cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exact and Approximate Solutions for the Gate Matrix Layout Problem

We consider the gate matrix layout problem for VLSI circuits, which is known to be NP-complete. We present an efficient algorithm for determining whether two tracks suffice. For the general problem of minimizing the number of tracks (and, hence, the area) needed, we design an attractive dynamic programming formulation to guarantee optimality. We also investigate the performance of fast heuristic algorithms published in the literature and demonstrate that there exist families of problem instances for which the ratio of the number of tracks required by these heuristics to the optimal value is unbounded. Moreover, we show that this result holds for any on-line layout algorithm. We additionally prove that, unless P = NP, no polynomial-time layout algorithm can ensure that the number of tracks it requires never exceeds k plus the optimum, for any constant k.
Mechanical Properties and Fracture Behavior of Chemically Bonded Composites

The effect of chemical bonding between phases of a glass matrix-metal composite on strength and fracture behavior was investigated. When no chemical bonding occurs, strengthening can be achieved through the mechanical formation of an interface between the dispersant and matrix. Even greater strengthening can be obtained by the formation of a chemical bond. Strengthening occurs by the limitation of the Griffith flaw size and is controlled by micromechanical stress concentrations developed on loading. Internal stresses developed on cooling from the fabrication temperature control the path of fracture. A chemical bond counteracts the micromechanical stress concentration and therefore increases the strength.
Design of doubly-complementary IIR digital filters using a single complex allpass filter, with multirate applications

It is shown that a large class of real-coefficient doubly-complementary IIR transfer function pairs can be implemented by means of a single complex allpass filter. For a real input sequence, the real part of the output sequence corresponds to the output of one of the transfer functions G(z) (for example, lowpass), whereas the imaginary part of the output sequence corresponds to its "complementary" filter H(z) (for example, highpass). The resulting implementation is structurally lossless, and hence the implementations of G(z) and H(z) have very low passband sensitivity. Numerical design examples are included, and a typical numerical example shows that the new implementation with 4 bits per multiplier is considerably better than a direct form implementation with 9 bits per multiplier. Multirate filter bank applications (quadrature mirror filtering) are outlined.
18 Sulfated Metabolites from Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Sulfolipid-1 and Beyond

Sulfated metabolites are abundant in higher eukaryotes, where they play roles in cell-to-cell communication. This chapter highlights recent advances in the understanding of sulfolipid-1 (SL-1) biosynthesis and discusses the potential biological significance of SL-1 and other sulfated metabolites in the context of both historical observations and modern experiments. Sequencing of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome in 1998 provided the tools necessary to draw links from gene to protein and metabolite. A signaturetag mutagenesis (STM) screen identified mmpL7 as a gene essential for M. tuberculosis growth in a mouse model of infection. Sulfate ester functionality distinguishes SL-1 from other well-characterized mycobacterial lipids. Recently, Gap, a small integral membrane protein from Mycobacterium smegmatis was shown to be required for transport of glycopeptidolipids to the cell surface. In vivo analysis of the Δpks2 mutants left the SL-1 community questioning the importance of the molecule that had previously garnered so much attention. Attenuation of the ΔmmpL8 mutant in the persistent stage of M. tuberculosis infection contrasts with the reported phenotype of the Δpks2 mutants. Although M. tuberculosis is the most extensively studied species of the mycobacterial genus, several other mycobacteria have medical importance owing to their synergism with human immunodeficiency virus. One such species is the opportunistic environmental mycobacterium Mycobacterium avium, which preferentially infects individuals with compromised immunity. This pathogen also encodes nine putative sulfotransferases, the largest number of sulfotransferases of any sequenced mycobacterial species. As one's knowledge of human immunity grows, better cellular and in vivo models for M. tuberculosis virulence will be created.
IOs as Norms Platforms: The World Bank’s Influence on Environmental Lending at the Islamic Development Bank

