cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficiency and Competition between Payment Instruments

A payment instrument that disproportionately charges merchants (as with high interchange) can take business from others that offer the two-sided customer better deals. This competitive bias arises because merchants internalize cardholders' benefits (even without merchant competition). Use of an instrument with high merchant fees also raises prices paid by other consumers, a non-pecuniary externality. While it can be allocatively efficient to tax rivals of a firm (or cooperative) with market power, competition policy urges otherwise. The competitive bias and the externality on other consumers vanish when competing payment instruments are equally costly to merchants, suggesting a simple policy benchmark.
Implementation of mixed-time partition algorithms for nonlinear thermal analysis of structures

This paper deals with the computer implementation and the evaluation of the mixed-time partitioned algorithms for nonlinear, transient thermal analysis of structures. These procedures feature automated implicit block-by-block iterative method, different time steps in different domains, implicit-explicit procedures and adaptive time step strategies. The time step is selected on the basis of stability criteria and accuracy. Three numerical examples are presented to illustrate the selection procedures for the hybrid partitions and to confirm the stability criterion and accuracy characteristics of these methods. The advantages which can be gained by these hybrid methods in comparison to the single-step explicit method or to the single-step implicit method is also demonstrated with these examples.
Upper crustal azimuthal anisotropy across the contiguous U.S. determined by Rayleigh wave ellipticity

Constraints on upper crustal seismic anisotropy provide insight into the local stress orientation and structural fabric, but such constraints are scarce except in areas with dense recordings of local seismicity. We investigate directionally dependent Rayleigh wave ellipticity, or Rayleigh wave H/V (horizontal to vertical) amplitude ratios, between 8 and 20 s period across USArray to infer azimuthal anisotropy in the upper crust across the contiguous U.S. To determine the H/V ratios, we use all available multicomponent ambient noise cross correlations between all USArray stations operating between 2007 and 2013. In many locations, the observed H/V ratios are clearly back azimuth dependent with a 180° periodicity, which allows the fast directions and amplitudes of upper crustal anisotropy to be determined. The observed patterns of anisotropy correlate well with both near-surface geological features (e.g., the Intermountain Seismic Belt and Appalachian-Ouachita collision belt) and a previous stress model.
Conditions of vector delivery improve efficiency of adenoviral-mediated gene transfer to the transplanted heart

Objectives: Conditions for ex vivo gene transfer to the transplanted heart were studied in a model of syngeneic abdominal heterotopic heart transplantation in the rat. Various methods of adenoviral-mediated gene transfer to the transplanted heart were compared. Methods :I n the first experiment, a dose response study, an adenoviral vector encoding the b-galactosidase gene was infused into the donor heart with the pulmonary artery open and flushed out prior to performing the transplant. In the second experiment, the effects of clamping the pulmonary artery during vector infusion and not flushing out the viral solution, resulting in vector dwell during the warm ischemia, were examined. Results: In the first experiment, gene transfer was relatively inefficient; however, transgene expression improved with increases in the vector dose (range, 1 £ 10 7 ‐1 £ 10 9 ). The efficiency of gene transfer was significantly greater when the conditions of the second experiment were applied. In all models studied, cardiomyocytes and not vascular endothelial cells were the predominant cell type transduced. Conclusions: This study indicates that the conditions of adenoviral vector delivery are critical for optimizing gene transfer in the transplant setting. In addition, intravascular administration of adenoviral vector to the donor heart results predominantly in cardiomyocyte transgene expression. q 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Stereospecific Metabolism of Itraconazole by CYP3A4: Dioxolane Ring Scission of Azole Antifungals

Itraconazole (ITZ) is a mixture of four cis-stereoisomers that inhibit CYP3A4 potently and coordinate CYP3A4 heme via the triazole nitrogen. However, (2R,4S,2′R)-ITZ and (2R,4S,2′S)-ITZ also undergo stereoselective sequential metabolism by CYP3A4 at a site distant from the triazole ring to 3′-OH-ITZ, keto-ITZ, and N-desalkyl-ITZ. This stereoselective metabolism demonstrates specific interactions of ITZ within the CYP3A4 active site. To further investigate this process, the binding and metabolism of the four trans-ITZ stereoisomers by CYP3A4 were characterized. All four trans-ITZ stereoisomers were tight binding inhibitors of CYP3A4-mediated midazolam hydroxylation (IC50 16–26 nM), and each gave a type II spectrum upon binding to CYP3A4. However, instead of formation of 3′-OH-ITZ, they were oxidized at the dioxolane ring, leading to ring scission and formation of two new metabolites of ITZ. These two metabolites were also formed from the four cis-ITZ stereoisomers, although not as efficiently. The catalytic rates of dioxolane ring scission were similar to the dissociation rates of ITZ stereoisomers from CYP3A4, suggesting that the heme iron is reduced while the triazole moiety coordinates to it and no dissociation of ITZ is necessary before catalysis. The triazole containing metabolite [1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)ethanone] also inhibited CYP3A4 (IC50 >15 μM) and showed type II binding with CYP3A4. The dioxolane ring scission appears to be clinically relevant because this metabolite was detected in urine samples from subjects that had been administered the mixture of cis-ITZ isomers. These data suggest that the dioxolane ring scission is a metabolic pathway for drugs that contain this moiety.
Roll-up Structures: Evidence of In situ Microbial Mats in Late Archean Deep Shelf Environments

