cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A planning aid: an intelligent modeling system for planning problems based on constraint satisfaction

Constraint satisfaction problems have been extensively studied by researchers in both the operations research (OR) and artificial intelligence (AI) areas. The research aimed at integrating the two approaches so that some of their limitations can be removed is described. Specifically, a knowledge-based system that formulates and maintains OR models for manufacturing planning purposes is presented. Domain-specific knowledge allows synthesis of various qualitative relationships into mathematical relationships and its identification of various dependencies between symbolic and mathematical models. The modeler component engages in a search process to identify the simplest model that can be formulated. A truth maintenance system, specifically designed to support modeling for planning, allows the user to explore various scenarios to arrive at an appropriate plan. Preliminary experiments indicate that human planners are able to formulate models that are equivalent to those formulated by experienced OR modelers for various planning problems. >
Management of familial hypertriglyceridemia during pregnancy with plasma exchange

Hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis is a serious complication of familial dyslipidemias. Hormonal influences during pregnancy can compromise otherwise controlled lipid levels in women with familial hypertriglyceridemia and predispose to pancreatitis leading to increased morbidity in both mother and fetus. We report the successful use of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in the management of hypertriglyceridemia during pregnancy resulting in avoidance of pancreatitis and delivery of a healthy term infant. Thirteen TPEs were performed from 19 to 36 weeks gestation to maintain tight control of triglyceride levels.
The capacity of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) to degrade atrazine in a phytoremediation setting.

Atrazine is a widely used herbicide in agriculture. Non-point source contamination of groundwater and drinking water may pose a significant threat to humans, wildlife, and the environment. Phytoremediation may provide a cost-effective strategy for reducing non-point source contamination of atrazine from agricultural runoff. Previous studies have shown that the rhizosphere of the native prairie grass, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is capable of enhancing the degradation of atrazine in soils. Biodegradation also may occur within the plant biomass; however, the extent to which this occurs has not been studied. We hypothesize that switchgrass has the capacity to degrade atrazine in vivo, in addition to the microbial biotransformation that occurs in its rhizosphere. The goals of this study were to characterize the ability of switchgrass to take up atrazine from soils, quantify the amount of biodegradation occurring in the plant, and quantify the amount of degradation occurring in the rhizosphere. Switchgrass seedlings were transplanted into autoclaved and non-autoclaved sand containing 10 µg/g atrazine in sand. Treatments were sacrificed on days 0, 3, and 7. Sand and plant tissue extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography to determine the concentration of atrazine and metabolites in sand and plant tissues. Results demonstrated that leaf biomass is capable of detoxifying atrazine, because metabolites were present in leaf material and not in the sand or root. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:715–722. © 2011 SETAC
Peer-to-peer systems for prefix search

This paper presents a general methodology for building message-passing peer-to-peer systems capable of performing prefix search for arbitrary user-defined names. Our methodology allows to achieve even load distribution, high fault-tolerance, and low-congestion concurrent query execution. This is the, first known peer-to-peer system for prefix search with such properties. The essence of this methodology is a plug and play paradigm for designing a peer-to-peer system as a modular composition of arbitrary concurrent data structures.
A throughput/delay comparison: narrowband vs. broadband wireless LANs

The authors consider a communication system in which a large number of portable notebooks access a centrally located base station by means of a shared, high-speed radio-based local area network. The dominant impairment to high-speed radio networking in such an environment is frequency-selective multipath fading. They compare the delay and throughput performances of two approaches: one high-speed channel shared by all portable remotes vs. several moderate-speed channels each shared by a subset of portable units. In both cases, access to the intended services is impeded by contention for the medium and queuing for some shared server. Both systems are modeled as closed queuing networks, and expressions for system throughput and average request delay are obtained. Numerical results show that a wide range of parameters, the system containing one high-speed channel outperforms the system containing several parallel medium-speed channels by less than 10%. >
Simplified and Standardized Intraoral Radiography with Reduced Tissue Irradiation

Because the conventional circular beam used in dental radiography irradiates more tissue per exposure than necessary, instruments and techniques for use with a rectangular beam have been developed. Use of the rectangular beam, which is s lightly larger than the X-ray film, can reduce the amount of tissue being irradiated by up to 58%. Positioning instruments ensure positive alignment of the X-ray beam and the film. Radiographs made with the technique have greater clarity, improved contrast, and better tissue differentiation than those taken with the circular beam.
Skin deep: from dermal fibroblasts to pancreatic beta cells.

