cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shape-Persistent Anion Receptors

Shape-persistent receptors are widely used as supramolecular hosts for the exploration of anion recognition. Shape-persistent receptors offer clear benefits like preorganization to enhance binding affinities and their small degree of conformational freedom allows for a high correlation between design and experimental outcomes. In this chapter we review a brief history of shape-persistence, explore how shape-persistence relates to key concepts in supramolecular chemistry, and discuss receptors that achieve recognition via neutral hydrogen bond donors (N-H or C-H), π-surfaces, cationic N-H moieties, or transition metals.
A Simple and Low-Cost Procedure for Growing Geobacter sulfurreducens Cell Cultures and Biofilms in Bioelectrochemical Systems

Anaerobic microorganisms play a central role in several environmental processes and regulate global biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and minerals. Many anaerobic microorganisms are important for the production of bioenergy and biofuels. However, the major hurdle in studying anaerobic microorganisms in the laboratory is the requirement for sophisticated and expensive gassing stations and glove boxes to create and maintain the anaerobic environment. This appendix presents a simple design for a gassing station that can be used readily by an inexperienced investigator for cultivation of anaerobic microorganisms. In addition, this appendix also details the low-cost assembly of bioelectrochemical systems and outlines a simplified procedure for cultivating and analyzing bacterial cell cultures and biofilms that produce electric current, using Geobacter sulfurreducens as a model organism. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Transaortic Edge-to-Edge Repair for Functional Mitral Regurgitation During Aortic Valve Replacement: A 13-Year Experience.

ObjectiveThe study evaluated the feasibility of a transaortic edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (Alfieri stitch) for moderate or greater (≥2+) functional mitral regurgitation (MR) in high-risk patie...
A two-week sleep extension in sleepy normals

Thirty-four healthy, normal young men and women (21-35 years), with no sleep complaints and a normal screening polysomnogram, some with short ( or = 16-minute) average daily sleep latencies on a screening multiple sleep latency test, were studied on two baseline nights (8 hours) and in the "sleepy" group, for 14 consecutive nights of extended (10-hour) or habitual (7.8 +/- 0.7-hour) bedtimes. The screening differences between the groups in average daily sleep latency were consistently seen on the two further baseline nights and days. The extension of bedtime in sleepy subjects was followed by an increase in average daily sleep latency relative to randomly chosen sleepy subjects maintained on their habitual sleep schedule for the 14 nights. The increase in average daily sleep latency was associated with a gradual reduction in sleep efficiency over the 14 nights. Some (36%) of the sleepy subjects did not have increased average sleep latencies during the 10-hour bedtime extension. Those showing no increase in average daily sleep latency had an immediate drop in sleep efficiency when the bedtime was increased to 10 hours, suggesting they were unable to sleep longer during the extension. Their short average daily sleep latency was a result of causes other than chronic insufficient sleep.
ATP Synthesis Driven by Intramembranal Protons

Recent evidence from several laboratories suggest the existence of a direct, intramembranal, proton pathway between the redox H+-pumps and the ATPase H+- pump in addition to the bulk to bulk pathway [reviewed in Rottenberg (1985), Ferguson (1985) and Westerhoff et al. (1984)]. We have suggested previously that collisions and dynamic aggregation of the mitochondrial inner membrane proteins enhance direct intramembranal proton transfer and thus energy conversion (Rottenberg 1978, 1985). We have shown previously that ambient temperature strongly affects the degree of coupling of oxidative phosphoiylation in rat liver mitochondria. In high temperatures there is a significant reduction of both the respiratory control (Rottenberg, 1978) and the State 4 phosphate potential, ΔGp (Rottenberg et al. 1985). This reduction of respiratory control and phosphate potential at elevated temperatures is not due to reduction of Δμ H which, in fact, increases slightly at elevated temperatures (Rottenberg et al. 1985). Thus, despite an increase in Δμ H, the efficiency of coupling, as reflected in the ΔGp/Δμ H ratio, is decreased (Fig. 1, Rottenberg et al., 1985). Moreover, in liver mitochondria isolated from ethanol-fed rats (in which the concentration of the redox and the ATPase H+- pumps are greatly reduced), the ratio ΔGp/Δμ H is reduced at all temperatures even though Δμ H is the same as in control rats. These data are compatible with the suggestion that efficient energy conversion depends on the frequency of collisions and the extent of dynamic aggregation of the inner membrane proteins.
Emerging Subspecialties in Neurology: Autoimmune neurology.

