cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pressure-induced phase transitions in Pa metal from first-principles theory

Protactinium metal is shown to undergo a phase transition to the {alpha}-U orthorhombic structure below 1 Mbar pressure. At higher pressures, the bct phase reenters in the phase diagram and at the highest pressures, an ideal hcp structure becomes stable. Hence, Pa undergoes a sequence of transitions; bct{r_arrow}{alpha}-U{r_arrow}bct{r_arrow}hcp, with the first transition taking place at 0.25 Mbar and the subsequent ones above 1 Mbar. The bct{r_arrow}{alpha}-U transition is triggered by the pressure-induced promotion of the spd valence states to 5f states. In this regard, Pa approaches uranium which at ambient conditions has one more 5f electron than Pa at similar conditions. At higher compression of Pa, the 5f band broadens and electrostatic interactions in combination with Born-Mayer repulsion become increasingly important and this drives Pa to gradually more close-packed structures. At ultrahigh pressures, the balance between electrostatic energy, Born-Mayer repulsion, and one-electron band energy stabilizes the hcp (ideal packing) structure. The electrostatic energy and Born-Mayer repulsion rule out open crystal structures under these conditions in Pa and between the close-packed structures, the hcp structure is shown to be stabilized by filling of the 5f band. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Thermospheric distribution of fast O(1D) atoms

[1] Detailed calculations are carried out of the sources of energetic metastable O(1D) atoms in the atmosphere at altitudes between 80 km and 200 km, and the corresponding energy distribution functions are derived, taking account of energy transfer and quenching in collisions of the metastable atoms with the ambient atmospheric gas constituents. The energy relaxation of metastable oxygen atoms produced by O2 and O3 photolysis and O2+ dissociative recombination is determined by solving the time-dependent Boltzmann equation. The O(1D) thermalization and quenching times are obtained as functions of the altitude. The steady state distributions of metastable O(1D) are computed and used for the determination of the parameters characterizing the nonthermal O(1D) atoms. The nonthermal atoms comprise 4–6% of the distribution, and their effective temperatures are larger by 25–46% than the local temperatures of the ambient gas. The role of hot metastable oxygen atoms in the production of vibrationally excited OH molecules is analyzed.
Ubiquitin-mediated fluorescence complementation reveals that Jun ubiquitinated by Itch/AIP4 is localized to lysosomes

Ubiquitin family peptide modifications regulate the functions and stabilities of many proteins. We have developed an approach for the visualization of ubiquitinated proteins in living cells designated ubiquitin-mediated fluorescence complementation (UbFC). This approach is based on complementation among fragments of fluorescent proteins when they are brought together by the covalent conjugation of ubiquitin fused to one fragment to a substrate protein fused to a complementary fragment. The UbFC strategy enables simultaneous visualization of proteins modified by different ubiquitin family peptides and comparison of their effects on protein localization. Visualization of ubiquitinated Jun revealed that it was localized predominantly to cytoplasmic structures. In contrast, Jun conjugated to small ubiquitin-related modifier 1 (SUMO1) was localized to subnuclear foci. Comparison of the distribution of ubiquitinated Jun with markers for various cytoplasmic compartments revealed that ubiquitinated Jun was localized to lysosomal vesicles. Fractionation of cell lysates confirmed that the majority of ubiquitinated Jun partitioned to the cytoplasmic fraction, and density gradient centrifugation analysis demonstrated that it cosedimented with lysosomal β-hexosaminidase activity. Mutation of a recognition sequence for the E3 ligase Itch/AIP4 prevented Jun ubiquitination and stabilized it in cells. Inhibition of lysosomal protein degradation by bafilomycin or chloroquine stabilized Jun but had no effect on the stability of mutated Jun that was not ubiquitinated by Itch/AIP4. The visualization of ubiquitinated Jun in living cells has uncovered a lysosomal pathway for Jun degradation that involves ubiquitination by Itch/AIP4.
Environmental effects on the photochemistry of A2-E, a component of human retinal lipofuscin.

Abstract Several retinal dystrophies are associated with the accumulation of lipofuscin, a pigment mixture, in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). One of the major fluorophores of this mixture has been identified as the bis-retinoid pyridinium compound, A2-E. Because this compound absorbs incident radiation that is transmitted by the anterior segment of the human eye, photophysical and photochemical studies were performed to determine if A2-E could photosensitize potentially damaging reactions. Steady-state fluorescence measurements indicate that the fluorescence emission maximum and quantum yield are very sensitive to the chemical environment and a correlation between these two parameters and the solvent dielectric constant is observed. Time-resolved absorption experiments of A2-E in pure organic solvents showed no formation of transient species on the timescale of our experiments. However, when these measurements were repeated for A2-E in Triton X-100 micelles, a short-lived (τ ∼ 14 μs), weak absorpti...
A comparison of the inhibition of translation and 50S ribosomal subunit formation in Staphylococcus aureus cells by nine different macrolide antibiotics.

