation of TSC2. Stimulation with anti-class II Ab also mediated activation of mTORC1 pathway including increased phosphorylation of S6K and S6RP, and the mTORC2-targets Akt and ERK. EC stimulated with HLA-II Ab migrated across the wound and closed the gap whereas in the presence of pharmacological inhibitors targeting Src, PI3K, ERK, and TSC/mTOR, HLA-II Ab-induced cell migration was abolished. Conclusions We report for the first time that Ab ligation of HLA-II molecules expressed on EC stimulates a series of intracellular signals culminating in EC migration. HLA-II–mediated transduction of signals is most likely of importance in the setting of chronic AMR, in which Ab-mediated modifications of endothelial cell function are thought to promote angiogenesis and neovascularization contributing to TAV.
mTOR and the Regulation of Translational Capacity in Late Forms of Synaptic Plasticity

Stimulus-induced changes in gene expression, mediated by translation and transcription, are required for persistent forms of synaptic plasticity (late-LTP and late-LTD) and for memory consolidation. In recent years, the search for the translational control mechanisms that operate during synaptic plasticity has centered on signaling within the dendritic compartment, guided by the accumulating evidence that proteins synthesized within dendrites, and not in the cell body, are required for late-LTP and late-LTD. Among the first such control mechanisms to be discovered was the activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR; formerly called mammalian TOR), a ubiquitous translational regulator that is required for the induction of late-LTP and late-LTD. The consistent requirement of mTOR in multiple forms of late plasticity suggests that it is involved in the synthesis of both LTP- and LTD-related plasticity-related proteins (PRPs).
A queueing approach for appointment capacity planning in primary care clinics with electronic visits

Electronic visits (e-visits), which allows patients and primary care providers to communicate through secure messages sent from patient portals, has enabled virtual care delivery as an alternative ...
CSTF: Large-Scale Sparse Tensor Factorizations on Distributed Platforms

Tensors, or N-dimensional arrays, are increasingly used to represent multi-dimensional data. Sparse tensor decomposition algorithms are of particular interest in analyzing and compressing big datasets due to the fact that most of real-world data is sparse and multi-dimensional. However, state-of-the-art tensor decomposition algorithms are not scalable for overwhelmingly large and higher-order sparse tensors on distributed platforms. In this paper, we use the MapReduce model and the Spark engine to implement tensor factorizations on distributed platforms. The proposed CSTF algorithm, Cloud-based Sparse Tensor Factorization, is a scalable distributed algorithm for tensor decompositions for large data. It uses the coordinate storage format (COO) to operate on the tensor nonzeros directly, thus, eliminating the need for tensor unfolding and the storage of intermediate data. Also, a novel queuing strategy (QCOO) is proposed to exploit the dependency and data reuse between a sequence of tensor operations in tensor decomposition algorithms. Details on the key-value storage paradigm and Spark features used to implement the algorithm and the data reuse strategies are also provided. The queuing strategy reduces data communication costs by 35% for 3rd-order tensors and by 31% for 4th-order tensors over the COO-based implementation respectively. Compared to the state-of-the-art work, BIGtensor, CSTF achieves 2.2× to 6.9× speedup for 3rd-order tensor decompositions.
Metabolic Syndrome Modulates Protein Import into the Mitochondria of Porcine Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently being tested in several clinical trials. Mitochondria regulate many aspects of MSC function. Mitochondrial preproteins are rapidly translated and trafficked into the mitochondrion for assembly in their final destination, but whether coexisting cardiovascular risk factors modulate this process is unknown. We hypothesized that metabolic syndrome (MetS) modulates mitochondrial protein import in porcine MSCs. MSCs were isolated from porcine abdominal adipose tissue after 16 weeks of Lean or MetS diet (n = 5 each). RNA-sequencing was performed and differentially expressed mitochondrial mRNAs and microRNAs were identified and validated. Protein expression of transporters of mitochondrial proteins (presequences and precursors) and their respective substrates were measured. Mitochondrial homeostasis was assessed by Western blot and function by cytochrome-c oxidase-IV activity. Forty-five mitochondrial mRNAs were upregulated and 25 downregulated in MetS-MSCs compared to Lean-MSCs. mRNAs upregulated in MetS-MSCs encoded for precursor proteins, whereas those downregulated encoded for presequences. Micro-RNAs upregulated in MetS-MSCs primarily target mRNAs encoding for presequences. Transporters of precursor proteins and their substrates were also upregulated, associated with changes in mitochondrial homeostasis and dysfunction. MetS interferes with mitochondrial protein import, favoring upregulation of precursor proteins, which might be linked to post-transcriptional regulation of presequences. This in turn alters mitochondrial homeostasis and impairs energy production. Our observations highlight the importance of mitochondria in MSC function and provide a molecular framework for optimization of cell-based strategies as we move towards their clinical application.
Foraging by Mottled Ducks (Anas fulvigula) in a dry agriculture field during winter: a novel observation

