cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple gene genealogies reveal recent dispersion and hybridization in the human pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans.

Cryptococcus neoformans (= Filobasidiella neoformans ) is a significant emerging fungal pathogen of humans. To understand the evolution of this pathogen, 34 strains were obtained from various locations around the world and fragments of four genes were sequenced from each. These strains represented all three varieties and five serotypes. The four sequenced genes are: (i) the mitochondrial large ribosomal subunit RNA; (ii) the internal transcribed spacer region of the nuclear rRNA, including ITS1, 5.8S rRNA subunit and ITS2; (iii) orotidine monophosphate pyrophosphorylase; and (iv) diphenol oxidase. Phylogenetic analyses indicated considerable divergence among lineages, which cor- responded to the current classification of C. neoformans into three varieties. However, there is no apparent phylogeographic pattern. Significant incongruences were observed among gene genealogies. The analyses indicated that the major lineages in C. neoformans diverged tens of millions of years ago but have undergone recent dispersion and hybridization.
Multilevel energy storage for intermittent wind power conversion: computer system analogies

Wind power conversion is renewable, environmentally friendly and increasingly competitive in terms of cost power output, however, is intermittent as it is a function of the wind speed. The problem of intermittency can be solved by providing energy storage capability. In this paper, it is discussed how experience from computer system design can be used to devise an effective energy storage system. The result is a multilevel storage integrating devices of complementary strengths regarding speed of access to the stored energy and cost per unit of stored energy.
Dynamically exploiting frequent operand values for energy efficiency in integer functional units

We propose a design methodology for exploiting certain frequently occurring operand subword values to reduce energy consumption in integer functional units (FUs). Our methodology partitions an FU into subunits that operate on disjoint operand subwords; a subunit saves energy when its input is an "exploitable" subword value combination. In practice, the applicability and energy optimization of such a method depend significantly upon a number of factors ignored in previous work: the function implemented the hardware topology of the FU, and the application. Our methodology considers all these factors. We use a fast, energy-optimal partitioning algorithm based on an accurate energy model derived from detailed circuit-level simulations and apply it to several different integer FUs. Our results show average energy savings between 20% and 28% (an improvement of 28-40% with respect to previous techniques) across several SPEC CPU2000 benchmarks for different FUs with negligible delay and reasonable area overheads.
Ziv-Zakai lower bounds in bearing estimation

Bounds on the MSE in estimating the bearing of a planewave signal is of considerable interest in many fields. Of particular importance is the ability of a bound to closely characterize performance in the small error or asymptotic region, and the large error or ambiguity region, and to accurately predict the location of the threshold between the regions. The vector Ziv-Zakai bound is applied to the problem of estimating two-dimensional bearing with planar arrays of arbitrary geometry. The bound is calculated for square and circular arrays, and compared with the Weiss-Weinstein (1983, 1984) bound. The Ziv-Zakai bound is shown to be tighter than the Weiss-Weinstein bound in the threshold and asymptotic regions.
Hsp90 Cochaperone Aha1 Downregulation Rescues Misfolding of CFTR in Cystic Fibrosis

Summary The pathways that distinguish transport of folded and misfolded cargo through the exocytic (secretory) pathway of eukaryotic cells remain unknown. Using proteomics to assess global cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein interactions (the CFTR interactome), we show that Hsp90 cochaperones modulate Hsp90-dependent stability of CFTR protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Cell-surface rescue of the most common disease variant that is restricted to the ER, ΔF508, can be initiated by partial siRNA silencing of the Hsp90 cochaperone ATPase regulator Aha1. We propose that failure of ΔF508 to achieve an energetically favorable fold in response to the steady-state dynamics of the chaperone folding environment (the "chaperome") is responsible for the pathophysiology of CF. The activity of cargo-associated chaperome components may be a common mechanism regulating folding for ER exit, providing a general framework for correction of misfolding disease.
Cloud computing, REST and Mashups to simplify RFID application development and deployment

While of increasing importance for the real-time enterprise, deployments of Internet of Things infrastructures such as RFID remain complex and expensive. In this paper, we illustrate these challenges by studying the applications of the EPC Network which is an RFID standards framework that aims to facilitate interoperability and application development. We show how the use of blueprints that were successful on the Web can help to make the adoption of these standards less complex. We discuss in particular how Cloud Computing, RESTful interfaces, Real-time Web (Websockets and Comet) and Web 2.0 Mashups can simplify application development, deployments and maintenance in a common RFID application. Our analysis also illustrates that RFID/EPC Network applications are an excellent playground for Web of Things technologies and that further research in this field can significantly contribute to making real-world applications less complex and cost-intensive.
Executive compensation: the role of Shari'a compliance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illuminate issues surrounding executive compensation as it relates to current understandings of Islamic business law.Design/methodology/approach – The emerging bodies of literature in the fields of executive compensation and opinions of stock options under Shari'a law are reviewed.Findings – It appears that the trend in offering employee stock options as part of a Shari'a compliant compensation package is acceptable in most cases, yet because of its close association with the more problematic idea of derivative transactions, the company must be vigilant in obtaining the approval from its Shari'a Standards Board before offering it as part of an overall compensation package.Research limitations/implications – Existing quantitative data in this area are limited. Given the qualitative, exploratory nature of the design, generalizability is not as robust as other designs.Practical implications – The paper makes recommendations about the inclusion of employee stock optio...
Azole resistance in Candida glabrata : coordinate upregulation of multidrug transporters and evidence for a Pdr1-like transcription factor

