cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developing performance metrics for the supervisory control of multiple robots

Efforts are underway to make it possible for a single operator to effectively control multiple robots. In these high workload situations, many questions arise including how many robots should be in the team (Fan-out), what level of autonomy should the robots have, and when should this level of autonomy change (i.e., dynamic autonomy). We propose that a set of metric classes should be identified that can adequately answer these questions. Toward this end, we present a potential set of metric classes for human-robot teams consisting of a single human operator and multiple robots. To test the usefulness and appropriateness of this set of metric classes, we conducted a user study with simulated robots. Using the data obtained from this study, we explore the ability of this set of metric classes to answer these questions.
Pseudo-binary phase diagram for Zr-based in situ β phase composites

The pseudo-binary (quasi-equilibrium) phase diagram for Zr-based bulk metallic glasses with crystalline in situ precipitates (β phase) has been constructed from high-temperature phase information and chemical composition analysis. The phase evolution was detected in situ by high-energy synchrotron x-ray diffraction followed by Rietveld analysis of the data for volume fraction estimation. The phase diagram delineates phase fields and allows the control of phase fractions. Combined with related previous work by the authors, this diagram offers a unique opportunity to control both the morphology and volume of the dendritic β phase precipitates to enhance the properties of the composites.
Moderate Ascorbate Deficiency Increases Myogenic Tone of Arteries From Pregnant but Not Virgin Ascorbate–Dependent Rats

Plasma ascorbic acid is decreased in women with the pregnancy disorder preeclampsia. We used a mutant strain of rats (Osteogenic Disorder Shionogi), dependent on dietary sources of vitamin C, to investigate whether reduced intake of the vitamin would differentially affect vascular function in late-pregnant (day 19) and age-matched virgin rats. The animals were given either 1 mg/mL of ascorbic acid ad libitum in drinking water [fully supplemented (FS)] or 0.25 mg/mL [marginally supplemented (MS)]. Fetal weights were 21% lower in MS than FS rats, whereas mean maternal weights and pup numbers did not differ. Small mesenteric arteries (diameter, 268±7 μm) were mounted in a pressurized arteriograph. Myogenic reactivity (contractile response to step increases in intraluminal pressure) was increased in arteries from MS pregnant compared with FS pregnant rats to levels observed in virgin rats. Ascorbic acid intake did not affect myogenic responses of arteries from virgin rats. Hence, the normal pregnancy-induced reduction in myogenic reactivity was abrogated in MS pregnant animals. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase had no effect on the myogenicity of arteries from virgin or MS pregnant rats but increased myogenicity of FS pregnant rats to the level of MS pregnant rats. Free radical scavengers reversed the accentuated myogenicity of MS pregnant rats without affecting FS pregnant or virgin rat arteries. These data indicate that moderate ascorbate deprivation increases mesenteric artery myogenic responsiveness during pregnancy. This increase may result from a decrease in nitric oxide–mediated modulation of the myogenic contractile response.
Configurational-bias sampling technique for predicting side-chain conformations in proteins.

Prediction of side-chain conformations is an important component of several biological modeling applications. In this work, we have developed and tested an advanced Monte Carlo sampling strategy for predicting side-chain conformations. Our method is based on a cooperative rearrangement of atoms that belong to a group of neighboring side-chains. This rearrangement is accomplished by deleting groups of atoms from the side-chains in a particular region, and regrowing them with the generation of trial positions that depends on both a rotamer library and a molecular mechanics potential function. This method allows us to incorporate flexibility about the rotamers in the library and explore phase space in a continuous fashion about the primary rotamers. We have tested our algorithm on a set of 76 proteins using the all-atom AMBER99 force field and electrostatics that are governed by a distance-dependent dielectric function. When the tolerance for correct prediction of the dihedral angles is a <20° deviation from the native state, our prediction accuracies for χ1 are 83.3% and for χ1 and χ2 are 65.4%. The accuracies of our predictions are comparable to the best results in the literature that often used Hamiltonians that have been specifically optimized for side-chain packing. We believe that the continuous exploration of phase space enables our method to overcome limitations inherent with using discrete rotamers as trials.
X-RAY INDUCED PARTICLE SIZE CHANGES IN THALLOUS AZIDE

BS>Some of the x-ray diffraction lines of x-irradiated inorganic azide powder samples are both shifted and broadened. In order to determine the cause of the broadening, the (002) reflection of x-irradiated TlN/sub 3/ powder samples were analyzed in terms of Fourier coefficients. The results indicate that the line broadening does not start at the onset of irradiation but after approximates 2 hr, and that the Fourier coefficients decrease linearly with the logarithm of irradiation time between 2 and 30 hr. The particle size change with irradiation is also calculated, and it is concluded that particle size changes are the msin cause of the line broadening. Since the rate of lattice constant change is highest at the beginning of irradiation where no line broadening occurs, line shifts and line broadening are caused by different processes. (D.L.C.)
Solving Generalized Networks

