cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter pylori VacA, a paradigm for toxin multifunctionality

Bacterial protein toxins alter eukaryotic cellular processes and enable bacteria to successfully colonize their hosts. In recent years, there has been increased recognition that many bacterial toxins are multifunctional proteins that can have pleiotropic effects on mammalian cells and tissues. In this review, we examine a multifunctional toxin (VacA) that is produced by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. The actions of H. pylori VacA represent a paradigm for how bacterial secreted toxins contribute to colonization and virulence in multiple ways.
F A centers in additively colored KI:Li crystals

Optical properties are reported for ${F}_{A}$ centers produced in KI:Li additively colored under nitrogen-free conditions. Contrary to previous studies for KI:Li, these centers exhibit two distinct absorption bands centered at 0.673 and 0.733 \ensuremath{\mu}m. Furthermore, their optical properties are consistent with type-I ${F}_{A}$ centers. The elimination of nitrogen at each stage of crystal preparation was essential to the optimum production of these centers in KI:Li.
Fenfluramine-induced enhancement of confinement motor activity: an indirect 5-hydroxytryptamine-like action?

Abstract Fenfluramine, administered to rats at anorectic dose levels, reduced open field activity and enhanced confinement motor activity, demonstrating the mixed depressant and stimulant characteristics of the compound. Studies designed to elucidate the mechanism of action for the confinement motor activity-enhancing effect of fenfluramine produced the following results: (1) confinement motor activity was also increased by giving MK-486 + 5-hydroxytryptophan, (2) methergoline and cinanserin, antagonists of 5-hydroxytryptamine, reduced the confinement motor activity-enhancing actions of fenfluramine and MK-486 + 5-hydroxytryptophan but not that of methylphenidate, (3) following p -chlorophenylalanine-induced reduction in brain monoamines (5-hydroxytryptamine: −73%, norepinephrine: −16%, dopamine: −9%), the action of fenfluramine was diminished, (4) 13 days after injecting 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine intraventricularly (5-hydroxytryptamine: −51%, norepinephrine: −9%, dopamine: −10%), the enhancement of confinenment motor activity elicited by fenfluramine or MK-486 + 5-hydroxytryptophan was augmented. It was concluded that that fenfluramine increases confinement motor activity via a 5-hydroxytryptamine-like action. That this action of fenfluramine was affected by both p -chlorophenylalanine and 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine indicates an interaction with central 5-hydroxytryptamine-containing neurones. Denervation supersentivity in 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine-treated animals may accout for the opposite nature of the effect produced by pretreatment with p -chlorophenylalanine and 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine.
How to compute offsets without self-intersection (Invited Paper)

Traditional techniques for computing offsets are local in nature and lack good criteria for eliminating possible self-intersections of the offset. Methods based on integrating differential equations and image processing do not lack such criteria but seem to require constructing the solution in the ambient space, i.e., in one dimension larger than the offset. We investigate such methods.
The Legend and Legacy of Kevin Mitnick

Abstract American culture has always had a peculiar fascination with certain types of crimes and their perpetrators. We admire certain criminals, from Willie Sutton (who robbed banks because “that's where the money is”) to a long line of political pranksters and pie throwers. Their activities are tolerated as long as no one is injured, there is an element of cleverness and originality in the crime, and the victims are wealthy individuals, pompous politicians or large, impersonal corporations. The “Robin Hood mentality” is alive and well, taking from the rich to give to the poor. A criminal who cleverly shows the fragility and absurdity of established societal conventions is likely to be admired rather than condemned.
X-ray Damage in Protein−Metal Hybrid Structures: A Photoemission Electron Microscopy Study

Bacterial surface layer protein sheets (S layer) coated with an ultrathin cobalt or silver film were studied by means of laterally resolved near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy performed by photoemission electron microscopy. Comparison with results obtained on pristine S layers allowed us to characterize both chemical interaction and X-ray damage in these protein-metal hybrid systems. In particular, we found that besides direct damage upon exposure to X-ray radiation the biomolecules experience additional contribution of the deposited metals, by low-energy electron generation in the metal particles.
Sca-1pos Cells in the Mouse Mammary Gland Represent an Enriched Progenitor Cell Population

Mammary epithelium can functionally regenerate upon transplantation. This renewal capacity has been classically ascribed to the function of a multipotent mammary gland stem cell population, which has been hypothesized to be a primary target in the etiology of breast cancer. Several complementary approaches were employed in this study to identify and enrich mammary epithelial cells that retain stem cell characteristics. Using long-term BrdU labeling, a population of label retaining cells (LRCs) that lack expression of differentiation markers has been identified. LRCs isolated from mammary primary cultures were enriched for stem cell antigen-1 (Sca-1) and Hoechst dye-effluxing "side population" properties. Sca-1(pos) cells in the mammary gland were localized to the luminal epithelia by using Sca-1(+/GFP) mice, were progesterone receptor-negative, and did not bind peanut lectin. Finally, the Sca-1(pos) population is enriched for functional stem/progenitor cells, as demonstrated by its increased regenerative potential compared with Sca-1(neg) cells when transplanted into the cleared mammary fat pads of host mice.
Deconstructing evolution of adult phenotypes: genetic analyses of kit reveal homology and evolutionary novelty during adult pigment pattern development of Danio fishes