Type I diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease caused by pancreatic β-cell destruction induced by autoantibodies and autoreactive T cells. After significant reduction of the β-cell mass, diabetes sets in and can cause significant complications. It is estimated that more than 3 million Americans have T1D, and its prevalence among young individuals is progressively rising; however, the reasons for this increase are not known. Islet transplantation is recognized as the ultimate cure for T1D, but unfortunately, the severe scarcity of available islets makes it necessary to establish alternative sources of β-cells. Our lab seeks to establish human-induced pluripotent stem cells as an unlimited, novel source of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) that are patient-specific, obviating the requirement for immunosuppression. Although several reports have emerged demonstrating successful derivation of IPCs from human pluripotent stem cells, the efficiencies of derivation are inadequate and these IPCs do not respond to glucose stimulation in vitro. We reasoned that the use of a growth factor sequestering bioscaffold and promotion of cell–cell signaling through 3D clustering would enhance the generation of functionally superior IPCs compared to those derived by 2D differentiation. Here, we discuss a novel 3D platform for the generation of highly efficient human IPCs.
CENP-B Cooperates with Set1 in Bidirectional Transcriptional Silencing and Genome Organization of Retrotransposons

Regulation of transposable elements (TEs) is critical to the integrity of the host genome. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe homologs of mammalian CENP-B perform a host genome surveillance role by controlling Tf2 long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons. However, the mechanisms by which CENP-Bs effect their functions are ill defined. Here, we show that the multifaceted roles of Abp1, the prominent member of fission yeast CENP-Bs, are mediated in part via recognition of a 10-bp AT-rich motif present in most LTRs and require the DNA-binding, transposase, and dimerization domains of Abp1 to maintain transcriptional repression and genome organization. Expression profiling analyses indicated that Abp1 recruits class I/II histone deacetylases (HDACs) to repress Tf2 retrotransposons and genes activated in response to stresses. We demonstrate that class I/II HDACs and sirtuins mediate the clustering of dispersed Tf2 retrotransposons into Tf bodies. Intriguingly, we uncovered an unexpected cooperation between Abp1 and the histone H3K4 methyltransferase Set1 in regulating sense and antisense transcriptional silencing of Tf2 retrotransposons and Tf body integrity. Moreover, Set1-mediated regulation of Tf2 expression and nuclear organization appears to be largely independent of H3K4 methylation. Our study illuminates a molecular pathway involving a transposase-containing transcription factor that cooperates with chromatin modifiers to regulate TE activities.
pH-dependent optical properties of synthetic fluorescent imidazoles.

New pH-sensitive probe design: A peek into the structure of fluorescent proteins led to the synthesis of fluorescent imidazoles. The prepared compounds demonstrated an array of remarkable pH-dependent optical properties including at least two types of excited-state charge transfers (see picture). An imidazole moiety is often found as an integral part of fluorophores in a variety of fluorescent proteins and many such proteins display pH-dependent light emission. In contrast, synthetic fluorescent compounds with incorporated imidazoles are rare and have not been studied as pH probes. In this report, the richness of imidazole optical properties, including pH sensitivity, was demonstrated by means of a novel imidazole-based fluorophore 1H-imidazol-5-yl-vinylbenz[e]indolium. Three species corresponding to protonated, neutral, and deprotonated imidazoles were identified in the broad range of pH 1–12. The absorption and emission bands of each species were assigned by comparative spectral analysis with synthesized mono- and di-N-methylated fluorescent imidazole analogues. pKa analysis in the ground and the excited states showed photoacidic properties of the fluorescent imidazoles due to the excited state proton transfer (ESPT). This effect was negligible for substituted imidazoles. The assessment of a pH-sensitive center in the imidazole ring revealed the switching of the pH-sensitive centers from 1-N in the ground state to 3-N in the excited state. The effect was attributed to the unique kind of the excited state charge transfer (ESCT) resulting in a positive charge swapping between two nitrogens.
What Does "Unwilling" to Impose the Death Penalty Mean Anyway? Another Look at Excludable Jurors

The debate regarding the death qualification of juries usually concerns (a) whether death-qualified jurors have different attitudes and values to excludable jurors, or (b) whether death-qualified juries are more prone to convict. A pivotal question is whether excludable subjects in fact willever impose the death penalty. Subjects were presented with five grisly murder vignettes. Only 40% of excludable subjects refused to consider the death penalty in all of the cases, with the remaining 60% indicating they would consider the death penalty in one or more of the cases. It is argued that the majority of individuals currently being excluded from capital trial juries based on their reservations about the death penalty actually would impose the death penalty for serious enough offenses and that they should therefore be allowed to serve on such juries.
Treatment of menopausal symptoms post-Women’s Health Initiative: refinement of existing treatments and development of new therapies

Menopause is a normal life transition for women. More than 80% of women experience some symptoms at menopause and > 25% of women in western countries seek treatment for a variety of symptoms that accompany this transition. In addition, there are certain chronic disease processes that accelerate after the menopausal transition. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with various combinations of oestrogen and progesterone compounds has been the mainstay of treatment for menopausal symptoms, as well as theoretical reduction in acceleration of certain chronic diseases after menopause. After the publication of the results of the Women’s Health Initiative study in June 2002, the safety of HRT, as well as its effectiveness in decreasing various chronic diseases, was challenged. New formulations of hormone therapy, as well as new treatments, are evolving to aid the reduction of menopausal symptoms and long-term risks of common chronic disease processes that accelerate after the menopause.
Moral Imagination And Ethics For The Accounting Professional

