cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leptin as a Therapeutic Agent—Trials and Tribulations

Obesity is a prevalent condition that is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States. Sixty-three percent of men and 55% of women are overweight [body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m 2 or higher], whereas 22% of the United States adult population is obese (BMI of 30 kg/m 2 or higher) (1). More importantly, the prevalence of obesity has almost doubled in the past decade (1). The consequences of obesity are serious. Approximately 80% of obese adults have at least one and 40% have two or more comorbidities, which include diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, and certain cancers (1, 2). The number of deaths directly attributable to obesity, approximately 300,000 annually in the United States, is second only to smoking in its contribution to total mortality rates (2). The direct and indirect costs of obesity have been estimated to account for 10% of the national health care budget. Thus, it is evident that obesity is a major medical and public health problem. Obesity results from storage of excess energy as fat during periods when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure. Our understanding of the specific mechanisms underlying the regulation of energy homeostasis has been greatly advanced by research that followed the discovery of leptin 5 yr ago (3‐5). Leptin, the product of the ob gene, is mainly produced by adipocytes, and its circulating levels reflect the amount of energy stored in adipose tissue (3‐5). Although body fat accounts for approximately 50 ‐ 60% of leptin’s variability, other factors such as age, gender, diurnal variation, and hormonal (mainly insulin) and cytokine levels also contribute to the regulation of leptin levels. Leptin acts by binding to specific receptors and activating the JAK STAT system for signal transduction (reviewed in Refs. 3 and 4). Leptin has pleiotropic actions, but its main target is considered to be the central nervous system. In the hypothalamus, leptin increases energy expenditure and inhibits appetite and weight gain by decreasing the expression of orexigenic neuropeptides such as NPY and AgRP, and by increasing the expression of anorexigenic neuropeptides such as a-MSH, CRH, and CART (reviewed in Refs. 3‐5). The discovery of leptin 5 yr ago triggered renewed enthusiasm for obesity research and has reinforced the view that obesity is a disease with strong biological basis. It has also accelerated research aimed at delineating the molecular pathways regulating energy homeostasis.
Status and Distribution of Breeding Secretive Marshbirds in the Delta of Arkansas

Abstract We surveyed the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley of Arkansas (“the Delta”) during the breeding seasons of 2005 and 2006 using the national marshbird monitoring protocol for secretive marshbirds. We detected and documented breeding by Podilymbus podiceps (Pied-billed Grebe), Ixobrychus exilis (Least Bittern), Rallus elegans (King Rail), and Gallinula chloropus (Common Moorhen). We detected but did not document breeding by Botaurus lentiginosus (American Bittern), Porphyrula martinica (Purple Gallinule), and Fulica americana (American Coot), all of which have been documented to breed in the Delta. Our estimated occupancy rates for breeding marshbirds in the study area ranged from a low of 6% for the King Rail in 2006 to a high of 27% for the Least Bittern in 2005. The range of these occupancy rates are low and reflect the rarity of secretive marshbirds in the Delta. Secretive marshbird occupancy rates were higher in the southern third of the Delta, probably because wetlands were more abundant or o...
Low-loss MEMS band-pass filters with improved out-of-band rejection by exploiting inductive parasitics

This paper reports on a new implementation of integrated lumped filters with improved out-of-band rejection and passband loss. Inductive parasitics are exploited to provide additional transmission zeros at the high frequency end, which can improve both the out-of-band rejection and roll-off. Thick silver is electroplated to reduce the insertion loss and achieve high quality factor. An insertion loss of better than 3dB has been achieved for filters across 220MHz to 640MHz with unloaded Q as high as 50. The out-of-band rejection of filters is as high as 60dB. These are believed to be the highest performing integrated filters in terms of out-of-band attenuation and spurious-free response implemented on silicon substrate.
The Interaction of Calcium with Monolayers of Stearic and Oleic Acid

The interaction of monolayers of stearate and oleate with Ca++ and H+ have been studied in a Tris-buffered system where trans-surface potential (ΔV) and surface accumulation of Ca45 per mole lipid (θ) have been studied. ΔV-area data suggest that the orientation of the carbonyl dipole is the same for both lipids when the monolayers are close-packed. θ is higher for stearate than for oleate at bulk calcium concentrations in the range 10−7 to 10−4 M, but for both lipids it is far greater than would be expected from a simple mass-law relationship using the bulk affinity constant. Both the titration curves and the Ca45 accumulation data can be fitted reasonably well by a Donnan model which takes monolayer charge into account.
Predictors of Healthy Birth Outcome in Adolescents: A Positive Deviance Approach

