cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetic interaction between amprenavir and delavirdine: evidence of induced clearance by amprenavir

Objective Our objective was to determine the pharmacokinetic interaction between amprenavir and delavirdine. Methods Healthy volunteers participated in 2 open-label, 3-period, longitudinal studies. In the first study, 12 volunteers received a single dose of amprenavir, 1200 mg, alone and then again after 7 days of delavirdine, 600 mg twice daily. In the second study, another 12 subjects received amprenavir, 1200 mg twice daily, alone for 7 days. After a 7-day washout period, subjects received delavirdine, 600 mg twice daily, alone for 7 days followed by a combination with amprenavir, 600 mg twice daily, for another 7 days. Amprenavir and delavirdine pharmacokinetics when given alone and in combination were compared. Results All 12 subjects completed the first study, and 11 subjects completed the second study. Delavirdine significantly increased the area under the curve (AUC) of single-dose amprenavir by 4-fold (P = .0001). Amprenavir, 600 mg twice daily, with delavirdine produced higher levels of amprenavir AUC, minimum concentration (Cmin), and maximum concentration (Cmax), by 30%, 90%, and 18%, respectively, than those of amprenavir, 1200 mg twice daily, alone (P < .05). In contrast, amprenavir decreased delavirdine AUC, Cmin, and Cmax by 50%, 70%, and 30%, respectively (P < .005). Conclusions Because of the inhibitory effect of delavirdine on the cytochrome P450 3A4-mediated metabolism of amprenavir, the combination of a reduced dose of amprenavir, 600 mg twice daily, with delavirdine resulted in a higher amprenavir exposure than the standard dose of amprenavir, 1200 mg twice daily. However, amprenavir induced the clearance of delavirdine, resulting in a reduction in delavirdine exposure. Further clinical studies are needed to determine the appropriate dosing regimens for delavirdine and amprenavir during coadministration. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2002) 72, 615–626; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2002.128868
Increasing the End-Point Resolution of the EDTA Titrimetric Method for Determining Water Hardnessa

The sharpness of the end point during the titration for magnesium or calcium using the EDTA titrimetric method is improved by using the free acid form of CI Mordant Black 11 buffered to pH 10 with ammonium hydroxide rather than its sodium salt. Apparently, the ammonium salt of the dye sorbs more strongly in the blue region than does the corresponding sodium salt increasing the end point resolution; hence use of the free acid rather than the commercially available sodium salt is suggested as the end point indicator. Methods for converting the commercial dye to the free acid are given.
Recent advances in mechanical ventilation

Important advances have been made over the past decade towards understanding the optimal approach to ventilating patients with acute respiratory failure. Evidence now supports the use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in selected patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and for facilitating the discontinuation of ventilatory support in patients with chronic pulmonary disease. The concept of a lung protective ventilatory strategy has revolutionized the management of the acute respiratory distress syndrome. The process of liberation from mechanical ventilation is becoming more standardized, with evidence supporting daily trials of spontaneous breathing in all suitable mechanically ventilated patients. This article critically reviews the most important recent advances in mechanical ventilation and suggests future directions for further research in the field.
Molecular Markers Distinguishing Encarsia formosa and Encarsia luteola (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)

Reciprocal molecular markers were developed to distinguish the closely related parasitoid species Encarsia formosa Gahan and E. luteola Howard. E. formosa is widely used in the biological control of whiteflies and yet, based upon morphology, it is extremely difficult to distinguish from E. luteola. The D2 expansion region of 28S rDNA was sequenced from seven strains of E. formosa and two strains of E. luteola to assess the amount of genetic variation within and between species at this locus. From parsimony analysis we find that populations of E. formosa and E. luteola each form a monophyletic clade and are probably each other's most closely related sister taxon. Based upon the sequence variation between species, we present a simple molecular assay to rapidly and unambiguously distinguish E. formosa and E. luteola.
Pachycheilosuchus trinquei, a new procoelous crocodyliform from the Lower Cretaceous (Albian) Glen Rose Formation of Texas

A new mesoeucrocodylian, Pachycheilosuchus trinquei, from the Lower Cretaceous (Albian) Glen Rose Formation, exhibits progressive caudal-to-cranial vertebral procoely. This modification is characterized by an intermediate semi-procoelous condition in which the posterior condyle is dimpled by a concavity. Pachycheilosuchus differs from all known crocodyliforms in having an expanded maxillary margin that displaces the tooth row medially, and in possessing a cervical shield formed by the complete fusion of six osteoderms. Phylogenetic analysis indicates a sister taxon relationship with the weakly defined Atoposauridae. The presence of variable procoely in both Pachycheilosuchus and the closely related atoposaurid Theriosuchus indicates convergent evolution of the character with Eusuchia. Sediments at the locality were deposited in near-shore, marine-to-brackish waters, suggesting that Pachycheilosuchus inhabited euryhaline marine environments.
Human-machine interface: A framework for contingency management of complex aerospace systems