In addition to its well-known banded iron formations, the late Archean to Paleoproterozoic Hamersley Group of Western Australia contains substantial volumes of thinly laminated carbonaceous shale and carbonate lutite. Locally, some of the laminae in these carbonates are deformed into highly distinctive folds in pockets whose cross-sections range up to about 2 cm in height and 10 cm in length. Individual folds consistently have circular hinge zones and vary in shape from simple buckles to recumbent, elastica, and even spiral geometries. Based on the strength and flexibility with which they responded to soft-sediment deformation, we infer the deformed carbonaceous laminae were bound by cohesive microbial mats. We propose the name roll-up structures for these features as they differ in subtle but important ways from most previously described soft-sediment deformation structures. Roll-up structures only occur in lutites deposited below wave base and are absent from peritidal deposits, suggesting that the microbial mats involved may not have been based on photosynthesis. Large portions of the deep sea floor could presumably have been stabilized by mats built by heterotrophic or chemoautotrophic microbes prior to the Neoproterozoic, given the lack of both predators and competing algae. Roll-up structures are potentially useful as indicators of deposition below wave base, but very few candidates have been reported anywhere else save for the coeval carbonates of the Transvaal basin of South Africa. The paucity of other examples, particularly in younger strata, means that either roll-up structures have simply not been distinguished from other types of soft-sediment deformation structures, or the microbes and/or environmental conditions required to make them are a rarity in Earth history.
Isosorbide dinitrate plus hydralazine was effective for advanced heart failure in black patients.

Source Citation Taylor AL, Ziesche S, Yancy C, et al. Combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine in blacks with heart failure. N Engl J Med. 2004;351:2049-57. 15533851
McLafferty‐type rearrangement in the collision‐induced dissociation of Li+, Na+ and Ag+ cationized esters of N‐acetylated peptides

In this study we investigated the multi-stage collision-induced dissociation (CID) of N-terminally acetylated di-, tri- and tetrapeptides in the form of C-terminal ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl and tert-butyl esters and cationized by the attachment of Li+, Na+ and Ag+. While methyl ester versions of the metal cationized peptides primarily eliminate H2O following collisional activation and dissociation, the ethyl, propyl and butyl ester versions of the peptides exhibit a dissociation pathway consistent with γ-hydrogen transfer to the C-terminal carbonyl group, with associated elimination of an alkene, in a McLafferty-type rearrangement. The rearrangement leaves a metal cationized, free-acid form of the peptide, as confirmed by comparing the multi-stage CID of rearrangement products generated from peptide esters with the CID of corresponding metal cationized free-acid peptides. The transfer of a γ-hydrogen in the rearrangement reaction was confirmed by investigating the CID of ethyl esters for which the terminal methyl group was labeled with deuterium. We found that the rearrangement product was significantly more abundant, relative to other product ions, when derived from isopropyl and tert-butyl esters than from ethyl, n-propyl or n-butyl ester analogues. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discovering 3D Surface Information Values from Gameplayers

A novel algorithm discovers surface information values from collected player data. Designers can use this information to place artifacts so as to improve or obscure observation, as intended. In a validation user study that implemented this approach, players viewed 84 percent of artifacts placed in high-value information locations.
Standoff 3D Gamma-Ray Imaging

We present a new standoff imaging technique able to provide 3-dimensional (3D) images of gamma-ray sources distributed in the environment. Unlike standard 3D tomographic methods, this technique does not require the radioactive sources to be bounded within a predefined physical space. In the present implementation, the gamma-ray imaging system is based on two large planar HPGe double sided segmented detectors, which are used in a Compton camera configuration. A LIDAR system is used in conjunction with the gamma-ray imaging system to confine the gamma-ray image space to the interior of physical objects situated within the detection range of the gamma-ray imager. This approach results in superior image contrast and efficient image reconstruction. Results demonstrating the operating principle are reported.
Sources of diagnostic error in the fine-needle aspiration diagnosis of Warthin's tumor and clues to a correct diagnosis