Autoimmune neurology is one of the most rapidly evolving fields in modern neurology. Autoantibodies that recognize nervous system self-antigens, including ion channels, receptors for neurotransmitters, and neuronal intrinsic and extrinsic proteins involved in synaptic transmission, are all recognized as targets of pathogenic autoantibodies. The accelerating rate of new antigen discovery in recent decades is impressive (figure). The diversity of neurologic presentations, the unique pathophysiology, and the complexity of treating these disorders justifies dedicated fellowship training to acquire the expertise needed to diagnose and optimally manage these patients. The requisite training is distinct from the classical exposure provided by traditional neuroimmunology fellowships that focus on multiple sclerosis. As a new subspecialty, autoimmune neurology intersects all neurologic subspecialties and other medical specialties, including but not limited to clinical immunology, infectious disease, rheumatology, gastroenterology, oncology, and psychiatry. While this article focuses on autoimmune neurology fellowships currently available in the United States, historically many current leaders in the field trained nationally and internationally under Dr. Jerome Posner, Dr. John Newsom-Davis, and Dr. John Trotter, to name a few of the pioneers. The authors thank Dr. Andrew McKeon, Dr. Benjamin Greenberg, Dr. Nagagopal Venna, and Dr. Tracey Cho for participation in the fellowship survey and Dr. Vanda Lennon for reviewing the manuscript.
Initial observations of key features of age-related macular degeneration in APOE targeted replacement mice.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a late-onset, neurodegenerative disease of the retina and is the leading cause of catastrophic vision loss in the elderly. AMD usually occurs in people over the age of 65 years (Javitt et al., 2003) and accounts for approximately 50% of registered blindness in Western Europe and North America (Mitchell et al., 1998; Vingerling et al., 1995a). It develops as either dry AMD, geographic atrophy, or wet AMD (exudative) (Bird et al., 1995; Green, 1999). Dry AMD is characterized by the presence of sub-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) deposits including drusen, basal linear deposits and basal laminar deposits (Curcio and Millican, 1999; Sarks, 1976). Geographic atrophy is characterized by RPE atrophy and wet or exudative AMD is characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV) (1991) and more recently, retinal angiomatous proliferation (Yannuzzi et al., 2001). In AMD with CNV, tufts of newly formed, functionally incompetent, blood vessels proliferate from the choroid, break through a thickened and fragile Bruch’s membrane (Grossniklaus and Green, 2004), and extend laterally into the sub-RPE (Sarks et al., 1980; Tobe et al., 1998a). These vessels in turn, may erode through the RPE, infiltrate the neural sensory retina, and communicate with the retinal circulation in what has been referred to as a retinal-choroidal anastomosis. This is common in the end stage of disciform disease (Yannuzzi et al., 2001).
Impacts of White Pine Needle Damage on seasonal litterfall dynamics and wood growth of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) in northern New England

Abstract White Pine Needle Damage (WPND) is a complex of foliar fungal pathogens that have established as a chronic disease impacting eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) stands in the northeastern United States. With long-term ecological and economic impacts in mind, it is critical to quantify the negative effects of this disease on tree and forest health in order to make informed management decisions. We measured litterfall to determine the timing and magnitude of WPND-induced defoliation across four study sites in the northeastern US between 2014–2016. We measured N concentrations of needles cast throughout the 2014 growing season to estimate total litter N flux resulting from WPND. Additionally, to quantify growth declines we measured annual basal area increment (BAI) from six symptomatic study sites in the infected region. We found that WPND-induced defoliation in the months of June and July accounted for 47% of the total annual litterfall across the study sites, often exceeding normal needle senescence in October. Foliar %N in June and July was 0.78 and 0.84% respectively, significantly higher than October concentrations of 0.40%, suggesting incomplete resorption of N during the summer months. Untimely summer defoliations resulted in a mean estimated N loss of 0.92 g N m−2 yr−1, representing 63% of the total growing season N input from foliage. Growth of symptomatic trees at all sites was reduced following outbreaks of WPND initiating between 2007–2009. Severely infected trees reduced BAI 25–73% compared to pre-outbreak years. Our results show that WPND-induced defoliation significantly alters litterfall and N dynamics of affected stands, and suggest that subsequent N limitation in addition to reduced foliar area greatly reduces annual wood growth within infected stands.
Purification of 2,5-Dimethylfuran from n-Butanol Using Defect-Engineered Metal–Organic Frameworks

The removal of n-butanol (BuOH) from 2,5-dimethylfuran (2,5-DMF) is an important issue in the sustainable production of 2,5-DMF from fructose in biphasic organic solvents such as BuOH. The formation of an azeotrope (at 90 mol % 2,5-DMF) renders conventional distillation ineffective for producing pure 2,5-DMF. Here we describe a highly butanol-selective adsorption process based upon zirconium terephthalate (UiO-66) metal organic frameworks. In particular, defects created by monoacid modulators lead to increased surface polarity and pore volume, leading to enhanced butanol selectivity and capacity. The adsorption behavior of 2,5-DMF and BuOH in pristine (nonmodulated), benzoic acid-modulated (BA) and formic acid-modulated (FA) UiO-66 MOFs, as well as the structural and textural characteristics of these materials, are investigated in detail via a suite of characterization methods. Unary adsorption isotherms show a tunable increase in the BuOH adsorption selectivity in the order UiO-66 < BA-UiO-66 < FA-UiO-66...
Analysis of Associative and Nonassociative Neuronal Modifications in Aplysia Sensory Neurons