Candida glabrata has emerged as a common cause of fungal infection. This yeast has intrinsically low susceptibility to azole antifungals such as fluconazole, and mutation to frank azole resistance during treatment has been documented. Potential resistance mechanisms include changes in expression or sequence of ERG11 encoding the azole target. Alternatively, resistance could result from upregulated expression of multidrug transporter genes; in C. glabrata these include CDR1 and PDH1. By RNA hybridization, 10 of 12 azole-resistant clinical isolates showed 6- to 15-fold upregulation of CDR1 compared to susceptible strains. In 4 of these 10 isolates PDH1 was similarly upregulated, and in the remainder it was upregulated three- to fivefold, while ERG11 expression was minimally changed. Laboratory mutants were selected on fluconazole-containing medium with glycerol as carbon source (to eliminate mitochondrial mutants). Similar to the clinical isolates, six of seven laboratory mutants showed unchanged ERG11 expression but coordinate CDR1-PDH1 upregulation ranging from 2- to 20-fold. Effects of antifungal treatment on gene expression in susceptible C. glabrata strains were also studied: azole exposure induced CDR1-PDH1 expression 4- to 12-fold. These findings suggest that these transporter genes are regulated by a common mechanism. In support of this, a mutation associated with laboratory resistance was identified in the C. glabrata homolog of PDR1 which encodes a regulator of multidrug transporter genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The mutation falls within a putative activation domain and was associated with PDR1 autoupregulation. Additional regulatory factors remain to be identified, as indicated by the lack of PDR1 mutation in a clinical isolate with coordinately upregulated CDR1-PDH1.
Accuracy and usefulness of atrial pacing in conjunction with transesophageal echocardiography in the detection of cardiac ischemia (a comparative study with scintigraphic tomography and coronary arteriography).

Abstract A comparative study of transesophageal echocardiography with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and coronary artereography was performed in a community outpatient setting to determine accuracy and feasibility of the technique. Forty-one of 55 patients underwent all 3 procedures within a 90-day period. Fourteen patients underwent only SPECT and were compared with transesophageal echocardiography with pacing (TEEP). Atrial esophageal pacing was performed with transesophageal echocardiography to increase double product and induce ischemia, which would manifest as abnormal wall motion. The results in these patients indicated a sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 87% for TEEP and 96% and 82% for SPECT, respectively, using angiography as the gold standard. In 14 patients, the sensitivity of TEEP using SPECT as standard was 80% and the specificity was 87%. The 1 view that appeared to pick up the highest yield of abnormalities was the transgastric short-axis view. Thus, TEEP is indicated in the detection of chronotropically incompetent patients and those unable to exercise whose transthoracic images are not optimal. It is highly accurate compared with angiography or SPECT.
Minimizing predatory lending: Designing a long-term compensation structure to minimize the actions of opportunistic mortgage brokers

This paper addresses the inadequacies in the current compensation structure for mortgage brokers, and asserts that the resulting opportunistic behavior by brokers played a major role in the 2008 collapse of the mortgage market. We utilize agency theory as an underpinning to suggest that increased regulation will have only a limited impact on self-serving behavior due to the complex information asymmetries possessed by brokers. We posit that a restructured long-term compensation package would be effective in aligning the interests of borrowers and brokers, ultimately reducing the level of mortgage defaults and foreclosures.
Cooperative R&D and Strategic Trade Policy

In this paper three different cooperative R&D arrangements in a strategic trade policy model are examined. A policy game between two governments is analysed, where each government chooses a particular cooperative R&D policy in order to maximize national welfare. Allowing cooperation in R&D is also compared with the use of R&D subsidies. It is jointly optimal for both governments to allow their firms to participate in the same type of cooperative R&D, and allowing cooperation in R&D can be superior to the use of R&D subsidies.
Fabrication and Investigation of a Micro-Progressive Die Set for Microforming of Sheet Metals