Squamous metaplasia and cystic degeneration in Warthin's tumor (WT) are not uncommon. A recent case of WT misdiagnosed as metastatic squamous carcinoma with cystic change prompted us to review our experience with fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of WT, with special attention given to potential sources of diagnostic pitfalls. Aspirations from 16 cases of histologically confirmed WT were retrospectively evaluated for cellularity, cell composition, and background. The FNA review diagnosis was compared with the previous FNA and corresponding tissue findings. All tumors presented in the parotid gland. The initial cytologic diagnoses were: WT in 13 cases, oncocytoma vs. low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma in 1, squamous carcinoma vs. branchial cleft cyst in 1, and squamous carcinoma in 1. On review, 13 cases (81%) showed typical features associated with WT: Moderate to abundant oncocytic epithelium, lymphoid stroma, background debris, and mild squamous metaplasia. In the remaining cases, one lacked a lymphoid stroma and could not be further classified (initially called "oncocytoma vs. low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma"). The other 2 cases contained moderate to abundant atypical squamous cells and extensive necrotic/mucoid debris, and review diagnoses were consistent with the initial cytologic diagnoses (squamous carcinoma in one, and branchial cleft cyst vs. squamous carcinoma in the other). In our series, typical features of WT were seen in 81% of cases. Atypical features are largely present as individual metaplastic squamous cells. Diagnostic errors are caused by a lack of typical features and the presence of individual atypical squamous cells in a necrotic background mimicking carcinoma. An awareness of the morphologic variation present on cytologic preparations and correlation with clinical findings should prevent erroneous interpretation in the FNA setting.
Frenkel-exciton Hamiltonian for dendrimeric nanostar

Abstract Exciton energies and transfer matrix-elements for the nanostar (a perylene chromophore attached to a poly-phenylacetylene dendrimer) are obtained by computing the linear absorption of several segments using the collective electronic oscillator (CEO) approach. Our results allow a first-principles calculation of an effective Frenkel exciton Hamiltonian which can describe the optical properties as well as energy transfer and funneling in this artificial antenna complex.
Stable control of distributed hysteretic systems using cellular broadcast stochastic feedback

This work develops a provably stable broadcast feedback approach to regulating the aggregate output of a collection of stochastically behaving cellular units with pronounced hysteresis. Similar to skeletal muscle, comprised of a number of muscle fibers, the cellular units are independent and each contributes to an aggregate system output. The control architecture consists of a central controller that only observes the aggregate system output and cell-level controllers that manage cell state on the hysteresis loop. The central controller stochastically recruits cells to reduce expected squared error. Stability analysis based on supermartingale theory guarantees that the control framework is stable.
On the radius of convergence of mixed cascades of analytic nonlinear input-output systems

The primary goal is to compute the radius of convergence of any cascade connection involving analytic functions and analytic integral operators, provided that the composite system is well defined and resides in one of these two classes.
Compressional to shear wave conversion in oceanic crust

Summary Mode conversion for compressional to shear waves or vice versa, occurs most efficiently where the seismic wave encounters a large change in seismic velocities over a distance of less than half a wavelength. In the oceanic crust, the interface between water or sediment and the volcanic basement is frequently the site of considerable mode conversion. We examine the effect of changes in the sediment and the basement properties on the efficiency of mode conversion over a range of horizontal phase velocities assuming that the interface is a first order discontinuity. We then show with the aid of synthetic seismograms calculated using the reflectivity method that a small transition zone at the top of the basement over which the velocities increase with depth may have a considerable effect on the amount of conversion. In particular, small changes in the shear wave velocity structure over thicknesses of around half the shear wavelength may markedly change the amplitudes of the variable angle basement reflection and the doubly converted lower crustal shear waves even though we may only consider compressional waves incident on and returned from the crust. Thus, at typical seismic source frequencies, a change of only a few metres to a few tens of metres in the shear wave transition zone thickness, although considerably less than the wavelength of an incident compressional wave may greatly alter the resultant compressional wave crustal seismogram.
Non-specific filtering of beta-distributed data

Non-specific feature selection is a dimension reduction procedure performed prior to cluster analysis of high dimensional molecular data. Not all measured features are expected to show biological variation, so only the most varying are selected for analysis. In DNA methylation studies, DNA methylation is measured as a proportion, bounded between 0 and 1, with variance a function of the mean. Filtering on standard deviation biases the selection of probes to those with mean values near 0.5. We explore the effect this has on clustering, and develop alternate filter methods that utilize a variance stabilizing transformation for Beta distributed data and do not share this bias. We compared results for 11 different non-specific filters on eight Infinium HumanMethylation data sets, selected to span a variety of biological conditions. We found that for data sets having a small fraction of samples showing abnormal methylation of a subset of normally unmethylated CpGs, a characteristic of the CpG island methylator phenotype in cancer, a novel filter statistic that utilized a variance-stabilizing transformation for Beta distributed data outperformed the common filter of using standard deviation of the DNA methylation proportion, or its log-transformed M-value, in its ability to detect the cancer subtype in a cluster analysis. However, the standard deviation filter always performed among the best for distinguishing subgroups of normal tissue. The novel filter and standard deviation filter tended to favour features in different genome contexts; for the same data set, the novel filter always selected more features from CpG island promoters and the standard deviation filter always selected more features from non-CpG island intergenic regions. Interestingly, despite selecting largely non-overlapping sets of features, the two filters did find sample subsets that overlapped for some real data sets. We found two different filter statistics that tended to prioritize features with different characteristics, each performed well for identifying clusters of cancer and non-cancer tissue, and identifying a cancer CpG island hypermethylation phenotype. Since cluster analysis is for discovery, we would suggest trying both filters on any new data sets, evaluating the overlap of features selected and clusters discovered.
Temperature elevation in a beam of ultrasound.

