cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Removal of Copper and Iron — The Hubach Analysis

As discussed in Chapters 14 and 15, the presence of copper and iron in wine may catalyze premature oxidation and, hence, deterioration of the wine. The levels at which the respective metals may cause problems vary with wine type and chemistry. It is generally accepted that copper levels in excess of 0.3 mg/L and iron levels greater than 5 to 7 mg/L may result in instabilities. Metal contamination usually originates from contact of must and/or wine with iron- or copper-containing alloys as well as the use of Cu(II) sulfate in removal of H2S (see Chapter 10).
INTRAVENOUS PAMIDRONATE IS ASSOCIATED WITH REDUCED MORTALITY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC CRITICAL ILLNESS

Objective: Chronic critical illness (CCI), characterized by prolonged mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy, commonly manifests with elevated bone resorption, which has previously been shown to abate after treatment with intravenous (IV) bisphosphonates. Our study assessed the impact of pamidronate administration on clinical outcomes in a CCI cohort. Methods: A retrospective case series was performed on 148 patients admitted to The Mount Sinai Hospital Respiratory Care Unit (RCU) from 2009–2010. We identified patients with CCI who did (n = 30) or did not (n = 118) receive IV pamidronate (30 to 90 mg). Both groups included patients with normal and abnormal renal function. Pamidronate was administered for elevated urine or serum N-telopeptide, hypercalciuria, or hypercalcemia. Results: RCU and 1-year mortality were significantly lower in the pamidronate group (0 and 20%, respectively) compared to nonreceivers (19 and 56%, respectively) (P = .0077 and P = .0004, respectively). After adjusting for differenc...
Tiny Tools

Gerard Holzmann offers simple tools for developers who don't use IDEs but prefer to write code using their own screen editor and who do everything else with command-line tools.
Antennule Ablation, Sex Discrimination, and Mating Behavior in the Crayfish Procambarus Clarkii

ABSTRACT In order for the crayfish Procambarus clarkii to mate, each animal involved must identify the sex of the other. Crayfish are able to use chemoreception, mediated by the first antennae (antennules), as well as vision in sex identification. The relative importance of these two senses is not known; most work has centered on the use of the antennules. To assess the importance of antennules we studied mating in control pairs, in pairs where the females lacked antennules, in pairs where males lacked antennules, and in pairs where both lacked antennules. Ablation of antennules did not significantly affect the likelihood of mating or the delay before mating began. These findings demonstrate that P. clarkii can readily identify the sex of conspecifics without the use of their antennules. If the ability to identify sex had been impaired, one would expect mating to be less likely or to follow an unusually long delay. In addition, antennule ablation did not significantly affect the duration of mating. This stands in contrast to findings in the green crab Carcinus maenas, where the ablation of antennules in males leads to the substitution of multiple short matings for single long, continuous matings. It is concluded that P. clarkii can readily determine the sex of conspecifics without the use of the antennules and that the loss of antennules has no obvious effect on mating behavior.
Plug-Mix and Banded-and-Incorporated Application of Systemic Insecticides for Control of the Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on Direct-Seeded Tomatoes

Two application methods of five systemic insecticides at various dosages(0.07–2.24 kg [AI]/ha) were tested on tomatoes in order to evaluate phytotoxicity and effectiveness in controlling larvae of the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). Laboratory bioassays showed that plug-mix application was effective at lower doses in controlling CPB in comparison to the banded-and-incorporated application, although phytotoxicity was greater with plug-mix application. Incorporated in plug mix, aldicarb, and carbofuran were effective in controlling CPB at doses as low as 0.28 kg (AI)/ha. At all dosages in one planting, and some lower dosages in another planting, both pesticides accelerated seedling emergence and flowering compared to untreated controls. Phytotoxicity varied with environment and tomato cultivar.
Treatise about Steering-wheel Horn Button Test

This article will describe a durability test plant of horn button set in steering-wheel with auto-control,which is used for simulating the manual operate.The press time,frequency will be had from PLC.It can identify the troubles and show the current.
Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: a critical analysis of 26 cases and of the literature.

AbstractManifestations of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in 26 patients closely mimicked those of neoplastic and other inflammatory renal parenchymal diseases. Middle-aged or older women were affected most often. Most patients presented with anemia, chronic febrile illness, a painful tender flank mass and recurrent urosepsis. Some features of nephrogenic hepatic dysfunction were present in 13 patients. Bacterial cultures of renal tissue were almost always positive but the spectrum differed considerably from that of the bladder urine. Urographically, a renal mass lesion was encountered in 62 per cent of the patients, nephrolithiasis in 38 per cent and a functionless kidney in 27 per cent. Angiographically, none of the 4 mass lesions studied was distinguished from hypernephroma. Indeed, a correct preoperative diagnosis was made in only 1 instance. There were 3 stages of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis recognized. Treatment consisted of nephrectomy for diffuse or advanced stage disease or both (21 pat...
Hierarchical multistate models from population data: an application to parity statuses

