cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of mosquito surveillance efficiency between black box method and labor hour method

Objective To compare the black box method with the labor hour method in terms of their differences in the surveillance of mosquito density and explore the possibility of substituting black box method for the labor hour method for the surveillance.Methods The differences between the black box method and the labor hour method in terms of their performance in the surveillance of mosquito density and species were compared based on the data from three independent surveillance sites,with the correlation of the two methods in the surveillance of the species composition ratio,sex ratio and seasonal fluctuation trends examined.Results The results showed that the density of mosquito by black box method was 1.51 mosquitoes per site,lower than that by labor hour method(3.13 mosquito per box),with a significant difference between them(t=4.985,P=0.0025).In terms of the seasonal fluctuation tendency of mosquitoes,similar findings from the two methods were obtained with good correlation and significant statistical difference(r=0.8833,P=0.0084).It was found that the density of female mosquitoes by the labor hour method was 1.88 mosquitoes per site,higher than that by black box method(0.50 mosquito per box) with a significant difference between them(t=5.043,P=0.0023).There was no correlation between the fluctuation curves of the two methods(r=0.4812,P=0.2743).The species and composition of mosquitoes were also different with the two different methods.The main species collected by the black box method was Culex pipiens pallens(90.6%),followed by Cx.tritaeniorhynchus(4.1%),Aedes albopictus(2.4%) and Armigeres subalbatus(2.9%),with no Anopheles sinensis found.As far as the labor hour method was concerned,Cx.pipiens pallens(42.8%) and Ar.subalbatus(40.3%) were the main species collected,with Cx.tritaeriorhynchus,Ae.albopictus and An.sinensis accounting for 11.7%,4.7% and 0.5% respectively.In addition,there was a different sex ratio of the mosquitoes collected with the two different methods,with the number of male mosquitoes larger than that of female ones in the surveillance with the black box method,and the opposite being true for the labor hour method.The quantity of female mosquitoes collected by the black box method was close to that by labor hour method,but there was a statistically significant difference(χ2=146.18,P0.001).The quantity of male mosquitoes collected by the black box method was larger than that by the labor hour method with a statistically significant difference(χ2=513.01,P0.0001).Conclusion The black box method,capable of capturing more female than male mosqitoes,is applicable to the surveillance of a variety of mosquito species,but the regularity and standard operating procedure(SOP) of the method as a surveillance tool remains to be studied.
Resolution of the psychiatric emergency in the emergency department.

The emergency department is designed to enhance the containment and resolution of life-threatening situations. The author stresses the need for rapid assessment for making a safe disposition, and discusses the pressures on the emergency psychiatrist, the relationship of the emergency psychiatry department to the community service agencies and community physicians, and discusses the crisis as an opportunity to positively influence the course of the patient’s illness.
FRTL-5 Rat Thyroid Cells Release Thyroglobulin Sequestered in Exosomes: A Possible Novel Mechanism for Thyroglobulin Processing in the Thyroid

Exosomes are 30–100 nm, membrane-bound vesicles containing specific cellular proteins, mRNAs, and microRNAs that take part in intercellular communication between cells. A possible role for exosomes in thyroid function has not been fully explored. In the present study, FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells were grown to confluence and received medium containing either thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), exogenous bovine thyroglobulin (bTg), or neither additive for 24 or 48 hours followed by collection of spent medium and ultracentrifugation to isolate small vesicles. Transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting for CD9 indicated the presence of exosomes. Western blotting of exosome extract using a monoclonal anti-Tg antibody revealed a Tg-positive band at ~330 kDa (the expected size of monomeric Tg) with a higher density in TSH-treated cells compared to that in untreated cells. These results are the first to show that normal thyroid cells in culture produce exosomes containing undegraded Tg.
24 The effect of passengers on all-terrain vehicle crash mechanisms and injuries

Statement of purpose Traditional all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are designed for one rider only. The study objective was to better understand the effect passengers have on the mechanisms and injuries seen in ATV crashes. Methods/approach A retrospective chart review and analysis was performed of trauma registry patients with ATV-related injuries at the University of Iowa from 2002–2013. Results 537 cases were included in the analysis of which 20% were passengers or drivers with passengers. Both children and females were more likely to be passengers (p Conclusions Passengers on ATVs may be at greater risk for fall/ejection to the rear which appears to increase the risk of head injury. ATV operators who self-eject receive extremity injuries but may be more able to protect their heads; passengers limit the ability of a driver to self-eject when losing vehicle control. Significance and contributions This study provides insight on how passengers on ATVs may contribute to crash likelihood and injury severity. A strict no rider rule could reduce risk of some ATV crashes.
The Relationship of Plasma Fibrinogen (Factor I) Level to Fibrin Stabilizing Factor (Factor XIII) Activity