Abstract Study Objective Pregnant adolescents experience elevated rates of adverse birth outcomes compared to older mothers. Positive deviance inquiry is the identification of uncommon behaviors and traits that result in better health outcomes for individuals in a population that shares similar risks. The purpose of our study was to utilize a positive deviance framework to identify sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics associated with a healthy birth outcome among adolescents. Design This is a retrospective cohort study design. Setting We performed a secondary data analysis of vital records data from the State of Louisiana between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2007. Participants Data included birth certificates from 35,013 Louisiana mothers age ≤19. Main Outcome Measure A healthy birth was defined as having an infant of weight between 2500 g and 4000 g, delivered vaginally without induction or instrumented delivery and in the absence of pregnancy, obstetric, or neonatal complications and anomalies. Results Twenty-one percent of the study population was classified as positive deviants with healthy births. Multivariate log-linear regression was used to model predictors of healthy birth. Adolescents who were older, non-black, multiparous, non-smoking, married, gained a medium amount of weight, had a longer inter-pregnancy interval or received adequate prenatal care were most likely to experience a healthy pregnancy and birth. Ethnicity, alcohol use, father's information on the birth certificate and paternal characteristics did not significantly predict a positive birth outcome. Conclusion Characterizing positive deviant adolescents may help identify special populations for targeted intervention and important modifiable behaviors for the promotion of better birth outcomes in all young mothers.
Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (IAPP) Transgenic Rodents as Models for Type 2 Diabetes

Blood glucose concentrations are maintained by insulin secreted from beta-cells located in the islets of Langerhans. There are approximately 2000 beta-cells per islet, and approximately one million islets of Langerhans scattered throughout the pancreas. The islet in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) has deficient beta-cell mass due to increased beta-cell apoptosis and islet amyloid derived from islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). Accumulating evidence implicates toxic IAPP oligomers in the mediation of beta-cell apoptosis in T2D. Humans, monkeys, and cats express an amyloidogenic toxic form of IAPP and spontaneously develop diabetes characterized by islet amyloid deposits. However, longitudinal studies of islet pathology in humans are impossible, and studies in nonhuman primates and cats are costly and impractical. Rodent IAPP is not amyloidogenic, thus commonly used rodent models of diabetes do not recapitulate islet pathology in humans. To investigate the diabetogenic role of human IAPP (h-IAPP), several mouse models and, more recently, a rat model transgenic for h-IAPP have been developed. Studies in these models have revealed that the toxic effect of h-IAPP on beta-cell apoptosis demonstrates a threshold-dependent effect. Specifically, increasing h-IAPP transgene expression by breeding or induction of insulin resistance leads to increased beta-cell apoptosis and diabetes. These transgenic rodent models for h-IAPP provide an opportunity to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for h-IAPP-induced beta-cell apoptosis further and to test novel approaches to the prevention and treatment of T2D.
In vitro inhibition of IL-2 biosynthesis in activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells by a trauma-induced glycopeptide.

Abstract Traumatic injury often results in profound immunopathology that can lead to immunosuppression, thereby increasing the morbidity and mortality due to sepsis. The isolation and partial characterization of an immunosuppressive glycopeptide (SAP) from serum of severely burned patients has previously been reported by our laboratory. Recently, this trauma peptide has also been identified in the serum of patients with multiple blunt trauma. This glycopeptide is capable of suppressing neutrophil chemotaxis, T-cell blastogenesis and the lysis of human erythrocytes. We demonstrate in this report that SAP inhibits interleukin 2 (IL-2) biosynthesis by mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Peptide concentrations of 50 nmol and above significantly inhibited IL-2 production. Inhibition was not reduced by the addition of indomethacin or anti-PGE 2 to cultures containing >100 nmol of peptide, suggesting that inhibition is not entirely prostaglandin-mediated. Preliminary studies have shown that IL-2 suppression by SAP can be partially reversed by the addition of calcium ionophore. These results suggest a potential immunosuppressive mechanism of the trauma peptide in which T cell blastogenesis is inhibited by interference in IL-2 biosynthesis.
Regional S-wave structure for southern California from the analysis of teleseismic Rayleigh waves

Teleseismic Rayleigh waves, M_S > 7.0, in the period range 14 to 28 s, are well recorded by the short-period Benioff array within southern California. Multiple arrivals that hinder the determination of local phase velocity curves are detected by narrow band-pass filtering. The records are then windowed on distinct, coherent peaks that move uniformly across the array. Four to seven stations are included in the determination of both the phase velocity across the array and the incidence azimuth. For earthquakes in the western Pacific, the derived incidence azimuths are systematically rotated counterclockwise by 2–16°. Most of this rotation results from refraction at the continental shelf. Phase velocity data for both the southern Mojave—central Transverse Ranges and the Peninsular Ranges are inverted to obtain regional S-wave velocity models. The starting models are constructed from travel-time studies of local sources, both natural and artificial. Poisson's ratio as a function of depth is calculated for these two regions. The comparison of Poisson's ratio with laboratory ultrasonic studies requires a quartz-rich crust within the southern Mojave—central Transverse Ranges and a mafic crust within the Peninsular Ranges.
Variability Of The Diffuse Attenuation Coefficient In Waters Off The Us East Coast

The seasonal variability of ocean color is examined using Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) data. The CZCS, on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's NIMBUS-7 satellite, was in operation between late 1978 and mid-1985. It provided direct measurement of the upwelled radiance at wavelengths, in the visible regime, from which the diffuse attenuation coefficient, K, at 490 nm, K(490), was derived. Thirteen scenes are chosen from the mid-Atlantic Bight region off the east coast of the United States (approximately 38"N and 70"W) from 1979 to 1982, showing the seasonal variability in the ocean color on scales of approximately 30,000 km2. The distributions show a shift in the peak K value and a change in their width as functions of season.
Closing the gap between teaching and learning: formative evaluation in a freshman design course

