cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Continuously-adaptive discretization for message-passing algorithms

Continuously-Adaptive Discretization for Message-Passing (CAD-MP) is a new message-passing algorithm for approximate inference. Most message-passing algorithms approximate continuous probability distributions using either: a family of continuous distributions such as the exponential family; a particle-set of discrete samples; or a fixed, uniform discretization. In contrast, CAD-MP uses a discretization that is (i) non-uniform, and (ii) adaptive to the structure of the marginal distributions. Non-uniformity allows CAD-MP to localize interesting features (such as sharp peaks) in the marginal belief distributions with time complexity that scales logarithmically with precision, as opposed to uniform discretization which scales at best linearly. We give a principled method for altering the non-uniform discretization according to information-based measures. CAD-MP is shown in experiments to estimate marginal beliefs much more precisely than competing approaches for the same computational expense.
Covalently Coupled Immunostimulant Heterodimers

We report increased stimulation of dendritic cells via heterodimers of immunostimulants formed at a discrete molecular distance. Many vaccines present spatially organized agonists to immune cell receptors. These receptors cluster suggesting that signaling is increased by spatial organization and receptor proximity, but this has not been directly tested for multiple, unique receptors. In this study we probe the spatial aspect of immune cell activation using heterodimers of two covalently attached immunostimulants.
Aberrant production of extracellular matrix proteins and dysfunction in kidney endothelial cells with a short duration of diabetes

Diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In the United States, microvascular complications during diabetic nep...
The production of propionic acid from sugars by fermentation through lactic acid as an intermediate

As an alternative to propionic acid production from sugars by species of propionibacteria, propionic acid may be produced from sugars through lactate as an intermediate. Propionibacteria are actually able to utilize lactate as a substrate much more rapidly than glucose. In this study, Lactobacillus xylosus and Propionibacterium shermanii were utilized to convert glucose and xylose to propionate through lactate as an intermediate. Pure culture batch studies were carried out to obtain fermentation parameters for the two cultures. The pure cultures were then combined in a mixed culture series arrangement designed to prevent nutrient limitation. Finally, propionic acid production from lactate was demonstrated in a cross-linked immobilized cell reactor using lactate added to the medium and produced by L. xylosus in a continuous stirred tank reactor. Productivities of 14 g dm−3 h−1 at a 9 min residence time (2·1 g dm−3 propionate) and 2 g dm−3 h−1 at a 9·9 h residence time (19·7 g dm−3 propionate) were obtained without pH control.
A variable leaky LMS adaptive algorithm

The LMS algorithm has found wide application in many areas of adaptive signal processing and control. We introduce a variable leaky LMS algorithm, designed to overcome the slow convergence of standard LMS in cases of high input eigenvalue spread. The algorithm uses a greedy punish/reward heuristic together with a quantized leak adjustment function to vary the leak. Simulation results confirm that the new algorithm can significantly outperform standard LMS when the input eigenvalue spread is high.
The Product Consistency Test (PCT): How and Why it Was Developed

The Product Consistency Test (PCT), American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) Standard C1285, is currently used world wide for testing glass and glass-ceramic waste forms for high level waste (HLW), low level waste (LLW), and hazardous wastes. Development of the PCT was initiated in 1986 because HLW glass waste forms required extensive characterization before actual production began and required continued characterization during production (≥25 years). Non-radioactive startup was in 1994 and radioactive startup was in 1996. The PCT underwent extensive development from 1986-1994 and became an ASTM consensus standard in 1994. During the extensive laboratory testing and inter- and intra-laboratory round robins using non-radioactive and radioactive glasses, the PCT was shown to be very reproducible, to yield reliable results rapidly, to distinguish between glasses of different durability and homogeneity, and to easily be performed in shielded cell facilities with radioactive samples. In 1997, the scope was broadened to include hazardous and mixed (radioactive and hazardous) waste glasses. In 2002, the scope was broadened to include glass-ceramic waste forms which are currently being recommended for second generation nuclear wastes yet to be generated in the nuclear renaissance. Since the PCT has proven useful for glass-ceramics with up to 75% ceramic component and has been used to evaluate Pu ceramic waste forms, the use of this test for other ceramic/mineral waste forms such as geopolymers, hydroceramics, and fluidized bed steam reformer mineralized product is under investigation.
Lesson learned and dispelled myths: three-dimensional imaging of the human vagina

Three-dimensional imaging of the human vagina demonstrates that the cross section can be a "W," rather than an "H," and that intravaginal gel can ascend into the endocervix and presumably into the endometrium.
Automatic Differentiation for Numerically Exact Computation of Tangent Operators in Small‐ and Large‐Deformation Computational Inelasticity