The relationship of fibrinogen concentration to Factor XIII activity in the plasmas of 110 subjects (90 patients and 20 healthy volunteers) was studied. No definite, consistent, predictable relationship could be established. However, in certain pathological conditions, with hyper- or hypofibrinogenemia, a moderate reduction in Factor XIII activity may be present, and usually occurs without hemorrhagic manifestations. On the other hand, examination of normal plasmas artificially enriched with large amounts of bovine fibrinogen revealed no changes in Factor XIII activity. In the light of these observations, the suggestion is made that reduced Factor XIII activity may be encountered in certain disease conditions without simultaneous changes in fibrinogen concentration. The site of synthesis of these two proteins, although most likely the liver, would appear to not influence their plasma concentrations simultaneously.
Interrelationships among oral breath pressure ratios and articulation skills for individuals with cleft palate.

Interrelationships among four breath pressure ratios, eight measures of articulation proficiency, age, intelligence, and hearing acuity were computed for 85 children from four to 18 years who had c...
Touts out? The Waterson review on secondary ticketing

Independent Review of Consumer Protection Measures concerning Online Secondary Ticketing Facilities, Presented to Parliament pursuant to section 94(3) of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (2016) by Mich...
681. Increasing Insulin Activity During AAV (Adeno-Associated Virus) Administration to Muscle Improves Gene Transfer in Mice

25+ years of AAV (adeno-associated virus) gene therapy research has resulted in optimized: 1- delivery routes, 2- vectors, 3- genomes and 4- immunosuppression. These studies have yielded the first westernized AAV gene therapy drug to treat LPLD (lipoprotein Lipase Deficiency) and the promise of future AAV gene therapy drugs to treat hemophilia B and other genetic disorders. Interestingly, we have little understanding of how hormones regulate these AAV drug/future drug candidates. Our studies show that hormone management has a place in improving AAV gene therapy. Since liver and skeletal muscle are strong responders to insulin and these tissues are common targets for these AAV treatments, our studies focused on how insulin regulates AAV gene therapy. We tested insulin supplementation in: HepG2 (liver), differentiated myocytes, HEK293 (kidney) and A549 (lung epithelial). HepG2 and myocytes showed elevated INSR (insulin receptor) mRNA levels (6 to 9-fold respectively) compared to HEK293 and A549 cells. The elevated INSR levels paralleled a significant 2.5 and 3 fold increase in AAV2-CMV-LacZ (M.O.I of 5e3)gene transfer to HepG2 and myocytes respectively when media was supplemented with insulin. Insulin enhanced gene transfer was not seen in HEK293 and A549 cells. Additionally, using HI glucose (4.5 g/L) and LOW glucose (1.0 g/L) medias, we showed that these results were not influenced by glucose availability. When comparing INSR levels in C57BL/6 mouse tissue, liver and skeletal muscle showed a 10-Fold and 22-Fold increase respectively compared to lung tissue. In these mice, intra-muscular (I. M.) gene delivery using AAV1-CMV-schFIX (dose: 3.0e10 v.g.) was significantly improved 4 to 5 fold (figure 1) using insulin augmentation protocols: either a subcutaneous insulin pellet which released 4 U/kg per day or a high carbohydrate (70%) diet. View Large Image | Download PowerPoint SlideThe insulin augmentation protocols began 1.0 hr prior to AAV administration and continued for 4 weeks after. AAV delivery occurred during the window of a significant drop (3 fold) in blood glucose indicating an increase in insulin activity. The glucose levels had returned to normal 7 days later even though the insulin augmentation protocols continued for 4 weeks likely due to antagonistic feedback responses to long-term hyperinsulinemic conditions (i.e. cortisol release). The insulin augmentation protocols only demonstrated an increase in insulin activity at the onset of vector delivery but not after, yet elevated hFIX levels were sustained throughout the study, even after the insulin augmentation protocols ended. This indicates that insulin activity does not impact sustained transgene expression and may only regulate AAV uptake, intracellular trafficking or both. Data from liver directed studies using AAV8-CMV-schFIX are pending.
Neural recording and modulation technologies

Within the mammalian nervous system, billions of neurons connected by quadrillions of synapses exchange electrical, chemical and mechanical signals. Disruptions to this network manifest as neurological or psychiatric conditions. Despite decades of neuroscience research, our ability to treat or even to understand these conditions is limited by the tools capable of probing the signalling complexity of the nervous system. Although orders of magnitude smaller and computationally faster than neurons, conventional substrate-bound electronics do not address the chemical and mechanical properties of neural tissue. This mismatch results in a foreign-body response and the encapsulation of devices by glial scars, suggesting that the design of an interface between the nervous system and a synthetic sensor requires additional materials innovation. Advances in genetic tools for manipulating neural activity have fuelled the demand for devices capable of simultaneous recording and controlling individual neurons at unprecedented scales. Recently, flexible organic electronics and bio- and nanomaterials have been developed for multifunctional and minimally invasive probes for long-term interaction with the nervous system. In this Review, we discuss the design lessons from the quarter-century-old field of neural engineering, highlight recent materials-driven progress in neural probes, and look at emergent directions inspired by the principles of neural transduction.
Memoirs: On the Origin of the Connective-Tissue Ground-Substance in the Chick Embryo