In this paper we explore the proposition that changes in international organization (IO) behavior might derive from the IO’s interactions with other IOs. Norm diffusion across IOs may take place via socialization by the norm entrepreneur—which, in early stages, may rely on material incentives or may occur as the norm adopter emulates the norm initiator. We also address non-IO sources of norms: member states and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We extend theories of norm diffusion by applying them to interactions between international organizations. We test the hypotheses that derive from this approach using a statistical analysis of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) environmental lending. The IDB provides an ideal setting to evaluate our hypotheses: the originators of most global norms, the advanced industrial democracies, do not have voting shares on the Islamic bank’s executive board. This allows us to focus on the effects of global norms diffused by IOs where the industrial democracies are the most powerful members from the effects of the preferences of IO’s member states, who jointly form the collective principal of the IDB. We find evidence for socialization to IOs through non-material and non-delegated mechanisms. Specifically, international organizations can be socialized through common institutional memberships as well through example of normatively powerful organizations.
Hypofractionated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer using three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy technique: 3 years toxicity analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hypofractionated radiotherapy in the radical treatment of localized prostate cancer has potential biological advantages relative to conventional fractionation. We report prospectively collected toxicity data from a cohort of patients treated with a 3D conformal technique (3DCRT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 90 patients receiving curative intent hypofractionated radiotherapy with 57Gy in 19 daily fractions over 3.8 weeks were evaluated prospectively for the development of radiation related toxicity over a 3 year period. RESULTS: All patients completed treatment. Maximal acute toxicity experienced was 58.6, 10 and 1.1% for grade 1, 2 and 3 genitourinary (GU) toxicity respectively and 75.6, 9 and 0% for gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity. For late toxicity the three year actuarial rates of grade 1, 2 and 3 GU and GI toxicity respectively were 47.3, 2.4 and 0%; and 40, 9.3 and 4.7%. There were no grade 4 or worse acute or late toxicities. 97.6% of evaluable patients remained free of biochemical failure 36 months post radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: A 57Gy in 19 daily fraction radiotherapy schedule using 3D conformal radiotherapy for the definitive treatment of localized prostate cancer has acceptable early and late toxicity.
Abstract 3876: Study the role of HEYL in breast tumorigenesis

HEYL is a basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) transcription factor in the HEY family. It is the direct target of Notch pathway and mainly functions in cardiovascular development. The functions of HEYL in cancer have not been studied. In this study, we tested whether HEYL has a direct effect on promoting breast tumorigenesis. Overexpression of HEYL in NIH3T3 cells resulted in transformation of the cells in vivo. Breast cancer cell lines with exogenous HEYL expression showed accelerated cell growth in vitro and in vivo. On the contrary, the reduction of HEYL expression in MDA-MB-231 cells retarded tumor growth in vivo. Consistent with its oncogenic activity, HEYL is found to be overexpressed in 40% of breast cancers. Overall, these data indicated a role of HEYL in enhancing breast cancer development. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3876. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3876
Three-dimensional elasticity solution for sandwich beams/wide plates with orthotropic phases: The negative discriminant case

In an earlier paper, Pagano (1969) [Pagano NJ. Exact solutions for composite laminates in cylindrical bending. J Compos. Mater. 1969; 3: 398–411] presented the three-dimensional elasticity solution...
Epidemiology of Measles in Anyue,2004-2009

Objective To analyze the incidence trend of measles in Anyue from 2004 to 2009 and provide evidence for the control and elimination of measles.Methods Epidemiological analysis was conducted on 632 measles cases confirmed through the measles surveillance system in Anyue during this period.Results The incidence rate of measles decreased from 2004 to 2006,but the measles cases in 2007 increased significantly.The sporadic cases and local outbreaks were all observed.After vaccination of measles to children from 8 months to 15 years old in 2008,only 3 cases were reported in 2009.The seasonal peak was found to be during March July.The cases with vaccination history accounted for 30.54%,those without vaccination history accounted for 44.78% and those with unknown vaccination history accounted for 24.68%.Conclusion The main factors contributing to high incidence of measles included the delay of first dose and booster dose of measles vaccine,and the increase of floating population.It is important to improve the vaccination quality,increase timely vaccination rate and strengthen the management of floating population to control the outbreak of measles.
Zakariyyā al-Anṣārī and the Study of Muslim Commentaries from the Later Islamic Middle Period

The essay that follows examines the life and thought of one particular Egyptian scholar to illustrate recent trends in the study of Muslim commentary works. As they embody many of the social and intellectual trends of their time, the life, and works of Zakariyyā al-Anṣārī (d. 1520), the subject of this study, function as a synecdoche for the intellectual history of the later Islamic Middle Period (roughly 1258 to 1500 ce), which intellectual historians are only beginning to unravel. Before addressing the state of the field including some of the challenges that define it, the essay provides a sketch of al-Anṣārī's life, an assessment of his written corpus, and a sample passage from his scholarly writings to link him back to larger methodological themes in the study of commentary works from this period.
Reflections on M&A accounting from AOL’s acquisition of Time Warner‡

In early 2000, AOL announced the acquisition of Time Warner for $162 billion. The acquisition, one of the largest in history, generated $127 billion of goodwill. Yet after only a few years, the merged firm had taken an impairment charge for $99 billion, and the acquisition was viewed as a colossal failure. This study examines how the deal was initially reported and valued, the timeliness of the goodwill impairments, and how the market interpreted the reporting. Given this field evidence, I revisit key questions on M&A reporting standards and implications for future research.
Hydraulic and physical structure of runs and glides following stream restoration.