Advances in computer software tools and technologies have transformed the way in which finite element codes and associated material models are developed. In this work, we propose a numerically exact approach for computing the sensitivites required to construct local consistent tangent operators in computational inelasticity applications. The tangent operators that come from the derivatives of constitutive equations are necessary for achieving quadratic convergence in integrating material models at the integration point level. Unlike finite difference-based numerical methods, the approach proposed in this work is based on an exact differentiation technique called automatic differentiation (AD). The method is efficient, robust and easy to incorporate. Numerical examples in both small- and large-deformation inelasticity problems with complicated material models are presented to illustrate the efficiency and applicability of the proposed method.
Interactive information extraction with constrained conditional random fields

Information Extraction methods can be used to automatically "fill-in" database forms from unstructured data such as Web documents or email. State-of-the-art methods have achieved low error rates but invariably make a number of errors. The goal of an interactive information extraction system is to assist the user in filling in database fields while giving the user confidence in the integrity of the data. The user is presented with an interactive interface that allows both the rapid verification of automatic field assignments and the correction of errors. In cases where there are multiple errors, our system takes into account user corrections, and immediately propagates these constraints such that other fields are often corrected automatically. Linear-chain conditional random fields (CRFs) have been shown to perform well for information extraction and other language modelling tasks due to their ability to capture arbitrary, overlapping features of the input in a Markov model. We apply this framework with two extensions: a constrained Viterbi decoding which finds the optimal field assignments consistent with the fields explicitly specified or corrected by the user; and a mechanism for estimating the confidence of each extracted field, so that low-confidence extractions can be highlighted. Both of these mechanisms are incorporated in a novel user interface for form filling that is intuitive and speeds the entry of data--providing a 23% reduction in error due to automated corrections.
It’s Time to Study Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Strategic Tool in Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy

Left ventricular systolic dysfunction without overt symptoms of heart failure is a common problem, with a prevalence of ranging from 0.9% to 20.8% in the general population depending on the definition of left ventricular systolic dysfunction and age group studied.1–4 The morbidity and mortality of this condition remain significant. In the SOLVD (Studies Of Left Ventricular Dysfunction) prevention trial, 30% of untreated participants progressed to clinical heart failure and experienced a high mortality rate.5 Although medical treatment reduces mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, and improves adverse remodeling,6,7 better strategies for monitoring and guiding treatment are necessary. The need for more effective methods of risk stratification is heightened by the observation that the natural history of nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) is highly variable.8 Methods to identify subgroups of patients with NIDCM who are at higher risk of adverse outcomes, especially sudden cardiac death and heart failure hospitalization, may help allocate potentially costly therapy to those who would benefit the most or to target yet unproven therapies to those most likely to benefit. Beyond medical treatments, evidence on the appropriate use of invasive strategies such as novel instruments to monitor hemodynamic status in this patient population is limited. Detection of fibrosis by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a promising tool for the risk stratification in this patient population. Fibrosis reduces left ventricular compliance, affects adverse remodeling, and creates a substrate for re-entry ventricular tachycardia. Therefore, the presence of myocardial LGE would provide a logical risk marker for future adverse events relating to either mechanical pump function impairment or ventricular dysrhythmias. Article see p 448 In this issue of Circulation: Heart Failure , Masci et al …
Surface Heat Balance in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean: Climatology and the Warming Event of 1994–95

Abstract The surface heat budget in the equatorial Pacific Ocean was investigated through ocean model simulations, both the climatological cycle and the case of the 1994–95 warm event. The dominant processes governing the seasonal cycle of sea surface temperature (SST) vary significantly across the basin. In the western Pacific the annual cycle of SST is primarily in response to net surface heat flux. In the central basin the magnitude of the zonal advection term is comparable to that of the net surface heat flux. In the eastern basin the role of zonal advection is reduced and the vertical mixing and advection are more important. The model estimate of the vertical mixing contribution to the mixed layer heat budget compared well with estimates obtained by analysis of observations using the same diagnostic vertical mixing scheme. During 1994–95 the largest positive SST anomaly was observed in the midbasin and was related initially to reduced latent heat flux due to weak surface winds and later to anomalous ...
Legal Constraints on Urban Water Systems

Strategic level decisions regarding urban water management are largely political, whereas tactical level water decisions are mostly administrative. Both are subject to legal constraints. In a systems study, it is desirable to find ways to improve a water system such that the level of performance of the system is improved. Legal constraints which inhibit such improvement are classified and their effect on a typical regional water system, Denver, Colo., is considered briefly. It is shown that a clear statement of goals is necessary in order to formulate a realistic objective function. To speak of optimizing such a function in a general urban sense is overly ambitious at this time because of the severity of the constraints on the system. To consider the general issues in a systems framework is useful, however, because it focuses on the important problem areas so that fruitful debate can occur.
Adaptive Grids and Nonlinear Equations

