cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pseudohalide-induced moisture tolerance in perovskite CH3 NH3 Pb(SCN)2 I thin films.

Two pseudohalide thiocyanate ions (SCN � ) have been used to replace two iodides in CH3NH3PbI3, and the resulting perovskite material was used as the active material in solar cells. In accelerated stability tests, the CH3NH3Pb(SCN)2I perovskite films were shown to be superior to the conventional CH3NH3PbI3 films as no significant degradation was observed after the film had been exposed to air with a relative humidity of 95 % for over four hours, whereas CH3NH3PbI3 films degraded in less than 1.5 hours. Solar cells based on CH3NH3Pb(SCN)2I thin films exhibited an efficiency of 8.3 %, which is comparable to that of CH3NH3PbI3 based cells fabricated in the same way. Perovskite-type CH3NH3PbX3 solid-state solar cells with over 19 % efficiency have recently been reported. (1) They represent promising candidates for next-generation photo- voltaic devices owing to their astoundingly high efficiency, the low costs associated with their solution-based fabrication, and tunable optical properties. (2) Furthermore, this material performs very well in terms of both charge transport (electron/hole diffusion lengths of ca. 1 mm and 1.2 um, respectively, for CH3NH3PbI3� xClx), (3) and light absorption (1.5 � 10 4 cm � 1 at 550 nm). (4) In general, perovskite solar cells
A frequency domain algorithm for detection and classification of cyclic and dihedral symmetries in two-dimensional patterns

This paper presents a very effective algorithm for detecting and classifying cyclic and dihedral symmetries from images of finite patterns. Some results concerning reflectional and rotational symmetries of Fourier transforms are presented and exploited to define a convenient frequency domain function whose zero-crossings contain distinctive pairs of orthogonal lines related to the order of the symmetry. The discrimination between cyclic and dihedral symmetries is accomplished by comparing these zero-crossings with those of a second frequency domain function. Several examples of symmetric patterns correctly classified by our algorithm are reported and discussed in the paper.
A structural-developmental psychodynamic approach to psychopathology: two polarities of experience across the life span

Consistent with principles of developmental psychopathology, this paper presents a broad psychodynamic structural developmental perspective that establishes conceptual continuities between processes of normal personality development, personality organization, concepts of psychopathology, and processes of therapeutic change. The major assumption of this approach is that personality development proceeds in a dialectic synergistic interaction between the development of capacities for interpersonal relatedness and the development of self-definition or identity. Extensive research demonstrates that these two dimensions define two broad types of personality organization, each with a particular experiential mode; preferred forms of cognition, defense, and adaptation; unique qualities of interpersonal relatedness and specific types of object and self-representation. Severe disruptions of this normal dialectic developmental process result in various forms of psychopathology organized in two basic configurations in which there is distorted defensive preoccupation, at different developmental levels, with one of these polarities (relatedness or self-definition) at the expense of the development of the other dimension. This paper reviews empirical findings supporting this approach to normal and disrupted personality development throughout the life cycle and considers its relationship to the internalizing-externalizing distinction in childhood and adolescence, attachment theory, and research on the interaction between biological and psychosocial factors in development across the life span. Finally, we discuss the implications of this approach for intervention and prevention.
Brueckner and Fischer On the Evil of Death

According to the Deprivation Approach, the evil of death is to be explained by the fact that death deprives us of the goods we would have enjoyed if we had lived longer. But the Deprivation Approach confronts a problem first discussed by Lucretius. Late birth seems to deprive us of the goods we would have enjoyed if we had been born earlier. Yet no one is troubled by late birth. So it’s hard to see why we should be troubled by its temporal mirror image, early death. In a 1986 paper, Anthony Brueckner and John Martin Fischer appealed to a version of Derek Parfit’s “Bias toward the Future”; they claimed that early death deprives us of future goods that we care about, while late birth deprives us of past goods that we don’t care about. In this paper I show that the Brueckner–Fischer principle is open to several possible interpretations, but that it does not solve the Lucretius problem no matter how we understand it.
A Psychiatric Dialogue on the Mind-Body Problem

Of all the human professions, psychiatry is most centrally concerned with the relationship of mind and brain. In many clinical interactions, psychiatrists need to consider both subjective mental experiences and objective aspects of brain function. This article attempts to summarize, in the form of a dialogue between a philosophically informed attending psychiatrist and three residents, the major philosophical positions on the mind-body problem. The positions reviewed include the following: substance dualism, property dualism, type identity, token identity, functionalism, eliminative materialism, and explanatory dualism. This essay seeks to provide a brief user-friendly introduction, from a psychiatric perspective, to current thinking about the mind-body problem.
Type 1 Diabetes Immunotherapy: Is the Glass Half Empty or Half Full?