There is a growing interest among psychologists, neurobiologists, and adaptive system theorists in the mechanisms that underlie the capacity of the nervous system for associative and nonassociative information storage. In this chapter, we briefly review our attempts to examine this question utilizing the defensive tail withdrawal reflex in Aplysia as a simple test system. Because this system is a relatively new one, we first describe some of its features and characterize some of the underlying neurocircuitry. We then review electrophysiological, biochemical, and biophysical correlates of sensitization, a nonassociative form of learning exhibited by this reflex. An important extension of our work on sensitization was the demonstration of a cellular analog of associative learning. Some of these results and a possible mechanism for this associative information storage, termed activity-dependent neuromodulation, are discussed. Finally, we describe some recent biochemical correlates of associative cellular conditioning.
Moving the Needle on Evaluating Multivariate Screening Accuracy

The assessment of screening accuracy and setting of cut points for a universal screener have traditionally been evaluated using logistic regression analysis. This analytic technique has been freque...
A model to evaluate data science in nursing doctoral curricula

Abstract Background Building on the efforts of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, we developed a model to infuse data science constructs into doctor of philosophy (PhD) curriculum. Using this model, developing nurse scientists can learn data science and be at the forefront of data driven healthcare. Purpose Here we present the Data Science Curriculum Organizing Model (DSCOM) to guide comprehensive doctoral education about data science. Methods Our team transformed the terminology and applicability of multidisciplinary data science models into the DSCOM. Findings The DSCOM represents concepts and constructs, and their relationships, which are essential to a comprehensive understanding of data science. Application of the DSCOM identified areas for threading as well as gaps that require content in core coursework. Discussion The DSCOM is an effective tool to guide curriculum development and evaluation towards the preparation of nurse scientists with knowledge of data science.
An Elemental Decomposition of Systems Engineering

A part of the systems engineering and engineering design community has voiced a need to measure the goodness of systems engineering and engineering design methods or approaches. Such measurements could enable assessing the merits of novel approaches and methods and, ultimately, compare the situations and contexts in which one of them would be preferred over the other ones. Notwithstanding the complexity of such endeavor, this paper presents an elemental decomposition of systems engineering that can be used for characterizing systems engineering methods or approaches. The proposed model builds on understanding systems engineering as the application of strategies to realize systems. The proposed elemental decomposition consists of four elements, which represent the potential effects that any systems engineering activity may have on the system development: set an order on the solution space, change the content of the design space, shape beliefs on the order of the solution space, and shape beliefs on the solution space. Such characterization could eventually be useful to compare the structure and behavior of different systems engineering methods.
Fe-incorporated Ti O 2 Nanotube Arrays: Electronic Structure and Magnetic Response

Incorporating Fe atoms into the lattice is shown to significantly alter electronic and magnetic properties of $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ nanotubes synthesized by electrochemical anodization of Ti-Fe alloy sheets. The effects of Fe incorporation on the nanotube morphology, crystallinity, crystal structure, magnetic behavior and electronic structure were investigated with crystallographic and magnetic probes, including synchrotron-based spectroscopy. Results indicate that the iron cations predominately adopt the $\mathrm{F}{\mathrm{e}}^{3+}$ configuration, leading to a large increase of the electronic density of states at the Fermi energy. This increase is anticipated to provide enhanced catalytic action, for instance, in the degradation of water and of air pollutants. These results provide insight for tailoring the functionality of these nanostructures for energy-related applications.
THE SYSTEM OF CARE FOR INJURED CHILDREN IN THE STATE OF COLORADO AND THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION OF THE WESTERN UNITED STATES

This article describes the diﬀerent levels of trauma center designation in the United States and focuses on the pediatric trauma centers in the state of Colorado. These urban centers serve a large geographic area that is characterized by rugged mountains, wide open plains and rapidly changing weather patterns. Critical care ground and aeromedical transport are utilized for severely injured children and the quality of care, from initial management in the feld until discharge from the hospital, is critically evaluated by a robust trauma performance improvement (PI) program. The PI program uses audit flters, data analytics and bench-marking to continuously evaluate the network of care to optimize outcomes.
Involvement of T Cell Immunity in Avian Coccidiosis

Avian coccidiosis is caused by Eimeria, which is an intracellular apicomplexan parasite that invades through the intestinal tract to cause devastating disease. Upon invasion through the intestinal epithelial cells, a strong inflammatory response is induced that results in complete villous destruction, diarrhea, hemorrhage, and in severe cases, death. Since the life cycle of Eimeria parasites is complex and comprises several intra- and extracellular developmental stages, the host immune responses are diverse and complex. Interferon-γ-mediated T helper (Th)1 response was originally considered to be the predominant immune response in avian coccidiosis. However, recent studies on other avian T cell lineages such as Th17 and T regulatory cells have implicated their significant involvement in maintaining gut homeostasis in normal and disease states including coccidiosis. Therefore, there is a need to understand better their role in coccidiosis. This review focuses on research findings concerning the host immune response induced by avian coccidiosis in the context of T cell immunity, including expression of T-cell-related cytokines and surface molecules that determine the phenotype of T lymphocytes.
Weeds, Pollinators, and Parasitoids - Using Weeds for Insect Manipulation in Agriculture

