cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase Diagrams of Instabilities in Compressed Film-Substrate Systems

Subject to a compressive membrane stress, an elastic film bonded on a substrate can become unstable, forming wrinkles, creases or delaminated buckles. Further increasing the compressive stress can induce advanced modes of instabilities including period-doubles, folds, localized ridges, delamination, and coexistent instabilities. While various instabilities in film-substrate systems under compression have been analyzed separately, a systematic and quantitative understanding of these instabilities is still elusive. Here we present a joint experimental and theoretical study to systematically explore the instabilities in elastic film-substrate systems under uniaxial compression. We use the Maxwell stability criterion to analyze the occurrence and evolution of instabilities analogous to phase transitions in thermodynamic systems. We show that the moduli of the film and the substrate, the film-substrate adhesion strength, the film thickness, and the prestretch in the substrate determine various modes of instabilities. Defects in the film-substrate system can facilitate it to overcome energy barriers during occurrence and evolution of instabilities. We provide a set of phase diagrams to predict both initial and advanced modes of instabilities in compressed film-substrate systems. The phase diagrams can be used to guide the design of film-substrate systems to achieve desired modes of instabilities.
PAC: Pattern-driven Application Consolidation for Efficient Cloud Computing

To reduce cloud system resource cost, application consolidation is a must. In this paper, we present a novel pattern driven application consolidation (PAC) system to achieve efficient resource sharing in virtualized cloud computing infrastructures. PAC employs signal processing techniques to dynamically discover significant patterns called signatures of different applications and hosts. PAC then performs dynamic application consolidation based on the extracted signatures. We have implemented a prototype of the PAC system on top of the Xen virtual machine platform and tested it on the NCSU Virtual Computing Lab. We have tested our system using RUBiS benchmarks, Hadoop data processing systems, and IBM System S stream processing system. Our experiments show that 1) PAC can efficiently discover repeating resource usage patterns in the tested applications; 2) Signatures can reduce resource prediction errors by 50-90% compared to traditional coarse-grained schemes; 3) PAC can improve application performance by up to 50% when running a large number of applications on a shared cluster.
Personalized services for mobile route planning: a demonstration

Enabling mobility in urban and populous areas needs innovative tools and novel techniques for individual traffic planning. Represent a prototype of a traffic information system enabling personalized route planning plus advanced services like traffic jam alerting. The best routes are efficiently computed using the SR-Combine algorithm, subject to various user preferences and current traffic situation gathered dynamically from several Internet sources. We implemented a J2EE application server which smoothly adapts to distributed online processing, once high bandwidth networks like UTMS are available.
Acetaldehyde and Retinaldehyde-Metabolizing Enzymes in Colon and Pancreatic Cancers

Colorectal cancer (CRC) and pancreatic cancer are two very significant contributors to cancer-related deaths. Chronic alcohol consumption is an important risk factor for these cancers. Ethanol is oxidized primarily by alcohol dehydrogenases to acetaldehyde, an agent capable of initiating tumors by forming adducts with proteins and DNA. Acetaldehyde is metabolized by ALDH2, ALDH1B1, and ALDH1A1 to acetate. Retinoic acid (RA) is required for cellular differentiation and is known to arrest tumor development. RA is synthesized from retinaldehyde by the retinaldehyde dehydrogenases, specifically ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2, ALDH1A3, and ALDH8A1. By eliminating acetaldehyde and generating RA, ALDHs can play a crucial regulatory role in the initiation and progression of cancers. ALDH1 catalytic activity has been used as a biomarker to identify and isolate normal and cancer stem cells; its presence in a tumor is associated with poor prognosis in colon and pancreatic cancer. In summary, these ALDHs are not only biomarkers for CRC and pancreatic cancer but also play important mechanistic role in cancer initiation, progression, and eventual prognosis.
2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine induces a higher number of aberrant crypt foci in Fischer 344 (rapid) than in Wistar Kyoto (slow) acetylator inbred rats.

2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5- b ]pyridine (PhIP) is the most abundant heterocyclic amine carcinogen in the human diet and is a colon carcinogen in the rat. N -Acetyltransferase-2 (NAT2) catalyzes the conversion of PhIP and other heterocyclic amines to a DNA-reactive form. NAT2 has a polymorphic distribution in humans and other mammals, including rats. The rapid NAT2 genotype has been shown to be associated with increased colorectal cancer risk in some, but not all, human epidemiological studies. This investigation was designed to study the role of acetylator genotype in PhIP-induced colon carcinogenesis using aberrant crypt foci (ACF) as an intermediate biomarker. Five-week-old male, rapid-acetylator Fischer 344 (F344) rats and slow-acetylator Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were fed the semipurified AIN76A diet with 0.01% PhIP, 0.04% PhIP, or no PhIP (control) for 8 weeks. PhIP induced ACF in both rapid- and slow-acetylator rats; 0.04% PhIP induced more ACF than 0.01% PhIP. There was no difference in the number of ACF between rapid- and slow-acetylator rats that were fed 0.01% PhIP. However, 0.04% PhIP induced 2-fold higher ACF and a greater dose-dependent increase in PhIP-induced ACF in the rapid-acetylator F344 rats compared with the slow-acetylator WKY rats. The results support human epidemiological studies showing higher risk for colorectal cancer in rapid acetylators who frequently consume meat that is very well done.
Is representativeness the right question