Hierarchical models are characterized by having N living states connected by N - 1 rates of transfer. Demographic measures for such models can be calculated directly from counts of the number of persons in each state at two nearby points in time. Exploiting the ability of population stocks to determine the flows in hierarchical models expands the range of demographic analysis. The value of such analyses is illustrated by an application to childbearing, where the states of interest reflect the number of children a woman has born. Using Census data on the distribution of women by age and parity, a parity status life table for US Women, 2005-2010, is constructed. That analysis shows that nearly a quarter of American women are likely to remain childless, with a 0-3 child pattern replacing the 2-4 child pattern of the past.
The efficient separation of lymphocytes from normal human blood.

Abstract 1.1. A method of producing in vitro phagocytosis of gum arabic-coated iron spherules by neutrophilic leukocytes of human blood is reported. 2.2. Centrifugation of blood with neutrophils containing iron will produce an efficient separation of lymphocytes.
Perceptual constancy of mechanical properties of cloth under variation of external forces

Deformable objects such as cloth exhibit their mechanical properties (e.g. stiffness) through shape deformation over time under external forces. Mechanical properties are important because they tell us the affordance of the object and helps us predict what type of action can be done upon it. Previous research shows that motion statistics can be used to develop computer vision algorithms to estimate mechanical properties of cloth under an unknown wind force. It is unclear what motion cues human use to estimate mechanical properties. Estimating mechanical properties is difficult because both the intrinsic properties of the fabric and the external force contribute to the apparent motion of the fabric. However, in order to achieve invariant material perception, the visual system needs to discount the effects of external force. In this paper, we investigate whether humans have an invariant representation of mechanical properties of fabrics under varying external forces in dynamic scenes. Then we study what visual cues allow humans to achieve this perceptual constancy. The stimuli are animated videos containing a hanging fabric moving under oscillating wind. We vary both intrinsic mechanical properties such as mass and stiffness of the cloth as well as the strength of the wind force. We discuss our results in the context of optical flow statistics. This advances the current understanding of the role of motion in perception of material properties in dynamic scenes.
Interband III-V Mid-IR Semiconductor Lasers

Recent advances in the development of III–V semiconductor lasers for the midwave-infrared are extending from about 3 to 5 μm. While there remains a large gap between the current status and what is ultimately desired, significant progress has been made due to both imaginative new design approaches and advances in the materials growth and fabrication technologies for thin-film antimonide and phosphide quantum hetero structures. The chapter reviews the present status of III–V interband mid-infrared lasers. Two main approaches to the design of the active region have been discussed type-I double heterostructure and QW; and type-II structures employing InAs/Ga(In)Sb-based active regions. Type-I devices, which generally take advantage of a more mature growth technology, have thus far maintained the highest cw output powers and power-conversion efficiencies for both electrical and optical pumping at T ∼ 77 K. The interband cascade laser is an innovative new approach that may ultimately deliver high cw output powers in the mid-IR at temperatures above 200 K. Quantum efficiencies above 200% have been demonstrated, along with higher pulsed operating temperature than any conventional type-I or type-II diode emitting at wavelengths beyond 3 ∼tm. However, a number of substantial growth and design issues must be resolved before this higher risk approach becomes practical.
Electrochemical Upgrading of Iron-Rich Titanium Ores

The production of synthetic rutile using a novel electrochemical process using a molten salt electrolyte is described. The product produced by this process is of similar quality and composition to existing synthetic rutile materials, which are used as a feedstock to many titanium and pigment production processes. The mechanism that underlies this process is the solubility of iron(III) oxide in chloride salts, which can then be reduced electrochemically, producing metallic iron, and leaving behind synthetic rutile. The effect of electrolyte composition is also investigated.
Regulating Stem Cell Secretome Using Injectable Hydrogels with In Situ Network Formation

A family of shear-thinning hydrogels for injectable encapsulation and long-term delivery (SHIELD) has been designed and synthesized with controlled in situ stiffening properties to regulate the stem cell secretome. The authors demonstrate that SHIELD with an intermediate stiffness (200-400 Pa) could significantly promote the angiogenic potential of human adipose-derived stem cells.
Pulmonary macrophage alterations associated with aging and SIV infection in rhesus macaques (VIR9P.1155)