Progressive microforming is an attractive option for manufacturing high aspect-ratio micro-parts out of sheet metal. It is a highly economical alternative to both MEMS processing and micro-machining due to the ability to produce near-net shape parts through parallel forming processes. Current limitations in the field include precise alignment of microforming tools and an understanding of forces encountered when scaling down traditional forming processes. A five stage micro-progressive aluminum die set consisting of four shearing stages and one bending stage was fabricated by micro-machining. The die set was designed to produce right angle micro-brackets from 25 um thick annealed copper foil, with a measured average grain size of 47 um. Die clearances were set at 3 um along shearing edges and 38 um along the bending edge, corresponding to 12% and 152% material thickness, respectively. The produced micro-brackets are intended to be used as electrical connectors and consist of a nominally 280 um by 260 um tab extending vertically from a 780 um by 260 um base. In order to implement and investigate the progressive microforming process, a novel micro-press system was constructed which allows for precision alignment of the die set and workpiece. Using a prepared workpiece, forces at the first stage of the die set were measured and compared to analytical predictions based on models from the literature.© 2014 ASME
Allergic Reactivity to Parthenium Hysterophorus Pollen: An Unrecognized Type I Allergen

Partheniurn (feverfew) is a small genus of Western Hemisphere plants of the Asteraceae included in the subtribe Ambrosiinae along with such well known genera as Ambrosia (ragweed) and Iva (marsh elder). One of the most common and biologically isolated species is P hysterophorus L. (Santa Maria feverfew), a ubiquitous annual weed native to the Gulf of Mexico region and West Indies but now widely distributed from Texas to southern Florida, and inland about 300 miles, especially in areas disturbed by humans (PICMAN and TOWERS 1982). P. hysterophorus (Ph) has been introduced elsewhere; for example, to the Poona region of India, and its subsequent spread in that subcontinent has given rise to a serious medical hazard as a major source of allergic contact dermatitis (ARLETTE and MITCHELL 1981).
First-Stage Larvae of Tegrodera erosa aloga and Gnathium obscurum (Coleoptera: Meloidae)

First-stage larvae of Tegrodera erosa aloga Skinner and Gnathium obscurum MacSwain are described with comments on important taxonomic affinities. Larvae of the genus Tegrodera, now known from this single species, appear distinctly 3-toned, with the thorax lightest and the abdomen darkest. The maxillary stipes bears 4 long setae as does the 3rd segment of the maxillary palpi. The location of the abdominal spiracles is unique among closely related genera. A single set of characters, a long median seta on each femur, adequately separates the larvae of G. obscurum from other previously described species.
Safety profile of the proton-pump inhibitors

The adverse effect profile of proton-pump inhibitors is presented. The proton-pump inhibitors are a well-tolerated class of drugs. The most common adverse events of headache, diarrhea, and nausea have been reported in fewer than 5% of patients treated with lansoprazole or omeprazole. The frequency of these adverse events with the two proton-pump inhibitors is comparable to that of placebo and histamine H2-receptor antagonists. Few clinically important interactions have been observed between proton-pump inhibitors and other drugs metabolized by the cytochrome P-450 system. The interaction potential should be considered when drugs with a narrow therapeutic window, such as phenytoin, warfarin, and theophylline, are used concomitantly with proton-pump inhibitors. Theoretical concerns about the consequences of chronic administration of proton-pump inhibitors, such as the impact of sustained hypergastrinemia on gastric morphology and the development of atrophic gastritis, have been dismissed. While increased gastrin levels are observed among patients taking proton-pump inhibitors, for the majority they remain within the normal range. After long-term use of the drugs, patients do not appear to be at increased risk of atrophic gastritis or gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori infection, rather than acid suppression, may be the more important factor for the development of atrophic gastritis. Bacterial overgrowth and altered nutrient absorption resulting from sustained hypochlorhydria induced by chronic administration of proton-pump inhibitors have not been realized as clinical concerns. Not only are proton-pump inhibitors well tolerated during short-term administration, but there also do not appear to be clinically important adverse sequelae associated with their long-term use.
Wipp Site Studies: Secondary Selenite Veins in the Rustler Formation and Dewey Lake Red Beds

Defense-generated transuranic (TRU) waste will be stored at WIPP in the bedded halite of the Salado Formation (Permian), which is overlain by the impure Permian evaporites of the Rustler Formation and the Dewey Lake Red Beds. Both the Rustler and Dewey Lake contain abundant to less common secondary selenite veins of uncertain origin, and dissolution zones occur in the Rustler. The Rustler Formation also contains two dolomite aquifers, the Magenta and Culebra members. The purpose of this study is to determine whether vein selenite is locally derived, or has been introduced in moving groundwater solutions. We have used Sr isotopic studies and REE, U and other trace element data to address the problem. The Sr isotopic data show that neither the Salado nor Rustler anhydrites have exchanged with secondary sources of Sr, and this is supported by the REE and U data. Further, selenite veins from the Rustler possess Sr isotopic compositions identical to the Rustler, indicating local origin, and this is also supported by the U and REE data. Selenite veins from the Dewey Lake Red Beds possess Sr isotopic compositions closer to surface caliche deposits, and may contain near-surface derived Sr. U and REE data show more scatter and evidence for extrinsic sources than the vein/host-rock pairs from the Rustler. Sr isotopic compositions of the Magenta and Culebra indicate that the Magenta has undergone less water/rock interaction than the Culebra. Collectively, the data argue for more possible surface or near-surface water/rock interactions in the Dewey Lake Red Beds than in the Rustler Formation; such interactions in the Salado Formation have been minimal.
Study on Last Break Trip Fault of Inverter Station in ±800 kV UHVDC Project From Yunnan to Guangdong

