cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fate of human enteric viruses during dairy manure-based composting.

Murine norovirus 1 (MNV-1), Aichi virus (AiV), and human adenovirus 41 (Ad41) were seeded in dairy manure and composted for 60 days, and both the stability of virus genomes and infectious viruses were evaluated. For compost started in late fall, pile temperature reached approximately 54.5°C on day 1 and remained between 55 and 60°C for 3 days. For viral genomes, AiV had an approximate 1.4-log loss of viral genome after 1 day and more than a 3.1-log loss after 2 days; while for MNV-1, there was a roughly 0.6-log reduction on day 1 and a more than 4-log reduction after 5 days. For compost started in late spring, the center temperature reached about 70°C on day 1 and remained warmer than 65°C for 3 days. The MNV-1 viral genome level was below the detection limit (ca. 3.4 log reverse transcriptase and quantitative PCR unit per g) after 1 day. Compared with RNA viruses, the Ad41 DNA genome was more stable in compost started in late spring; there was no reduction in DNA after 1 day, and ca. a 2.1-log loss at 5 and 7 days. For viral infectivity, the AiV infectious concentration was below the detection limit (about 2.8 log tissue culture infectious dose assay per g) after day 1 for both trials 1 and 2, and for Ad41, there was a greater than 4-log reduction of infectivity after 1 day for trial 2. Overall, temperature is a critical factor, which affects the survival of viruses in compost, and the fate of the viral genome in the generated heat is virus dependent as well. For U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Class A compost, current compost regulations require maintaining temperatures between 55 and 70°C for at least for 3 days for a static aerated-pile system. This study indicated that these temperature conditions could effectively inactivate MNV-1, AiV, and Ad41.
Notes from a Colored Girl: The Civil War Pocket Diaries of Emilie Frances Davis, by Emilie Frances Davis

Emilie Frances Davis has never been a prominent figure, but her pocket diary offers a confident and direct record of daily life in Philadelphia’s predominantly African American Seventh Ward during ...
Sensitive radio survey of obscured quasar candidates

We study the radio properties of moderately obscured quasars over a range of redshifts to understand the role of radio activity in accretion using the Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA) at 6.0GHz and 1.4GHz. Our z~2.5 sample consists of optically-selected obscured quasar candidates, all of which are radio-quiet, with typical radio luminosities of $\nu L_{\nu}$[1.4 GHz] < $10^{40}$ erg s$^{-1}$. Only a single source is individually detected in our deep (rms~10 $\mu$Jy) exposures. This population would not be identified by radio-based selection methods used for distinguishing dusty star-forming galaxies and obscured active nuclei. In our pilot A-array study of z~0.5 radio-quiet quasars, we spatially resolve four of five objects on scales ~ 5 kpc and find they have steep spectral indices. Therefore, radio emission in these sources could be due to jet-driven or radiatively driven bubbles interacting with interstellar material on the scale of the host galaxy. Finally, we also study the population of ~ 200 faint (~40 $\mu$Jy - 40 mJy) radio sources observed over ~ 120 arcmin$^2$ of our data. 60% of these detections are matched in the SDSS and/or WISE and are, in roughly equal shares, active nuclei at a broad range of redshifts, passive galaxies with no other signs of nuclear activity and IR-bright but optically faint sources. Spectroscopically or photometrically confirmed star-forming galaxies constitute only a small minority of the matches. Such sensitive radio surveys allow us to address important questions of AGN evolution and evaluate the AGN contribution to the radio-quiet sky.
Genetic Improvement of Insects: Fact or Fantasy

Genetic improvement of insects has generated only a moderate amount of discussion in recent years because entomologists believe that little of practical importance has been achieved. Meanwhile, the problem of maintaining the genetic quality of laboratoryreared insects has become prominent. However, some insects have been improved genetically. Domesticated and semidomesticated insects such as the honey bee and the silkworm have been improved in many ways through selection and hybridization. Some parasites have also undergone selection to improve insectary production or field effectiveness, or both. “Improved” insects for laboratory tests may be obtained by hybridizing 2 inbred lines, which often yields a vigorous, uniformly variable insect. Parasites, or any insect that must survive and reproduce in a natural environment, present particularly difficult problems for a genetic improvement program. Desirable attributes to be selected must be clearly definable, which is often quite difficult given our current lack of knowledge of the behavior of parasites under natural conditions. Adequate genetic variability must be provided for so that selection can operate, and adequate selection procedures are important. Finally, maintaining the integrity of the improved insects may or may not be important, depending upon how the parasites are used. Heterosis has been largely ignored in programs for the genetic improvement of parasites, but some data suggest that heterosis could increase the effectiveness of inoculative and inundative releases of parasites or predators. There is still not enough experimental evidence to support judgments about the cost/benefit ratios of genetic improvement, however. Future studies must include field evaluation to demonstrate the value of such improvement programs.
Adjoint-Based h-adaptive Calculation of Generalized Aerodynamic Forces

A finite-element solver for calculation of small-disturbance generalized aerodynamic forces is extended for adjoint-based mesh-adaptation. The Euler equations are linearized about a steady-state solution and the unsteady small-disturbance response is calculated in the frequency-domain for a prescribed motion. A dual-weighted-residual error-norm is derived for the steady-state problem to provide a posteriori error-metric for each element in the computational domain. This error-metric is used to guide adaptation of the computational mesh and the small-disturbance problem is solved on the final adapted mesh. The numerical performance of the error-metric is compared against that of a conventional residual-based a-posteriori error-metric for transonic flow over NACA0012 airfoil. The results demonstrate that adjoint-based error estimates provide an efficient means to tailor the use of computational resources needed for accurate evaluation of output quantities.
A TAMe micromethod for the measurement of "esterase prothrombin".

