cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal sampling laws for bi-objective simulation optimization on finite sets

We consider the bi-objective simulation optimization (SO) problem on finite sets, that is, an optimization problem where for each "system," the two objective functions are estimated as output from a Monte Carlo simulation. The solution to this bi-objective SO problem is a set of non-dominated systems, also called the Pareto set. In this context, we derive the large deviations rate function for the rate of decay of the probability of a misclassification event as a function of the proportion of sample allocated to each competing system. Notably, we account for the presence of dependence between the estimates of each system's performance on the two objectives. The asymptotically optimal allocation maximizes the rate of decay of the probability of misclassification and is the solution to a concave maximization problem.
Development of a 1 H- 13 C Dual-Optimized NMR Probe Based on Double-Tuned High Temperature Superconducting Resonators

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a very powerful technique to study molecular structure and dynamics because of the rich chemical information it can extract. However, low inherent sensitivity is the Achilles' heel of NMR. The use of high temperature superconducting (HTS) resonators as pick-up coils in NMR probes can significantly improve the detection sensitivity of NMR and expand the use of NMR for dilute and mass-limited samples. In previously proposed HTS-based probes, the resonators for the various channels are nested orthogonally around the sample region. With this configuration, optimal sensitivity can be achieved only by the single innermost channel, which has its coils closest to the sample. We report here a new configuration in which the NMR probe has been simultaneously optimized for detection sensitivity of two channels, namely, hydrogen and carbon. The probe employs novel double-tuned HTS resonators that generate strong, uniform, and mutually orthogonal magnetic fields at the hydrogen and carbon NMR frequencies. The resonator is designed for optimal magnetic field homogeneity and minimal electric field in the sample region. Design considerations for the resonators and probe performance in NMR tests are presented.
Force Field for SiF4.

The force field of SiF4 has been determined using both Coriolis coupling constants obtained from an investigation of the band contour of v3 at 195 °K and isotopic shifts. The force fields are equally well determined using both methods and are in agreement.
Carbonate-templated self-assembly of an alkylthiolate-bridged cadmium macrocycle.

In the presence of Cd (ClO4)2 and base, a new mixed N,S-donor alkylthiolate ligand supported both carbonate formation from atmospheric CO2 and self-assembly of a novel bis-capped puckered (CdS)6 molecular wheel with 3-fold symmetry. The remarkable stability of the complex was demonstrated by slow intermolecular ligand exchange on the 2J(HH) and J(111/113Cd1H) time scales at elevated temperature. Both CO2 and base were required to convert amorphous “CdLClO4” precipitated in the absence of air to the carbonate complex. The complex shares structural features with the ζ-carbonic anhydrase class associating Cd(II) with the biogeochemical cycling of carbon and is the first structurally characterized carbonate complex of any metal involving an alkylthiolate ligand.
Induction of Epstein-Barr Virus in Raji Cells by Plasmodium Falciparum and by Normal Red Blood Cells

Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) cell lines were incubated with Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (IRBC), with uninfected RBC, or with RPMI 1640 medium to test the malaria cofactor hypothesis in the development of EBV-associated endemic BL. Early antigen (EA) induction and virus capsid antigen (VCA) production were determined in indirect fluorescent antibody assays (IFA). DNA synthesis in BL cell lines was determined after 3H-thymidine incorporation. IRBC and NRBC induced EA expression and increased DNA synthesis in Raji cells.
Abstract 4079: IL-6 promotes radiation-induced macrophage infiltration to tumors via upregulation of CCL2 and CCL5

Background: Radiotherapy is a major treatment modality for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and it is controversial if radiotherapy contributes to metastasis. We hypothesize that radiotherapy increases lung cancer cell recruitment of macrophage-infiltration, and the infiltrated macrophages may accelerate the metastatic potential of cancer. We examined the role of intracellular IL-6 in NSCLC cells in promoting the recruitment of macrophages after irradiation and explored the molecular mechanisms that govern the increase of macrophages. Methods: By utilizing the IL-6 knocked down (IL-6si) and scramble control (sc) A549 and H157 NSCLC cell lines, we investigated whether the intracellular IL-6 level affected macrophage migration into cancer cells. We also developed orthotopic human xenograft models in nude mice using the luciferase tagged-H157IL-6si and H157sc cells and investigated IL-6 effects on macrophage infiltration to tumor sites after irradiation. Tumors were irradiated and the irradiated mice were divided into two groups: (1) 1st group, the endogenous macrophage-infiltration into tumors was examined; and (2) in the 2nd group, mice were injected with the GFP-labeled THP-1 cells through tail veins after irradiation, and the recruitment of exogenous macrophages (THP-1) to tumor site was investigated 3 days after the injection. We also studied the molecular mechanisms by which IL-6 mediated the increase of macrophage-infiltration upon irradiation. Results: We found a decrease of macrophage recruitment by A549/H157 cells upon radiation when IL-6 was knocked down. Consistent with the in vitro results, we observed the contribution of IL-6 signaling to promote macrophage-infiltration after irradiation in vivo in human tumor xenografts. In the mechanism dissection studies, we found that CCL2 and CCL5 molecules were the critical IL-6 downstream target molecules, which mediated the radiation-induced increase of macrophage infiltration. We confirmed the contribution of these molecules by demonstrating the effects of neutralizing antibodies to these target molecules in reducing the radiation-induced enhancement of macrophage migration to tumors. Conclusion and Impacts: Study results suggest that IL-6 signaling, through the up-regulation of CCL2/CCL5, mediated the increase of macrophage infiltration to NSCLC cells after irradiation. Molecular studies suggest that blocking CCL2/CCL5 pathways can potentially be applied to conventional radiotherapy to intercept the process of radiation-promoted macrophage-infiltration. Citation Format: Xin Wang, Ying Tsai, Kwang-Hsiang Chuang, Peter Keng, Soo Ok Lee, Yuhchyau Chen. IL-6 promotes radiation-induced macrophage infiltration to tumors via upregulation of CCL2 and CCL5. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4079.
Hoover Appeals To The Laboring Man