Hydraulic units are often linked to ecological habitat through geomorphic structure, and a better understanding of the turbulent characteristics of the units is needed. Our work examined the near-bed turbulent structure of runs and glides in a restored river and investigated the physical characteristics that influenced the near-bed hydraulics in these units. The research was completed in three restored reaches and one reference reach at the Virginia Tech Stream Research, Education, and Management Laboratory. The laboratory is unique because three different restoration treatments were applied contiguously along a stream, and the restoration practices ranged from passive to active. The passive reach included cattle exclusion, while the active reaches included cattle exclusion as well as vegetation plantings, bank sloping and the construction of inset floodplains. Three-dimensional velocities were measured near the channel bed in run and glide biotopes within the three restored reaches, as well as an upstream reference reach. The velocities were utilized to analyse and compare near-bed turbulent structure across the reaches. While the restoration activities did not address the channel bed directly, differences in physical structure of the two physical biotopes were observed among restoration treatments, likely because of changes in bank shape and roughness due to vegetation differences. Differences between reference and restored reaches were still evident approximately 3 years after cattle exclusion and construction activities. Few differences were observed in the hydraulic structure between runs and glides, and the near-bed flow structure in both runs and glides was related to local roughness. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Osteocalcin is necessary and sufficient to maintain muscle mass in older mice

Abstract Objective A decrease in muscle protein turnover and therefore in muscle mass is a hallmark of aging. Because the circulating levels of the bone-derived hormone osteocalcin decline steeply during aging in mice, monkeys and humans we asked here whether this hormone might regulate muscle mass as mice age. Methods We examined muscle mass and strength in mice lacking osteocalcin ( Ocn −/−) or its receptor in all cells ( Gprc6a −/−) or specifically in myofibers ( Gprc6a Mck −/−) as well as in 9 month-old WT mice receiving exogenous osteocalcin for 28 days. We also examined protein synthesis in WT and Gprc6a −/− mouse myotubes treated with osteocalcin. Results We show that osteocalcin signaling in myofibers is necessary to maintain muscle mass in older mice in part because it promotes protein synthesis in myotubes without affecting protein breakdown. We further show that treatment with exogenous osteocalcin for 28 days is sufficient to increase muscle mass of 9-month-old WT mice. Conclusion This study uncovers that osteocalcin is necessary and sufficient to prevent age-related muscle loss in mice.
Dealing with Forgetfulness

How much of poor adherence is due to patients’ forgetfulness? It turns out, a substantial portion of patients start using their prescription correctly, but do not consistently use it [1]. In fact, in some studies a quarter of patients cite forgetfulness as their reason for nonadherence [2]. Adherence to medications tends to decrease over time [3]. Some patients discontinue medications and do not use them at all. This is attributed to a variety of reasons discussed in other chapters. Some patients use their medicine inconsistently or incorrectly mainly because they forget to do so.
A Potentially Heteroglossic Policy Becomes Monoglossic in Context: An Ethnographic Analysis of Paraguayan Bilingual Education Policy

Ethnographic and discursive approaches to educational language policy (ELP) that explore how policy is appropriated in context are important for understanding policy success/failure in meeting goals of educational equity for language-minoritized students. This study describes how Paraguayan national policy for universal bilingual education successfully disrupted the traditional exclusion of Guarani from education, but it has failed so far to disrupt hegemonic monoglossic ideologies that continue to exclude Guarani-dominant students from high-quality education.
Ronald J. Fisher: Advancing the Understanding and Effectiveness of Third Party Interventions in Destructive Intergroup Conflict

I welcome this opportunity to reflect on the life influences and experiences that moved me toward a career of scholarly and practical contributions toward a more peaceful and just world. This autobiography is a personal account of my journey from being a Canadian country boy to engaging with the global issue of violent ethnopolitical conflict as a researcher, teacher and practitioner at the center of the empire in Washington, DC.
EL CASO NERUDA: EL ORIGEN DE UN DETECTIVE CREADO POR UN POETA. APROXIMACIONES A LA LITERATURA DE ROBERTO AMPUERO

RESUMEN La novela El caso Neruda tiene como centro la historia de los origenes de Cayetano Brule, el detective que protagoniza las novelas del genero negro creadas por Roberto Ampuero, escritor chileno cuya obra resulta fundamental en este subgenero dentro de la literatura latinoamericana contemporanea. El presente articulo se enfoca al analisis de la relacion metaliteraria entre el personaje de Brule, su vinculo ficcional con el poeta Pablo Neruda y el juego que crea Ampuero entorno a la biografia del poeta, convirtiendolo en un personaje literario no solo por su creacion poetica, sino por haber llevado una vida que en la multiplicidad de sus historias, facilita la especulacion literaria.
Photogrammetric point cloud compression for tactical networks

The invention is a method and system which uses photogrammetric data and functions to perform image-based deconstruction of 3D point cloud data sets. These standard image formats from associated metadata can be easily serialized, transmitted, and subsequently reconstructed using established stereo photogrammetric methods.
Shading with painterly filtered layers: a technique to obtain painterly portrait animations