A complete, unified description is given of the design, implementation and use of a family of very fast and efficient large-scale minimum-cost primal simplex network programs. The class of capacitated generalized transshipment problems solved includes the capacitated and uncapacitated generalized transportation problems and the continuous generalized assignment problem, as well as the pure network flow models which are specializations of these problems. These formulations are used for a large number of diverse applications to determine how or at what rate flows through the arcs of a network can minimize total shipment costs. A generalized network problem can also be viewed as a linear program with at most two nonzero entries in each column of the constraint matrix; this property is exploited in the mathematical presentation with special emphasis on data structures for basis representation, basis manipulation, and pricing mechanisms. A literature review accompanies computational testing of promising ideas, and extensive experimentation is reported which has produced GENNET, an extremely efficient family of generalized network systems.
A unique ecological niche fosters hybridization of oak‐tree and vineyard isolates of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Differential adaptation to distinct niches can restrict gene flow and promote population differentiation within a species. However, in some cases the distinction between niches can collapse, forming a hybrid niche with features of both environments. We previously reported that distinctions between vineyards and oak soil present an ecological barrier that restricts gene flow between lineages of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Vineyard isolates are tolerant to stresses associated with grapes while North American oak strains are particularly tolerant to freeze-thaw cycles. Here, we report the isolation of S. cerevisiae strains from Wisconsin cherry trees, which display features common to vineyards (e.g. high sugar concentrations) and frequent freeze-thaw cycles. Genome sequencing revealed that the isolated strains are highly heterozygous and represent recent hybrids of the oak × vineyard lineages. We found that the hybrid strains are phenotypically similar to vineyard strains for some traits, but are more similar to oak strains for other traits. The cherry strains were exceptionally good at growing in cherry juice, raising the possibility that they have adapted to this niche. We performed transcriptome profiling in cherry, oak and vineyard strains and show that the cherry-tree hybrids display vineyard-like or oak-like expression, depending on the gene sets, and in some cases, the expression patterns linked back to shared stress tolerances. Allele-specific expression in these natural hybrids suggested concerted cis-regulatory evolution at sets of functionally regulated genes. Our results raise the possibility that hybridization of the two lineages provides a genetic solution to the thriving in this unique niche.
The influence of metallization thickness on the characteristics of cascaded junction discontinuities of shielded coplanar type transmission line

A full-wave analysis based on the mode-matching technique is applied to analyze cascaded junction discontinuities of coplanar-type transmission lines, coplanar waveguide (CPW) and finline. Results for a CPW-finline transition, a shielded CPW gap and a symmetric notch incorporating the finite metallization thickness effect are presented. The influence of metallization thickness on the coupling effect exhibited by cascaded junction discontinuities is also presented and discussed. >
16-year trends in the infection burden for pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in the United States 1993 to 2008.

Objectives We analyzed the infection burden associated with the implantation of cardiac implantable electrophysiological devices (CIEDs) in the United States for the years 1993 to 2008. Background Recent data suggest that the rate of infection following CIED implantation may be increasing. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) discharge records were queried between 1993 and 2008 using the 9th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9-CM). CIED infection was defined as either: 1) ICD-9 code for device-related infection (996.61) and any CIED procedure or removal code; or 2) CIED procedure code along with systemic infection. Patient health profile was evaluated by coding for renal failure, heart failure, respiratory failure, and diabetes mellitus. The infection burden and patient health profile were calculated for each year, and linear regression was used to test for changes over time. Results During the study period (1993 to 2008), the incidence of CIED infection was 1.61%. The annual rate of infections remained constant until 2004, when a marked increase was observed, which coincided with an increase in the incidence of major comorbidities. This was associated with a marked increase in mortality and in-hospital financial charges. Conclusions The infection burden associated with CIED implantation is increasing over time and is associated with prolonged hospital stays and high financial costs.
Invasion Correction of Acoustic Logs in a Gas Reservoir

Summary Mud-filtrate invasion modifies the connate fluid distribution in rock formations penetrated by a well. This in turn perturbs the density and P- and S-wave velocities in the near-wellbore region. This study focuses on two wells in a gas reservoir. The radial saturation distribution of mud filtrate and connate formation fluids is first obtained by simulating the mud-filtrate invasion process in the nearwellbore region. Subsequently, radial profiles of the elastic properties are calculated by applying a Biot-Gassmann fluid substitution model. By making use of the radial profiles of density and P- and S-wave velocities, monopole and dipole acoustic array waveforms are simulated. An industry standard Slowness-Time-Coherence (STC) method is then used to extract P- and S-wave velocities from the simulated waveforms. Velocities from STC processing show that a sharp interface model does not reflect the true radial profiles of the near-wellbore elastic properties and a radially multi-layered model represents the invaded zone correctly. We also show that log correction with the BiotGassmann fluid substitution model for the deeply invaded well is valid.
Multilingual Writing in an Age of Accountability: From Policy to Practice in U.S. High School Classrooms.