The cellular bases for evolutionary changes in adult form remain largely unknown. Pigment patterns of Danio fishes are a convenient system for studying these issues because of their diversity and accessibility and because one species, the zebrafish D. rerio, is a model organism for biomedical research. Previous studies have shown that in zebrafish, stripes form by migration and differentiation of distinct populations of melanophores: early metamorphic (EM) melanophores arise widely dispersed and then migrate into stripes, whereas late metamorphic (LM) melanophores arise already within stripes. EM melanophores require the kit receptor tyrosine kinase, as kit mutants lack these cells but retain LM melanophores, which form a residual stripe pattern. To see if similar cell populations and genetic requirements are present in other species, we examined D. albolineatus, which has relatively few, nearly uniform melanophores. We isolated a D. albolineatus kit mutant and asked whether residual, LM melanophores develop in this species, as in D. rerio. We found that kit mutant D. albolineatus lack EM melanophores, yet retain LM melanophores. Histological analyses further show that kit functions during a late step in metamorphic melanophore development in both species. Interestingly, kit mutant D. albolineatus develop a striped melanophore pattern similar to kit mutant D. rerio, revealing latent stripe-forming potential in this species, despite its normally uniform pattern. Comparisons of wild types and kit mutants of the two species further show that species differences in pigment pattern reflect: (1) changes in the behavior of kit-dependent EM melanophores that arise in a dispersed pattern and then migrate into stripes in D. rerio, but fail to migrate in D. albolineatus; and (2) a change in the number of kit-independent LM melanophores that arise already in stripes and are numerous in D. rerio, but few in D. albolineatus. Our results show how genetic analyses of a species closely related to a biomedical model organism can reveal both conservatism and innovation in developmental mechanisms underlying evolutionary changes in adult form.
Critical review of catalytic oxidization and chemisorption methods for indoor formaldehyde removal

Formaldehyde, an irritant and cacinogent to humans, is one of the most concerning indoor gaseous pollutants because it is often found in buildings and poses a potential health risk to occupants even at a very low concentration level. Chemisorption and catalytic oxidization are two promising methods for indoor formaldehyde removal. This review covers the following aspects of the two formaldehyde removal methods: reaction mechanism, activity test method, materials, performance, and effect of environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity, concentration level, and velocity) on the removal performance. Results show that a supported noble metal (e.g., Pt) and metal oxide (e.g., MnO2) are the most effective catalysts, but usually require a high temperature for complete decomposition of formaldehyde. An amino group containing activated carbon is the most commonly used chemisorbent. The effect of the noble metal loading and the preparation method of the noble metal catalyst are also discussed. Possible ...
Modular-Like Transformations and Style Checking for Crosscutting Programming Concepts

Programmers resort to design patterns, micro-architectures, and other idioms when their design ideas can't be expressed directly in the programming language. The crosscutting code that appears as a result makes it harder to ensure a correct implementation of the idiom, and complicates software evolution when the idiom's implementation cannot be modularly substituted or extended like a method or class. We propose Concepts, an IDE-based mechanism for declaring, checking, and evolving crosscutting design idioms. Programmers code their design idioms as before, but also declare their fundamental properties in supplemental files. A concept's behavior and implementation are described separately. This separation permits describing a new implementation for a concept and then having the concept tool mechanically transform the concept's current implementation into the new one. As a result we aim to get many of the same benefits for concepts that we get for classes: checking of key behaviors and substitutability.
Coregulation, Dysregulation, Self-Regulation: An Integrative Analysis and Empirical Agenda for Understanding Adult Attachment, Separation, Loss, and Recovery

An integrative framework is proposed for understanding how multiple biological and psychological systems are regulated in the context of adult attachment relationships, dysregulated by separation and loss experiences, and, potentially, re-regulated through individual recovery efforts. Evidence is reviewed for a coregulatory model of normative attachment, defined as a pattern of interwoven physiology between romantic partners that results from the conditioning of biological reward systems and the emergence of felt security within adult pair bonds. The loss of coregulation can portend a state of biobehavioral dysregulation, ranging from diffuse psychophysiological arousal and disorganization to a full-blown (and highly organized) stress response. The major task for successful recovery is adopting a self-regulatory strategy that attenuates the dysregulating effects of the attachment disruption. Research evidence is reviewed across multiple levels of analysis, and the article concludes with a series of testable research questions on the interconnected nature of attachment, loss, and recovery processes.
Design and fabrication of broadband graded ultrasonic transducers with rectangular kerfs