We agree completely that representative studies are immensely valuable for describing disease patterns, quantifying the burden of disease1 and generating risk stratification models.2 Given representativeness is time- and place-specific,3 these all need regular updates and more representative studies. For example, the SCORE (Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation) system for predicting fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD) uses the same risk factors in different models for high- and low-CVD-risk European countries,4 but over time countries may, also, be promoted from high to low risk.5 Clearly, such risk prediction models are not scientific models that describe nature consistently across space and time,6 but they are immensely useful for service planning, targeting treatment and saving lives. Conversely, experimental studies, such as animal models and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), do not require representativeness to test scientific models.6 On the other hand, whether observational epidemiological studies, representative or not, are useful for generating hypotheses or testing causal factors in scientific models is less clear. First, these represent the triumph of hope over experience.7 Second, as was pointed out over 20 years ago, nearly all possible hypotheses have already been generated.8 Third, some potentially relevant hypotheses may not be readily observed for conceptual or practical reasons. The current paradigm may exclude some hypotheses as impossible, making them imperceptible. Apart from well-known biases inherent in observational studies, causal factors may be invariant in commonly studied populations, expensive or difficult to measure, affected by preclinical disease or hidden within the (mis)classification of diseases by symptom rather than cause. Fourth, as a discipline we have not generally thought through the hierarchy of studies to refute a hypothesis. Our current methods, using the Bradford-Hill viewpoints as a touchstone, are much more focused on corroborating hypotheses, with an RCT as the pinnacle of corroboration. However, even something as simple as ‘field’ epidemiology may refute hypotheses. For example, the existence of populations with low birthweight and low rates of heart disease casts doubt on a major role of birthweight in heart disease.9 Given these issues if we want to make progress in identifying causal processes in population health, assuming it is possible,10 rather than focusing on representativeness in studies used to generate or test (corroborate) hypotheses, it might be more useful to look for better ways to generate and screen plausible hypotheses, before we test them in suitable studies.11 Other methods of generating hypotheses about the drivers of population health are not obvious, but include using general mechanistic principles, starting with effective treatments and taking advantage of mechanistic insights from genetics or RCTs which include potential mediators. Not only do we need to move on from the debate about representativeness, we need to move onto some different questions.
Experimental Damage Mechanics of Microelectronics Solder Joints under Concurrent Vibration and Thermal Loading

Concurrent vibration and thermal loading is commonly encountered in the service life of electronic packaging, such as in automotive, airplane, military and mobile electronic devices. Solder joint r...
Sublethal effects of two insect growth regulators applied to larvae of Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera:Agromyzidae).

The sublethal effects of applications of the insect growth regulators (IGR) methoprene or Ro 13-5223 (ethyl[2- p -phenoxyphenoxy)ethyllcarbamate) to Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) were calculated. Numbers of viable eggs laid every 2 days, total viable eggs per female, and longevity were determined for adults that survived IGR applications as larvae. A sterility index, indicative of decreases in fecundity, was calculated; with this index, a value of 100 represents complete infertility. Sterility index values of 88.8 to 100.0 were obtained when these IGR were applied to third-stage female larvae. When applied to newly eclosed female larvae, only the highest dosage of methoprene produced high sterility. No viable eggs were deposited by females that were confined with adult males surviving treatments of methoprene as larvae. The potential uses of IGR for leafminer control are discussed.
Couples 'Employment/Retirement Patterns and Perceptions of Marital Quality:

This study explores the impact of couples' employment/retirement patterns on indicators of marital quality (conflicts, heated arguments, marital happiness). Logistic regressions based on data from ...
Shared Expertise: Family Participation in Interprofessional Training.

Family-professional and interprofessional collaboration have been increasingly emphasized in children's mental health since the advent of federal legislation requiring parent participation in planning services for children with disabilities and the Child and Adolescent Service System Program. However, professional training programs have been slow to incorporate attention to such collaboration. In this article we report findings from a survey of 51 university and agency-based interprofessional training programs. The purpose of the survey was to learn about interprofessional education programs that prepare professionals to work in interagency, interprofessional environments and to collaborate with families. Family member involvement in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of interprofessional training and curricular attention to family-professional collaboration were found to be present in a small number of interprofessional education training programs. These findings are presented, along with recom...
Creating a Digital Ecosystem for the Gifted Education Classroom.