The accounting professional, whether s/he be in the private or public sector, faces many situations in his/her day-to-day activities that require thoughts and actions that have ethical overtones. One needs only look at the Enron situation to verify this idea. While the accounting profession has long had established codes of ethical conduct, these codes are by no means the be all and end all of ethical decision-making. So while accounting professionals can certainly refer to and use the relevant code of ethics for a particular situation, it is clear that these by themselves are not usually sufficient in depth and detail to solve all but the most straightforward, if there is such a thing, situations. To address most ethical situations calls for thinking far beyond the tenets of a code of ethics. It requires significant intellectual capacities and specific skills. Specifically, it requires moral imagination.
Salmonella spp.: Masters of Inflammation

This chapter highlights recent progress made toward understanding the molecular basis of Salmonella-induced enteritis. Information is scarce on the specific course of events following nontyphoidal Salmonella infection in humans because most infected individuals are rarely hospitalized. As such, observations of nontyphoidal Salmonella infection have mostly come from patients admitted to the hospital with severe fatal infections. Interactions between bacteria and intestinal tissue were examined in starved, opium-treated guinea pigs several hours after oral challenge with 108 invasive serovar Typhimurium. This study found that Salmonella closely contacts the epithelial cells lining the intestine, primarily the ileum, and thereafter elicits the local degeneration of filamentous actin in apical microvilli and the underlying terminal web. More recently, studies have turned to the use of cattle to model the pathophysiology of Salmonella-induced enteritis in humans. Following nitrogen mustard administration, the rabbit ligated ileal loops were then infected with serovar Typhimurium for 72 h. Results from this study revealed that nitrogen mustard treatment markedly inhibited serovar Typhimurium-induced secretion. This inflammatory response greatly contributes to the pathophysiology of the infection, exhibited by typical inflammatory diarrhea. Recent work has begun to disclose the molecular and cellular events involved in this complex phenomenon. In addition to TTSS-1-associated genes, several other genes affecting Salmonella enteropathogenicity are currently being investigated.
Successful gelfoam angioembolisation in anastomotic pseudoaneurysm: A case report.

Introduction The use of angioembolisation in patients with lower gastrointestinal tract haemorrhage has become well established, especially in cases of diverticular bleeding, or in bleeding from arterio-venous malformations. Pseudoaneurysms are rare and the evaluation of selective gelfoam angioembolisation amongst patients with lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding secondary to this etiology has not been extensively studied. The friable nature of pseudoaneurysms may lead to a greater risk of rupture during an attempted angioembolisation procedure.
A Networked Self: Identity, Community, and Culture on Social Network Sites

Zizi Papacharissi (ed.), A Networked Self: Identity, Community, and Culture on Social Network Sites (New York: Routledge Press, 2010), 336 pp., ISBN 978-0-415-80181-2 (pbk), $33.27. In A Networked ...
I Never Thought of That

In this issue’s column, the questions raise several seldom-considered and/or complicating issues that can make managing clinical trials as much an art as a science. Q: Is it permissible to have clinical trial branding under the tenets of good clinical practice (GCP)? A: The U.S. Food and Drug
Practicing Patient-Centered Care

Background and Objective Patient-centered care, which is dependent on knowing each patient as an individual, has been identified as a critical aspect of healthcare. The most effective and efficient methods to get to know patients as individuals have not been defined. Our aim was to identify questions and phrases that can be used by physicians to get to know their patients.
The Mental Representation of Linguistic Markedness: Cognitive Aspects of the Spanish Subjunctive

This chapter studies cognitive aspects of the Spanish subjunctive. Rather than the loosely connected list of structures usually found in Spanish grammars (e.g. Alarcos Llorach 1994; Butt & Benjamin 1996), the uses of the present and past subjunctives in Spanish can be derived from a formula that captures the mental representation of these tenses. Also, in this chapter, I develop a cognitive rule explaining the retention of frequently used irregular future subjunctives in Spanish legalese. Apparently, diverse patterns in the uses of the Spanish subjunctive can be handled by such cognitive formula and functional mechanisms of language use, in interaction with markedness principles, whereby systematic developments occur in marked and unmarked categories and environments.
Property and Practical Reason (Cambridge University Press 2015): Introduction

This book makes a moral case for private property. Specifically, it argues that institutions of private ownership are justified, and in many communities are required, by a basic moral principle. That principle is equal respect for human beings as agents of practical reason. The principle gives rise to norms that require communities and their members to establish, honor, enforce, specify, and limit rights of exclusive use and disposition. Institutions of mediated dominion (private property ownership in the common law tradition) have significant instrumental value because they enable humans to exercise practical reason in such a way as to bring about desirable states of affairs consistent with the requirements of practical reasonableness, and thus to become practically reasonable people.
Capitation as an Incentive for Transitioning to Patient-Centered Medical Homes in the United States Army: A Brief Report.