This paper introduces a novel architecture for human-machine interface focusing primarily on the human aspects as applied to aircraft and unmanned systems. There is a need to explore new human-machine interface strategies stemming from the proliferation over the past years of accidents due to system complexity, failure modes and human errors. Concepts of autonomy establish the foundational elements of the work. We pursue a rigorous systems engineering process to analyze and design the tools and techniques for automated vehicle health monitoring, human-automation interface and conflict resolution enabled by innovative methods from game theory and reasoning algorithms. The general structure is illustrated in the paper. This paper addresses the general interface framework while emphasizing the human's (pilots) intended actions following an adverse event on-board the vehicle, i.e. critical component fault/failure modes. When combined with automated health state assessment means on-board the aircraft, the proposed strategy assists to improve the reliability of estimated actions the pilot must execute to mitigate possible catastrophic consequences. A “smart” knowledge base is exploited as the reasoning paradigm where cases are stored and new ones are compared with similar ones available in the case library. Learning and adaptation tools are used to improve the decision making process. The emphasis of this contribution is on methods and tools for conflict resolution when the automated system's advisories are coincident with the human's intended actions. Appropriate similarity metrics are defined and used for this purpose. The efficacy of the approach is demonstrated via an interface built in MATLAB highlighting the performance of the algorithmic modules for assessment and conflict resolution.
Ceramide triggers intracellular calcium release via the IP3 receptor inXenopus laevisoocytes

Ceramide, a product of sphingomyelin turnover, is a lipid second messenger that mediates diverse signaling pathways, including those leading to cell cycle arrest and differentiation. The mechanism(s) by which ceramide signals downstream events have not been fully elucidated. Here we show that, in Xenopus laevis oocytes, ceramide-induced maturation is associated with the release of intracellular calcium stores. Ceramide caused a dose-dependent elevation in the second messenger inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) via activation of Gq/11α and phospholipase C-βX. Elevation of IP3, in turn, activated the IP3 receptor calcium release channel on the endoplasmic reticulum, resulting in a rise in cytoplasmic calcium. Thus our study demonstrates that cross talk between the ceramide and phosphoinositide signaling pathways modulates intracellular calcium homeostasis.
Condensin Promotes Position Effects within Tandem DNA Repeats via the RITS Complex

Tandem repetitive DNA is highly abundant in eukaryotic genomes and contributes to transcription control and genome stability. However, how the individual sequences within tandem repeats behave remains largely unknown. Here we develop a collection of fission yeast strains with a reporter gene inserted at different units in a tandem repeat array. We show that, contrary to what is usually assumed, transcriptional silencing and replication timing among the individual repeats differ significantly. RNAi-mediated H3K9 methylation is essential for the silencing position effect. A short hairpin RNA of ura4(+) induces silencing in trans within the tandem array in a position-dependent manner. Importantly, the position effect depends on the condensin subunit, cut3(+). Cut3 promotes the position effect via interaction with the RNA-induced transcriptional silencing (RITS) complex. This study reveals variations in silencing within tandem DNA repeats and provides mechanistic insights into how DNA repeats at the individual level are regulated.
Man's Influence on Hybridization in Two Avian Species in South Dakota

cussed its taxonomic significance. Some have also commented on man's impact on the vegetation of the Great Plains and its significance to hybridization (e.g., West 1962; Short 1965). Recent changes in the vegetation of South Dakota and possible effects of these changes on hybridization of flickers (Colaptes auratus auratus and C. a. cafer) and orioles (Icterus galbula galbula and I. g. bullockii) are considered here. Nomenclature used conforms to the guidelines established by Short (1969) for hybridizing forms. Flickers and orioles occur throughout much of South Dakota. Hybrids are common in the western half of the state and both hybridizing pairs form zones of hybridization, areas in which parental phenotypes make up 5 per cent or less of the population (Short 1969). Both species occur wherever there are tall or moderately tall trees (towns, farm groves, shelter belts, and along streams and rivers). Dominant trees occurring naturally in such areas include cottonwood (Populus deltoides), American elm (Ulmus americanus), ash (Fraxinus spp.), and river maple (Acer negundo). Orioles were found more frequently than flickers in burr oak (Quercus macrocarpa). Flickers, but not orioles, were found in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). The requirements of flickers for trees in which they can make holes differ somewhat from the nesting requirements of orioles and help to understand the above observations.
NAS-NRC Independence

The special news report “Is the NRC ready for reform?” by Andrew Lawler (9 May, p. [900][1]) misses essential items of background. The Act of Incorporation for the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) (approved 3 March 1863, Abraham Lincoln, President) states: > And the Academy shall,
The Possibility of Space Tourism in India: Issues and Concerns