To date, there is a paucity of empirical research documenting the essential environmental conditions that must exist before teachers of the gifted will integrate technology into their instruction. ...
Preference of Mice to Consume Food and Water in an Environment of High Magnetic Field

Information on the biological capacity of mammals and other biosystems under anomalous conditions is necessary in assessing the biological cost of a task or occupation. The fact that man has resided in magnetic fields without experiencing obvious harmful effects should not preclude a detailed, systematic assessment of magnetic environments and their possible bioeffects. Interest in magnetic shielding of astronauts against cosmic radiation raises the question of bioeffects of strong magnetic fields. High-intensity magnetic fields can be expected in connection with ion and other advanced propulsion systems. Even with proper shielding and arrangement of such fields, the possibility of fringe and/or accidental exposure requires experience with bioeffects of high-intensity magnetic fields.(1)
Why the FBI’s Justifiable Homicide Statistics Are a Misleading Measure of Defensive Gun Use

As part of the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports system, the FBI gathers and reports both civilian and police officer justifiable homicide statistics. The methods by which these numbers are gathered make them gross undercounts of the actual legal, defensive homicides by citizens. Furthermore, comparing the civilian justifiable homicide numbers to criminal homicides for public policy cost/benefit analysis understates the crime reducing effects of civilian gun ownership.
Development and characterization of a synthetic infectious cDNA clone of the virulent Bucyrus strain of equine arteritis virus expressing mCherry (red fluorescent protein)

Strains of equine arteritis virus (EAV) differ in their virulence phenotypes, causing anywhere from subclinical infections to severe disease in horses. Here, we describe the in silico design and de novo synthesis of a full-length infectious cDNA clone of the horse-adapted virulent Bucyrus strain (VBS) of EAV encoding mCherry along with in vitro characterization of the progeny virions (EAV sVBSmCherry) in terms of host-cell tropism, replicative capacity and stability of the mCherry coding sequences following sequential passage in cell culture. The relative stability of the mCherry sequence during sequential cell culture passage coupled with a comparable host-cell range phenotype (equine endothelial cells, CD3(+) T cells and CD14(+) monocytes) to parental EAV VBS suggest that EAV-sVBSmCherry-derived virus could become a valuable research tool for identification of host-cell tropism determinants and for characterization of the viral proteins involved in virus attachment and entry into different subpopulations of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that advances in nucleic acid synthesis technology permit synthesis of complex viral genomes with overlapping genes like those of arteriviruses, thereby circumventing the need for complicated molecular cloning techniques. In summary, de novo nucleic acid synthesis technology facilitates innovative viral vector design without the tedium and risks posed by more-conventional laboratory techniques.
Treatment of Academic Procrastination in College Students

The purpose of the next two Chapters is to present suggested clinical guidelines regarding interventions for the treatment of decisional and task procrastination. Unfortunately, only a very small literature exists that includes outcome data regarding the treatment of procrastination. Many of these studies remain unpublished, existing either in dissertations or in other sources (e.g., manuscripts that have not been peer reviewed, requests for funding, and internal evaluation data). The reason for this is because procrastination-treatment programs are usually not designed for research purposes. Data, if collected at all, is obtained for program evaluation or other internal needs. There is an absence of double-blind attention-placebo trials, which are usually considered necessary to establish demonstrated efficacy of a treatment. Because of the lack of comprehensive outcome studies, many of our treatment recommendations rely on clinical experience. Other interventions draw on our unpublished work, which spans the past several years. We admit that at times our methodology is less satisfactory than we would like. Our hope is that these clinically derived interventions can eventually be subjected to empirical testing.
Athens and America: Constitution Making as an Act of Democratic Justice

This essay compares the democratic quality of two constitutional moments that were central turning points in two of the most influential democracies in recorded history - the re-codification of Athenian law in 403-399 BCE and the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution in 1787-1788. Judged in the context of their time and place, the processes of constitution making in both polities were impressively democratic. They were strikingly similar as well. This essay highlights those similarities, as well as an irony: Athens and America may have perfected a democratic process of constitution making in the service of a shared commitment to moderate their democracies.
A Vulcanization of Rubber Latex by Potassium Ferricyanide

Abstract (1) Vulcanization of rubber is produced by heating latex, from which the diffusible serum components have been removed, with potassium ferricyanide in the absence of air. (2) In the course of the treatment, the ferricyanide is reduced to ferrocyanide. (3) A similar effect may be produced by certain other metallic oxidizing agents in the absence of air.
Pattern electroretinogram and chronic ocular hypertension

