cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
β-lactam Antibiotics Targeting PBP1 Selectively Enhance Daptomycin Activity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT The activity of daptomycin (DAP) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is enhanced in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of antistaphylococcal β-lactam antibiotics by an undefined mechanism. Given the variability in the penicillin-binding protein (PBP)-binding profiles of different β-lactam antibiotics, the purpose of this study was to examine the relative enhancement of DAP activity against MRSA by different β-lactam antibiotics to determine if a specific PBP-binding profile is associated with the ability to enhance the anti-MRSA activity of DAP. We determined that both broad- and narrow-spectrum β-lactam antibiotics known to exhibit PBP1 binding demonstrated potent enhancement of DAP anti-MRSA activity, whereas β-lactam antibiotics with minimal PBP1 binding (cefoxitin, ceftriaxone, cefaclor, and cefotaxime) were less effective. We suspect that PBP1 disruption by β-lactam antibiotics affects pathways of cell division in S. aureus that may be a compensatory response to DAP membrane insertion, resulting in DAP hypersusceptibility.
Role of intracellular SOD in oxidant-induced injury to normal and copper-deficient cardiac myocytes

Previous studies have shown that susceptibilities of hepatocytes and endothelial cells to H2O(2)-induced injury are altered by changes in the intracellular activity of Cu,Zn-containing superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD). To evaluate the role of intracellular CuZn-SOD in oxidant-induced injury to rat cardiac myocytes, cells with reduced CuZn-SOD activity but normal ATP content were either isolated from the hearts of adult copper-deficient rats or obtained by treatment of normal isolated adult myocytes with diethyldithiocarbamate. These myocytes and controls with normal CuZn-SOD activity were exposed to either reagent H2O2 or oxidants generated by extracellular glucose oxidase plus glucose or xanthine oxidase plus xanthine. It was shown that myocytes with CuZn-SOD activities reduced by 70-90% were equally susceptible to H2O2 and the two oxidant-generating systems as the control myocytes. The findings suggest that in adult cardiac myocytes, in contrast to the situation in some other cells, intracellular CuZn-SOD may not have a significant defensive role against acute H2O(2)-induced injury. The possibility remains, however, that changes in the activity of this enzyme, e.g., in copper deficiency, may be relevant to the ability of myocytes to cope with chronic oxidative stress resulting from imbalance between intracellular oxygen radical-generating and -scavenging systems.
Femtosecond Ultraviolet Pulse Generation in β-BaB 2 O 4

Almost all current results on ultrafast processes are derived from femtosecond lasers in the visible or near infrared. There is a clear need to extend the wavelength range of high repetition rate femtosecond pulses into the ultraviolet (uv). Frequency doubling (SHG), both extra1- and intracavity2, represents one technique for generating such pulses. However, the results achieved so far have been far short of what have been achieved in the visible. In this talk, we report an intracavity doubling experiment using the new nonlinear optical crystal β-BaB2O4 (BBO) that results in nearly complete recovery of the normal visible fundamental output power in the form of femtosecond uv pulses at the second harmonic. Recent success in our laboratory in growing and fabricating high quality BBO crystals3 has enabled us to generate the shortest uv pulses reported so far, less than 45 fs at 315 nm.
Readability and Understandability of Online Vocal Cord Paralysis Materials

ObjectivePatients use several online resources to learn about vocal cord paralysis (VCP). The objective of this study was to assess the readability and understandability of online VCP patient education materials (PEMs), with readability assessments and the Patient Education Materials Evaluation Tool (PEMAT), respectively. The relationship between readability and understandability was then analyzed.Study Design and SettingDescriptive and correlational design.MethodOnline PEMs were identified by performing a Google search with the term “vocal cord paralysis.” After scientific webpages, news articles, and information for medical professionals were excluded, 29 articles from the first 50 search results were considered. Readability analysis was performed with 6 formulas. Four individuals with different educational backgrounds conducted understandability analysis with the PEMAT. Fleiss’s Kappa interrater reliability analysis determined consistency among raters. Correlation between readability and understandabil...
Parasitoids of Heliothis spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae in Mississippi Associated with Sesame Interplantings in Cotton, 1971–1974: Implications of Host-Habitat Interaction

The parasitoids of the cotton bollworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), and tobacco budworm, H. vircscens (F.), larvae collected from cotton and interplanted sesame were determined from 1971 through 1974 in the Mississippi delta. Greater numbers of Heliothis larvae (especially H. virescens ) were found on sesame than on cotton and were more often parasitized. Apanteles marginivenrris (Cresson) and Campoletis sonorensis (Cameron) were the most abundant parasitoid species reared from Heliothis larvae on cotton (41.7%) and sesame (54.8%), respectively. Although A. marginiventris frequently attacked larvae on both crops, only one C. sonorensis was recovered from Heliothis larvae infesting cotton during the entire study.
Comparing Discrete Distributions: Survey Validation and Survey Experiments