The primary goal of the NSF-funded Engineering Coalition of Schools for Excellence and Educational Leadership (ECSEL) is to integrate design throughout the engineering curriculum. Freshman courses are a key component of the ECSEL effort, because the freshman year is the time when a student forms his or her strongest perceptions of the college environment and disciplines. The freshman design sequence at City College consists of two semester-long courses carrying a total of three credit hours. How successful are these courses in involving students in engineering design and motivating them to stay in engineering? A major thrust of the ECSEL Freshman effort will be to develop strategies and techniques for evaluation. This paper reports on some very preliminary evaluation efforts which have been begun at City College. It describes the first attempts to study cognitive and affective issues and also to examine the goals of the program.
Steroidogenic Factor 1 Differentially Regulates Fetal and Adult Leydig Cell Development in Male Mice

ABSTRACT The nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1, AD4BP, NR5A1) is a key regulator of the endocrine axes and is essential for adrenal and gonad development. Partial rescue of Nr5a1−/− mice with an SF-1-expressing transgene caused a hypomorphic phenotype that revealed its roles in Leydig cell development. In contrast to controls, all male rescue mice (Nr5a1−/−;tg+/0) showed varying signs of androgen deficiency, including spermatogenic arrest, cryptorchidism, and poor virilization. Expression of various Leydig cell markers measured by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and RT-PCR indicated fetal and adult Leydig cell development were differentially impaired. Whereas fetal Leydig cell development was delayed in Nr5a1−/−;tg+/0 embryos, it recovered to control levels by birth. In contrast, Sult1e1, Vcam1, and Hsd3b6 transcript levels in adult rescue testes indicated complete blockage in adult Leydig cell development. In addition, between Postnatal Days 8 and 12, peritubular cells expressing...
Increased HIV testing among hospitalized patients who declined testing in the emergency department

Health-care systems have serial encounters with many of the same patients across care settings; however, few studies have examined the role of reoffering HIV testing after a patient declines. We assessed whether an intervention to increase HIV testing among hospitalized patients was associated with increased testing among those who declined a test while in the Emergency Department (ED). We studied 8-week periods pre- and post-implementation of an electronic medical record (EMR)-based intervention to increase HIV testing among hospitalized patients. We included all patients 21-64 years old who had no prior HIV test, declined HIV testing in the ED, and were subsequently hospitalized. We used logistic regression to test for an association between time of hospital admission (pre- vs. post-intervention) and whether an HIV test was performed prior to discharge. Pre- and post-implementation, 220 and 218 patients who declined HIV testing in the ED were hospitalized, respectively. There were no significant demographic or clinical differences among patients pre- and post-implementation. Pre- and post-implementation, the median proportion of patients tested weekly was 6.7% (IQR 6.5%, 10.0%) and 41.4% (IQR 33.3%, 41.9%), respectively (aOR 6.2: 95%CI: 3.6, 10.6). HIV testing increased among hospitalized patients who declined a test in the ED after implementation of an EMR-based intervention. Almost half of the patients who declined testing in the ED ultimately underwent testing after it was reoffered during hospitalization, suggesting that the decision to undergo HIV testing is a dynamic process. Leveraging EMR resources may be an effective tool for expanding HIV testing, and testing should be reoffered to patients who previously declined.
Structural analysis of activated SgrAI-DNA oligomers using ion mobility mass spectrometry.

SgrAI is a type IIF restriction endonuclease that cuts an unusually long recognition sequence and exhibits self-modulation of DNA cleavage activity and sequence specificity. Previous studies have shown that SgrAI forms large oligomers when bound to particular DNA sequences and under the same conditions where SgrAI exhibits accelerated DNA cleavage kinetics. However, the detailed structure and stoichiometry of the SgrAI–DNA complex as well as the basic building block of the oligomers have not been fully characterized. Ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) was employed to analyze SgrAI–DNA complexes and show that the basic building block of the oligomers is the DNA-bound SgrAI dimer (DBD) with one SgrAI dimer bound to two precleaved duplex DNA molecules each containing one-half of the SgrAI primary recognition sequence. The oligomers contain variable numbers of DBDs with as many as 19 DBDs. Observation of the large oligomers shows that nanoelectrospray ionization (nano-ESI) can preserve the proposed activa...
Balloon dilation causing tracheal rupture: Endoscopic management and literature review

A 72-year-old female with a history of idiopathic subglottic tracheal stenosis suffered tracheal rupture during endoscopic balloon dilation. The defect measured 7.5 cm in length, through which the mediastinum was visualized. An 80 × 20-mm silicone-covered tracheobronchial stent was deployed over the defect. The patient was extubated subsequent to intraoperative computed tomography demonstrating minimal air escape. Postoperatively, the patient saw no further complications and was discharged 3 days later. The stent was removed 80 days postoperatively revealing healed trachea. Tracheal rupture is a potential risk of balloon dilation, and the list of possible complications is extensive and morbid. Although traditional repair requires an open approach, endoscopic techniques are growing in description, and tracheal stenting was successful in this case. Laryngoscope, 126:2774-2777, 2016.
13 MANAGEMENT OF FEMALE ADOLESCENT SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS IN THE PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT: DOES QUALITY OF CARE VARY BY PROVIDER TYPE?