Dennis Tito opened the eyes of world to the idea of orbital space tourism when he became the first private space traveler in 2001. Three years later, the Burt Rutan and Paul Allen led team of Mojave Aerospace Ventures won Ansari X-Prize by successfully completing two piloted sub-orbital flights of a reusable vehicle to 100 kilometers in altitude within a span of two weeks. This accomplishment demonstrated to the public and government managers the potential for entrepreneurial commercial activities to change the landscape of the space industry. And now we can see renowned organization like Virgin Galactic, Space X, Armadillo Aerospace, Blue Origin, Bigelow Aerospace and Xcor Aerospace has already not only joined the race of space tourism project but they are also making a remarkable progress. However we see Indian venture has not yet joined for space tourism project. Meanwhile it is believed that India can play a vital role in developing a very cost effective solution for space travel technologies, thus it imperative to investigate the possibility of space tourism in India. In this paper the potential and possibility of space tourism industry in India has been explored. It examines the potential market and cost structure for both suborbital and orbital space travel. Apart from this major issues with the development of the fledgling space tourism industry in India has been identified which need to be addressed in order to promote the growth of this industry. Keywords LEO: Low Earth Orbit, ISS: International Space Station, IRR: Internal Rate of Return, NPV: Net Present Value
Pushing the Ir-Catalyzed C–H Polyborylation of Aromatic Compounds to Maximum Capacity by Exploiting Reversibility

Small amounts of base (e.g., 10% potassium t-butoxide or sodium methoxide) have been found to promote equilibration of the kinetically favored products from Ir-catalyzed C–H polyborylations of aromatic compounds. In the presence of excess borylating agent, bis(pinacolato)diborane (B2pin2), repetitive deborylation/reborylations reposition the Bpin substituents until a pattern that accommodates the maximum number of Bpin substituents is achieved. A high-yield, one-step synthesis of 1,3,5,7,9-pentakis(Bpin)corannulene is reported that illustrates this useful extension of the Ir-catalyzed borylation reaction.
Eating in the Absence of Hunger and Weight Gain in Low-income Toddlers

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) in low-income toddlers, describe affect during EAH, test EAH as a predictor of body mass index (BMI), and examine the type of food eaten as a predictor of BMI. METHODS: EAH, indexed as kilocalories (sweet, salty, and total) of palatable foods consumed after a satiating meal, was measured ( n = 209) at ages 21, 27, and 33 months. Child gender, age, race/ethnicity, and previous exposure to the foods; maternal education and depressive symptoms; and family chaos, food insecurity, and structure were obtained via questionnaire. Child and mother BMI were measured. Child affect was coded from videotape. Linear regression was used to examine predictors of EAH and the association of kilocalories consumed and affect with 33 month BMI z-score (BMIz). RESULTS: Predictors of greater total kilocalories included the child being a boy ( P < .01), being older ( P < .001), and greater maternal education ( P < .01). Being in the the top quartile of sweet kilocalories consumed at 27 months and showing negative affect at food removal had higher BMIz (β = 0.29 [95% confidence interval 0.10 to 0.48] and β = 0.34 [95% confidence interval, 0.12 to 0.56], respectively).There was no association of salty kilocalories consumed or positive affect with BMIz. CONCLUSIONS: There was little evidence that maternal or family characteristics contribute to EAH. EAH for sweet food predicts higher BMIz in toddlerhood. Studies investigating the etiology of EAH and interventions to reduce EAH in early childhood are needed.
Novel Production on Single Phase Grounding Malfunction Detection Technology of Power Distribution System

Detecting and locating the single phase grounding fault of power distribution system is difficult,to locate fault in the circuitry is more difficult.Neutral signal injection method applies single phase grounding fault indicator which is designed specially,and adds the relevant software module to FTU,can be used for detecting fault circuitry,making certain fault section,locating fault branch and point.If necessary,it can segregate fault section automatically,transfer and resume power supply for non-fault area.This project suits for all kinds of neutral grounding mode and non-grounding system.
The Effect of TMLR on Myocardial Blood Flow and Myocardial Oxygen Metabolism in Ischemic Myocardium of Dogs

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) on myocardial blood flow and myocardial oxygen metabolism in acute myocardial ischemia.Methods 18 adult dogs were randomly and evenly divided into the control, ischemic and TMLR groups. Continuous wave Nd∶YAG laser was used to TMLR. The parameters included myocardial blood flow (MBF), concentration of oxygen in the blood of artery and coronary sinus (C a.O 2 C cs .O 2), myocardial oxygen uptake (MVO 2)and myocardial oxygen extraction(MEO 2)before and 30 min and 60 min after ligation of ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Results (1) In the ischemic and the TMLR groups, MBF 30 min after the LAD ligation were 39 06 ml±5 33 ml/(100 g myocardium·min) and 51 35 ml±3 42 ml/(100 g myocardium·min) (P0 05), respectively, MBF 60 min after the LAD ligation were 35 77 ml±8 23 ml/(100 g myocardium· min) and 52 18 ml±4 82 ml/(100 g myocardium· min) (P0 05), respectively. (2) In the ischemic and the TMLR groups, C cs .O 2 60 min after the LAD ligation were 7 35 ml/dl±1 47 ml/dl and 5 82 ml±1 84 ml /dl (P0 05), MVO 2 30 min after the LAD ligation were 2 95 ml±1 35 ml/(100 g myocardium· min) and 4 42 ml±1 04 ml/(100 g myocardium· min) (P0 05), respectively, MVO 2 60 min after the LAD ligation were 2 35 ml±1 10 ml/(100 g myocardium·min) and 4 38±0 93 ml/(100 g myocardium·min) (P0 05), respectively, and MEO 2 60 min after the LAD ligation were (44 83±9 83)% and (59 33±10 07)% (P0 05), respectively. Conclusions TMLR may effectively improve myocardial blood flow and myocardial oxygen metabolism in acute myocardial ischemia.
A Comparison of Serum Immunoglobulins from Patients with Non-neoplastic Prostates and Prostatic Carcinoma