Field survey experiments often measure amorphous concepts in discretely ordered categories, with postsurvey analytics that fail to account for the discrete attributes of the data. This article demonstrates the use of discrete distribution tests, specifically the chi-square test and the discrete Kolmogorov—Smirnov (KS) test, as simple devices for comparing and analyzing ordered responses typically found in surveys. In Monte Carlo simulations, we find the discrete KS test to have more power than the chi-square test when distributions are right or left skewed, regardless of the sample size or the number of alternatives. The discrete KS test has at least as much power as the chi-square, and sometimes more so, when distributions are bi-modal or approximately uniform and samples are small. After deriving rules of usage for the two tests, we implement them in two cases typical of survey analysis. Using our own data collected after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we employ our rules to both validate and assess treatment effects in a natural experimental setting.
Hepatic Excretion in Man of the Various Bile Acids Following Their Oral Administrations

SummaryIn the patient studied the oral administration of cholic acid was more effective than that of desoxycholic acid in raising the concentration and total output of bile acids in the hepatic bile.
Decomposition of the Near-Field Pressure in an Excited Subsonic Jet

The irrotational near field of an unheated, Mach 0.9 jet (Reynolds number of 6.2x10) was acquired under both baseline and excited states (with the use of plasma actuators). Previous work had decomposed the full near field into its hydrodynamic and acoustic components using a linear filter in Fourier space, in order to analyze the acoustic source location and mechanism. The presence of numerical artifacts in the results prompted the current study, in which a new algorithm is proposed to filter the irrotational pressure field in wavelet space, using a spatio-temporal continuous wavelet transform. Results from the new method are then compared against those obtained using the standard Fourier-based algorithm, as well as another proposed algorithm based upon the Emprical Mode Decomposition. The ability of the wavelet-based algorithm to decompose the broadband irrotational pressure field into its constitutive components, as well as to identify and extract individual events, is shown to be superior to that of the other two decomposition methods.
Fourier Transform Spectrometry: the SNR disadvantage of the multiplex architecture

Recent works revealed unexpected theoretical bounds to the radiometric performance of FTS. These findings, regarding the SNR of FTS as assessed in the interferogram and the spectral domains, are summarized and validated by experimental results.
Deghosting 4D Buried Land Sensor Data using Multi-Component Wavefield Separation

The parametric wavefield separation method originally developed for VSP data is evaluated for application to 4D surface seismic data where multi-depth three-component geophones are deployed in shallow boreholes. Tests on synthetic time-lapse seismic data show that wavefield separation produces better repeatability compared to standard dual sensor (vertical geophone and hydrophone) summation. Tests on a pre-4D field test also demonstrate that wavefield separation is superior to dual sensor summation.
Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects with Amplatzer device:initial clinical applications in children

Objectives To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects(PVSD) using the new Amplatzer membranous ventricular septal defect(VSD) occluder.Methods From June 2003 to Dec.2005,202 children(115 males,87 females) with PVSD underwent an attempt of catheter closure using a new device specifically designed for the membranous septum.The mean age of patients was(6.4±3.6) years;the mean weight of patients was(22±10) kg.The procedures were performed under general endotracheal anesthesia in all patients.Routine right and left heart catheterization was performed to assess the degree of shunting and to evaluate the pulmonary vascular resistance.demonstrate the steps of closure by angiography and echocardiography(echo).Angiography in single plane(60°LAO/20°cranial) was performed to define the location and size of the VSD.This provided a stable arteriovenous loop and allowed a 7-8 Fr long delivery sheath positioned into the left ventricular(LV) apex.Monitored by echo,the device was deployed and LV angiography was performed.If the device had good position,then the device was released by counterclockwise rotation of the pin vise.The procedure was finished.Results The successful rate of the device implantation was 96.8%(184/202).Twelve of 202 cases were unsuitable to closure after angiography,and 6 cases were fail.The mean diameters of PVSDs measured by angiography was(4.8±2.2)mm.The mean size of the occluder was(7.2±2.6)mm.Qp/Qs was 1.5-2.6.The mean was(1.8±0.6);The procedure time was(86±21)min;The fluoroscopy was(12.1±3.7)min.The residual shunt immediately after the procedure was 14.6%(13/89),whereas after 24 hours it was only 2.2%.As 3-12 months following up,all cases had no residual shunt.Six cases occurred A-V block and bundle branch block.Conclusions The initial experience with the Amplatzer membranous VSD occluder for treatment of PVSDs suggests that it is a safe and effective device for transcatheter occlusion of PVSDs located in the thin portion of the ventricular septum.Our initial experience indicates that the new Amplatizer device has a high procedural success rate with excellent complete closure rate.If further investigation and follow-up continue to produce similar results,this new device may become an important component in the care of children with PVSDs.
Method of VLR User Data Processing Based on Main Memory Database

A new method for VLR user data processing, is put forward. A kind of object-oriented scheme is firstly employed to de-sign VLR database based on main memory database. Then user data are stored in VLR database by using hash index technique. Fi-nally mobile user data of VLR database can be edited and accessed. The method which can quickly store and access user data, is easy to design and implement, and it has good expansibility
Flavone antagonists bind competitively with 2,3,7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor but inhibit nuclear uptake and transformation.