In this manuscript, we describe a process that can be used to create still and/or animated portrait paintings to be shown in Expressive Art Exhibit. Our process consists of two stages: (1) Creation of control textures for a Barycentric shader by using color information gathered from photographs to provide realistic looking skin rendering; (2) Filtering and compositing the layers of images that are obtained by control textures, which correspond to effects such as diffuse, specular and ambient. To demonstrate proof-of-concept, we have created a few rigid body animations of painterly portraits under different lighting conditions.
New Onset of Painless Jaundice

A 68-year-old man presents to the emergency department complaining of fatigue and intermittent vague abdominal pain. He denies nausea or vomiting, but “does not have much of an appetite these days.” He reports having lost almost 20 lbs in the past 2 months. He was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but has no other medical problems and no previous surgeries. His stools have become lighter in color and his urine is much darker than before. His social history is negative for alcohol use, but he has a 50+ pack-year smoking history before quitting last year. He has no significant family history. On exam, he has a yellow hue to his eyes and tongue, along with scratch marks on his skin. A non-tender mass is palpated in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Laboratory testing reveals total and direct bilirubin of 18 mg/dL (normal 0.2–1.3 mg/dL) and 9.2 mg/dL (<0.3 mg/dL), respectively, and alkaline phosphatase elevated at 215 μ/L (33–131 μ/L). Liver transaminases are mildly elevated. CA 19-9 and CEA levels are normal.
Recruiting Faculty for First-Year Seminars: A Review of the Literature

The majority of universities and four-year colleges in the USA currently offer first-year seminars in at least one format. These programs often pride themselves in recruiting from among their institutions’ best teachers to lead the seminars. In reality, this process of recruitment to teach in the program, as well as retention of faculty members who have received training and gained experience in the program, requires thoughtful strategies. Among other challenges, well-regarded faculty members often have many demands on their time already, including teaching and research. Department chairs may pressure them to focus on teaching courses that are seen as more crucial to their departments’ missions. Many institutions have found that appealing to potential instructors’ intrinsic motivations and building a strong sense of community among instructors help to recruit and keep groups of high-quality instructors. Those instructors are still prey to the challenges of extrinsic motivations, however. This article outlines and summarizes findings on both motivations and challenges shared by institutions across the USA.
Facial Expressions as a Modality for Fatigue detection in Robot based Rehabilitation

Considerable amount of research is being carried out in robot based rehabilitation techniques. One of the main focus when building a smart rehabilitation system is its ability to adapt based on the user experience. In this poster we attempt to build such a smart rehabilitation system that recognizes the strain/ negative emotions from the participants facial expression and adjusts its force exerted. The accuracy of the system to recognize the facial expression is assessed and the accuracy of the system as a whole is estimated through user surveys.
The Suprachiasmatic Nucleus and the Circadian Timing System

The circadian timing system (CTS) in mammals may be defined as a network of interconnected diencephalic structures that regulate the timing of physiological processes and behavioral state. The central feature of the CTS is the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, a self-sustaining circadian oscillator entrained by visual afferents, input from other brain and peripheral oscillators. The SCN was first noted as a distinct component of the hypothalamus during the late nineteenth century and recognized soon after as a uniform feature of the mammalian and lower vertebrate brain. But, as was true for so many brain components identified in that era, its function was unknown and remained so for nearly a century. In the latter half of the twentieth century, numerous tools for studying the brain were developed including neuroanatomical tracing methods, electrophysiological methods including long-term recording in vivo and in vitro, precise methods for producing localized lesions in the brain, and molecular neurobiology. Application of these methods provided a body of data strongly supporting the view that the SCN is a circadian pacemaker in the mammalian brain. This chapter presents an analysis of the functional organization of the SCN as a component of a neural network, the CTS. This network functions as a coordinator of hypothalamic regulatory systems imposing a temporal organization of physiological processes and behavioral state to promote environmental adaptation.
A microscopic view of the mechanisms of active transport across the cellular membrane

Abstract Membrane transporters are molecular machines that couple active transport of their specific substrates to various sources of cellular energy through a set of highly coordinated protein conformational changes. The alternating-access mechanism of transport in these proteins, which ensures that the substrate is only accessible from one side of the membrane at any given time, relies on complex and global protein conformational changes that are also closely coupled to molecular events such as substrate binding and translocation. In this review, we describe the application of advanced molecular modeling and simulation technologies to a number of membrane transport proteins studied in our laboratory. The goal is to demonstrate the power of the methods in describing functionally relevant molecular events ranging from more localized events such as substrate binding and gating motions to large, global protein conformational changes governing the transition of the protein between major functional states.
Why trust out-groups? The role of punishment under uncertainty