Nine structurally similar macrolide antibiotics were tested at a concentration of 0.5 μg/ml for their relative inhibitory effects on ribosome functions in Staphylococcus aureus cells. Eight of the compounds examined inhibited protein synthesis at this concentration. Seven of the nine compounds were also effective in blocking formation of the 50S ribosomal subunit. Roxithromycin and 14-hydroxy clarithromycin inhibited protein synthesis to a greater extent than they affected 50S subunit formation. Conversely, the compound 11,12-carbonate-3 deoxy-clarithromycin affected 50S assembly more than translation. Only clarithromycin had any effect on 30S ribosomal subunit assembly. The decline in growth rate and cell number was proportional to the effect on ribosome formation or function by each compound. These inhibitory activities can be related to structural differences between these macrolide antibiotics.
Microbial responses to a changing environment: implications for the future functioning of terrestrial ecosystems

In this review, we present a conceptual model which links plant communities and saprotrophic microbial communities through the reciprocal exchange of growth-limiting resources. We discuss the numerous ways human-induced environmental change has directly and indirectly impacted this relationship, and review microbial responses that have occurred to date. We argue that compositional shifts in saprotrophic microbial communities underlie functional responses to environmental change that have ecosystem-level implications. Drawing on a long-term, large-scale, field experiment, we illustrate how and why chronic atmospheric N deposition can alter saprotrophic communities in the soil of a wide-spread sugar maple (Acer saccharum) ecosystem in northeastern North America, resulting in the slowing of plant litter decay, the rapid accumulation of soil organic matter, and the accelerated production and loss of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Compositional shifts in soil microbial communities, mediated by ecological interactions among soil saprotrophs, appear to lie at the biogeochemical heart of ecosystem response to environmental change.
The Stability of Acid, Basic, and Direct Dyes to Light and Water

The stability of twenty different commercial dyes to visible and ultraviolet light has been studied in water. The dyes were selected on the basis of their importance from three major dye classes including: basic, acid and direct. The results are compared to the degradation of two of the dyes in natural sunlight as they would exist in the environment the dyes degraded at least 10 times as fast in artificial light as in sunlight. Some previously identified degradation products of Basic Green 4 were confirmed and a mechanism leading to their formation is proposed.The over-all results show that most commercial colors are resistant to sunlight and water degradation and that it would take many weeks before appreciable dye degradation occurred in a natural acquatic environment.
Observations of Enhanced Diapycnal Mixing near the Hawaiian Ridge

Profiles of potential density obtained from CTD casts at two stations at different distances from the Hawaiian ridge are examined for evidence of diapycnal turbulent mixing as indicated by density inversions and internalwave vertical strain. Results from independent casts are used to produce ensemble-averaged vertical distributions for the number of inversions and the Thorpe scale. Both parameters were found to be higher over the slope of the topography at 2500-m depth than in the deep ocean, 110 km to the north. Thorpe scale‐based estimates of the rate of dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy and turbulent vertical diffusivity are elevated by an order of magnitude over the slope relative to deep ocean background levels. The vertical distributions of these mixing parameters are nonuniform and exhibit signs of locally enhanced dissipation, possibly due to internal tides generated at the ridge. At the deep station, turbulence is at background levels from the surface down to 2000 m. Below this, a localized zone of enhanced mixing is observed, within which the dissipation rate is O(1029 W kg21) and turbulent diffusivity is greater than O(1024 m2 s 21), perhaps due to an internal tide ray originating at the ridge. The full-depth topographical enhancement of mixing near the ridge also appears in the vertical strain field. Estimates of dissipation rate and turbulent diffusivity, based on an internal wave‐wave interaction model, give results similar to direct Thorpe scale methods, except in weakly stratified environments where both methods are subject to uncertainty. Near the topography, the variation in mixing intensity observed between casts is sensitive to sporadic large mixing events, which are triggered by internal waves associated with the spring tide. The upper portion of the water column (stronger stratification) is more responsive to the tide than the deep regions.
Neonicotinoid insecticides alter diapause behavior and survival of overwintering white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

The chloronicotinyl, imidacloprid, and the thianicotinyl, thiamethoxam, are effective insecticides against white grubs when applied as preventative treatments during or immediately after egg laying. Their efficacy sharply declines when the grubs reach late-instar stage. As both imidacloprid and thiamethoxam act on post-synaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and modify insect behavior, we hypothesized that the two compounds will interfere with overwintering behavior of scarabs, thus reducing their ecological fitness and exposing them to increased winter mortality. We tested this hypothesis by applying the two compounds curatively against late second-instar and early third-instar Popillia japonica and Cyclocephala borealis grubs in turfgrass. Imidacloprid provided control of P japonica equivalent to the most widely used curative organophosphate, trichlorfon, by 14 days after treatment, but thiamethoxam had no affect. In contrast, both imidacloprid and thiamethoxam caused significant reductions in C borealis populations. Both insecticides altered the overwintering behavior of P japonica by significantly reducing the normal downward movement of grubs in October. Halofenozide, an ecdysone agonist, also caused rapid mortality of the late second-instar C borealis equivalent to trichlorfon, but had no affect on P japonica. In another experiment on a site naturally infested with entomopathogenic nematodes, the exclusive treatment of third-instar P japonica with imidacloprid resulted in no significant mortality in the autumn (up to 15 days after treatment), but caused a significant reduction in the survival of overwintered grubs. There was an increase in the numbers of grubs infected with nematodes in the imidacloprid and trichlorfon treatments compared with control, but these differences were significant only for trichlorfon. These results indicate that imidacloprid can effectively control late second-instars of both P japonca and C borealis and can significantly reduce survival of overwintered third-instar P japonica by altering their normal overwintering behavior. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Libraries, Language, and Change: Defining the Information Present