Broadband ultrasound imaging is capable of achieving superior resolution in clinical applications. An effective and easy way of manufacturing broadband transducers is desired for these applications. In this work, a graded material in which the piezoelectric plate is mechanically graded with rectangular grooves is introduced. Finite element analysis (FEA) demonstrated that the graded piezoelectric material could achieve a broadband, time-domain response resulting from multiple resonant modes. Experimental tests were carried out to validate these theoretical results. Based upon the FEA designs, several single-element transducers were fabricated using either a nondiced ceramic or a diced, graded ceramics. A superior bandwidth of 92% was achieved by the graded transducer when compared to a bandwidth of 56% produced by the nondiced ceramic transducer at the expense of a reduced sensitivity.
The National Founders' Association

The National Founders' Association is typical of those American employers' associations which advocate the open shop, 353. — Development of the policy of the Association, 354. — Methods of defending members against the demands of the Union, 357. — Administration of the defense system, 364. — Classification of membership in the Association, 370. — Requirements for admission, 372. — Government and financial system, 377. — Constructive activities, 383.
Blended deformable models

This paper develops a new class of parameterized models based on the linear interpolation of two parameterized shapes along their main axes, using a blending function. This blending function specifies the relative contribution of each component shape on the resulting blended shape. The resulting blended shape can have aspects of each of the component shapes. Using a small number of additional parameters, blending extends the coverage of shape primitives while also providing abstraction of shape. In particular, it offers the ability to construct shapes whose genus can change. Blended models are incorporated into a physics-based shape estimation framework which uses dynamic deformable models. Finally, we present experiments involving the extraction of complex shapes from range data including examples of dynamic genus change.
Jitter identification techniques for a regular event-based process

Two system identification techniques are proposed for discriminating between the type of timing jitter that perturbs the arrival time sequence recorded for an event-based process. A univariate point process is used to characterise the observed signal activity. The first jitter identification method requires a visual inspection of an estimate of the expectation density computed for the point process. The second method involves a statistical hypothesis test for a renewal process.
A Model of Professional Development in Special Education

This paper discusses three characteristics of ongoing professional development in Communities of Practice-mutual goals, texts to negotiate knowledge, and the development of evaluation tools to monitor and adjust practice. Data from the Literacy Environments for Accelerated Progress (LEAP) project are used to showcase these characteristics in practice and highlight the transformation of teacher and researcher knowledge. Central to the development of long-lasting change in practice is teacher and researcher discourse anchored in the ongoing context of students in the classroom.
Leaf optical properties reflect variation in photosynthetic metabolism and its sensitivity to temperature

Researchers from a number of disciplines have long sought the ability to estimate the functional attributes of plant canopies, such as photosynthetic capacity, using remotely sensed data. To date, however, this goal has not been fully realized. In this study, fresh-leaf reflectance spectroscopy (λ=450-2500 nm) and a partial least-squares regression (PLSR) analysis were used to estimate key determinants of photosynthetic capacity-namely the maximum rates of RuBP carboxylation (V(cmax)) and regeneration (J(max))-measured with standard gas exchange techniques on leaves of trembling aspen and eastern cottonwood trees. The trees were grown across an array of glasshouse temperature regimes. The PLSR models yielded accurate and precise estimates of V(cmax) and J(max) within and across species and glasshouse temperatures. These predictions were developed using unique contributions from different spectral regions. Most of the wavelengths selected were correlated with known absorption features related to leaf water content, nitrogen concentration, internal structure, and/or photosynthetic enzymes. In a field application of our PLSR models, spectral reflectance data effectively captured the short-term temperature sensitivities of V(cmax) and J(max) in aspen foliage. These findings highlight a promising strategy for developing remote sensing methods to characterize dynamic, environmentally sensitive aspects of canopy photosynthetic metabolism at broad scales.
POPULIST OUTRAGE, RECKLESS EMPIRICS: A REVIEW OF FAILING LAW SCHOOLS

The authors of "The Economic Value of a Law Degree" (available at http://ssrn.com/abstract=2250585) review Brian Tamanaha's "Failing Law Schools." The review focuses on problems with empirical claims in "Failing Law Schools" regarding outcomes for law graduates and also regarding law faculty compensation. The review also discusses Professor Tamanaha's proposals for reform of legal education in light of economic theory and the empirical economics literature, and finds reasons to doubt that Tamanaha's proposed reforms will have the effects he predicts.
Immunohistochemical detection of hTERT in urothelial lesions: A potential adjunct to urine cytology

Urine cytology has a critical role in evaluation for bladder carcinoma. Due to the low sensitivity of this technique, ancillary modalities such as the detection of markers of malignancy by immunochemistry are desirable. Promising factors in this context are components of the human telomerase enzyme complex. Telomerase repairs and extend telomeres, which when eroded beyond a critical limit trigger a senescence checkpoint. Accordingly, while absent in normal somatic cells, telomerase activity has been detected in the great majority of malignant tumor specimens tested, and so has potential value for the recognition of malignant cells in clinical specimens.
Non-Point Sources: Historical Sedimentation and 20th Century Geography