Background Victims of sexual assault (VSA) frequently do not receive emergency contraception (EC) or STD treatment in the emergency department (ED) as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). At times, sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE) assist in evaluating VSA. However, their impact on compliance with CDC/ACOG guidelines is unknown. Objective To determine the effect of ED team SANE presence on rates of CDC/ACOG guideline-compliant EC and STD treatment among adolescent VSA. Methods This was a retrospective study of female VSA, 12-17 yrs, seen at a pediatric ED Results 130 charts were reviewed for inclusion, 80 met study criteria: 40 in the SANE/MD group, 40 in the MD group. Patients were 14.8 ± 1.5 yrs (no difference between groups). SANE/MD patients were prescribed STD prophylaxis for gonorrhea and chlamydia more often than MD patients, 100% vs. 88%, (rate ratio = 1.14 [95% CI: 1.01, 1.17]) but the frequency of EC prescription did not differ significantly, 97.5% vs. 88% (RR = 1.11 [0.98, 1.26]). STD prophylaxis prescribed was infrequently CDC-compliant with no statistical difference between groups. For gonorrhea: 70% of SANE/MD patients vs. 54% of MD patients (RR = 1.3 [0.9-1.8]). For chlamydia: 97.5% vs. 91% (RR = 1.07 [0.96, 1.2]). Similarly, EC prescribed was infrequently ACOG-compliant with no difference between groups, 66% vs. 55% (RR 1.2 [0.8-1.7]). Conclusions SANE/MD patients were more often prescribed STD prophylaxis. These preliminary data also suggest a trend towards more frequent overall EC prescription and guideline-compliant STD and EC treatments but without statistical significance. Further data are needed to clarify the effect of SANE specialists on STD prophylaxis and EC use among adolescent VSA.
Body composition and energy utilization by steers of diverse genotypes fed a high-concentrate diet during the finishing period : II. Angus, Boran, Brahman, Hereford, and Tuli sires

Objectives of the study were to determine the influence of Angus (A), Boran (BO), Brahman (BR), Hereford (H), or Tuli (T) sires on body composition, composition of gain, and energy utilization of crossbred steers during the finishing period. Beginning at 300 kg, 96 steers were adjusted to a high-corn diet and individual feeding. Steers were assigned, by sire breed, to be killed as an initial slaughter group or fed either a limited amount or ad libitum for 140 d then killed. Organ weights, carcass traits, and body composition were evaluated. The statistical model included sire breed (S), treatment (Trt), and the S x Trt interaction. Ad libitum feed intake was least for BO- and T-, intermediate for BR- and H-, and greatest for A-sired steers. Rates of weight, fat, and energy gains were similar for A-, H-, and BR-sired steers but less (P .12). Rates of water, fat, and protein gain increased linearly with increased rate of BW gain, but relationships differed (P < .05) among sire breeds. Linear regression analyses indicated energy requirements for maintenance and efficiency of energy use for energy gain differed (P < .05) among sire breeds. Evaluation by nonlinear regression indicated that heat production increased exponentially and energy gain increased asymptotically as feed intake increased above maintenance.
Overview of Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis —1990

As of early 1990, the number of patients maintained on chronic peritoneal dialysis world-wide approached 50,000. In the United States, approximately 80% were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) while 15% used cycler techniques such as continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis or nightly peritoneal dialysis. In other countries, the percentage of patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis on CAPD is presumably even higher. Studies from North America, Europe, and Australia-New Zealand all agree that mortalities on CAPD and hemodialysis are not significantly different if populations with similar characteristics are compared. Technique survivals have tended to be lower in CAPD than in hemodialysis, even with population adjustments. Differences in technique survival can, in part, be attributed to the tendency for patients to transfer from CAPD to hemodialysis after severe or frequent peritonitis. However, evidence continues to accumulate from multiple countries that disconnect devices, such as the Y-set, can reduce the rate of peritonitis to less than one episode per 20 patient months. As peritonitis rates decrease, transfer rates decrease and technique survival improves. In some Y-set populations, technique survivals similar to hemodialysis have been reported. Current research interests in CAPD are focused on improved catheters, exit site care, verification that CAPD may preserve GFR better than hemodialysis, manipulation of lymphatic absorption to enhance ultrafiltration, more sophisticated models of peritoneal transport, improved control of calcium and phosphorus without aluminum, and individualization of peritoneal dialysis prescriptions to assure adequacy.
Chapter 1 – An Economics Perspective on Intellectual Capital

The following sections are included:IntroductionOrganizing Research and Development and Knowledge Production ActivitiesThe Economics of Knowledge: Some Historical RootsAntecedentsInnovation and Economic GrowthFirm-Level DevelopmentsCentral Concepts in the Economics of Knowledge and Intellectual PropertyThe Nature of KnowledgeReplicability, Imitability, and Appropriability of KnowledgeCapturing Value from Intellectual CapitalMeasurement Issues: Accounting and Market Metrics (Tobin'Q)Stock Market ValuationsGross MarginsPatent and Patent Citation CountsInnovation CountsOrganizational CapitalConclusionReferences
The 'air side' of future warfare - military aeronautics