Abstract Computations are made of the temperature elevation expected at points along the axis of an unfocussed beam of ultrasound in a homogeneous absorbing medium. A simplified model is used in which the intensity is assumed uniform over a cross section. Heat conduction is taken into account, but not convection or perfusion. Results are presented for frequencies from 1 to 10 MHz and beam diameters from 0.2 to 2.4 cm. The results include limiting temperatures, reached at infinite time, as well as temperature vs time characteristics. As an example for certain conditions (transducer diameter 1.2 cm, frequency 4 MHz, intensity at the transducer 0.1 W/cm2, tissue acoustically similar to liver, transducer thermal conductivity similar to that of tissue) the temperature elevation produced at a distance 2 cm from the transducer is calculated to be 0.61°C after 253 s; it then increases more and more slowly, approaching, but never exceeding, 1.46°C.
Aqueous extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces as an antimicrobial rinse on hot dogs against Listeria monocytogenes and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract Contamination of ready-to-eat meat products by foodborne pathogens is a major concern in the food industry. Novel methods to control foodborne pathogens are made necessary by continuing outbreaks as well as the development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts could be useful as a natural source of antimicrobial rinse on ready-to-eat products to control pathogens. In this study, lyophilized Hibiscus flower extracts were examined for their antimicrobial activity as a rinse on all-beef hot dogs against Listeria monocytogenes and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Beef hot dogs were dip inoculated in overnight cultures of 1:1 mixtures of L. monocytogenes strains Scott A and 101 or MRSA strains ATCC 33591 and ATCC 33593 and were placed at 4 °C overnight to allow for bacterial attachment. Hot dogs were rinsed with extracts (120, 240 mg/mL) or water (control) for 5, 15, 30, or 60 min and then plated immediately (0 h; no storage) or stored at 4 °C overnight and plated at 24 h. Serial dilutions were plated in duplicate on both TSA and selection media, Modified Oxford ( Listeria ) or Baird Parker (MRSA), and the entire experiment was replicated 3 times. Higher extract concentrations, longer rinse times, and longer storage times were the most effective at inhibiting and/or killing L. monocytogenes and MRSA on hot dogs. L. monocytogenes was reduced to ca. 1.5 log CFU/g while MRSA was reduced to undetectable levels following rinsing of hot dogs with extracts at 240 mg/mL for 60 min and stored for 24 h. Both L. monocytogenes and MRSA were reduced ca. 2 log CFU/g following rinsing of hot dogs with extracts at 120 mg/mL for 60 min and stored for 24 h. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of Hibiscus extracts against L. monocytogenes and MRSA as an antimicrobial rinse on ready-to-eat meat products.
Gender Bias in Diagnostic Radiology Resident Selection, Does it Exist?

Rationale and Objectives To investigate whether there is a bias in the residency selection process that influences the proportion of females entering diagnostic radiology residencies. Materials and Methods A total of 4117 applications to one diagnostic radiology residency program from 2008 to 2014 were analyzed. Invitations to interview were evaluated by each year, specifically looking at gender. Ranking of applicants, especially those placed in top 25% of the rank, was also assessed. Additional data analyzed included United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 board examination score (a proxy for academic performance), interview scores, and final position on rank list. Results Female applicants averaged 24% of the total applicant pool during the years studied, yet made up a disproportionately high percentage of applicants invited to interview (30%) and those ranked in top 25% (38%). It was found that female applicants had slightly higher mean interview scores and lower Step 1 scores than male applicants. Conclusions Our findings suggest that program directors in one program want to increase gender diversity by making strides to keep the female candidate pool and the proportion of female residents in the program at least stable. The pipeline of female medical students pursuing a career in radiology appears to be a limiting factor rather than a bias against women in the resident selection process. Identifying such trends is important as it provides a better understanding of the etiology for an overall lack of gender diversity within the field. Furthermore, it may lead to closing the gender gap in radiology.
The Effect Of Environmental And Economic Factors On The Choice Of Union

This study examines the factors influencing the joint union/employee choice regarding representation of work units using 16,292 elections from 1977 to 1981. The proposition tested is that AFL-CIO affiliates, the Teamsters, and other independent national unions are selective in choosing who they will represent. Employees desiring union representation are left to form independent local unions when AFL-CIO affiliates, the Teamsters, and other independent national unions decline to represent them. It is proposed that the unions choice to represent (or not) a unit of employees is based upon environment and economic conditions supportive of a greater (lesser) ability to improve that units working conditions and greater (lesser) benefits and lower (higher) costs to the union. Results indicate that the Teamsters attempted to organize and independent local unions were formed in units where working conditions were unlikely to be improved and the benefits to the union were low. AFL-CIO affiliates and independent national unions attempted to organize units where improvements in working conditions were more likely and the benefits were greater.
Criteria for Ethical Decision Making in Managerial Situations