Abstract We conducted a hidden-effort trust game, in which we assigned subjects to one of two groups. The groups, which were formed through two different group formation processes, included a “social” group that required sharing and exchange among its members, and a “non-social” group that did not. Once assigned, subjects participated in the game with members from both groups, either with or without the opportunity to punish a trustee who may have defected on them. We found that for investors in the non-social group, the opportunity to punish a trustee worked to promote trust, but only when the trustee was a member of the other group. For the social group, the opportunity to punish had no effect on the investors’ trust decisions, regardless of the trustee's group. We provide a theoretical framework to explain this asymmetric effect of punishment on trust. Our results suggest that groups with identities founded in sharing and exchange—a feature of globalized societies—may find it less necessary to engage in costly punishment. As a result, they may enjoy gains in economic efficiency.
Catastrophic Complications in Pediatric Anesthesiology

As anesthesiologist, one must be vigilant of various types of complications that can occur with any case whether it’s a simple surgery or a complex surgery especially in the pediatric population. First, start with a gentle and reassuring manner to fully inform the parents or guardian of the possible risk of anesthesia and assure that they understand these risks. These potential risks include but not limited to allergic reactions, postoperative nausea and vomiting, hypoxia, laryngospasm/bronchospasm, post-extubation stridor, and negative pressure pulmonary edema. While this list tells of mild to moderate complications, there are extreme complications such as cardiac arrest and death that can occur. The drugs that are used to provide anesthesia, amnesia, analgesia, and immobilization are not without associated complications. Even the essential element of oxygen per se in this particular population can cause complications if given in high concentration such as retrolental fibroplasia and absorption atelectasis. Also, succinylcholine the only depolarizing muscle relaxant can lead to bradycardia and possibly cardiac arrest. Due to our knowledge of these potential risks and associated complications, we must take all precautionary steps to adequately prepare and anticipate events before they arrive or at the same time be able to treat the event once it has occurred. Knowing all about your patient and type of surgery is prudent before the start of anesthesia, and this can be done with an adequate preanesthetic evaluation, careful preparation for the surgery keeping in mind potential complication that can arise, and emergent equipment and/or drugs readily available.
Common Variable Immune Deficiency and Associated Complications.

Common variable immunodeficiency disorders refer to a relatively common primary immune deficiency group of diseases that present with infectious and inflammatory complications secondary to defects in antibody production and sometimes in cellular immunity. The disorder often presents in middle age or later with recurrent sinopulmonary infections, bronchiectasis, or a plethora of noninfectious complications such as autoimmune disorders, granulomatous interstitial lung disease, GI diseases, malignancies (including lymphoma), and multisystem granulomatous disease resembling sarcoidosis. Infusion of immunoglobulin by IV or subcutaneous is the mainstay of therapy. Management of complications is often difficult as immune suppression may be necessary in these conditions and entails the use of medications and biologicals which may further increase the risk for infections. Specifically, bronchiectasis, granulomatous lymphocytic interstitial lung disease, repeated sinopulmonary infections, and malignancies are sequelae of antibody deficiency that may present to the pulmonologist. This review will provide an updated understanding of the molecular aspects, differential diagnosis, presentations, and the management of common variable immunodeficiency disorders.
Becoming a Minority Scientist: (De)Racialized Professional Identity Construction

Becoming a minority professional is rife with challenges, as negative interactions based on racial stereotypes can disrupt an emerging self-concept. Organizations that provide more positive affirma...
Analysis of dosing-button compliance.

PURPOSE A project was undertaken at an academic medical center to assess use of available dosing buttons within the computerized provider-order-entry (CPOE) system in order to identify opportunities for optimization of medication builds. METHODS A retrospective observational study was conducted to identify medication records within a CPOE system meeting prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. A report capturing all inpatient adult medication orders associated with the identified medication records over a 6-month period was generated. The primary endpoint was percent dosing-button compliance, calculated as the number of orders with doses consistent with existing dosing-button options divided by the total number of orders during the study period. Secondary study objectives included a comparison of high- and low-performing medication record samples and identification of potential reasons for lack of dosing-button use. RESULTS A total of 2,506 CPOE medication records associated with a total of 694,877 medication orders entered during the study period were analyzed. Median percent dosing-button compliance was 99.92% (interquartile range, 83.33-100%). High-performing records (n = 1243) were more likely to be associated with anti-infective medications (p = 0.041) and medications not on formulary at the study institution (p < 0.001). Medications in the sample of poor-performing CPOE records (n = 614) were more likely to be agents delivered via the i.v. route (p < 0.001). There were 45 records for which poor dosing-button compliance was attributed to lack of a clinically reasonable dosing option. CONCLUSION A high level of dosing-button compliance was demonstrated despite the lack of routine revalidation of dosing buttons after initial medication builds. Some opportunity for optimization was identified during the project, which established a quality assurance method to facilitate future auditing of medication builds.
Sequential use of povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine for cutaneous antisepsis: A systematic review

Cutaneous antisepsis with chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine, usually with alcohol, has been extensively studied. This review of published studies reveals that sequential use of povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine leads to a greater reduction in the bioburden of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria on the skin, lower risk of intravascular catheter colonization, and lower risk of surgical site infection compared to use of either agent alone. As such, sequential use of cutaneous antiseptic agents may further reduce risk of surgical site infections, as well as infections associated with insertion of transdermal devices such as nephrostomy tubes, left-ventricular assistance devices, and intravascular catheters.
Stratlets: low Reynolds number point-force solutions in a stratified fluid.