The ongoing revolutions in information, biological, energetics and nano technologies are changing the nature and equipment of warfare. This is particularly true in military aeronautics. In the nearer term aircraft are becoming increasingly 'uninhabited' (UCAVs, UAVs etc.) enabled by the IT revolution, with multitudinous accompanying benefits in terms of affordability, survivability, redefinition of 'risk' and lethality. The issue for such aircraft is enhanced persistence and increased range within the context of the overall system metrics. In the longer term the increasingly capable worldwide 'sensor web' will place at risk all air vehicles, in or out of theatre and whether or not they are 'stealthy'. This, combined with advanced conventional weapons, high energy density material powered EMP (electro-magnetic-pulse) weapons and affordable swarms of 'brilliant' munitions will probably require yet another re-definition of military aeronautics, perhaps as survivable (hardened) hypersonic, global range, boost-glide devices
Bacteriological Quality of "Soul Foods" from Processing Plants.

Bacterial content of "soul foods" from four processing plants was determined. Samples were analyzed for Staphylococcus aureus , Clostridium perfringens , salmonellae, total coliform, Escherichia coli and total aerobic plate count. Chitterlings (washed intestines) from one plant and maws (stomachs of swines) from a different plant contained all of the bacteria for which tests were made. The other food samples contained one or two of the indicator organisms.
Synthesis and biochemical characterization of EGF receptor in a water-soluble membrane model system

ErbB (Erythroblastic Leukemia Viral Oncogene Homolog) receptor tyrosine kinases are critical for tissue development and maintenance, and frequently become oncogenic when mutated or overexpressed. In vitro analysis of ErbB receptor kinases can be difficult because of their large size and poor water solubility. Here we report improved production and assembly of the correctly folded full-length EGF receptor (EGFR) into nanolipoprotein particles (NLPs). NLPs are ~10 nm in diameter discoidal cell membrane mimics composed of apolipoproteins surrounding a lipid bilayer. NLPs containing EGFR were synthesized via incubation of baculovirus-produced recombinant EGFR with apolipoprotein and phosphoplipids under conditions that favor self-assembly. The resulting EGFR-NLPs were the correct size, formed dimers and multimers, had intrinsic autophosphorylation activity, and retained the ability to interact with EGFR-targeted ligands and inhibitors consistent with previously-published in vitro binding affinities. We anticipate rapid adoption of EGFR-NLPs for structural studies of full-length receptors and drug screening, as well as for the in vitro characterization of ErbB heterodimers and disease-relevant mutants.
Who defines 'whole': an urban political ecology of flood control and community relocation in Houston, Texas

Abstract Even if public agencies sponsoring projects like flood alleviation have the best of intentions for relocated households, there may still be residents who do not agree with being forced to move. Federal relocation policy in the US has been, and continues to be, concerned primarily with housing economics and financial compensation. And yet, residents subject to relocation continue to express other concerns. The public agency responsible for relocation from flood-prone Kashmere Gardens in Houston, TX has promised to make households 'whole' in terms of finding new housing that is no more expensive (in terms of rent, mortgage payments, and equity) than vacated homes. While these considerations are important, this article illustrates how public agencies need to expand how they define 'whole.' Interviews with 53 households affected directly or indirectly by relocation show that the following factors need consideration when subjecting households to involuntary relocation: (1) suitability of new housing, (2) perceived competence of relocation specialists, (3) the relocation planning process, and (4) potential health issues for relocated households. Key Words: Kashmere Gardens, Houston, Uniform Relocation Act (URA), flood control infrastructure, urban political ecology
Hardware Trojan Attacks in FPGA and Protection Approaches

Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are integrated circuits (ICs) containing programmable logic components that can be reconfigured by an end-user post manufacturing. Similar to ICs, FPGAs are also susceptible to supply-chain attacks, especially insertion of hardware Trojans. In this book chapter, we explain how attackers can insert Trojans into FPGAs. We present a Trojan taxonomy that is tailored to FPGA supply chain. We then discuss the main classes of Trojans in FPGAs and explain the different ways of inserting these Trojans in detail. Finally, we present the various countermeasures that have been developed to target Trojans that are FPGA specific.
Karachi as Home and the Uncanny Homecoming of Muhajirs in Kamila Shamsie's Kartography

(2011). Karachi as Home and the Uncanny Homecoming of Muhajirs in Kamila Shamsie's Kartography. South Asian Review: Vol. 32, 'On South Asian Diasporas', Guest Edited by B. P. Giri and Priya Kumar, pp. 161-181.
Nurse Practitioners and Interdisciplinary Teams in Pediatric Critical Care