A procedure for the measurement of "esterase prothrombin" based on the hydrolysis of a synthetic substrate, p-toluene-sulfonyl-L-arginine methyl ester (TAMe) by thrombin evolving from "prothrombin" is described. In contrast to clotting assays, the method is linear. As little as 0.25 ml. of plasma suffices for the assay. Instrumentation consists of a pH meter. Plasmas and solutions, made from commercially available reagents, may be stored for long periods. Unlike spectrophotometric and titrimetric procedures, the assay can be used for icteric plasmas. Although clotting and "esterase prothrombin" are not identical, the method is useful and applicable to the clinical laboratory.
Failure of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test to detect inadequate response to leuprolide treatment in central precocious puberty§

Abstract In two girls with central precocious puberty, inadequate clinical response to daily leuprolide treatment was associated with suppressed radioimmunoassayable luteinizing hormone (LH) levels to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation. Elevated serum LH concentrations were, however, demonstrated by a highly sensitive immunoradiometric assay. Thus, traditional radioimmunoassays for LH may be inadequate to monitor response to GnRH agonist treatment, even when they are used in combination with a GnRH stimulation test.
J. R. Malloch, 1875-1963

John Russell Malloch, world-renowned dipterist, died after a short illness in a nursing home at Tampa, Florida, on February 18, 1963, at the age of 87.
Solvent Desorption of Dichloromethane in The Air of Workplaces by Gas Chromatography

[Objective]To establish a gas chromatography method for solvent desorption of dichloromethane in the air of workplace.[Methods]Sample of dichloromethane in the air of workplace was collected by active charcoal tube,then desorbed in solution with carbon disulfide and isolated by HP-FFAP capillary column.Hydrogen flame ionization detector was applied for determination.[Results]The linear range of dichlorornethane was 16.58～265.20 μg/ml,regression equation was H = 0.09766101 C-0.0501081 and correlation coefficient was 0.99997;the detection limit was 1.79 μg /ml.The concentration of dichloromethane was 0.40 mg/m3 for 1.5L air of workplace.Desorption efficiency was in the range of 92.5%～93.8%,and all relative standard deviations in repeated determination were all below 3.0%.[Conclusion]With the characteristics of high accuracy,easy to operate and sensitive,the method is applicable for dichloromethane determination in workplace.
Persulfate activation during exertion of total oxidant demand.

Total oxidant demand (TOD) is a parameter that is often measured during in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) treatability studies. The importance of TOD is based on the concept that the oxidant demand created by soil organic matter and other reduced species must be overcome before contaminant oxidation can proceed. TOD testing was originally designed for permanganate ISCO, but has also recently been applied to activated persulfate ISCO. Recent studies have documented that phenoxides activate persulfate; because soil organic matter is rich in phenolic moieties, it may activate persulfate rather than simply exerting TOD. Therefore, the generation of reactive oxygen species was investigated in three soil horizons of varied soil organic carbon content over 5-day TOD testing. Hydroxyl radical may have been generated during TOD exertion, but was likely scavenged by soil organic matter. A high flux of reductants + nucleophiles (e.g. alkyl radicals + superoxide) was generated as TOD was exerted, resulting in the rapid destruction of the probe compound hexachloroethane and the common groundwater contaminant trichloroethylene (TCE). The results of this research document that, unlike permanganate TOD, contaminant destruction does occur as TOD is exerted in persulfate ISCO systems and is promoted by the activation of persulfate by soil organic matter. Future treatability studies for persulfate ISCO should consider contaminant destruction as TOD is exerted, and the potential for persulfate activation by soil organic matter.
Quinazoline Antifolates as Inhibitors of Growth, Dihydrofolate Reductase, and Thymidylate Synthetase of Mouse Neuroblastoma Cells in Culture