Reevaluation of clinical data from the recent failed immunotherapy trials suggests that researchers should continue the quest to cure type 1 diabetes with immune therapies.
Control of the Dark Current in Vertebrate Rods and Cones

The excitatory process in a vertebrate rod or cone is known to begin with photochemical cis-trans isomerization of a carotenoid chromophore and to result in transient change in the cell’s membrane potential, the latter being the first detectable neural signal. Although the machinery linking these two events has not yet been fully worked out, a number of old and new facts give us clues about it.
Maturity and Stability Evaluation of Composted Yard Trimmings

The objective of this research was to evaluate a variety of stability and maturity indices for yard trimmings compost produced in the Puget Sound region of western Washington State. Compost samples were collected periodically during a 133-d composting cycle at a commercial composting facility, showing that indices of compost respiration rate were sensitive indicators of compost quality. All respiration rate indices identified a period of high respiration rates during active composting (first 27 d), and a period of relatively stable respiration rates during the latter part of curing (70 to 133 d). Chemical tests of compost solids showed less promise as maturity indicators, but provided valuable information on final compost quality. Mature yard trimmings compost had a C:N of 12, an NH4-N to NO3-N ratio of less than 4, a cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 400 cmol per kg of compost-C, and a pH between 6.5 and Seed germination tests and sensory tests (color and odor) were of limited value in assessing compost ...
Interfacing Coq + SSReflect with GAP

We report on an extendable implementation of the communication interface connecting Coq proof assistant to the computational algebra system GAP using the Symbolic Computation Software Composability Protocol (SCSCP). It allows Coq to issue OpenMath requests to a local or remote GAP instances and represent server responses as Coq terms.
Postoperative Complications Following Gingival Augmentation Procedures

Background: Postoperative pain, swelling, and bleeding are the most common complications following soft tissue grafting procedures; however, detailed documentation is sparse in the literature. The aims of this prospective study were as follows: 1) to compare the frequency of complication occurrence after free soft tissue grafting (FSTG) or subepithelial connective tissue grafting (SCTG) procedures; 2) to evaluate the use of an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) as the donor tissue alternative to an FSTG or SCTG; and 3) to identify possible predictors for these complications.Methods: Seventy-five FSTG and 256 SCTG procedures were performed in 228 patients by a single operator. In five free soft tissue and 84 bilaminar graft procedures, an ADM was used instead of autogenous tissue. Variables such as the duration and location of procedures, smoking history, gender, and age were recorded. Patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire 1 week after the surgeries regarding postoperative pain, swelling, and bleeding...
Comparison of horizontal winds from the LIMS satellite instrument with rocket measurements

Statistical results are given for a comparison between horizontal geostrophic winds computed from satellite height data and all available in situ rocket wind soundings during a 7-month period. The satellite data are the daily mapped fields from the Nimbus 7 Limb Infrared Monitor of the Stratosphere (LIMS) instrument, which extend from 100 to 0.1 mbar. Results indicate that in both the tropics and the extratropical Northern Hemisphere, the average zonal and meridional wind speeds agree to within 2-4 m/s throughout the stratosphere. The rms differences are much larger, with values of 5-10 m/s in the lower stratosphere, increasing to 20-40 m/s in the lower mesosphere. Time series show that LIMS and rocketsonde zonal wind speeds show coherent variations with temporal periods of 1-2 weeks and more, and both exhibit irregular variations on time scales of less than one week.
Component-based version management for embedded computing system design

Nowadays, the development of modern computing devices involves a substantial and growing part of software development. A great challenge for engineers is to manage the evolution of a system with several components in the face of mounting complexity due to concurrent hardware and software development. The key limitations of existing version control tools used for a hardware software co-design process include their inadequacy in representing semantics of design models and inability to manage versions of both hardware designs and associated software components in a cohesive manner. Thus, it is difficult to track the logical interdependencies between the changes to hardware and software components in an embedded computing system over time.This paper presents an application of a well-known software engineering approach to the management of embedded systems design artifacts. Our novel component-based version management mechanism is capable of capturing and versioning the underlying logical contents of components in system design models and their associated software artifacts in a cohesive manner. This paper also illustrates our approach in creating a versioning system, named EmVC, for a hardware software co-design process.
Photoconduction in Thin-Film Transistors Fabricated from Lasercrystallized Silicon on Fused Quartz

Photoconduction with optical gain in excess of 3000 is achieved in depletion-mode MOSFETs fabricated from laser-crystallized silicon thin-films on fused quartz. Devices operated with a reverse gate bias show responsivity of ≥ 300 Amp/Watt for radiation in the visible spectrum and dynamic range of > 106. This process occurs by spatial separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs across a p-n junction in the device body, collection of holes in the floating substrate, and conduction of electrons in a buried channel in the bulk of the nearly defect-free silicon film. This study explores the influence of channel dopant profile on the photoconduction process and the latitude for optimized photodetector performance. The effect of post-crystallization residual structural defects on performance uniformity is also evaluated.
Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty versus total knee arthroplasty: Which type of artificial joint do patients forget?