1. In the chick, just as has been previously shown in the amphibian embryo, the forerunner of the connective tissues is a transparent, gelatinous, cell-free ground-substance which, in general, pervades the embryonic body from very early stages of development. 2. This ground-substance can be demonstrated in various regions of the body previous to the appearance of the mesenchyme cells. It is evidently formed as a secretion of the cells of the various germ-layers. The data at hand indicate no possibility that it arises either from a syncytium or by a direct transformation of the cytoplasm. 3. In the early stages the ground-substance appears, for the most part, homogeneous, but with some fibrillation. In the later stages a progressive increase in the fibrillation is noted. It is possible to show that the development of fibres in the ground-substance is due to changes in the ground-substance itself, and not to a direct transformation of cytoplasm. 4. The formation Of the ground-substance is followed by the invasion of the mesenchyme cells which, using it as a supporting material, apparently in the same way that cells utilize the plasma clot in tissue cultures, move through and modify it in various ways. 5. Emphasis is laid upon the fact that the presence of the ground-substance through the embryo, together with the known positive stereotropism of cells as exhibited in tissue cultures, throws light upon certain features of early development, particularly cell movements and increase in body size.
ATMOSPHERIC HAZARDS Hail potential heating up

There is widespread speculation as to whether hailstorms are getting more intense or frequent as the global climate warms. Now research suggests a potential increase in both the mean hail size and frequency of larger hail events over North America.
Freeze-Thaw Durability of Air-Entrained Concrete Incorporating Natural and Recycled Concrete Aggregate Mixtures

The present study investigates the effect of natural aggregate (NA) and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) in concrete mixture on Freeze-Thaw (F-T) durability. Freeze-thaw action is considered to be one of the most destructive actions that can cause significant damage to concrete pavement structures. To check the F-T durability; various physical, chemical, mechanical properties test has been conducted on the virgin or natural aggregate (NA) and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) collected from Illinois. The aggregate resistance for degradation has been measured by using micro-deval and sulphate resistance test. The F-T durability of standard concrete mix using various percentages of NA and RCA has been investigated with or without air-entraining admixtures (AEA). The internal damage of the concrete due to rapid freeze-thaw (F-T) has been evaluated by comparing the relative dynamic modulus (RDM) of elasticity of a specimen at the lab, after a specific amount of F-T exposure, to the dynamic modulus test prior to the start of F-T exposure. The results show that concrete sample prepared with air-entrains agent survived more number of F-T cycles and also concrete prepared using RCA samples shows better durability than NA.
Mapping mangrove communities in coastal wetlands using airborne hyperspectral data

Mapping and monitoring coastal wetlands and mangrove distributions as well as changes in cover help us better manage wetlands. The purpose of this study is to study the efficacy of airborne hyperspectral remote sensing to map and detect black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) in coastal wetlands in Galveston, TX. To overcome the scarcity of labeled mangrove data, superpixel segmentation is used to expand the limited training set for subsequent classification and detection. The spatial distributions of black mangrove are then predicted with a support vector machine (SVM) classifier. The presence of black mangrove is also tested with two standard target detection approaches, including modified generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT), and constrained energy minimization (CEM). The experimental results indicate that the black mangrove species can be effectively distinguished using hyperspectral images, from other wetland vegetation and background classes while requiring very limited labeling effort.
For Execution Methods Challenges, the Road to Abolition is Paved with Paradox

The death penalty’s popularity has waned appreciably in recent years. Riding high on the momentum of this snowballing development are challenges to lethal injection under the Eighth Amendment’s Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause. This Chapter contends that despite the contributions that lethal injection challenges, such as the 2008 Supreme Court case of Baze v. Rees, have made toward decreasing the number of executions in the United States, the oft-perceived link between execution methods litigation and the potential abolition of the death penalty is a double-edged sword. The presumed tie between successful lethal injection challenges and abolition can distract legislatures, courts, and prison personnel from examining the actual issue under consideration – the constitutionality of states’ execution protocols. While litigation over execution methods furthers abolitionist goals through the resultant decline in the number of executions, states continue to cling to troublesome execution methods in order to cloak the death penalty’s flaws.
Mitral Valve Dilation