ONE CAN HARDLY ACCOUNT for the nomination and election of Republican candidate Herbert C. Hoover in 1928 on the basis of the antagonistic and partisan treatment he has often received in accounts written since that time. We are told, “Leaders like Herbert Hoover had not, by their personal life, been attuned to the wants of inconspicuous people….” Here was “a member of the managerial class” unacquainted with the “daily yearnings of ordinary humankind.”1 Another volume found little good to say about the man elected overwhelmingly in 1928, except that he was a rich and successful man, a good organizer, and a friend of business with a passion for facts.2 Yet another book, on the other hand, found him to be a man with “a vivid record as a humanitarian” who actually “assumed office amid the warm plaudits of his countrymen who hailed him as a brilliant liberal who had earned his position by his distinguished humanitarian and administrative services for over fifteen years.”3 Can this be the same person? It is admitted in at least one textbook—and ought to be better known—that Mr. Hoover “was not regarded with approval by the old-line Republican politicians.”4 Indeed, the favorable portrait of Hoover painted by the Beards in their final “historical judgment which we have reached after more than forty years” has been ignored by some historians who pay qualified tribute to Charles A. and Mary E. Beard in matters of politics and economics.
The dynamics of group risk perception in the US after Paris attacks

This paper examines how the public perceived immigrant groups as potential risk, and how such risk perception changed after the attacks that took place in Paris on November 13, 2015. The study utilizes the Twitter conversations associated with different political leanings in the U.S., and mixed methods approach that integrated both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Risk perception profiles of Muslim, Islam, Latino, and immigrant were quantitatively constructed, based on how these groups/issues were morally judged as risk. Discourse analysis on how risk narratives constructed before and after the event was conducted. The study reveals that the groups/issues differed by how they were perceived as a risk or at risk across political leanings, and how the risk perception was related to in- and out-group biases. The study has important implication on how different communities conceptualize, perceive, and respond to danger, especially in the context of terrorism.
Dissimilarity Vectors of Trees and Their Tropical Linear Spaces (Extended Abstract)

We study the combinatorics of weighted trees from the point of view of tropical algebraic geometry and tropical linear spaces. The set of dissimilarity vectors of weighted trees is contained in the tropical Grassmannian, so we describe here the tropical linear space of a dissimilarity vector and its associated family of matroids. This gives a family of complete flags of tropical linear spaces, where each flag is described by a weighted tree.
Supplemental Antithrombin Is Effective in Achieving Adequate Anticoagulation in Infants and Children With an Inadequate Response to Heparin

Objective To demonstrate that supplemental antithrombin (AT) is effective in establishing adequate anticoagulation in infants and children with initially inadequate responses to heparin. Design Following institutional review board approval, a retrospective chart review was conducted on pediatric patients receiving AT during cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. Setting A single institutional review in a hospital setting. Participants Thirty-one pediatric patients with age ranging from 1 day to 36 months (median 12 weeks) receiving AT during the study period. Interventions As this was a retrospective chart review, no active interventions on patients were performed. Measurements and Main Results Data collected included: patient age, sex, weight, activated clotting time (ACT) values, as well as heparin and AT doses. Primary outcomes were the increase in the ACT from pre- to post-AT and the number of patients who achieved an ACT >480 seconds. The paired t-test was used to compare pre- and post-AT ACT. Mean dose of AT was 50 U/kg (standard deviation 6). Following administration of AT, 30 pediatric patients achieved an ACT of >480 seconds. The post-AT ACT was significantly higher than the pre-AT by a mean of 327 seconds (p Conclusion AT was effective in achieving adequate anticoagulation in a small cohort of infants and children undergoing cardiac surgery who initially were poorly responsive to heparin. Further research to examine the utility of AT in improving clinical outcomes is warranted.
Carotid artery revascularization in patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion: Stent or endarterectomy?