Purpose During recent years, there has been an intensive growth of interest in the patient’s perception of functional outcome. The Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) is a recently introduced score that measures joint awareness of patients who have undergone knee arthroplasty and is less limited by ceiling effects. The aim of this study was to compare the FJS between patients who undergo medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and patients who undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA) 1 and 2 years post-operatively.
Bone morphogenetic protein-4 and transforming growth factor-beta1 mechanisms in acute valvular response to supra-physiologic hemodynamic stresses.

AIM: To explore ex vivo the role of bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) in acute valvular response to fluid shear stress (FSS) abnormalities. METHODS: Porcine valve leaflets were subjected ex vivo to physiologic FSS, supra-physiologic FSS magnitude at normal frequency and supra-physiologic FSS frequency at normal magnitude for 48 h in a double-sided cone-and-plate bioreactor filled with standard culture medium. The role of BMP-4 and TGF-β1 in the valvular response was investigated by promoting or inhibiting the downstream action of those cytokines via culture medium supplementation with BMP-4 or the BMP antagonist noggin, and TGF-β1 or the TGF-β1 inhibitor SB-431542, respectively. Fresh porcine leaflets were used as controls. Each experimental group consisted of six leaflet samples. Immunostaining and immunoblotting were performed to assess endothelial activation in terms of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expressions, paracrine signaling in terms of BMP-4 and TGF-β1 expressions and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in terms of cathepsin L, cathepsin S, metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expressions. Immunostained images were quantified by normalizing the intensities of positively stained regions by the number of cells in each image while immunoblots were quantified by densitometry. RESULTS: Regardless of the culture medium, physiologic FSS maintained valvular homeostasis. Tissue exposure to supra-physiologic FSS magnitude in standard medium stimulated paracrine signaling (TGF-β1: 467% ± 22% vs 100% ± 6% in fresh controls, BMP-4: 258% ± 22% vs 100% ± 4% in fresh controls; P 0.05). Supra-physiologic FSS frequency had no effect on endothelial activation and paracrine signaling regardless of the culture medium but TGF-β1 silencing attenuated FSS-induced ECM degradation via MMP-9 downregulation (MMP-9: 302% ± 182% vs 100% ± 42% in fresh controls; P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Valvular tissue is sensitive to FSS abnormalities. The TGF-β1 inhibitor SB-431542 is a potential candidate molecule for attenuating the effects of FSS abnormalities on valvular remodeling.
Immuno-PCR in cancer and non-cancer related diseases: a review

Polymerase chain reaction-amplified immunoassay (immuno-PCR, iPCR) is a method that combines the specificity of an immunological detection method and the sensitivity of a nucleic acid amplification method. In this way, immuno-PCR uses a minimum amount of sample, and allows the detection of rare diseases and those diseases in very early stage (i.e. infectious diseases, degenerative disorders, or neoplastic diseases). The present review was aimed to describe this new methodology and applications to the early detection of cancer and non-cancer related diseases, and discuss about the possibility to detect diverse biomarkers of oncology disorders, such as breast, gastric, colorectal and nasopharynx cancer, and other factors related to the growth of the neoplastic disease.
A2.35 TRNT1 missense mutations define a new periodic fever syndrome

Background Two thirds of the 1700 patients seen at our NIH clinic for autoinflammatory diseases do not have a genetic diagnosis. Whole exome sequencing permits analysis of most of the protein coding regions of the human genome. Methods With the use of whole exome sequencing and candidate gene screening, we identified five children from four unrelated families, who had unexplained autoinflammatory disease and shared mutations in one common gene. One family from Saudi Arabia was consanguineous with two affected daughters. The second family of mixed Czech and British background had one affected boy. The third and fourth families were of mixed European ancestry from the United States and each family had one affected daughter. We performed additional experiments in patients samples including flow cytometry, immunophenotyping, cytokine profiling, mitochondria related function and ribosomal assembly assays. Protein function was studied with morpholino knockdowns in zebrafish embryos. Results All patients carried missense recessive mutations in one common gene, the TRNT1 (tRNA Nucleotidyl Transferase, CCA-Adding, 1), on chromosome 3. The two affected Saudi Arabian sisters were homozygous for a p. H215R missense mutation, while the other three children were compound heterozygous for a missense mutation, p. I223T or p. R99W, and one shared mutation p. D163V. The p. H215R mutation was not found in any public database neither in 1061 Arab control DNA samples. From the three Caucasian mutations, the p. R99W was novel whereas the p. I223T and p. D163V were found at a very low allele frequency ( Preliminary data from cytokine analysis in two patients have shown elevated levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 and type 1interferon, suggesting possible therapeutic targets. Knockdown of the zebrafish TRNT1 homologue caused hydrocephaly, defects in tail development, anaemia and a reduction in the number of hair cells present in the lateral line, that has function resembling human inner ear. Conclusion The CCA-adding TRNT1 enzyme catalyses the addition of the CCA terminus to the 3 prime end of all tRNAs precursors, a step that is essential for tRNA aminoacylation and protein synthesis. The discovery that missense mutations in this essential and ubiquitiously expressed gene cause a newly defined periodic fever syndrome, will allow further understanding of mechanisms underlying inflammation.
Non-Invasive Functional Neuroimaging in the Mouse Using Diffuse Optical Tomography

We present a new technique expanding on previous minimally invasive optical intrinsic signal (OIS) imaging methods to perform non-invasive functional neuroimaging in mice using Structured Illumination combined with Diffuse Optical Tomography.
The Cast Syndrome: Case Report

The cast syndrome is characterized by prolonged nausea and vomiting secondary to gastric and duodenal dilatation. The obstruction is caused by extrinsic pressure from the superior mesenteric artery. Duodenojejunostomy after removal of the body cast corrected the obstruction in the case reported.
New developments in anticonvulsant therapy.