Objective To describe the members of pediatric intensive care unit interdisciplinary provider teams and labor inputs, working conditions, and clinical practice of pediatric intensive care unit nurse practitioners. Methods A national, quantitative, crosssectional, descriptive postal survey of pediatric intensive care unit medical directors and nurse practitioners was administered to gather information about provider-team members, pediatric intensive care unit nurse practitioner labor inputs, working conditions, and clinical practice. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and χ2 tests were used. Results Responses from 97 pediatric intensive care unit medical directors and 59 pediatric intensive care unit nurse practitioners representing 126 institutions were received. Provider-team composition varied between institutions with and without nurse practitioners. Pediatric intensive care units employed an average of 3 full-time nurse practitioners; the average nurse practitioner-to-patient ratio was 1 to 5. The clinical practice reported by medical directors was consistent with practice reported by nurse practitioners. Conclusion Nurse practitioners are integrated into interdisciplinary pediatric intensive care unit teams, but institutional variation in team composition exists. Investigating models of care contributes to the understanding of how models influence positive patient and organizational outcomes and may change future role implementation.
D-Branes and CFT/ADS Duality

In the previous chapters, we introduced soliton and soliton-like objects, e.g. the BPS states. These states, in fact, are often the key to establishing nonpertur-bative dualities since it is believed that these BPS states are not renormalized. However, we have not actually constructed these objects and explored their dual properties. This will be the subject of this chapter [1-4].
DD14: Mein Mord (Januar 2006)

Auf einem Bauernhof werden die Tiere liebevoll grosgezogen und geschlachtet. Wir wollen sie ja essen, aber es ist schwer, ein Tier zu ermorden, das einen Namen hat. Anders ist es mit dem Schiesen von Spatzen, die das Huhnerfutter wegfressen. Es gab damals im Dorf 10 Pfennig fur einen Toten. Das war in meiner Kindheit als Kopfpramie ungeheuer viel Geld. Es reichte am mechanischen Drehautomaten beim Kaufmann Bartels fur zwei Stangen Prickel-Pit oder ein Tutchen Salmiakpastillen.
Born to Donate: Proposals for “Savior Sibling” Regulation in Latin America

Background: Savior Sibling is a child who is born to provide an organ, bone marrow or cell transplant to a sibling that is affected with a fatal disease. There are created with the In vitro fertilization (IVF) and Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Objective: In the creation of Savior Sibling, the ethical standards for organ donation of childrenbecome less demanding. Therefore, we propose that the authorization of the technique considers, unavoidably, the opinion of an impartial third party that can guarantee the welfare of the child. Methods: It is a critical analysis of the laws that regulate the creation of babies to serve as organ donors. We evaluate under what circumstances the organizations that play a part in the decisions, fulfill the ethical standards to allow the organ donation of children. Result: The requirement of an impartial third party that ensures the best interest of the child.
The gender gap in K-12 educator salaries

Abstract We examine gender gaps in the salaries of K-12 educators. This is an occupation where direct gender discrimination is less likely since salaries are determined by a union pay scale and women constitute the majority of employers. Using data from the American Community Survey (ACS), we find a gender gap of $12,000 in the personal income of K-12 educators, with only part of this gap stemming from gender differences in administrative positions, graduate degrees, and grades taught. In contrast, when we use a dataset of the public salaries of K-12 educators, we find a raw gender gap that is about three times smaller. When we directly compare the distribution of annual income for male and female educators between the public salary and ACS data, we find that an important part of the gender gap stems from male educators having additional income outside of their primary teaching salary.
Implementation of AI cloud service to Interactive Projection System

Our laboratory has been developing an entertainment system called the “light crayon”. This system makes it possible to draw a line freely on the screen by using a light pointer called the “light stick”. Currently, we are trying to use a recognition system from an AI type cloud service to add interactive responses to draw content.
Evaluation of noninvasive specimens to diagnose livestock exposure to toxic larkspur (Delphinium spp.).

Abstract Larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) are native perennial plants that have a serious toxic potential to cattle on foothill and mountain rangelands in the western United States. Livestock death due to larkspur toxicity is attributed to norditerpenoid alkaloids. Diagnosing plant poisonings in livestock is often challenging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of three matrices; earwax, oral fluid, and nasal mucus, as noninvasive specimens to determine livestock exposure to larkspurs. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography – high resolution mass spectrometry was used to analyze for norditerpene alkaloids, in all three matrices, in cattle administered a single dose of larkspur. Earwax, oral fluid, and nasal mucus were collected over 6 days post-dosing. Methyllycaconitine (MLA) and deltaline concentrations in earwax ranged from 0.4 ± 0.1 to 0.2 ± 0.06 and 0.6 ± 0.5 to 0.11 ± 0.08 ng/mg, respectively. MLA and deltaline concentrations in oral fluid ranged from 0.08 ± 0.03 to 0.01 ± 0.002 ng/mg and 0.07 ± 0.03 ng/mg to not detected (ND), respectively. MLA and deltaline concentrations in nasal mucus ranged from 0.2 ± 0.13 to 0.03 ± 0.01 ng/mg and 0.2 ± 0.12 ng/mg to ND, respectively. The ability to detect differing norditerpene alkaloid chemotypes from two different Delphinium spp. was also possible in the three matrices. This study demonstrates the potential of earwax, oral fluid, and nasal mucus as noninvasive specimens for chemical analyses to aid in the diagnosis of livestock that may have been exposed to and poisoned by larkspur plants.
“Hear Me Talkin’ To Ya”: Branding in Music, Music in Branding