Pattern-reversal electroretinograms to sinusoidal gratings of variable spatial frequency (0.6–4.8 cycles/degree) have been recorded in 28 normal subjects and 23 patients with ocular hypertension or early glaucoma who were previously treated with timolol maleate during a 12–24 months clinical follow-up. A multivariate analysis of variance showed that pattern electroetinogram amplitude was significantly reduced in patients as compared to control. This reduction was evident only in the low-medium spatial frequency range and was more marked (and progressive) in eyes with abnormal intraocular pressure (22–30 mmHg) as compared to eyes with normal intraocular pressure (14–21 mmHg) during the follow-up period. These results suggest that the pattern electroretinogram may detect the progression of neurosensory deficits associated with ocular hypertension in eyes with inadequate response to medical treatment.
Laser Processing of Amorphous Silicon for Polysilicon Devices, Circuits and Flat-Panel Imagers

Pulsed excimer-laser processing of amorphous silicon on non-crystalline substrates allows for the fabrication of high-quality polysilicon thin-film transistors (TFTs). It also provides procedures for doping self-aligned amorphous silicon TFTs. In addition, laser-crystallized polysilicon exhibits some interesting materials properties, such as, large lateral grain growth with a corresponding enhancement in the electron mobility. Under optimized processing conditions, excellent polysilicon TFTs with high mobilities, sharp turn on, low off-state leakage currents and good spatial uniformity have been achieved. These improved parameters, particularly the low off-state leakage currents and good uniformity, enable not only displays but also the moredemanding flat-panel imaging arrays to be fabricated in polysilicon. Results on both polysilicon CMOS circuits and a polysilicon flat-panel imager are presented.
Blameworthiness, Trustworthiness, and the Second-Personal Standpoint:Foundations for an Ethical Theory of Accountability

Abstract: In this paper I make the case for a theory of accountability. Moreover, I will make the case for an *ethical theory* of accountability, one that centers our subject in human relationships rather than mechanisms and institutions. The foundation for this effort involves adapting a “second-personal standpoint” elaborated by moral theorist Stephen Darwall, with specific attention to the role of blameworthiness and trustworthiness is establishing an aspirational standard that informs efforts to enhance accountable governance. I contend that efforts to improve or enhance the quality (and integrity) of governance arrangements are driven by a collective ambition to achieve moral accountability in the Darwallian sense.
Contralateral tubal-ovarian apposition and fertility in hemiovariectomized primates.

Here, we examined longitudinally (1) the incidence of pregnancy in hemiovariectomized macaques possessing only one ovary contralateral to a single fallopian tube, i.e., pregnancy after transabdominal ovum migration; (2) the pregnancy rate after surgically achieving contralateral apposition of the ovary and fallopian tube; and (3) the frequency of ovulatory menstrual cycles, patterns of menstruation, and steroid profiles in serum of intact versus hemiovariectomized monkeys to determine whether the ovarian cycle is altered by constraining recurrent follicular maturation and corpus luteum function to one ovary. Despite matings during 28 ovulatory menstrual cycles, none of the five primates possessing only one ovary contralateral to a single fallopian tube became pregnant. In contrast, following contralateral tubal-ovarian apposition, three of these five monkeys conceived after only nine ovulatory menstrual cycles. Hemiovariectomy of monkeys did not compromise the regularity of menstrual cycles or frequency of ovulation, compared with intact control females over the 13-month interval of study ( P >0.01). Thus, tubal-ovarian apposition is required in these primates for efficient ovum pickup and fertilization and deserves further clinical scrutiny for women having one functional ovary and one healthy fallopian tube, albeit contralateral.
Table-sag errors in CT treatment planning

It is common practice to utilize CT scans in place of patient contours for computerized treatment planning. Our experience, in particular with pelvic patients, is that setting up the patient for a CT scan using landmarks from a radiation therapy simulator does not always produce accurate field margins. In general, the treatment field center as produced by the CT scan is superior to the center as defined by the simulator film. We have determined this problem to be caused by simulator table sag as compared to the CT. We offer suggestions to correct the problem.
Circumventing the natural, frequent oestrogen waves of the female cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) using oral progestin (Altrenogest)