As we learn more about the anticonvulsant drugs, we find it easier to understand the apparent failure of these agents to control epilepsy in about one of four patients and also the apparent toxicity of usual dosages in certain patients. Most of the new information in this area concerns the drugs diphenylhydantoin and phenobarbital. A practical approach to management of epileptics is outlined.
Microsatellites reveal plasticity in reproductive success of white-tailed deer

Mate choice based on age and body size is poorly understood among cervids. We used 14 microsatellite DNA loci to assign parentage and reconstruct the pedigree of a captive population of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) in order to evaluate their mate choice and reproductive success. From 2008 to 2013, we assigned both dam and sire to 87 litters. Age differences between mated pairs did not differ from random pairings and we found no apparent relationship of skeletal size between pairs. Our results highlight the plasticity of mating success for white-tailed deer and we speculate their mating system has evolved to maximize fertility. Our investigation was the first to explore mated pairs of white-tailed deer with such a high proportion of candidate parents sampled and the first to incorporate vaginal implant transmitters to validate genetic sampling techniques. This knowledge could help local and regional wildlife managers comprehend the unpredictability of mating success of white-tailed deer.
Identfication and control of occupational hazard factors in fluorescent lamp used in backlight manufacturing enterprise

Objective:To investigate the occupational hazard factors and hazard rating in the fluorescent lamp used with backlight manufacturing enterprise,to propose focused control measures aiming at operating posts having serious occupational hazard.Methods:Through field occupational health investigation about a manufacturing enterprise,the occupational hazard factors were identfied,detected and analyzed.Results:Mercury metal(vapor),butyl acetate,phosphoric acid,tin dioxide,methyl ethyl ketone,acetone,n-hexane,high temperature,carbon monoxide,carbon dioxide,dust and noise were the occupational hazards factors.Detecting results of 25% of operating posts contacting n-hexane and 34% of operating posts contacting mercury metal(vapor) exceeded occupational exposure limits.Conclusion:Operating posts having serious occupational hazard of the fluorescent lamp used with backlight manufacturing enterprise were operating posts contacting mercury metal(vapor) and operating posts contacting n-hexane.The manufacture enterprise should take focused control measures about occupational hazards.
Making Soft X-Ray Microscopy Harder: Considerations for Sub-0.1 µm Resolution Imaging at ~ 4 Å Wavelengths

Calculations of phase contrast in x-ray microscopy suggest that biological specimens in thick (tens of µm) water layers might be imaged at ~ 4 A wavelength with radiation doses similar to those required for absorption contrast imaging in the “water window” with thinner water layers. This should be possible even with current technology for zone plate fabrication and undulator sources.
TDDViz: Using Software Changes to Understand Conformance to Test Driven Development

A bad software development process leads to wasted effort and inferior products. In order to improve a software process, it must be first understood. Our unique approach in this paper uses code and test changes to understand conformance to the Test Driven Development (TDD) process.
Places to Remember

In the final report, the CVR prescribed the establishment of memory sites to commemorate the victims and to foster remembrance (CVR IX, pp. 166–7). According to the CVR, these sites should be created as officially recognized spaces in the capital of the country and in the capitals of the different regions affected by the violence. The commissioners recommended the inscription of a commemorative plaque in the Plaza de Armas in Lima and other plaques in the buildings that house the different branches of government: Palacio de Gobierno, Palacio Legislativo, and Palacio de Justicia. They also recommended the construction of a monument in Lima and other monuments in regional capitals so that future generations will learn about this national tragedy (p. 167). They proposed that the national museum, “El Museo de la Nacion,” offer a permanent space for the Yuyanapaq exhibit, which was at that time being shown at Casa Riva Aguero in Chorrillos. Memory sites are presented by the report as a necessary form of symbolic reparation.
On the right track