ABSTRACTThe Army transitioned to a Patient-Centered Medical Home concept for primary care beginning in 2011. In spite of organizational commitment to the paradigm, the transition has not been without pitfalls. This performance improvement project operated under the hypothesis that focusing on the market-based incentives of a capitated system would result in a quantum leap toward the Patient-Centered Medical Home ideal. Utilizing a simple teaching device to repetitively highlight clinic and provider behaviors incentivized in a value-based payment system, a single clinic achieved significant improvements in enrollment, patient satisfaction, and measures associated with prevention while assuming an identity as a “virtual clinic”. We recommend that the military consider a similar philosophy in educating clinics across the enterprise.
The effects of moral reasoning and self-monitoring on CFO intentions to report fraudulently on financial statements

This study adapts the theory of reasoned action (Ajzen and Fishbein, 1980) to the behavior of fraudulent reporting on financial statements so as to examine the effects of moral reasoning and self-monitoring on intention to report fraudulently, using structural equation modeling. The paper seeks to investigate two of the red flags for financial statement fraud identified in Loebbecke et al.'s (1989) paper: client management displays a significant lack of moral fiber and client personnel exhibit strong personality anomalies. As expected, high moral reasoners are more influenced than low moral reasoners by their own attitude towards the behavior. Contrary to prior research, low self-monitors are found to be more influenced than high self-monitors by subjective norms. Future research is recommended to investigate the counter-intuitive results for self-monitors, to consider the implications of group decision making as regards the promulgation of fraudulent financial statements, and to examine additional red flags for financial statement fraud.
Generation of Transgenic Soybean (Glycine max) via Particle Bombardment of Embryogenic Cultures

This protocol describes one method for generating transgenic soybean (Glycine max) using particle bombardment of embryogenic cultures. Embryogenic cultures consist of proliferating masses of somatic embryos and are initially obtained from the cotyledons of immature seeds. Embryogenic cultures are bombarded with small DNA-coated particles and the cells that receive, incorporate and express the DNA are selected, based on a co-delivered antibiotic resistance gene. For recovery of whole plants from the antibiotic resistant embryogenic tissues, the tissues are first placed on a medium conducive to embryo development. Mature embryos are then dried for a short period and placed on a germination medium. Plantlets are then gradually exposed to ambient light and humidity conditions, prior to transfer to a greenhouse. Operators need to be constantly monitoring the protocol and observant of all outcomes. These procedures also are mostly descriptive and need to be precisely followed to be successful. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: soybean transformation; particle bombardment; embryogenic cultures; transgenic
Factor V Level Affects the Host Susceptibility to Group A Streptococcal Infection.

Group A streptococci (GAS), a common human pathogen, secrete streptokinase (SK), which activates the host’s plasminogen (PLG). SK is highly specific for human PLG, exhibiting little or no activity against other mammalian species. We demonstrated the major role of the PLG/SK interaction in GAS pathogenicity using a transgenic murine model expressing human plasminogen with increased susceptibility to human pathogenic streptococci. We hypothesize that GAS hijack the host fibrinolytic system in order to circumvent local thrombosis for systemic spread. Markedly increased mortality was also observed following GAS injection in C57BL/6J mice treated with the snake venom Ancrod, which proteolytically degrades plasma fibrinogen, supporting the critical roles of coagulation in host/pathogen interaction. However, fibrinogen also plays important roles in inflammation and immune response, it is necessary to use independent genetic models to further test the impact of coagulation in host defense against bacterial infection. The effect of variations in FV on mouse susceptibility to streptococcal infection was tested. We established a mouse model with low plasma FV level. These mice have a slightly increased bleeding time, though otherwise phenotypically normal. Subjected to streptococcal infection, these mice exhibited significantly increased mortality than wildtype controls, suggesting that the decreased thrombotic tendency in the low FV mice increases host susceptibility to infection. FV Leiden is a common prothrombotic mutation among Caucasian population with an incidence between 4% and 6%. Previous studies from Kerlin et al demonstrated the FV Leiden conferred survival advantage in patients with severe sepsis and in mice challenged with endotoxin. This may be an example of balanced gene polymorphism that maintains the FV Leiden mutant in the general gene pool by selection of bacterial infections. In order to identify the selective agents responsible for the prevalence of FV Leiden mutation, we took advantage of our plasminogen transgenic murine model for streptococcal infection to test whether streptococci is one of the selective agents. Human plasminogen transgene was introduced into FV Leiden background and the susceptibility to streptococcal infection was measured. No significant improvement of survival was observed in the FV Leiden mouse comparing with the wildtype control. Thus, streptococcal infection is not the selective agent for the prevalence of FV Leiden mutation. These observations highlight the potential role of variations in blood coagulation factors in host susceptibility to bacterial infection.
The Tiling Structure of Simple Liquids Squares and Triangles in Two Dimensions