Abstract Background The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) considers that contralateral carotid artery occlusion puts the patients at high risk for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and agrees to reimburse for carotid artery stenting (CAS) in these patients. However, there is a paucity of evidence that support the superiority of CAS compared with CEA in patients with contralateral carotid occlusion. Methods All patients who underwent CEA or CAS with contralateral carotid artery occlusion were identified in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) registry between 2005 and 2016. Outcomes examined were stroke, death, and myocardial infarction at 30 days and stroke and death at 2 years stratified by ipsilateral symptomatic status. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was implemented to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of 30-day outcomes controlling for potential confounders. Life tables, robust Cox proportional hazard clustered by centers, and log-rank tests were implemented to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for long-term events. Results Overall, 4326 patients had contralateral carotid artery occlusion (CEA: 3274 [75.7%] vs CAS: 1052 [24.3%]). Patients' demographic and comorbidities were generally similar in both groups, except for race, in which nonwhite patients were more likely to have CAS (9.5% vs 7.6%; P = .048). History of stroke was twice as much prevalent in patients undergoing CEA (56.4% vs 24.0%; P P P = .011). In symptomatic patients, CAS was associated with an almost threefold higher risk for 30-day stroke (OR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.06-7.94; P = .038) and more than sixfold the 30-day mortality (OR, 6.10; 95% CI, 2.20-16.92; P = .001). The risk of stroke in the initial 2 years after surgery was 94% increased in a CAS patient relative to a CEA patient (adjusted HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.18-3.19; P = .009). Conclusions In this exclusive large cohort of patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion, CAS did not perform better compared with CEA in asymptomatic patients and had significantly worse outcomes in symptomatic patients in the perioperative period. The 2-year stroke rate was similar between the two procedures, but the risk of stroke or death was consistently higher for CAS patients. CAS is not safer than CEA in patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion, and refinement of current guidelines is warranted to provide appropriate surgical care specifically tailored for the patient's presentation.
Intracellular Signals as Molecular Biomarkers for Therapeutic Responses in Kras Mutant Myeloid Cells.

Somatic RAS mutations are found in many human cancers, including lung, pancreas, and colon carcinomas, melanoma, and myeloid malignancies. Most of these diseases respond poorly to current treatments. Mutant RAS alleles found in leukemia and other cancers encode proteins that accumulate in a constitutively active GTP-bound conformation, and aberrantly activate downstream effectors such as Raf/MEK/ERK, PI-3K/Akt, and Ral-GDS pathways. To investigate the mechanisms by which hyperactive Ras deregulates myeloid growth, we generated Mx1-Cre , LSL-Kras G12D mice, which harbor a conditional oncogenic Kras G12D allele and uniformly develop a fatal myeloproliferative disease (MPD) after induction of Kras G12D expression (Braun et al., PNAS 10, 597, 2004). In contrast to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which typically demonstrates multiple mutations, MPD are caused by fewer and even single mutations narrowing the window for targeted therapies. We are exploiting multiparametric FACS analysis as a general strategy to obtain a comprehensive biochemical understanding of mutant signaling networks and to identify and interrogate relevant populations mediating disease initiation and progression. This technique allows us to simultaneously measure intracellular phosphoproteins in phenotypically characterized subpopulations of cells. We have focused on comparing c-kit-positive, lineage-negative (c-kit+/lin-) cells in Kras G12D and normal marrow. This population, which comprises only 2–3% of total bone marrow cells, accounts for 85–90% of progenitors cells. Primary bone marrow from normal and Kras G12D mice with MPD were extracted, serum starved, and stimulated at different time points with granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Kras mutant cells exhibited hyper-phosphorylation not only of MAP kinase effectors (e.g. ERK and Mnk) but also of downstream components of the PI3 kinase cascades such as Akt and S6. We also detected elevated levels of phosphorylated STAT3 and 5 at baseline and after exposure to GM-CSF. In addition, Kras G12D mutant cells showed a more sustained activation of pERK and pS6 over time. Paradoxically, Kras mutant cells showed an intriguing attenuation of the same effectors upon SCF stimulation. Parallel studies showed that inhibiting PI3 kinase interferes with ERK activation, thus revealing crosstalk among pathways. These effects are most evident in defined subsets of stem/progenitor cells that exhibit aberrant proliferation and differentiation in vitro . Finally, we observe dramatic differences in Ras signaling networks with progression from MPD to AML. Our data suggest that oncogenic hyperactive Ras induces rewiring in cellular signaling networks that are not static, but are strongly modulated by secondary mutations. Multiparameter flow cytometry is a robust methodology for analyzing the biochemical profiles of primary cells that can be used to monitor biochemical responses to targeted therapeutics in disease-relevant populations of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.
Abstract 360: Development of a Human Tissue-Engineered Blood Vessel from Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