Correlations between inhibition of growth and of enzyme activity by several quinazoline analogues of folic acid have been made with two lines of C1300 mouse neuroblastoma cells, one sensitive and one resistant to quinazoline analogues. The quinazoline analogues studied fell into two classes: 2,4-diamino and 2-amino-4-hydroxy derivatives. The 2,4-diaminoquinazoline analogues DAQ (N-[p-[[(2,4-diamino-6-quinazolinyl)methyl]methylamino]benzoyl]-L-glutamic acid) and methasquin (N-[p-[(2,4-diamino-5-methylquinazolinyl)methyl amino]benzoyl]-L-aspartic acid) effectively inhibited both cell growth and dihydrofolate reductase activity, whereas the 2-amino-4-hydroxyquinazoline analogue AHQ (N-[p-[[(2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-quinazolinyl)methyl]methylamino]benzoyl]-L-glutamic acid) was less potent. Nevertheless, AHQ was more inhibitory toward thymidylate synthetase than DAQ. With the 2,4-diaminoquinazoline analogues there was a good correlation between inhibition of growth and dihydrofolate reductase, but with AHQ growth inhibition seemed to depend upon the inhibition of both dihydrofolate reductase and thymidylate synthetase. Sensitive cells could be completely protected against the toxic effects of AHQ by either leucovorin or thymidine; the concentration of leucovorin (0.56 µM) necessary to provide 50% protection against a lethal dose of AHQ (30 µM) was 38 times less than the amount of thymidine (21 µM) required for 50% protection. Because of its unique potency toward thymidylate synthetase, AHQ may be useful in the chemotherapy of neuroblastoma.
Quilting as a generative activity: Studying those who make quilts for wounded service members

A qualitative study of 24 quilters examined their experiences creating and delivering quilts to wounded service members who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Using Erikson's (1963) perspective on generativity and Baumeister and Vohs's (2002) theory of motivation as theoretical frameworks, along with McCracken's (1988) five-step analysis model, we looked at the part motivation played in this process. The results were that respondents wanted to supply quilts in response to their own family histories of military involvement, to support friends/acquaintances with family in the military, and to make a difference to those who seemed young and badly wounded. Some respondents described being affected by the reactions of quilt recipients and of healing from their own traumas and grief.
Mast Cells and Basophils

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes current thinking about roles of mast cells and basophils in obstructive airway disease. Mast cells and basophils first came to attention over a century ago due to their ample stocks of intracellular granules with unusual staining characteristics. Mast cells, but not basophils, are normal residents of uninflamed airways. Mature mast cells rarely appear in blood, whereas mature basophils circulate and are recruited from blood to sites of allergic inflammation. Mast cells protect from certain types of infection and injury by contributing to innate and adaptive immune responses. The homeostatic roles of basophils are less clear. Both cell types participate in the pathology of atopy and asthma by deploying an arsenal of inflammatory mediators. Several experiments in mice support a role for mast cells in asthma-like allergic inflammation, including eosinophilia, hyperresponsiveness, and epithelial remodeling. Notwithstanding some studies questioning its importance in mice, IgE's long-suspected contributions to human asthma are supported by trials by using anti-IgE antibodies, which reduce circulating IgE to nearly undetectable levels and decrease symptoms and corticosteroid use in moderate, steroid-dependent asthmatics, and rhinitics. Others, effective in animal models, include tryptase inhibitors. Support is mounting for the hypothesis that both types of cells magnify the pathology of persistent inflammation in chronic asthma, including stimulation of IgE production, recruitment of eosinophils, and remodeling of epithelium.
Relativistic rotation and classic electrodynamics validity limit

As it is known the limit of applicability of classical electrodynamics (ED) is limited with so called electron's classical radius Rcl/spl sim/elmc/sup 2/. This estimation appears in the several totally different approaches to the problem with one common assumption, that electron has a finite size. It is necessary to specify that there is no consecutive and strict account of the relativistic rotational movement's contribution into the calculation of energy and angular momentum of the researched objects. Such omission is that the contribution in cross section of EM waves scattering on the magnetic moment of electron can be neglected, while it is not correct for relativistic velocities. In this paper it is shown that the removal of such omission (in the context of strict relativistic description) leads to the possibility of obtaining the correct limit of applicability of classic Rcl/spl sim/h/mc.
Examining Mortality and Rejection in Combined Heart-Lung Transplantations.

Background There is a paucity of data on outcomes related to combined heart–lung transplantations (HLTs). Our objective was to identify variables associated with mortality and rejection in HLT. Methods The United Network for Organ Sharing database was reviewed for HLT performed between 1993 and 2008. Long-term survivors (survival > 5 years) were compared with short-term survivors (survival Results Multivariable analysis revealed that recipient male gender was associated with mortality at 1 year (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–2.54, p = 0.01) and 5 years (HR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.05–1.89, p = 0.02). Preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was associated with mortality at 1 year (HR: 7.55, 95% CI: 2.55–22.30, p Conclusion Survival was affected by recipient male sex and need for preoperative ECMO or MV. Risk factors for rejection included male sex, CMV positivity in the donor and recipient, and donor with clinical infection.
Patterns of Communication Technology Utilization for Health Information Among Hispanics in South Carolina: Implications for Health Equity

Abstract Background: Language, culture, geographic, social, and economic factors are associated with health disparities. Among more recent Hispanic immigrants, limited English proficiency and immigration status are barriers to health information and healthcare access. Improved access to culturally and linguistically tailored health information through technology could potentially enhance healthcare access and health outcomes. However, little is known about health information-seeking through technology among Hispanics in recent settlement areas. Purpose: The aim of this exploratory study was to describe patterns of self-reported utilization of technology for health information-seeking among the growing Hispanic population in South Carolina (SC) over a period of 5 years. Methods: Descriptive, community-based, cross-sectional survey of 361 Hispanic adults residing in SC, conducted in 2011 and 2015/2016. Results: Reflective of reported national trends, self-reported accessibility and utilization of cellphones...
Close-to-Functional Broadside Tests With a Safety Margin