Cheetah are induced ovulators, experiencing short, variable oestrogen waves year-round. Exogenous gonadotrophin administration induces ovulation, but success is variable and often improves if ovaries are quiescent. After affirming the presence of short-term oestrogenic waves, we examined the effect of the timing of administration of exogenous equine and human chorionic gonadotrophins (eCG-hCG) within the oestrogen concentration pattern on subsequent follicle development and oocyte and corpus luteum quality. We also investigated ovarian suppression using an oral progestin (Altrenogest, 7 days) and assessed whether Altrenogest moderated adrenal activity by reducing glucocorticoid metabolites. All cheetahs exhibited short (every ~7-10 days), sporadic, year-round increases in faecal oestradiol punctuated by unpredictable periods (4-10 weeks) of baseline oestradiol (anoestrous). Gonadotrophin (eCG-hCG) efficacy was not affected by oestradiol 'wave' pattern if administered ≥3 days after an oestrogen peak. Such cheetahs produced normative faecal progestagen patterns and higher numbers (P<0.06) of mature oocytes than females given gonadotrophins ≤2 days after an oestradiol peak. Altrenogest supplementation expanded the interval between oestradiol peaks to 12.9 days compared with 7.3 days without progestin pretreatment. Altrenogest-fed females excreted less (P<0.05) glucocorticoid metabolites than non-supplemented counterparts. Results show that Altrenogest is effective for suppressing follicular activity, may contribute to reduced glucocorticoid production and may result in more effective ovulation induction via gonadotrophin therapy.
Comparison of GaN FET and Si MOSFET based vienna rectifiers

As the technology on wide bandgap materials such as gallium-nitride (GaN) has advanced rapidly, commercial GaN power devices with satisfying performance are available now. It is widely-known that GaN-based switching devices have several advantages over traditional Si-based switching devices, such as lower ON-resistance, faster switching speed, better thermal conductivity, and smaller size. However, researchers have not yet fully explored and applied GaN devices in some of the important power conversion applications. In this paper, a popular three-phase three-level three-switch Vienna rectifier is designed with GaN FETs. The advantages and challenges of utilizing GaN FETs in Vienna rectifiers are discussed. The topology, control and simulation are carried out as well. To provide a comparative analysis of the GaN FET and Si MOSFET based Vienna rectifiers, two prototypes are built with each type of the power devices on a similar scale. Detailed comparative analysis discussions based on the experimental results, including size, power circuit efficiency and THD, are provided. It is concluded in this paper that GaN FETs and their drivers have smaller size and higher power density compared with Si MOSFETs and their drivers. The overall performance of the GaN FET and Si MOSFET based Vienna rectifiers are at the same level, although driving techniques of the GaN FET devices are not mature.
Milk Transfer Volume at the Time of Maternal Perception of the Onset of Lactation

Our previous research indicates that maternal perception of the onset of lactation is a valid, public health marker of lactogenesis stage II.1 Little is known, however, about milk transfer volume at the time of maternal perception. The objective of this research is to characterize milk transfer volume per feeding at the time of maternal perception.
The Long-Run Effects of Job Displacement on Sources of Health Insurance Coverage

This paper examines job displacement’s long-run effect on health insurance coverage and source of coverage. We find that displacement lowers the probability that an individual receives health insurance even ten years after job loss. However, those without children at the time of job loss largely drive this result. While displaced workers with and without children face similar losses in access to employer-provided health insurance, those with children mostly offset these losses by acquiring health insurance from other sources, particularly through the increased use of Medicaid.
Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) usually resolves spontaneously during the first year of life. Persistent cases often requires probing, intubation, or balloon dacryocystoplasty. Refractory cases have been successfully managed by endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in adults and children. Some children have a bony obstruction that must be opened with DCR, or some patients have acquired NLDO that requires DCR. The endoscopic technique is a safe and quick alternative to external DCR, which is considered the gold standard, but avoiding an external scar is preferable for many patients. We aim to explain the essential steps of endoscopic DCR, the potential risks, and an example of the dictated procedure note.
Endoscopic Bladder Neck Suspension for Stress Urinary Incontinence

AbstractEndoscopic vesicourethral suspension is an acceptable procedure for the treatment of true stress urinary incontinence, and is associated with a high success rate and little morbidity. Endoscopic vesical neck suspension was performed in 60 patients, with cure of the incontinence in 49 (82 per cent). A higher success rate was achieved in patients without a prior hysterectomy and/or surgical procedure to correct incontinence. Abnormalities on urodynamic testing may be somewhat suggestive of outcome. However, these studies cannot be used to predict success or failure.
Alligator wrestling: morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic data on Odhneriotrema incommodum (Leidy, 1856) (Digenea: Clinostomidae) from Alligator mississippiensis Daudin, 1801 in Mississippi, USA

Based on specimens collected from harvested American alligator Alligator mississippiensis Daudin, 1801 in Mississippi, USA, novel molecular data for both nuclear ribosomal genes (18S, ITS1-5.8S, ITS2, and 28S) and mitochondrial genes (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 1) are provided for Odhneriotrema incommodum (Leidy, 1856), a trematode of the family Clinostomidae Luhe, 1901 infecting A. mississippiensis and the Florida spotted gar Lepisosteus platyrhincus DeKay, 1842. This represents the first sequencing data available for the genus Odhneriotrema and the subfamily Nephrocephalinae Travassos, 1928. Additionally, the results of phylogenetic analyses, additional morphometric data, a photomicrograph, and a line drawing supporting the present identification of O. incommodum are provided. These data will aid in elucidating the life cycle of O. incommodum through molecular identification of larval stages as well as understanding the evolutionary history of Clinostomidae and its subfamilies. Implications for the currently accepted organization of the Clinostomidae are discussed.
LC-PDA/APCIitMS identification of algal carotenoid and oxysterol precursors to fatty acid esters in hydrolyzed extracts of the freshwater mussel Dreissena bugensis