There exists a clear need for alternative sources of small-diameter vascular grafts for treating the millions of patients who suffer from cardiovascular disease each year. Bypass surgery or replacement of defective vessels is often required to treat coronary heart disease, but there is a limited supply of suitable autologous grafts, and synthetic grafts are ineffective for replacement of small-diameter vessels. Inherent thrombogenicity, compliance mismatch, and limited patency rates are all complications with current options. Tissue engineering has the potential to overcome these limitations by producing a readily-available vascular graft completely from biological material. It is the objective of this study to fabricate such a small-diameter tissue engineered blood vessel (TEBV) by using the human amniotic membrane as a mechanically-sound biological substrate. Our technology begins by differentiating adipose-derived stem cells into smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and seeding them onto a flat sheet of the amniotic membrane. We assessed our hypothesis that several types of SMCs can successfully attach and proliferate on this membrane by fluorescently staining cell nuclei with DAPI and characteristic SMC actin filaments with phallotoxins. After 7 days in static culture, the cell-seeded sheet was wrapped around a 3mm O.D. removable mandrel with 6-7 revolutions to develop a tubular construct with architecture akin to that of a muscular artery’s tunica media layer. After a 2 week static culture period, the TEBV was characterized for its biochemical and mechanical properties. We examined the contraction of the vessel in response to carbachol, a specific agonist for SMCs, and compared our results with the contraction of porcine coronary arteries. Burst pressure and elastic modulus tests were also performed. The mechanical integrity of this construct can be further improved upon its exposure to appropriate physiological conditions in a perfusion bioreactor. We show that adipose-derived endothelial cells (ECs) can be also be seeded into the lumen of this construct to prevent platelet adhesion. In conclusion, we have developed a small-diameter TEBV with off-the-shelf availability using a completely biological material seeded with patient-own stem cells.
Phone Messaging to Prompt Physical Activity and Social Support Among Low-Income Latino Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Pilot Study

Background: Given disparities in diabetes prevalence, receipt of diabetes education, diabetes knowledge, and self-management behaviors among Latinos, there is a need to provide education and ongoing support to this population. Phone-based interventions have the potential to reach and engage both patients and their family members and friends. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility, perceived usefulness, and potential effectiveness of a short text or voice message (STVM) intervention to activate (1) physical activity (PA) behavior change among urban, low-income Latino adults with type 2 diabetes and (2) supportive behaviors by their family members and friends. Methods: A 12-week pilot study randomized 42 participants recruited in person from a safety-net ambulatory care clinic in Los Angeles into one of the 3 study arms: control, phone messaging (PM), and phone messaging plus social support from family members and friends (PM+FF). All participants were prompted to set PA goals and to self-monitor PA behavior using pedometers and walking logs. PM and PM+FF participants received STVMs with reminders to review goals and self-monitor, PA behavior change education, and feedback on performance. Participants in the PM+FF arm also had their family members and friends receiving STVMs with suggestions for how they could support the participant’s PA behavior change efforts. Participants completed semistructured assessments in person at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Outcomes were PA (steps/day) and perceived social support from family members and friends. Results: Among PM and PM+FF participants, those who opted to receive text messages (short message service, SMS) responded to 62.7% (128/204) of SMS text messages requiring a response while those who opted to receive voice messages responded 30% (12/40) of the time. Participants perceived guidance in self-regulation as useful, particularly self-monitoring, goal setting, self-instruction, feedback, and social support. All participants increased PA at 6 weeks, but only the PM and PM+FF arms increased PA at 12 weeks. All study arms experienced an increase in perceived social support from family members and friends at 6 weeks, but only those in the PM+FF arm had an increase in the perception of social support at 12 weeks. Conclusion: Designing an STVM intervention based on self-regulation techniques is feasible and perceived as useful by participants. The STVM intervention has the potential to improve PA in terms of daily steps and perceived social support from family members and friends. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02850770; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02850770 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/query?id=1495567756845570) [JMIR Diabetes 2017;2(1):e8]
Abstract 1921: Stem-like clusters of CD44+ circulating tumor cells seed metastases in breast cancer

Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cells shed from primary tumor and circulate in the peripheral blood. They are considered the seeds of metastasis. Compared to single CTCs, clusters of multiple CTCs possess 50 times higher metastatic capacity in mouse breast cancer models. However, the mechanisms underlying the metastatic promotion effect of CTC clusters are unclear. In addition, whether clustered CTCs have cancer stem cell (CSC) properties and what stem cell markers they express have not been determined. Methods: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect CTCs in vascular structures, and the stem cell markers in single and clustered CTCs. Lung metastases were either monitored by bioluminescence imaging (BLI) or visualized by fluorescence microscopy. Stem cell properties were examined by mammosphere assays in vitro and tumorigenic assays in vivo. Clustering assay was performed by culturing cells in Poly-HEMA coated plates (for cell lines) or collagen-coated plates (for primary cells derived from patient-derived breast tumor xenografts, PDXs), and then monitored by IncuCyte live cell dynamic imaging. Results: CD44+ enriched circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters were found in the lung/liver vascular structures in vivo in both metastatic breast cancer patients and PDXs that develop spontaneous lung metastases. Comparing to single CD44+ cells, clustered CD44+ cells formed more mammospheres, increased tumorigenic potential, and promoted lung colonization. Combining siRNA-mediated knockdown and CRISPR/Cas-based knockdout, we found that CD44 is required for breast tumor cell cluster formation and lung colonization upon tail vein seeding. During cluster formation, EGFR was activated, which improved both stemness and survival of clustered CTCs. Anti-EGFR antibody mimicked CD44 knockdown to inhibit cluster formation of PDX-derived tumor cells. Administration of EGFR inhibitor Erlotinib efficiently inhibited CD44+ cells-mediated spontaneous metastases to the lungs without affecting primary tumor growth. Conclusions: Our data provide new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of stem-like clustered CD44+ cells-seeded metastasis, and implicate that targeting CD44+ CTC clusters by inhibition of EGFR activity could be a new therapeutic strategy to treat metastatic breast cancer. Citation Format: Xia Liu, Wenjing Chen, Rokana Taftaf, Huiping Liu. Stem-like clusters of CD44+ circulating tumor cells seed metastases in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1921. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1921
Three oxidation states of the bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-phenolato)azanido pincer ligand on chromium(III)

Abstract Three monomeric complexes of chromium(III) containing the redox-active ligand derived from bis(3,5-di- tert -butyl-2-phenol)amine, [ONO cat ]H 3 , were prepared and fully characterized. The potassium salt of [ONO q ] 1− reacted with CrCl 3 (THF) 3 to afford [ONO q ]CrCl 2 (THF) ( 1 ); whereas, the trilithium salt of [ONO cat ] 3− reacted with CrCl 3 (THF) 3 in the presence of pyridine to afford [ONO cat ]Cr(py) 3 ( 3 ). The three electron series was completed by reacting 1 with K[bpy ] to afford [ONO sq ]CrCl(bpy) ( 2 ). All three members of the series were characterized by structural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical methods. Attempts to effect the two-electron reduction of 1 resulted in the formation of a bimetallic chromium complex, {[ONO cat ]Cr(py) 2 } 2 ( 4 ), which was also structurally characterized. The reaction of 1 with aryl transfer reagents resulted in a mixture of one- and two-electron reactivity, comprising the expulsion of either phenyl radical or biphenyl from the chromium coordination sphere.
Food tourist segmentation: Attitude, behavioral intentions and travel planning behavior based on food involvement and motivation

ABSTRACTThis study assessed attitudes, intentions, and travel planning behavior for potential food tourists. Using two-step cluster analysis, respondents were segmented into three groups based on f...
Contemporary Use of Interferon Therapy in the Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

The purpose of this article is to review the current evidence behind interferon therapy in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. Preliminary analysis suggests that interferon may be non-inferior to hydroxyurea in patients with polycythemia vera and essential thrombocytosis. Responses have been observed regardless of JAK2 mutational status, but the presence of non-JAK2 somatic mutations may negatively influence response rates. Pegylated interferon has proven efficacy for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. Both newly diagnosed and previously treated patients with polycythemia vera and essential thrombocytosis exhibit high hematologic response rates, and some of these patients achieve molecular responses as well. Interferon therapy leads to lower rates of hematologic response in MF patients, but patients earlier on in their disease course have a better chance of responding. There are ongoing trials comparing pegylated interferon to hydroxyurea in essential thrombocytosis (ET) and polycythemia vera (PV), and early analysis suggests non-inferiority. However, longer follow-up is needed before drawing any conclusions. Future research is needed to better define characteristics of the best responders and to determine whether novel forms of interferon therapy or combination therapy with interferon can enhance efficacy and tolerability.
Building the Arsenal: Setting Up an Effective Separation Team and Governance

Companies are increasingly turning to divestitures to shed noncore assets, generate cash, and satisfy investor demand to be nimble and focused. In a recent Deloitte survey, over 70% of executives said they expected to sell units or assets in 2017. The trend toward divestitures has been increasing, and research indicates they are likely to continue to be important to a company’s overall business and M&A strategy. Many companies have faced pressure to grow aggressively, which has made their operations more complex and may have stunted their ability to respond to dynamic market needs. As a result, executives are choosing to divest one or more business units, leading to an increase in parallel or serial divestiture deals over the past few years. Additionally, to succeed in a competitive marketplace, some companies are using divestitures as transformational catalysts to shed inefficient operations and optimize remaining business functions during deal execution.
The Compatibilization of Polymer Blends with Linear Copolymers: Comparison Between Simulation and Experiment