Previous analyses suggested that potent aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonists were planar, with a lateral electron-rich center. To further define structural requirements and mechanism for antagonism, ten additional flavone derivatives were synthesized. Based on their ability to 1) compete with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) for binding to the AhR; 2) inhibit TCDD-elicited binding of AhR to dioxin-responsive elements (DRE) in vitro; and 3) inhibit TCDD-induced transcription of DRE-dependent luciferase in stably transfected hepatoma cells, the most potent flavones contained a 3′-methoxy group and a 4′-substituent having one or more terminal atoms of high electron density (−N3, −NO2, or −NCS). Furthermore, these had low agonist activity as assessed by their inability to elicit AhR · DRE binding or to induce luciferase. Compounds containing bulkier 3′ or 4′-substituents, or a 3′-OH group were less potent antagonists, and some were partial agonists. In rat liver cytosol, 3′-methoxy-4′-azido- and 3′-methoxy-4′-nitroflavones bound competitively (with TCDD) to the AhR, indicating that they bind to the TCDD-binding site. When hepatoma cells were exposed to these flavones, AhR complexes were primarily immunoprecipitable from the cytosol and contained 90 kDa heat shock protein. In contrast, AhR in TCDD-treated cells was primarily immunoprecipitated from nuclear extracts and was associated with Arnt but not 90 kDa heat shock protein. Immunocytofluorescence analysis in intact cells further indicated that the potent antagonist inhibited nuclear uptake of AhR and blocked TCDD-dependent down-regulation of AhR. Together, these data indicate that the most potent antagonists bind the AhR with high affinity but cannot initiate receptor transformation and nuclear localization.
Redefining Plains Village Complexes In Oklahoma: The Paoli Phase And The Redbed Plains Variant

The Custer and Washita River phases of the southern Plains are re-evaluated using data from recent research at Plains Village sites in central Oklahoma. Based on dates and variation in assemblages,...
Alternative Nuclear Strategies

The realization that the Soviet Union did not endorse strategic concepts based on the deterrence assumption has intensified the disenchantment with those concepts.1 This realization was slow in coming, given the inferior Soviet position relative to US armaments that tended to mask Soviet intentions, a patronizing Western attitude toward Soviet military doctrine,2 and the American optimism in foreign affairs that arises from what sometimes appears to be an invincible ethnocentricity. We are often unable both to take Russian security concerns seriously, from their point of view, and to recognize that this point of view poses a danger to the West. In the light of the tremendous US buildup in the early 1960s, it was plausible to assume that the Soviet deployments and acquisitions of the late 1960s were simply a responsive effort to defend against US pre-emption. McNamara among many others3 predicted that a levelling off would occur once a secure, assured destruction capability was gained. They were perhaps persuaded that there were no significant implications for deterrence in the margin between this capability and full parity anyway.
Problems and complications of full-face carbon dioxide laser resurfacing for pathological lesions of the skin.

Objective Facial resurfacing with a CO2 laser has been used for treatment of pathologic lesions and for cosmetic purposes. Postoperative complications and problems after laser resurfacing include infections, acneiform lesions, and pigment changes. This retrospective study describes the most common problems and complications in 105 patients and assesses postoperative pain in 38 patients. Study Design All patients received CO2 laser resurfacing for treatment of malignant/premalignant lesions and had postoperative follow-up to assess problems and complications. Some had follow-up to assess postoperative pain. All patients had Fitzpatrick I-III skin types and underwent the same perioperative care regimen. Results There were 11 problems and 2 complications. Problems included infection, acneiform lesion/milia, and uncontrolled postoperative pain. Complications included hyperpigmentation. Among the postoperative pain group, 53% reported no pain and the rest had mild or moderate pain. Conclusion Complications are rare. Infection and acneiform lesions/milia were the most common problems, as previously reported. Most patients do not experience postoperative pain.
Use of congestion-aware routing to spatially separate TCP connections in wireless ad hoc networks

Spatially separating TCP sessions such that they inflict much lower interference effects on each other may provide gains in performance. We first investigate the possibilities of achieving such gains by considering a centralized, ideal, and unrealistic congestion aware routing approach. We then consider the implementation of a distributed routing protocol to achieve the aforementioned spatial separation benefits. We find that due to practicalities such as the need for the exchange of congestion state, the existence of stale congestion information and the creation of sub-optimal paths, the benefits due to spatial separation are considerably undermined. We perform both macroscopic simulations and microscopic studies of specific constructed examples to understand the reasons and quantify the various effects with both the centralized and the distributed approaches. Our studies suggest that achieving noteworthy performance gains by spatially separating TCP sessions may be extremely difficult if not impossible in ad hoc networks.
Mechanism of Nucleophilic Activation of (−)-Lomaiviticin A