Mitral valve (MV) dilation was first developed for adults and adolescents with rheumatic MV disease. It was then extended to children with congenital mitral stenosis (MS). Congenital MS is a morphologically heterogeneous lesion that generally affects both the valvar and subvalvar tension apparatus of the MV. Subtypes of congenital MS include “typical” congenital MS (which consists of thickened leaflets, short or absent chordae tendineae, obliteration of interchordal spaces, and two separate but often closely spaced papillary muscles), supravalvar mitral ring, parachute MV, and double-orifice MV. In many patients, there are features of multiple MS subtypes. Commonly associated lesions include other left heart obstructive anomalies (e.g., coarctation of the aorta, valvar or subvalvar aortic stenosis) and/or a VSD.
The Adult Male-Child Bond

An examination of any human behavior pattern faces five immediate problems of some magnitude: 1. Whom are you going to study—that is, who are your sub­jects? 2. Where are you going to study your subjects? 3. Is your method of research influencing the character of the data that are being gathered on your subjects, in this instance man-child dyads? Framed in a different way, are you viewing behavior reflecting your subjects’ own priorities, agendas, and decisions or are you viewing behavior which is reacting to your scientific intrusion? 4. What behaviors are to be coded, and at what level of coarseness or refinement? 5. From what perspective or vantage point will the collected data be organized and interpreted?
Mother Knows Best? Comparing Child Report and Parent Report of Sleep Parameters With Polysomnography

Study Objectives:Parent report or child report is commonly used to obtain information on sleep in children. Data are lacking comparing the validity of parent-reported versus child-reported sleep pa...
Machine Learning to Predict Delays in Adjuvant Radiation following Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer.

ObjectiveTo apply a novel methodology with machine learning (ML) to a large national cancer registry to help identify patients who are high risk for delayed adjuvant radiation.Study DesignObservati...
Afro-Christian, Afro-Blue: Land-Based Autonomy and the Making of Blues Identities at the Turn of the 20th Century

At the heart of the black American Struggle for life has always been the question of the land. Land, at the most basic level, situates all human relationships with flora and fauna. My focus on Afro-Christian and Afro-Blue identities is situated by the idea that life, at its most basic level, suggests relationship to the earth. I argue three points; 1. Land should be understood as a substantive component in how we understand black identities, 2. Certain Christian binaries, particularly the Spirit/Flesh binary, does violence to blues identities that point toward deep relationships with the land, 3. The Blues as a cultural production points toward a landed cosmology that has corrective implications for how we image life theologically. In short, each of these points express a type of Blues— A Blues for the Land, Spirit/Flesh Blues and the Blues of Blues People.
Gas, Vapor and Water Transport in Polymer Films

There has been a huge upsurge of interest in recent years in the transport of gases and vapors through polymer films. More than two hundred papers have been published in this general area in the past five years most of which were concerned, at least in part, with fundamental aspects of the problem.
Prescribed-time output feedback for linear systems in controllable canonical form

Abstract For linear systems in the controllable canonical form, we introduce a prescribed-time output feedback controller which provides for easy prescription of estimation and stabilization convergence times irrespective of initial conditions and with minimal tuning of the observer and controller parameters. We show that the closed-loop output feedback system is fixed-time globally uniformly asymptotically stable as well as convergent to zero in the prescribed time. Further, we show that a separation principle holds between the prescribed-time controller and the prescribed-time observer provided the scaling power of the time-varying observer gains exceeds the scaling power of the controller gains by twice the order of the system, i.e., provided the observer is fast enough relative to the controller, irrespective of the constant gains of both.
The Digital Transformation of Visual Politics

The assessment in this chapter of the role of visual media in politics focuses on three specific features of the digital-media landscape: (1) the proliferation of cameras, (2) the increasing accessibility of technologies for the editing and manipulation of images, and (3) viewers’ growing control over the circumstances of their consumption of mass media. The ubiquity of cameras has blurred the boundaries between on-stage and behind-the-scenes behavior. The emergence of digital photo-manipulation technology has given both amateurs and professionals a potent instrument not only of photo-fakery but also of explicit editorial commentary, and it has led to significant cultural changes in attitudes toward photographic truth. The audience’s increasing ability to shut out overt sales pitches has forced political campaigns to adjust their tactics to a world with limited tolerance for the persuasive techniques of the television age. The result has been a deliberate blurring of the boundaries between persuasion and entertainment, with substantial changes in the nature of the political process.
Utilizing increased risk for disease transmission (IRD) kidneys for pediatric renal transplant recipients