Polymers offer a wide range of material properties, from the flexibility of polyethylene in garbage bags to the high strength of poly(phenylene terephthalamide) in bulletproof jackets. This wide range of polymer properties has led to the widespread use of polymers in many materials applications. However, when a new application arises in industry, often a single polymer can not fulfill all of the material requirements that are associated with that application. In this case, development of a new polymeric material may be needed to fulfill the material property requirements. In these situations, industry has often utilized mixing of two (or more) polymers to develop new materials with targeted properties. By combining two polymers with diverse properties, it is possible to create 8 new material that retains physical characteristics of both polymers. However, it is also well known that two long chain molecules will rarely mix on a thermodynamic level due to their low entropy of mixing. The resultant two-phase structure will have inferior properties to the initial components, primarily due to the presence of a sharp biphasic interface that does not provide entanglement between the polymers in the separate phases. This lack of entanglement across the interface results in poor transfer of stress, which in turn degrades the macroscopic properties of the mixture. Due to the importance of the presence of a biphasic interface on the macroscopic properties of a polymer blend, substantial work has been completed towards understanding and improving the interface and thus the macroscopic properties of the mixture. In particular, the effect of adding a copolymer to act as an interfacial modifier has received abundant attention. Much of this work has centered on the ability of a copolymer to strengthen the biphasic interface, lower interfacial tension (to create a finer dispersion), and inhibit coalescence during processing. Each of these mechanisms apparently contributes to the improvement of macroscopic properties of biphasic polymer blends upon addition of a copolymer and the importance of each has been the subject of some debate in the literature.
On Torsion-free Modules over Valuation Domains

In this survey article, we indicate how some of the recent ideas and techniques introduced in the study of infinite rank Butler groups can be successfully used in the investigation of the homological dimensions of torsion-free modules over integral domains and, in particular, over valuation domains.
The Problem of Reconciliation in Remorse : Coleridge’s Dramatic Theory and Practice

The dramatic career of Samuel Taylor Coleridge appeals neither to the critics nor to the theater directors. Moreover, most of the readers of Coleridge have only a vague idea of the poet’s attraction to drama, not as a Shakespearean critic but as an author. Still, Coleridge’s dramas are extremely important both as serious expressions of his ideology and as attempts to master the dramatic form in order to express these ideas. Coleridge’s task as a playwright was not easy, as he had to adapt his theatrical visions to the contemporary tastes of the audiences. On the one hand, this taste was under the influence of Shakespeare, and on the other it was spoiled by the sensational, love- murder-revenge plays dominating the English stage at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
POTUS Stand-Up: The White House Correspondents’ Dinner

It is known around Washington, D.C. as “Nerd Prom.” The White House Correspondents’ Association—the organisation that coordinates news coverage of the United States President—has held a gala dinner nearly every spring since 1922. In recent years, the guest speaker has been a comedian, and the event has included two comedy routines: one by a professional comedian and the other by the President of the United States. President Barack Obama was typically successful in his performances whereas Donald Trump rejected the platform, a punishment for what he deemed “fake news”. The White House Correspondents’ Dinner as an institution—as well as its particular performances—reward philosophical contemplation, inviting inquiries at the intersections of politics, morality, and comedy.
Conceived in Liberty: The American Worldview in Theory and Practice

Conceived in Liberty is a volume with dual goals. Written by a seasoned expert and intended for a broader public, it reflects on the historical highlights of American foreign policy in terms of its...
Gastrostomy and Gastrojejunostomy

Percutaneous radiological gastrostomy is a minimally invasive means of accessing the stomach for the purposes of enteral feeding or decompression. In this chapter, we discuss the various methods of percutaneous access of the gastrointestinal tract, including gastrostomy, gastrojejunostomy (transgastric jejunostomy), and direct jejunostomy. The indications, contraindications, technical characteristics, patient preparation prior to the procedure, and possible adverse events associated with these procedures are discussed. The relevant background literature and the advantages of radiologic gastrostomy are also detailed in the chapter.
Review of Feminists and Sciences: Critiques and Changing Perspectives in India Volume 1 & 2 (Sage Publications, 2015-2017)

Book Review of Feminists and Sciences: Critiques and Changing Perspectives in India Volume 1 & 2, edited by Sumi Krishna and Gita Chadha
Research on human-robot interaction Security Strategy of Movement authorization for service robot Based on people's attention monitoring

This paper puts forward a kind of movement behavior planning method of service robot based on the responsibility analysis of accident responsibility and designs a set of security interactive strategy based on the human's attention to robot's action. In order to effectively avoid the human physical damage caused by the robot movement without realizing the dangerous behavior of the robot, we proposed a detecting method of people's awareness. The strategy in this paper adopts the method of real time on-line detection of human activity based on IMU, measuring the static attitude of human, at the mean time we use computer vision to evaluate people's attention to robot's behavior and carry out safety warning. Through strategic choice, it can stop the movement in a warning state and apply to a person for their authorization to effectively avoid harm people.
Improvements to the ABSINTH Force Field for Proteins Based on Experimentally Derived Amino Acid Specific Backbone Conformational Statistics.