The use of weeds as insectary plants is an emerging management tactic by agroecologists to sustain beneficial insect species. Fallow lands have always been used by insects, and are an important part of their diet in fragmented ecosystems. Weeds provide nectar and floral resources to beneficial insects, and provide resources to keep those insects within a field in between flowering events. Using weeds as a tool in agricultural production reliant on pollination allows farmers to increase yield, end herbicide use, and increase biodiversity of both plants and insects. Native weeds expand the range of native insects from natural areas into agroecosystems, supporting insects that buffer against lapses in pollination by agricultural honey bees. Weeds also support parasitoid and predatory insects by providing nectar and pollen to adults, as well as alternative prey. This review examines the plant-insect ecological interactions supported by weeds left within a farm, and their potential role in supporting pollinators and parasitoids.
AG-028262, a novel selective VEGFR tyrosine kinase antagonist that potently inhibits KDR signaling and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo

2578 Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors play key roles in tumor angiogenesis, growth, and metastasis. AG-028262 is a next-generation small molecule inhibitor designed to block the ATP kinase domain of human VEGFR2 (KDR, Flk-1) while sparing other related non-VEGF receptors. In enzymatic assays, AG-028262 had pM affinity for KDR, but ≥ nM affinities for other kinases, such as FGFR1 and Lck. In cellular assays, AG-028262 inhibited KDR autophosphorylation in response to VEGF stimulation with an IC50 of 0.34 nM, but was 568 and 1338-fold less potent for inhibiting related RTKs such as PDGFR-β and FGFR1, respectively. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), AG-028262 inhibited VEGF-mediated survival with an IC50 of 0.73 nM compared to an IC50 of 154 nM for inhibiting bFGF-mediated survival. AG-028262 induced apoptosis in HUVECs concomitant with inhibition of cellular signaling downstream of KDR. AG-028262 also lacked anti-proliferative activity in vitro against many tumor cell lines at concentrations up to 10 μM. In vivo, oral administration of AG-028262 led to marked antitumor efficacy in several human tumor xenograft models, including MV522 carcinoma, U87 glioblastoma, and H526 lung carcinoma, and in the syngeneic Lewis lung carcinoma model. Immunohistochemistry studies showed that the compound significantly reduced microvessel density in tumors. PK/PD studies in A375 human melanoma xenografts and in the rat retina demonstrated potent and selective inhibition of KDR in vivo. In summary, AG-028262 is a potent and selective VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor with marked antiangiogenic properties that may have utility in cancer therapy.
A microneedle patch for measles and rubella vaccination: a game changer for achieving elimination

While morbidity and mortality associated with measles and rubella (MR) have dramatically decreased, there are still >100000 estimated deaths due to measles and an estimated 100000 infants born with congenital rubella syndrome annually. Given highly effective MR vaccines, the primary barrier to global elimination of these diseases is low vaccination coverage, especially among the most underserved populations in resource-limited settings. In contrast to conventional MR vaccination by hypodermic injection, microneedle patches are being developed to enable MR vaccination by minimally trained personnel. Simplified supply chain, reduced need for cold chain storage, elimination of vaccine reconstitution, no sharps waste, reduced vaccine wastage, and reduced total system cost of vaccination are advantages of this approach. Preclinical work to develop a MR vaccine patch has proceeded through successful immunization studies in rodents and non-human primates. On-going programs seek to make MR vaccine patches available to support MR elimination efforts around the world.
Life experiences associated with change in perpetration of domestic violence

This study assessed whether several adult life experiences, including loss of support, loss of food security, loss of housing, and substance use cessation, are associated with change in domestic violence (DV) perpetration from early to later adulthood. Using 2015 to 2016 cross-sectional, self-report survey data from Medicaid enrollees in Oregon (N = 1620), we assessed change in DV perpetration from early adulthood (19–30 years) to later adulthood (≥ 31 years of age), cut points determined by existing survey questions. Multinomial logistic regression models were constructed to estimate the association between life experiences and physical DV perpetration using odds ratios (OR), adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, DV victimization, and childhood abuse, bullying, and social support. Of the 20% of participants who perpetrated DV, 36% perpetrated DV in both early and later adulthood (persisters), 42% discontinued (desisters) and 22% began (late-onsetters) perpetration in later adulthood. Loss of support and loss of food security were both associated with change in DV perpetration (i.e., desistance or late onset of perpetration or both). Loss of support was associated with 9.5 times higher odds of being a desister (OR = 9.5, 95% CI = 1.1, 84.1) and 54.2 times higher odds of being a late-onsetter (OR = 54.2, 95% CI = 6.5, 450.8) of DV perpetration compared to persisters. Loss of food security was associated with 10.3 times higher odds of being a late-onsetter (OR = 10.3, 95% CI = 1.9, 55.4) of DV perpetration compared to persisters. In addition, substance use cessation was associated with 10.3 times higher odds of being a desister (OR = 10.3, 95% CI = 1.9, 56.2) compared to persisters. Findings suggest that specific life experiences in adulthood, including loss of support, loss of food security, and substance use cessation, are associated with changes in DV perpetration.
Minimization of Winding AC Losses Using Inhomogeneous Electrical Conductivity Enabled by Additive Manufacturing