(−)-Lomaiviticin A (1) is a C2-symmetric cytotoxin that contains two diazofluorene functional groups and which induces double-strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA. Evidence suggests DNA cleavage is initiated by hydrogen atom abstraction from the deoxyribose backbone. Here we demonstrate the formation of the vinyl radicals 1· and 2· from 1 by 1,7-addition of thiols to the diazofluorenes. These radicals can affect hydrogen atom abstraction from methanol and acetone. The first addition of thiol to 1 proceeds at a much greater rate than the second. The diazosulfide 5 formed en route to 1· has been detected at −50 °C and undergoes decomposition to 1· with a half-life of 110 min at −20 °C under air. These data, which constitute the first direct evidence for the generation of 1· and 2· from 1, provide insights into the mechanism of DNA cleavage by 1.
Effects of foreign equity participation on recipient firm exports

ABSTRACTWe offer new evidence on the role of foreign investment in domestic firms’ export decisions, both at intensive and extensive margins, using balance sheet data from a panel of manufacturing firms in India. In contrast to the existing literature, we analyse the effect of foreign investment at different levels, where the levels correspond to percentages of foreign equity. We use a selection procedure to control for the potential self-selection of firms into export participation. Though we do find that foreign investment increases a domestic firm’s likelihood to export, firms with majority foreign equity are found to serve domestic market more, once the self-selection is accounted for.
Peregrine: 3-D network localization and navigation

Location-aware devices will create new services and applications in emerging fields such as autonomous driving, smart cities, and the Internet of Things. Many existing localization systems rely on anchors such as satellites at known positions which broadcast radio signals. However, such signals may be blocked by obstacles, corrupted by multipath propagation, or provide insufficient localization accuracy. Therefore, ubiquitous localization remains an extremely challenging problem. This paper introduces Peregrine, a 3-D cooperative network localization and navigation (NLN) system. Peregrine nodes are low-cost business-card-sized devices, consisting of a microprocessor, a commercially available ultra-wideband (UWB) radio module, and a small battery. Recently developed distributed algorithms are used in Peregrine to solve the highly interrelated problems of node inference and node activation in real-time, enabling resource efficiency, scalability, and accuracy for NLN. Node inference-based on the recently introduced sigma point belief propagation (SPBP) algorithm-enables spatiotemporal cooperation in realtime and estimates the nodes' positions accurately from UWB distance measurements. A distributed node activation algorithm controls channel access to improve the efficiency and reduce the localization error of the network. Contributions of each algorithmic component to overall system performance are validated through indoor localization experiments. Our results show that Peregrine achieves decimeter-level 3-D position accuracy in a challenging propagation environment.
A sharp interface Cartesian Ggid method for simulating flows with complex moving boundaries: 345

Abstract A Cartesian grid method for computing flows with complex immersed, moving boundaries is presented. The flow is computed on a fixed Cartesian mesh and the solid boundaries are allowed to move freely through the mesh. A mixed Eulerian–Lagrangian framework is employed, which allows us to treat the immersed moving boundary as a sharp interface. The incompressible Navier–Stokes equations are discretized using a second-order-accurate finite-volume technique, and a second-order- accurate fractional-step scheme is employed for time advancement. The fractional-step method and associated boundary conditions are formulated in a manner that properly accounts for the boundary motion. A unique problem with sharp interface methods is the temporal discretization of what are termed “freshly cleared” cells, i.e., cells that are inside the solid at one time step and emerge into the fluid at the next time step. A simple and consistent remedy for this problem is also presented. The solution of the pressure Poisson equation is usually the most time-consuming step in a fractional step scheme and this is even more so for moving boundary problems where the flow domain changes constantly. A multigrid method is presented and is shown to accelerate the convergence significantly even in the presence of complex immersed boundaries. The methodology is validated by comparing it with experimental data on two cases: (1) the flow in a channel with a moving indentation on one wall and (2) vortex shedding from a cylinder oscillating in a uniform free-stream. Finally, the application of the current method to a more complicated moving boundary situation is also demonstrated by computing the flow inside a diaphragm-driven micropump with moving valves.
Hyperemia and impaired cerebral autoregulation in a surgical patient with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Decrire l’hyperemie cerebrale et l ’autoregulation cerebrale alteree documentees par le Doppler transcrânien (DTC) chez un adulte atteint d’acidocetose diabetique (ACD) et de septicemie admis pour une intervention chirurgicale. La vitesse du flux de l’artere cerebrale moyenne a augmente en relation avec la PaCO2 (Vacm a 52 cm·sec-1; PaCO2 de 22 mmHg) et l’index d’autoregulation (IAR) etait de 0 avant l’intervention chirurgicale. Vingt heures apres l’admission et le traitement, l’hyperemie cerebrale etait stoppee (Vmca a 52 cm·sec-1; PaCO2 de 35 mmHg) et l’autoregulation cerebrale revenue a la normale (IAR de 0,91). Selon nous, c’est la premiere description d’autoregulation cerebrale alteree chez un adulte atteint d’ACD. Nos observations suggerent une relation entre l’hyperemie cerebrale et l’autoregulation cerebrale alteree en cas d’ACD.
The Challenges of Male Practitioners Working with Female Youth Clients