The last breaker trip of inverter station, i.e., the load shedding of AC system at inversion side, will lead to severe over-voltage at converter bus and equipments in DC side, so it is one of the major faults to be considered in the research on DC over-voltage and insulation coordination. By means of simulation, the authors research the over-voltage level at AC and DC sides of converter station as well as arrestor operation condition caused by last breaker trip occurred in inverter station of UHVDC power transmission project from Yunnan to Guangdong; analyze and reveal the interrelations among over-voltage level, various operation conditions and different action delay of DC protections and propose the requirement to the time of protection coordination to ensure secure and reliable operation of equipments for the project. The results of this research can offer basic data and technological basis for the design of practical engineering project and are available for reference to on-site commissioning and protection configuration for system operation.
Different Dietary Lipid Sources Affect Plasma Lipid Composition but Not Stress Tolerance or Growth of Hybrid Striped Bass

AbstractTo determine whether dietary lipid sources used in regimens to replace fish oil differentially impact the production performance and physiological status of hybrid Striped Bass (White Bass Morone chrysops × Striped Bass M. saxatilis), the growth performance and stress response of fish raised on diets containing oil from fish, canola, corn, or flaxseed were evaluated. Production performance was unaffected by diet. Net-chasing and handling stress challenges elicited changes in hematology consistent with the generalized stress response, and there was a significant main effect of stressor exposure (P < 0.01) on both plasma cortisol and osmolality, as well as a main effect of lipid source (P < 0.05) on plasma osmolality. Across diets, cortisol and osmolality levels were highest 1 h after stressor exposure (411 ng/mL and 385 mOsm/kg, respectively) but decreased significantly by 4 h poststressor (169 ng/mL and 332 mOsm/kg, respectively). The plasma lipid fatty acid (FA) profile was influenced by diet and...
Attosecond Light Sources in the Water Window

By driving high-order harmonic generation with an Optical Parametric Chirped Pulse Amplifier at 1.7 μm and implementing polarization gating, isolated attosecond pulses with photon energy extending to more than 400 eV were produced and characterized.
A two-step efficient preparation of a renewable dicarboxylic acid monomer 5,5′-[oxybis(methylene)]bis[2-furancarboxylic acid] from D-fructose and its application in polyester synthesis

D-Fructose was converted to the dialdehyde 5,5′-[oxybis(methylene)]bis[2-furaldehyde] by heating at 110 °C in DMSO with the Dowex 50 W X8 solid acid catalyst in 76% yield without the isolation of the intermediate 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. This dialdehyde was then converted to the dicarboxylic acid monomer, 5,5′-[oxybis(methylene)]bis[2-furancarboxylic acid], using oxygen (1 atm.) and 5% Pt/C catalyst in 1.5 M aqueous NaOH at room temperature in 98% yield. The new dicarboxylic acid monomer can be considered as a renewable resource based alternative to terephthalic acid as demonstrated by the preparation of polyesters with 1,2-ethanediol and 1,4-butanediol in 87–92% yield.
Model for End-Stage Liver Disease–Sodium Score : The Evolution in the Prioritization of Liver Transplantation

The adoption of the model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score as surrogate marker of liver disease severity has been the greatest change in liver allocation. Since its implementation, waiting time has lost significance. The MELD score calculation was later modified to reflect the contribution of hyponatremia in the estimation of mortality risk. However, the MELD score does not capture accurately the risk of mortality of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore the arbitrary assignment of MELD points has been used for HCC patients. The current allocation system still prioritizes transplantation in HCC patients.
Do insurance status and neighborhood characteristics explain why minorities underutilize NCI cancer centers

6010 Background: National Cancer-Institute (NCI) designated cancer centers provide some of the highest quality cancer care in the US, in part due to the availability of cutting edge technologies an...
Safety of sorafenib (SOR) dose in United States (US) patients (pts) with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with varying liver dysfunction: Lessons from a Hispanic-rich South Texas institution.

e15150 Background: HCC pts often present with Child Pugh (CP) B liver dysfunction but are poorly represented in trials. GIDEON showed median dose (duration) was 742 mg (17.6 weeks) in CP A vs 677 m...
Using Action Research To Identify Unexpected Factors Affecting CRM Implementation

No action research has been conducted regarding the status of CRM implementation in the public institution sector. This study aims to identify rare or unexpected contextual, organizational, and individual factors behind the CRM implementation at a state SBDC. For this purpose, interview data was collected from 19 consultants of the state SBDC. Surprisingly this CRM implementation is considered particularly successful even though it involved only internal user participation for the individual factors. To be successful, CRM implementation must involve internal and external user participation. Our findings about internal user participation contradict the previous research. During the progression of the qualitative analysis, other rare or unexpected factors to the CRM implementation literature were found. These are: accreditation review pressure for the contextual factors and legal and licensing agreement feasibility for the organizational factors.
Prediction and scale in savanna ecosystems.