Electrical conductivity (EC) of additively manufactured conductors can be purposely controlled by changing asbuilt orientation and postprocessing conditions. This feature can be leveraged to minimize winding alternate current (AC) losses in electrical machines adopting solid conductors. This paper deals with additive-manufacturing-based winding design of a high-specific-power permanent-magnet (PM) machine for aerospace applications. Specifically, conductors near slot opening are designed with low EC to reduce winding AC losses while conductors near slot bottom adopt higher EC to reduce direct current (DC) losses. Parametric finite element (FE) models are developed for a thorough design parametric analysis targeting high-specific-power as well as high efficiency. The implementation of the proposed coil concept with inhomogeneous EC are discussed and demonstrated.
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or soy protein isolate-based edible, water-soluble, and antioxidant films for safflower oil packaging.

Edible, water-soluble, heat-sealable, and antioxidant films were developed from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) or soy protein isolate (SPI) and applied as safflower oil packaging. A 0.1 or 0.2% DL-α-tocopherol acetate (VE) and 0 or 0.25% oleic acid were added into film formulations to provide antioxidant and hydrophobic properties, respectively, using a 23 factorial design. Films were analyzed for appearance, microstructure, water and oil sensitivity, mechanical properties, and antioxidant functionality. Subsequently, a completely randomized design was implemented for incorporating 2, 4, or 6% cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs, w/w dry weight polymer) for improving film mechanical and barrier properties. HPMC-based films achieved full dissolution in water at <55 °C under 5 min, while SPI-based films disintegrated in water up to 90 °C. Oleic acid significantly increased (P < 0.05) heat sealability of SPI film from 78 to 143 N/m and elongation at break from 36% to 88%, but decreased tensile strength and heat sealability of HPMC films by 55% and 41%, respectively. As safflower oil packaging, after 60 days of storage at 35 °C, oil contained in SPI-based pouch had the lowest peroxide values, 8.1 ± 0.9 mEq/kg. Based on barrier, mechanical, and antioxidant capacity evaluations, HPMC film with 0.1% VE and SPI film with 0.25% oleic acid and 0.1% VE were incorporated with CNC. SPI/CNC films did not show observable trends, but HPMC/2% CNC film exhibited significantly improved mechanical and barrier properties, with oxygen permeability of 5.0 mL mm/m2 day kPa. The developed films are a promising packaging alternative to decrease plastic waste, extend shelf life of lipid-based foods, and increase consumer convenience. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Individually packaged, single-use pouches of sauce or oil are common for seasoning instant and frozen foods, creating unnecessary plastic waste. Edible, water-soluble packaging with antioxidant functionality would reduce plastic waste, extend shelf life by preventing oxidation, and increase consumer convenience. The biopolymeric films and pouches developed in this study have unique properties from water solubility across a wide range of temperatures, resistance to oil, high oxygen barrier, and good heat sealability, providing a variety of potential applications for promoting sustainable food packaging.
Understanding the relation between mathematics vocabulary and mathematics performance: A meta-analysis

AbstractIn this meta-analysis of 40 studies with 55 independent samples and 7,988 participants, we examined the relation between mathematics vocabulary (MV) and mathematics performance, and we inve...
Exploring naltrexamine derivatives featuring azaindole moiety via nitrogen-walk approach to investigate their in vitro pharmacological profiles at the mu opioid receptor.

Abstract In the present work, we reported the application of a nitrogen-walk approach on developing a series of novel opioid ligands containing an azaindole moiety at the C6-position of the epoxymorphinan skeleton. In vitro study results showed that introducing a nitrogen atom around the indole moiety not only retained excellent binding affinity, but also led to significant functional switch at the mu opioid receptor (MOR). Further computational investigations provided corroborative evidence and plausible explanations of the results of the in vitro studies. Overall, our current work implemented a series of novel MOR ligands with high binding affinity and considerably low efficacy, which may shed light on rational design of low efficacy MOR ligands for opioid use disorder therapeutics.
Robotic Single-Site Gyn Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery techniques continue to become increasingly popular in gynecologic surgery. Single-site surgery is promoted as a safer alternative to multiport laparoscopic surgery, although studies have not demonstrated markedly improved outcomes. Robot-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery is a rapidly developing technique that aims to decrease morbidity and improve cosmesis satisfaction compared to laparotomy, manual laparoscopic surgeries, and multiport laparoscopic procedures. This chapter discusses the history, technique, and ongoing developments within this surgical field.
Optical isolator based on chiral light-matter interactions in a ring resonator integrating a dichroic magneto-optical material