Managers have a variety of tools at their disposal to analyze the impact of alternative courses of action on costs, revenues, and profits. Both short term and long term implications can be examined through sophisticated computer models, elaborate forecasting techniques, and complex algorithms designed to explore every financial aspect of a decision. On the other hand, there are no comparable techniques available to examine the ethical implications of a proposed course of action.This paper outlines an approach to help managers incorporate ethical considerations into the decision making process. A series of tests are developed which are based on ethical concepts proposed by moral philosophers and other authors over the years. The ethical tests can be effective in conveying an understanding of the ethics of a given action since the decision is framed in terms which are familiar to managers. The tests can thus form the basis for informed judgment in a business situation. The ethical tests are applied to three examples of ethical dilemmas that occur frequently and transcend many types of businesses. These are conflicts of interest, bribery, and the issue of bluffing and deception. The examples illustrate how the tests can be used to aid in the systematic review of the ethical dimensions of many business problems.
Taxonomic Structure: Species Diversity

Terrestrial ecologists long ago remarked on the richness of the floras and faunas of tropical environments relative to colder climates. The diversification within many specific taxonomic groups is clearly greater in the tropics than in temperate latitudes, both in terrestrial and in marine environments (Fig. 12–1). Low numbers of species are also typical of severe and disturbed habitats. Such observations have spawned an abundant and contentious body of publications that have dealt with three major problems: first, how to quantify the clearly observable differences in diversity, second, how are such differences in taxonomic richness of communities generated and maintained, and third, what do such differences mean ecologically.
Do changes in interfraction organ at risk volume and cylinder insertion geometry impact delivered dose in high-dose-rate vaginal cuff brachytherapy?

Abstract Purpose Within a multifraction high-dose-rate vaginal cuff brachytherapy course, we determined if individual variations in organ at risk (OAR) volume and cylinder insertion geometry (CIG) impacted dose and whether planned minus fractional (P − F) differences led to a discrepancy between planned dose and delivered dose. Methods and Materials We analyzed vaginal cuff brachytherapy applications from consecutive patients treated with three fractions of 5 Gy after each undergoing a planning CT and three repeat fractional CTs (fCTs). Rectal and bladder D2ccs and volumes were recorded in addition to the x (in relationship to midplane) and y (in relationship to the table) angles of CIG. Paired t-tests and multiple regression analyses were performed. Results Twenty-seven patients were identified. In comparing the planning CT vs. mean fCT rectal volumes, bladder volumes, x angles, and y angles, only bladder volume was significantly different (planned volume higher, t = 2.433, p = 0.017). The cumulative mean planned OAR D2cc vs. delivered D2cc was only significantly different for the bladder (planned dose lower, t = −2.025, p = 0.053). Regression analysis revealed planned rectal D2cc (p Conclusions A more posterior y angle of insertion was found to increase rectal D2cc leading us to believe that angling the vaginal cylinder anteriorly may reduce rectal dose without significantly increasing bladder dose. Although attention should be paid to OAR volume and CIG to minimize OAR dose, the clinical significance of P − F changes remains yet to be shown.
Indications for and Considerations Surrounding Interval Cholecystectomy

The management strategies involving acute cholecystitis have evolved over time. Prior to 1970, management of acute cholecystitis included initial treatment of the inflammation with antibiotics if clinically feasible and time followed by elective open removal of the gallbladder 4–6 weeks after the acute episode. In the 1970s and 1980s, this paradigm began to change and early cholecystectomy became the treatment of choice. This approach allowed early cessation of the patient’s pain, a decreased length of stay, and a minimization of the complications associated with failed nonoperative management. Supporting this approach, studies demonstrated no difference in the amount of hemorrhage or the duration of surgery when compared to delayed open cholecystectomy [1–7].
Multivalent hyaluronic acid bioconjugates improve sFlt-1 activity in vitro.

Anti-VEGF drugs that are used in conjunction with laser ablation to treat patients with diabetic retinopathy suffer from short half-lives in the vitreous of the eye resulting in the need for frequent intravitreal injections. To improve the intravitreal half-life of anti-VEGF drugs, such as the VEGF decoy receptor sFlt-1, we developed multivalent bioconjugates of sFlt-1 grafted to linear hyaluronic acid (HyA) chains termed mvsFlt. Using size exclusion chromatography with multiangle light scattering (SEC-MALS), SDS-PAGE, and dynamic light scattering (DLS), we characterized the mvsFlt with a focus on the molecular weight contribution of protein and HyA components to the overall bioconjugate size. We found that mvsFlt activity was independent of HyA conjugation using a sandwich ELISA and in vitro angiogenesis assays including cell survival, migration and tube formation. Using an in vitro model of the vitreous with crosslinked HyA gels, we demonstrated that larger mvsFlt bioconjugates showed slowed release and mobility in these hydrogels compared to low molecular weight mvsFlt and unconjugated sFlt-1. Finally, we used an enzyme specific to sFlt-1 to show that conjugation to HyA shields sFlt-1 from protein degradation. Taken together, our findings suggest that mvsFlt bioconjugates retain VEGF binding affinity, shield sFlt-1 from enzymatic degradation, and their movement in hydrogel networks (in vitro model of the vitreous) is controlled by both bioconjugate size and hydrogel network mesh size. These results suggest that a strategy of multivalent conjugation could substantially improve drug residence time in the eye and potentially improve therapeutics for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
All optical bifocal lens array architecture for demultiplexing spatial domain/space division multiplexed optical channels