Geographers have traditionally studied spatial relationships, human-land interactions, and the synthesis of this information on a regional basis. How better to integrate these foci than to study regional impacts of soil erosion and sedimentation following the introduction of European and African agricultural technology to North America? Physical geography has contributed greatly by elucidating concepts of fluvial sediment transport, non-point source (NPS) pollution, and channel-morphological changes that effect flooding. These intellectual traditions arose as federal government priorities were changing from soil conservation, to resource conservation and to modern concerns over public health and environmental preservation and restoration. Since passage of the Clean Water Act (CWA) Amendments of 1987, study of NPS pollution has grown in relevancy. This chapter puts early geographic research into a historical context and shows its importance to modern NPS pollution control and to a great body of on-going research by a new generation of geographers.
The relationship between balance confidence and control in individuals with Parkinson's disease

Abstract Introduction A broad range of subjective and objective assessments have been used to assess balance confidence and balance control in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, little is known about the relationship between self-perceived balance confidence and actual balance control in PD. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relationship between self-perceived balance confidence and objectively measured static/dynamic balance control abilities. Methods Forty-four individuals with PD participated in the study. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on the modified Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) disability score: early stage, H&Y ≤ 2.0 and moderate stage, H&Y ≥ 2.5. All participants completed the activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) scale and performed standing balance and gait initiation tasks to assess static and dynamic balance control. The center of pressure (COP) sway (CE95%Sway) during static balance and the peak distance between the projections of the COP and the center of mass (COM) in the transverse plane (COPCOM) during gait initiation were calculated. Pearson correlation analyses were conducted relating the ABC score and CE95%Sway and COPCOM. Results For early stage PD, there was a moderate correlation between ABC score and CE95%Sway (r = −0.56, R2 = 0.32, p = 0.002), while no significant correlation was found between ABC score and COPCOM (r = −0.24, R2 = 0.06, p = 0.227). For moderate stage PD, there was a moderate correlation between ABC score and COPCOM (r = 0.49, R2 = 0.24, p = 0.044), while no correlation was found between ABC score and CE95%Sway (r = −0.19, R2 = 0.04, p = 0.478). Conclusion Individuals with different disease severities showed different relationships between balance confidence and actual static/dynamic balance control.
Yield and Effects of Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer on Field-Grown Chinese Medicinal Plants in the United States

There is an increased demand for Chinese medicinal plants in the U.S., with little known about the feasibility of production of these species outside of China. The purpose of this study was to develop basic agronomic data for selected Chinese medicinal plant species. Agastache rugosa, Schizonepeta tenuifolia, Leonurus japonicus, and Leonurus sibiricus were grown in a randomized complete block design with 0, 100, or 200 kg.ha−1 of nitrogen (N). At 100 kg.ha−1 of N, a significant increase in yield of all species was observed as compared to the 0 kg.ha−1 control. Average dry yield per plant at 100 kg.ha−1 of N was 44.7 g for A. rugosa herb, 52.6 g for S. tenuifolia inflorescences, 42.7 g for L. japonicus basal rosette, and 46.9 g for L. sibiricus basal rosette. Yields of A. rugosa and both Leonurus species increased significantly again at 200 kg.ha−1 of N as compared to 100 kg.ha−1, while the increase in yield between these two levels was slight for S. tenuifolia. Results from these trials indicate that all ...
Prevalence of depression and its related factors among high school students in Nanjing City

[Objective]To investigate and analyze the epidemiological distribution of depression among high school students in Nanjing City.[Methods] The survey was carried out on 2 202 high school students selected from 5 schools by random cluster stratified sampling method.Depressive Symptoms were assessed by using Zung Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS) and Self-designed factors questionnaire.A total of 2 118 respondents were investigated in this survey,with an effective answer rate of 96.2%,51.7% from junior middle school and 48.3% from senior middle school,49.9% were male students and 50.1% were female students.[Results]Raw score and index score were 39.26±8.35 and 49.20±10.46 for all the participants,respectively.Among 2 118 students,974 were identified with depression symptom,with positive rate of 46.0%.According to the degrees of depression,622(29.4%)were mild,283(13.4%)of moderate,69(3.3%) of severe.Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that learning achievement,the frequency of moderate physically activity of every week,sleeping time,interpersonal relations and accidental injury had been possibly related to depressive symptoms in high school students.[Conclusion]Due to the high prevalence of depression,strengthening psychological health care is urgently needed.
Reduce the Pass-by Noise of Some Mini Bus with the Noise Source Identified by Objective Measurements and Subjective Evaluation