Strategies to expand numbers of deceased donor kidneys suitable for pediatric recipients are urgently needed to prevent long-term dialysis-associated morbidity and mortality. Donors designated as increased risk of disease transmission (IRD) are infrequently used in pediatric recipients. We examined outcomes of these kidneys in pediatric patients and the potential to increase the donor pool. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database records presence of IRD in all deceased donors since 2004. All pediatric kidney transplant recipients from 2004 to 2017 were identified and stratified by IRD status, and outcomes were examined. Four hundred seventy-three pediatric kidney transplant recipients received an IRD allograft. IRD donors had lower kidney donor profile index (KDPI); were more likely to be younger, male, and Caucasian; and were more likely to have used drugs. IRD kidneys were more likely to have been biopsied and placed on pulsatile perfusion. Other than an older recipient age, demographic data were not different between groups. Allograft and patient survivals were similar, as were rejection and delayed graft function rates. Compared with adult recipients and adult IRD recipients, pediatric recipients were more likely to have a younger donor, receive a kidney with a lower creatinine, and were less likely to have delayed graft function (p < 0.05). There were no recorded disease transmissions in IRD group. Patient and allograft survivals are similar in IRD and non-IRD kidneys. High-quality IRD organs used in adults represent a large number of donors with excellent outcomes. IRD allografts have a potential to increase transplant volume and should be considered for pediatric patients.
Ferroicity-driven nonlinear photocurrent switching in time-reversal invariant ferroic materials

Nonlinear optical responses to external electromagnetic field, characterized by second- and higher-order susceptibilities, play crucial roles in nonlinear optics and optoelectronics. Here, we demonstrate the possibility to achieve ferroicity-driven nonlinear photocurrent switching in time-reversal invariant multiferroics. It is enabled by the second-order current response to electromagnetic field whose direction can be controlled by both internal ferroic orders and external light polarization. Second-order direct photocurrent consists of shift current and circular photocurrent under linearly and circularly polarized light irradiation, respectively. We elucidate the microscopic mechanism in a representative class of two-dimensional multiferroic materials using group theoretical analyses and first-principles theory. The complex interplay of symmetries, shift vector, and Berry curvature governs the fundamental properties and switching behavior of shift current and circular photocurrent. Ferroicity-driven nonlinear photocurrent switching will open avenues for realizing nonlinear optoelectronics, nonlinear multiferroics, etc., using the coupled ferroic orders and nonlinear responses of ferroic materials under external field.
Congregants and Citizens: Religion and Naturalization among US Immigrants

Scholars and pundits have long debated whether religion helps new immigrants integrate politically in the United States. Those who see religion as an integrative institution cite the country’s hist...
A brief motivational intervention for enhancing medication adherence for adolescents with bipolar disorder: A pilot randomized trial.

Abstract Background Youth with bipolar disorder (BP) exhibit poor medication adherence, contributing to affective recurrence. Brief Motivational Interventions (BMIs) improve adherence among adolescents with chronic conditions. Methods In an open pilot series, we developed a 3-session BMI for BP adolescents targeting medication adherence and conducted a pilot randomized trial comparing Standard Care (SC) versus SC+BMI. Participants include 43 adolescents with BP prescribed psychotropic medications. We assessed medication adherence objectively via bluetooth-enabled electronic pillbox (MedTracker). A blinded evaluator assessed mood symptoms at intake, 3- and 6-months. Results The BMI was well-received. Average objective medication adherence increased with time in SC+BMI, but decreased in SC-Alone (p Limitations Electronic pillbox use (across groups) may enhance adherence, resulting in overestimates compared with naturalistic conditions. This pilot randomized trial may have been underpowered to detect some group differences. Conclusions A BMI offers promise as a disseminable adjunctive intervention for improving medication adherence for adolescents with BP. Future studies with larger samples can establish efficacy. NCT03203720
Before the Lunch Line: Effectiveness of Behavioral Economic Interventions for Pre-Commitment onElementary School Children’s Food Choices

In this study, we intervened in elementary schools on lunch entree selection using some of the behavioral economic methods shown to be effective in earlier food choice studies. Unlike many earlier behavioral interventions, which were mostly done in controlled environments and smaller cafe type settings for one-off interactions, we conducted our interventions in a real-world environment in twelve elementary schools in one school district in South Carolina over nine school weeks. By increasing salience and prominence of the healthy entree of the day through visual and verbal tools, we nudged students towards selecting healthier options in treatment schools. We estimated the treatment effects using a difference-in-differences setup, comparing changes in the share of students selecting nudged entrees during the treatment period relative to the shares before the treatment period in treatment and comparison schools. Our estimates show that the nudges are effective when present. They increase selection of the healthy option by thirteen to thirty-five percent on the days the entree is treated. Effects disappear when the nudge is removed, however, and there is evidence for reduced effectiveness of nudges in repeat instances. There is no evidence of habit formation.
Partial Discharge Behavior on Twisted Pair under Ultra-short Rise Time Square-wave Excitations