Scan-based tests that maintain close-to-functional operation conditions are important for avoiding overtesting of delay faults while achieving the fault coverage required for avoiding test escapes. For a measurable proximity to functional operation conditions, partially functional broadside tests have a known Hamming distance between their scan-in states and reachable states. Another parameter that is important for the discussion of overtesting is the switching activity. This paper suggests a combined metric, where a reduced switching activity is taken as a safety margin that allows a higher Hamming distance between the scan-in state and a reachable state. The metric is defined such that a value of 100% or lower is preferred. To demonstrate that the metric is flexible enough to allow tests to be generated, the paper describes a test generation procedure that uses the metric.
Objective features of subjective cognitive decline in a United States national database

Abstract Introduction Functional and cognitive features of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) were identified in a longitudinal database from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center. Methods Cognitively normal older adults with (SCD+) and without (SCD−) self-reported memory complaints ( N = 3915) were compared on (1) baseline Functional Assessment Questionnaire ratings, (2) baseline scores and longitudinal rate of change estimates from nine neuropsychological tests, and (3) final clinical diagnoses. Results SCD+ had higher baseline ratings of functional impairment, reduced episodic memory practice effects and poorer performance on neuropsychological tests of psychomotor speed and language, and higher frequencies of mild cognitive impairment and dementia diagnoses at the end of follow-up compared with the SCD-group. Discussion Subtle clinical features of SCD identified in this large cohort are difficult to detect at the individual level. More sensitive tests are needed to identify those with SCD who are vulnerable to cognitive decline and dementia.
Corporal punishment and adult antisocial behavior: A comparison of dyadic concordance types and an evaluation of mediating mechanisms in Asia, Europe, and North America

A wealth of research suggests that youth whose parents use corporal punishment are more likely to engage in antisocial behavior during childhood and adolescence. Questions remain, however, about: (a) whether this relationship extends reliably to samples outside the US and Canada; (b) whether corporal punishment is associated with antisocial behavior in adulthood rather than just childhood and adolescence; (c) whether the association depends on which parents use corporal punishment; and (d) what theoretical mechanisms account for the link between corporal punishment and antisocial behavior. The present study uses data collected from young adults in Asia, Europe, and North America to address each of these issues. Net of statistical controls, including retrospective measures of childhood misbehavior and abusive parenting, findings reveal that antisocial behavior in all three regions is higher among young adults who report experiencing corporal punishment in childhood. Overall, this relationship is least like...
Safety Limit Warning Levels for the Avoidance of Excessive Sound Amplification to Protect Against Further Hearing Loss

AbstractObjective: To determine safe output sound pressure levels (SPL) for sound amplification devices to preserve hearing sensitivity after usage.Design: A mathematical model consisting of the Modified Power Law (MPL) (Humes & Jesteadt, 1991) combined with equations for predicting temporary threshold shift (TTS) and subsequent permanent threshold shift (PTS) (Macrae, 1994b) was used to determine safe output SPL. Study sample: The study involves no new human subject measurements of loudness tolerance or threshold shifts. PTS was determined by the MPL model for 234 audiograms and the SPL output recommended by four different validated prescription recommendations for hearing aids. Results: PTS can, on rare occasion, occur as a result of SPL delivered by hearing aids at modern day prescription recommendations. The trading relationship of safe output SPL, decibel hearing level (dB HL) threshold, and PTS was captured with algebraic expressions. Better hearing thresholds lowered the safe output SPL and higher ...
Low‐Cost, Facile, and Scalable Manufacturing of Capacitive Sensors for Soft Systems

In the field of soft robotics there is a need for robust and reliable large-deformation strain sensing. Further, the field needs a way to produce such sensors in large quantities and at low cost. Toward these goals, the fabrication of highly stretchable capacitive strain sensors made from conductive elastomer composites is described here. Two novel methods of manufacturing these sensors directly onto a fabric substrate are developed: direct writing of elastomer using an extrusion process and screen printing of elastomer patterns. The effect of material processing parameters on the parameters of the finished composite films is studied and it is determined that the process is robust to a wide range of variations. The performance of sensors produced on fabric substrates is shown to be similar between the two fabrication processes. Further, the sensors are highly deformable with consistent performance up to 250% strain, and are reliable, with no changes in performance observed at 1000 cycles. It is also demonstrated that the sensors continue to perform with reduced gauge factors up to 100 000 cycles. For comparison, free-standing capacitive sensors are also produced with the same materials and it is shown that these devices are equally stable and robust. In conclusion, the fabrication process demonstrated here is robust to process variations and is capable of producing sensors directly on fabric substrates, which facilitates the production of large arrays of sensors without the need for an additional assembly step.
Abstract 3404: Loss of Abi1 abrogates lung metastasis in the PyMT mouse model of breast cancer