Abstract The major immunoglobulin classes were surveyed among 23 patients with carcinoma of the prostate, 14 patients with clinically manifest benign prostatic hyperplasia and 23 healthy, elderly men without evidence of prostatic disease to determine if differences in immunoglobulin levels existed. Levels of IgG, IgA and IgM were determined by single radial immunodiffusion. Serum IgM levels were depressed in patients with all stages of carcinoma of the prostate as compared to levels in controls. These depressions were significant statistically for the tumor group considered as a whole and for patients with stages A and B tumors; the depression of IgM levels in patients with stages C and D tumors bordered on statistical significance. Serum IgG levels were depressed significantly in patients with stages A and B carcinoma of the prostate as compared to controls. Levels in patients with stages C and D lesions exceeded control levels but the difference was not statistically significant. Serum IgA levels in patients with stages A and B tumors were comparable to control levels but levels in patients with stages C and D lesions were significantly higher than controls.
Membrane Steroid Receptors

Steroid hormone receptors localized in the target cell nucleus have been well documented to play a major role in regulating key genes important for organ development and function. These include genes that modulate brain and pituitary, reproductive tract, mammary gland, bone, adipose tissue, metabolic and immune cell functions. Importantly, substantial evidence now demonstrates that steroid receptors also exist outside the nucleus in many organs and cells. Although the nature and functions of many of these receptors is currently being defined, important aspects of extranuclear steroid receptor localization in cell membranes and downstream signaling to intracellular processes that govern normal physiology and disease are emerging. Translation of these basic research findings on membrane steroid hormone receptors to the clinic holds promise for developing new strategies and therapeutic interventions for the benefit of patients afflicted with neurologic, psychiatric, oncologic, cardiovascular and endocrine-metabolic diseases.
Grinding Wheel Macro-design—Shape, Body, and Qualification

After having introduced the basic components and types of abrasive tools, the following chapters will focus on grinding wheel design. This chapter focuses on wheel macro-design, which includes body shapes and material. Depending on shape and application, clamping and balancing need special attention and will be described here. Furthermore, grinding wheels have to be tested for hardness, elasticity and tool breakage. The chapter closes with discussions on sustainability dimensions for all these macro-design subjects.
Weak solutions of the Shigesada–Kawasaki–Teramoto equations and their attractors

Abstract We derive the global existence of weak solutions of the Shigesada–Kawasaki–Teramoto systems in any space dimension d ≥ 1 with a rather general condition on the coefficients. The existence is established using finite differences in time with truncations and an argument of Stampacchia’s maximum principle to show the positivity of the solutions. We derive also the existence of a weak global attractor.
Motion planning for aggressive autonomous vehicle maneuvers

We present a motion planning algorithm for autonomous aggressive vehicle maneuvers. The motion planner takes advantages of the sparse stable trees (SST), the RRT* algorithm and the model predictive control (MPC) design. The use of the sparsity property helps to reduce the computational burden of the RRT* method by removing non-useful nodes in each iteration (i.e., rewiring) and therefore to quickly converge to the optimal solution. A goal-biased input is used to achieve a fast convergence. A nonlinear MPC is used to compute and find the attracting area for the generated trajectory with consideration of constraints of the system. We implement and demonstrate the motion planning algorithm on a 1/7-scale racing vehicle for autonomous aggressive maneuvers.
Does Placing Affordable Housing Near Rail Raise Development Costs? Evidence From California’s Four Largest Metropolitan Planning Organizations

California spent over a billion dollars supporting the construction of subsidized affordable housing in rail-adjacent neighborhoods through its transit-oriented development program. We test whether...
Entrepreneurship's Contribution to Economics:

Recent evidence of entrepreneurship's significant contribution to economic growth and development challenges the dominance of general equilibrium theory in macroeconomic thought. Microeconomics has...
The governance of smart cities: A systematic literature review

Abstract Research on smart cities lacks a systematic understanding of the different components of smart city governance, the metrics to measure these components, their envisaged outcomes and potential contextual factors influencing both components as well as outcomes. This study analyzes the relevant body of literature and proposes conceptual insights. A research scheme is generated and used for an extensive discussion of the literature. The systematic literature review indicates that various smart city governance definitions exist. Also, this study reveals substantial variances in contextual factors, measurement techniques and outcomes among the concepts of smart city governance.
Preliminary 2013 Solomon Islands Earthquake and Tsunami Data Report and Historical Retrospective