Architecture and CAD analysis of an array of lenses, which simulates spatial domain/space division multiplexed optical channels and then spatially demultiplexes the independent optical channels to the corresponding fibers or detectors, is presented.
Influence of cholesterol on estrogen induced aortic ruptures in turkeys.

SummaryA high incidence of aortic ruptures occurred when turkeys were fed diets containing diethylstilbestrol, dienestrol diace-tate, and dienestrol diacetate-cholesterol. A low incidence of mortality occurred when turkeys were fed a diet fortified with both cholesterol and diethylstilbestrol, and there was a marked lowering of total plasma lipid of such treated poults. No mortality occurred in cholesterol fed and control birds. Coronary atherosclerosis was severe in diethyl-stilbestrol, dienestrol diacetate, and dienestrol diacetate-cholesterol fed turkeys, moderately severe in diethylstilbestrol-cholesterol fed turkeys, and mild in cholesterol fed turkeys.
Studies on the Development of Asexual Reproductive Structures in Pilobolus

SUMMARYThe formation of trophocysts and sporangiophores in a strain of Pilobolus kleinii which formed trophocysts only after the mycelium had been exposed to light was investigated by altering phys...
Application of Ultraviolet-visible Spectrophotometry in Analysis of Antibiotics

The application of ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry in the analysis of antibiotics in recent years was reviewed,included the determination of beta lactan,aminoglycoside,tetracycline,macrolide,and qunolone antibiotics.The development and prospect of this technique was discussed.
Short- and long-term plasticity of the perforant path synapse in hippocampal area CA3.

The direct perforant path (PP) projection to CA3 is a major source of cortical input to the hippocampal region, yet relatively little is known about the basic properties of physiology and plasticit...
Regulation of the β-globin locus

Abstract Transcription of the human β-globin gene cluster depends upon upstream regulatory sequences, which are collectively termed the locus control region. Recent studies have provided new insights into how the individual genes of the cluster are regulated through development. The crux of transcriptional activation is how the locus control region communicates with the gene-proximal regulatory elements.
Joint design of transmit and receive beamforming for interference mitigation

Conventional phased-array radar forms a transmit beam pointed to a target of interest, whereas a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) radar employs omni-directional transmission. In both systems, the transmission process takes place without accounting for any interference sources present in the radar scene; and interference mitigation is performed primarily through a receive beamformer. In this paper, we consider joint design of the transmit and receive beamforming in an active array by exploiting a-priori information on the locations of the target and interference. We propose a cyclic optimization algorithm to maximize the output signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) with respect to the transmit and, respectively, receive beamforming vector. Numerical results demonstrate that a significant gain in the output SINR can be achieved by the proposed scheme, compared to the conventional phased-array radar and the MIMO radar.
Anion-Cation Mediated Structural Rearrangement of an In-derived Three-Dimensional Interpenetrated Metal-Organic Framework.

Postsynthetic modification of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has proven an effective method of synthesizing architectures that have proven challenging to produce via classic solvothermal means. Herein we report the anion–cation assisted solid-state transformation of a three-dimensional MOF (ATF-1) to a series of two-dimensional structures (YCM-21-Z) via treatment with quaternary ammonium halides. It is important to note that this reaction requires no exogoneous building blocks (inorganic cation and/or organic linker) for conversion to occur. This reaction led to the synthesis of a chemically unique framework YCM-21-Bnpy in which phase-pure synthesis cannot be achieved by solvothermal means. The mechanism of transformation was studied with data supporting a nucleophilic halide (Br, Cl, or F) mediated de-intercalation and cation-assisted flattening of the In secondary building unit as the key mechanistic steps.
Strategies for improving utilization of computerized statistical data by the social scientific community

Abstract In recent decades there has been a notable expansion of statistical data produced by the public and private sectors for administrative, research, policy and evaluation programmes. This is due to advances in relatively inexpensive and efficient data collection and management of computerreadable statistical data. Corresponding changes have not occurred in the management of data collection, preservation, description and dissemination. As a result, the process by which data become accessible to social researchers and others is frustrating, time consuming, and inefficient. This paper describes the reasons for this situation: the problem-solving workstyle of social data users, the nature of the data and their relationship to computer technology, and an inchoate social science information infrastructure. Since statistical data play an increasingly important role in social research and policy decisions, social science information specialists must be prepared to meet the computer-readable statistical data user's needs. Four strategies are recommended for improving utilization of these data: improving the quality of statistical evidence, educating information professionals and end-users in numerical information, using the existing information infrastructure to preserve and disseminate data, and developing retrieval tools for improving access to information about social data.
Application of the Energy Minimization Method to a Search for the Transition State for the H2 + D2 Exchange Reaction