ABSTRACT On 9 December 2016, we observed 10 Mottled Ducks (Anas fulvigula) foraging in a harvested, dry cornfield in south Texas. Several North American waterfowl species in the genus Anas commonly feed in dry agricultural fields; however, this foraging strategy has not been documented in Mottled Ducks during winter prior to this observational account. As corn acreage increases in coastal Texas in conjunction with declining acreage of wetland habitats, Mottled Ducks may opportunistically forage in dry agricultural fields more frequently.
Variance-based sensitivity analysis applied to the hydrogen migration and redistribution model in Bison. Part II: Uncertainty quantification and optimization

Abstract We demonstrate a global sensitivity and uncertainty analysis approach to quantify the impact of uncertainty in the hydrogen migration and redistribution models implemented in the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy fuel performance code Bison. In this study, we provide a brief description of the physical phenomena studied and the sensitivity analysis methods used. To identify the key parameters related to the hydrogen migration and redistribution model in Bison, we study the impact of the variance of the model parameters on the amount of hydrides formed near the outer surface of the nuclear fuel cladding, where hydrides are more likely to form, under the normal operation conditions of a light water reactor. To quantify the impact of the input variance of the parameters on the output variations, we compute the variance-based indices (Sobol indices) and the Pearson correlation coefficients. The results of this work show that the activation energy for the terminal solid solubility of hydride precipitation, the hydrogen heat of transport and the activation energy for hydrogen diffusivity are the key parameters. An optimized set of these parameters was then determined as an attempt to increase the accuracy of Bison predictions by decreasing the root mean square error of the predictions versus experimental results, using a basin-hopping optimization framework.
New Source Netting in Nonattainment Areas under the Clean Air Act

Lawsuits arising out of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) efforts to implement the Clean Air Act center around the bubble concept. The position of advocates that it reduces compliance costs, making pollution control more cost-effective and giving the states control over their own clean-up efforts, is a secondary consideration. The court's balanced approach in the Gorsuch case endorses the idea that a bubble approach can work for programs designed to maintain existing air quality and where pollution is not a serious threat to public health. The decision forces states to alleviate the danger posed by pollution if there is a threat to public health before they consider easing the cost of compliance.
Cluster analysis to define distinct clinical phenotypes among septic patients with bloodstream infections.

AbstractPrior attempts at identifying outcome determinants associated with bloodstream infection have employed a priori determined classification schemes based on readily identifiable microbiology, infection site, and patient characteristics. We hypothesized that even amongst this heterogeneous popu
Contribution of socioeconomic and environmental factors to geographic disparities in breast cancer risk in the Nurses' Health Study II.

Epidemiological investigations focusing on geographic variations of breast cancer risk may help determine social and environmental factors that influence observed disease disparities. Breast cancer incidence rates among older women in the United States have been reported to be higher in the Northeast than in the South and in urban areas compared with rural areas.1–3 Regional variations were observed in the California Teachers Study, with higher incidence rates in San Francisco and coastal Southern California, after accounting for covariates.4 In an early prospective analysis of regional variation among postmenopausal women in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), hazard ratios adjusted for individual-level known breast cancer risk factors were elevated in the Northeast and California (the only state from the West) compared with the South.5 The modest elevations in breast cancer risk observed in specific geographic areas suggest that regional variation in breast cancer risk factors (e.g., age, body mass index, reproductive history, hormone use) do not fully explain the observed patterns. Although provocative, these past studies examined location at a regional level for one time point in the woman’s life. The importance of location, a potential proxy for social and environmental factors, is as much a function of exposure timing as it is of the exposures themselves. The current study seeks to further investigate geographic disparities in breast cancer risk using prospective cohort data from the Nurses’ Health Study II (NHSII) by applying generalized additive models (GAMs) to determine associations with geocoded address locations. This spatial approach allows for identification of geographic disease patterns while systematically determining predictors of the pattern. The first objective was to investigate the association between breast cancer risk and location at two time periods, during adolescence and early adulthood. Our second objective was to determine the impact of socioeconomic and environmental factors on the underlying spatial patterns of incident breast cancer risk associated with location in early adulthood, accounting for known individual-level breast cancer risk factors. Identification of geographic patterns and where patterns persist after adjustment for known risk factors may provide additional insight into unexplored risk factors that vary by location.
Visiting Student Away Rotations in Ophthalmology: A Study of Medical Students' Experiences and Perspectives