On 6 February 2013, at 01:12:27 UTC, a magnitude Mw 8.0 earthquake occurred at 10.738° S, 165.138° E, depth 29 km, in the Santa Cruz Islands region, Solomon Islands. The earthquake generated a tsunami that was observed throughout the entire Pacific Ocean. Maximum wave heights up to 3 m were observed on Nendo Island, located approximately 75 km east of the epicenter. On the islands of Malo, Nendo, Nibanga Noi, and Tomotu Niabona, the tsunami caused 11 deaths, 14 injuries, and damaged or destroyed more than 700 houses. The National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) and collocated World Data Service (WDS) for Geophysics maintains the global tsunami archive, providing integrated access to tsunami event observational, instrumental, and socio-economic impact data. This archive incorporates the historical tsunami database, imagery, raw and processed U.S. coastal tide gauge, and tsunameter data including Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunami (DART®) relevant to a tsunami event. The historical tsunami database includes information on the tsunami source, maximum wave heights, and socio-economic effects such as deaths and damage. NGDC works in collaboration with the UNESCO/IOC – NOAA International Tsunami Information Center (ITIC) to collect post-tsunami event information. As of 20 February 2013, NGDC has collected maximum tsunami amplitudes from 62 tide gauge observations, eight tsunameter and bottom pressure recorder (BPR) station observations, and 25 field survey and eyewitness reports for this event. Preliminary processing of tide gauge and tsunameter time series data revealed that the tsunami lasted between 6 and 9 h after arrival at the tsunameters located in the western Pacific and at the Pacific Island tide gauges. This paper presents a review of historical tsunamis in the Solomon Islands region and describes the data collected and processed for the 6 February 2013 earthquake and tsunami.
Active Learning with Committees for Text Categorization

In many real-world domains, supervised learning requires a large number of training examples. In this paper, we describe an active learning method that uses a committee of learners to reduce the number of training examples required for learning. Our approach is similar to the Query by Committee framework, where disagreement among the committee members on the predicted label for the input part of the example is used to signal the need for knowing the actual value of the label. Our experiments are conducted in the text categorization domain, which is characterized by a large number of features, many of which are irrelevant. We report here on experiments using a committee of Winnowbased learners and demonstrate that this approach can reduce the number of labeled training examples required over that used by a single Winnow learner by l-2 orders of magnitude. 1. Hntroduction
SURVIVAL AND COEXISTENCE IN INTERACTING PARTICLE SYSTEMS

A fifteen year old technique for proving survival of the basic one dimensional contact process is extended in order to obtain improved upper bounds for contact like processes. Comparison techniques are described which can be combined with these survival results to determine exactly which threshold voter models coexist. The paper ends with a bibliography of most of the papers written about interacting particle systems since the author’s book on this subject appeared in 1985.
A GENETIC CONTROL OF THE NUMBER OF CENTRAL DOPAMINE NEURONS IN RELATIONSHIP TO BRAIN ORGANIZATION, DRUG RESPONSES, AND BEHAVIOR

ABSTRACT The strain-dependent differences in brain tyrosine hydroxylase activity in mice of BALB/cJ or CBA/J strains is attributable to differences in numbers of dopaminergic but not noradrenergic neurons. Mice of BALB/cJ strain with more dopamine cells also have a larger caudate nucleus, are more sensitive to the behavioral action of d-amphetamine and exhibit more intense behaviors attributable to dopaminergic systems. The number of neurotransmitter-specific neurons is under genetic control and may be an important determinant of species-dependent variation in brain chemistry, nuclear organization, drug responses, and spontaneous behavior.
Mesenchymal stem cells for pre-vascularization of engineered tissues

Engineered tissues with a thickness larger than mu m require an embedded functional vascular network to support cell survival and integration with host vasculature after in vivoimplantation Mesenchymal stem cells MSCs can secrete trophic factors to promote angiogenesis and function as pericytes to stabilize endothelial cell engineered neo capillary structures Recently studies have shown that co culturing MSCs with endothelial cells ECs could develop a pre capillary network in tissue scaffolds To realize such an outcome several factors need to be considered including MSC source cell seeding order oxygen concentration and extra cellular matrix features The present mini review summarizes these crucial considerations and will provide beneficial references for successful development of functional pre vascularized tissues
SAXSDom: Modeling multi-domain protein structures using small-angle X-ray scattering data

Many proteins are composed of several domains that pack together into a complex tertiary structure. Some multidomain proteins can be challenging for protein structure modeling, particularly those for which templates can be found for the domains but not for the entire sequence. In such cases, homology modeling can generate high quality models of the domains but not for the assembled protein. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) reports on the solution structural properties of proteins and has the potential for guiding homology modeling of multidomain proteins. In this work, we describe a novel multi-domain protein assembly modeling method, SAXSDom, that integrates experimental knowledge from SAXS profiles with probabilistic Input-Output Hidden Markov model (IOHMM). Four scoring functions to account for the energetic contribution of SAXS restraints for domain assembly were developed and tested. The method was evaluated on multi-domain proteins from two public datasets. Based on the results, the accuracy of domain assembly was improved for 40 out of 46 CASP multi-domain proteins in terms of RMSD and TM-score when SAXS information was used. Our method also achieved higher accuracy for at least 45 out of 73 multi-domain proteins according to RMSD and TM-score metrics in the AIDA dataset. The results demonstrate that SAXS data can provide useful information to improve the accuracy of domain-domain assembly. The source code and tool packages are available at http://github.com/multicom-toolbox/SAXSDom.
Difficult Commitments: Intercountry Adoption to the United States and Accession to the Hague Convention

Why have relatively few countries joined the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-Operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption? Have countries that send children to the United States ...
Asset depletion on the balance sheet: an idea whose time has come?