It has long been appreciated that dense liquids exhibit some degree of transient local structural order. Local triangular lattice-like order has been observed in dense two-dimensional (2D) liquids by a number of workers [1–6]. In this paper, we present results of a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study that explores the geometrical structure of 2D liquids in more detail. In particular, we show that solid-like fluctuations in the dense 2D liquid are a manifestation of a more general local structural organization resembling plane tilings composed of squares and equilateral triangles (ST tilings), and that the 2D liquid can be characterized as an ST tiling containing numerous low-strength tiling faults. A similar geometrical structure is seen in 2D colloidal liquids [5] and in analog simulation studies of 2D liquids [6]. Our results indicate that square-triangle fluctuations should be a feature of realistic models of dense liquid structure and the melting transition in 2D.
Comparison of field between finite and infinite array of parallel strips

Studies were made for the plane wave propagating past over a periodic array of parallel strips and past over a finite number of parallel strips, using a wire grid model. The comparison of the field distribution between the screens has been made and it was discovered that they are quite close to each other, which suggests we can use solutions for periodic arrays to approximate the solutions in finite arrays. When the number of strips are large, the finite and periodic models produce virtually the same result for field points in between buildings.
Endemic fluorosis surveillance in Qinan County of Gansu Province from 2004 to 2007: an outcome analysis

Objective To investigate the prevalence of endemic fluorosis and the progress acchieved through control measures in Taian County of Gansu Province so as to provide basis and technique support for endemic fluorosis control. Methods The survey was carried out according to the National Surveillance Scheme of Endemic Fluorosis. Fulfillment of control measures and the quality of water improving projects were surveyed. Samples of household water and urine in children aged 8-12 years were collected and fluoride content was detected by iron selective electrode method. Children's dental fluorosis were examined with Dean method. Results In Qinan County, water was improved in a rate of 100%. In water-improving and defluoridation projects investigated, 81.15% (99/122) projects worked well, 18.85% (23/122) projects were closed or abandoned. The number of water improvement projects monitored were 24,81,9,8,respectively in the year through 2004 to 2007, revealing 13 projects having water fluorine content(>1.0-2.0 mg/L) in 2004, 15 and 5 projects having water fluorine content higher that 1.0-2.0 and 2.0-4.0 mg/L respectively in 2005, 2 projects having water fluorine content(>1.0-2.0 mg/L) in 2006, and no projects above 4.0 mg/L. In Anfu Village, the fluorine content of source and drinking water were all below 1.0 mg/L in 2006 and 2007. The urinary fluoride content of 8-12 years old children was equal and higher than 1.5 mg/L, dental fluorosis rate was 34.47% (354/1027), and dental fluorosis index was 0.65 in 2004-2007. Conclusions Projects running out of status and excessive levels of water fluorine are frequently seen, dental fluorosis is not controlled in Taian County of Gansu Province Key words: Drinking; Fluoride poisoning; Surveillance
The Role of Estrogen in Cardiac Metabolism and Diastolic Function

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has similar prevalence and prognosis as HF with reduced EF, but there is no approved treatment for HFpEF. HFpEF is common in postmenopausal women, which suggests that the absence of estrogen (E2) plays a role in its pathophysiology. With the country's growing elderly population, the prevalence of HFpEF is rapidly increasing. This has triggered a renewed urgency in finding novel approaches to preventing and slowing the progression of HFpEF. In this review, we address the role of E2 in left ventricular diastolic function and how it impacts women with HFpEF as well as animal models. We also discuss the primary potential mechanisms that represent critical nodes in the mechanistic pathways of HFpEF and how new treatments could be developed to target those mechanisms.
Impact of enzymatic digestion on bacterial community composition in CF airway samples

BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of DNA extraction methods for molecular detection of Staphylococcus, an important bacterial group in cystic fibrosis (CF). We sought to evaluate the effect of enzymatic digestion (EnzD) prior to DNA extraction on bacterial communities identified in sputum and oropharyngeal swab (OP) samples from patients with CF. METHODS DNA from 81 samples (39 sputum and 42 OP) collected from 63 patients with CF was extracted in duplicate with and without EnzD. Bacterial communities were determined by rRNA gene sequencing, and measures of alpha and beta diversity were calculated. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) was used to assess differences at the community level and Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests were used to compare relative abundance (RA) of individual genera for paired samples with and without EnzD. RESULTS Shannon Diversity Index (alpha-diversity) decreased in sputum and OP samples with the use of EnzD. Larger shifts in community composition were observed for OP samples (beta-diversity, measured by Morisita-Horn), whereas less change in communities was observed for sputum samples. The use of EnzD with OP swabs resulted in significant increase in RA for the genera Gemella (p < 0.01), Streptococcus (p < 0.01), and Rothia (p < 0.01). Staphylococcus (p < 0.01) was the only genus with a significant increase in RA from sputum, whereas the following genera decreased in RA with EnzD: Veillonella (p < 0.01), Granulicatella (p < 0.01), Prevotella (p < 0.01), and Gemella (p = 0.02). In OP samples, higher RA of Gram-positive taxa was associated with larger changes in microbial community composition. DISCUSSION We show that the application of EnzD to CF airway samples, particularly OP swabs, results in differences in microbial communities detected by sequencing. Use of EnzD can result in large changes in bacterial community composition, and is particularly useful for detection of Staphylococcus in CF OP samples. The enhanced identification of Staphylococcus aureus is a strong indication to utilize EnzD in studies that use OP swabs to monitor CF airway communities.
Analytical solution of electromagnetic noise caused by radial force and torque variation in fractional-slot PM motors with all teeth wound

This paper presents the analytical method for analyzing the electromagnetic noise in fractional slot permanent magnet (PM) motors. The electromagnetic noise is mainly caused by the radial force and the torque variation. On load condition, the radial force density can be evaluated by integrating the open circuit magnetic and the armature reaction field using the conformal mapping and the winding function and as a result, the analysis takes into account the effects of slotting and the winding distribution. The knowledge of the radial and tangential components of open circuit magnetic field allows one to derive closed-form solutions for torque variation equal to the sum of cogging and electromagnetic torque. The solutions derived from the analytical method are implemented on a 10-pole/15-slot motor and compared with finite element analysis (FEA). Since the FEA requires excessive computation time without providing closed-form solutions, analytical model presented in this paper shows significant advantages with the accuracy of the computation.
Automating efficient variable-grained resiliency for low-power IoT systems

New trends in edge computing encourage pushing more of the compute and analytics to the outer edge and processing most of the data locally. We explore how to transparently provide resiliency for heavy duty edge applications running on low-power devices that must deal with frequent and unpredictable power disruptions. Complicating this process further are (a) memory usage restrictions in tiny low-power devices, that affect not only performance but efficacy of the resiliency techniques, and (b) differing resiliency requirements across deployment environments. Nevertheless, an application developer wants the ability to write an application once, and have it be reusable across all low-power platforms and across all different deployment settings. In response to these challenges, we have devised a transparent roll-back recovery mechanism that performs incremental checkpoints with minimal execution time overhead and at variable granularities. Our solution includes the co-design of firmware, runtime and compiler transformations for providing seamless fault-tolerance, along with an auto-tuning layer that automatically generates multiple resilient variants of an application. Each variant spreads application’s execution over atomic transactional regions of a certain granularity. Variants with smaller regions provide better resiliency, but incur higher overhead; thus, there is no single best option, but rather a Pareto optimal set of configurations. We apply these strategies across a variety of edge device applications and measure the execution time overhead of the framework on a TI MSP430FR6989. When we restrict unin- terrupted atomic intervals to 100ms, our framework keeps geomean overhead below 2.48x.
Real-time determination of aggregated alpha-synuclein induced membrane disruption at neuroblastoma cells using scanning ion conductance microscopy

Parkinson's disease (PD) is recognized as the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and has affected approximately one million people in the United States alone. A large body of evidence has suggested that deposition of aggregated alpha-synuclein (α-Syn), a brain protein abundant near presynaptic termini, in intracellular protein inclusions (Lewy bodies) results in neuronal cell damage and ultimately contributes to the progression of PD. However, the exact mechanism is still unclear. One hypothesis is that α-Syn aggregates disrupt the cell membrane's integrity, eventually leading to cell death. We used scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) to monitor the morphological changes of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and observed dramatic disruption of the cell membrane after adding α-Syn aggregates to the culturing media. This work demonstrates that SICM can be applied as a new approach to studying the cytotoxicity of α-Syn aggregates.
Multi-user dual-function radar-communications exploiting sidelobe control and waveform diversity

Dual-function radar-communications technology has attracted significant attention in recent years. In this paper, we propose a novel technique for embedding communication information in radar waveforms by exploiting sidelobe control and waveform diversity. The proposed strategy can serve multi­ple communication receivers located in the sidelobe region. In addition to information broadcasting, the proposed approach enables multi-user access, i.e., transmitting distinct information streams to the communication receivers located in different directions. The developed technique also serves as a generalized mathematical framework for the existing sidelobe control-based techniques.
Seize the E-Journal: Models for Archiving symposium: report.