Changes in the information world are resulting in new concepts of resource sharing, new practices in the management of library resources, and an expanding role for libraries in the educational process. However, such concepts have not necessarily been identified, named, and defined in the language of contemporary librarianship. Although librarians and their associates in the information and educational processes need to be made aware of these subtle, but powerful, new issues, discussions cannot easily proceed until there is a shared understanding of them in the language of review and debate. This paper introduces three themes that encompass these issues: distance information, managed information, and transformational budgeting.
Viscoelastic creep of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes

The paper reports the viscous creep occurring in vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs). Nanoindentation experiments are conducted to characterize the creep behaviour of the nanotube materials. By recording the instantaneous control stress and strain rate, the creep strain rate sensitivity of the VA-CNT array is calculated. The creep property is found to depend upon the density of nanotube arrays.
Valve-Controlled Segments in Water Distribution Systems

Subsystem identification in water distribution systems is important for repairing pipes and containing damages. In this paper, a method is proposed to identify the smallest subsections of a network called segments that are enclosed between valves suited to isolation. A dual network representation in terms of segments as nodes and valves as links permit easy visualization of segment expansion resulting from progressive valve failures. Segment deletions often lead to the disconnection of other parts of a network from supply. A technique is presented to track these unintended isolations. The algorithms are applied to a sample network illustrating the various aspects.
High-power 2.1-/spl mu/m GaSb-based laser diode arrays

High-power 2.1 /spl mu/m GaInAsSb/AlGaAsSb single-spatial mode laser diode arrays are described. Continuous wave output powers of 1.4 W have been achieved with a 64-element array.
6Li(n,t)α angular distribution measurements for 0.2 < En < 10MeV at LANSCE/WNR

Measured angular distributions of tritons following the 6 Li(n,t)α reaction are reported for incident neutron energies between 0.19 to >10MeV. The neutrons were produced by spallation at the WNR facility at the Los Alamos Neutron Science CEnter (LANSCE), with the incident neutron energy determined by the time-of-flight method. The data were taken with four E-∆E telescopes at eight laboratory angles. These data have been incorporated into an R-matrix analysis of the 6 Li(n,t)α reaction. The current measurements are compared to previous data, and the implications of these data to the current R-matrix analysis are discussed.
Network awareness for wireless peer-to-peer collaborative environments

The implications of using mobile wireless communications are significant for emerging peer-to-peer (P2P) collaborative environments. From a networking perspective, the use of wireless technologies to support collaboration may impact bandwidth and spectrum utilization. This paper explores the effects of providing feedback to system users regarding wireless P2P network behavior on the performance of collaboration support applications. We refer to this operational feedback as "network awareness." The underlying premise is that providing feedback on the status of the network will enable users to self-organize their behavior to maintain quality of data sharing. Results achieved during an experiment conducted at the Naval Postgraduate School demonstrate significant effects of roaming on application sharing performance and integration with client-server applications. A solution for improving network aware P2P collaboration, identified in the experiment, is discussed.
Gender-specific expression of the DRD4 gene on adolescent delinquency, anger and thrill seeking

The present study investigated gender differences in the associations between the DRD4 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism and adolescent delinquency, short temper and thrill seeking. We also explored whether the gender-specific expression of the DRD4 can be explained by gender differences in the exposure to psychosocial risks, such as poor parent-child relationship. Participants were 263 14- to 17-year olds (50% males) living in Russia. DNA was extracted from saliva samples and the VNTR DRD4 polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction. Participants reported on the extent of their delinquent behaviour, short temper, thrill seeking and exposure to psychosocial risk (i.e. poor parental monitoring of adolescent behaviour, exposure to violence and peer delinquency). Compared to individuals with the 4/4 genotype, males, but not females, with the 7-repeat allele (7R) had significantly higher delinquency, short temper and thrill seeking. This interaction effect, however, was completely explained by males' higher exposure to psychosocial risk factors. When parental monitoring of youths' activities and youth exposure to violence were included in the model, the 7R × gender interaction was no longer significant. Thus, social context plays an important role in explaining gender-specific phenotypic expression of the DRD4 gene.
Mandibular osteopathy in a Hagerman horse, Equus simplicidens (Equidae, Mammalia), from Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument (Idaho, USA)