The objective measurements and subjective evaluation were combined to identify the pass-by noise sources and the Spectrum was analyzed in the research of reducing the pass-by noise of some mini bus.The scale of pass-by noise coming from exhaust system in the total pass-by noise was calculated on principles that the sound will decline with the distance becoming longer,and that the sound energy can be added with each other.In this way,with fewer experiments and less cost,the exhaust system was determined to be the main noise source.At last,we raised a program to improve the muffler and made the pass-by noise locate in the national standard..
Weed seed inactivation in soil mesocosms via biosolarization with mature compost and tomato processing waste amendments

BACKGROUND Biosolarization is a fumigation alternative that combines passive solar heating with amendment-driven soil microbial activity to temporarily create antagonistic soil conditions, such as elevated temperature and acidity, that can inactivate weed seeds and other pest propagules. The aim of this study was to use a mesocosm-based field trial to assess soil heating, pH, volatile fatty acid accumulation and weed seed inactivation during biosolarization. RESULTS Biosolarization for 8 days using 2% mature green waste compost and 2 or 5% tomato processing residues in the soil resulted in accumulation of volatile fatty acids in the soil, particularly acetic acid, and >95% inactivation of Brassica nigra and Solanum nigrum seeds. Inactivation kinetics data showed that near complete weed seed inactivation in soil was achieved within the first 5 days of biosolarization. This was significantly greater than the inactivation achieved in control soils that were solar heated without amendment or were amended but not solar heated. CONCLUSION The composition and concentration of organic matter amendments in soil significantly affected volatile fatty acid accumulation at various soil depths during biosolarization. Combining solar heating with organic matter amendment resulted in accelerated weed seed inactivation compared with either approach alone. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Pathogenicity of Salmonella in the Resting State

The pathogenicity of Salmonella was studied in different growth phases to clarify the VBNC state of this bacteria in the environment. Salmonella typhimurium in the logarithmic phase kills BALB/c mice much more efficiently than that in the stationary phase when infected p. o., and similar differences were observed in the binding activity of this bacteria in these growth phases to macrophages and colon epithelial cells. However, logarithmic Salmonella is more sensitive to distilled water than stationary Salmonella and did not survive longer than 2 days. On the contrary, stationary Salmonella survived for more than 8 months in phosphate-buffered saline and was able to regrow in nutrient-rich medium upon incubation at 37°C, showing pathogenic activity to mice.Survey of Salmonella in the Tama River revealed that several colonies were virulent Salmonella enteritidis containing the plasmid encoding invA and enterotoxin, and some of these colonies showed lethality to mice as potently as pathogenic strains isolated from patients. These results suggest that Salmonella is found in river water and might regrow in nutrient-rich medium becoming pathogenic. Furthermore, the growth phase may be an important factor for this bacteria not only to survive in the environment but also to manifest pathogenicity to the host.
The birth of reality: psychoanalytic developmental considerations.

In this article, utilizing an emended version of Winnicott’s notion of transitional objects and recent parent-infant research, the author offers a perspective on the development of individuals' exp...
Age at presentation and management of pediatric intussusception: A Pediatric Health Information System database study.

Background Intussusception is uncommon in children older than 3 years, and use of enema reduction in older children is controversial. We sought to determine whether older children are at greater risk of requiring operative intervention and/or having pathology causing lead points, such that enema reduction should not be attempted. Methods The Pediatric Health Information System database was reviewed from January 1, 2009–June 30, 2014. Patients were followed for 6 months from initial presentation or until bowel resection occurred. Successful enema reduction was defined as having radiologic reduction without additional procedures. Results A total of 7,412 patients were identified: 6,681 were 3 years old. In those >3 years old, 450 (62%) were treated successfully with enema reduction; the rate of patients with a tumor diagnosis was similar in patients 3 years old (5% vs 6%, P = .07). The rate of a Meckel's diagnosis was greater in patients >3 years old (2% vs 14%, P 3 years old, duration of stay between patients who underwent primary operative therapy versus those who underwent operative therapy after enema reduction was similar (4 days vs 4 days, P = .06). Older age was not associated with increased risk of recurrent admission for intussusception ( P = .45). Conclusion Pediatric Health Information System data suggest that enema reduction may be safe and effective for a majority of children even if older than 3 years.
A high-frequency radar oceanic current monitoring system for the Texas coast

The Texas coast represents an area of interest for a wide variety of stakeholders, including the oil industry (for both, exploration and operation purposes), fisheries and living resource management, ecosystem, coastal hazard mitigation and planning, and ocean and coastal education. For more than twenty years, the Texas coast has relied on the Texas Automated Buoy System (TABS) for real-time surface current measurements. In early 2016, the installation of a network of high-frequency coastal ocean radars was implemented to supplement the in situ observations of the TABS system with terrestrial-based remote sensing observations of surface currents. The first set of paired systems, located at Rollover Pass and Surfside Beach, Texas, are providing data hourly in near-real time. A comparison between the time series for the radar and buoys was made in order to determine the correlation coefficient between these signals; correlation coefficients above 0.5 were found for the three buoy locations included in this research, for both, the meridional and zonal component. This project represents the integration of the Texas coast into the high-frequency radar national network, and constitutes the first stage of a three methods comparison, which will include the data of the high frequency radar, an Autonomous Surface Vehicle and TABS.
Growth Of AlN Crystals On AlN/SiC Seeds By AlN Powder Sublimation In Nitrogen Atmosphere