Accelerated aging occurs in HIV-infected persons HIV, despite ART, as seen by earlier onset of chronic inflammatory diseases and HIV-associated non-AIDS (HANA) conditions than in non-HIV-infected individuals. In the rhesus macaque SIV model, we reported earlier that increasing monocyte turnover associated with tissue macrophage death predicted onset of terminal disease progression. Here, we hypothesize that macrophage dysregulation contributes to accelerated aging that occurs during SIV infection. We compared macrophage populations of the lung in older and younger uninfected and SIV-infected rhesus macaques. We observed that the ratio of alveolar macrophages (AM) to interstitial macrophages (IM) was significantly lower in chronic SIV-infected younger macaques and older uninfected monkeys compared to uninfected young macaques. The mechanisms differed, however, because the lower ratio in the older uninfected monkeys was due to lower numbers of AM while the shift during SIV infection of younger adults was due to increasing numbers of IM. Functionally, AM of older vs younger uninfected animals exhibited higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (TNFα, IL12) during incubation in medium yet produced lower levels of cytokines after induction with LPS ex vivo. During the acute phase of SIV infection, we observed a higher turnover of monocytes and IM in older compared to younger macaques. This suggests that AM become dysregulated during aging and SIV/HIV infection.
Can Public Trust Rights Re-Emerge?: The Takings Clause Implications of United States v. 32.42 Acres of Land

In 2005, the United States took by eminent domain about 32.42 acres of prime San Diego coastland that had been subject to California’s public tidelands trust. In the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the California State Lands Commission argued that although the state public trust may not apply to the land while in federal hands post-taking, the trust should re-emerge to burden the property if the federal government later transfers it to a private party. In 2012, the Ninth Circuit rejected this argument, holding in United States v. 32.42 Acres of Land that the federal taking permanently extinguished the state public tidelands trust applicable to the property. This Comment argues that in terminating the state public trust on the San Diego property, the Ninth Circuit failed to consider the degree to which its decision enables unconstitutional evasion of the public use requirement of the Takings Clause by facilitating economic development takings that eliminate a vast amount of public benefit but create relatively little in return.
Pulmonary Mortality after High-Dose Oral Busulfan and Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) in Patients with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL).

Many high-dose chemotherapy preparative regimens include agents known to cause pulmonary toxicity such as BCNU. Chemotherapy induced pulmonary toxicity may be fatal. From 1/1/93 to 12/31/04 we treated 533 NHL patients with oral busulfan 14mg/kg, VP-16 60 mg/kg, and cyclophosphamide 120 mg/kg followed by ASCT. Busulfan levels were not measured. We have followed these patients for toxicity, survival, and cause of death (COD). Of these 533 patients, 214 have died, and 53 have died without relapse (15%). Most patients (n=329; 62%) had intermediate grade NHL by the IWF system. The median age was 50 years (range, 16–77) and 43% had a history of smoking. Radiotherapy was delivered to 27% and less than 3 chemotherapy regimens were administered to 75% of patients before ASCT. Sixteen patients (3%) died of non-relapse pulmonary complications. The median time to pulmonary mortality was 5 months (range, 2.5 – 21.4 months). We routinely screen patients with pulmonary function tests including DLCO before ASCT and most patients (n=490; 92%) were screened at a median of 45 days after ASCT (range, 7–90 days). For patients for whom data was available, there was no significant decrease in the median pre-ASCT and the post-ASCT DLCO in the either the whole cohort of patients or the patients dying of pulmonary complications. However, a lower baseline DLCO before ASCT predicted for pulmonary mortality after ASCT in univariable and multivariable analysis. Patients with a baseline DLCO <94% predicted, had an increased risk of pulmonary mortality compared to patients with a baseline DLCO ≥94% predicted (p=0.016). Other significant risk factors included older age, lower baseline FEV1, prior radiotherapy, and longer time from diagnosis to ASCT. A history of smoking and disease status at the time of ASCT did not predict for pulmonary mortality. Because patients died of pulmonary complications at other institutions, we could neither determine treatment, nor confirm chemotherapy induced pulmonary toxicity. However, the early onset of pulmonary mortality after ASCT suggests the possibility of a toxic insult. Busulfan is a known pulmonary toxin, but the dose in this series of patients is relatively low and we have not seen similar pulmonary complications in 95 patients (median age 52 years) with myeloma treated with the combination of busulfan 16 mg/kg and cyclophosphamide 120mg/kg. Nonetheless, caution is warranted for older patients being treated with high-dose oral busulfan.
Allegory in Werfel’s Das Opfer and Jacobowsky and the Colonel

(1945). Allegory in Werfel’s Das Opfer and Jacobowsky and the Colonel. The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory: Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 195-217.
Li 7 ( p , n ) , ( p , p ′ γ ), and ( p , γ ) Reactions near Neutron Threshold