This study aims to elucidate the role of Abelson interactor 1 (Abi1), a key protein in the WAVE regulatory complex, in mammary carcinogenesis and metastasis. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of mortality in women in the United States with an estimated ~200,000 new cases and over 40,000 deaths this year. Despite current treatment modalities, breast cancer patients often relapse after only a few years of treatment thus emphasizing the need for better therapeutic targets. Abi1 is an adaptor protein mainly associated with the WAVE (Wiscott-Aldrich syndrome protein family verprolin homologous) regulatory complex and Arp2/3 (Actin-related proteins 2 and 3)-mediated actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Our bioinformatic and gene expression analyses of human tumor data indicates that Abi1 is frequently upregulated in invasive breast cancers, is associated with poor survival, and may promote an aggressive breast tumor phenotype. Downregulation of Abi1 also abrogates motility and invasion of breast cancer cells, most likely through inactivation of both Src and PI3 kinase as well as certain matrix metalloproteases. We therefore hypothesize that Abi1 positively regulates breast tumor progression and invasion through dysregulation of these cell signaling pathways. To determine the role of Abi1 in breast tumor progression, we used a Cre-lox system to conditionally delete Abi1 in the mammary tissue of Polyoma Middle T (PyMT) breast cancer mice. Abi1 knockout (KO) and control mice were palpated bi-weekly to determine tumor latency and tumors were measured with a caliper to determine total tumor burden. We are currently analyzing changes in tumor kinetics as a result of conditional Abi1 knockout in the mammary epithelium of PyMT mice. Our preliminary studies of indicate slowed tumor growth in Abi1 KO PyMT mice. Western blot analyses of Abi1 KO mammary tumors indicate concomitant loss of WAVE complex proteins supporting our previous findings that WAVE complex integrity is dependent on Abi1. Most interestingly, Abi1 null PyMT mice exhibit significantly reduced incidence of lung metastasis, supporting our hypothesis that Abi1 promotes invasion by breast cancer cells. In summary, Abi1 loss leads to reduction of lung metastasis in PyMT mice, possibly through inactivation of key cell signaling and proliferation pathways such as Src and PI3 kinase. This work will establish Abi1 as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target in metastatic breast cancer. Citation Format: Angelina Regua, Isabelle Bichindaritz, Tiffany Caza, Julie White, Robert Adamiecki, Mira Krendel, Gennady Bratslavsky, Leszek Kotula. Loss of Abi1 abrogates lung metastasis in the PyMT mouse model of breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3404. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3404
Chapter 316 – Signal Transduction via the B Cell Antigen Receptor: A Crucial Regulator of B Cell Biology

Publisher Summary This chapter primarily deals with the basic signal transduction pathways that are activated in response to binding of antigen to BCRs expressed on mature, quiescent B cells. The BCR complex is composed of an antigen recognition structure, membrane immunoglobulin (mIg), and an associated signal transducing heterodimer. Membrane Ig consists of two heavy chains and two light chains that are disulfide bonded to one another to form the mature antigen recognition structure. The transmembrane region of mIg heavy chains is thought to assume an α-helical conformation in the membrane in which one face of the α-helix is composed of highly conserved hydrophilic amino acid residues that mediate the interaction with the Igα-/β heterodimer. The other face of the α-helix is specific to each of the mIg isotypes, and contains several hydrophilic amino acid residues with large polar side groups. Binding of antigen to the complex is thought to cause a conformational change in the resting BCR oligomer such that SHP-1 activity is attenuated, possibly by causing the protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP) to become physically dissociated from the BCR complex. Dissociation of SHP-1 would presumably favor a net increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of Igα/β leading to initiation of signal transduction and cellular activation. Binding of antigen causes a rapid translocation of the BCR to glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains (GEM) within the plasma membrane. These microdomains are enriched for Src family protein tyrosine kinases (PTK) including Lyn, and the translocation of the BCR into GEM physically localizes the complex with Src PTKs, thereby promoting tyrosine phosphorylation of Igα/β by Lyn.
Rapid Screening of Natural Plant Extracts with Calcium Diacetate for Differential Effects Against Foodborne Pathogens and a Probiotic Bacterium

Abstract This study focused on advancing a rapid turbidimetric bioassay to screen antimicrobials using specific cocktails of targeted foodborne bacterial pathogens. Specifically, to show the relevance of this rapid screening tool, the antimicrobial potential of generally recognized as safe calcium diacetate (DAX) and blends with cranberry (NC) and oregano (OX) natural extracts was evaluated. Furthermore, the same extracts were evaluated against beneficial lactic acid bacteria. The targeted foodborne pathogens evaluated were Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus using optimized initial cocktails (∼108 colony-forming unit/mL) containing strains isolated from human food outbreaks. Of all extracts evaluated, 0.51% (w/v) DAX in ethanol was the most effective against all four pathogens. However, DAX when reduced to 0.26% and with added blends from ethanol extractions consisting of DAX:OX (3:1), slightly outperformed or was equal to same levels of DAX alone....
Optimization of Interactive Live Free Viewpoint Multiview Video Streaming Bandwidth