A half-day symposium, “Seize the E-Journal: Models for Archiving,” was held, May 26, 2004, after the conclusion of MLA '04, the 104th Annual Meeting of the Medical Library Association (MLA), in Washington, DC. The symposium was sponsored by the Collection Development Section. The objectives of the symposium were for the 100 participants to become familiar with current electronic journal archiving models, to discuss future-oriented priorities for collection development, and to suggest electronic archival strategies for individual, organizational, consortial, and national libraries. The program included presentations by four experts on their archiving models, input from reaction panel members on the various models presented, a question-and-answer session, and, finally, a breakout discussion session that allowed participants to brainstorm on future archiving priorities and standards. Presentations from the session, along with a Web bibliography of related resources, are maintained on the Collection Development Section Website .
Money and Banking in the Flow of Funds

The treatment of money in previous chapters may seem to violate the logic of flow-of-funds accounting. The idea of banks creating money to finance their bond purchases runs counter to the notion that holders of money balances advance funds to the bank sector. Certainly, the advancing of funds is a valid interpretation of increments in money being a “source of funds” for the banking system and “uses of funds” for holders of money. Morris A. Copeland, in his pioneering moneyflows study (1952, esp. chapters 13 and 14), distinguished three classes of transactors — those whose cash balances are increasing, those who are borrowing from the banks (the “loans and securities class”), and as an intermediary between them, the banks themselves. When cash balances are increasing, there is a “two-step moneyflow” from the cash balances class via the bank to the loans and securities class. A one-step moneyflow applies when the loans and securities class is identical with the cash balances class. In such a case, cash balance holders are advancing funds to the bank sector at the same time that the bank sector is advancing funds to cash balance holders. Such moneyflows are “equal and synchronous”.
High-Dimensional Single-Cell Cancer Biology

Cancer cells are distinguished from each other and from healthy cells by features that drive clonal evolution and therapy resistance. New advances in high-dimensional flow cytometry make it possible to systematically measure mechanisms of tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance on millions of cells from human tumors. Here we describe flow cytometry techniques that enable a “single-cell ” view of cancer. High-dimensional techniques like mass cytometry enable multiplexed single-cell analysis of cell identity, clinical biomarkers, signaling network phospho-proteins, transcription factors, and functional readouts of proliferation, cell cycle status, and apoptosis. This capability pairs well with a signaling profiles approach that dissects mechanism by systematically perturbing and measuring many nodes in a signaling network. Single-cell approaches enable study of cellular heterogeneity of primary tissues and turn cell subsets into experimental controls or opportunities for new discovery. Rare populations of stem cells or therapy-resistant cancer cells can be identified and compared to other types of cells within the same sample. In the long term, these techniques will enable tracking of minimal residual disease (MRD) and disease progression. By better understanding biological systems that control development and cell–cell interactions in healthy and diseased contexts, we can learn to program cells to become therapeutic agents or target malignant signaling events to specifically kill cancer cells. Single-cell approaches that provide deep insight into cell signaling and fate decisions will be critical to optimizing the next generation of cancer treatments combining targeted approaches and immunotherapy.
A Study on GPU-Enabled Lambert's Problem Solution for Space Targeting Missions

Lambert's problem plays a significant role in preliminary design phases of many space missions. In this paper, an analysis of techniques for the solution of Lambert's problem on graphical processing units (GPUs) is presented. Two algorithms including Universal Variables and Gooding's algorithm are executed on both the CPU and GPU and are compared in terms of accuracy, robustness, and performance. Lambert's problem solvers are implemented as MATLAB scripts, serial mex, parallel mex with a parfor loop, and CUDA C functions. It is found that the choice to implement an algorithm on the CPU or GPU does not affect accuracy and robustness. However, for the considered test cases, the implementation of Gooding's algorithm on the GPU is found to be 275 times faster than the method of Universal Variables on the CPU. Furthermore, the time to initialize the GPU and transfer data from the CPU was compared to the time to solve Lambert's problem. For small input sizes, the data transfer time is the dominating factor in both algorithms, so the improvement in the speed of computation with GPU has more of an effect for large input sizes. Lastly, techniques to optimize thread and block settings are presented. The developed technique is utilized to generate the so-called porkchop plots for Earth-to-Mars targeting over a certain window for launch time and time of flight.
An Ultrafast Electro-Optic Dual Comb for Linear and Nonlinear Spectroscopy

We report on 10-GHz electro-optic frequency-comb technology with broad bandwidth enabled by nanophotonic supercontinuum. We demonstrate high-speed, dual-comb linear spectroscopy on various gases and coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy on various solids.
Amyloid-Binding Alcohol Dehydrogenase (ABAD) Inhibitors for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common dementia. No cure exists, and current treatment only manages early symptoms. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of amyloid-β (Aβ) neurotoxicity, the pathogenic protein implicated in AD. This is due in part to the interaction between Aβ and amyloid-binding alcohol dehydrogenase (ABAD). This mitochondrial protein is a vital energy regulator that, following Aβ binding, activates signaling cascades that lead to neuronal death. One of the most significant roles of ABAD is to maintain the balance of estradiol/estrone in neurons. However, the Aβ–ABAD interaction disrupts this balance and leads to a reduction in levels of estradiol, thus leading to an increase in reactive oxygen species levels and to apoptosis. Two additional proteins, peroxiredoxin-2 and endophilin-1, are implicated in Aβ–ABAD complex-mediated toxicity. Targeting the Aβ–ABAD interaction has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy for AD. Herein, we review the chemistry and pharmacology of reported...
Estimation From Quantized Gaussian Measurements: When and How to Use Dither