The ${\mathrm{Li}}^{7}(p, n)$ total cross section has been measured in detail from threshold to 2.5-Mev proton energy. Between 1.88 and 1.92 Mev the cross section follows the equation for a very broad ${2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ resonance and for $s$-wave particles: ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{pn}}=\frac{(\frac{5}{2})\ensuremath{\pi}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{2}x}{{(1+x)}^{2}}$, where $x=\frac{{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{n}}{{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{p}}=1$ at 50 kev above threshold. The remainder of the cross section up to 2.35 Mev is fitted by this level and the ${3}^{+}$ level at 2.25 Mev. The neutron reduced width exceeds that of the proton by a factor of about five for both the ${2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${3}^{+}$ levels; this is surprising for the self-mirror nucleus ${\mathrm{Be}}^{8}$. A small dip is observed just above neutron threshold in the yield of 478-kev gamma rays from ${\mathrm{Li}}^{7}(p, {p}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\gamma})$. The shape of these data support the assumption of the broad ${2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ neutron producing resonance with ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{p}g0.5$ Mev. No anomaly is observed in the yield of Li capture gamma rays at neutron threshold; the 2.10-Mev resonance in this reaction (which probably is due to a ${3}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ level) yields mainly 16-Mev gamma rays leading to the 2.9-Mev ${2}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ level in ${\mathrm{Be}}^{8}$. The ratio of 16 to 19 Mev gamma rays is $\frac{3}{2}$ at both 1.7- and 2.5-Mev proton energy. The behavior of the ${\mathrm{Li}}^{7}(p, n)$ extrapolated threshold was calculated as a function of target thickness and proton energy spread; shifts in the extrapolated thresholds and the distances between them and true threshold were less than one kev. The extrapolated threshold of a \textonehalf{}-kev target taken with a proton energy spread of 1 kev was observed to be \textonehalf{} kev lower in proton energy than a thick-target threshold.
Effects of Present and Former Deprivation on Consummatory Contrast

Consummatory contrast was investigated in food-deprived and nondeprived rats over repeated shifts from 32% to 4% sucrose. Repeated negative contrast was obtained across five downshifts, enduring in nondeprived subjects and tending to diminish in deprived subjects. Positive contrast was obtained with deprived subjects in the first upshift only but was not apparent with nondeprived subjects. In a second phase, deprivation conditions were reversed and subjects displayed patterns of negative contrast appropriate to the current deprivation condition, regardless of prior deprivation. Positive contrast was not obtained with formerly nondeprived subjects or when all subjects were on ad lib feeding, but reemerged when formerly deprived subjects were returned to a deprived state. The results are discussed in terms of the interaction of deprivation with the conflict mechanisms or the learned responses involved in contrast.
A Rare Syndrome of GRID2 Deletion in 2 Siblings

The Glutamate receptor, ionotropic, delta 2 gene codes for an ionotropic glutamate delta-2 receptor, which is selectively expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells, and facilitates cerebellar synapse organization and transmission. The phenotype associated with the deletion of Glutamate receptor, ionotropic, delta 2 gene in humans was initially defined in 2013. In this case report, the authors describe 2 brothers who presented with developmental delay, tonic upward gaze, nystagmus, oculomotor apraxia, hypotonia, hyperreflexia, and ataxia. They were found to have a homozygous intragenic deletion within the Glutamate receptor, ionotropic, delta 2 gene at exon 2. Our patients serve as an addition to the literature of previously reported children with this rare clinical syndrome associated with Glutamate receptor, ionotropic, delta 2 deletion.
Peer-Led Culinary Skills Intervention for Adolescents: Pilot Study of the Impact on Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-efficacy

Abstract Objective To assess the impact and feasibility of a culinary skills intervention for adolescents led by peer educators compared with adult educators. Methods Adolescents (aged 11–14 years) were randomized to peer educator (n = 22) or adult educator (n = 20) groups and attended 2 2.5-hour culinary skills lessons addressing knife skills, cooking methods, and recipes. Knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy measurements were completed before and immediately after the intervention and at 3 and 6 months after the intervention. Fidelity checklists assessed the feasibility of program delivery. Differences within and between groups over time were assessed using ANOVA. Results Adolescents (n = 42) increased knowledge (3.7 ± 2.6 points [mean ± SD]; P Conclusions and Implications Peers and adults can feasibly lead a culinary skills program for adolescents that increases knowledge. To affect attitude and self-efficacy, additional training of peer educators may be needed.
Subspace Clustering via Optimal Direction Search

This letter presents a new spectral-clustering-based approach to the subspace clustering problem. Underpinning the proposed method is a convex program for optimal direction search, which for each data point $\mathbf{d}$ finds an optimal direction in the span of the data that has minimum projection on the other data points and nonvanishing projection on $\mathbf{d}$ . The obtained directions are subsequently leveraged to identify a neighborhood set for each data point. An alternating direction method of multipliers framework is provided to efficiently solve for the optimal directions. The proposed method is shown to often outperform the existing subspace clustering methods, particularly for unwieldy scenarios involving high levels of noise and close subspaces, and yields the state-of-the-art results for the problem of face clustering using subspace segmentation.
Cardiovascular complications in patients with sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive disease in which homozygosity for a single point mutation in the gene encoding the β-globin chain produces hemoglobin S molecules that polymerize within the erythrocyte during deoxygenation; the result is sustained hemolytic anemia and vaso-occlusive events. As patients live to adulthood, the chronic impact of sustained hemolytic anemia and episodic vaso-occlusive episodes leads to progressive end-organ complications. This scenario culminates in the development of 1 or more major cardiovascular complications of SCD for which there are no approved or consensus therapies. These complications include elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure, pulmonary hypertension, left ventricular diastolic heart disease, dysrhythmia, sudden death, and chronic kidney disease with associated proteinuria, microalbuminuria, and hemoglobinuria. In patients with advancing age, cardiopulmonary organ dysfunction and chronic kidney injury have significant effects on morbidity and premature mortality. Over the last 15 years, a number of tests have been validated in multiple replicate cohort studies that identify patients with SCD at the highest risk of experiencing pulmonary and systemic vasculopathy and death, providing for screening strategies tied to targeted, more aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Exploring the applicability and limitations of selected optical scattering instruments for PM mass measurement