Abstract This article considers the influence of the U.S. accountability- and standards-driven context on the writing experiences of multilingual writers in “New Mainstream” linguistically diverse high school classrooms. Qualitative data from 12 ninth grade subject-matter classes were examined to note how uses of writing in subject-matter classrooms reflected or contradicted district standards and accountability efforts, and how these practices socialized multilingual learners into particular norms for academic writing in English. Findings suggest that classroom practices related to the current standards and accountability climate were socializing adolescent multilingual writers into narrow restrictive norms for academic writing, with the most restrictive norms occurring in the classes with the greatest enrollment of multilingual writers. This study highlights the influence of macro-level contextual factors on particular classroom-level writing practices and norms, and suggests the need for theories of second language writing that account for these influences, particularly in studies of multilingual adolescents in mainstream classrooms.
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle-labeled cells as an effective vehicle for tracking the GFP gene marker using magnetic resonance imaging.

BackgroundDetection of a gene using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is hindered by the magnetic resonance (MR) targeting gene technique. Therefore it may be advantageous to image gene-expressing cells labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles by MRI.MethodsThe GFP-R3230Ac (GFP) cell line was incubated for 24 h using SPIO nanoparticles at a concentration of 20 µg Fe/mL. Cell samples were prepared for iron content analysis and cell function evaluation. The labeled cells were imaged using fluorescent microscopy and MRI.ResultsSPIO was used to label GFP cells effectively, with no effects on cell function and GFP expression. Iron-loaded GFP cells were successfully imaged with both fluorescent microscopy and T2*-weighted MRI. Prussian blue staining showed intracellular iron accumulation in the cells. All cells were labeled (100% labeling efficiency). The average iron content per cell was 4.75±0.11 pg Fe/cell (P<0.05 versus control).DiscussionThis study demonstrates that the GFP expression ...
Awakening injustice in a new century

For Mort Deutsch, justice is a political vision, a theoretical field, a way of teaching and being in the world. We write as the intellectual children and grandchildren of Mort, who have taken up his commitment to justice studies as a line of inquiry. For us, Mort’s thinking about distributive injustice expands to consider how the right to research injustice is distributed unevenly. So we work with participatory action research (PAR) collectives in prisons, schools, and communities, where we cultivate the distinct knowledges born in conditions of oppression and those spun in privilege. By bringing together research collectives of varied expertise, what Maria Elena Torre (2005) calls “contact zones,” we craft new questions about injustice, spawn new theoretical formulations, and design new research that can document the impact of social policy on lives and also support the efforts of social movements. By so doing, we challenge traditional conceptions of objectivity in psychology. We agree with Donna Haraway’s (1988) critical views of what she has referred to as the God’s eye view of objectivity; the belief that the view from afar or above is more true than the view from below.
Virtualized hosting: Devising a security policy through log analysis

The paper provides an overview of three common virtualization threats that have been observed in log files in the authors' network and suggests solutions to mitigate those security vulnerabilities. The solutions offered have been implemented on a network with over 200 hosts 40 of which are virtualized.
The internal clock hypothesis for astro-navigation in homing pigeons)

One of the major assumptions of Matthews’ sun-arc hypothesis is that of the internal clock which, together with changes in the arc angle of the sun, is used to estimate longitude. This study investigated birds’ ability to make time judgments and concluded that homing pigeons are able to detect time intervals sufficiently well to navigate. The data would not support pinpoint navigation but are compatible with the theory.
Computational Aerodynamics and Fluid Dynamics: An Introduction

1. Introduction.- 2. Basics of the Finite-Difference Method.- 3. Application to the Integration of Ordinary Differential Equations.- 4. Partial Differential Equations.- 5. Integration of a Linear Hyperbolic Equation.- 6. Integration of a Linear Parabolic Equation.- 7. Integration of a Linear Elliptic Equation.- 8. Finite Difference Scheme for a Convection-Diffusion Equation.- 9. The Method of Murman and Cole.- 10. Treatment of Non-Linearities.- 11. Application to a System of Equations.- A. Problems.- B. Solutions to Problems.- References.
The Effects of Simplified Habit Reversal on Thumb Sucking