Carotenyl fatty acid esters (carotenyl-FAEs) were extracted in acetone from freeze-dried Dreissena bugensis (Lakes Erie and Ontario) and hydrolyzed to identify the carotenoid precursors. Analysis by liquid chromatography (LC) with photodiode array (PDA) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-ion trap mass spectrometry (APCIitMS) revealed the major hydrolysis products: fucoxanthinol (FOH) from fucoxanthin (FX, diatoms); mactraxanthin (MX) from violaxanthin (VX, chlorophytes); 4-fold higher levels of an unknown, tentatively identified as an adduct of two closely eluting C27H46O3 and C27H48O3 steryl triols. Enzymatic hydrolysis (Candida rugosa) of dreissenid extracts yielded FOH and MX, but residual carotenyl-FAEs remained. Alkaline hydrolysis yielded isoFOH, MX, and steryl triols, without residual carotenyl-FAEs: isoFOH decreased, but two FOH hemiketal by-products increased, when the dose of potassium hydroxide in methanol was too high. The PDA detector profiled carotenyl-FAEs and products of enzymatic and alkaline hydrolysis, without interference. The APCIitMS detector revealed carotenoid and oxysterol products of alkaline hydrolysis but was adversely affected by background from bile salts used for enzymatic hydrolysis. LC retention times and elution order were correlated to solubility parameters, calculated from the analyte structure, to cross-check MS interpretations. A multiple linear regression of LC retention times on solubility parameters for 12 carotenoid standards included FOH, isoFOH, and MX (r 2 0.97). The model revealed the close similarity of polar carotenoid metabolites to C27-steryl triols tentatively identified by APCIitMS, suggesting that further LC-MS analyses would be beneficial, to explicitly link oxysterols and the polar carotenoids, as metabolites of algal precursors in the dreissenid diet. Graphical abstract Methods of analysis and major neutral products of hydrolysis from fatty acid esters in D. bugensis.
On Publishing the Unpublishable

Medical writing comes in many forms: textbooks, peer-reviewed articles, research reports, literature reviews, practice guidelines, editorials, and case reports. Publishing affords the medical community opportunities to make important points, provoke debate, educate each other and the general public
Targeted Drug Therapy in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the most drug-responsive cancers, with approximately 70% of children being cured with chemotherapy alone (Pui and Crist, 1994). Focussing on the collective good responsiveness, however, may obscure the fact that there remain children who are not cured, and there are children who experience excessive toxicity from regimens that are well tolerated by the majority of children. Of the many factors that can affect how an individual responds to a particular ALL treatment regimen, one factor may be variability in the pharmacokinetics of antineoplastic agents. We describe herein our studies of whether overall clinical outcome is related to pharmacokinetic variability.
Clinical Problem-Solving: Fever and Rapidly Progressive Weakness in an Immunocompromised Patient:

Here we report the challenging case of a 41-year-old man with HIV complicated by AIDS and a history of prior neurologic injury from progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy who presented with headache, fevers, lower extremity weakness, hyperreflexic upper extremities, and diminished lower extremity reflexes. We review the clinical decision-making and differential diagnosis for this presentation as the physical examination evolved and diagnostic testing changed over time.
Runtime Verification in Multi-Cores

In this chapter we shift the focus of our discussion to multi-core processors and issues specific to their runtime verification. In Chapter 4 we overviewed features of modern multi-core designs and described the growing challenge of their verification. As we pointed out, this arduous task is exacerbated by the increasing complexity of the shared memory communication subsystem and the need to verify two of its major system-wide properties: cache coherence and memory consistency. In this chapter we present two runtime solutions designed specifically for this purpose. The first technique, called Dynamic Verification of Memory Consistency (DVMC), designed by Meixner, et al. is a checker-based solution, which employs multiple distributed monitors to validate different aspects of communication at runtime. The second solution, Caspar, was developed by us as a patching approach that uses on-die matchers, programmed with patterns describing known bugs, to identify errors. Moreover, to be effective at runtime, both solutions include not only a detection, but also a recovery mechanism, so bugs can be sidestepped and forward progress can be maintained. Thus, as a part of our discussion, we also overview the recovery techniques used in both DVMC and Caspar.
Is it the Song or the Singers? Acoustic and Social Experiences Shape Adult Reproductive Tactics and Condition