This article explores the possible impact on cash flows and balance sheets of Florida’s 67 counties if asset depletion were recorded in a manner analogous to that of private entities. Findings highlight the difficulty that may be encountered with changing emphasis of government accounting from focus on cash flows to that of actual resources utilized.
Control of cortical synapse development and plasticity by MET receptor tyrosine kinase, a genetic risk factor for autism

The key developmental milestone events of the human brain, such as neurogenesis, synapse formation, maturation, and plasticity, are determined by a myriad of molecular signaling events, including those mediated by a number of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and their cognate ligands. Aberrant or mistimed brain development and plasticity can lead to maladaptive changes, such as dysregulated synaptic connectivity and breakdown of circuit functions necessary for cognition and adaptive behaviors, which are hypothesized pathophysiologies of many neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Here we review recent literature that supports autism spectrum disorder as a likely result of aberrant synapse development due to mistimed maturation and plasticity. We focus on MET RTK, a prominent genetic risk factor for autism, and discuss how a pleiotropic molecular signaling system engaged by MET exemplifies a genetic program that controls cortical circuit development and plasticity by modulating the anatomical and functional connectivity of cortical circuits, thus conferring genetic risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Compensation According to Strategy

In this chapter, the sixth aspect of the “Fair CEO Compensation” octagonal framework, “Compensation according to Strategy” (pay-for-strategy), is discussed in detail. First, the definitions and existing research are presented, and then the practical implications are set forth.
Experimental Research on Lightning Disturbance Characteristics of 10-kV Fusion Voltage Transformer Intelligent Component Acquisition Port

In the lightning impulse test, the 10 kV fusion voltage transformer intelligent component acquisition port often suffers from functional failure or breakdown. In this paper, experimental measurement and inversion calculation were used to study the electromagnetic disturbance level of smart component acquisition port. During the inversion calculation, the applicability of the dual exponential function model, Heidler function model, and impulse function model as the primary source for describing the lightning impulse device were compared and analyzed. The results show that the double exponential model was used as the calculation source of the primary side lightning waveform, and the inversion calculation results were in good agreement with the actual measurement. In addition, the effects of the primary side lightning voltage peak, wave head, and wave tail parameters on the maximum amplitude of the disturbance waveform calculated by inversion are discussed and analyzed. Based on the analysis results, a sufficient inversion calculation parameter was proposed to estimate the disturbance level of the intelligent component acquisition port. Finally, the measured results were compared and discussed with the IEC 61439 assessment level, and it was suggested that the assessment level of fusion equipment should be modified.
Embodying dreams and emotions in the streets of the San Francisco Bay Area

As part of the interdisciplinary project Atlas of Dreams, I created a series of artistic maps, that both show the places where 400 dreamers recounted their memorable dreams and also depict the emot...
Design and Performance Evaluation of a Wearable Passive Cable-driven Shoulder Exoskeleton

Abstract The mechanical assistance provided by exoskeletons could potentially replace, assist, or rehabilitate upper extremity function in patients with mild to moderate shoulder disability to perform activities of daily living. While many exoskeletons are “active” (e.g. motorized), mechanically passive exoskeletons may be a more practical and affordable solution to meet a growing clinical need for continuous, home-based movement assistance. In the current study, we designed, fabricated, and evaluated the performance of a wearable, passive, cable-driven shoulder exoskeleton (WPCSE) prototype. An innovative feature of the WPCSE is a modular spring-cam-wheel system that can be custom designed to compensate for any proportion of the shoulder elevation moment due to gravity over a large range of shoulder motion. The force produced by the spring-cam-wheel system is transmitted over the superior aspect of the shoulder to an arm cuff through a Bowden cable. The results from mechanical evaluation revealed that the modular spring-cam-wheel system could successfully produce an assistive positive shoulder elevation moment that matched the desired, theoretical moment. However, when measured from the physical WPCSE prototype, the moment was lower (up to 30%) during positive shoulder elevation and higher (up to 120%) during negative shoulder elevation due primarily to friction. Even so, our biomechanical evaluation showed that the WPCSE prototype reduced the root mean square (up to 35%) and peak (up to 33%) muscular activity, as measured by electromyography, of several muscles crossing the shoulder during shoulder elevation and horizontal adduction/abduction movements. These preliminary results suggest that our WPCSE may be suitable for providing movement assistance to people with shoulder disability.
Effect of Body Mass Index on Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Background Obesity is an established risk factor for the development of acute ischemic stroke. However, its effect on clinical outcomes after acute ischemic stroke has remained controversial. In the present study, we evaluated the association of body mass index (BMI) on outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke (LVOS). Methods We reviewed our prospective endovascular database for patients who had undergone MT for LVOS from 2015 to 2018. The BMI was analyzed as a continuous and categorical variable, with the latter defined as BMI, 30 kg/m2 (obese). Multivariate analysis was used to determine the outcome predictors. Results A total of 335 patients had undergone MT, with 7 (2.1%) classified as underweight, 107 (31.9%) normal, 141 (42.1%) overweight, and 80 (23.9%) obese. The procedural times, techniques, and reperfusion success (treatment in cerebral infarction score >2b) were not significantly different among the BMI categories. A significant inverse linear correlation was found between the BMI and symptomatic hemorrhagic. For patients with successful reperfusion (treatment in cerebral infarction score >2b), we also found a significant bell-shaped relationship between the BMI and functional independence (modified Rankin scale score Conclusion For LVOS patients treated with MT, a high BMI will not affect procedural success. However, it was independently associated with lower rates of functional independence in recanalized patients. Thus, the obesity paradox does not appear to pertain to MT, although larger prospective studies are necessary.
Attendants at MMC Composite Milling