Since the equations of hydrodynamics are non-linear, a computational solution of these equations usually involves a numerical integration. This numerical integration is particularly difficult to perform in the presence of discontinuities of the solution called “shocks”. Although there are a number of devices available for obtaining the solution in the neighborhood of the shock, notably by von Neumann, Richtmeyer and Lax, these have the unfortunate property of altering the behavior of the solution in other regions. If conventional finite difference schemes are employed, instabilities arise in a number of cases.
Responding to Emergency in Democratic Athens: The Case of Anti-Tyranny Legislation

This article attempts to understand Athenian anti-tyranny laws as offering a democratic response to emergency. These laws sought to promote the killing of “tyrants” who overthrew the democracy and to punish those who collaborated with any non-democratic regime. I argue that the anti-tyranny laws reflect a broader series of measures enacted in the aftermath of the oligarchic coup of 411 BCE that sought to facilitate the collective action of the dēmos (people) as a means of maintaining and preserving Athenian democracy. Such legislation, I suggest, is best understood when situated within the context of a distinctly Athenian conception of the rule of law that viewed the relationship between the rule of law and popular sovereignty in recursive terms. The article places this Athenian response to emergency in dialogue with recent work on emergency politics in contemporary political theory.
Ambient Temperature Effects on Driving

Abstract A lot of research has been done to identify and correlate effects of ambient temperature on human performance. But to measure human performance, up to this point, driving has not been considered yet. In this research, to measure driving performance, two critical parameters were evaluated viz. lateral position variability in the lane and speed variability. Data was recorded for three different ambient temperature ranges using the Data Acquisition System (DAS) and further analyzed with the help of SAS 9.3 statistical software. Three ambient temperature ranges used in this study were: 51-60 °F (Low), 61-70 °F (Medium) and 71-80 °F (High). All other parameters which could affect driving performance like roadway, weather and light conditions, traffic, driver's age and experience etc. were kept as similar as possible or selected in a way so that they have less variability. All participants got all three treatments (Low, Medium & High) and the order of providing treatment (driving in the selected temperature) was balanced across all participants. The study did not find any significant lateral position variability within the lane for the three different ambient temperatures. However, this research found significant temperature effect on speed variability for high temperature (71-80 °F) over low (51-60 °F) and medium (61-70 °F) temperatures.
Towards a More Adequate Description of Uncertainty

In this chapter, we deal with the fact that the traditional description of uncertainty is only approximate. Namely, measurement uncertainty is usually represented as a combination of probabilistic (random) and interval (systematic) uncertainty. In this chapter, we explain that this approach to representing uncertainty is only an approximation.We show that a more adequate representation of uncertainty leads to a three-component model, with an additional periodic error component. The existing uncertainty propagation techniques are extended to this model. These results are intended to be applied to environmental studies, especially in the analysis of the corresponding time series.
Thermal Probe Maskless Lithography for 27.5 nm Half-Pitch Si Technology

Thermal scanning probe lithography is used for creating lithographic patterns with 27.5 nm half-pitch line density in a 50 nm thick high carbon content organic resist on a Si substrate. The as-written patterns in the poly phthaladehyde thermal resist layer have a depth of 8 nm, and they are transformed into high-aspect ratio binary patterns in the high carbon content resist using a SiO2 hard-mask layer with a thickness of merely 4 nm and a sequence of selective reactive ion etching steps. Using this process, a line-edge roughness after transfer of 2.7 nm (3σ) has been achieved. The patterns have also been transferred into 50 nm deep structures in the Si substrate with excellent conformal accuracy. The demonstrated process capabilities in terms of feature density and line-edge roughness are in accordance with today’s requirements for maskless lithography, for example for the fabrication of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) masks.
Heavens on Earth: Christian Utopias in Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century America

In the rich and complex history of American Christianity, utopias in one form or another have played a constant part. From the early puritan settlements onwards, North America has played a distinctive role in the Christian imagination — as a place of refuge, as a place for experimentation, as the founding-spot for new sects, churches, and denominations. Among the experimenters have been many groups of Christians in America who have, over more than two centuries, gathered themselves into communal organizations — what participants and commentators now call ‘intentional communities’. Their numbers have been almost impossible to measure accurately; one authoritative listing counts about six hundred communal groups with over fifteen hundred separate settlements in the USA before 1965, and there will have been thousands more communes formed since then. Membership figures are even harder to pin down, but it is certain that the numbers of people who have at one time or another lived in an American intentional community runs into the hundreds of thousands.
Aging of Individual Cells Over Tens of Generations

Understanding senescence of single bacterial cells will provide key insights into aging in higher organisms. Due to experimental challenges, there is a paucity of high-quality long-term single-cell data, which is essential to quantify this phenomenon; this has led to conflicting results to date. We have developed a system to image the stochastic dynamics of growth and division of individual cells of the asymmetrically-dividing bacterium Caulobacter crescentus with unprecedented precision for more than one hundred generations. We report on conditional senescence in response to adverse environmental conditions, which provoke an irreversible and quantitatively predictable decrease in growth rate. In contrast, single cells do not senesce under steady growth conditions over tens of generations. That individual cells do not senescence under ideal growth conditions but do so following exposure to certain environmental stresses has implications for understanding the origins of aging itself.
Vanadium nitride supercapacitors: Effect of Processing Parameters on electrochemical charge storage behavior