This study examined the clinical challenges that male practitioners face in their work with high-risk, female youth clients. Sixteen male practitioners from 9 different youth-serving agencies were interviewed. The study found that male practitioners working with female youth clients experienced several unique challenges within three sequential stages of therapy. These stages were characterized by transference onto the practitioner, rage against the practitioner, and therapeutic work. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.
Case 32: Neonatal Respiratory Distress

A premature (32 weeks’ gestation), 2.1-kg boy is admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) shortly after birth. He has intercostal and substernal recession. Cyanosis is evident even with FIO2 of 0.5. No congenital abnormalities are seen. Auscultation of the chest confirms the presence of bilateral air entry with widespread crepitations. Chest X-ray shows that most of the lungs are not aerated. A diagnosis of respiratory failure (hyaline membrane disease associated with prematurity) is made. Despite treatment, the infant does not improve and the condition becomes grave, with an arterial pH of 7.0, PaO2 of 55 mmHg, and a PaCO2 of 90 mmHg. You intubate the infant’s trachea with a 3-mm tube and provide intermittent positive pressure of the lungs. The FIO2 is 0.6, the rate is 30 per minute, and a 3-cm positive end-expiratory pressure is provided. There is dramatic improvement in the infant’s condition within 1–2 h. A new chest X-ray also shows improvement. You note that there seems to be evidence of bifid spines in the lower cervical and upper thoracic regions.
Hetherington und Willard

Alles, was in diesem Abstract angekundigt wird, ist ernst zu nehmen — bis auf die Tatsache, das der zweite Autor eine Katze ist (man beachte die Unterschrift). Dazu Prof. Hetherington: „Ich hatte das Manuskript des Papieres, das nun unter der Bezeichnung ‚Hetherington and Willard‘ lauft, fertiggestellt und war sehr stolz auf die Ergebnisse, die ich fur eine rasche Veroffentlichung in ‚Phys. Rev. Lett.‘ geeignet hielt. Ehe ich das Papier einreichte, bat ich einen Kollegen, es durchzulesen. Er sagte ‚das ist ein schones Papier, aber sie werden es kurzerhand zuruckschicken‘. Er erklarte mir auch den Grund: Der Herausgeber hatte es sich zur Regel gemacht, das das Wort, Wir‛ in Publikationen von nur einem Autor nicht verwendet werden darf. Andererseits schien es zu muhsam, nun — nachdem alles geschrieben und gesetzt war — den gesamten Text unpersonlich zu formulieren; nach einem Abend des Nachdenkens bat ich daher einfach die Sekretarin, auf der Titelseite den Namen unserer Siamesischen Hauskatze einzusetzen, die Chester gerufen wurde und von Willard (einem der wenigen Siamesen-Kater in Aspen, Colorado) abstammte. Ich fugte die Initialen F. D. vor den Namen — fur ‚Felix Domesticus‘ — und damit war F. D. C. Willard geschaffen.
Global crude oil market shocks and global commodity prices

This paper examines the relationship between shocks to the global crude oil market and commodity prices, and whether recent changes in US renewable energy policy have altered this relationship. Although other papers have studied the effect of oil price shocks on commodity prices (particularly agricultural commodity prices), this paper contributes to the literature in that it accounts for endogenous oil price shocks as in Kilian ([Kilian, L., 2009]). We find asymmetric responses in commodity index prices to endogenous oil price shocks, with oil demand shocks leading to higher energy and non‐energy commodity index prices for the full sample period and oil supply shocks producing less of an impact. We also find evidence of heterogeneity after changes in US energy policy in 2006, with a stronger relationship between oil and other commodity prices. Specifically, oil‐specific demand shocks lead to responses of greater magnitude and statistical significance for non‐energy commodity indexes.
How did Lofgreen and Garrett do the math