The use of wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductor device is increasing due to its capability to operate at much higher voltage, frequency and temperature compared with traditional semiconductor device. WBG semiconductor device is capable to generate voltages with ultra-high dv/dt (ultra-short rise time), which would alter the voltage stress in various electrical apparatus, e.g., inverter-controlled motors, and consequently change partial discharge (PD) behavior. Combine this with the fact that PD detection in inverter-controlled motor winding, even with slow-rising voltages, is intrinsically complicated, the study of PD behavior under ultra-fast squarewave voltages is much needed. In this paper, experimental observations and results for twisted pair samples stressed by an impulse generator with the ability of generating ultra-fast square-wave voltage are presented. Statements and hypotheses on PD behaviors and mechanism under ultra-fast dv/dt squarewave excitations are also put forward based on the test results.
2 – Physiological Structure and Function of Proteins

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the physiological structure and function of proteins. It is mentioned that the three-dimensional structures of proteins are dictated by their linear sequences of amino acids. Molecular structure of proteins and techniques for the determination of the structures of proteins, bulk properties of proteins, and relationship of protein structure to function, are discussed in detail. Proteins are structured in such a way that their polar amino acids tend to be directed towards the aqueous solvent while the nonpolar or hydrophobic residues tend to point towards the interior of the protein. The three-dimensional structures of proteins can be determined by a variety of techniques, including circular dichroism (for regular structure), x-ray crystallography, two-dimensional NMR, and theoretical techniques. The three-dimensional structures of proteins determine bulk properties of these proteins, such as their behavior towards titration with acids or bases, their isoionic points, and their migration in electric fields, as in electrophoresis. The relationships of the conformations of proteins to their functions concentrate on one aspect of fundamental importance to cell physiology, membrane polypeptides, and proteins. The use of the methods of conformational analysis based on the principles of protein structure described in the chapter has resulted in being able to identify critical residues of an oncogenic protein that are vital to their function, to design peptides that selectively inhibit oncogenic “ras-p21,” and to detect differences in signal transduction pathways induced by oncogenic and normal p21 protein. Under function of ras-p21, it is mentioned that when activated by ras or other intracellular proteins, raf binds to and phosphorylates an extracellular mitogen-stimulated kinase called MEK, which in turn, binds to and phosphorylates a vital protein, MAP kinase (mitogen-activated protein kinase). Acid-base properties of amino acids, protein charge and solubility, titration of proteins, protein charge and electrophoresis are discussed in detail under properties of proteins and proteins as polyelectrolytes.
Subtle Environmental Differences have Cascading Effects on the Ecology and Evolution of a Model Microbial Community

Predicting ecological and evolutionary dynamics is challenging because the phenomena of interest emerge from complex nonlinear interactions between genomes, organisms, and environments. Complexity theory predicts that small changes in a basal element of an ecosystem can impact higher-order features such as population dynamics and biodiversity. Here we use a simple two-species laboratory system to demonstrate how slight alterations to the environment can have cascading effects on the ecology and evolution of that system. We cultured the bacterium Escherichia coli and a virus, phage λ, together in a carbon-limited medium. We varied the carbon source by supplying one of three similar sugars: glucose, maltose, or maltotriose. These sugars were chosen because we predicted they would impose varying degrees of constraint on the potential for the bacteria to evolve resistance to the phage. The sugars have different routes into the cell: both maltodextrins rely on the outer-membrane pore LamB, whereas glucose does not. LamB also serves as the receptor for λ attachment to the cell surface, and mutations that alter its structure or reduce its expression can confer resistance to λ. By varying the sugar and thereby the bacteria’s reliance on LamB, we predicted they would evolve different types of resistance and engage in different coevolutionary trajectories with λ. We saw even more striking effects than expected. This simple resource manipulation caused differences in the bacteria’s cost of resistance, which in turn affected population dynamics, community composition, coexistence, and coevolution. This cascade has important implications for predicting ecology and evolution. On the one hand, it reveals that even subtle environmental differences can have large and complex effects, making predictions difficult. On the other hand, important features of the environment (here, the specific limiting resource) can sometimes be identified a priori given sufficient knowledge of the molecular biology and physiology of the organisms.
Stability Analysis of Linear Impulsive Systems using Lie-Algebraic Methods

In this paper, we continue the investigation of uniform exponential stability for linear impulsive systems. The analysis is based on a certain Lie algebra defined from the system description. Prior work has focused on solvable Lie algebras that reveal a triangularly coupled system structure that, in turn, is amenable to an explicit Lyapunov stability analysis. Here we show that in the general case, an impulsive system's Lie algebra still serves to reveal a triangularly coupled structure. Additional conditions are then derived that are sufficient for the existence of a quadratic Lyapunov function for each subsystem.
Impact of quantization algorithm and number of gray level intensities on variability and repeatability of low field strength magnetic resonance image-based radiomics texture features