Abstract Nanoparticulate transition metal nitride based supercapacitor electrodes have recently gained considerable attention as high capacity energy storage materials. In particular, vanadium nitride has been shown to be an excellent pseudocapacitor on account of surface reactions occurring at an oxide exo-shell. However, there is limited understanding into the exact nature of charge storage behavior and its dependence on synthesis and processing route. In the present work, we explore the effect of materials processing and electrode properties on capacitive charge storage in vanadium nitride based supercapacitor electrodes. Dependence of capacitance on particle properties and electrode properties are evaluated and reported here-in.
Major Changes in Systemic Therapy for Advanced Melanoma

Over the past 5 years, a host of new agents have radically changed the therapeutic landscape in advanced melanoma; gone are the days when the only active agents were interferon and dacarbazine. Nearly 25 years ago, few patients with stage IV melanoma reached 2-year survival; today, these survival curves have risen substantially. At the NCCN 21st Annual Conference, John A. Thompson, MD, discussed updates with longer duration of patient follow-up for immune checkpoint therapies. He also reviewed some of the newer approvals in advanced melanoma, including the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab, high-dose ipilimumab, the oncolytic virus therapy talimogene laherparepvec, and the molecularly targeted combination of the BRAF and MEK inhibitors vemurafenib and cobimetinib.
Theorizing About Poverty and Paternalism in Suburban America: The Case of Welfare Sanctions

Shifting metropolitan poverty dynamics over the past decade have resulted in a more sprawling material hardship, with the suburban poor now outnumbering central-city counterparts. The rise of suburban poverty is well documented, but the implications for welfare policy administration and client program outcomes remain understudied. This article offers a theoretical treatment of the spatial dimensions of sanction for noncompliance with program rules under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. For a variety of reasons associated with unique spatial barriers, ideological resistance, and underdeveloped social service networks, the theoretical framework predicts that suburban welfare clients, especially minority clients, are more likely to experience punitive sanction outcomes than central-city counterparts.
Alternative topical therapy.

Although there have been revolutionary changes in the management and treatment of dermatologic disorders with topical therapies, these potent remedies do not always work in recalcitrant and intractable cases. When all the “modern” preparations have been exhausted, falling back on some old remedies often proves curative. This article offers a list of 73 alternative topical measures that are often beneficial.
After thrombolytic therapy: angiography, angioplasty, or surgery?

Many investigators advocate that combined emergency coronary angiography and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty be performed immediately after thrombolytic therapy. In this setting, emergency coronary angiography and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty be performed immediately after thrombolytic therapy. In this setting, emergency catheterization without angioplasty is associated with relatively little additional risk. However, a number of prospective trials have compared emergency angioplasty to more conservative treatment strategies, and emergency angioplasty has been not found to offer any advantage in terms of improved prognosis or preservation of left ventricular function. Emergency coronary artery bypass surgery also appears to have a limited role in patients treated with thrombolytic therapy
Estimators for longitudinal latent exposure models: examining measurement model assumptions

Latent variable (LV) models are increasingly being used in environmental epidemiology as a way to summarize multiple environmental exposures and thus minimize statistical concerns that arise in multiple regression. LV models may be especially useful when multivariate exposures are collected repeatedly over time. LV models can accommodate a variety of assumptions but, at the same time, present the user with many choices for model specification particularly in the case of exposure data collected repeatedly over time. For instance, the user could assume conditional independence of observed exposure biomarkers given the latent exposure and, in the case of longitudinal latent exposure variables, time invariance of the measurement model. Choosing which assumptions to relax is not always straightforward. We were motivated by a study of prenatal lead exposure and mental development, where assumptions of the measurement model for the time-changing longitudinal exposure have appreciable impact on (maximum-likelihood) inferences about the health effects of lead exposure. Although we were not particularly interested in characterizing the change of the LV itself, imposing a longitudinal LV structure on the repeated multivariate exposure measures could result in high efficiency gains for the exposure-disease association. We examine the biases of maximum likelihood estimators when assumptions about the measurement model for the longitudinal latent exposure variable are violated. We adapt existing instrumental variable estimators to the case of longitudinal exposures and propose them as an alternative to estimate the health effects of a time-changing latent predictor. We show that instrumental variable estimators remain unbiased for a wide range of data generating models and have advantages in terms of mean squared error. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collaborative Autoethnography as Multivocal, Relational, and Democratic Research: Opportunities, Challenges, and Aspirations