Lofgreen and Garrett introduced a new system for predicting growing and finishing beef cattle energy requirements and feed values using net energy concepts. Based on data from comparative slaughter experiments they mathematically derived the California Net Energy System. Scaling values to body weight to the ¾ power, they summarized metabolizable energy intake (ME), energy retained (energy balance [EB]), and heat production (HP) data. They regressed the logarithm of HP on ME and extended the line to zero intake, and estimated fasting HP at 0.077 Mcal/kg0.75, similar to previous estimates. They found no significant difference in fasting HP between steers and heifers. Above maintenance, however, a logarithmic fit of EB on ME does not allow for increased EB once ME is greater than 340 kcal/kg0.75, or about three times maintenance intake. So based on their previous work, they used a linear fit so that partial efficiency of gain above maintenance was constant for a given feed. They show that with increasing roughage level efficiency of gain (slope) decreases, consistent with increasing efficiency of gain and maintenance with greater metabolizable energy of the feed. Making the system useful required that gain in body weight be related to EB. They settled on a parabolic equation, with significant differences between steers and heifers. Lofgreen and Garrett also used data from a number of experiments to relate ME and EB to estimate the ME required for maintenance (ME = HP) and then related the amount of feed that provided that amount of ME to the metabolizable energy content of the feed (MEc), resulting in a logarithmic equation. Then they related that amount of feed to the net energy for gain calculated as the slope of the EB line when regressed against feed intake. Combining the two equations, they estimate the net energy for maintenance and gain per unit feed (Mcal/kg dry matter) as a function of MEc: 0.4258 × 1.663MEc and 2.544-5.670 × 0.6012MEc, respectively. Finally, they show how to calculate net energy for maintenance and gain from experiments where two levels of a ration are fed and EB measured, where one level is fed and a metabolism trial is conducted, or when just a metabolism trial is conducted-but results are not consistent between designs.
A murine monoclonal antibody that blocks fibrinogen binding to normal platelets also inhibits fibrinogen interactions with chymotrypsin- treated platelets

We recently described a monoclonal antibody, 10E5 , that completely blocks adenosine diphosphate (ADP) induced fibrinogen binding to platelets and aggregation induced by ADP, epinephrine, and thrombin. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that 10E5 binds to platelet membrane glycoproteins IIb and/or IIIa. Because it has been reported that platelets treated with chymotrypsin aggregate when fibrinogen is added, we tested the effect of 10E5 antibody on chymotrypsin-induced fibrinogen binding and platelet aggregation. Aspirin-treated human platelets were washed in modified Tyrode's buffer (pH 7.5), incubated for 5 minutes at 22 degrees C with 300 micrograms/mL chymotrypsin, and washed again. The amount of 10E5 antibody bound to these platelets (37,232 +/- 2,928 molecules/platelet; mean +/- SEM, N=9) was similar to that bound to unstimulated control platelets (36,910 +/- 2,669) and did not differ significantly from the amount of antibody bound to ADP- treated platelets (P less than .01, N = 5). The amount of 10E5 bound to chymotrypsin-treated platelets correlated directly with the amount of fibrinogen bound to separate aliquots of the same platelet samples (r = .876, P less than .001). The 10E5 antibody caused virtually complete inhibition of both the binding of fibrinogen to chymotrypsin-treated platelets and the aggregation induced by exogenous fibrinogen. Immunoprecipitation studies of 125I-labeled chymotrypsin-treated platelets revealed that the 10E5 antibody bound proteins with molecular weights characteristic of glycoproteins IIb and IIIa. These data suggest that the fibrinogen receptor on chymotrypsin-treated platelets is identical to that on ADP-treated platelets and that this receptor is either near to, or on, the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex.
Damage imaging in a stiffened curved composite sandwich panel with wavenumber index via Riesz transform

Imaging a damage using the phase of wavefield “video” in the physical domain is developed and applied to a stiffened curved composite sandwich panel for visualization of a barely visible impact dam...
Frequency Regulation and Control of Grid-Connected Wind Farms Based on Online Reduced-Order Modeling and Adaptive Control

This article presents a frequency regulation and stabilization control architecture for a wind turbine generator (WTG) integrated power grid, which can be added to existing WTGs. The architecture uses online reduced-order modeling of the power grid with frequency-dependent network equivalent that can seamlessly evaluate the grid fluctuations with respect to the point of common coupling of the wind farm. Then, an adaptive control architecture with the help of an online identification routine is used to balance the torque control of the wind generator (here doubly fed induction generator is considered) such that the frequency of the system is balanced. The main advantage of the proposed architecture is that the approach ensures frequency stability during grid oscillations at any location due to grid-related or WTG-related problems. The proposed approach not only maintains the frequency within acceptable limits during oscillations, but also makes sure that voltages are at normal values. The approach can work without wind speed measurements. The architecture is evaluated using wind-farm-integrated Kundur two-area and IEEE 39-bus test systems using a real-time digital simulator.
Learning Norms from Stories: A Prior for Value Aligned Agents

Value alignment is a property of an intelligent agent indicating that it can only pursue goals and activities that are beneficial to humans. Traditional approaches to value alignment use imitation learning or preference learning to infer the values of humans by observing their behavior. We introduce a complementary technique in which a value-aligned prior is learned from naturally occurring stories which encode societal norms. Training data is sourced from the children's educational comic strip, Goofus & Gallant. In this work, we train multiple machine learning models to classify natural language descriptions of situations found in the comic strip as normative or non-normative by identifying if they align with the main characters' behavior. We also report the models' performance when transferring to two unrelated tasks with little to no additional training on the new task.
The persistent southern disadvantage in US early life mortality, 1965-2014.