AlN single crystals were grown on AlN/SiC seeds by sublimation of AlN powder in TaC crucibles in a nitrogen atmosphere. The seeds were produced by metallorganic chemicai vapor deposition (MOCVD) of AlN on SiC crystals. The influence of growth temperature, growth time and source-to-seed distance on the crystallinity and the crystal growth rate were investigated. Crystals were grown in an RF heated sublimation reactor at growth temperatures ranging from 1800–2000°C, at a pressure of 600 Torr, nitrogen flow-rate of 100 sccm and source-to-seed distances of 10 and 35 mm. At 1870°C and a source-to-seed distance of 35 mm, isolated crystals were observed with few instances of coalescence. At 1930°C, a source-to-seed distance of 10 mm and longer growth times (~30 hrs), crystal coalescence was achieved. Above 1930°C, the decomposition of SiC was evidently affecting the growth morphology and resulted in growth of polycrystalline AlN. After an initial nucleation period, the observed growth rates (10–30 µm/hr) were in close agreement with predictions of a growth model that assumed gas-phase diffusion controlled growth. Optical and electron microscope observations revealed step-flow growth, while X-ray diffraction results showed the single crystal nature of the grown material. Single crystalline AlN was grown over surface areas of 200–300 mm2 and was transparent and essentially colorless.
An overview of my efforts to bridge the gap in the microwave tube area between what universities provide and what the industry needs

AbstractMy efforts to “bridge the gap” span a period of nearly 40 years and consist of over 100 courses on microwave tubes presented to well over 2000 scientists, engineers, and technicians. I developed the first five-day course for the US Navy. After several more courses, I wrote Microwave Tubes. In 1988, I developed the equivalent of a one-semester course on traveling wave tubes for the Navy and presented it several times each at Teledyne, Litton, Varian, and Hughes. In 1994, I wrote Principles of Traveling Wave Tubes, which was translated and published in Russia. I continued expanding and refining the courses and, in 2011, I wrote Klystrons, Traveling Wave Tubes, Magnetrons, Crossed-Field Amplifiers, and Gyrotrons, which was translated and published in China. Most recently, my courses have been attended by scientists and engineers from China, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Germany as well as the United States.
Hand Development Kit: Soft Robotic Fingers as Prosthetic Augmentation of the Hand

Recent developments in wearable robots and human augmentation open up new possibilities of designing computational interfaces integrated to the body. Particularly, supernumerary robot is a recently established field of research that investigates a radical idea of adding robotic limbs to users. Such augmentations, however, pose a limit in how much we can add to the body due to weight or interference with other body parts. To address that, we explore the use of soft robots as supernumerary robotic fingers. We present a pair of soft robotic fingers driven by cables and servomotors, and applications using the robotic fingers in various contexts.
Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE)

Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is rare but increasingly recognized condition characterized by simultaneous coexistence of both upper lobe predominant emphysema and diffuse pulmonary fibrosis mainly in lower lobe. Patients with CPFE are usually heavy smokers or former smokers. HRCT has a pivotal role in diagnosis. Pulmonary function test showed relatively preserved lung volumes and reduced diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is largely attributed to morbidity in patients with CPFE which is the principal prognostic factor for this condition. However more studies are needed to establish natural history of the disease & treatment option. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge of the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, treatment options and prognostic factors of CPFE. Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2017; 5(2): 122-125
Probabilistic Caching in Wireless Device to Device Networks with Contention Based Multimedia Delivery

This paper studies the optimal probabilistic caching placement in large-scale cache-enabled D2D networks to maximize the cache hit performance, which is defined as the probability that a random user request can be served by mobile helpers (MHs) in the vicinity. To avoid collisions of the concurrent transmissions, a contention based multimedia delivery protocol is proposed, under which a MH is allowed to transmit only if its back-off timer is the smallest among its associated contenders. By applying tools from stochastic geometry, the optimal caching probability is derived and analyzed. It is shown that the optimal solution of the probabilistic caching placement depends on the density of MHs, the D2D communication range, and the user request distribution. With the derived optimal caching probabilities, we further characterize the transmission probability of MHs and thereby the successful content delivery probability of the cache-enabled D2D network. Simulations are provided to validate our analysis.
Establishment of human pluripotent stem cell-derived pancreatic β-like cells in the mouse pancreas