Background Despite the frequency of medical students' participation in ophthalmology clerkships away from their home institution, the impact and benefit of these clerkships have remained uninvestigated. To date, no study has focused specifically on medical student perspectives of away ophthalmology clerkships. Objective The purpose of the study was to evaluate the medical students' perspectives on and experience with away rotations in ophthalmology, and assess their effect on residency Match outcomes. Methods An anonymous, original, online survey was designed and distributed to applicants of the 2015 to 2018 ophthalmology Match cycles. Results A total of 69 responses from nine medical institutions were collected (62% response rate). Forty-one respondents (59%) chose to perform at least one away rotation. Among away rotators, the mean number performed was 1.44. Thirty-seven away rotators (90%) reported receiving an interview from at least one host institution they visited. The average estimated cost of an away rotation was ∼1,709 U.S. dollars. With a 95.7% overall match rate among the respondents, no statistically significant difference was seen in match rates between away rotators and nonaway rotators (p = 0.564). Among the away rotators, the mean position on their rank order list matched was 2.34, while the nonaway rotators matched at a mean position of 2.13 (p = 0.383). Conclusion No association between away participation and success in the San Francisco Match was observed in this study. However, study participants did experience non-Match-related benefits from away elective participation.
Physician Perceptions of Barriers to Advance Care Planning.

Background Numerous studies have confirmed the importance of advance care planning. Despite the benefits of directed end-of-life discussions, a variety of barriers including discomfort with the topic, physician ideology, lack of time and reimbursement, delaying discussions, and lack of training impede physicians from facilitating these crucial conversations with their patients. This study aims to understand physicians' perceptions to additional barriers to advance care planning with patients and their families. Methods Interviews with 19 practicing physicians (seven women and 12 men). Their perceptions were noted in interviews that were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed (n = 19). Results Physicians continue to face barriers to advance care planning as well as struggle with additional challenges such as difficulty with families, lack of patient education, inconsistencies and accessibility of advance directive documents, and lack of physician-physician communication or agreement in care. Further analysis reveals contradictions regarding physician comfort level and the role of primary care. These results reveal the complexity of providing medical care and the continued need for improvements in physician-patient communication about end-of-life care. Conclusions Complex challenges in communication impede the delivery of successful end-of-life experiences for patients and their families. With improvements in the practices of advance care planning, many of these challenges can be removed - enabling individuals to remain in control as they near the end of their lives and preventing unnecessary pain and suffering on behalf of the patient and family.
Performance of wedge-shaped luminescent solar concentrators employing phosphor films and annual energy estimation case studies

Abstract Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are solar devices that focus sunlight through red-shifted internal reflection and have been proposed as a potential alternative to traditional photovoltaic (PV) panels. Such systems also have potential applications as multi-functional building envelope materials. This paper investigates the performance of wedge-shaped LSCs employing inorganic luminescent phosphors that demonstrate enhanced performance at incidence angles that conventional solar panels do not use effectively. This behavior is investigated experimentally through the current-voltage (I–V) characteristics of solar cells attached to wedge-shaped LSCs illuminated at angles covering the entire range of possible insolation conditions. Similar experiments were also performed on solar cells to determine the power ratio, or the power produced by solar cells within an LSC normalized to the power produced by bare solar cells exposed to identical insolation conditions. Using laboratory measured power ratio and recorded direct normal irradiance data for two case studies in Phoenix AZ and Albany NY, the annual energy production for wedge-shaped LSCs mounted on vertical walls due to direct-beam irradiance was determined. The energy produced by solar cells within vertically installed LSCs is between 20 and 40% above annual energy produced by vertically installed solar panels, depending on location and orientation (facing east or south). Moreover, depending on orientation, wedge-LSC power production peaks at traditionally suboptimal times for a solar panel. In all, these results demonstrate the potential for wedge-shaped LSCs as a power harvesting building envelope, an architectural solution emerging in response to net-zero energy building legislation.
Moral Concern in the Legalist State

This article attempts to describe the extent to which the Legalist political vision possesses moral concern. Drawing from the Book of Lord Shang (Shang Jun Shu 商君書) and the Hanfeizi 韓非子, I investigate the discipline reinforced by rewards and punishments, the relationship between the state and its subjects, and the interiorization of the law’s production of subject self-determination. With a positive sociological lens, this study guides its discussion utilizing a Durkheimian definition of moral education. I argue that its three elements of morality share a very similar pedagogical quality with the interplay of Legalist law and its reinforcements. Moreover, the effects of rewards prove to play a particularly enhanced role in the cultivation of discipline and commitment to impersonal objectives amongst the populace.
“I Can Write in My Language and Switch Back and Forth?”: Elementary Teacher Candidates Experiencing and Enacting Translanguaging Pedagogies in a Literacy Methods Course:

Although existing research examines how pre-K–12 teachers understand everyday translanguaging and enact translanguaging pedagogies in their literacy classrooms, considerably less research explores ...