Contents 'Summary' I. 'Introduction' II. 'Determinants of savanna vegetation structure' III. 'Are trees in savannas really more heterogeneous?' IV. 'Are trees in savannas a ‘slow’ variable?' V. 'Are trees in savannas spatially patterned?' VI. 'Conclusions' 'Acknowledgements' References Summary Savannas are highly variable systems, and predicting variation, especially in the tree layer, represents a major unresolved challenge for forecasting biosphere responses to global change. Prediction to date has focused on disentangling interactions between resource limitation and chronic disturbances to identify what determines local savanna vegetation heterogeneity. By focusing at too fine a scale, this approach overlooks: sample size limitation arising from sparse tree distributions; stochasticity in demographic and environmental processes that is preserved as heterogeneity among tree populations with slow dynamics; and spatial self-organization. Renewed focus on large (1–50 ha) permanent plots and on spatial patterns of tree-layer variability at even larger landscape spatial scales (≥1000s of ha) promises to resolve these limitations, consistent with the goal of predicting large-scale biosphere responses to global change.
Macrophages Govern the Progression and Termination of Inflammation in Atherosclerosis and Metabolic Diseases

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory, nonresolving disease of the vasculature driven by persistent accumulation of lipoproteins (LPs) in the matrix beneath the endothelial cell layer of blood vessels. LP deposition leads to the recruitment of monocytes that give rise to macrophages. Macrophages derived from these recruited monocytes can either participate in a pro-resolving tissue restorative program (i.e., early atherogenesis) or a maladaptive, nonresolving inflammatory response that expands the subendothelial layer due to the accumulation of cells, lipid, and matrix (i.e., advanced atherosclerosis). Some advanced lesions form a necrotic core, triggering acute thrombotic vascular disease, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and sudden cardiac death. This book chapter will discuss the complex roles of macrophages in atherosclerosis and metabolic disease and provide insight into novel treatment strategies that can harness macrophages to promote tissue resolution and repair.
DFS covert channels on multi-core platforms

Covert channels provide a secret communication medium between two malicious processes to exfiltrate information stealthily that violates the security policy of a system. In this paper, we demonstrate a new covert timing channel attack that exploits the CPU operating frequencies with different power governors in real system environment. In particular, we establish how two colluding processes-a trojan and a spy can modulate the CPU frequency to create a powerful, high-capacity and robust covert channel. We implement this covert channel both in a single threaded and simultaneous multi-threading (SMT) environment and show the feasibility of such a communication. Our experiments on Intel Xeon server platform demonstrate dynamic frequency scaling covert channels that can achieve up to 20 bits/second.
IPV Screening and Readiness to Respond to IPV in Ob-Gyn Settings: A Patient-Physician Study

Purpose. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious, preventable public health concern that largely affects women of reproductive age. Obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) have a unique opportunity to identify and support women experiencing IPV to improve women’s health. Considering recent efforts to increase IPV awareness and intervention, the present study aimed to provide a current evaluation of nationally representative samples to assess ob-gyn readiness to respond to IPV as well as patient IPV-related experiences. Methods. 400 ob-gyns were randomly selected from American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ (ACOG) Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network. Each physician was mailed one physician survey and 25 patient surveys. Results. IPV training/education and IPV screening practices were associated with most measures of ob-gyn readiness to respond to IPV. Among respondents, 36.8% endorsed screening all patients at annual exams; however, 36.8% felt they did not have sufficient training to assist individuals in addressing IPV. Workplace encouragement of IPV response was associated with training, screening, detection, preparation/knowledge, response practices, and resources. Thirty-one percent of patients indicated their ob-gyn had asked about possible IPV experiences during their medical visit. Conclusion. Findings highlight specific gaps in ob-gyns’ IPV knowledge and response practices to be further addressed by IPV training.
"Beyond the Barriers": Listening to Immigrant Youth to Transform Higher Education

This article explores the ways a university-based research team learned with and from immigrant youth as they collaboratively inquired into issues surrounding access to higher education. Through a close look at the youth’s research, including their discussions and written texts, we examine their desires for higher education and their responses to visiting our campus. We found that the students began to develop both a sense of belonging to higher education and a healthy skepticism of its admissions practices and institutional representation. They were also able to conceptualize their identities, at least in part, as assets to the college application process. From this study, we draw implications for fostering more equitable university-community partnerships.
Cellular and Animal Models

This segment of the report of the proceedings of the National Cancer Institute symposium is devoted to the presentations about studies with in vitro cell systems, in vitro-in vivo systems, and whole animals including humans. The NCI symposium was designed to cover many aspects of carcinogenesis so that the similarities and differences of the manner in which ionizing radiation and chemical carcinogens initiate cancer and complete its expression could be examined. The hope was that the identification of both the common and the clearly distinct features would help elucidate mechanisms and indicate areas for new research.
Crystallization kinetics of sol-gel derived hydroxyapatite thin films.