When sexual signals are perceived during growth and development they can provide information regarding the social conditions likely to be encountered as an adult. Perception of cues related to the presence and density of future mates and potential competitors can result in altered adult phenotypes. Previous studies have shown that adult male Teleogryllus oceanicus field crickets from a Kauai, Hawaii population reared alone and without hearing conspecific song are more phonotactic than those reared with song. These naive males also reduce investment in body size and immunity. Here we examined whether another source of population density information, the presence of other males, affects behavior, size, and immunity. Specifically, we examined satellite behavior as evidenced by strength of phonotaxis, body condition, and immune response in males reared singly and in groups in the presence and absence of conspecific song. Body condition did not vary with rearing density, and immune response did not vary with either acoustic environment or rearing density. Interestingly, group-housed males were more phonotactic than singly-housed males. This pattern was largely driven by the low levels of phonotaxis exhibited by males that were singly-housed in the presence of conspecific song. These findings suggest that males respond to social cues in addition to conspecific song, but that these cues do not necessarily provide concordant information.
Moral Frictions: Ethics, legitimacy and creativity in stem cell science

Organizations sometimes expand by encompassing goods traditionally deemed off-limits to economic activity. As a result, competing moral orders pervade organizations. Studies of morals and organizat...
Racialization of News: Constructing and Challenging Professional Journalism as “White Media”:

This article explores the persistent racialization of professional journalism, describing the implicit processes that define “mainstream” news as white media. We emphasize the whiteness of U.S. new...
Unexpected Mutations in HIV-1 That Confer Resistance to the Tat Inhibitor Didehydro-Cortistatin A.

ABSTRACT Didehydro-cortistatin A (dCA) is a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat inhibitor that functions by selectively binding to the RNA binding domain of Tat. In addition to inhibiting viral replication, dCA can drive HIV-1 into a state of “deep latency” in which latent viruses are refractory to reactivation. Mousseau et al. (G. Mousseau, R. Aneja, M. A. Clementz, S. Mediouni, et al., mBio 10:e01750-18, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.01750-18) have now selected dCA-resistant (dCAr) viruses in vitro. Remarkably, dCAr viruses do not contain mutations in Tat or the viral transactivation-responsive element (TAR) RNA element that is targeted by Tat. Rather, the viruses contain a combination of mutations in the viral long terminal repeat (LTR) and Nef and Vpr proteins that result in an increase in basal RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription of integrated HIV-1. Interestingly, dCAr viruses may be deficient in the establishment of latent infection because of their elevated basal Pol II transcription. dCA holds promise for strategies to achieve a functional cure of HIV-1 infection and justifies efforts to develop additional Tat inhibitors.
Drug-induced acute kidney injury: diverse mechanisms of tubular injury

Purpose of reviewMedications are a relatively common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI), especially in hospitalized patients who are exposed to numerous agents. Drug-related acute tubular/tubulointerstitial injury is the most common cause of AKI associated with these agents. Toxic effects of drugs a
Transactive Electric Water Heater Agent: Design and Performance Evaluation

Electric water heaters (EWHs) are usually equipped with inbuilt thermostats to measure water temperature near the installed positions. Most of the existing EWHs have only two thermostats and often do not have water flow sensor installed. Estimation of state of heat energy (SOHE) inside the hot water tank, which is crucial for efficient control and operation of the EWH, under such imperfect system conditions is very challenging. This paper, therefore, designs a transactive EWH agent (TEWHA) to better estimate SOHE in presence of measurement errors and imperfect system knowledge. The TEWHA, built-in Python, approximates the EWH physics using limited measurements obtained from the ground truth GridLAB-D model. The performance of the TEWHA is validated against ground truth system for three scenarios: a) ideal condition where TEWHA has complete knowledge of the system, b) imperfect condition where TEWHA has incomplete system information, and c) noised condition where TEWHA measurements contain random errors. Finally, an optimization problem is formulated and solved to demonstrate how TEWHA could use the estimated and measured parameters for a transactive control of EWH.
Mutagenesis of n2-site Metal-Binding Glutamate Residues in E. coli Glutamine Synthetase

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the mutagenesis of 112-site metal-binding glutamate residues in Echerichia coli ( E. coli ) glutamine synthetase. In a study described in the chapter, construction of the desired mutant gin A genes was achieved by in vitro site-directed mutagenesis using the phage mid vector pTZglnA. All of the mutant gin A genes introduced into pgln35 were completely sequenced, and no additional mutations were found. Transformation of the new E. coli strain YMC21E guaranteed isolation of glutamine synthetase in an unadenylylated state. The wild type and mutant enzymes were all expressed well by this strain and no major differences in protein yields were observed. Determination of the adenylylation state by acid-catalyzed cleavage of the phosphodiester group from Tyr-397 and quantitation of released inorganic phosphate confirmed all enzymes were unadenylylated. The purified mutants exhibited UV–vis and fluorescence spectra similar to WTGS, indicating no major global conformational differences were caused by mutagenesis. It is found that UV difference spectra in the absence and presence of 5 mM Mg 2+ and Mn 2+ showed similar peaks for the single mutant enzymes, a documented characteristic of wild type enzyme.
The mechanism by which prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) may induce prostate carcinogenesis and growth