Multimodality imaging, including computed tomography (CT) and digital radiography, was utilized to examine a fossilized hemimandible of a probable female Hagerman horse (Equus simplicidens) with a large, ventrally located, osseous deformation. Utilizing comparative pathology to the modern day horse, it was determined that the most likely etiology of the pathologic bony swelling along the ventral hemimandible was abnormal tooth development that led to chronic osteomyelitis and subsequent osseous proliferation, sclerosis and deformation.
Colorimetric ELISA measurement of specific mRNA on immobilized-oligonucleotide-coated microtiter plates by reverse transcription with biotinylated mononucleotides

In this study, alpha-globin mRNA was captured on plastic plates to which alpha-globin-specific oligonucleotides had been covalently immobilized; the captured mRNA was immediately reverse-transcribed into cDNA in the presence of biotinylated dUTP. Addition of alkaline phosphatase-conjugated streptavidin to react with the biotin was followed by addition of substrate (p-nitrophenyl phosphate), and the resulting colorimetric development was measured at 405 nm. Because multiple biotin molecules are incorporated into cDNA during reverse transcription, and because synthesized cDNA is more stable than mRNA, we could successfully quantify by conventional colorimetry the amount of alpha-globin mRNA on the plate within a linear range of 100 pg to 10 ng. This is more sensitive than conventional Northern blotting. Therefore, the present method may be applicable to measurements of specific mRNAs in various test materials.
Mechanical strength of boron nitride nanotube-polymer interfaces

We investigate the mechanical strength of boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) polymer interfaces by using in situ electron microscopy nanomechanical single-tube pull-out techniques. The nanomechanical measurements show that the shear strengths of BNNT-epoxy and BNNT-poly(methyl methacrylate) interfaces reach 323 and 219 MPa, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the superior load transfer capacity of BNNT-polymer interfaces is ascribed to both the strong van der Waals interactions and Coulomb interactions on BNNT-polymer interfaces. The findings of the extraordinary mechanical strength of BNNT-polymer interfaces suggest that BNNTs are excellent reinforcing nanofiller materials for light-weight and high-strength polymer nanocomposites.
Boronated Diamond Films Deposited by Radio Frequency Plasmas

P-type doping of diamond films is required to fabricate electronic devices. Several doping techniques have been used. Firstly, solid boron has been placed next to the substrate in microwave assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD)1–7. Secondly, diborane gas has been used in reactant gases as a dopant. Thirdly, Okano et alb have dissolved boron oxide in methanol to produce a doping gas. Since the chemical reaction in this third method produces trimethyl borate (TMB), (CH3O)3B, we decided in this work to investigate the use of TMB directly as a dopant. This is important since TMB is much less toxic than diborane.
Perceived Quality of Service and Content-based Bandwidth Management in e/m-Learning Smart Environments for the Cultural Heritage

Smart Applications for the Cultural Heritage are playing an increasingly fundamental role in several fields, ranging from tourism to home entertainment. As soon as advanced wireless technologies for high bandwidth-demanding contents and appropriate mobile devices will be at the studentsâ disposal, such services will greatly enrich a wide range of e/m-Learning fields, such as History of Art, Science and Technology. This paper focuses on two distinct but related aspects concerning advanced visual contents from the Cultural Heritage and their use in smart education environments. First, the concept is investigated of âPerceived Quality of Serviceâ (PQoS) in visual environments, and a representation discussed of the steps between reality representation and perception in fine arts. Second, visual contents are mostly enjoyed through wireless networks and mobile devices, so, during a lesson involving high bandwidth-demanding contents such as HD streaming, the bottleneck is data dimension. An architecture is consequently proposed for the dynamic management of bandwidth release on the basis of content size and duration.
The effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy. II. Alterations of microbial flora.

Abstract Preoperative cultures of the endocervix were taken on 93 women who subsequently underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and received a 5 day course of either prophylactic cephalosporins or placebo. Postoperative cultures of the vaginal apex were taken on 86 of these women 5 days after surgery, i.e., 1 day after the cessation of study medication. Comparisons of the preoperative and postoperative flora in both the active drug and placebo groups as well as comparisons between the postoperative flora of the drug group and that of the placebo group were made. Postoperative alterations of bacterial flora occurred whether or not the patient received prophylactic antibiotics.
Logistics service providers coordinating sustainable supply chains: a fast food industry case.

This study explores sustainable supply chain practices. It proposes a conceptual framework, organising the roles of agents in the supply chain and the coordinating roles of logistics operators. In addition, the study analyses the proposed framework in practical terms, using a real project application implemented recently by McDonald's and Martin-Brower in Brazil. First, the study uses theory to propose a conceptual structure that characterises sustainability actions by logistics service providers. Second, the study compares the conceptual structure against the practical case, chosen by means of an intentional sampling process, with relevance from factors such as size, scope, and level of innovation of the firms involved. The comparison of the conceptual proposal with the practical case confirms the importance of the corporate vision in the entire supply chain. Moreover, initiatives for sustainable actions need to find allies capable of accepting, internally sharing, and participating actively to enable such actions.
Human ULK1 Variation and Susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection.