Our journey into collaborative autoethnography (CAE) began some eight years ago as a natural outgrowth of an autoethnography workshop. CAE is autoethnography that engages two or more autoethnograph...
Acid-Heat Coagulated Cheeses

Abstract Several cheeses are made worldwide by acid-coagulation of highly heated milk. Popular acid/heat coagulated cheeses include Paneer, Queso Blanco, and Ricotta. These cheeses are typically made from whole milk, skim milk, cream, whey, or combinations thereof. To effect coagulation, dilute food grade organic, mineral acid, or fermented whey is added to the hot milk, which has been previously heated to least 85°C for 30 min. The coagulated curd is separated from the whey and molded. Acid–coagulated cheeses made from highly heated milk have pH > 5.2. They have high yields due to coprecipitation of caseins and whey proteins and generally do not melt and flow when heated.
AUDITING IN THE ATHENIAN STATE OF THE GOLDEN AGE (500–300 B.C.)

Accountability and control of state revenues and expenditures in the Athenian state of the Golden Age was achieved through the verification process by three board of state accountants, based on the accounting records of execution and related budgetary and other documents. More specifically, the purpose of this process was to (a) strengthen the integrity of the accounting system by providing additional controls in the management or state resources, (b) establish accountability against any public officials in charge of public funds, and (c) provide dependable reports to the people on the management of these funds. The three boards were the Council Accountants, the Administration Accountants and the Examiners. Although the main purpose of the attest function was the discovery of fraud, internal controls were also evaluated by comparing the formalized budgets with the accounting records of execution. This conclusion is somewhat contrary to the assumption that internal controls were not recognized in ancient t...
VIP inhibits basal and histamine-stimulated proliferation of human airway smooth muscle cells

Maruno, Kaname, Afaf Absood, and Sami I. Said. VIP inhibits basal and histamine-stimulated proliferation of human airway smooth muscle cells. Am. J. Physiol. 268 (Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol. 12) : L1047-L1051, 1995.-Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell proliferation contributes to increased airway resistance in bronchial asthma. We have examined the modulation of ASM proliferation by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a cotransmitter of airway relaxation. Human ASM cells were grown in culture as a monolayer. VIP (1.0 nM-1.0 μM) inhibited proliferation in a dose-dependent manner by up to 82% on day 2, but the related peptide glucagon had no effect. Histamine (100 nM-100 μM) increased cell counts by 66%, but in the presence of VIP, cell counts and [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation were reduced by up to 55%. Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (CAMP).promoting agents, including 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, forskolin, and 8-bromo-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, alone and especially combined with VIP, reduced cell counts and [ 3 Hlthymidine incorporation, in correlation with cAMP levels. KT-5720 (1.0 nM-1.0 μM), a selective inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), abolished the inhibitory effect of VIP. The results show that VIP selectively and potently inhibits human ASM cell growth and multiplication, and nullifies the mitogenic effect of histamine, by a PKA-mediated mechanism. A deficiency of VIP may lead to ASM hyperplasia due to unopposed stimulation by endogenous mitogens.
Prospective evaluation of urinary incontinence in severely obese adolescents presenting for weight loss surgery

Abstract Background Obesity has been associated with daytime urinary incontinence (UI), likely due to increased intra-abdominal pressure. Objectives To assess incontinence symptoms in severely obese adolescents before and 3 years after bariatric surgery. Setting Tertiary care pediatric hospitals in the United States. Methods The Teen-Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery is a prospective, multicenter study designed to evaluate efficacy and safety of bariatric surgery in adolescents. Patients Results A total of 242 patients (76% female) were evaluated at baseline. The mean age was 17.1 years at baseline, and 72% were of white race. The preoperative median body mass index was 50.5 kg/m2. At baseline, 18% of females and 7% of males reported UI. Prediction analysis at baseline indicated that females, white race, and increasing body mass index had greater odds for UI. UI prevalence in females and males decreased to 7% and 0%, respectively, at 6 months after surgery (P Conclusions In adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery, UI was more common in females than in males. Incontinence status significantly improved by 6 months and was durable to 3 years after surgery, suggesting that bariatric surgery favorably affects anatomic or physiologic mechanisms of bladder control in both males and females.
A Young Woman with Neurologic Symptoms

A 37-year-old woman developed paresthesias in her hands and feet, followed by progressive weakness in her hands and legs. She became so weak that she was unable to get up and stand, even for a few minutes. Soon thereafter, she needed help for most activities of daily living. Although she was not treated, her weakness began to improve spontaneously after 3–4 weeks.
Adaptive Capacity under Chronic Stressors: Assessment of Water Infrastructure Resilience in 2015 Nepalese Earthquake Using a System Approach