Free Viewpoint Multiview Video TV (FTV) allows a user to pan horizontally within a video field of view. Interactive live FTV allows a user to experience being live at a soccer game with the interactive capability to freely look from side-to-side. Current efforts to commercialize interactive live FTV have failed due to a lack of standardization and unacceptably high real-world DVB (Direct Video Broadcast) system bandwidth requirements. In this paper, we provide a solution called OLFVmv (Optimized Live Free Viewpoint Multiview Video) that applies adaptive prediction of future video content requirements based on past viewer behavior, thereby dramatically reducing system bandwidth requirements. To expand, OLFVmv entails algorithms and a system architecture that allows for the intelligent segmentation and prioritization of video content based on video compression layering combined with viewer behavior statistics. Based on our positive results, we show that system operators can practically implement OLFVmv into existing systems.
The Effectiveness of Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Children with Acute Leukemia

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) for the prevention of laboratory-confirmed influenza and influenza-like illnesses (ILI) among children and adolescents receiving therapy for acute leukemia. Study design A retrospective review of the demographic and clinical characteristics of 498 patients at a pediatric cancer center who received therapy for acute leukemia during 3 successive influenza seasons (2010-2011 through 2012-2013). Results In 498 patient seasons with a known immunization history (median age, 6 years; range, 1-21), 354 patients (71.1%) were immunized with TIV and 98 (19.7%) received a booster dose of vaccine. Vaccinated and unvaccinated patients had generally similar demographic characteristics. There were no differences in the overall rates of influenza or ILI between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients overall, or in any individual season. There was no difference in the rates of influenza or ILI between patients who received 1 dose of vaccine and those who received 2 doses. Time to first influenza infection and time to first ILI in vaccinated and unvaccinated patients were not different. Conclusion TIV did not protect children and adolescents with acute leukemia against laboratory-confirmed influenza or ILI. Future prospective studies should assess TIV effectiveness in high-risk subpopulations and alternative strategies to prevent influenza should be considered in this population.
A Healthy Public Cannot Abide Unhealthy And Unsafe Workplaces.

The article focuses on public health aspects behind workplace safety and industrial hygiene. It comments on how the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been underfunded, understaffed, and lacks authority to impose meaningful fines for noncompliance with basic workplace safety requirements. It suggests the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is undermining employee health and safety which will harm public health and the U.S. economy.
Anomalous dimension of the electrical current in strange metals from the fractional Aharonov-Bohm effect

We show here that if the current in the strange metal phase of the cuprates has an anomalous dimension, then the Aharonov-Bohm flux through a ring does not have the standard form, where A is the area, B is the external magnetic field, and e is the electric charge, but instead it is modified by a geometrical factor that depends directly on the anomalous dimension of the current. We calculate the Aharonov-Bohm flux in square and disk geometries. In both cases, the deviation from the standard result is striking and offers a fingerprint about what precisely is strange about the strange metal.
Ordered B2 Aluminides

B2 aluminides are potential high temperature structural materials because of their low densities and excellent oxidation resistance (1). B2 NiAl and FeAl are of particular interest because of lack of strategic elements in these alloys. The phase diagrams containing these two ordered structures are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The B2 crystal structure is illustrated in Figure 3 and is seen to extend over a wide range of aluminum contents for both FeAl and NiAl. NiAl has a melting point of 1640°C which gives it a temperature advantage over conventional super-alloys.
Nanotechnology: Challenges and the Way Forward

Countless investors, both large and small, are interested in nanotechnology simply because they believe that, if they wait long enough, they will eventually see substantial financial returns. Such windfalls, however, will not happen automatically (Kennedy, ch. 1; Currall et al., ch. 7; Sutcliffe, ch. 16). Even if investments help produce a marketable product, there may be little or no financial gain if the product cannot be scaled up in production or if it is not adopted. In this chapter, Meyyappan presents a number of “threats” to the economic success of nanotechnology. These threats, which he contrasts to the promise of benefits, include negative public perceptions of nanotechnology as well as a “potential derailing campaign” (compare Foladori and Invernizzi, ch. 2; ETC Group, ch. 10; and Miller, ch. 19). Meyyappan, a veteran promoter of nanotechnology, has followed—and indeed helped shape— the development of nanotechnology over the last decade as Director of NASA’s program on nanotechnology. Despite the fact that his day-to-day work is in a government funded laboratory, his vision of the future entails the commercialization of nanotechnology products. To reap the benefits he envisions from the research he oversees, Meyyappan urges all those hoping for a nanotechnology enabled future to help overcome likely challenges to commercialization. – Eds.
Choroid Plexus Tumors

Choroid plexus tumors (CPT) are rare tumors of the neuroepithelial tissue of the brain that are most common in young children. In adults, they arise most frequently in the fourth ventricle, often presenting with hydrocephalus due to overproduction of CSF. There are three histopathological classifications of choroid plexus tumors: choroid plexus papilloma (CPP), atypical choroid plexus papilloma (ACP), and choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC). Histology and extent of surgical resection are prognostic for choroid plexus tumors. Curative treatment for CPP and ACP is typically maximum surgical resection, although recurrence rates are higher in cases of ACP. CPP and ACP have better prognosis than CPC, which often requires multiple modalities for treatment.
How effective are the protected areas of East Africa