Background Recent studies of US adult mortality demonstrate a growing disadvantage among southern states. Few studies have examined long-term trends and geographic patterns in US early life (ages 1 to 24) mortality, ages at which key risk factors and causes of death are quite different than among adults. Objective This article examines trends and variations in early life mortality rates across US states and census divisions. We assess whether those variations have changed over a 50-year time period and which causes of death contribute to contemporary geographic disparities. Methods We calculate all-cause and cause-specific death rates using death certificate data from the Multiple Cause of Death files, combining public-use files from 1965-2004 and restricted data with state geographic identifiers from 2005-2014. State population (denominator) data come from US decennial censuses or intercensal estimates. Results Results demonstrate a persistent mortality disadvantage for young people (ages 1 to 24) living in southern states over the last 50 years, particularly those located in the East South Central and West South Central divisions. Motor vehicle accidents and homicide by firearm account for most of the contemporary southern disadvantage in US early life mortality. Contribution Our results illustrate that US children and youth living in the southern United States have long suffered from higher levels of mortality than children and youth living in other parts of the country. Our findings also suggest the contemporary southern disadvantage in US early life mortality could potentially be reduced with state-level policies designed to prevent deaths involving motor vehicles and firearms.
Medical Interviewing with a Robot Instead of a Doctor: Who do We Trust More with Sensitive Information?

Patients often do not trust their physicians with confidential, private information. They are worried about judgment, and ultimately this leads to poorer health outcomes. Physicians also do not listen to specific groups of people, biasing healthcare decisions. It may, therefore, be helpful to complement or delegate some of a physician's tasks to a robot. People are more willing to disclose private information to robots, which they find unbiased without negative judgment [2]. Robots can ask all relevant questions regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation [11]. This proposal explores the use of robotics within medicine, evaluating patient trust and information disclosure, to supplement and promote unbiased healthcare provider decisions. The experiment will employ a physician to conduct 90 patient interviews between three groups (G) using the standardized Brown Interview Checklist, either with (G1) or without (G2) a proxy robot. Patients interviewed by the robot will be split between those aware (G2a) or unaware (G2b) that a physician will be controlling the robot. We hypothesize that using a physical robot will improve information disclosure with less stress, and perhaps even off-load physician workload for more targeted and appropriate healthcare decisions.
Identification of cell type-specific methylation signals in bulk whole genome bisulfite sequencing data

The traditional approach to studying the epigenetic mechanism CpG methylation in tissue samples is to identify regions of concordant differential methylation spanning multiple CpG sites (differentially methylated regions). Variation limited to single or small numbers of CpGs has been assumed to reflect stochastic processes. To test this, we developed software, Cluster-Based analysis of CpG methylation (CluBCpG), and explored variation in read-level CpG methylation patterns in whole genome bisulfite sequencing data. Analysis of both human and mouse whole genome bisulfite sequencing datasets reveals read-level signatures associated with cell type and cell type-specific biological processes. These signatures, which are mostly orthogonal to classical differentially methylated regions, are enriched at cell type-specific enhancers and allow estimation of proportional cell composition in synthetic mixtures and improved prediction of gene expression. In tandem, we developed a machine learning algorithm, Precise Read-Level Imputation of Methylation (PReLIM), to increase coverage of existing whole genome bisulfite sequencing datasets by imputing CpG methylation states on individual sequencing reads. PReLIM both improves CluBCpG coverage and performance and enables identification of novel differentially methylated regions, which we independently validate. Our data indicate that, rather than stochastic variation, read-level CpG methylation patterns in tissue whole genome bisulfite sequencing libraries reflect cell type. Accordingly, these new computational tools should lead to an improved understanding of epigenetic regulation by DNA methylation.
Microfabricated Foldable Wings for Centimeter-Scale Microflyers

Many micro-aerial vehicles can benefit from having compact and robust pre-deployment configurations that can later transform into larger and more capable forms. We demonstrate parylene-covered silicon frames that can be folded into origami-inspired aerodynamic shapes for structural applications in centimeter-scale aircraft. By changing the spacing between the frames, we can control the conformality of the parylene deposition, which determines the directionality of the fold (mountain or valley). We fabricated a foldable propeller from such polymer-coated frames and characterized its mass and thrust. [2020-0095]
A parser project in a programming languages course

This experience report describes a programming exercise designed to reinforce concepts of parsing, regular and context-free grammars, first sets, and abstract syntax trees. Students build a parser for a language with real applications. To make this feasible tools including a compiler compilers and automated support for the visitor design pattern, are used. The exercise is extensible.
Book Review: "Couples therapy for domestic violence: Finding safe solutions"