AbstractThe objective of the study presented in this paper is to investigate determinants of resilience in water infrastructure systems in developing countries using the case study of the 2015 Nepa...
Evaluation of LL-37 antimicrobial peptide derivatives alone and in combination with vancomycin against S. aureus

Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections continues to be a challenge due to antimicrobial resistance. Endogenous antimicrobial peptides may offer a new option for treating S. aureus infections but several factors limit their clinical utility. Herein, we studied the activity of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 and two truncated derivatives, LL-13 and LL-17 alone and in combination with vancomycin against a range of drug-resistant S. aureus strains including methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin resistant S. aureus (VRSA) strains in vitro. When used with vancomycin, LL-13 and LL-17 displayed synergy against VRSA and showed the ability to restore sensitivity to vancomycin after pretreatment. In addition, LL-13 and LL-17 showed a strong ability to inhibit S. aureus biofilm production. LL-37 derivatives may be useful in treating infections that are resistant to vancomycin or in scenarios where biofilm formation is a concern.
Path dependence and transitions from tyranny to democracy: evidence from ancient Greece

For empirical research on the effects of institutions, an important question is whether a given institutional type will generate different outcomes depending on the circumstances that give rise to that institution. In this paper, we examine a unique historical episode in which a specific type of institution—rule by a tyrant—arose in similar states yet differed in terms of whether the impetus came from local support or external influences. Over the course of the sixth century BCE, a substantial subset of Greek poleis (city–states) experienced a period of tyranny. In some cases, the tyrant came to power with the support of local elites, yet in other cases, the tyrant was imposed by a conquering power, Persia. Although it is likely that the tyrants’ proponents—whether local elites or Persian rulers—sought to increase stability and maintain policies necessary for wealth creation, the long run effects of tyranny differed: In poleis where the rise of a tyrant would have depended on local support, a record of tyranny predicts a greater propensity for subsequent development of democracy. By contrast, in poleis where the rise of a tyrant would have depended on Persian support, a record of tyranny has a weak (and perhaps negative) association with subsequent development of democracy. These findings illustrate both the long-run importance of institutional paths and the difficulty in transplanting institutions.
Improvement of seedling and panicle blast resistance in Xian rice varieties following Pish introgression

Rice blast is a serious disease caused by the filamentous ascomycetous fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. Incorporating disease resistance genes in rice varieties and characterizing the distribution of M. oryzae isolates form the foundation for enhancing rice blast resistance. In this study, the blast resistance gene Pish was observed to be differentially distributed in the genomes of rice sub-species. Specifically, Pish was present in 80.5% of Geng varieties, but in only 2.3% of Xian varieties. Moreover, Pish conferred resistance against only 23.5% of the M. oryzae isolates from the Geng-planting regions, but against up to 63.2% of the isolates from the Xian-planting regions. Thus, Pish may be an elite resistance gene for improving rice blast resistance in Xian varieties. Therefore, near-isogenic lines (NILs) with Pish and the polygene pyramid lines (PPLs) PPLPish/Pi1, PPLPish/Pi54, and PPLPish/Pi33 in the Xian background Yangdao 6 were generated using a molecular marker-assisted selection method. The results suggested that (1) Pish significantly improved rice blast resistance in Xian varieties, which exhibited considerably improved seedling and panicle blast resistance after Pish was introduced; (2) PPLs with Pish were more effective than the NILs with Pish regarding seedling and panicle blast resistance; (3) the PPL seedling and panicle blast resistance was improved by the complementary and overlapping effects of different resistance genes; and (4) the stability of NIL and PPL resistance varied under different environmental conditions, with only PPLPish/Pi54 exhibiting highly stable resistance in three natural disease nurseries (Jianyang, Jinggangshan, and Huangshan). This study provides new blast resistance germplasm resources and describes a novel molecular strategy for enhancing rice blast resistance.
Erosion of Coastal Archaeological Sites on Santa Rosa Island, California

The damage and loss of coastal archaeological sites from shoreline transgression and other near-coastal processes is common around the world. It negatively impacts our ability to address important research questions including those about the colonization of the New World, which likely occurred along the Pacific Coast. Differences in geomorphic context, annual weather patterns, topography, vegetation, bedrock, and land-use history lead to distinct localized patterns of erosion even within small geographic regions. We assessed near-coastal erosion on Santa Rosa Island, California, by monitoring annual change at 16 controlled points on 11 archaeological sites from 2013 to 2017 and by comparing it to the local geomorphic context and annual weather patterns. Overall, erosion through this period was greatest on the northwest coast of the island, which is directly in the path of prevailing winds and most winter storms, and least on the more protected west and south coasts. The 2016–2017 winter was the rainiest and had the most annual erosion in general; however, erosion at sites along gulley walls was lowest that year. By monitoring annual erosion and weather and associating them with variations in erosional processes, we can better understand threats to valuable cultural resources and take appropriate steps for mitigating their losses and the loss of archaeological data.
398. Review of Mucormycosis Cases at the University of Colorado Hospital From 2012 to 2018 and Evaluation of Risk Factors and Appropriateness of Antifungal Prophylaxis