Marken als die an den Konsumenten gerichtete Personalisierung von Produkten oder Services nehmen eine zentrale Rolle im modernen Marketing ein, sind aber erst durch die sogenannten Critical Brand Studies mehr in das Blickfeld der Forschung geruckt (Kornberger, 2010). Die gleich zweifache Verbindung mit Musik – sowohl Spielfeld von Marken in der Musikwirtschaft und zugleich Katalysator fur die Markenentwicklung innerhalb anderer Industrien, d. h. Musik im Dienste von Marken – mag so offensichtlich sein wie auf der anderen Seite ihre intensive Befragung erst spat zum Fachdiskurs gestosen ist.
Bivens in National Security Cases, Before and After Ziglar v. Abbasi

This book chapter addresses the failures of the Bivens cause of action and remedy for constitutional torts by federal officers to redress most harms inflicted by national security and foreign affairs activities of the U.S. government. It traces the initial creation and expansion of the remedy in Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (1971) and then the Supreme Court's decades-long retrenchment, culminating with Ziglar v. Abbasi (2017). The chapter closely reads Abbasi to explain the Court's reasons for refusing to extend Bivens into the domains of national security and foreign affairs. One of the keys to understanding Abbasi is the disinclination of a majority of the Supreme Court to allow the federal judiciary to elaborate constitutional doctrine that will bind national security and foreign affairs activities of the U.S. government, especially those activities occurring abroad and/or implementing directives of national policymakers. This negative view of the law declaring role of the federal courts stands in stark contrast to the ascendant judicial supremacy in the domestic, non-national security sphere. Since Bivens suits are presumptively unavailable for national security harms, and core interests protected for centuries by the Anglo-American legal system — rights to life, bodily integrity, and liberty (in the sense of freedom of movement) — are being infringed without redress — for instance in interrogation and detention abuses in the post-9/11 conflicts — the chapter suggests a shift in approach. Efforts expended on seemingly futile Bivens litigation might instead be directed to seeking legislative reform. While acknowledging the difficulties of securing legislation from the current Congress and President, the chapter closes with detailed suggestions for amendments to current law that would allow civil redress for victims harmed by U.S. national security activities. To reduce objections from Congress and the executive, the proposals seek to heed the Supreme Court's warnings about the risks of constitutionalizing national security policy. As a result, the proposals allow civil redress under nonconstitutional law, namely state tort law, federal statutory law, international law, and administrative compensation mechanisms.
Genomic mosaicism underlies the adaptation of marine Synechococcus ecotypes to distinct oceanic iron niches

Phytoplankton are limited by iron (Fe) in ~40% of the world's oceans including high-nutrient low-chlorophyll (HNLC) regions. While low-Fe adaptation has been well-studied in large eukaryotic diatoms, less is known for small, prokaryotic marine picocyanobacteria. This study reveals key physiological and genomic differences underlying Fe adaptation in marine picocyanobacteria. HNLC ecotype CRD1 strains have greater physiological tolerance to low Fe congruent with their expanded repertoire of Fe transporter, storage and regulatory genes compared to other ecotypes. From metagenomic analysis, genes encoding ferritin, flavodoxin, Fe transporters and siderophore uptake genes were more abundant in low-Fe waters, mirroring paradigms of low-Fe adaptation in diatoms. Distinct Fe-related gene repertories of HNLC ecotypes CRD1 and CRD2 also highlight how coexisting ecotypes have evolved independent approaches to life in low-Fe habitats. Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus HNLC ecotypes likewise exhibit independent, genome-wide reductions of predicted Fe-requiring genes. HNLC ecotype CRD1 interestingly was most similar to coastal ecotype I in Fe physiology and Fe-related gene content, suggesting populations from these different biomes experience similar Fe-selective conditions. This work supports an improved perspective that phytoplankton are shaped by more nuanced Fe niches in the oceans than previously implied from mostly binary comparisons of low- versus high-Fe habitats and populations.
Stability and Control on a Low Aspect Ratio Cantilevered Circular Cylinder

The stability of the near wake of a low aspect ratio cantilevered cylinder, with and without the influence of synthetic jet forcing, was estimated using piecewise two-dimensional inviscid stability analysis. Using a cusp method, the size of the 3-D vortex formation length was estimated. When the synthetic jet was activated it decreased the vortex formation length, altering the spectral content of the near wake, in agreement with experimental measurements. Furthermore, the turbulence intensity within the near wake could be estimated from the eigenfunctions corresponding to the most amplified spatial instability modes.
Remdesivir: A Review of Its Discovery and Development Leading to Emergency Use Authorization for Treatment of COVID-19