A major question in quantum chemistry is: How do hydrogen molecules exchange hydrogen atoms? Many have considered this query,1-18 but none have satisfactorily answered it. Bimolecular exchange has been studied with increasingly sophisticated methodology (large configuration interactions, double-zeta-plus-polarization basis sets).7 Geometries considered for the transition-state include: squares,1,2,3,7 kites,2,7 tetrahedra,2,3 chains,2,3,5,7,13 trapezoids,2,7 Y’s,7 T’s,6 and rhomboids.2,3,7 To date, the lowest calculated Ab initio bimolecular adiabatic activation energy is about 490 kJ/mol above 2H2.13 In contrast, the experimental Arrhenius activation energy corresponding to a second order bimolecular reaction is about 170 kJ/mol above 2H2.16,18
Basal and induced IL-1α versus IL-1β mRNA expression (117.10)

Interleukin (IL)-1β is a critical and comprehensively studied proinflammatory cytokine that signals through IL-1r1. However, IL-1β may not be the only IL-1 with important actions. While IL-1α shares the signaling pathway with IL-1β, much less is known about the importance of IL-1α in health and disease. Utilizing several whole tissues, isolated cells and cell lines, we examined the ratio of IL-1α and IL-1β mRNA expression. The ratio of IL-1α to IL-1β in brain and liver were similar, but differed from the ratio observed in adipose and spleen. To investigate a possible cellular source of these differences, we isolated microglia from whole brain. These cells, as well as the BV2 microglial cell line, demonstrated an IL-1 ratio similar to brain expression. BV2 cells were then challenged with endotoxin to determine if an inflammatory stimulus altered the IL-1 ratio. Indeed, while both IL-1α and IL-1β were upregulated after LPS treatment, the relative expression changes were different and altered the IL-1 ratio from its basal state. We have shown that not only does the IL-1 ratio differ between tissues, but also with immune stimulation. These data suggest that within the numerous functions of the IL-1 super family, actions of IL-1α and IL-1β may vary depending on tissue, cell and host status.
Device-Detected Atrial Fibrillation: What to Do With Asymptomatic Patients?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinically significant arrhythmia and conveys an increased risk of stroke, regardless of whether it is symptomatic. Despite multiple studies supporting an association between subclinical atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATs) detected by cardiac implantable electronic devices and increased risk of thromboembolic events, clinical intervention for device-detected AT remains sluggish, with some clinicians delaying treatment and instead opting for continued surveillance for additional or longer episodes. However, the 2014 updated clinical practice guidelines on AF recommend use of the CHA2DS2-VASc stroke risk score for nonvalvular AF, with oral anticoagulation recommended for scores ≥2, regardless of whether AF is paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent. This paper reviews the epidemiology of AF and mechanisms of stroke in AF, and discusses device-detected AF and its clinical implications.
An integrated model for detecting significant chromatin interactions from high-resolution Hi-C data.

Here we present HiC-DC, a principled method to estimate the statistical significance (P values) of chromatin interactions from Hi-C experiments. HiC-DC uses hurdle negative binomial regression account for systematic sources of variation in Hi-C read counts—for example, distance-dependent random polymer ligation and GC content and mappability bias—and model zero inflation and overdispersion. Applied to high-resolution Hi-C data in a lymphoblastoid cell line, HiC-DC detects significant interactions at the sub-topologically associating domain level, identifying potential structural and regulatory interactions supported by CTCF binding sites, DNase accessibility, and/or active histone marks. CTCF-associated interactions are most strongly enriched in the middle genomic distance range (∼700 kb–1.5 Mb), while interactions involving actively marked DNase accessible elements are enriched both at short ( 1.5 Mb) genomic distances. There is a striking enrichment of longer-range interactions connecting replication-dependent histone genes on chromosome 6, potentially representing the chromatin architecture at the histone locus body. Genome-wide chromosome conformation capture has helped us identify features of genome topology influencing biology but requires careful statistical analysis. Here the authors present HiC-DC, a bioinformatics method that can detect statistically significant regulatory interactions.
Ion-beam deposition of fluoride thin films

Ion beam-based thin film deposition processes are reviewed. Results illustrating some of the benefits of ion bombardment to fluoride coatings are presented. Fluoride coatings deposited using ion beam processes have higher packing density, lower stress, improved durability, and better adhesion.
Contact Selectivity Engineering in a 2 μm Thick Ultrathin c-Si Solar Cell Using Transition-Metal Oxides Achieving an Efficiency of 10.8%