BACKGROUND Unlike tuberculosis, few studies have evaluated a host genetic basis for variability in susceptibility to latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI). We performed a candidate gene association study of autophagy-related genes and LTBI. METHODS We enrolled close contacts of individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis, assessed LTBI status, and determined clinical and sociodemographic risk factors for LTBI. In participants who self-identified as Asian or black, we compared haplotype-tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ULK1 and GABARAP between cases (n = 143) and controls (n = 106). Using CRISPR/Cas9 in U937 monocytes, we investigated the effect of ULK1 deficiency on cytokine expression, autophagy, and M. tuberculosis replication. RESULTS In Asian participants, we identified 2 ULK1 SNPs (rs12297124 and rs7300908) associated with LTBI. After adjustment for population admixture and clinical risk for LTBI, each rs12297124 minor allele conferred 80% reduction in LTBI risk (odds ratio, 0.18; 95% confidence interval, .07-.46). Compared with controls, ULK1-deficient cells exhibited decreased tumor necrosis factor secretion after stimulation with Toll-like receptor ligands and M. tuberculosis whole-cell lysate, increased M. tuberculosis replication, and decreased selective autophagy. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate a strong association of rs12297124, a noncoding ULK1 SNP, with LTBI and a role for ULK1 regulation of TNF secretion, nonspecific and M. tuberculosis-induced autophagy, and M. tuberculosis replication in monocytes.
Eva-Clarita Pettai & Vello Pettai, Transitional and retrospective justice in the Baltic states

The postcommunist politics of truth and justice in the Baltic states, a complex and controversial topic by any standard, are skillfully dissected and analyzed in this well-balanced monograph, the d...
Can They Make It on Their Own? Hosts, Microbes, and the Holobiont Niche.

Virtually all multicellular organisms host a community of symbionts composed of mutualistic, commensal, and pathogenic microbes, i.e., their microbiome. The mechanism of selection on host-microbe assemblages remains contentious, particularly regarding whether selection acts differently on hosts and their microbial symbionts. Here, we attempt to reconcile these viewpoints using a model that describes how hosts and their microbial symbionts alter each other’s niche and thereby fitness. We describe how host-microbe interactions might change the shape of the host niche and/or reproductive rates within it, which are directly related to host fitness. A host may also alter the niche of a symbiotic microbe, although this depends on the extent to which that microbe is dependent on the host for reproduction. Finally, we provide a mathematical model to test whether interactions between hosts and microbes are necessary to describe the niche of either partner. Our synthesis highlights the phenotypic effects of host-microbe interactions while respecting the unique lifestyles of each partner, and thereby provides a unified framework to describe how selection might act on a host that is associated with its microbiome.
Kitaev-Heisenberg model in a magnetic field: Order-by-disorder and commensurate-incommensurate transitions

We present a theoretical study of field-induced magnetic phases in the honeycomb Kitaev-Heisenberg model, which is believed to describe the essential physics of Mott insulators with strong spin-orbit coupling such as ${A}_{2}{\mathrm{IrO}}_{3}$ and $\ensuremath{\alpha}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{RuCl}}_{3}$. We obtain a rich finite temperature phase diagram in which the competition between the Zeeman coupling and thermal fluctuations gives rise to both collinear zigzag phases and noncoplanar magnetic orders. Our large-scale classical Monte Carlo simulations also unveil intriguing commensurate-incommensurate transitions and multiple-$\mathbf{Q}$ incommensurate phases at high field. Experimental implications are also discussed.
Fuel injection systems for heavy-duty diesel engines

Abstract: Currently, several different fuel injection systems are available in the heavy duty sector. Perspective is therefore provided on the industry drivers that each system must address, and a full discussion of the differentiating features between the systems is given. industry trends are reviewed including the prevailing shift toward high-pressure common rail systems of either the conventional block pump or the distributed pump architecture. Some discussion of the future trends with respect to advanced combustion strategies, alternative fuels, and FIE trends in general is provided.
An Exchange Theory Of Relationships In Online Labor Markets

Advances in information technology have given rise to massive online labor markets populated by millions of freelance contractors around the globe. Today, anyone with an internet connection can hir...
Podocytes Exhibit a Specialized Protein Quality Control Employing Derlin-2 in Kidney Disease

Podocytes are terminally differentiated cells of the kidney filtration barrier with a limited proliferative capacity and are the primary glomerular target for various sources of cellular stress. Ac...
Yet another reason to walk instead of drive

The behavioral state of a human or animal can dramatically alter how information is processed in its neural circuits. Albergaria et al. show that locomotion enhances the performance of a cerebellum-dependent behavior. The results provide new constraints on how information is represented there to support learning.
Selected Machine Language Instructions