Abstract. Two optical scattering instruments for particle mass measurement, the Thermo Personal Data RAM (PDR-1500) and the TSI Environmental DustTrak DRX (Model 8543) were evaluated by (1) using poly- and mono-disperse test aerosol in the laboratory, and (2) sampling ambient aerosol. The responses of these optical scattering instruments to different particle characteristics (size, composition, concentration) were compared with responses from reference instruments. A Mie scattering calculation was used to explain the dependence of the optical instruments' response to aerosol size and composition. Concurrently, the detection efficiency of one Alphasense Optical Particle Counter (OPC-N2) was evaluated in the laboratory as well. The relationship between aerosol mass concentration and optical scattering was determined to be strongly dependent on aerosol size and to a lesser extent on aerosol composition (as reflected in the refractive indices of the materials tested) based on ambient measurements. This confirms that there is no simple way to use optical scattering instruments over a wide range of conditions without adjustments based on knowledge of aerosol size and composition. In particular, a test period measuring ambient aerosol with optical scattering instruments and a mass based method (an Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer) determined that roughly two thirds of the variance (R2 = 0.64) of the optical to mass signal ratio is explained by the aerosol mass median diameter alone. These observations and calculations help evaluate the applicability and limitations of these optical scattering instruments, and provide guidance to designing suitable applications for each instrument by considering aerosol sources and aerosol size.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection in an Immunocompromised Patient

Introduction. To report on the first recorded case of necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) in an immunocompromised individual caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in the Western Hemisphere and highlight the challenges that medical providers face in promptly diagnosing and treating NSTI in this highly vulnerable patient population. Case Presentation. We report a case of NSTI caused by S. maltophilia in a neutropenic patient admitted for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The patient presented with laboratory and clinical findings atypical for a NSTI that may have confounded its diagnosis and delayed surgical intervention. Despite aggressive medical care and surgical debridement, the patient unfortunately passed away due to overwhelming septic shock. Conclusions. Providers should consider atypical organisms as causative in NSTI in immunocompromised patients and recognize that these patients may present without classic clinical and laboratory findings.
Atherosclerosis: Clinical Perspectives Through Imaging Carotid Intima-Media Thickness

Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) testing uses ultrasound imaging to define the arterial wall thickness of the carotid artery. The study is performed within one of several carotid artery segments (common, bulb or internal carotid artery) and is highly accurate and reproducible. Technical standards for the performance of CIMT have been published and include the use of high frequency ultrasound probes (preferably operating at 10 mHz or higher). Semi-automated quantification methods include using border detection software. The finding of increased CIMT has been shown among middle-aged and elderly individuals to be associated with CHD outcomes over and above standard cardiovascular risk factors. Focal arterial plaque is a particularly high risk finding. CIMT imaging is considered appropriate in a number of clinical scenarios, including individuals at intermediate risk for CHD in their initial risk assessment.
Podcast Movement: Aspirational Labour and the Formalisation of Podcasting as a Cultural Industry

Podcasting has thrived since its creation in 2004 as a bastion for home-grown, amateur media production. In the past several years, however, entrepreneurs and legacy media companies have rapidly expanded their interests in podcasting, bringing with them professional standards and the logics of capital. This chapter explores how discourses of formalisation and specialisation come together at 2016 Podcast Movement convention, the largest annual convention of podcasters in the United States. Based upon participant observations and a review of trade press articles, this chapter explores some of the deep tensions between two competing discourses at Podcast Movement: the formalisation of podcasting production practices, and utopianism of self-expression, authenticity, democratisation, and media diversity. These tensions are indicative of a broader struggle for podcasting’s identity.
Microviscosity in E. coli Cells from Time-Resolved Linear Dichroism Measurements.