Simplified habit reversal is a method which has been used to eliminate thumb sucking in developmentally typical children, and includes training the child to recognize when thumb sucking occurs, and to engage in a competing behavior when thumb sucking is detected. In phase 1 of this paper, a functional analysis was conducted by the teacher within a public school setting to identify the function of thumb-sucking behavior in a 7-year-old girl with a learning disability. In phase 2, simplified habit reversal techniques were implemented which included having the participant wear an adjustable wrist weight. The results are discussed, and recommendations for further analysis are provided.
A Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Alternate Formats for Presenting Benefits and Harms Information for Low-Value Screening Services: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance Healthcare overuse, the delivery of low-value services, is increasingly recognized as a critical problem. However, little is known about the comparative effectiveness of alternate formats for presenting benefits and harms information to patients as a strategy to reduce overuse. Objective To examine the effect of different benefits and harms presentations on patients’ intentions to accept low-value or potentially low-value screening services (prostate cancer screening in men ages 50-69 years; osteoporosis screening in low-risk women ages 50-64 years; or colorectal cancer screening in men and women ages 76-85 years). Design, Setting, and Participants Randomized clinical trial of 775 individuals eligible to receive information about any 1 of the 3 screening services and scheduled for a visit with their clinician. Participants were randomized to 1 of 4 intervention arms that differed in terms of presentation format: words, numbers, numbers plus narrative, and numbers plus framed presentation. The trial was conducted from September 2012 to June 2014 at 2 family medicine and 2 internal medicine practices affiliated with the Duke Primary Care Research Consortium. The data were analyzed between May and September of 2015. Interventions One-page evidence-based decision support sheets on each of the 3 screening services, with benefits and harms information presented in 1 of 4 formats: words, numbers, numbers plus narratives, or numbers plus a framed presentation. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was change in intention to accept screening (on a response scale from 1 to 5). Our secondary outcomes included general and disease-specific knowledge, perceived risk and consequences of disease, screening attitudes, perceived net benefit of screening, values clarity, and self-efficacy for screening. Results We enrolled and randomly allocated 775 individuals, aged 50 to 85 years, to 1 of 4 intervention arms: 195 to words, 192 to numbers, 196 to narrative, and 192 to framed formats. Intentions to accept screening were high before the intervention and change in intentions did not differ across intervention arms (words, −0.07; numbers, −0.05; numbers plus narrative, −0.12; numbers plus framed presentation, −0.02; P = .57 for all comparisons). Change in other outcomes also showed no difference across intervention arms. Results were similar when stratified by screening service. Conclusions and Relevance Single, brief, written decision support interventions, such as the ones in this study, are unlikely to be sufficient to change intentions for screening. Alternate and additional interventions are needed to reduce overused screening services. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01694784
Hydrogen in Strong DC and Low Frequency Electric Fields - One Dimensional Atoms

Recently there has been a resurgence of interest in the effects of externally applied electric, magnetic, and radiation fields upon atomic spectra and collision processes, due to the development of the ability to produce, in the laboratory, fields which are comparable in strength to internal atomic fields1–3. But it is almost impossible to create fields in the laboratory (109 V/cm) which are strong enough to disrupt atoms in their normal states. On the other hand, a Rydberg atom, which can be thousands of angstroms in size, is very sensitive to external perturbations, and the Coulomb field of the nucleus can be overcome by an external electric field of only 5 kV/cm. Thus entry of atomic physics into the strong-field regime has been accomplished by dealing with highly excited states, rather than by generating enormous laboratory fields. Diverse strong field effects are now studied in the laboratory under easily controlled conditions. These studies have extended the scope of research in areas which once used only weak field effects, and they have also opened up new avenues.
Hedge Fund Activism and Corporate Governance

In this paper I examine the phenomenon called Hedge Fund Activism and its effect on the governance of public corporations in the United States.The following subtopics are addressed:1. Definition of Hedge Fund Activism, its primary objective and typical targets;2. Review of the public policy implications of Hedge Fund Activism;3. Explanation of how Activists use the proxy system to implement their strategies;4. Summarization of two recent business law cases involving Hedge Fund Activism, which have established key legal precedents; and5. Suggested corporate and regulatory responses to be taken in response to Hedge Fund Activism.
Annealing sequence dependent open-circuit voltage of inverted polymer solar cells attributable to interfacial chemical reaction between top electrodes and photoactive layers.

The ability to laminate and delaminate top metal contacts during the processing and testing of inverted polymer solar cells has led us to uncover the peculiar dependence of their open-circuit volta...
383 INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENTS' MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC NONMALIGNANT PAIN: DEFICITS AND INCONSISTENCIES.