The crystallization kinetics of sol-gel derived hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) thin films were studied to determine whether viscous sintering could be used for densification. The films were approximately 900 nm thick, and were synthesized and processed on silicon substrates. The films were fired in air in a rapid thermal annealer (RTA) for various times and the degree of crystallinity was determined by measuring the intensity of characteristic X-ray diffraction lines. The growth kinetics of HA and TCP were measured between 420 and 550 °C, and between 840 and 920 °C, respectively. Films that were subjected to an accelerated aging step before firing, exhibited a significantly lower crystallization growth rate when compared to unaged films. The aged films also became harder, as measured by nanoindentation. At temperatures above 840 °C, HA transformed into both α-and β-TCP, with the β form being dominant at lower temperatures. The activation energies for both transformations (amorphous film to HA, and HA to TCP) were determined, as were the constants for the Avrami equation. Based on the rapid crystallization kinetics observed for the amorphous film to HA transformation, densification through viscous sintering is essentially precluded in this system. © 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers
Characterization of composite materials by means of the ultrasonic stress wave factor

The usual approach to nondestructively evaluating a composite structure involves inspection and mechanical analysis of the inspection results. Such an approach has met with only limited success. On the other hand, the ultrasonic stress wave factor technique directly evaluates the material. Despite requiring access to only one surface of the material, the technique interrogates the material in the directions of applied load. Using the stress wave factor technique it is possible to determine the failure location in the material. The correlation of the stress wave factor with stiffness is shown. In addition, the use of the technique for determining the strength or life of composite material structures is discussed.
The acceptance of theories, conceptual analysis, and other minds

The theoretical view of our knowledge or belief about other minds is perfectly safe from Young's criticism. This criticism demands of Privatus' “theory” of other minds conditions that would be far too excessive were they demanded of the theorizing that goes on in physics and chemistry. But the criticism has been an excellent foil to test my theoretical view against an empirical assumption that is crucial to philosophical analysis. This empirical assumption is ultimately anchored on profound aspects of human nature.
Convexity and Smoothness

In the first part of this chapter (Section 2.1 and 2.2), we present some basic results about various types of convexity and smoothness conditions that the norm of a Banach space may satisfy. For convexity, we consider strictly convex, uniformly convex, locally uniformly convex, fully rotund, and nearly uniformly convex spaces. Particularly, we present a proof of the Schlumprecht-Odell theorem that shows that every separable reflexive Banach space admits an equivalent 2R norm. On the smoothness, we consider smooth, Frechet smooth, uniformly Gâteaux smooth and uniformly smooth spaces. In the second part (Section 2.3), we introduce the spreading model, and we show that a Banach space X has the weak Banach-Saks property if and only if X does not have an l1-spreading model.
D-beta-hydroxybutyrate extends lifespan in C. elegans

The ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate (βHB) is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor and has been shown to be protective in many disease models, but its effects on aging are not well studied. Therefore we determined the effect of βHB supplementation on the lifespan ofC. elegans nematodes. βHB supplementation extended mean lifespan by approximately 20%. RNAi knockdown of HDACs hda-2 or hda-3 also increased lifespan and further prevented βHB-mediated lifespan extension. βHB-mediated lifespan extension required the DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/Nrf longevity pathways, the sirtuin SIR-2.1, and the AMP kinase subunit AAK-2. βHB did not extend lifespan in a genetic model of dietary restriction indicating that βHB is likely functioning through a similar mechanism. βHB addition also upregulated ΒHB dehydrogenase activity and increased oxygen consumption in the worms. RNAi knockdown of F55E10.6, a short chain dehydrogenase and SKN-1 target gene, prevented the increased lifespan and βHB dehydrogenase activity induced by βHB addition, suggesting that F55E10.6 functions as an inducible βHB dehydrogenase. Furthermore, βHB supplementation increased worm thermotolerance and partially prevented glucose toxicity. It also delayed Alzheimer's amyloid-beta toxicity and decreased Parkinson's alpha-synuclein aggregation. The results indicate that D-βHB extends lifespan through inhibiting HDACs and through the activation of conserved stress response pathways.
14NM FinFET 1.5MB Embedded High-K Charge Trap Transistor One Time Programmable Memory Using Dynamic Adaptive Programming

An 8Kx192b One Time Programmable Memory (OTPM) is designed and manufactured in a 14nm FinFET technology without process adders or additional masks. A Differential Current Sense Amplifier (DCSA) and dynamic adaptive 192b parallel programming results in a < 3 PPM bit error rate, and supports a 10 year 105°C retention specification.
Synthesis of Single-Phase High-Entropy Carbide Powders

Abstract High-entropy carbide powders were produced by a two-step synthesis process consisting of carbothermal reduction followed by solid solution formation. Nominally pure (Hf,Zr,Ti,Ta,Nb)C in a single-phase rock salt structure had an average particle size of about 550 nm and an oxygen content of 0.2 wt%. The fine particle size was due to the use of high-energy ball milling prior to carbothermal reduction combined with the relatively low synthesis temperature of 1600 °C. Oxygen content was minimized by completion of the carbothermal reduction reactions under vacuum. This is the first report of synthesizing a high-entropy carbide powder using individual transition metal oxides and carbon as precursors.
Extravascular lung water monitoring for thoracic and lung transplant surgeries.