Stith, McCollum, and Rosen present a thorough and engaging account of their treatment model for working with couples experiencing domestic violence. The systemic view and treatment of domestic viol...
Stable pairs and log flips

This paper has two parts. In the first part, we review stable pairs and triples on curves, leading up to Thaddeus' diagram of flips and contractions starting from the blow-up of projective space along a curve embedded by a complete linear series of the form K + ample. In the second part, we identify log canonical divisors which exhibit Thaddeus' flips and contractions as "log" flips and contractions in the sense of the log-minimal-model program.
Hell is a karaoke cruise

My brother Bryan and I were driving somewhere a few months ago when we passed a sign that advertised 'Karaoke Cruises'. For a moment we just looked at each other, and then he said "Can you imagine being trapped on a boat with a bunch of people doing karaoke at every meal? With no way to escape because you're at sea?" I shuddered. "It sounds like a definition of hell," I agreed. Which got me thinking. Over the centuries, people have defined hell in a variety of picturesque and imaginative ways. A favorite of mine is Sartre's "Hell is other people", a sentiment that every university professor can appreciate (it's also the name of a rock group, by the way - but I digress). My thought was this: what would constitute a definition of hell for a scientist in the post-genomics era? I submit the following as some possibilities, but would welcome additional suggestions from readers.
A Defective EGF-Receptor inWaved-2Mice Attenuates Intestinal Adaptation☆

While the pathophysiology of intestinal adaptation following small bowel resection (SBR) is not well understood, there is evidence to suggest an important role for epidermal growth factor (EGF) in this process. In waved-2 mice, a naturally occurring mutation results in reduced EGF receptor protein tyrosine kinase activity. We tested the hypothesis that an intact EGF receptor is essential for adaptation by subjecting this strain of mice to SBR. A 50% proximal SBR or sham operation (bowel transection with reanastomosis only) was performed in waved-2, heterozygous, and wildtype mice. After 3 days, adaptation was characterized in the remnant ileum as changes in DNA and protein content per unit length. Villus height and crypt depth were measured, and crypt cell proliferation rates were determined by the percentage of crypt cells taking up 5-bromodeoxyuridine. Following sham surgery, all mice regained their preoperative weight by the third postoperative day. After SBR, all mice gained weight while the waved-2 mice did not. Ileal DNA and protein significantly increased after SBR in wild-type and heterozygous mice while these parameters were unchanged in the waved-2 mice. Villus height and crypt cell proliferation increased in response to SBR in all groups; however, the changes were less pronounced in the waved-2 mice. Adaptation after SBR is impaired in waved-2 mice. Signal transduction by the EGF receptor is a critical component of this response. These data endorse a crucial role for EGF and its receptor in the pathogenesis of intestinal adaptation.
The student practitioner: Developing skills through the marketing research consultancy project

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of a group of undergraduate students undertaking marketing research consultancy projects for employers. The projects are informed by action learning. The intention is to demonstrate that this method of learning facilitates a level of student skill development that more traditional marketing courses find difficult to achieve.Design/methodology/approach – The study is underpinned by an interpretivist approach. Research involved students taking part in two focus groups during the consultancy and the completion of pre‐ and post‐consultancy open‐ended questionnaires.Findings – Findings suggest that the marketing consultancy project represents a way to help develop the general skills required by novice marketers. Students show an understanding of the importance of acquiring communicative, interpersonal, creative and team‐based skills. These assist them in developing a practical knowledge neglected by much existing marketing teaching.Research limi...
Challenges and opportunities in pain management disparities research: implications for clinical practice, advocacy, and policy.

Abstract Due to high profile initiatives at the national level, awareness of inadequate pain care affecting many groups in our society has never been greater. Nevertheless, increased awareness of pain disparities and the initiatives to address these disparities have yielded only modest progress, most notably in the form of growing appreciation that pain disparities likely result from multiple factors, including biological, psychological, environmental, health system, and cultural factors. Much less progress has been made in developing interventions that target these multiple determinants to reduce pain management disparities. In this paper we discuss key ethical and methodological challenges that undermine our capacity to investigate and develop meaningful interventions to improve pain outcomes among vulnerable populations. Key challenges in the areas of research engagement, recruitment, design, and measurement are discussed from both scientific and normative standpoints. Specific opportunities within emerging research paradigms to improve designs and measures are also discussed. Finally, we conclude with identifying potential synergies between the pain management disparities research agenda and the broader areas of clinical practice, advocacy, and policy that could help to move the field forward. Perspective Researchers studying disparities in pain care face a number of ethical and methodological challenges that must be addressed to advance the field towards eliminating disparities. We discuss these ethical and methodological challenges and propose opportunities for paradigmatic revisions in areas of research engagement, design, measurement, advocacy, and policy.