Background Healthcare associated outbreaks of mucormycosis have been described in the literature. In 2017, the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) had an increased number of cases of mucormycosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate possible risk factors and weather patterns associated with cases of mucormycosis diagnosed at UCH from 2012 to 2018 in order determine whether the current antifungal prophylaxis used at UCH should be modified.
Bayesian Radiation Modeling for Spacecraft Reliability Prediction

In this case study, a proposed Bayesian reliability model is applied to Total Ionizing Dose (TID) field data. TID damage results when high energy particles interact with onboard semiconductor devices and accumulate charge within the silicon and silicon oxide. TID shifts the semiconductor device parameters away from their desired values. The result is a degradation in device performance, circuit performance, device functionality, and an increased risk of non-compliant performance and device functional failure. Additionally, variability in the space weather environment and the nondeterministic nature of the radiation damage make accurate predictions of on-orbit device response a challenge. These and other sources of uncertainty are currently addressed by applying conservative but industry familiar risk mitigation techniques including Radiation Design Margins (RDM), radiation shielding measures, and worst-case circuit analyses. However, these approaches do not propagate and quantify the uncertainty, which leaves them prone to overestimating or underestimating what the sufficient amount of radiation protection is. By leveraging Bayesian methods, the proposed model methodically accounts for this uncertainty in the reliability estimates and reduces it as new data is incorporated.
RF and microwave device and module packaging

The Chapter begins with a discussion of commonly used packaging technologies in the semiconductor industry and highlights their trade-offs when it comes to choosing the suitable packaging solution for a particular application. It goes on to discuss microelectronics fabrication, and then RF and microwave module types.
The Basal Ganglia Sensory System Listens to Prefrontal Task Needs.

The prefrontal cortex modifies the sensory system to focus attention. In this issue of Neuron, Nakajima et al. (2019) fill the gap between the prefrontal cortex and the sensory system with an overlooked basal ganglia pathway.
Association of registered nurse and nursing support staffing with inpatient hospital mortality

Background The association of nursing staffing with patient outcomes has primarily been studied by comparing high to low staffed hospitals, raising concern other factors may account for observed differences. We examine the association of inpatient mortality with patients’ cumulative exposure to shifts with low registered nurse (RN) staffing, low nursing support staffing and high patient turnover. Methods Cumulative counts of exposure to shifts with low staffing and high patient turnover were used as time-varying covariates in survival analysis of data from a three-campus US academic medical centre for 2007–2012. Staffing below 75% of annual median unit staffing for each staff category and shift type was characterised as low. High patient turnover per day was defined as admissions, discharges and transfers 1 SD above unit annual daily averages. Results Models included cumulative counts of patient exposure to shifts with low RN staffing, low nursing support staffing, both concurrently and high patient turnover. The HR for exposure to shifts with low RN staffing only was 1.027 (95% CI 1.002 to 1.053, p Conclusion Low RN and nursing support staffing were associated with increased mortality. The results should encourage hospital leadership to assure both adequate RN and nursing support staffing.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and hypoxia exposures result in mitochondrial dysfunction in zebrafish.

Abstract Organisms are routinely subjected to a variety of environmental and chemical perturbations simultaneously. Often, multi-stressor exposures result in unpredictable toxicity that occurs through unidentified mechanisms. Here, we focus on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and hypoxia, two environmental and physiological stressors that are known to co-occur in the environment. The aim of this study was to assess whether interactive mitochondrial dysfunction resulted from co-exposures of PAHs and hypoxia. Zebrafish embryos were co-exposed to non-teratogenic concentrations of an environmental PAH mixture and hypoxia beginning at 6 hpf for an acute period of 24 h and afterwards were given either no recovery period, 45 min, 5 -hs, or 18 -hs of recovery time in clean conditions. Mitochondrial function and integrity were assessed through the use of both in ovo and in vitro assays. Hypoxia exposures resulted in drastic reductions in parameters relating to mitochondrial respiration, ATP turnover, and mitochondrial DNA integrity. PAH exposures affected ATP production and content, as well as mitochondrial membrane dynamics and lactate content. While PAH and hypoxia exposures caused a broad range of effects, there appeared to be very little interaction between the two stressors in the co-exposure group. However, because hypoxia significantly altered mitochondrial function, the possibility remains that these effects may limit an individual’s ability to respond to PAH toxicity and therefore could cause downstream interactive effects.
Health Care, Insurance, and School Policy Affecting Diabetes in the Pediatric Population