The global pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, the causative viral pathogen of COVID-19, has driven the biomedical community to action—to uncover and develop antiviral interventions. One potential therapeutic ...
Myo/Nog cells expressing muscle proteins are present in preretinal membranes from patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a complication of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and ocular trauma. The disease is characterized by development of membranes that may apply traction to the retina and cause redetachment. Membrane contractions are attributed to myofibroblasts arising from retinal pigment epithelial cells, glia and fibroblasts. The progenitors of myofibrobasts in the lens are Myo/Nog cells that express the skeletal muscle transcription factor MyoD and bone morphogenetic protein inhibitor Noggin. The retina and choroid also contain Myo/Nog cells that respond to stress. We examined preretinal PVR membranes from three ocular trauma patients with retinal detachment for Myo/Nog cells and their expression of muscle proteins. Myo/Nog cells were identified by co-localization of antibodies to the G8 antigen and Noggin. Greater than 80% of all cells in sections from two of three patients expressed both G8 and Noggin. Myo/Nog cells lacked pigment. Alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and striated myosin II heavy chain were present in the majority of Myo/Nog cells in these two patients. Differentiation of Myo/Nog cells was paralleled by low levels of MyoD. Membrane sections from the third patient consisted mostly of connective tissue with very few cells. A small subpopulation in these sections expressed both G8 and Noggin, and muscle proteins were detected in only a minority of G8-positive (+) cells. In all three patients, greater than 99% of cells with MyoD, α-SMA and striated muscle myosin co-expressed G8. These findings suggest that contractile myofibroblasts in PVR membranes may be derived from differentiating Myo/Nog cells.
Partial rupture of the distal biceps brachii tendon: a magnetic resonance imaging analysis.

Background This study is the largest cohort of partial distal biceps brachii tendon ruptures in the literature that was analyzed according to rupture morphology of the long and short tendon heads. Methods Patients with partial distal biceps tendon ruptures were identified using an institutional enterprise data warehouse query at a single institution. A retrospective chart review was performed to record patient demographics, past medical history, and injury mechanism for each patient. Each patient's magnetic resonance images were reviewed to determine injury patterns, specifically the extent of long head (LH) and short head (SH) tendon involvement, and associated injuries. Rupture morphologies were correlated with mechanism of injury, diabetes status, and smoking history. Results Seventy-seven patients were included in the study. The average age was 52 years (±11.9, range: 23-90 years); 67% were male, with an average body mass index of 28.3 (±4.3). A smoking history was reported in 31.2% of patients and 5.2% were diabetic. The partial ruptures were caused by a traumatic mechanism in 57.1% of cases, 23.4% were atraumatic, and 19.5% had an unknown mechanism. The most common injury morphology was a partial LH rupture with an intact SH tendon (33.8%). Isolated complete ruptures of the LH represented the least common injury morphology. Injury morphology was significantly related to mechanism (P Conclusion Partial ruptures of the distal biceps brachii tendon represent a spectrum of patterns with varying involvement of the LH and SH tendons. Injury morphology was significantly related to mechanism (P
Rhomboid Flap for Large Cutaneous Trunk Defect.

Resection of large cutaneous malignancies may result in substantial skin defects. Often, skin grafting is a first-line option for reconstruction of such defects but may be limited by poor cosmetic outcomes and incomplete graft acceptance. Accordingly, skin flaps, tissue rearrangement techniques, and more complex procedures may be needed. This case report presents the successful use of a rhomboid flap for reconstruction of a 20 × 19 cm2-sized trunk skin defect left after a squamous cell cancer resection. The flap was quickly and easily fashioned, did not require any special instruments, and resulted in a good cosmetic outcome. There were no major wound complications despite postoperative radiation therapy. At 1-year follow-up, the flap healed completely with excellent contour, texture, thickness, color match, and complete patient satisfaction. In the past, rhomboid flaps have been used for small defects. This case is a unique example of a versatile and successful rhomboid flap reconstruction of an extremely large defect, instead of a more complicated reconstructive option.
Eight-hour medication-assisted treatment waiver training for opioid use disorder: integration into medical school curriculum.

Background: The opioid epidemic is a growing problem in the USA. Use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has been effective in treating patients with opioid use disorders (OUD) and maintaining s...
Preexisting Executive Function Deficits and Change in Health Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Executive functions (EF) support engagement in goal-directed behaviors, including several health behaviors. Stressful and cognitively demanding events can disrupt EFs and interfere with health behavior, possibly to a greater extent in those with preexisting EF deficits. This study examined the association between preexisting EF deficits and subsequent negative changes in eating patterns, physical activity, sedentariness, and alcohol/substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were 374 young adults in a follow-up study of the longitudinal, multisite Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD). Preexisting EF deficits were assessed with the Barkley Deficits in Executive Function Scales-Short Form, and personally impactful negative changes in four health behaviors (physical activity, unhealthy eating, sedentary time, alcohol/substance use) during the COVID-19 pandemic were subsequently assessed with the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory. In ordered logistic regression models, higher preexisting total EF deficits were associated with greater negative impactful changes in physical activity and unhealthy eating, independent of sociodemographic variables, obesity, and (as relevant) accelerometer-based physical activity and pre-COVID-19 diet quality. Socioeconomic status moderated the association between total EF deficits and impactful change in alcohol/substance use, with EF deficits linked to greater impactful change in alcohol/substance use only in higher socioeconomic strata. Individuals with preexisting EF deficits appear more vulnerable to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on several key health behaviors. As the pandemic unfolds, strategies may be needed to identify those with EF deficits (e.g., screening tools) and provide them with tailored support for chronic disease risk reduction.