As may have been learned from a computer organization text, there are many considerations that need to be taken into account and many different formats that can be used for machine language instructions. One of the first considerations is the size of the instruction. With a larger the instruction, more opcodes can be included, more registers can be referenced, and more memory locations can be addressed. Also, how a particular instruction is divided up indicates how many of each of the above can be included. For example, assume a 16-bit word is divided up as follows: bits 15-13 for the opcode, 12–11 for referencing registers, and 10-0 for addressing memory locations, as shown in Fig. 10.1.
Protease-activated receptor 1 activation enhances doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Abstract Objective The anti-cancer anthracycline drug Doxorubicin (Dox) causes cardiotoxicity. We investigated the role of protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) in Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. Methods and results In vitro experiments revealed that PAR-1 enhanced Dox-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species and cell death of cardiac myocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. The contribution of PAR-1 to Dox-induced cardiotoxicity was investigated by subjecting PAR-1 −/− mice and PAR-1 +/+ mice to acute and chronic exposure to Dox. Heart function was measured by echocardiography. PAR-1 −/− mice exhibited significant less cardiac injury and dysfunction compared to PAR-1 +/+ mice after acute and chronic Dox administration. PAR-1 −/− mice had reduced levels of nitrotyrosine, apoptosis and inflammation in their heart compared to PAR-1 +/+ mice. Furthermore, inhibition of PAR-1 in wild-type mice with vorapaxar significantly reduced the acute Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. Conclusion Our results indicate that activation of PAR-1 contributes to Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. Inhibition of PAR-1 may be a new approach to reduce Dox-induced cardiotoxicity in cancer patients.
Late-Stage Tumor Regression after PD-L1 Blockade Plus a Concurrent OX40 Agonist

The protective capability of tumor antigen-specific T cells is regulated by costimulatory and inhibitory signals. Current approaches in cancer immunotherapy seek to restore the function of unresponsive T cells by blocking inhibitory pathways. In contrast, providing exogenous costimulatory signals to T cells also enhances antitumor functionality. By combining these two clinical approaches, we demonstrate the synergy of targeting PD-L1 together with the costimulatory molecule OX40, to enhance antitumor immunity. Concurrently blocking PD-L1 and providing a costimulatory agonist to OX40 increased the presence and functionality of tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells with simultaneous enhancement of T-helper type 1 (Th1)-skewed CD4+ T cells. This shift was functionally supported by increased glucose metabolism of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells and the acquisition of granzyme B by regulatory T cells. Together, this mechanism promoted tumor regression of late-stage tumors beyond that achieved by either blockade as monotherapy. These findings indicate that targeting both T-cell intrinsic (OX40) and extrinsic (PD-L1) regulatory molecules increases the bioenergetic potential of T cells, thereby expanding functional and tumor antigen-specific T cells.
Treatment adherence among mothers living with HIV in the US: a scoping review.

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this review was to understand research about treatment adherence among mothers in the US who are living with HIV. Treatment adherence included Antiretroviral Therapy and atte...
Inducing Causal and Social Theories: A Prerequisite for Explanation-based Learning

We present an approach to learning to predict and explain the outcome of events which lies between similarity-based methods and explanation-based methods. In the approach to learning presented in this paper and implemented in a computer program called OCCAM, a theory of causality constrains the search for causal hypotheses. We present evidence that people possess a theory of causality which facilitates learning causal relationships when certain spatial and temporal relationships exist between a cause and an effect.
Tamper Evidence of SEM Imaging Attack in Phase Change Memory Nanodevices

Breach of security due to unauthorized access to electronic hardware devices or chips has recently become a serious concern for the internet-connected daily activities. Imaging with electron microscopy is one of the invasive techniques used to gain knowledge about a chip layout and extract secret information by the attackers. Automatic destruction or disturbance of the secret key during such invasive attacks are required to ensure protection against these attacks. We have characterized the disturbance caused to programmed phase change memory (PCM) cells by the imaging electron beam during scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in terms of the measured cell resistance. A sudden increase of resistance is observed on all imaged amorphous cells while the cells programmed to intermediate states show either abrupt increase or erratic decrease. These erratic disturbances of state are promising to mislead an attacker that is trying to acquire a stored key and leave indelible marks of tampering. Since PCM is recently being considered for implementation of various hardware security primitives, these beam-induced state change and tamper-evidence features enhance security of PCM devices against physical attacks.
E-130 Incidence and outcomes of large vessel occlusion stroke after cardiac surgery at a major academic medical center