A protein’s folding or function depends on its mobility through the viscous environment that is defined by the presence of macromolecules throughout the cell. The relevant parameter for this mobility is microviscosity—the viscosity on a time and distance scale that is important for protein folding/function movements. A quasi-null, ultrasensitive time-resolved linear dichroism (TRLD) spectroscopy is proving to be a useful tool for measurements of viscosity on this scale, with previous in vitro studies reporting on the microviscosities of crowded environments mimicked by high concentrations of different macromolecules. This study reports the microviscosity experienced by myoglobin in the E. coli cell’s heterogeneous cytoplasm by using TRLD to measure rotational diffusion times. The results show that photolyzed deoxyMb ensembles randomize through environment-dependent rotational diffusion with a lifetime of 34 ± 6 ns. This value corresponds to a microviscosity of 2.82 ± 0.42 cP, which is consistent with prev...
Extracting wavelet based neural features from human intracortical recordings for neuroprosthetics applications

Understanding the long-term behavior of intracortically-recorded signals is essential for improving the performance of Brain Computer Interfaces. However, few studies have systematically investigated chronic neural recordings from an implanted microelectrode array in the human brain. In this study, we show the applicability of wavelet decomposition method to extract and demonstrate the utility of long-term stable features in neural signals obtained from a microelectrode array implanted in the motor cortex of a human with tetraplegia. Wavelet decomposition was applied to the raw voltage data to generate mean wavelet power (MWP) features, which were further divided into three sub-frequency bands, low-frequency MWP (lf-MWP, 0–234 Hz), mid-frequency MWP (mf-MWP, 234 Hz–3.75 kHz) and high-frequency MWP (hf-MWP, >3.75 kHz). We analyzed these features using data collected from two experiments that were repeated over the course of about 3 years and compared their signal stability and decoding performance with the more standard threshold crossings, local field potentials (LFP), multi-unit activity (MUA) features obtained from the raw voltage recordings. All neural features could stably track neural information for over 3 years post-implantation and were less prone to signal degradation compared to threshold crossings. Furthermore, when used as an input to support vector machine based decoding algorithms, the mf-MWP and MUA demonstrated significantly better performance, respectively, in classifying imagined motor tasks than using the lf-MWP, hf-MWP, LFP, or threshold crossings. Our results suggest that using MWP features in the appropriate frequency bands can provide an effective neural feature for brain computer interface intended for chronic applications. This study was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Investigational Device Exemption) and the Ohio State University Medical Center Institutional Review Board (Columbus, Ohio). The study conformed to institutional requirements for the conduct of human subjects and was filed on ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT01997125 ).
Parent-child interaction therapy in a case of global developmental delay and leukoencephalopathy

Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based, behavioral dyadic treatment for caregivers and their children aged 2-7 years old with emotional and behavioral disorders. Here we present a treatment course of a 3-years-old girl with leukoencephalopathy, dysgenesis of the brainstem, and associated global developmental delay who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy after PCIT completion. At the beginning of PCIT she had the developmental level of an 18 months old with language skills of a 12-18 months old; both her vocabulary and verbal expression were very limited. She had slow, unco-ordinated gait with limited fine motor skills. She was referred to Psychiatry with concerns regarding disruptive behaviors including severe self-injury. PCIT was started with a focus on PRIDE skills (Praise, Reflection, Imitation, behavioral Description and Enjoyment); particularly behavioral description and reflection with simple developmentally appropriate labeled praise. Modifications to treatment included using non-verbal actions (e.g., "high fives" as praises), sign language and using only one-step basic commands, which greatly improved compliance. In a matter of weeks, the patient demonstrated remarkable improvement in her disruptive behavior as evidenced by parent/daycare report and clinical observation. Surprisingly her vocabulary more than doubled and her ability of self-expression also increased; she was able to point to things and ask for them. This clinical experience suggests that PCIT principles are effective treatment interventions for other clinical presentations outside of the usual inclusion criteria. Implementation of targeted PCIT interventions greatly benefited the development of language skills and communication in a young child with global developmental delay.
Literature and the Politics of Family in Seventeenth-Century England

A common literary language linked royal absolutism to radical religion and republicanism in seventeenth-century England. Authors from both sides of the Civil Wars, including Milton, Hobbes, Margaret Cavendish, and the Quakers, adapted the analogy between family and state to support radically different visions of political community. They used family metaphors to debate the limits of political authority, rethink gender roles, and imagine community in a period of social and political upheaval. While critical attention has focused on how the common analogy linking father and king, family and state, bolstered royal and paternal claims to authority and obedience, its meaning was in fact intensely contested. In this wide-ranging study, Su Fang Ng analyses the language and metaphors used to describe the relationship between politics and the family in both literary and political writings and offers a fresh perspective on how seventeenth-century literature reflected as well as influenced political thought.
Copper and cobalt improve the acid resistance of alkali-activated cements