We present an improved version of the ABSINTH implicit solvation model and force field paradigm (termed ABSINTH-C) by incorporating a grid-based term that bootstraps against experimentally derived and computationally optimized conformational statistics for blocked amino acids. These statistics provide high-resolution descriptions of the intrinsic backbone dihedral angle preferences for all 20 amino acids. The original ABSINTH model generates Ramachandran plots that are too shallow in terms of the basin structures and too permissive in terms of dihedral angle preferences. We bootstrap against the reference optimized landscapes and incorporate CMAP-like residue-specific terms that help us reproduce the intrinsic dihedral angle preferences of individual amino acids. These corrections that lead to ABSINTH-C are achieved by balancing the incorporation of the new residue-specific terms with the accuracies inherent to the original ABSINTH model. We demonstrate the robustness of ABSINTH-C through a series of exam...
Blocking of Glucagonlike Peptide-1 Receptors in the Exocrine Pancreas Improves Specificity for β-Cells in a Mouse Model of Type 1 Diabetes

The diabetes community has long desired an imaging agent to quantify the number of insulin-secreting β-cells, beyond just functional equivalents (insulin secretion), to help diagnose and monitor early stages of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Loss in the number of β-cells can be masked by a compensatory increase in function of the remaining cells. Since β-cells form only about 1% of the pancreas and decrease as the disease progresses, only a few imaging agents, such as exendin, have demonstrated clinical potential to detect a drop in the already scarce signal. However, clinical translation of imaging with exendin has been hampered by pancreatic uptake that is higher than expected in subjects with long-term diabetes who lack β-cells. Exendin binds glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), previously thought to be expressed only on β-cells, but recent studies report low levels of GLP-1R on exocrine cells, complicating β-cell mass quantification. Methods: Here, we used a GLP-1R knockout mouse model to demonstrate that exocrine binding of exendin is exclusively via GLP-1R (∼1,000/cell) and not any other receptor. We then used lipophilic Cy-7 exendin to selectively preblock exocrine GLP-1R in healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Results: Sufficient receptors remain on β-cells for subsequent labeling with a fluorescent- or 111In-exendin. Conclusion: Selective GLP-1R blocking, which improves contrast between healthy and diabetic pancreata and provides a potential avenue for achieving the long-standing goal of imaging β-cell mass in the clinic.
Capacitance-based sensor with layered carbon-fiber reinforced polymer and titania-filled epoxy

Abstract Advances in intelligent infrastructure can be achieved through the use of novel materials for increased system-level efficiency and multifunctionality. Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) has been widely used in strengthening, rehabilitating, and retrofitting of existing structures because of its speed of deployment, low maintenance requirement, and high strength-to-weight ratio. In this work, the authors propose a novel method to augment CFRP with self-sensing capabilities. The sensor consists of two CFRP layers separated by a titania-filled epoxy dielectric layer, therefore forming a parallel plate capacitor. Sensing capability can be achieved through variations in the sensor’s capacitance provoked by strain, therefore providing an additional function that could be leveraged for structural health monitoring and structural health management purposes. Comprehensive testing, including (1) sensing properties on sensors with and without titania-doped epoxy and (2) electromechanical test on tension specimens subjected to both static and dynamic loading, was conducted. The test results show that doping the titania filler within the epoxy matrix can improve the sensor’s sensitivity, and that the sensor’s signal increases linearly with increasing strain. A static gauge factor of 0.92 was obtained, and the dynamic gauge factor characterized under 0.25, 0.5, and 1 Hz. It is also found that CFRP can be used as a self-sensing material without affecting its mechanical properties.
Developmental stability of scholastic, social, athletic, and physical appearance self-concepts from preschool to early adulthood.

Background Self-concept has meaningful relations with psychological functioning and well-being across the life span. Hence, it is important to understand how and when individual differences in multiple domains of self-concept begin to stabilize and whether individual differences remain stable throughout childhood and adolescence and into early adulthood. Methods We assessed individuals' (N = 372) scholastic, social, athletic, and physical appearance self-concepts at five waves over 20 years from age 4 to age 24. Results In general, stability was large, but medium-sized estimates were obtained for some domains over longer (e.g., 6-year) intervals. Indirect effects from preschool to early adulthood were small, but from age 14 to 24 were medium to large. Stabilities maintained significance independent of family socioeconomic status and global self-worth. Stability estimates were similar for boys and girls except over adolescence for scholastic self-concept, which was more stable for girls than boys. Conclusions Multiple domains of self-concept constitute stable individual-difference characteristics, independent of global feelings of self-worth. Individuals who have high or low self-concepts early in development tend to maintain their relative standing into early adulthood suggesting points of intervention.
The Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at 100: Its Development Set in Historical Context

The Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation was born as a radiology journal, and over its century of existence it has gone through various names and owners while shifting its contents from radiology to physical medicine to physical medicine and rehabilitation. These developments are sketched in light of the growth and eventual merger of physical medicine and rehabilitation in the United States and societal historical developments in the United States and elsewhere.
Membrane Chaperoning of a Thylakoid Protease Whose Structural Stability Is Modified by the Protonmotive Force