Nonreciprocal optical devices based on magneto-optical ferrites in their low-loss regimes have been widely investigated as a promising platform for integrated photonics. Nonreciprocity in such devices originates from circular birefringence, leading to frequency splitting of forward and backward modes and, as a result, nonreciprocal transmission. In this paper, we propose an alternative approach to realize nonreciprocal devices based on magneto-optical circular dichroism and relying on the very presence of optical absorption. Our approach relies on the phenomenon of spin-Hall effect of light, which gives rise to chiral near field interactions of light carrying transverse angular momentum with matter, which, in lossy regimes, yields a disparate absorption for forward and backward optical modes. As an example of practical application, we design an optical isolator based on ring resonator integrating Ce:YIG ferrite, and we demonstrate isolation near 880 nm absorption line due to the ionic electric dipole transition. A Ce:YIG film asymmetrically placed on the inner side of the ring yields different critical coupling conditions due to the chiral nature of evanescent light for forward and backward waves, leading to nonreciprocal absorption and transmission. The proposed approach to nonreciprocity may significantly broaden the possible choice of magneto-optical materials for nonreciprocal devices, enabling operation even in lossy regimes.
More is not always better: determinants of choice overload and satisfaction with customization in fast casual restaurants

Mass customization in fast casual restaurants has been a growing trend to meet customers’ increasingly tailored demands. To receive customization services, however, customers are required to make s...
Case study of UAS videography for depth inversion within a shallow water surf zone along the Texas Gulf Coast

Coastal zones are at the interface of land and sea and provide a buffer to storms, wave action, and coastal inundation. Bathymetric mapping of the submerged littoral zone is essential for the understanding of sediment transport and good coastal management and planning. Surf zones are dynamic areas, ever-changing, so there is a need for low-cost, rapid response aerial remote sensing techniques that can provide high temporal and spatial coverage of nearshore bathymetry. However, this is a challenging task given water turbidity, wave action, seafoam, and other issues. With this motivation, this study used a small unoccupied aircraft system (UAS) equipped with a digital RGB camera to collect video footage of wave action on the water surface. The video data was then used to apply a spectral depth inversion algorithm called cBathy and estimate nearshore bathymetry at high resolution. Ground truth data were collected using cross-shore transect surveys to a depth of 2 m for assessment of the UAS-based bathymetry estimates. The video data was split into frames with a frequency of 2 frames per second (fps), and ground control points (GCPs) laid out in the scene were used to perform image georectification. A time stack of image pixel values was then generated from the video data for the cBathy depth inversion algorithm. Accuracy assessment resulted in an overall RMSE of 0.2056 m for an area of 390 m offshore and 400 m alongshore, and the maximum depth achieved was up to 3 m. Results show the potential of the cBathy algorithm to provide reasonable depth accuracies in dynamic and turbid water surf zones. However, results also show that this method has constraints for which users need to be aware of prior to applying it, including the study site’s physical characteristics.
A human muscle adenine nucleotide translocator gene has four exons, is located on chromosome 4, and is differentially expressed.

Abstract The human heart-skeletal muscle adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT1) gene was isolated and sequenced. It spans 5.8 kilobases and contains four exons. The 5'-nontranscribed region contains typical CCAAT and TATA sequences, a 22-nucleotide pair inverted repeat and a 13-nucleotide pair sequence homologous to a similar region in the ATP synthase beta subunit gene. The region surrounding the first exon and intron is G+C-region surrounding the first exon and intron is G+C-rich, and the intron contains three Sp1 binding motifs. ANT1 was assigned to chromosome 4 using both flow-sorted chromosomes and segregating human-mouse hybrid cells. Additional ANT sequences were found on at least two other chromosomes. ANT1 transcripts were present at high levels in human heart and skeletal muscle but were almost undetectable in liver, kidney, and brain. By contrast, fibroblast ANT (ANT2) mRNAs were present in all five tissues. The unique nature and arrangement of the ANT1 transcriptional control elements may account for this differential expression.
Object formation by learning in visual databases using hierarchical content description

This paper proposes a self-learning content-based image indexing and retrieval system that employs a hierarchical content representation (consisting of objects and regions) and a hierarchical content matching method for effective and efficient image/object retrieval. The “learning” behavior is enabled by our proposed hierarchical content representation which allows easy storage of combinations of regions that have resulted in successful matches to objects of interest as determined by user search patterns and profiles. The learning step effectively performs an automatic off-line analysis of database images into meaningful objects. Once the learning phase is complete, the speed of shape based retrieval of the learned objects in the database increases significantly. Experimental results are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed hierarchical content representation, hierarchical matching, and the learning behavior on collections of car images.
Developmental Basis of Mammalian Digit Reduction: A Case Study in Pigs