Coupled advances in live cell imaging and molecular labeling have transformed our ability to visualize cellular dynamics. Yet, accurately analyzing data collected in vivo can be complicated by the hidden constraints that tissue structures—the blank spaces of microscopy images—impose on cellular movements. For instance, lymphocytes are diverted along winding and branched blood vessel highways rather than allowed to move directly between locations. To enable more precise analyses of cellular trajectories, Liepe and colleagues have now developed two computational tools that help faithfully map three-dimensional (3D) imaging data onto appropriate 2D representations. The first, “unwrapping,” is designed for instances in which prior knowledge suggests that a cell is likely to be moving along a flat or gently curved surface, such as the cornea or retina. The second, “Riemannian manifold learning,” is appropriate for more complex topologies, such as the undulating villi of the snaking small intestine. When determining the underlying targets and directionality of random walks simulated over a variety of surfaces, the authors show that both tools outperform results obtained using XY-projections or straight 3D paths. Applying their methods to in vivo imaging data, they then correctly recover the previously confirmed observations that random haemocyte movements in Drosophila lack bias or directionality, and that neutrophil trafficking in response wounding in zebrafish is chemotactic. By making their software publically available, Liepe et al. are now poised to help others accurately characterize cellular motions through complex tissues. This could prove especially useful when examining preclinical models for the activity of CAR-T cells in tumors or tracking the invasiveness of native lymphocytes after immunotherapy. J. Liepe et al. , Accurate reconstruction of cell and particle tracks from 3D live imaging data, Cell Syst. 3 , 102–107 (2016). [[Full Text]][1] [1]: http://www.cell.com/fulltext/S2405-4712(16)30185-5
Parameter Estimation for Manifold Learning, Through Density Estimation

Manifold learning turns out to be a very useful tool for many applications of machine learning, such as classification. Unfortunately the existing algorithms use ad hoc selection of the parameters that define the geometry of the manifold. The parameter choice affects significantly the performance of manifold learning algorithms. Recent theoretical work has proven the equivalence between the Mercer cer kernel learning methods and the kernel in kernel density estimation. Based on this fact the problem of kernel parameter estimation for manifold learning is addressed based on the nonparametric statistical theory estimation. An automatic way of determining the local bandwidths that define the geometry is introduced. The results show that the automatic bandwidth selection leads to improved clustering performance and reduces the computational load versus ad hoc selection.
The Addition of the Estrogen Receptor to the Carboxy Terminus of c-Myc Inhibits the Fas/CD-95 Apoptotic Pathway Associated with the Myc-Mediated Block in Myeloid Differentiation.

Abstract Tightly regulated c-Myc expression is crucial for normal hematopoiesis, and alterations in the level of c-Myc expression or protein structure are associated with many hematological malignancies. Deregulated Myc expression has been shown to block myeloid terminal differentiation as well as concomitantly induce p53 independent apoptosis through the Fas/CD-95 pathway. This observed apoptosis was not completely penetrant, however it impacted on the neoplastic potential of the blocked myeloid cells. It has been previously shown that deregulated c-Myc, in combination with the deregulation of an apoptotic suppressor such as Bcl-2, can effectively transform hematopoietic cells. Since acute myeloid leukemia (AML) results from a clonal expansion of myeloid cells that are blocked from differentiating, there is significance to the mechanisms behind the apoptosis seen during the Myc mediated block in myeloid differentiation. To facilitate the study of Myc, conditional alleles were used that employed fusing the estrogen homone receptor binding (ER) domain onto the carboxy terminus of the Myc protein. This MycER mutant was originally determined to have no impact on the various proliferative or apoptotic functions of Myc. Consequently, this conditional ER chimeric Myc has been widely used in a variety of studies as a means of titrating Myc activity. Here, we show that the presence of the ER binding domain on the c-terminus of Myc alters its ability to induce apoptosis during the Myc mediated block in myeloid differentiation by affecting the Fas/CD-95 ligand receptor pathway. Our data showed that M1 myeloid leukemic cells stably transfected with MycER (M1MycER), and stimulated to differentiate with interleukin-6 (IL-6) were blocked for terminal differentiation but lacked the apoptotic phenotype normally seen with M1 cells expressing the wild type Myc transgene (M1Myc). Further study of M1MycER cells showed low expression of the death receptor signaling protein RIP when compared to M1Myc cells. RIP has been shown to be an important component of the Fas/CD-95 death receptor pathway. Furthermore, during IL-6 treatment, M1MycER cells showed down-regulation of GADD45 alpha, as well as increased levels of activated Akt, both indicative of NFkB activation. Others have shown that NFkB can be activated through the Fas/CD-95 pathway during the inhibition of Fas/CD-95 mediated apoptosis. The presence of activated Akt in the stimulated M1MycER cells coincides with an increase in the transcriptional level of MCL-1. MCL-1 is an anti-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family induced by Akt. In M1MycER cells, increased transcriptional levels of DAD-1 and Bax, both binding partners of MCL-1, suggest possible mechanisms for affecting cytochrome-c release in the mitochondria and cell survival. Taken as a whole, these results offer new insights into how mutations in cMyc as well as the various components of the NF-kB branch of the Fas/CD-95 pathway can impact on the aggressiveness of leukemias.
159. Sustained Weight Loss and Altered Lipid Taste Sensitivity Induced by Modulation of Salivary PYY and Excendin-4 in Mice

Peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY), known to induce satiation when present in plasma, has recently been described to modulate body weight (BW) and food intake (FI) of diet induced obese (DIO) mice when included in saliva. Similarly, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a GI peptide present in both plasma and saliva, also modulates BW and FI. The purpose of this project was to study the anorexigenic effect of sustained elevation of PYY and Excendin-4 (Ex-4, a GLP-1R agonist) in saliva of mice. Using recombinant Adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (rAAV8) we performed gene transfer of GFP (control), PYY, Ex-4, and PYY-Ex-4 dual vectors to the submandibular salivary glands of C57BL/6 mice fed a high fat diet. We observed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in BW of mice treated with either Ex-4, or PYY-Ex-4 dual vectors when compared to controls. Notably, mice treated with PYY-Ex-4 dual vector displayed a significant decrease in BW as early as 1-week post vector administration while Ex-4 mice alone did not demonstrate a significant loss until 8 weeks post-injection. PYY mice, while demonstrating a decreasing trend in BW gain with respect to GFP mice, did not show a significant difference in BW during the 12-week experiment. To determine whether the anorexigenic effect of salivary PYY and Ex-4 is modulated through taste perception, we utilized a Davis Rig gustometer to generate brief access taste response curves for a panel of tastants for all groups of treated mice. Notably, the Ex-4 as well as the PYY-Ex-4 dual group displayed a significant increase in sensitivity to intralipid stimulus, suggesting that this taste modality plays a role in BW modulation. This observed weight loss and altered taste perception in PYY and Ex4 treated mice while significant, is complicated by the unintended transduction of hepatocytes. Unintended transduction of the liver may allow for the elevated levels of PYY and Ex4 in the bloodstream in addition to saliva. In order to observe the saliva-specific effect of dual PYY Ex4 vector administration, we have developed viral constructs containing miR122 target sequences, a liver specific micro RNA (miRNA), and miR206, a skeletal muscle specific miRNA, target sequences in the 3’ UTR of each construct. These micro RNA target sequences will suppress vector expression in off target tissues such as the skeletal muscle and liver. Additionally, all viral constructs were packaged into AAV5 instead of AAV8 which has the same transduction efficiency of salivary glands but decreased transduction of the murine liver. Using these miRNA constructs, we have observed no detectable expression of GFP in the murine liver.
Coherent imaging at terahertz frequencies with digital holography at various aspect angles

Digital holography and coherent imaging are explored in the terahertz frequency region at 0.480 Terahertz with highly coherent, frequency-tunable continuous wave sources. The long coherence length of microwave sources suggests that interferometric imaging techniques such as Fresnel off-axis holography can achieve sub-micrometer depth resolution of surfaces and through materials and structures that are transmissive in the terahertz spectral region. Research in this area will provide an important non-destructive imaging tool for the rapidly expanding field of additive manufacturing and composite fabrication. Unfortunately, imaging optics as they are used in confocal imaging and optics in general adversely affect the performance of terahertz imagers as their aperture size if comparable to the wavelength, which artificially limits image resolution according to the diffraction limit and can cause undesirable coherence effects in the image. We report on imaging methods that minimize the use of optics but use signal processing techniques that form images digitally from recorded holograms. This approach is directly applicable to focal plane arrays in contrast to confocal imaging modalities. Furthermore, the performance of image reconstruction at multiple aspect angles compiled into videos as user friendly inspection tool is investigated.
Structure and Energetics in Reaction Centers and Semi-synthetic Chlorophyll Protein Complexes

The initial photochemistry of photosynthesis involves a highly efficient electron-transfer reaction that generates an anion-cation radical pair. This primary charge-separation is followed by a cascade of electron-transfer steps in which the electron and hole become increasingly spatially separated and stabilized with respect to recombination, allowing the formation of stable chemical products. At each step, the rate of the forward electron transfer reaction exceeds the rate of the charge-recombination reaction by several orders of magnitude. In this paper I discuss results related to two aspects of the initial events in photosynthesis: the relationship between the energetics and kinetics of charge- separation and recombination in bacterial photosynthesis, and the distance and orientation dependence of excitation energy-transfer in semi-synthetic chlorophyll-protein complexes.
The Freedom from Hunger Campaign—Five years of the F.A.O. fertilizer programme

The twentieth anniversary of the United Nations and of F.A.O. fell in 1965; and the second World Freedom-from-Hunger Week was held in October of that year. The goals of the Fertilizer Programme, un...
Hypothyroidism and the Heart

Hypothyroidism is a commonly encountered clinical condition with variable prevalence. It has profound effects on cardiac function that can impact cardiac contractility, vascular resistance, blood pressure, and heart rhythm. With this review, we aim to describe the effects of hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism on the heart. Additionally, we attempt to briefly describe how hypothyroid treatment affects cardiovascular parameters.
A Side-Channel Attack Resistant AES with 500Mbps, 1.92pJ/Bit PVT Variation Tolerant True Random Number Generator

In this paper a side-channel-attack resistant AES system with a variation-tolerant true Random Number Generator (tRNG) is implemented using IBM 0.13μm CMOS technology. As the random source for the AES, a meta-stability based tRNG takes advantage of an all-digital self-calibration method to compensate Process-Voltage-Temperature (PVT) variations, and thus guarantees output with extremely high randomness. To quantify performance of the proposed tRNG, NIST tests along with other specification measures are performed. The results show improvements over previous work in bit rate, energy efficiency, and pattern randomness. The proposed AES adopts a rotating S-boxes masking technique to gain high resistance against first and zero-offset second order side channel attacks, including Differential Power Analysis (DPA). The masked AES is simulated under first order and zero-offset second order DPA, showing significant resistance against these attacks.
Using motion capture technology to measure the effects of magnification loupes on dental operator posture: A pilot study.