Protein folding is a complex cellular process often assisted by chaperones, but it can also be facilitated by interactions with lipids. Disulfide bond formation is a common mechanism to stabilize a protein. This can help maintain functionality amid changes in the biochemical milieu, including those relating to energy-transducing membranes. Plastidic Type I Signal Peptidase 1 (Plsp1) is an integral thylakoid membrane signal peptidase that requires an intramolecular disulfide bond for in vitro activity. We have investigated the interplay between disulfide bond formation, lipids, and pH in the folding and activity of Plsp1. By combining biochemical approaches with a genetic complementation assay using Arabidopsis thaliana plants, we provide evidence that interactions with lipids in the thylakoid membrane have reconstitutive chaperoning activity toward Plsp1. Further, the disulfide bridge appears to prevent an inhibitory conformational change resulting from proton motive force-mimicking pH conditions. Broader implications related to the folding of proteins in energy-transducing membranes are discussed.
Systemic interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) treatment leads to Stat3 inactivation in melanoma precursor lesions.

In the setting of familial melanoma, the presence of atypical nevi, which are the precursors of melanoma, is associated with a nearly 100% risk of developing primary melanoma by age 70. In patients with sporadic melanoma, it is estimated that 40–60% of melanomas develop in contiguous association with atypical nevi. Currently, the only way to prevent atypical nevi from progressing to melanoma is to monitor and excise them as soon as they exhibit changes in their clinical features. Activation of the transcription factor, Stat3, has been linked to abnormal cell growth and transformation as well as to interferon α (IFN-α)-mediated growth suppression in vitro. To determine whether IFN-α, used for adjuvant therapy of high-risk, resected melanoma, induces changes in Stat3 in atypical nevi, patients with a clinical history of melanoma who have multiple atypical nevi were treated for 3 months with low-dose IFN-α. Thereupon, the new technology of microscopic spectral imaging and biochemical assays such as electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and immunoblot analysis were used for the study of atypical nevi, obtained before and after IFN-α treatment. The results of the investigations provided evidence that, as a result of systemic IFN-α treatment, Stat1 and Stat3, which are constitutively activated in melanoma precursor lesions, lose their ability to bind DNA, and as shown in the case of Stat3, become dephosphorylated. Unlike primary and metastatic melanomas, melanoma precursor lesions cannot be established as cell cultures. Thus, the only way to explore pathways and treatment regimens that might help prevent progression to melanoma is within the context of a melanoma precursor lesion study conducted prospectively. The findings presented here suggest that down-regulation of the transcription factors Stat1 and Stat3 by systemic IFN-α treatment may represent a potential pathway to prevent the activation of gene(s) whose expression may be required for atypical nevus cells to progress to melanoma.
Improving Redox Reversibility and Intermetallic Coupling of Co(III) Alkynyls through Tuning of Frontier Orbitals

Reported herein are the syntheses and characterizations for a series of butadiyndiyl-bridged CoIII(MPC) (MPC = 5,12-dimethyl-7,14-diphenyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) complexes, capped with ...
Two unpublished photographic portraits of the American conchologist William Harper Pease (1824–1871)

A likeness of William Harper Pease, best known for his conchological exploration of the Hawaiian Islands, has remained unknown since his untimely death in 1871 at the age of 47. Recently, however, ...
Probing function in 3D neuronal cultures: A survey of 3D multielectrode array advances.

Abstract Recent advances in microphysiological systems have made significant strides to include design features that reconstruct key elements found in the brain, and in parallel advance technologies to detect the activity of electrogenic cells that form neural networks. In particular, three-dimensional multielectrode arrays (3D MEAs) are being developed with increasing levels of spatial and temporal precision, difficult to achieve with current 2D MEAs, insertable MEA probes, and/or optical imaging of calcium dynamics. Thus, providing a means to monitor the flow of neural network activity within all three dimensions (X, Y, and Z) of the engineered tissue. In the last 6 years, 3D MEAs, using either bottom-up or top-down designs, have been developed to overcome the current technical challenges in monitoring the functionality of the in vitro systems. Herein, we will report on the design and application of novel 3D MEA prototypes for probing neural activity throughout the 3D neural tissue.
Mathematical Solution Techniques

This chapter provides some of the mathematical and algorithmic backgrounds to solving LP and MILP problems.
Book Review: Anatomy of Liberty in Don Quijote de la Mancha: Religion, Feminism, Slavery, Politics, and Economics in the First Modern Novel

_Anatomy of Liberty in Don Quijote de la Mancha: Religion, Feminism, Slavery, Politics, and Economics in the First Modern Novel_ is Eric Clifford Graf's argument that _Don Quijote_ falls within the liberal tradition, advancing a distinctly humanist vision of liberty and, at times, a sardonic critique of undue coercion. Graf’s effort is one small deposit in a slowly growing stock of research that reconsiders literary texts with an eye towards liberty as a guiding good.