Subtractive dither is a powerful method for removing the signal dependence of quantization noise for coarsely quantized signals. However, estimation from dithered measurements often naively applies the sample mean or midrange, even when the total noise is not well described with a Gaussian or uniform distribution. We show that the generalized Gaussian distribution approximately describes subtractively dithered, quantized samples of a Gaussian signal. Furthermore, a generalized Gaussian fit leads to simple estimators based on order statistics that match the performance of more complicated maximum likelihood estimators requiring iterative solvers. The order statistics-based estimators outperform both the sample mean and midrange for nontrivial sums of Gaussian and uniform noise. Additional analysis of the generalized Gaussian approximation yields rules of thumb for determining when and how to apply dither to quantized measurements. Specifically, we find subtractive dither to be beneficial when the ratio between the Gaussian standard deviation and quantization interval length is roughly less than one-third. When that ratio is also greater than 0.822/ $K^{{\text{0.930}}}$ for the number of measurements $K>\text{20}$ , estimators we present are more efficient than the midrange.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Itacitinib, a Selective JAK-1 Inhibitor

Statement of Purpose, Innovation, or Hypothesis Itacitinib is a JAK-1 inhibitor currently in phase III development for the treatment of acute and chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) in combination with corticosteroids. Itacitinib is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 with minimal renal clearance. The purpose of the population pharmacokinetic analysis is to identify predictors of exposure and, if significant predictors are identified, optimize the dosing regimen in sub-populations with altered PK. Description of Methods and Materials The dataset contained itacitinib plasma concentrations collected from studies in healthy participants and patients with rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, myelofibrosis, and acute graft-versus-host disease. An empiric compartmental model was developed to describe the pharmacokinetics of itacitinib and the following possible time-invariant sources of variability were explored: age, body weight, BMI, sex, race, ethnicity, renal and hepatic function, per protocol fed/fasted status, participant population, and albumin. Co-administration of CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers, P-gp inhibitors, and gastric pH modifying agents were also explored as time-variant covariates. Data and Results The final dataset contained 3686 PK samples from 321 participants, of which 55.1% were male, 85.4% were white, and the median age and body weight were 46 y and 77.7 kg. 18 subjects were on a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor with most specifically on posaconazole. Sufficient data were not available to evaluate severe renal impairment or moderate or severe hepatic impairment. The structural model of itacitinib is a two-compartment model with first –order elimination and nonlinear absorption with dual first-order absorption pathways with lag-times. All population parameters include log-normal random effects except the parameter describing the fraction of the dose absorbed through each pathway which includes logit-normal random effect. The only predictors of itacitinib exposure identified were co-administration of potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, which decreased clearance by 39%, and participant population of which patients had a 38% lower clearance than healthy participants. Interpretation, Conclusion, or Significance A 39% decrease in clearance results in a 64% increase in exposure which is not considered clinically relevant based on cumulative safety data and the risk/benefit profile. Patients receiving CYP3A4 inhibitors which are no more potent than posaconazole do not require a dose adjustment. No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment, mild hepatic impairment, co-administration with a gastric pH modifying agent, mild CYP3A4 inducers, or any other intrinsic or extrinsic factor explored.
Evaluating Alternative Drought Indicators in a Weather Index Insurance Instrument

AbstractWeather index insurance is a popular means of mitigating agricultural risks. Drought is a significant cause of lost agricultural production, and so precipitation index–based plans are commo...
Mechanisms of Dupilumab

The Th2 cytokines interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-13 and the heterodimeric IL-4 receptor (IL-4R) complexes that they interact with play a key role in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders. Dupilumab is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that targets the IL-4 receptor alpha chain (IL-4Rα), common to both IL-4R complexes: type 1 (IL-4Rα/γc; IL-4 specific) and type 2 (IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1; IL-4 and IL-13 specific). In this review, we detail the current state of knowledge of the different signalling pathways coupled to the IL-4R complexes and examine the possible mechanisms of Dupilumab action and survey its clinical efficacy in different allergic disorders. The development of Dupilumab and the widening spectrum of its clinical applications is relevant to the current emphasis on precision medicine approaches to the blockade of pathways involved in allergic diseases.
Dominican Dignitaries and Private Preaching at Papal Avignon. Part III: Conclusion

Private preaching certainly existed at papal Avignon, though a shortage of private sermon texts makes it difficult to gauge either the frequency with which it occurred or its importance to the cult...