We present fundamental solutions of low Reynolds number flows in a stratified fluid, including the case of a point force (Stokeslet) and a doublet. Stratification dramatically alters the flow by creating toroidal eddies, and velocity decays much faster than in a homogeneous fluid. The fundamental length scale is set by the competition of buoyancy, diffusion and viscosity, and is $O(100\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}--1\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{mm})$ in aquatic environments. Stratification can therefore affect the swimming of small organisms and the sinking of marine snow particles, and diminish the effectiveness of mechanosensing in the ocean.
Stability and bioactivity of pepCD47 attachment on stainless steel surfaces.

Abstract In-stent restenosis (ISR) and late stent thrombosis are the major complications associated with the use of metal stents and drug eluting stents respectively. Our lab previously investigated the use of peptide CD47 in improving biocompatibility of bare metal stents in a rat carotid stent model and our results demonstrated a significant reduction in platelet deposition and ISR. However, this study did not characterize the stability of the pepCD47 on metal surfaces post storage, sterilization and deployment. Thus, the objective of the present study was 1) to test the stability of the peptide post - storage, sterilization, exposure to shear and mechanical stress and 2) to begin to expand our current knowledge of pepCD47 coated metal surfaces into the preclinical large animal rabbit model. Our results show that the maximum immobilization density of pepCD47 on metal surfaces is approximately 350 ng/cm2. 100% of the pepCD47 was retained on the metal surface post 24 weeks of storage at 4 °C, exposure to physiological shear stress, and mechanical stress of stent expansion. The bioactivity of the pepCD47 was found to be intact post 24 weeks of storage and ethylene oxide sterilization. Finally our ex vivo studies demonstrated that compared to bare metal the rabbit pepCD47 coated surfaces showed - 45% reduced platelet adhesion, a 10-fold decrease in platelet activation, and 93% endothelial cell retention. Thus, our data suggests that pepCD47 coating on metal surfaces is stable and rabbit pepCD47 shows promising preliminary results in preventing thrombosis and not inhibiting the growth of endothelial cells. Statement of significance Biocompatibility of bare metal stents is a major challenge owing to the significantly high rates of in-stent restenosis. Previously we demonstrated that peptide CD47 functionalization improves the biocompatibility of bare metal stents in rat model. A similar trend was observed in our ex vivo studies where rabbit blood was perfused over the rabbit pepCD47 functionalized surfaces. These results provide valuable proof of concept data for future in vivo rabbit model studies. In addition, we investigated stability of the pepCD47 on metal surface and observed that pepCD47 coating is stable over time and resistant to industrially relevant pragmatic challenges.
Development of a new sediment flux model – Application in Chesapeake Bay

Abstract Sediment biogeochemical processes impact pelagic ecosystems when the sediment receives particulate organic matter (POM) deposited from the water column above, consumes dissolved oxygen, and returns inorganic nutrients to the bottom water. However, an easy-to-apply sediment model is still lacking for pelagic biogeochemical modeling. In this study, we proposed a mass conservative, process-based and easy-to-apply sediment flux model (SFM) that endeavors to simplify Di Toro (2001)’s sediment flux model (DSFM) while maintaining the ability to model sediment fluxes in multiple environments (e.g., anoxic, normoxic, variable salinity, high and low organic matter deposition, etc.). It adopts a vertically integrated approach, and has a relatively simple structure with limited number of parameters. The mineralization scheme for POM is based on bacterial growth, which can resolve the diagenesis processes on different timescales. The inhibition effects of oxygen on denitrification of NO3 and desorption of PO4 are modeled using exponential functions. This new SFM is then implemented in the Chesapeake Bay to simulate sediment oxygen demand (SOD) and sediment NH4/NO3/PO4/Silica fluxes across the sediment–water interface. To estimate POM depositional fluxes from the water column, a new method is introduced that links surficial sediment and bottom-water POM concentrations. Further integration of this method into the SFM turns the model calibration into a mass conservative and self-consistent process, which is well constrained by observations. The modeled sediment fluxes from the new SFM match observations across seasons and stations with correlation coefficient ranging from 0.3 to 0.7. The successful application of SFM in Chesapeake Bay and subsequent analysis show that the new SFM has many advantages including mass conservation, high temporal resolution, relatively simple structure, and easy implementation. The SFM is a good tool for linking pelagic ecosystem models to sediment biogeochemical processes.
Atomistic insight on structure and dynamics of spinach acyl carrier protein with substrate length.