Purpose of review Excessive accumulation of extravascular lung water (EVLW) resulting in pulmonary edema is the most feared complication following thoracic surgery and lung transplant. ICUs have long relied on chest radiography to monitor pulmonary status postoperatively but the increasing recognition of the limitations of bedside plain films has fueled development of newer technologies, which offer earlier detection, quantitative assessments, and can aide in preoperative screening of surgical candidates. In this review, we focus on the emergence of transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) and lung ultrasound with a focus on the clinical integration of these modalities into current intraoperative and critical care practices. Recent findings Recent studies demonstrate transpulmonary thermodilution and lung ultrasound provide greater sensitivity and earlier detection of lung water accumulation and are useful to guide clinical management. Assessments from these techniques have predictive value of postoperative outcome. Further, EVLW assessment shows promise as a preoperative screening tool in lung transplant patients. Summary Monitoring EVLW in the perioperative period offers clinicians a powerful tool to guide fluid therapy and manage pulmonary edema. Both TPTD and lung ultrasound have unique attributes in the care of thoracic surgery and lung transplant patients.
Organizing thermodynamic data obtained from multicomponent polymer electrolytes: Salt-containing polymer blends and block copolymers

Author(s): Loo, WS; Balsara, NP | Abstract: The objective of this review is to organize literature data on the thermodynamic properties of salt-containing polystyrene/poly(ethylene oxide) (PS/PEO) blends and polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (SEO) diblock copolymers. These systems are of interest due to their potential to serve as electrolytes in all-solid rechargeable lithium batteries. Mean-field theories, developed for pure polymer blends and block copolymers, are used to describe phenomenon seen in salt-containing systems. An effective Flory–Huggins interaction parameter, χeff, that increases linearly with salt concentration is used to describe the effect of salt addition for both blends and block copolymers. Segregation strength, χeffN, where N is the chain length of the homopolymers or block copolymers, is used to map phase behavior of salty systems as a function of composition. Domain spacing of salt-containing block copolymers is normalized to account for the effect of copolymer composition using an expression obtained in the weak segregation limit. The phase behavior of salty blends, salty block copolymers, and domain spacings of the latter systems, are presented as a function of chain length, composition and salt concentration on universal plots. While the proposed framework has limitations, the universal plots should serve as a starting point for organizing data from other salt-containing polymer mixtures. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1177–1187.
Amoebae Assemble Synthetic Spherical Particles To Form Reproducible Constructs.

Difflugia are testate amoebae that use particulate inorganic matter to build a protective shell (generally called a test or theca). Difflugia globulosa were grown both in culture containing only naturally occurring theca-building materials and under conditions where synthetic particles were present also. The presence of monodisperse Stober silica microspheres of 1, 3, and 6 μm in diameter or 4 μm polystyrene spheres dramatically increased the rate of Difflugia growth, and foreign microspheres became the overwhelmingly dominant construction material. Optical and electron microscopy of the 6 μm particle studies revealed that Difflugia construct spherical vase-shaped thecae with strikingly reproducible composition, morphology, and size. Time-lapse photography revealed construction techniques and masonry skills as Difflugia herded particles together, trapped them using phagocytosis, and applied the particles with biocement from inside the developing theca. The reported observations identify taxonomy complications, biomicrofabrication possibilities, and a discrete environmental impact of synthetic particle pollutants.
Suicide in Adolescence:A Review of the Literature

Suicide is an enormous public health problem among adolescents and represents a major national health concern. Recent developments in research for suicide promise meaningful understanding of suicide and prevention. Addressing these calls, in this paper we provide are review of suicidal behavior and extent earlier reviews in this areas. A comprehensive search of relevant-psychological data bases was conducted to understand the causes triggers and prevention factors of suicide. From different database numerous papers were initially read and 8 papers were included in the review. This systematic review highlights the need for understanding the cause of this suicidal ideation. Intervention that addresses this issue should be done actively at both family and school level simultaneously. Intervention is the major preventive measure.
Reversal of bedrest-induced orthostatic intolerance by lower body negative pressure and saline.