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune destruction of β cells located in pancreatic islets. However, tractable in vivo models of human pancreatic β cells have been limited. Here, we generated xenogeneic human pancreatic β-like cells in the mouse pancreas by orthotopic transplantation of stem cell-derived β (SC-β) cells into the pancreas of neonatal mice. The engrafted β-like cells expressed β cell transcription factors and markers associated with functional maturity. Engrafted human cells recruited mouse endothelial cells, suggesting functional integration. Human insulin was detected in the blood circulation of transplanted mice for months after transplantation and increased upon glucose stimulation. In addition to β-like cells, human cells expressing markers for other endocrine pancreas cell types, acinar cells, and pancreatic ductal cells were identified in the pancreata of transplanted mice, indicating that this approach allows studying other human pancreatic cell types in the mouse pancreas. Our results demonstrate that orthotopic transplantation of human SC-β cells into neonatal mice is an experimental platform that allows the generation of mice with human pancreatic β-like cells in the endogenous niche.
Beyond Simple Differences: Moderators of Gender Differences in Heteronormativity

Heteronormativity is a culturally embedded system defining acceptable identities and behaviors in romantic relationships. Recent literature has suggested that heteronormativity is strongly associat...
Neurology workforce deficits: Is allopathic medical student recruitment the answer?

There is a shortfall of neurologists in the United States. One physician recruitment site found neurology to be the most in-demand specialty in 2018, with fewer candidates per job posted than any other field.1 This shortfall is projected to worsen in the coming years, exacerbating clinic wait times and reducing patient access to neurologic care.2 A stable minority of allopathic medical students choose to train in neurology each year, with ≈3.1% matching into a neurology residency in 2018.3 The assumption is that if more students go into neurology, the field would be better equipped to serve the burgeoning population of patients with neurologic disorders.
Chromatin co-accessibility is highly structured, spans entire chromosomes, and mediates long range regulatory genetic effects

Abstract Chromatin accessibility identifies active regions of the genome, often at transcription factor (TF) binding sites, enhancers, and promoters, and contains regulatory genetic variation. Functionally related accessible sites have been reported to be co-accessible; however, the prevalence and range of co-accessibility is unknown. We perform ATAC-seq in induced pluripotent stem cells from 134 individuals and integrate it with RNA-seq, WGS, and ChIP-seq, providing the first long-range chromosome-length analysis of co-accessibility. We show that co-accessibility is highly connected, with sites having a median of 24 co-accessible partners up to 250Mb away. We also show that co-accessibility can de novo identify known and novel co-expressed genes, and co-regulatory TFs and chromatin states. We perform a cis and trans-caQTL, a trans-eQTL, and examine allelic effects of co-accessibility, identifying tens of thousands of trans-caQTLs, and showing that trans genetic effects can be propagated through co-accessibility to gene expression for cell-type and disease relevant genes.
Joseph F. Hair Jr., The Early Years: University of Mississippi

Joseph F. Hair Jr. completed his Ph.D. at the University of Florida in August 1971. The following month, Joe arrived with his lovely wife Dale in Oxford, Mississippi, and began working as an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Mississippi. Joe and Dale were at Ole Miss for 6 years. In the 5th year, Dale gave birth to their son, Joseph F. Hair III. The following paragraphs highlight many of Joe’s significant actions and contributions during the early years of his career.
Proactively planning and operating energy storage for decarbonization: Recommendations for policymakers

Abstract Energy storage is poised for explosive growth as a result of technological innovation, expanded state mandates and incentive programs, and new participation models developed under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Order 841. If storage is done right – charged using clean power, and discharged when grid needs are high and dirtier power can be displaced – it can be a key part of a low-cost, clean grid. But a growing body of literature suggests that storage could actually increase greenhouse gas (GHG) if not managed and incentivized properly. Optimizing storage to drive decarbonization, particularly in states with climate goals and renewable portfolio standards (RPS), will require a coordinated effort from grid operators, policymakers, utilities, developers and other stakeholders. Some key actions that need to be taken include incorporating carbon pricing into state and Independent System Operator (ISO) actions, developing market products to reward storage for supporting renewable energy, tailoring instruments like rate design, incentive programs, regulation, and grid planning/procurement, and providing storage with a GHG signal for co-optimization. These recommendations leverage findings and lessons from existing studies and can be applied to ensure other innovations like electric vehicles, distributed energy resources and thermal storage also have a pathway to decarbonization.
m-Health and Autism: Recognizing Stress and Anxiety with Machine Learning and Wearables Data