Digit reduction has occurred in parallel in many mammalian lineages. However, despite this pattern's prevalence, the developmental mechanisms underlying mammalian digit reduction remain controversial. We therefore undertook a study of digit development in the pig (Sus scrofa), a mammal with reduced first, second, and fifth digits. Our results indicate that from its earliest formation, the pig limb bud is significantly narrower than that of the model pentadactyl mammal, mouse. Furthermore, the cartilage condensations of the pig's reduced digits are noticeably smaller than those of their nonreduced counterparts from the time of their formation. In addition, growth rates of pig digits are comparable, as are the patterns of cell death in developing pig and mouse limbs. Taken together, results suggest that pig's first, second, and fifth digits are primarily reduced through evolutionary modifications in the early developmental patterning of their limbs. Results of this study, coupled with those from study of limb development in other mammals, suggest that although major developmental reorganizations (e.g., complete digit or limb loss) during early limb development may be selected against, it may be common for more subtle evolutionary modifications in limb development (e.g., changes in relative digit size) to occur at this time.
Acute and Chronic Effects of Seizures in the Developing Brain: Experimental Models

Clinical experience suggests two major components to the relationship between brain development and epilepsy. First, the maturational state of the immature brain appears to generally decrease seizure threshold and contribute to a different seizure phenotype from the adult. Second, certain forms of seizures, when present during development, may modify brain maturation to result in chronic epilepsy and/or other neurocognitive deficits. Maturational studies in animals suggest there are numerous factors developmentally regulated in such a way as to increase excitability in immature neuronal networks in the forebrain. The developing brain appears to exhibit a transient overexpression of glutamate receptors, glutamate receptor subunit composition permissive of enhanced excitatory neurotransmission, a relative lack of GABAergic inhibitory transmission, and ion channel expression and homeostasis which enhance neuronal excitability. The increased excitatory drive that is likely to be critical for normal brain development may share common mechanisms with those responsible for rendering the immature brain more susceptible to seizures, seizure induced plasticity (epileptogenesis), and neuronal injury. Furthermore, the coincidence of seizures during early postnatal brain development may modify many of these parameters, which in turn may promote long term epilepsy.
Development of fetal neural transplantation as a treatment for Parkinson's disease

Since 1988, patients with Parkinson's disease have participated in clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of transplantation of human fetal dopamine cells into the caudate and putamen. Transplantation of fetal tissue leads to clinical benefits in some patients which is associated with a reduction of the amount of LDOPA administered. Major issues in transplant research need to be addressed before this technique can be widely applied. In this review, a pool of 35 patients was generated from the published cases of human fetal tissue transplantation. This group of transplant recipients was examined for motor improvement and reduction in L-DOPA dosage at one year post-transplant. Issues addressed in this review include the benefits of unilateral vs bilateral transplantation, age of the transplant recipient, solid vs suspensions of fetal mesencephalon and the number of fetal donors per recipient.
In-home hierarchical posture classification with a time-of-flight 3D sensor

Abstract A non-invasive technique for posture classification suitable to be used in several in-home scenarios is proposed and preliminary validation results are presented. 3D point cloud sequences were acquired using a single time-of-flight sensor working in a privacy preserving modality and they were processed with a low power embedded PC. In order to satisfy different application requirements (e.g. covered distance range, processing speed and discrimination capabilities), a twofold discrimination approach was investigated in which features were hierarchically arranged from coarse to fine by exploiting both topological and volumetric representations. The topological representation encoded the intrinsic topology of the body's shape using a skeleton-based structure, thus guaranteeing invariance to scale, rotations and postural changes and achieving a high level of detail with a moderate computational cost. On the other hand, using the volumetric representation features were described in terms of 3D cylindrical histograms working within a wider range of distances in a faster way and also guaranteeing good invariance properties. The discrimination capabilities were evaluated in four different real-home scenarios related with the fields of ambient assisted living and homecare, namely “dangerous event detection”, “anomalous behaviour detection”, “activities recognition” and “natural human–ambient interaction”. For each mentioned scenario, the discrimination capabilities were evaluated in terms of invariance to viewpoint changes, representation capabilities and classification performance, achieving promising results. The two feature representation approaches exhibited complementary characteristics showing high reliability with classification rates greater than 97%.
Functional Random‐Walk Model of the Many‐Particle System

By Fourier‐transforming the author's recently proposed state functional formalism for the BBGKY hierarchy, a new perspective of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics is given: the basic equation is formally very close to the Fokker‐Planck equation and may readily be modified to a universal master equation (with irreversibility) by a slight change. Hence, the problem reduces to one of a generalized random‐walk such that the stochastic quantity to be considered is the particle‐number density in the 1‐body phase space. A general solution is formulated for the weak interaction case.
Bacteriophages of psychrophilic pseudomonads. II. Host range of phage active againstPseudomonas putrefaciens