Background Motion analysis has great potential for quantitatively evaluating dental operator posture and the impact of interventions such as magnification loupes on posture and subsequent development of musculoskeletal disorders. Objective This study sought to determine the feasibility of motion capture technology for measurement of dental operator posture and examine the impact that different styles of magnification loupes had on dental operator posture. Methods Forward and lateral head flexion were measured for two different operators while completing a periodontal probing procedure. Each was measured while wearing magnification loupes (flip up-FL and through the lens-TTL) and basic safety lenses. Results Operators both exhibited reduced forward flexion range of motion (ROM) when using loupes (TTL or FL) compared to a baseline lens (BL). In contrast to forward flexion, no consistent trends were observed for lateral flexion between subjects. Conclusions The researchers can report that it is possible to measure dental operator posture using motion capture technology. More study is needed to determine which type of magnification loupes (FL or TTL) are superior in improving dental operator posture. Some evidence was found supporting that the quality of operator posture may more likely be related to the use of magnification loupes, rather than the specific type of lenses worn.
Outcomes after free tissue transfer for composite oral cavity resections involving skin.

Background Resections involving oral cavity mucosa, bone, and skin present a unique challenge. Optimizing outcomes often requires technically demanding reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate outcomes of several reconstructive approaches for patients with composite through-and-through defects, with a focus on the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (RFFF). Methods We conducted a retrospective evaluation of the cohort of patients treated for composite through-and-through defects with cutaneous involvement who underwent free flap reconstruction from August 2012 through October 2015. Results Seventeen patients received a single flap (12 cases of osteocutaneous RFFF), whereas 10 patients underwent a combination of flaps. Complication rates and functional outcomes were favorable in patients who underwent osteocutaneous RFFFs. The supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) was used as a second flap in 3 cases. Conclusion The osteocutaneous RFFF provides a valuable reconstructive option for complex composite resection defects involving skin. When 2 flaps are required, the SCAIF is a viable alternative to a second free flap or pectoralis flap.
A One-Year Classroom-Randomized Trial of Mental Abacus Instruction for First- and Second-Grade Students

Mental Abacus (MA) is a popular arithmetic technique in which students learn to solve math problems by visualizing a physical abacus structure. Prior studies conducted in Asia have found that MA can lead to exceptional mathematics achievement in highly motivated individuals, and that extensive training over multiple years can also benefit students in standard classroom settings. Here we explored the benefits of shorter-term MA training to typical students in a US school. Specifically, we tested whether MA (1) improves arithmetic performance relative to a standard math curriculum, and (2) leads to changes in spatial working memory, as claimed by several recent reports. To address these questions, we conducted a one-year, classroom-randomized trial of MA instruction. We found that first-graders students struggled to achieve abacus expertise over the course of the year, while second-graders were more successful. Neither age group showed a significant advantage in cognitive abilities or mathematical computation relative to controls, although older children showed some hints of an advantage in learning place-value concepts. Overall, our results suggest caution in the adoption of MA as a short-term educational intervention.
Role of dental hardware in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma in the low-risk nonsmoker nondrinker population.

Background Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising in nonsmokers and nondrinkers remains poorly characterized. We hypothesized that these patients had prior exposure to metallic dental hardware. Methods We utilized a questionnaire querying the lifetime oral health status of 54 patients. Demographics and extensive oral health history were collected. Results The majority of patients (74%) had prior exposure to metallic dental hardware. The younger population with almost exclusively oral tongue cancer had a high prevalence of metallic orthodontic braces (40%) within 15 years before diagnosis. In the 51+ year age group, 82% had crowns, dental implants, and/or dentures with metallic elements. Conclusion Exposure to metallic dental hardware has increased in the past few decades given the rise of orthodontic braces and older adults retaining more teeth. Although this study does not prove a causal relationship between oral cavity SCC and dental hardware, this is a step toward identifying and investigating their role.
What's Involved in 'the Work'? Understanding Administrators' Roles in Bringing Trans-Affirming Policies into Practice.