Background Primary care providers are faced with challenges when prescribing narcotic analgesics for patients with chronic nonmalignant pain (CNMP). Lack of evidence-based guidelines, variation in pain syndromes, and challenges in recognizing prescription drug abuse create inconsistencies in practice. Resident clinic populations can present unique challenges as well. The purpose of this pilot study is to (1) describe patients on narcotic analgesics for CNMP in a resident teaching clinic, (2) determine resident use of a multimodal approach to therapy, and (3) determine use of clinical tools to avert patient misbehaviors. Methods Thirty charts were randomly selected from approximately 1,000 patients in an internal medicine resident teaching clinic who had received Schedule II narcotic analgesics between July 1, 2003, and June 30, 2004. Exclusion criteria included patients (1) less than 18 years of age, (2) who had fewer than two visits during the study period, and (3) who had expired. Data sources include the outpatient clinic record, pharmacy records, and the electronic medical record. Results Data were available for 28 of the 30 charts reviewed. Although data were limited, the population was predominantly female (64%), white (68%), and unemployed or disabled (81%). Ninety-three percent of patients had a specific pain diagnosis, back pain and/or degenerative joint disease being the most common (79%). Eighteen percent had no other documented treatment modality for pain control other than narcotics. Although a majority of charts had a signed medication contract (80%), few residents documented an attempt to obtain prior records. Only 14% of patients had urine drug screening during the study period. Face-to-face clinic visits were infrequent; 25% of patients had less than quarterly assessments. Several “red flag” behaviors, including prior substance abuse and legal histories, were not well documented. Of the 32% of patients who had contract violations (90% were early refills), only 11% had documented consequences. Conclusions The results from this pilot study reveal significant deficits and inconsistencies in resident practice. Residents underuse non-narcotic therapies in patients on narcotic analgesics as well as clinical tools that provide consistency in monitoring use and for potential abuse. Important red flag behaviors were infrequently documented. When contract violations occur, few residents are documenting consequences. However, the frequent request for early refills may indicate inadequate treatment of pain. When prescribing narcotic analgesics for CNMP, deficits can lead to inadequate pain control and inconsistencies can lead to unrecognized prescription drug abuse. Standardized training in the management of CNMP is warranted.
Study on standard rearing technique of Culex pipiens pallens in the laboratory

Objective To identify standard rearing technique of Culex pipiens pallens in the laboratory for obtaining standard insects with uniform quality and provide scientific and reliable experiment materials and technical supports,and ensure the experimental quality for pesticide registration.Methods Taking wet weight of 4 d female adult as an evaluating indicator,validating rearing method by specifying rearing condition,dieting quality and rearing technique. Results After rearing C.pipiens pallens for three generations,the results of wet weights showed that the three larval diets were applicable to rear mosquito.The results of wet weights of mosquito reared in the different laboratories showed that the three larval diets were applicable in both north and south.Conclusion Using this rearing methods,the northern and southern laboratory can provide standard C.pipiens pallens for pesticide registration,indicating that the rearing method is standard rearing technique of C.pipiens pallens in the laboratory.
Influence of subendocardial ischemia on transmural myocardial function.

The relationship between regional myocardial perfusion and function under ischemic conditions was examined by using a nontraumatic single-crystal pulsed Doppler system that permits complete transmural assessment of myocardial thickening. Sixteen open-chest dogs underwent either 50 (n = 4) or 180 (n = 12) min of partial coronary artery occlusion. Simultaneous measurements of myocardial thickening fraction (TF) and microsphere-determined blood flow (BF) were taken in the subepicardial, midwall, and subendocardial thirds of the left ventricular wall. During ischemia, there was an excellent correlation between BF and TF in the subendocardium. Mean subendocardial BF was reduced to 0.45 +/- 0.3 ml.min-1.g-1, resulting in a subendocardial TF of 0.8 +/- 19%. Although subepicardial BF was relatively preserved at 1.03 +/- 0.4 ml.min-1.g-1, subepicardial TF was diminished markedly and not significantly different from subendocardial TF. Subepicardial and midwall TF were highly dependent on subendocardial flow rather than on the actual flow in these areas. Hence these studies show a marked dependence of transmural myocardial function on subendocardial blood flow. Outer wall function is more dependent on subendocardial than subepicardial blood flow.
Thiamine retention in meats after various heat treatments.

If the maximum amount of thiamine is to be retained in meat, cooking or processing should involve the use of the lowest temperatures and shortest times possible
Bleeding in Acute and Chronic Liver Disease

The liver plays a central role in hemostasis. In liver disease, hemostasis is deranged but precariously balanced. Different pathophysiological mechanisms form an underlying basis for bleeding in acute and chronic liver disease. In acute liver failure, there is severe reduction in circulating procoagulant and anticoagulant factor levels. However, patients with chronic liver disease more often exhibit systemic hyperfibrinolysis. The common laboratory coagulation tests such as prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (INR) are poor predictors of spontaneous bleeding or during invasive procedures in patients with liver disease. Although clinically significant spontaneous bleeding is not common, a sudden onset of massive bleeding can happen without a trigger. Therefore, the target of each coagulation parameter needs to be clearly defined to prevent catastrophic bleeding. If the patient is bleeding, appropriate therapeutic interventions including transfusions of blood components and factor concentrates are indicated without delay.
156. A Plasmid Manager, a Comprehensive Database for Archiving Plasmid DNA Sequence