3940 Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is of intense interest as a prostate cancer marker and for its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in humans. This protein is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein that is predominantly expressed in prostate cancers, whereas normal and benign prostate tissues mainly express a shorter alternatively spliced variant, designated PSM’. Mice that express human PSMA in their prostates have been shown to develop precancerous lesions whereas mice that express human PSM’ do not develop such lesions. PSMA has a unique folate hydrolase activity whereas PSM’ exists in the cell cytoplasm and has no enzymatic activity. These findings suggest that PSMA plays a role in prostate carcinogenesis and that the enzymatic activity and/or the extracellular location of PSMA are important. A mechanism by which PSMA might be involved in prostate carcinogenesis is via its folate hydrolase activity. It is thought that this membrane folate hydrolase could give prostate cancer cells expressing PSMA a growth advantage in a low folate tumor microenvironment by allowing these cells to capture extracellular folates and deglutamate poly-γ-glutamated folates released by surrounding dead and dying cells. Folate taken up by these cells is an essential nutrient for growth and replication. Other researchers who have investigated if PSMA confers a growth advantage have found no such effect. However, their studies were flawed as they were carried out in standard tissue culture media which contain folate at a concentration 100 times greater than the folate concentration in human sera. The purpose of this study was firstly to examine whether PSMA gives a human prostate cancer cell line expressing PSMA a growth advantage in physiologically relevant folate level in the presence of poly-γ-glutamated folates. Secondly, by using a folate hydrolase inhibitor we examined if the folate hydrolase activity of PSMA is the mechanism by which it give cells a growth advantage. The proliferation rates of LNCaP and DU-145 cells were assessed when grown in RPMI 1640 media containing either low ( in vitro , PSMA expression confers a growth advantage in physiological folate level in the presence of penta-γ-glutamated folate via the folate hydrolase activity of PSMA. This study will provide a better understanding of the molecular events that underlie prostate carcinogenesis which may be useful in designing therapies that target PSMA.
Treating a Cluster of Internalizing Disorders With the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders: A Case Study:

Psychotherapy outcome research rarely focuses on the ideographic application of treatment manuals, though some modules might prove markedly more important for a client than others. Clients in need ...
Abstract 16310: Association Between the Use of Antithrombotics and Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction: Studies have shown that the use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant increases the risk of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection following the implantation. However, res...
A BAYESIAN MONTE CARLO ANALYSIS OF THE M-σ RELATION

We present an analysis of selection biases in the M bh-σ relation using Monte Carlo simulations including the sphere of influence resolution selection bias and a selection bias in the velocity dispersion distribution. We find that the sphere of influence selection bias has a significant effect on the measured slope of the M bh-σ relation, modeled as βintrinsic = –4.69 + 2.22βmeasured, where the measured slope is shallower than the model slope in the parameter range of β > 4, with larger corrections for steeper model slopes. Therefore, when the sphere of influence is used as a criterion to exclude unreliable measurements, it also introduces a selection bias that needs to be modeled to restore the intrinsic slope of the relation. We find that the selection effect due to the velocity dispersion distribution of the sample, which might not follow the overall distribution of the population, is not important for slopes of β ~ 4-6 of a logarithmically linear M bh-σ relation, which could impact some studies that measure low (e.g., β < 4) slopes. Combining the selection biases in velocity dispersions and the sphere of influence cut, we find that the uncertainty of the slope is larger than the value without modeling these effects and estimate an intrinsic slope of β = 5.28+0.84 – 0.55.
A Strong Minimax Theorem for Informationally-Robust Auction Design

We study the design of profit-maximizing mechanisms in environments with interdependent values. A single unit of a good is for sale. There is a known joint distribution of the bidders' ex post values for the good. Two programs are considered: (i) Maximize over mechanisms the minimum over information structures and equilibria of expected profit; (ii) Minimize over information structures the maximum over mechanisms and equilibria of expected profit. These programs are shown to have the same optimal value, which we term the profit guarantee. In addition, we characterize a family of linear programs that relax (i) and produce, for any finite number of actions, a mechanism with a corresponding lower bound on equilibrium profit. An analogous family of linear programs that relax (ii) produce, for any finite number of signals, an information structure with a corresponding upper bound on equilibrium profit. These lower and upper bounds converge to the profit guarantee as the numbers of actions and signals grow large. Our model can be extended to allow for demand constraints, multiple goods, and ambiguity about the value distribution. We report numerical simulations of approximate solutions to (i) and (ii).