Background and purpose Stroke is one of the most feared complications of cardiac surgery. Modern stent-retrieval techniques provide effective treatment for large vessel occlusive strokes. The purpose of this study was to 1) report the incidence of large vessel occlusive stroke after cardiac surgery at a large academic center, and 2) describe outcomes after postoperative large vessel occlusive strokes (LVOs) associated with cardiac surgery. Methods All patients experiencing stroke within 30 days after undergoing cardiac surgery via an open or endovascular approach at a major academic medical center in 2015–2017 were reviewed. LVOs were identified through review of imaging and medical records and their characteristics and clinical courses were examined. Results Over the study period, 4,209 cardiac surgeries, including endovascular procedures, were performed. Of 111 patients classified as having stroke, 8 had LVO. Two of the three patients who received mechanical thrombectomy returned to independent living, compared to only 1 of the 5 patients who did not undergo thrombectomy. In the 2 weeks following cardiac surgery, the rate of LVO was estimated at 200x that of the general population. Conclusion Of patients undergoing cardiac surgery at an academic medical center, 0.2% (95% CI 0.1–0.4%) had LVO within 30 days. Cardiac surgery patients and their caregivers should be counseled about the warning signs of stroke, the importance of timely intervention, and how to seek emergency care in the postoperative period. Disclosures D. Wilkinson: None. S. Koduri: None. J. Burke: None. J. Gemmete: None. N. Chaudhary: None. H. Patel: None. A. Pandey: None.
Living in a Toxic World

While the proliferation of industrial toxic substances over the past century has had drastic environmental and bodily effects, conventional methods of measuring and mitigating those effects continu...
Toward a More Relevant Theory of Economic Expansion and Development: Insights from Ludwig von Mises

The history of modern growth theory can be characterized as a run- ning debate between capital fundamentalism and technological fundamental- ism. Both sides of the debate rely on mathematical models that suffer from problems of aggregation and serious limitations due to their assumptions. The economic framework and insights of Ludwig von Mises provide theoretical results pointing to a more robust and relevant theory of economic progress. Mises’ emphasis on the market division of labor, capital formation, innovation, and entrepreneurship allow for the development of a more holistic theory of economic expansion and development that, therefore, is more likely to provide helpful policy guidance for purposes of economic progress. Keywords: Economic growth, Economic development, Entrepreneurship, Eco- nomic Institutions. JEL classification: O11, O40, L26, D24, O33, B25, B53. Resumen: La historia de la teoria moderna del crecimiento puede caracteri- zarse como un debate continuo entre el fundamentalismo capital y el funda- mentalismo tecnologico. Ambas partes del debate se basan en modelos matematicos que sufren problemas de agregacion y serias limitaciones debido a sus suposiciones. El marco economico y las ideas de Ludwig von Mises pro- porcionan resultados teoricos que apuntan a una teoria mas solida y relevante del progreso economico. El enfasis de Mises en la division de mercado del tra- bajo, la formacion de capital, la innovacion y el emprendimiento permiten el desarrollo de una teoria mas holistica de expansion y desarrollo economico que, por lo tanto, es mas probable que proporcione una orientacion politica util para los fines del progreso economico. Palabras clave: Crecimiento economico, Desarrollo economico, Emprendi- miento, Instituciones Economicas. Clasificacion JEL: O11, O40, L26, D24, O33, B25, B53.
Low Testosterone on Social Media: Application of Natural Language Processing to Understand Patients' Perceptions of Hypogonadism and Its Treatment.

Background: Despite the results of the Testosterone Trials, physicians remain uncomfortable treating men with hypogonadism. Discouraged, men increasingly turn to social media to discuss medical concerns. Objective: The goal of the research was to apply natural language processing (NLP) techniques to social media posts for identification of themes of discussion regarding low testosterone and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in order to inform how physicians may better evaluate and counsel patients. Methods: We retrospectively extracted posts from the Reddit community r/Testosterone from December 2015 through May 2019. We applied an NLP technique called the meaning extraction method with principal component analysis (MEM/PCA) to computationally derive discussion themes. We then performed a prospective analysis of Twitter data (tweets) that contained the terms low testosterone, low T, and testosterone replacement from June through September 2019. Results: A total of 199,335 Reddit posts and 6659 tweets were analyzed. MEM/PCA revealed dominant themes of discussion: symptoms of hypogonadism, seeing a doctor, results of laboratory tests, derogatory comments and insults, TRT medications, and cardiovascular risk. More than 25% of Reddit posts contained the term doctor, and more than 5% urologist. Conclusions: This study represents the first NLP evaluation of the social media landscape surrounding hypogonadism and TRT. Although physicians traditionally limit their practices to within their clinic walls, the ubiquity of social media demands that physicians understand what patients discuss online. Physicians may do well to bring up online discussions during clinic consultations for low testosterone to pull back the curtain and dispel myths.
Holistically representing women

Given the benefits of improved health and reduced cooking time, women are assumed to unequivocally prefer clean cooking fuels. Now research indicates that women using firewood and those using cleaner alternatives both believe their cooking fuel supports their well-being in several ways, suggesting more complex trade-offs in fuel choices.
Review of probiotic use in otolaryngology.