A freely available plasmid database that is interoperable with popular freeware (such as a Plasmid Editor, or ApE [1]) has been developed by the Center of Information Technology (CIT) for the NIDA Optogenetics and Transgenic Technology Core (OTTC). As a core facility at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the NIDA OTTC group has accrued a wealth of plasmid DNA data that can no longer be efficiently analyzed without a comprehensive cataloging system. The OTTC Plasmid Manager provides an intuitive plasmid database with analytical and search capabilities, offering a versatile platform for the storage and organization of plasmid sequences and their associated metadata. The database has been designed with informatics and visualization support to enhance the efficiency and analytic capabilities of the user, with a user-friendly interface. Annotations performed in ApE can be imported directly into the database, and unlike most commercially available and free DNA editing software, A Plasmid Manager (APM) also includes a mechanism to standardize the annotations of uploaded sequences, facilitating the direct comparison of multiple plasmids at the feature level. The visualization component generates a graphic representation of the plasmid map together with its features and annotations, allowing the visual comparison of multiple plasmids side-by-side. The contents of the database can be browsed and searched using a variety of criteria, including plasmid name, database accession number and associated features. This innovative plasmid database presents a new platform for molecular biologists to catalog plasmids relevant to their laboratory, saving time and enhancing the analytical capabilities of researchers.
Bcl3 Phosphorylation by Akt, Erk2, and IKK Is Required for Its Transcriptional Activity

Summary Unlike prototypical IκB proteins, which are inhibitors of NF-κB RelA, cRel, and RelB dimers, the atypical IκB protein Bcl3 is primarily a transcriptional coregulator of p52 and p50 homodimers. Bcl3 exists as phospho-protein in many cancer cells. Unphosphorylated Bcl3 acts as a classical IκB-like inhibitor and removes p50 and p52 from bound DNA. Neither the phosphorylation site(s) nor the kinase(s) phosphorylating Bcl3 is known. Here we show that Akt, Erk2, and IKK1/2 phosphorylate Bcl3. Phosphorylation of Ser33 by Akt induces switching of K48 ubiquitination to K63 ubiquitination and thus promotes nuclear localization and stabilization of Bcl3. Phosphorylation by Erk2 and IKK1/2 of Ser114 and Ser446 converts Bcl3 into a transcriptional coregulator by facilitating its recruitment to DNA. Cells expressing the S114A/S446A mutant have cellular proliferation and migration defects. This work links Akt and MAPK pathways to NF-κB through Bcl3 and provides mechanistic insight into how Bcl3 functions as an oncoprotein through collaboration with IKK1/2, Akt, and Erk2.
PERCUTANEOUS VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE VERSUS INTRA-AORTIC BALLOON PUMP FOR HEMODYNAMIC SUPPORT IN PATIENTS WITH CARDIOGENIC SHOCK: INSIGHTS FROM NATIONWIDE INPATIENT SAMPLE

Percutaneous ventricular assist devices (PVAD) and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) provide mechanical support for patients in cardiogenic shock (CS). However, comparative outcomes of these therapies in a large real-world study remains unclear. Data was obtained from the National Inpatient Sample,
Surgical Pearls for the Management of Exotropia

(1992). Surgical Pearls for the Management of Exotropia. American Orthoptic Journal: Vol. 42, No. 1, pp. 65-71.
Nonlinear FDTD modeling of ionospheric cross-modulation experiments

In this paper, we discuss the details of a new plasma finite difference time domain (FDTD) model and demonstrate its performance characteristics. As opposed to recursive convolution or Z-transform methods, the presented method uses a direct integration method, and additionally applies the bilinear transform in the time-domain to ensure stability. The FDTD is expanded to include nonlinear terms so that the model can be used to analyze ionospheric HF heating experiments performed at the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) Observatory. We present our initial results.
TREX1 Mutation Causing Autosomal Dominant Thrombotic Microangiopathy and CKD-A Novel Presentation.