Consumer-grade wearables provide physiological measurements which may inform m-health applications that predict adverse outcomes. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) represents a compelling example. Many individuals with ASD present with challenging behaviors that are preceded by physiological changes. Physiological measures could, therefore, support real-time interventions to avert challenging behaviors in various social settings. However, no prior research has demonstrated a methodological approach to detect these changes using wearable device data. We sought to demonstrate a machine learning approach that uses wearables data to differentiate physiological states associated with stressful and non-stressful scenarios in children with ASD. In a controlled laboratory setting, we collected heart rate and RR interval measurements during rest and during activities designed to mimic stress using a consumer-grade wearable device. Our analysis included 38 participants (22 ASD, 16 non-ASD). Following outlier removal, we extracted 20 statistical features from data collected during each patient's rest and stressful periods. Using nested leave-one-out cross-validation over 76 sample periods (38 rest / 38 stress), we trained and evaluated logistic regression (LR) and support vector machine (SVM) classifiers to label each validation sample as a rest or stressful period. The SVM and LR models achieved 93% and 87% accuracy, respectively. These results suggest that machine learning models combined with wearables data may support real-time m-health intervention applications.
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis Treatment of Residual Refractive Error following Femtosecond Laser-Enabled Keratoplasty.

Purpose. To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in the treatment of residual myopia and astigmatism following femtosecond laser-enabled keratoplasty (FLEK). Design. Retrospective case review. Methods. Chart review of all patients with prior FLEK who subsequently underwent femto-LASIK surgery after full suture removal was performed at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at the University of California, Irvine. A total of 14 eyes in 13 patients met this criterion, and their comprehensive examinations performed at standard intervals were reviewed. Main outcome measures include uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) expressed as the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), manifest refractive astigmatism, and spherical equivalent. Results. From the preoperative visit to the 3 month visit, all 14 eyes significantly improved in UDVA (logMAR, 0.93 ± 0.23 to 0.44 ± 0.32, ) with no loss of CDVA (logMAR, 0.26 ± 0.19 to 0.18 ± 0.23, ). All 14 eyes showed significant improvement in manifest refractive astigmatism (4.71 ± 1.77 to 2.18 ± 1.45 diopters (D), ) and spherical equivalent (−2.57 ± 2.45 to −0.48 ± 0.83 D, ). There were no flap or graft complications as a result of femto-LASIK. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that femto-LASIK on eyes with prior FLEK is safe and effective in improving visual acuity and reducing residual astigmatism.
Implicit and explicit creativity: Further evidence of the integrative model

Abstract The present study sought to examine the relationship between implicit and explicit creativity in the prediction of creative performance. Based on previous research on the integrative model of personality, it was hypothesized that self-reported creativity (i.e., explicit creativity) and creativity measured via conditional reasoning (i.e., implicit creativity) would interact in the prediction of creativity scores on a drawing task (i.e., creative performance). Overall, the interaction of implicit and explicit creativity was significant such that individuals with a combination of high self-reported (i.e., explicit) creativity and high implicit creativity demonstrated the most creative performance. In contrast, individuals with a pattern of low explicit creativity and low implicit creativity demonstrated the least creative performance. Implications and directions for further research are discussed.
Modeling Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis as an infection reservoir for visceral Leishmaniasis

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a potentially fatal disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani. This disease is a health problem for the very poor because it results in thousands of deaths and illnesses every year. Some countries, such as India and Bangladesh, have started programs to reduce the occurrences of VL by focusing on early diagnosis and complete treatment of VL. Post-Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a cutaneous manifestation of Leishmaniasis that can occur following the incomplete treatment of VL. Diagnosis and treatment of PKDL are limited in affected regions, and PKDL has been identified as a possible reservoir for infection. This study develops a mathematical model of the relationship between the level of PKDL treatment and the incidences of VL during a given period. The results indicate a nearly linear relationship between PKDL treatment rates and the percent reduction of VL incidences. With the current treatments available and considering achievable levels of treatment, the model predicts that up to 20% of VL cases could be prevented by treating new PKDL cases. Hypothetical combined treatment initiatives including bed nets and insecticide spraying are also considered. Results suggest that the population of individuals with PKDL is certainly a significant factor in the transmission of L. donovani infection, with treatment of new cases particularly important.
Optimal Control of a Battery Energy Storage System with a Charge-Temperature-Health Model

Battery energy storage is being installed behind-the-meter to reduce electrical bills while improving power system efficiency and resiliency. This paper demonstrates the development and application of an advanced optimal control method for battery energy storage systems to maximize these benefits. We combine methods for accurately modeling the state-of-charge, temperature, and state-of-health of lithium-ion battery cells into a model predictive controller to optimally schedule charge/discharge, air-conditioning, and forced air convection power to shift a electric customer's consumption and hence reduce their electric bill. While linear state-of-health models produce linear relationships between battery usage and degradation, a non-linear, stress-factor model accounts for the compounding improvements in lifetime that can be achieved by reducing several stress factors at once. Applying this controller to a simulated system shows significant benefits from cooling-in-the-loop control and that relatively small sacrifices in bill reduction performance can yield large increases in battery life. This trade-off function is highly dependent on the battery's degradation mechanisms and what model is used to represent them.