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this work was to investigate the impact of quantization preprocessing parameter selection on variability and repeatability of texture features derived from low field strength magnetic resonance (MR) images. Methods Texture features were extracted from low field strength images of a daily image QA phantom with four texture inserts. Feature variability over time was quantified using all combinations of three quantization algorithms and four different numbers of gray level intensities. In addition, texture features were extracted using the same combinations from the low field strength MR images of the gross tumor volume (GTV) and left kidney of patients with repeated set up scans. The impact of region of interest (ROI) preprocessing on repeatability was investigated with a test-retest study design. Results The phantom ROIs quantized to 64 Gy level intensities using the histogram equalization method resulted in the greatest number of features with the least variability. There was no clear method that resulted in the highest repeatability in the GTV or left kidney. However, eight texture features extracted from the GTV were repeatable regardless of ROI processing combination. Conclusion Low field strength MR images can provide a stable basis for texture analysis with ROIs quantized to 64 Gy levels using histogram equalization, but there is no clear optimal combination for repeatability.
Sarbanes–Oxley Engagements

Academic research on reporting from Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) has to date focused on internal consistency, compliance, and accrual accounting assessments. Some research has been performed on the related external risks such as fraud and security breaches. This chapter surveys what we know about compliance cost and information content of SOX filings, and provides machine learning tools to assess the information contained in SOX reports.
The Impact of School-Based Financial Incentives on Teachers’ Strategic Moves: A Descriptive Analysis:

BackgroundPrior research has found that teacher dissatisfaction with low salaries is one reason for teacher turnover. Accordingly, policy makers have championed financial incentives as a way of inc...
Optimization of Stochastic Computing Based Deep Learning Systems with Parallel Finite State Machine Implementation

Deep learning has become an increasingly heated topic as artificial intelligence is on the rise. At the same time, hardware restrictions in real applications have driven the investigation of combining another rising technique, stochastic computing (SC), with deep learning systems to achieve low power costs. By far, operations successfully implemented include addition, multiplication, inner product, and other more complicated nonlinear functions such as hyperbolic tangent (tanh) with linear finite state machines (FSM). The inner product implementation realizes convolution, a core of neural networks, therefore encouraging SC- based deep learning neural network implementations. Meanwhile, extremely long bitstream lengths are needed to achieve satisfying accuracy, especially for large-scale deep learning systems, causing latency issues. The integration of parallelism is thus considered in an attempt to alleviate the latency issue. In this paper, an optimization to stochastic computing based deep learning system is proposed by introducing parallel FSM implementations to replace serial ones generally used in previous works. Substituting serial linear FSMs with several parallel linear FSMs of the same size yet with shorter bitstream length, parallel FSM aims at trading hardware for processing latency. The accuracy performance of a sample parallel FSM unit is evaluated against its counterpart in serial implementation before a case study verifies that the replacement sacrifices little accuracy, while reducing computing time exponentially in actual deep learning system realizations.
SACoD: Sensor Algorithm Co-Design Towards Efficient CNN-powered Intelligent PhlatCam

There has been a booming demand for integrating Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) powered functionalities into Internet-of-Thing (IoT) devices to enable ubiquitous intelligent "IoT cameras”. However, more extensive applications of such IoT systems are still limited by two challenges. First, some applications, especially medicine- and wearable-related ones, impose stringent requirements on the camera form factor. Second, powerful CNNs often require considerable storage and energy cost, whereas IoT devices often suffer from limited resources. PhlatCam, with its form factor potentially reduced by orders of magnitude, has emerged as a promising solution to the first aforementioned challenge, while the second one remains a bottleneck. Existing compression techniques, which can potentially tackle the second challenge, are far from realizing the full potential in storage and energy reduction, because they mostly focus on the CNN algorithm itself. To this end, this work proposes SACoD, a Sensor Algorithm Co-Design framework to develop more efficient CNN-powered PhlatCam. In particular, the mask coded in the PhlatCam sensor and the backend CNN model are jointly optimized in terms of both model parameters and architectures via differential neural architecture search. Extensive experiments including both simulation and physical measurement on manufactured masks show that the proposed SACoD framework achieves aggressive model compression and energy savings while maintaining or even boosting the task accuracy, when benchmarking over two state-of-the-art (SOTA) designs with six datasets on four different tasks. We also perform visualization for better understanding the superiority of SACoD generated designs. All the codes will be released publicly upon acceptance.
Evinacumab for treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia

Introduction: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by lifelong elevation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), early onset coronary atherosclerosis, and premature death. FH is underdiagnosed and undertreated, but requires aggressive LDL-C-lowering to prevent complications. Current treatment strategies such as lifestyle modification and numerous LDL-C-lowering medications are often insufficient to achieve lipid goals in FH.Areas covered: Angiopoietin-like 3 protein (ANGPTL3) is intricately involved in lipid metabolism. Loss-of-function mutations in ANGPTL3 are associated with panhypolipidemia and reduced coronary atherosclerosis. Evinacumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, inhibits ANGPTL3 and reduces multiple lipoprotein fractions ~50%, including LDL-C. The use of evinacumab within the FH population is described as well as its regulatory journey to an approved therapeutic.Expert opinion: Evinacumab, with its capacity to lower multiple lipoprotein fractions, particularly LDL-C, independently of LDLR function has potential to revolutionize treatment for FH patients. Current FDA-approval is only for homozygous FH (HoFH), arguably the most impactful indication, but use in other lipid disorders is under investigation. The short-term tolerability of evinacumab is very good, with infrequent, mild, and transient adverse events; however, long-term safety data are needed. The high cost and requirement for intravenous administration may limit adoption of evinacumab, but dramatic LDL-C-lowering and need for new therapeutic options for HoFH will drive interest.
Bot-Based Emotion Behavior Differences in Images During Kashmir Black Day Event

A picture speaks a thousand words. Images are extremely effective at evoking emotions and presents a potentially damaging force to the health of digital discourse. While text-based emotion analysis has been studied, little work has examined the emotions images invoke on social media platforms. This work analyzes bot-based emotion behavior differences in the images surrounding the 2020 Kashmir Black Day event. Through Twitter data, we observed at least half the agents in the conversation are bots, which dominate image conversations calling for action, e.g. “Be The Voice of Kashmir”. Sadness and trust dominates the emotions in images. We further analyze a sub-dataset as a case study and discern the role of digital media in heightening online conflicts.
Imaging predictors of successful surgical treatment of hemifacial spasm

Identify preoperative imaging findings in hemifacial spasm patients that predict the post-surgical success following microvascular decompression. This is a retrospective study of patients who were diagnosed with hemifacial spasm, had a dedicated cranial nerve MRI, and underwent microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm. Bilateral facial nerves were interrogated for neurovascular compression. If neurovascular compression was identified, we recorded whether the offending vessel was an artery, a vein or both. The location of the neurovascular compression (proximal nerve versus distal nerve) was noted. The severity of the neurovascular compression was categorized as contact versus deformity of the nerve. Patients were contacted to determine their post-operative spasm status. The relationships between imaging findings and post-surgical outcome were assessed by Chi-square tests, and odds ratios were calculated to quantify the degree of association. The study included 212 patients. Upon follow up, 192 patients were spasm free (90.57%). Imaging findings on the symptomatic side were as follows: arterial neurovascular compression was seen in 207 patients (97.64%), venous only neurovascular compression in two patients (0.94%), and no neurovascular compression in three patients (1.42%). Arterial neurovascular compression along the proximal, susceptible segment of the nerve was observed in 202 patients (95.28%); deformity was observed more commonly than contact alone. Arterial neurovascular compression along the distal segment only of the nerve was observed in five patients (2.36%). In patients with arterial neurovascular compression of the proximal and distal portions of the nerve, 93.07% and 60.0% of patients were spasm-free respectively. If venous neurovascular compression only was observed on imaging, 0% of patients were spasm-free. Patients with arterial neurovascular compression of the susceptible segment are much more likely to be spasm free than patients without this imaging finding, [odds ratio 20.14 (CI 5.08, 79.81), P-value <0.0001]. When comparing the two groups of arterial neurovascular compression (deformity versus contact), no statistically significant difference in outcomes was observed. In patients with hemifacial spasm undergoing microvascular decompression, imaging findings do predict surgical outcome. Patients with arterial neurovascular compression of the proximal, susceptible portion of the nerve are much more likely to be spasm free after surgery than those without this imaging finding. The imaging findings inform the risk benefit analysis and discussion with patients before they undergo microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization: Current Collection Approaches, Stem Cell Heterogeneity, and a Proposed New Method for Stem Cell Transplant Conditioning

Hematopoietic stem cells naturally traffic out of their bone marrow niches into the peripheral blood. This natural trafficking process can be enhanced with numerous pharmacologic agents - a process termed "mobilization" - and the mobilized stem cells can be collected for transplantation. We review the current state of mobilization with an update on recent clinical trials and new biologic mechanisms regulating stem cell trafficking. We propose that hematopoietic mobilization can be used to answer questions regarding hematopoietic stem cell heterogeneity, can be used for non-toxic conditioning of patients receiving stem cell transplants, and can enhance gene editing and gene therapy strategies to cure genetic diseases.
Following aggressive B-cell lymphoma.

In this issue of Blood , [Kurtz et al][1] report the potential clinical utility of immunoglobulin high-throughput sequencing as a tool for disease monitoring and surveillance in aggressive B-cell lymphoma.[1][2] ![Figure][3] Ig-HTS for disease progression or relapse in DLBCL in 2 patients. (