In this paper, the integration of metal oxides as carrier-selective contacts for ultrathin crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells is demonstrated which results in an ∼13% relative improvement in efficiency. The improvement in efficiency originates from the suppression of the contact recombination current due to the band offset asymmetry of these oxides with Si. First, an ultrathin c-Si solar cell having a total thickness of 2 μm is shown to have >10% efficiency without any light-trapping scheme. This is achieved by the integration of nickel oxide (NiOx) as a hole-selective contact interlayer material, which has a low valence band offset and high conduction band offset with Si. Second, we show a champion cell efficiency of 10.8% with the additional integration of titanium oxide (TiOx), a well-known material for an electron-selective contact interlayer. Key parameters including Voc and Jsc also show different degrees of enhancement if single (NiOx only) or double (both NiOx and TiOx) carrier-selective conta...
On the Influence of Contextual Features for the Identification of Complex Words

This paper evaluates the effect of the context of a target word on the identification of complex words in natural language texts. The approach automatically tags words as either complex or not, bas...
Bloating and Gas

The symptom of abdominal bloating is extremely common (1; 2). Clinically, patients with abdominal bloating complain of a generalized abdominal discomfort not localized in a specific quadrant of the abdomen. They will describe their abdomen as markedly distended, often using the term “similar to my pregnancies”. Patients avoid tight-fitting clothes because of discomfort from the clothes on their skin. Often patients have associated increases in both belching and flatulence, which may or may not relieve the discomfort.
Role of antiplatelet therapy in the durability of hemodialysis access

Antiplatelet therapy (APT) is often used on anecdotal grounds to improve vascular access patency. The aim of this study was to assess the role of APT in hemodialysis (HD) patients undergoing arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or graft (AVG) placement. All patients in a large HD vascular qualitative initiative database (2011–2017) were included and divided into no antiplatelet therapy (no-APT) vs. any APT [aspirin (ASA) or P2Y12 inhibitors (PI)]. Multivariate [logistic (MLR) and Cox (MCR) regression] analyses were used as appropriate. A total of 24,847 patients undergoing HD access creation were identified (78% AVF). APT was noted among 49 and 46% of AVG and AVF patients, respectively. In MLR analysis, patients on no-APT vs. APT had a 12-fold increased risk of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio (OR) 11.79, [95% confidence interval 5.30–26.26]) and the risk of developing steal syndrome was higher among patients discharged on APT (OR 1.81, [1.19–2.76]). In patients undergoing AVF, primary patency (PP) was similar between APT and no-APT. However, in patients undergoing AVG, PP rates at 12 months were significantly higher for APT: ASA (47 vs. 41%) and PI (51 vs. 41%) than for no-APT (p = 0.008). At MCR analysis, the loss of PP at 12 months was 13% lower in ASA users (hazard ratio (HR) 0.87, [0.77–0.97], p = 0.02) and 24% lower in PI users (HR 0.76, [0.57–0.99], p = 0.046) compared to no-APT. In a large national database, we showed that antiplatelet therapy was associated with lower in-hospital mortality. Aspirin and P2Y12-inhibitor use among AVG patients demonstrated improved PP rates compared to no antiplatelet therapy. We recommend the use of antiplatelet therapy especially in patients on AVG.
Cardiac problems associated with burns

A variety of environmental injuries may result in serious cardiovascular disturbances. Although these conditions are infrequently encountered, they may have devastating effects on the individual patient. The cardiovascular consequences of environmental injury may range from the subtle to the dramatic. This article summarizes the pathophysiology and management of injuries resulting from burns, contact with domestic or natural electricity, and exposure to extremes of atmospheric pressure.
Mechanics of Liquid Mixtures

A brief introduction is provided for modeling the response of mixtures under the assumption that the constituents can be modeled as a continuum and that the constituents co-occupy the region of the mixture in a homogenized sense. The constituents of the mixture can undergo chemical reactions and there can be interconversion between the constituents. Balance laws are provided for the constituents of the mixture that allow for the chemical reactions as well as the numerous other interaction mechanisms between the constituents. After developing the general framework, the theory will be used to develop a model for the flow of a mixture of fluids.
Hybrid Nanostructures from the Self-Assembly of Proteins and DNA

Summary Proteins and DNA are two commonly used molecules for self-assembling nanotechnology. In this tutorial review, we discuss the hybrid field of “protein-DNA nanotechnology,” whereby proteins are integrated with DNA scaffolds for the creation of hybrid nanostructures with distinct properties of each molecular type. We first discuss bioconjugation strategies, both covalent and supramolecular, for integrating proteins with DNA nanostructures. Next, we review seminal work in four emerging areas of protein-DNA nanotechnology: (1) controlling protein orientation on DNA nanoscaffolds, (2) controlling protein function with DNA nanodevices, (3) answering biological questions with protein-DNA nanostructures, and (4) building hybrid structures that integrate both protein and DNA structural units. Finally, we close with a series of forward-looking research propositions and ideas for directions of the field. The emphasis of this work is on integrated nanostructures with precise protein orientation on DNA scaffolds, as well as hybrid assemblies that integrate the structural and functional properties of each molecule.