Researchers have concluded that policy implementation is a process of mutual adaptation between policies and implementers. Our study draws attention to that relationship, especially with respect to...
Antibiotic Stewardship Program Perspective: Oral Antibiotic Therapy for Common Infectious Diseases

Traditionally, initial antibiotic therapy was administered intravenously (IV). Over the past 3 decades, there has been increased understanding, appreciation, and application of pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) principles in antibiotic therapy. The utilization of PK/PD parameters as applied to antimicrobial therapy has led to optimizing dosage regimens as well as increased awareness and experience with oral versus antibiotic therapy. When an oral antibiotic, given at the same dose as its IV formulation, results in the same serum/tissue levels, then oral antibiotics should be used whenever possible. When chosen carefully, oral therapy provides many benefits over IV therapy.
Design of Potent pan-IAP and Lys-Covalent XIAP Selective Inhibitors Using a Thermodynamics Driven Approach

Recently we reported that rapid determination of enthalpy of binding can be achieved for a large number of congeneric agents or in combinatorial libraries fairly efficiently. We show that using a thermodynamic Craig plot can be very useful in dissecting the enthalpy and entropy contribution of different substituents on a common scaffold, in order to design potent, selective, or pan-active compounds. In our implementation, the approach identified a critical Lys residue in the BIR3 domain of XIAP. We report for the first time that it is possible to target such residue covalently to attain potent and selective agents. Preliminary cellular studies in various models of leukemia, multiple myeloma, and pancreatic cancers suggest that the derived agents possess a potentially intriguing pattern of activity, especially for cell lines that are resistant to the pan-IAP antagonist and clinical candidate LCL161.
Polarization of Photoneutrons from the Threshold Region of 208Pb

The 208Pb nucleus should provide an ideal demonstration of a collective M1 resonance since both the lower proton and neutron orbitals (h11/2, i13/2) of a spin-orbit-split pair are filled while the upper orbittals(h9/2, i11/2) are empty. A detailed theoretical studyl) has shown that there is considerable M1 strength (Γγo = 61 eV) at an excitation of 7.5 MeV in 208 Pb. Bowman et al.2) observed seven 1+ states in 208Pb with a total M1 width of 51 eV, centered at 7.9 MeV and spread over a range of 700 key. This observed fragmentatipu has led to an even more detailed theory.3) However, Toohey and Jackson4) suggested that Bowman et al could not have uniquely determined the parities of the resonances in 208Pb by observations of the photoneutron cross sections and angular distributions.
Smoothness and Tangent Spaces

The basic definition of a smooth point of an algebraic variety is analogous to the corresponding one from differential geometry. We start with the affine case; suppose X ⊂A n is an affine variety of pure dimension k, with ideal I(X) =(f 1 ,..., f i ). Let M be the l × n matrix with entries ∂f i /∂x j . Then it’s not hard to see that the rank of M is at most n — k at every point of X, and we say a point p ∈ X is a smooth point of X if the rank of the matrix M, evaluated at the point p, exactly n — k. Note that in case the ground field K = ℂ, this is equivalent to saying that X is a complex submanifold of An = ℂn in a neighborhood of p, or that X is a real submanifold of ℂn near p. (It is not, however, equivalent, in the case of a variety X defined by polynomials f α with real coefficients, to saying that the locus of the f α in ℝ n is smooth; consider, for example, the origin p = (0, 0) on the plane curve x 3 + y 3 = 0.)
A comparison of 2 implant protocols—Synovex-Choice/Synovex-Plus versus Synovex-S/Revalor-S—on steer feedlot performance and carcass characteristics

ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of 2 implant protocols on steer feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. Over a 2-yr period, 109 crossbred (five-eighths Red Angus, three-eighths Continental; approximately 205 d of age; 242 ± 11 kg) steers were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 implant protocols: (1) Synovex-Choice [100 mg of trenbolone acetate and 14 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB)] implanted at the beginning of the feeding period, followed by Synovex-Plus (200 mg of trenbolone acetate and 28 mg of EB) approximately 100 d later (CHPL), or (2) Synovex-S (200 mg of progesterone and 20 mg of EB) as initial implant, followed by Revalor-S (120 mg of trenbolone acetate and 24 mg of EB) approximately 100 d later (SS). Average daily gain was similar ( P = 0.39) for CHPL (1.75 ± kg/d) and SS (1.70 ± kg/d) steers. Yield grade was also not affected ( P = 0.16) by treatment, 2.5 and 2.7 ± for CHPL and SS, respectively. Marbling score was similar ( P = 0.19) between treatments (501 vs. 525 ± 13 for CHPL and SS, respectively), resulting in a similar percentage of steers grading USDA Choice (CHPL vs. SS, 93 vs. 96 ± 3%; P = 0.42) and upper two-thirds USDA Choice (CHPL vs. SS; 47 vs. 54 ± 7%; P = 0.51). Net revenue was similar ( P = 0.59) between CHPL ($1,255.97 ± 23.13) and SS ($1,237.78 ± 23.13) steers. Both implant regimens used in the current experiment resulted in similar feedlot performance and carcass characteristics.
A review of high performance polymer nanocomposites for packaging applications in electronics and food industries

This article addresses advances in polymeric nanocomposites for packaging applications. Synthetic and biodegradable polymers have been reinforced with carbon nanotube, graphite, graphene and derive...