Abstract Experimental evidence of a new acid degradation mechanism in alkali-activated cements (AACs) micro-doped with copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co) is presented in this work. Cu and Co incorporation into binary metakaolin and basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag-based AACs reduced bulk permeable porosity and acid penetration and retarded the formation of calcium sulfate phases upon exposure to acid. Analysis of microstructural evolution and elemental mobility using X-ray diffraction and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) showed that Cu and Co doping was associated with major differences in AAC leaching patterns when exposed to sulfuric acid. Converging lines of evidence suggest that acid resistance is improved by the preferential mobilization of Cu and Co, along with other multivalent cations (i.e., magnesium), at the acid degradation front(s), stabilizing the AAC binder and inhibiting further deterioration.
NARNET-based Prognostics Modeling for Deteriorating Systems under Dynamic Operating Conditions

This paper presents a new prognostics modeling method based on a nonlinear autoregressive neural network (NARNET) for computing the remaining useful life (RUL) of a deteriorating system under dynamic operating conditions. Our approach consists of two processes: (1) an offline training process is built to model the degradation law and failure zones based on the dataset of hundreds of identical units with run-to-failure time-series sensor measurements; (2) an online prediction and testing process is developed to predict the RUL of a test unit. We particularly investigate how the degradation process is affected by the unit-specific operating conditions. The operating conditions are forecasted by a NARNET model based on the unit's historical operating conditions. We show that the prognostics model integrating the operating condition forecast provides more accurate and efficient RUL prediction. The aircraft turbine engine degradation dataset is utilized to demonstrate the model and test the model performance.
A Detection Mechanism Against Load-Redistribution Attacks in Smart Grids

This article presents a real-time non-probabilistic approach to detect load-redistribution (LR) attacks, which attempt to cause an overflow, in smart grids. Prior studies have shown that certain LR attacks can bypass traditional bad data detectors and remain undetectable, which implies that the presence of a reliable and intelligent detection mechanism is imperative. Therefore, in this study a detection mechanism is proposed based on the fundamental knowledge of the physics laws in electric grids. To do so, we leverage power systems domain insight to identify an underlying exploitable structure for the core problem of LR attacks, which enables the prediction of the attackers’ behavior. Then, a fast greedy algorithm is presented to find the best attack vector and identify the most sensitive buses for critical transmission assets. Finally, a security index, which can be used in practice with minimal disruptions, is developed for each critical asset with respect to the identified best attack vector and sensitive buses. The proposed approach is applied to 2383-bus Polish test system to demonstrate the scalability and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
LncRNA de novo discovery reveals noncoding RNAs as major molecular mechanism associating coronary artery disease GWAS variants with causal genes to confer disease risk

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) comprise an underlying regulatory network in the human genome that remains largely unexplored and could represent a molecular mechanism connecting GWAS risk variants with the disease causal genes. Human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMC) are one of the most important cells in the regulation of atherosclerotic disease progression. In this study, we aimed to discover the HCASMC-specific lncRNA collection and to explore the mechanistic relationship between HCAMSC lncRNAs with increased disease risk for coronary artery disease. We applied 6 different stimuli relevant to athero-condition, including stimulations with TGFbeta, TNFalpha, PDGFD and serum, and two transcription factor knock-downs TCF21 and SMAD3, and performed deep RNA sequencing on 48 HCASMC samples. We designed a lncRNA discovery pipeline to maximize the detection of tissue specific and low expressed lncRNAs. This generated a set of 53076 lncRNAs, that showed increased association with CAD GWAS variants, various HCASMC eQTL data sets and GTEx eQTLs for tissues enriched in smooth muscle. Module analysis revealed lncRNAs highly associated with TGFbeta and general pro-differentiation traits located in the CAD GWAS loci, such as, FES/FURIN, COL4A1/A2, CDKN2A/B, TGFB1, and FN1. Transcription factor motif analysis revealed the presence of HCASMC relevant factors, such as, TCF21, ZEB1, ZEB2, JUN, JUND, and an SRF cofactor ELK4, near the boundaries of HCASMC lncRNA. We defined lncRNA QTLs using the GTEx Coronary Artery dataset, and showed colocalization with other HCASMC QTLs, such as expression QTLs, chromatin looping QTLs, chromatin accessibility QTLs and TCF21 binding QTLs. We show several examples of CAD GWAS loci where lncRNAs show regulatory function, such as FES/FURIN, FN1, COL4A1/A2 and TGFB1. We unraveled a complex network of regulatory interactions at FES/FURIN locus, involving TCF21 and lncRNA 43779.9, and present a model in which TCF21 inhibited lncRNA 43779.9 regulates FES gene and indirectly the pro-differentiation FURIN gene by creating a looping interaction with the intron 1 of FES transcript. We define 5 regulatory variants at the FES/FURIN locus and propose a causal variant, rs35346340, that disrupts TCF21 binding and subsequently influences 43779.9 expression. Finally, we show the presence of lncRNAs in deeply sequenced TCF21 pooled ChIPSeq and discover TCF21 binding lncRNAs, 3938.1 and 3852.1 as ACTA2-regulating transcripts. This study defines lncRNAs as essential regulators of GWAS loci and shows the importance of using deep sequencing approach to further explore the genomic regulatory landscape of lncRNAs in human tissues.
Numerical study on the phononic band-structure of soft granular crystals