Abstract Objective Probiotics have garnered considerable attention as an intervention for various conditions common to otolaryngology. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current literature to offer recommendations about the safety and efficacy of probiotic management in otolaryngologic conditions. Study design Narrative review. Methods PubMed and Google Scholar were queried using pertinent keywords to retrieve relevant studies with particular focus in the recent 5 years. All abstracts were assessed and studies, reviews and meta-analyses achieving evaluation of probiotic therapies or characterization of microbiome changes were included for further review. Studies were categorized by condition or anatomic region across various subspecialties. Key data parameters were extracted and evaluated across studies and treatment types. Results Strong evidence exists for the use probiotic agents to improve symptoms for allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis and certain dental conditions. Despite promising results, further investigation is needed to evaluate and optimize probiotic delivery for mitigating otitis media, oropharyngeal inflammation and upper respiratory tract infections. Preclinical studies suggest that probiotics may potentially offer benefit for voice prosthesis maintenance, wound healing and mitigation of oral dysplasia. Conclusion Probiotic therapies may offer clinical benefit in a variety of contexts within the field of otolaryngology, especially for short-term relief of certain inflammatory conditions of the oral cavity, auditory and nasal cavities. Further investigation is warranted for evaluation of long-term outcomes and pathogenic deterrence.
A Disability Reading of Ivan Turgenev’s ‘Mumu’

Abstract Turgenev’s ‘Mumu’ (1854) is commonly read against the historical backdrop of Russian serfdom and the author’s criticism of the ownership and absolute control of human beings under that system. Through the combined lens of critical disability studies and animal studies, this essay offers the first serious consideration of how disability is represented in the text. Specifically, an analysis of disability and animal rhetorics used in depicting Gerasim, a deaf man, exposes the ableist and speciesist assumptions undergirding Turgenev’s novella and relevant criticism of it, both of which assume a hearing audience and privilege auditory imagery. Several disability myths featured in ‘Mumu’ are also discussed. The essay concludes that Gerasim’s portrayal is ambivalent. The narrator’s ennobling zoomorphic and arboreal similes are in tension with his problematic generalizations about all disabled people, which further clash with the demeaning disability and animal rhetorics used by the other peasants. This study of how disability is rhetorically constructed is intended to contribute to an otherwise scarce history of invalidnost’ in nineteenth-century Russia.
Popliteal artery patency is an indicator of ambulation and healing after below-knee amputation in vasculopaths.

BACKGROUND The posterior flap is a conventional technique for closing a below-knee amputation (BKA) that uses the gastrocnemius and soleus muscle and relies on the popliteal and posterior compartment arteries. If the prior mentioned arterial blood supply is compromised, this flap likely relies on collateral flow. The purpose of this study is to identify and differentiate any significant associations between preoperative popliteal and tibial arterial flow and BKA outcomes and patient-reported function. METHODS A retrospective review identified patients from a single tertiary wound care center who received BKAs and angiogram between 2010 and 2017 by a single surgeon. BKA complications, wound healing, and amputee ambulatory status at latest follow-up were all stratified for differences according to baseline tibial vessel run-off (VRO) status, popliteal artery patency, and popliteal angioplasty outcome. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used with significance defined as p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS BKAs were performed on 313 patients, of which, 167 underwent preoperative angiography. Thirty-two were excluded due to lack of adequate follow-up leaving a total of 135 patients in the studied population. Diabetes was present in 87%, and 36% had end-stage renal disease. By the study's conclusion, 92% of BKAs had fully healed, with median time-to-healing of 79 days (range 19-1314 days). 60% of patients were ambulatory at 9.5 months. Higher VRO was associated with higher healing rates and lower complications and time-to-healing. The conversion rate of BKA to above-knee amputation (AKA) was 4%. Preoperative popliteal patency was associated with higher postoperative ambulation rates when compared to patients without popliteal flow preoperatively (patent: 71/109, 65%; occluded: 10/26, 40%; p = 0.02) and independently increased the likelihood of postoperative ambulation. CONCLUSIONS The posterior flap design for BKA works even in the setting of popliteal occlusion. Complication rates are higher in patients with more compromised blood flow, which may ultimately lead to AKA. Given poor ambulation rates in patients who undergo AKA, the results of this study should encourage surgeons to consider a more functional BKA, even in instances when the popliteal artery is occluded.
Distal Humerus Fractures in the Elderly: When to Fix and When to Replace?

SUMMARY Distal humerus fractures in the elderly population can be difficult to manage because of substantial articular comminution, poor bone quality, and soft tissue compromise. Important patient considerations for treatment include physiologic age, mental status, activity level, and independence with activities of daily living. Elderly patients may be reliant on their upper extremity as a weight-bearing limb when using a walker or rising to stand which creates additional demand. The goal of surgical treatment is to recreate a stable, painless elbow with a functional range of motion to preserve independence for daily activities and mobilization. The main surgical treatment options are open reduction and internal fixation and arthroplasty. Here, we discuss indications and operative goals in each clinical scenario.