The usage of composite materials is showing a growing tendency in the industry, especially in the field of automotive engineering. The goal to improve emissions and safety requires eco-friendly solutions, reducing the weight of vehicles. The efficient and economical use of these materials requires many cutting investigations. To achieve the best results and tool life well-chosen technology and technological parameter are needed.
Persistence of the Exotic Mirid Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae) in South Texas

The Rio Grande Valley is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the U.S and is located in the southernmost part of Texas. In October 2013, we detected an exotic plant bug, Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae: Bryocorinae) occurring in the region. Nesidiocoris tenuis has zoophytophagous habits; however, in the absence of insect prey, it feeds on its plant hosts. After its morphological and genetic identification, this study monitored the population of N. tenuis in its introduction phase in commercial fields and corroborated its establishment in research fields for three years. Populations of N. tenuis were high during the fall and low during winter. This study found that N. tenuis populations were higher in tomato fields as compared to adjacent pepper, okra, and squash fields, indicating its host preferences during the introduction phase. Recurrent population growth patterns suggest that N. tenuis was established in Rio Grande Valley with permanent populations in tomato fields. In addition, N. tenuis populations were affected by tomato cultivar selection and by plastic mulch color. The presence of N. tenuis could establish a new trophic insect relationship for vegetable production. However, it is unknown if the presence of N. tenuis may help to control pests of economic importance, such as whiteflies in cotton, or become a pest on sesame, an emerging crop.
Itô’s Uniqueness and Uniqueness to the Martingale Problem

The contents of this chapter are based on the work of Watanabe and Yamada [1971]. What we will be trying to do is give a careful comparison of the notion of uniqueness natural to the martingale problem as opposed to the notion of uniqueness inherent in Ito’s method. We have already seen indications that there is a distinction between these two notions (cf. Exercise 5.4.2) and that the distinction is intimately connected with questions of measurability of the path x(·) with respect to β(·) in the stochastic integral equation $$ x(t) = x + \int\limits_s^{t \vee s} {\sigma (u,x(u))d\beta } (u) + \int\limits_s^{t \vee s} {b(u,x(u))du.} $$ (0.1)
Calpain I activation is specifically related to excitatory amino acid induction of hippocampal damage

Sustained stimulation of receptors for excitatory amino acids leads to both activation of the calcium-dependent cysteine protease calpain I and to the death of receptive neurons. Here, we have examined the relationship between the calpain I activation and neurodegeneration. Calpain I activation was manifested as increased levels of the major proteolytic fragments of the calpain substrate spectrin, detected and quantified by immunoblotting. Intraventricular administration of the excitatory amino acids kainate or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) produced calpain I-mediated spectrin degradation and hippocampal neuronal loss. The NMDA antagonist 3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid selectively blocked NMDA- but not kainate-induced protease activation and hippocampal damage. Temporally, spectrin degradation preceded the onset of pyramidal cell degeneration monitored by silver- impregnation histochemistry. Only those doses of kainate (0.15–1 microgram) or NMDA (40–80 micrograms) sufficient to cause hippocampal damage markedly increased spectrin breakdown. Both the neuronal damage and calpain I activation induced by kainate occurred primarily in area CA3. Degeneration of hippocampal neurons evoked by colchicine was not accompanied by calpain activation, indicating that proteolysis is not stimulated simply as a secondary response to neuronal destruction. Thus, a close correspondence exists between excitatory amino acid induction of neuronal degeneration and of calpain I-mediated spectrin degradation. The results suggest that calpain I may be an intracellular mediator of excitatory amino acid action, and further, they support the hypothesis that calcium influx and calpain I activation are obligatory events in the initiation of excitatory amino acid neurotoxicity.
Activated carboxylates from the photooxygenation of oxazoles : Application to the synthesis of recifeiolide, curvularin and other macrolides

Abstract Oxazoles may be used as masked forms of activated carboxylic acids since they readily form triamides on reaction with singlet oxygen. With 2-alkyl-4,5-diphenyloxazoles, the triamides formed on photooxygenation undergo selective nucleophilic attack at the acyl carbonyl derived from the 2-oxazole position. Using 2-(ω- hydroxyalkyl)-4,5- diphenyloxazoles as substrates, the oxidation-acylation sequence may be employed for the synthesis of macrolides including (±)-recifeiolide and (±)-di-0-methylcurvularin.
One motor cortex, two different views.