Forty phages active against 4 terrestrial and against 10 of 24 marine strains ofP. putrefaciens were isolated from raw municipal sewage, fish-pier water, and refrigerated haddoch fillets. With one exception, phages active against marine strains were obtained only from pier water and fish fillets. Only two strains were attacked solely by their homologous phage while five of the marine strains were not attacked by any phage. Lytic reactions revealed no obvious differences between marine and terrestrial strains.
EFFECTIVENESS OF OPINION INFLUENCE APPROACHES IN HIGHLY CLUSTERED ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKS

A mathematical model was developed for opinion propagation on online social networks using a scale-free network with an adjustable clustering coefficient. Connected nodes influence each other when the difference between their opinion values is less than a threshold value. The model is used to examine effectiveness of three different approaches for influencing public opinion. The approaches examined include (1) a "Class", defined as an approach (such as a class or book) that greatly influences a small, randomly selected portion of the population, (2) an "Advertisement", defined as an approach (such as a TV or online advertisement) that has a small influence at each viewing on a large randomly selected portion of the population, and (3) an "App", defined as an approach (such as a Facebook game or smartphone "App") that spreads via the online social network (rather than randomly) and has a small influence at each viewing on the affected population. The Class and Advertisement approaches result in similar overall influence on the population, despite the fact that these approaches are highly different. In contrast, the App approach has a much more significant effect on opinion values of users occupying clusters within the social network compared to the overall population.
Feasibility and effectiveness of massage therapy for symptom relief in cardiac catheter laboratory staff: a pilot study.

A pilot study was conducted to assess the feasibility and efficacy of massage therapy for cardiac catheterization laboratory staff. Staff members (N = 50) were randomly assigned to 5 or 10 weekly 30-min massages, followed by outcomes assessment. A control group (n = 10) receiving no massage therapy underwent comparable assessment. Visual analog scales, the t test, and the repeated measures model evaluated fatigue, pain, relaxation, stress/anxiety, tension/discomfort, and scheduling ease at baseline, 5 weeks, and 10 weeks. The Aickin separation test was used to assess feasibility of further research. Overall, 90% (337/375) of massage appointments were used. No significant effects were observed, but the Aickin separation test supported further research on massage therapy for fatigue, pain, relaxation, and tension/discomfort. Conducting massage therapy in the workplace is logistically feasible. Larger, longitudinal trials are warranted to better evaluate its effects on staff.
Critical Issues in Performance Appraisal

The improvement of performance appraisal systems is a matter of sharing a social definition of performance appraisal that is congruent with the original intent decided by the organisation. The management development professional can aid the process by being educated about appraisal systems, analysing the potential benefits to the organisation, and accepting that all appraisers need training. To help performance appraisal reach its fullest potential, management development professionals need to be political strategists, appraisal system experts, trainers, salespeople and catalysts, in combination.
A novel AFM/STM/SEM system

An atomic force/scanning tunneling (AFM/STM) microscope intended for operation inside a scanning electron microscope(SEM) is described. This AFM/STM/SEM system enables us to image a sample conventionally by SEM as well as to investigate the local surface topography by AFM or STM. This device incorporates a new method for monitoring AFM cantilever deflection that utilizes the focused electron beam of the SEM.
Hydromagnetic flow of a dusty fluid over a stretching sheet

Abstract Analysis of hydromagnetic flow of a dusty fluid over a stretching sheet is carried out with a view to throw adequate light on the effects of fluid-particle interaction, particle loading, and suction on the flow characteristics. The equations of motion are reduced to coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations by similarity transformations. These coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations are solved numerically on an IBM 4381 with double precession, using a variable order, variable step-size finite-difference method. The numerical solutions are compared with their approximate solutions, obtained by a perturbation technique. For small values of β the exact (numerical) solution is in close agreement with that of the analytical (approximate) solution. It is observed that, even in the presence of a transverse magnetic field and suction, the transverse velocity of both the fluid and particle G phases decreases with an increase in the fluid-particle interaction parameter, β, or the particle-loading parameter, k . Moreover, the particle density is maximum at the surface of the stretching sheet, and the shearing stress increases with an increase in β or k .
Weak solutions for equations defined by accretive operators II: relaxation limits

Abstract In the first part of this paper we define solutions for certain nonlinear equations defined by accretive operators, “dissipative solution”. This kind of solution is equivalent to the viscosity solutions for Hamilton–Jacobi equations and to the entropy solutions for conservation laws. In this paper we use dissipative solutions to obtain several relaxation limits for systems of semilinear transport equations and quasilinear conservation laws. These converge to diffusion second-order equations and in one case to a single conservation law. The relaxation limit is obtained using a version of the perturbed test function method to pass to the limit. This guarantees existence for the considered equations.
Impact of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacilli infections on outcome in hospitalized patients.

ObjectiveThe impact of resistant (vs. nonresistant) Gram-negative infections on mortality remains unclear. We sought to define risk factors for and excess mortality from these infections.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingInpatient surgical wards at a university hospital.PatientsAll patients in t