Six healthy male volunteers underwent two 1-week periods of bedrest, each preceded and followed by 2-week control and recovery periods. The daily metabolic diet contained 150 mEq of sodium. Following one 7-day bedrest period, each man was subjected to LBNP at a level of -30 mm Hg for 4 hr while consuming 1000 ml of beef bouillon containing 154 mEq of sodium. After the other bedrest period, each man simply consumed the bouillon without LBNP treatment during 4 hr of continued bedrest. Measurements of plasma volume and orthostatic tolerance were made before and after each treatment period. After combined LBNP and saline therapy, plasma volume and response to LBNP testing showed a return to pre-bedrest levels. Saline consumption alone had a lesser effect. With continuation of bedrest in three subjects, the beneficial effects of these measures appeared to be largely gone after 18 hr.
Acceptor Binding Energies in GaN and AIN

We employ effective mass theory for degenerate hole-bands to calculate the acceptor binding energies for Be, Mg, Zn, Ca, C and Si substitutional acceptors in GaN and AlN. The calculations are performed through the 6×6 Rashba-Sheka-Pikus and the Luttinger-Kohn matrix Hamiltonians for wurtzite (WZ) and zincblende (ZB) crystal phases, respectively. An analytic representation for the acceptor pseudopotential is used to introduce the specific nature of the impurity atoms. The energy shift due to polaron effects is also considered in this approach. The ionization energy estimates are in very good agreement with those reported experimentally in WZGaN. The binding energies for ZB-GaN acceptors are all predicted to be shallower than the corresponding impurities in the WZ phase. The binding energy dependence upon the crystal field splitting in WZ-GaN is analyzed. Ionization levels in AlN are found to have similar ‘shallow’ values to those in GaN, but with some important differences, which depend on the band structure parameterizations, especially the value of crystal field splitting used.
Treatment of Virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis and HIV Coinfected Macrophages with Gallium Nanoparticles Inhibits Pathogen Growth and Modulates Macrophage Cytokine Production.

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a global threat. The course of TB is negatively impacted by coexistent infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV). Macrophage infection with these pathogens modulates their production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which could play a crucial role in pathogenesis. Despite the important role of macrophages in containing infection by a variety of microbes, both HIV and M. tuberculosis infect and replicate within these cells during the course of HIV-M. tuberculosis coinfection. Both M. tuberculosis and HIV require iron for growth and replication. We have previously shown that gallium encapsulated in nanoparticles, which interferes with cellular iron acquisition and utilization, inhibited the growth of HIV and an attenuated strain of M. tuberculosis within human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) in vitro. Whether this was true for a fully virulent strain of M. tuberculosis and whether gallium treatment modulates cytokine production by HIV- and/or M. tuberculosis-infected macrophages have not been previously addressed. Therefore, coinfection of MDMs with HIV and a virulent M. tuberculosis strain (H37Rv) was studied in the presence of different gallium nanoparticles (GaNP). All GaNP were readily internalized by the MDMs, which provided sustained drug (gallium) release for 15 days. This led to significant growth inhibition of both HIV and M. tuberculosis within MDMs for up to 15 days after loading of the cells with all GaNP tested in our study. Cytokine analysis showed that HIV-M. tuberculosis coinfected macrophages secreted large amounts of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 and smaller amounts of IL-1β, IL-4, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) cytokines. However, all GaNP were able to regulate the release of cytokines significantly. GaNP interrupts iron-mediated enzymatic reactions, leading to growth inhibition of HIV-M. tuberculosis coinfection in macrophages, and also modulates release of cytokines that may contribute to HIV-TB pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE GaNP interrupts iron-mediated enzymatic reactions, leading to growth inhibition of virulent HIV-M. tuberculosis coinfection in macrophages, and also modulates release of cytokines that may contribute to HIV-TB pathogenesis. Macrophage-targeting GaNP are a promising therapeutic approach to provide sustained antimicrobial activity against HIV-M. tuberculosis coinfection.
Marrow adipose tissue in adolescent girls with obesity

Abstract Background Marrow adipose tissue (MAT) is increasingly recognized as an active and dynamic endocrine organ that responds to changes in nutrition and environmental milieu. Compared to normal weight controls, adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa have higher MAT content, which is associated with impaired skeletal integrity, but data are limited regarding MAT content in adolescents with obesity and how this interacts with bone endpoints. Objective To evaluate (i) MAT content in adolescents with obesity compared to normal-weight controls, (ii) the association of MAT with bone endpoints, and (iii) whether these associations of MAT are affected by body weight. Methods We assessed MAT, bone endpoints, and body composition in 60 adolescent girls 14–21 years old: 45 with obesity (OB) and 15 normal-weight controls (NW-C). We used (i) DXA to assess areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at the lumbar spine and total hip, and total body fat and lean mass, (ii) proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to assess MAT at the 4th lumbar vertebra and femur, and MRI to assess visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), (iii) high resolution peripheral quantitative CT (HR-pQCT) to assess volumetric BMD (vBMD), (iv) individual trabeculae segmentation to evaluate trabecular bone (plate-rod morphology), and (v) finite element analysis to assess stiffness (a strength estimate) at the distal radius and tibia. Results Groups did not differ for age or height. Weight, BMI, and areal BMD Z-scores at all sites were higher in the OB group (p Conclusion Adolescent girls with obesity have lower MAT than normal-weight controls despite having an excess of total body fat. These findings confirm that MAT is regulated uniquely from other adipose depots in obesity. MAT was inversely associated with vBMD, emphasizing an inverse relationship between MAT and bone even in adolescent girls with obesity.