Renal thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) involves diverse causes and clinical presentations. Genetic determinants causing alternate pathway complement dysregulation underlie a substantial proportion of cases. In a significant proportion of TMAs, no defect in complement regulation is identified. Mutations in the major mammalian 3′ DNA repair exonuclease 1 (TREX1) have been associated with autoimmune and cerebroretinal vasculopathy syndromes. Carboxy-terminal TREX1 mutations that result in only altered localization of the exonuclease protein with preserved catalytic function cause microangiopathy of the brain and retina, termed retinal vasculopathy and cerebral leukodystrophy (RVCL). Kidney involvement reported with RVCL usually accompanies significant brain and retinal microangiopathy. We present a pedigree with autosomal dominant renal TMA and chronic kidney disease found to have a carboxy-terminal frameshift TREX1 variant. Although symptomatic brain and retinal microangiopathy is known to associate with carboxy-terminal TREX1 mutations, this report describes a carboxy-terminal TREX1 frameshift variant causing predominant renal TMA. These findings underscore the clinical importance of recognizing TREX1 mutations as a cause of renal TMA. This case demonstrates the value of whole-exome sequencing in unsolved TMA.
Thermal comfort modeling in transient conditions using real-time local body temperature extraction with a thermographic camera

Abstract This work evaluated the use of thermographic cameras as a non-invasive method to automatically model human thermal comfort in transient conditions, using data from 30 healthy subjects tested in an office setup with ambient temperatures between 21.11 °C and 27.78 °C. Office temperature, relative humidity, exposed skin temperature and clothing temperature were automatically measured over approximately 27 min per subject, using remote sensors and avoiding any contact with the subjects. Thermal comfort levels were evaluated using subjects feedback, recorded every minute for the entire experiment. Clothing insulation and metabolic rate were kept relatively constant for this experiment (0.54 clo and 1.1 met). Average skin temperature was extracted from five different locations, with average temperatures of 33.5 °C, 34.5 °C, and 35.6 °C corresponding to cold discomfort, comfort and warm discomfort respectively. Average clothing temperature was also extracted from three different location, with 32.3 °C, 33.8 °C and 35.0 °C corresponding to the same three comfort levels. Relative humidity levels were similar for all subjects, with average values between 38% and 33%. Results showed significant correlation between observed skin temperature, clothing temperature and thermal comfort level. Also, collected data showed that the temperature difference between different body locations was highly correlated with thermal comfort, and the variance of skin temperature over a small area was significantly correlated with thermal comfort. The results suggest that non-invasive thermographic cameras that combine visual and thermal modes are sufficiently accurate in real-world settings to drive control of HVAC systems.
Implementing team-based primary care models: a mixed-methods comparative case study in a large, integrated health care system

Successful implementation of new care models within a health system is likely dependent on contextual factors at the individual sites of care. To identify practice setting components contributing to uptake of new team-based care models. Convergent mixed-methods design. Employees and patients of primary care practices implementing two team-based models in a large, integrated health system. Field observations of 9 practices and 75 interviews, provider and staff surveys to assess adaptive reserve and burnout, analysis of quality metrics, and patient panel comorbidity scores. The data were collected simultaneously, then merged, thematically analyzed, and interpreted by a multidisciplinary team. Based on analysis of observations and interviews, the 9 practices were categorized into 3 groups—high, partial, and low uptake of new team-based models. Uptake was related to (1) practices’ responsiveness to change and (2) flexible workflow as related to team roles. Strength of local leadership and stable staffing mediated practices’ ability to achieve high performance in these two domains. Higher performance on several quality metrics was associated with high uptake practices compared to the lower uptake groups. Mean Adaptive Reserve Measure and Maslach Burnout Inventory scores did not differ significantly between higher and lower uptake practices. Uptake of new team-based care delivery models is related to practices’ ability to respond to change and to adapt team roles in workflow, influenced by both local leadership and stable staffing. Better performance on quality metrics may identify high uptake practices. Our findings can inform expectations for operational and policy leaders seeking to implement change in primary care practices.
Feedback Control Design Using the Ode Model

This chapter uses the ordinary differential equation (ODE) model of the ramp system for designing feedback control laws. We will design feedback control laws for isolated ramp metering problems, isolated with mixed sensitivity, and coordinated with and without mixed sensitivity. Software and simulation results will also be presented.
Blue-red color-tunable all-inorganic bromide–iodide mixed-halide perovskite nanocrystals using the saponification technique for white-light-emitting diodes

Here, we present the synthesis of all-inorganic mixed-halide CsPb(Br1−xI x )3 nanocrystals with color-tunable emission (464–667 nm) having narrow emission line-widths (23–47 nm); we synthesize the nanocrystals in an ambient atmosphere by employing a newly reported saponification process in our laboratory. This inert gas-glovebox-free protocol synthesis technique offers simplicity and low cost in the preparation of high-quality nanocrystals. Notably, nanocrystals with different emission wavelengths resulted in tunable correlated-color temperature (2513–9783 K) while maintaining a high color rendering index (up to 95), desirable for white light. Thus, the experimental results suggest that the nanocrystals obtained by the saponification process in this work can be used for future indoor illumination.
Chapter 9 – Financial Modeling Basics