In a recent paper in Nature Neuroscience, Todorov1 referred to our finding that a motor cortical representation of hand trajectory during spiral drawing precedes the hand's movement by an interval that varies with path curvature2, 3. Although there are several possible explanations for this finding, Todorov, using a simplistic model, argued that because cortical cells share common properties with muscles, this relationship could be due to a combination of inertia, viscosity and stiffness acting on the acceleration, speed and position of the arm, respectively. Although simple, his model is flawed and cannot support this conclusion.
Electromagnetic decays of excited states in Sg261 (Z=106) and Rf257 (Z=104)

An isomeric one-quasineutron state, likely based on the $[725]11/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ Nilsson level, was identified in $^{261}\mathrm{Sg}$ by its decay via internal conversion electrons. The state has an excitation energy of $\ensuremath{\approx}200$ keV and a half-life of $9.{0}_{\ensuremath{-}1.5}^{+2.0}$ $\ensuremath{\mu}$s. $^{261}\mathrm{Sg}$ has the highest $Z$ and $A$ of any nucleus in which the electromagnetic decay of an isomeric state was observed to date. A separate experiment was performed on the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ daughter nucleus of $^{261}\mathrm{Sg}$, namely $^{257}\mathrm{Rf}$. Spectroscopy of delayed $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays and converted electrons from $^{257}\mathrm{Rf}$ resulted in the identification of a $K$ isomer at an excitation energy of $\ensuremath{\approx}1125$ keV with a half-life of 134.9 $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}$ 7.7 $\ensuremath{\mu}$s. The spin of the isomeric state is tentatively assigned $I=21/2,23/2$ and the state likely decays to a rotational band built on the $[725]11/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ Nilsson level via a $\ensuremath{\Delta}K=5$ or 6 transition. The present results provide new information on excited states in the transactinide region, which is important for testing models of the heaviest elements.
Does pre-operative physical therapy improve post-surgical outcomes of patients undergoing a total knee and/or total hip arthroplasty? A systematic review

Background and purpose: Pre-operative physical therapy (PT) has been used in clinical practice to improve post- surgical outcomes after a total hip and/or knee replacement. The purpose of this systematic literature review was to investigate the ability of pre-operative physical therapy to improve post-surgical outcomes of patients undergoing a total knee and/or total hip arthroplasty. Methods: This review used the search engines PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane library and the PEDro database and investigated all articles that studied the influence of pre-operative therapy on post-surgical results in patients that underwent a total knee and/or total hip arthroplasty. The studies included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), English written, and compared pre-surgical outcomes to post-surgical outcomes in physical therapy interventions. Quality scoring was assessed using the PEDro scale for RCTs. Results: Ten articles met the inclusion criteria. The quality score ranged from 4-7 on the PEDro scale. Results found pre- operative PT in both total knee and total hip arthroplasty reduced the risk of discharge to a rehabilitation facility. Pain reduction (p < 0.05) was found with pool interventions versus land interventions immediately following an exercise session. Discussion: The results indicate there were benefits in the use of pre-operative PT on improving patient satisfaction, pain reduction, and discharge to a lower cost of care setting. The use of pre-operative physical therapy resulted in mixed findings in functional outcomes however. Conclusions: This updated systematic review suggests the current literature on pre-operative physical therapy is inconclusive regarding impact of improving post-surgical outcomes on patients receiving total knee and/or hip arthroplasty.
Anomalous reactions of organomagnesium reagents with perfluoroaromatic compounds

Abstract An investigation of the reactions of some perfluoroaromatic compounds with organomagnesium compounds has been made. It was found that the expected substitution products arising from simple nucleophilic reaction between a perfluoroaromatic and an organomagnesium compounds are not the only products formed during these reactions. The anomalous products formed apparently resulted from an intermediate metallation reaction. Decafluorobiphenyl (x moles) when allowed to react with ethylmagnesium bromide (4x moles) afforded the expected 4-ethylnonafluorobiphenyl and 4,4′-diethyloctafluorobiphenyl and the anomalous 4-hydrononafluorobiphenyl, 4,4′-dihydrooctafluorobiphenyl and 4-ethyl-4′-H-octafluorobiphenyl. It has been shown that the intermediate organomagnesium compounds formed can be derivatized with trimethylchlorosilane to yield perfluoroaryltrimethylsilanes. The effect of changing stoichiometry of reactants on product distribution is discussed.