Abstract The plant acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) desaturases are a family of soluble enzymes that convert saturated fatty acyl-ACPs into their cis-monounsaturated equivalents in an oxygen-dependent reaction. These enzymes play a key role in biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids in plants. ACPs are central proteins in fatty acid biosynthesis that deliver acyl chains to desaturases. They have been reported to show a varying degree of local dynamics and structural variability depending on the acyl chain size. It has been suggested that substrate-specific changes in ACP structure and dynamics have a crucial impact on the desaturase enzymatic activity. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the intrinsic solution structure and dynamics of ACP from spinach with four different acyl chains: capric (C10), myristic (C14), palmitic (C16), and stearic (C18) acids. We found that the fatty acids can adopt two distinct structural binding motifs, which feature different binding free energies and influence the ACP dynamics in a different manner. Docking simulations of ACP to castor Δ 9 -desaturase and ivy Δ 4 -desaturase suggest that ACP desaturase interactions could lead to a preferential selection between the motifs.
Barriers and opportunities for dental school faculty research.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES Identify barriers and opportunities regarding faculty participation in research. METHODS Sixty-four faculty members of all ranks and days of employment completed a survey designed to reveal attitudes toward participation in research. RESULTS Among those responding, three-quarters said they were actively engaged in research, and 45% of these identified no perceived barriers. Those reporting obstacles rank-ordered 10 barriers, but no consistent patterns emerged. A factor analysis revealed three clusters of concerns: (a) school barriers, (b) personal barriers, and (c) team opportunities. A large number of comments were offered, and these tended to group by the three quantitatively identified factors. CONCLUSION These findings were consistent with the view that lack of time and formal training in standardized research skills were not major impediments to scholarship. Instead, assistance in navigating administrative hurdles and participation on multiskilled teams appeared to offer the best prospect for helping faculty interested in research.
Adaptive Expansion of Taste Neuron Response Profiles by Congruent Aroma in Drosophila

Pairing of food aroma with selected taste can lead to enhanced food flavor and eating euphoria, but how cross-modal sensory combinations are integrated to increase food reward value remains largely unclear. Here we report that combined stimulation by a banana-like scent and glucose drastically increased appetite in well-nourished Drosophila larvae, and the appetizing effect involves a previously uncharacterized smell-taste integration process at axon terminals of two Gr43a gustatory neurons. Molecular genetic analyses of the smell-taste integration reveal a G protein-mediated tuning mechanism in two central neuropeptide F (NPF) neurons. This mechanism converts selected odor stimuli to NPF-encoded appetizing signals that potentiate Gr43a neuronal response to otherwise non-stimulating glucose. Further, NPF potentiated glucose response requires a Gr43a-independent pathway involving an NPF receptor (NPFR1) and neuropeptide effector DH44. Our finding of adaptive expansion of taste neuron response profiles by congruent aroma reveals a previously uncharacterized layer of neural complexity in food flavor perception.
Single dose of synthetic microRNA-199a or microRNA-149 mimic does not improve cardiac function in a murine model of myocardial infarction

Intramyocardial injection of synthetic microRNAs (miRs) has recently been reported to be beneficial after myocardial infarction (MI). We conducted a randomized blinded study to evaluate the efficacy and reproducibility of this strategy in a mouse model of reperfused MI using rigorous methodology. Mice undergoing a 60-min coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion were randomly assigned to control miR, hsa-miR-199a-3p, hsa-miR-149-3p, or hsa-miR-149-5p mimic treatment. Intramyocardial injections of miRs were performed in the border zone right after reperfusion. At 8 weeks after MI, there were no significant differences in ejection fraction (EF) among groups (EF = 27.1 ± 0.4% in control group [n = 6] and 25.9 ± 0.5%, 26.0 ± 0.8%, and 26.6 ± 0.6% in hsa-miR-199a-3p, hsa-miR-149-3p, or hsa-miR-149-5p groups, respectively [n = 9 each]). Net change (delta) in EF at 8 weeks compared with day 3 after MI was − 4.1% in control and − 3.2%, − 2.4%, and − 0.4% in the miR-treated groups (P = NS). Assessment of cardiac function by hemodynamic studies (a method independent of echocardiography) confirmed that there was no difference in left ventricular systolic or diastolic function among groups. Consistent with the functional data, histological analysis showed no difference in scar size, cardiomyocyte area, capillary density, collagen content, or apoptosis among groups. In conclusion, this randomized, blinded study demonstrates that intramyocardial injection of a single dose of synthetic hsa-miR-199a-3p, hsa-miR-149-3p, or hsa-miR-149-5p mimic does not improve cardiac function or remodeling in a murine model of reperfused MI. The strategy of using synthetic miR mimics for cardiac repair after MI needs to be evaluated with rigorous preclinical studies before its potential clinical translation.
Sustained Government Engagement Improves Subsequent Pandemic Risk Reporting in Conflict Zones