Abstract The discrete element method has been widely adopted to study the phononic dispersion relation of granular crystals, but its intrinsic limitations in the conventional particle contact model are often overlooked. In this study, we numerically investigate both the quasi-static nonlinear behavior and the phononic dispersion relation of a pattern-transformable 2-D soft granular crystal using discrete element method (DEM) and finite element method (FEM). Regarding the quasi-static analysis at low strain levels, the DEM simulation results show good qualitative and quantitative agreement with the corresponding FEM results. However, our study reveals that the dispersion relations obtained by the stiffness matrix method coupled with DEM are substantially different from the corresponding FEM results. We find that independent rotational stiffness in the DEM contact models has little effect on the quasi-static motion and some lowest eigenmodes of dispersion relations, but it plays a pivotal role in the overall dispersion relation of granular crystals. Thus, we demonstrate that special care should be taken when DEM is adopted for calculating the phononic dispersion relation of soft granular crystals.
Introduction to Part V: What Is Governance?

Governance resides in the world of it depends. Board members need to use their best judgment and broad experience to decide what’s important to pay attention to. Board membership is voted by investors, and some of them use environmental, social, and governance (ESG) indicators to make investment decisions. ESG contains non-financial metrics, such as energy and emissions, to evaluate the health of an organization. Internally, boards need to synthesize climate reports presented by the executive team. Externally, boards need to be responsive to investors and global concerns. Energy strategists need to supervise these interrelated communication flows, helping to make sense out of it all. Part V has two chapters that examine energy indicators through the internal and external roles of a board.
Predicting Opioid Use Following Discharge After Cesarean Delivery.

PURPOSE Although cesarean delivery is the most common surgical procedure in the United States, postoperative opioid prescribing varies greatly. We hypothesized that patient characteristics, procedural characteristics, or both would be associated with high vs low opioid use after discharge. This information could help individualize prescriptions. METHODS In this prospective cohort study, we quantified opioid use for 4 weeks following hospital discharge after cesarean delivery. Predischarge characteristics were obtained from health records, and patients self-reported total opioid use postdischarge on weekly questionnaires. Opioid use was quantified in milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs). Binomial and Poisson regression analyses were performed to assess predictors of opioid use after discharge. RESULTS Of the 233 patients starting the study, 203 (87.1%) completed at least 1 questionnaire and were included in analyses (86.3% completed all 4 questionnaires). A total of 113 patients were high users (>75 MMEs) and 90 patients were low users (≤75 MMEs) of opioids postdischarge. The group reporting low opioid use received on average 44% fewer opioids in the 24 hours before discharge compared with the group reporting high opioid use (mean = 33.0 vs 59.3 MMEs, P CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of predischarge opioid use can be useful as a tool to inform individualized opioid prescriptions, help optimize nonopioid analgesia, and reduce opioid use. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the impact of implementing such measures on prescribing practices, pain, and functional outcomes.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress implication in fibroblast senescence in COPD.

Background: Senescence is a critical cellular process involved in COPD progression. The molecular mechanisms that trigger senescence in small airways fibroblasts (SAF) are not clearly identified. These cells secrete proinflammatory cytokines and resist to apoptosis. In vitro studies suggest endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is important in COPD pathogenesis but whether this is linked to senescence is unknown. Aim: Assess the role of ER stress and the related unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways in fibroblast senescence in COPD. Methods: SAF were isolated from peripheral lung tissue from COPD patients and age-matched non-smokers (NS). Expression of senescence markers p21, p16, p-γH2AX and UPR pathway actors p-IRE1, p-PERK, p-eIF2α, ATF4, ATF6α were evaluated by Western blotting or immunocytochemistry. To link ER stress to senescence, protein expression of senescence markers was evaluated in SAF treated with ISRIB, a specific inhibitor of p-eiF2α. Apoptosis was measured using a caspase 3 activity assay in SAF exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) (5%) treated with or without ISRIB. Results: p21, p16 and p-γH2AX were increased in COPD SAF (n=6, 57%, 27% and 62%) as well as UPR markers p-IRE1, p-PERK and p-eIF2α (n=6, 53%, 65% and 63%). COPD SAF showed also an elevated nuclear localization of the UPR transcription factors ATF4 and ATF6α (n=4). ISRIB treatment decreased expression of p21, p16 and p-γH2AX in COPD SAF (n=6). CSE induced more active caspase 3 positive cells in NS (n=2, 43%) than in COPD (n=2, 14%), ISRIB treatment restored the apoptotic effect of CSE in COPD SAF (n=2, 35%). Conclusion: ER stress, especially the p-eIF2α pathway, may play a role in primary SAF senescence in COPD suggesting that this molecular pathway could be targeted for new therapeutic strategies