This chapter considers the issues of health care, insurance, and policies that affect pediatric diabetes management. After reviewing epidemiologic trends in pediatric diabetes, we consider guidelines for treatment and goals of care. Consistent with the social ecological model, we discuss models of pediatric health care and address barriers to health insurance. Diabetes management in the school setting is discussed, along with consideration of laws that impact on how care is delivered in various settings. Finally, international perspectives on these issues are discussed. Continued advocacy including appropriate policy changes is needed to ensure that children and adolescents with diabetes achieve good glycemic control, quality of life, and a future free of health complications.
On Hyperbolic Initial-Boundary Value Problems with a Strictly Dissipative Boundary Condition

The well-posedness of the initial-boundary value problems for symmetric hyperbolic systems with strictly dissipative boundary conditions is proved. The regularity assumptions on the coefficients of the differential operator and the boundary condition as well as the boundary itself are quite minimal. Characterizations of strictly dissipative boundary operators are given and the example of Maxwell’s equations is discussed.
C-C Chemokine Receptor Type 2-Targeting Ultrasmall Copper Nanoparticles for Positron Emission Tomography-Guided Delivery of Gemcitabine for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

1469 Objectives: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly malignancy with dire prognosis due to aggressive biology, lack of effective tools for early detection, and limited treatment options. The C-C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2) and its cognate receptor CCR2 (CCL2/CCR2) axis is critical in fostering and maintaining the PDAC stroma rich tumor microenvironment by recruiting immunosuppressive myeloid cells. Herein, we engineered CCR2-targeting ultrasmall copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) as nano-vehicles not only for targeted PET imaging by intrinsic radiolabeling with 64Cu but also for loading and delivery of chemotherapy drug gemcitabine to PDAC. Methods: The CCR2 targeting peptide ECL1i and gemcitabine were covalently conjugated on the nanoparticles to produce the targeting (CuNCs-ECL1i) and drug loaded (CuNCs-ECL1i-Gem) nanoclusters, respectively. Biodistribution of both nanoclusters was performed in wildtype mice . PET/CT imaging using 64Cu-CuNCs-ECL1i was measured in two genetically-engineered mouse models (GEMMs) including p48-CRE; LSL-KRasG12D/wt; p53flox/flox (KPPC) and p48-CRE; LSL-KrasG12D/wt; p53flox/wt (KPC) mice. CuNCs-ECL1i-Gem treatment efficacy was evaluated using a syngeneic KI xenografts. The in vivo CuNC toxicity was also assessed. Results: The CCR2 targeting and drug loading nanoclusters were obtained with high yield and radiolabeling specific activity. Biodistribution demonstrated similar pharmacokinetics between 64Cu-CuNCs-ECL1i and 64Cu-CuNCs-ECL1i-Gem. In both KPPC and KPC mice, 64Cu-CuNCs-ECL1i showed tumor uptake of 11.16 ± 1.22 %ID/g (n=5) and 5.47 ± 0.75 %ID/g (n=5), respectively, which were significantly higher than the tracer accumulation in pancreases of control littermates and the data obtained with non-targeting nanoclusters in tumor-bearing mice. Systemic administration of CuNCs-ECL1i-Gem significantly inhibited the growth of PDAC tumors in the KI xenograft mouse model and prolonged survival. Moreover, the in vivo CuNC toxicity assessment demonstrated the safety of our current treatment regimen. Conclusions: A CCR2-targeting ultrasmall nanocluster for PDAC imaging and therapy were developed. The sensitive and specific tumor targeting in GEMMs and effective tumor inhibition in PDAC xenograft model demonstrated its potential for PDAC imaging guided therapy and warranted further investigation for future translation. Research support: P50CA196510, R01CA235672, ECS-0335765.
The Association of Nephroblastoma Overexpressed (NOV) and Endothelial Progenitor Cells with Oxidative Stress in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Objective. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by intermittent hypoxia, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress and is associated with cardiometabolic disease. Several biological substrates have been associated with OSA such as nephroblastoma overexpressed (NOV), endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), and circulating endothelial cells (CEC). Few studies have looked at the association of NOV with OSA while the EPC/CEC relationships with OSA are unclear. In this study, we hypothesize that (1) NOV is associated with the severity of OSA independent of BMI, identifying a protein that may play a role in the biogenesis of OSA complications, and (2) EPCs and CECs are also associated with the severity of OSA and are biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in OSA. Methods. 61 subjects underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG), clinical evaluation, and blood analysis for NOV, EPC, CEC, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and other potential biomarkers. Results. NOV and EPCs were independently associated with the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) after adjusting for potential confounders including body mass index (BMI), age, and sex (NOV ; EPC ). EPC was also independently associated with AHI after adjusting for BMI, age, and sex ( ). IL-6 was independently associated with AHI, but not with ODI. Conclusion. NOV and EPC levels correlate with the degree of OSA independent of BMI, indicating that these biomarkers could potentially further elucidate the relationship between OSA patients and their risk of the subsequent development of cardiovascular disease.