Community information sharing is crucial to a government's ability to respond to a disaster or a health emergency, such as a pandemic In conflict zones, however, citizens and local leaders often lack trust in state institutions and are unwilling to cooperate, risking costly delays and information gaps We report results from a randomized experiment in the Philippines regarding government efforts to provide services and build trust with rural communities in a conflict-affected region We find that the outreach program increased the probability that village leaders provide time-sensitive pandemic risk information critical to the regional Covid-19 Task Force by 20% The effect is largest for leaders who, at baseline, were skeptical about government capacity and fairness and had neutral or positive attitudes towards rebels A test of mechanisms suggests that treated leaders updated their beliefs about government competence and shows that neither security improvement nor project capture by the rebels are primary drivers These findings highlight the important role that government efforts to build connections with conflict-affected communities can play in determining public health outcomes during times of national emergencies © The Author(s), 2021 Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the American Political Science Association
Biomass, carbon, nitrogen and soil respiration dynamics within riparian buffers and adjacent crop fields

vi GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1 Dissertaiion Organization 3 Objectives 3 Description of the Study Site 4 References 6
The Missing Sequel: Sylvia Plath and Psychiatry

Less than two years later, Plath began writing The Bell Jar, her novel about a “college girl suicide.” Drawing on Plath’s own summer internship and subsequent suicide attempt in 1953, The Bell Jar tells the story of Esther Greenwood, a college student who serves as a guest editor at a New York women’s magazine and returns to her home in the Boston suburbs depressed and suicidal. The novel follows Esther through her treatment at a mental hospital after her suicide attempt and is told from the perspective of an older Esther who has since become a mother and “all right again.” Plath’s own life complicates our understanding of The Bell Jar’s reception, given that the novel was published in England under a pseudonym in January 1963 and did not appear in America under Plath’s own name until 1971, long after she committed suicide. Plath’s death in February 1963, at age thirty, occurred just weeks after the British publication of the novel. Though Plath biographies are rife with references to her struggle with depression, scholars have only recently started to write about how Plath herself participated in a larger cultural conversation about medicine and mental health. Plath, however, recognized these topics to be major influences: “The medical profession has always intrigued me most of all, & the hospital & doctors & nurses are central in all my work,” she wrote to her mother. The medical establishment also responded to Plath’s work: physiotherapists wrote to her asking for copies of her poem about living in a plaster cast to read to their patients and an Australian gynecologist
Latent transforming growth factor β-binding protein-3 and fibulin-1C interact with the extracellular domain of the heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor precursor

The membrane-bound cell-surface precursor and soluble forms of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) contribute to many cellular developmental processes. The widespread occurrence of HB-EGF in cell and tissue types has led to observations of its role in such cellular and tissue events as tumor formation, cell migration, extracellular matrix formation, wound healing, and cell adherence. Several studies have reported the involvement of such extracellular matrix proteins as latent transforming growth factor β-binding protein, TGF-β, and fibulin-1 in some of these processes. To determine whether HB-EGF interacts with extracellular matrix proteins we used the extracellular domain of proHB-EGF in a yeast two-hybrid system to screen a monkey kidney cDNA library. cDNA clones containing nucleotide sequences encoding domains of two proteins were obtained and their derived amino acid sequences were evaluated. From ≈ 3 × 106 screened monkey cDNA clones, cDNA clones were recovered that contained nucleotide sequences encoding domains of the monkey latent transforming growth factor-β binding protein-3 (MkLTBP-3) and fibulin-1C protein. The amino acid sequence derived from the MkLTBP-3 gene shared 98.6% identity with human LTBP-3 and 86.7% identity with mouse LTBP-3 amino acid sequences. The amino acid sequence derived from the monkey fibulin-1C gene shared 97.2% identity with human fibulin-1C. Yeast two-hybrid screens indicate that LTBP-3 and fibulin-1C interact with proHB-EGF through their calcium-binding EGF-like modules. The interactions of the extracellular domain of proHB-EGF with LTBP-3 and fibulin-1C suggest novel functions for HB-EGF between cell and tissue surfaces.
Noncoherent Reception of Constant Envelope OFDM in Flat Fading Channels

A noncoherent constant envelope orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (CE-OFDM) receiver is proposed. It is shown that CE-OFDM is naturally noncoherent since the effect of an unknown phase shift at the receiver is eliminated by the matched-filter bank following the front-end phase demodulator. The noncoherent receiver demodulates continuous phase CE-OFDM signals - which produce less adjacent channel interference - with no added complexity. Performance is evaluated in flat fading channels having both Rayleigh and Ricean statistics. Simulation results are compared to analytical approximations