Abstract Protected areas are the cornerstone of in situ conservation and their effective management is critical for maintaining biodiversity in the long term. In East Africa (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda) there are 1,776 protected areas (including 186 “strict” protected areas with IUCN management categories I through IV) covering more than 27% of its terrestrial area. Here we document the extent to which East African protected areas encompass ecoregions and endemic terrestrial vertebrate taxa, and using new land conversion data derived from medium to high spatial resolution satellite images, we assess how they have been encroached upon by agriculture and other land use. We find that East African protected areas cover 86% of ecoregions well (>10% threshold of ecoregion representativeness set by the Convention on Biological Diversity's Aichi Target 11), some very well (>90% - Rwenzori-Virunga montane moorlands and East African montane moorlands). In contrast, Masai xeric grasslands and shrublands, Somali Acacia-Commiphora bushlands and thickets, and Southern Swahili coastal forests and woodlands are poorly represented. Protected areas cover at least 10% of the distribution of 256 of 303 East African endemic and near-endemic terrestrial vertebrate species (the latter defined here as having 90% or more of their range in East Africa). However, 37% of these species' ranges do not have at least 10% coverage by strict PAs and only 26% of endemic species have at least half of their range covered by PAs. Encouragingly, we find that only 6.8% of East African protected areas has been converted to agriculture or other human use since gazettement. Only 1.6% of strict protected areas have been converted providing very strong evidence that strict protection is the most enduring way of safeguarding habitat.
Phosphate-dependent, trifluoperazine-sensitive Ca2+ efflux from rat liver mitochondria. Modulation by a cytosol factor.

Mitochondria possess separate pathways for the uptake and release of Ca2+: an electrophoretic uniporter for Ca2+ influx, and an independent electroneutral efflux mechanism operational when a high membrane potential is retained (reviews [ 1,2]). Ca2+ efflux from heart and brain mitochondria appears to be directly coupled to Na’ entry [3,4] ; in liver mitochondria, however, the mechanism(s) which regulates the release (or retention) of Ca2+ is unclear. The role of Pi in this process is uncertain as, under diverse experimental conditions, Pi has been reported to stimulate [5], inhibit [6] or efflux in parallel with Ca2+ efflux [7]. Hepes and ruthenium red were obtained from Sigma. Ruthenium red was further purified according to [8]. Calmodulin was obtained from Calbiochem-Behring Corp., and trifluoperazine was a gift from Smith Kline and French (Philadelphia PA). Sprague-Dawley rats (175-250 g) were used without fasting. Unless noted otherwise, all procedures were carried out at 4°C. Livers were homogenized as in [9] in 70 mM sucrose, 220 mM mannitol containing 10 mM Hepes (pH 7.4) (SMH). The mitochondrial fraction was isolated by differential centrifugation [9] and washed twice by resuspension in SMH and centrifugation at 95 000 X g. The cytosol was obtained by centrifugation of the post-mitochondrial supernate at 1OOOOOXgfor 1 h. These apparently conflicting reports regarding Pi prompted us to re-evaluate its effect on Ca2+ efflux in liver mitochondria. In our hands, Pi stimulated mitochondrial Ca2+ efflux. We have discovered a heatstable factor in liver cytosol which significantly enhanced Pi-dependent Ca2+ efflux. This enhanced Ca2+ effIux was effectively blocked by the phenothiazine antipsychotic drug, TFP. These results suggest involvement of a cytosol factor in the modulation of Ca” release from rat liver mitochondria.
Crystal Gazing VI. Updating Computer Technology Projections

Present-day computer procurements need to be planned on the basis of predictions of future technology. This is because present CPUs, peripherals and software will have to coexist and interconnect with future CPUs, peripherals and software.
Gradient microstructure and enhanced mechanical performance of magnesium alloy by severe impact loading

Abstract Subjecting a workpiece to a surface treatment with severe impact loading is a novel severe plastic deformation procedure to fabricate gradient microstructures through the thickness and longitudinal direction. Mechanical performance is a function of twin density and the newly-formed grain size gradients. { 10 1 ¯ 2 } tensile twins created from processing without excessive grain refinement lead to strength enhancement with retained ductility. Creation of residual strain by a single impact results in a significant reduction in time and cost of the process. This paper investigates the effect of applying severe impact loading on mechanical and microstructural properties of magnesium for various impact velocities.
Re-Localizing the Library: Considerations for the Anthropocene

The preservation mission of libraries means that all librarians are futurists. When librarians curate collections, we have to make guesses, and those guesses tell a story about what we value and what we hope for. A dominant story about the Anthropocene is about a globalized, technological future in which libraries and librarians will become obsolete. An alternative, more human story is suggested by place-based scholarship regarding the relationship between human beings and the places we live. A place-based library is more than simply a portal or container for information; the library itself becomes part of a story about place and an active participant in cultural sustainability. Libraries exist as local nodes within a global information network, each with unique community concerns that should be reflected in collections and services. Pre-print first published online 08/31/2019
\(W^\pm Z\) Cross-Section Measurement at \(\sqrt{s} = 13\) TeV