Financial models are widely used in a variety of business applications from financial reporting to capital budgeting to valuing and structuring mergers and acquisitions. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the basics of applying financial modeling methods to firm valuation and to assist the reader in understanding the power (and limitations) of models in analyzing real world situations. The model discussed in this chapter is relatively simple consisting of four Microsoft Excel worksheets and is applied to the valuation of a single firm.
Endogenous esterases of Clostridium thermocellum are identified and disrupted for enhanced isobutyl acetate production from cellulose

ABSTRACT Medium chain esters are potential drop-in biofuels and versatile chemicals. Currently, these esters are largely produced by the conventional chemical process that uses harsh operating conditions and requires high energy input. Alternatively, the microbial conversion route has recently emerged as a promising platform for sustainable and renewable ester production. The ester biosynthesis pathways can utilize either esterases/lipases or alcohol acyltransferase (AAT), but the AAT-dependent pathway is more thermodynamically favorable in aqueous fermentation environment. Even though cellulolytic thermophiles such as Clostridium thermocellum harboring the engineered AAT-dependent pathway can directly convert lignocellulosic biomass into esters, the production is currently not efficient and requires optimization. One potential bottleneck is the ester degradation caused by the endogenous carbohydrate esterases (CEs) whose functional roles are poorly understood. In this study, we developed a simple, high-throughput colorimetric assay to screen the endogenous esterases of C. thermocellum responsible for ester hydrolysis. We identified, characterized, and disrupted two critical endogenous esterases that significantly contributes to isobutyl acetate degradation in C. thermocellum. We demonstrated that not only did the engineered esterase-deficient strain alleviate ester hydrolysis but also helped improve isobutyl acetate production while not affecting its robust metabolism for effective cellulose assimilation. IMPORTANCE Carbohydrate esterases (CEs) are important enzymes in the deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass by the cellulolytic thermophile C. thermocellum, yet some are potential ester degraders in a microbial ester production system. Currently, the functional roles of CEs for hydrolyzing medium chain esters and negatively affecting the ester microbial biosynthesis are not well understood. This study discovered novel CEs responsible for isobutyl acetate degradation in C. thermocellum and hence identified one of the critical bottlenecks for direct conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into esters.
Singular value decomposition of adjoint flux distributions for Monte Carlo variance reduction

Abstract Monte Carlo (MC) shielding calculations often use weight windows (WWs) and biased sources formed from a deterministic estimate of the adjoint flux to improve the convergence rate of tallies. This requires a significant amount of computer memory, which can limit the memory available for high-resolution tally output. A new method is proposed for reducing these memory requirements by using singular value decomposition (SVD) in linear or logarithmic space to approximate the adjoint flux. This method’s performance is evaluated using the Shift and Denovo codes for streaming and diffusion base case problems, followed by problems using the Westinghouse AP1000 and the Joint European Torus. The log SVD reduced WW memory requirements by an order of magnitude in all cases without a significant performance penalty. Additionally, the linear SVD reduced biased source memory requirements by an order of magnitude, but further investigation is needed to account for observed limitations.
A CHALLENGING CASE OF TAKAYASU ARTERITIS WITH CATASTROPHIC CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE AND VALVULAR DISEASE REQUIRING CARDIAC TRANSPLANTATION

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a large vessel vasculitis that usually affects aorta and its branches. Its morbidity is caused not only from large vessel disease but from coronary artery disease (CAD) and less commonly valvular disease causing heart failure. Our patient presented with worsening disease
Exploiting Pre-Existing CD4+ T Cell Help from Bacille Calmette-Guérin Vaccination to Improve Antiviral Antibody Responses.

The continuing emergence of viral pathogens and their rapid spread into heavily populated areas around the world underscore the urgency for development of highly effective vaccines to generate protective antiviral Ab responses. Many established and newly emerging viral pathogens, including HIV and Ebola viruses, are most prevalent in regions of the world in which Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection remains endemic and vaccination at birth with M. bovis bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is widely used. We have investigated the potential for using CD4+ T cells arising in response to BCG as a source of help for driving Ab responses against viral vaccines. To test this approach, we designed vaccines comprised of protein immunogens fused to an immunodominant CD4+ T cell epitope of the secreted Ag 85B protein of BCG. Proof-of-concept experiments showed that the presence of BCG-specific Th cells in previously BCG-vaccinated mice had a dose-sparing effect for subsequent vaccination with fusion proteins containing the Ag 85B epitope and consistently induced isotype switching to the IgG2c subclass. Studies using an Ebola virus glycoprotein fused to the Ag 85B epitope showed that prior BCG vaccination promoted high-affinity IgG1 responses that neutralized viral infection. The design of fusion protein vaccines with the ability to recruit BCG-specific CD4+ Th cells may be a useful and broadly applicable approach to generating improved vaccines against a range of established and newly emergent viral pathogens.