Diboson cross section measurements provide important tests of the electroweak (EWK) sector of the Standard Model (SM) by measuring precisely the triple and quartic gauge couplings. Any deviation in the measurement of the strength of these couplings would provide evidence for physics beyond the SM.
Impact of Primary Frequency Droop Coefficients on Lyapunov Stability of Linearized Asynchronous AC-MTDC System

In this paper, requirement on frequency droop coefficients for the stability of AC-MTDC system is studied. Two models, each with a certain level of modeling detail are employed. One is a simplified Nth-order model and the other is detailed full-order model. Using the Nth-order model, stability boundaries for several cases are numerically constructed in the space of frequency droop coefficients. Based on observation made form these boundaries, necessary and sufficient condition for stability is hypothesized. The ‘Stability Hypothesis’ is then proved for a couple of specific cases using Lyapunov method. Finally, the detailed model is used to validated the hypothesis in a practical setup through time-domain simulations.
Mitigation of mode-one asymmetry in laser-direct-drive inertial confinement fusion implosions

Nonuniformities present in the laser illumination and target in laser-driven inertial confinement fusion experiments lead to an asymmetric compression of the target, resulting in an inefficient conversion of shell kinetic energy to thermal energy of the hot-spot plasma. In this paper, the effects of asymmetric compression of cryogenic deuterium tritium laser-direct-drive implosions are examined using a suite of nuclear and x-ray diagnostics on the OMEGA laser. The neutron-averaged hot-spot velocity ( u → hs) and apparent ion temperature ( T i) asymmetry are determined from neutron time-of-flight measurements of the primary deuterium tritium fusion neutron energy spectrum, while the areal density (ρR) of the compressed fuel surrounding the hot spot is inferred from measurements of the scattered neutron energy spectrum. The low-mode perturbations of the hot-spot shape are characterized from x-ray self-emission images recorded along three quasi-orthogonal lines of sight. Implosions with significant mode-1 laser-drive asymmetries show large hot-spot velocities (>100 km/s) in a direction consistent with the hot-spot elongation observed in x-ray images, measured T i asymmetry, and ρR asymmetry. Laser-drive corrections have been applied through shifting the initial target location in order to mitigate the observed asymmetry. With the asymmetry corrected, a more-symmetric hot spot is observed with reduced u → hs , T i asymmetry, ρR asymmetry, and a 30% increase in the fusion yield.
The Efficacy, Safety, and Outcomes of Brain-responsive Neurostimulation (RNS® System) therapy in older adults.

OBJECTIVES The gold standard for the management of drug-resistant focal epilepsy (DRE) is resection of epileptogenic zone. However, some patients may not be candidates for resection. Responsive neurostimulation is approved in patients above 18 years of age for such patients. We aimed to investigate whether RNS outcomes and safety varied based on age. METHODS We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study of patients with DRE who were treated with RNS between May 2008 and February 2020. We included patients who had been implanted with RNS for >6 months (N = 55), dividing them into older (N = 11) and younger adults (N = 44) depending on implantation age (≥50 and <50 years, respectively). RESULTS Mean age at implantation in older adults was 54.9 ± 3.5 years. Seizure onset age, epilepsy duration, and comorbidities were significantly higher in older adults ( P < .01). Stimulation parameters, treatment duration, and median seizure frequency reduction (76% in older vs 50% in younger adults) were statistically comparable between the two cohorts. Posttreatment, antiseizure medication burden was significantly decreased in older compared with younger adults (P = .048). Postoperative and delayed adverse events among older adults were mild. Compared with three younger adults, none of the older adults required device explantation due to surgical site infection. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that older adults treated with the RNS System achieve seizure outcomes comparable to younger adults with the additional benefit of a significant postimplantation medication reduction. With efficacy and safety similar to younger adults, brain-responsive neurostimulation was well-tolerated in older adults.
Racial Multidimensionality and Political Representation in Brazil

Race is a multidimensional social construct, yet politicians are typically treated as possessing a singular, objective race. Using original data from Brazil, I demonstrate that alternative measures of race lead to disparate conclusions about Afro-Brazilian political representation. I show that between 1994 and 2014, the percentage of candidates elected to the Brazilian Congress that self-identify as Afro-Brazilian substantially increased, yet the percentage classified as Afro-Brazilian remained stable. To determine the extent to which legislators represent their self-identified racial group and ascribed racial group, I examine bill sponsorship behavior in the Brazilian Congress over the same 20-year period. My analysis indicates that self-identified Afro-Brazilian legislators and those classified as Afro-Brazilian each advocate for Afro-Brazilian constituents. Legislators with congruent Afro-Brazilian racial identities, however, distinguish themselves are especially responsive to members of Brazil's majority Afro-Brazilian population. These results indicate that certain types of descriptive representatives are most likely to transform their presence into policy.