cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modulator and messenger functions of cyclic ADP-ribose in calcium signaling.

Abstract Cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR), a Ca+2 mobilizing cyclic nucleotide derived from NAD+, is emerging as an endogenous modulator of the Ca(+2)-induced Ca+2 release (CICR) mechanism in cells. cADPR was discovered because of the prominent delay in the initiation of Ca+2 release by NAD+ in sea urchin egg homogenates, which was due to enzymatic conversion to cADPR. In addition to the egg, an invertebrate cell, amphibian neurons, a variety of mammalian cells and plant vacuoles are found to be responsive to cADPR, indicating its generality. The cyclic structure of cADPR has been determined by X-ray crystallography. A series of analogs has been synthesized, which includes cyclic GDP-ribose, a fluorescent analog, a series of specific antagonists, a photoaffinity label and caged cADPR. The use of these analogs of cADPR has provided definitive evidence for the authenticity of its Ca+2 mobilizing activity and insights for understanding its mechanism and biological functions. Results show that its action requires a soluble protein which is identified as calmodulin. The effect of calmodulin is synergistic with cADPR and both act to sensitize CICR to Ca+2. Together, the Ca+2 sensitivity of CICR can be increased by several orders of magnitude. In addition to being a modulator of CICR. cADPR can also function as a messenger. Activation of its synthetic enzyme can lead to large increases in cellular concentrations of cADPR, which would sensitize CICR to such an extent that even basal levels of cellular Ca+2 are sufficient to trigger further release. This is operationally equivalent to being a Ca+2 messenger. Three types of enzymes are involved in the metabolism of cADPR, a soluble ADP-ribosyl cyclase; a bifunctional ecto-enzyme, CD38, which is also a lymphocyte antigen; and an intracellular enzyme activable by a cGMP-dependent process. The importance of two cysteine residues in the bifunctionality of CD38 has been shown by site-directed mutagenesis. Both ADP-ribosyl cyclase and CD38 can catalyze the exchange of the nicotinamide group in NADP+ with nicotinic acid, leading to the formation of another Ca+2 mobilizing metabolite, nicotinic acid dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP). Pharmacological and desensitization studies show that the NAADP-mechanism is totally independent of the cADPR- and inositol trisphosphate-mechanisms and the Ca+2 stores responsive to NAADP are separable from those sensitive to the other two Ca+2 agonists. Microinjection studies show that all three mechanisms are present and functional in cells. The emerging picture of multiplicity in Ca+2 signaling mechanisms underscores the versatility of Ca+2 in regulating diverse cellular functions.
The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and therapy of cutaneous and pulmonary infections due to the rapidly growing mycobacteria, M. fortuitum and M. chelonae.

Infections due to the rapidly growing mycobacteria are being identified with increasing frequency, especially in the southern coastal United States. Cutaneous disease, including both community-acquired infections and nosocomial diseases such as augmentation mammaplasty wound infections and sternal wound infections, are relatively easily diagnosed and can be treated successfully using surgical debridement and antimicrobial agents such as amikacin and sulfonamides. Pulmonary infections are also readily diagnosed, but therapy is much more difficult and in many patients, consists only of intermittent medical intervention during exacerbations of the disease. Fortunately, most patients tolerate their disease well, and death due to the infection is rare.
Microvesicles provide a mechanism for intercellular communication by embryonic stem cells during embryo implantation.

It is unclear how embryonic stem cells (ESC) communicate with surrounding cells during implantation. Here, the authors show that microvesicles (MV) are shed from ESCs, activating integrin and JNK/FAK kinases in trophoblasts, stimulating migration in vitro, and injecting MVs enhances blastocyst implantation.
Process evaluation and assessment of use of a large scale water filter and cookstove program in Rwanda.

In an effort to reduce the disease burden in rural Rwanda, decrease poverty associated with expenditures for fuel, and minimize the environmental impact on forests and greenhouse gases from inefficient combustion of biomass, the Rwanda Ministry of Health (MOH) partnered with DelAgua Health (DelAgua), a private social enterprise, to distribute and promote the use of improved cookstoves and advanced water filters to the poorest quarter of households (Ubudehe 1 and 2) nationally, beginning in Western Province under a program branded Tubeho Neza (“Live Well”). The project is privately financed and earns revenue from carbon credits under the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism. During a 3-month period in late 2014, over 470,000 people living in over 101,000 households were provided free water filters and cookstoves. Following the distribution, community health workers visited nearly 98 % of households to perform household level education and training activities. Over 87 % of households were visited again within 6 months with a basic survey conducted. Detailed adoption surveys were conducted among a sample of households, 1000 in the first round, 187 in the second. Approximately a year after distribution, reported water filter use was above 90 % (+/−4 % CI) and water present in filter was observed in over 76 % (+/−6 % CI) of households, while the reported primary stove was nearly 90 % (+/−4.4 % CI) and of households cooking at the time of the visit, over 83 % (+/−5.3 % CI) were on the improved stove. There was no observed association between household size and stove stacking behavior. This program suggests that free distribution is not a determinant of low adoption. It is plausible that continued engagement in households, enabled by Ministry of Health support and carbon financed revenue, contributed to high adoption rates. Overall, the program was able to demonstrate a privately financed, public health intervention can achieve high levels of initial adoption and usage of household level water filtration and improved cookstoves at a large scale.
Microcirculatory Response In Vivo on Local Intraarterial Infusion of Autogenic Adipose-derived Stem Cells or Stromal Vascular Fraction.

Both adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) have been demonstrated to have regenerative properties with therapeutic potential for numerous diseases through local or topical applications. However, it is unclear whether ASC or SVF can be delivered systemically through an intra-arterial infusion. The purpose of this study was to examine the microcirculatory response in vivo on local intraarterial infusion of autogenic ASCs or SVF in a vascular pedicle isolated rat cremaster microcirculation model. Materials and methods Fat tissue was surgically harvested from the flanks of male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 12) and processed for SVF isolation. Some SVF samples were cultured for 24 hours for ASC purification. The autogenic SVF (1 × 105) cells (n = 6) or purified ASC (1 × 105) cells (n = 6) cells were infused into the microcirculation of cremaster muscle at a speed of 0.05 mL/min through the cannulation of femoral artery. As this is a vascular pedicle isolated preparation, the infused SVF or ASC cells went nowhere but the cremaster muscle. The video image of the microcirculation was monitored in real time during infusion. Results Arteriole diameter was measured as A1 (100-160 µm), A2 (40-80 µm), and A3/A4 (10-30 µm). Capillary perfusion was quantified in 18 capillary fields of each muscle. There was a significant increase in the diameter of terminal arterioles (P = 0.049) and the capillary density (P = 0.02) after ASC intraarterial infusion. However, a significant cell aggregation, embolisms, and arterial obstruction were observed in the microcirculation in every case during SVF infusion. Conclusions Intraarterial infusion is an appropriate route for the delivery of autogenic ASCs, but not of SVF. SVF-induced microembolisms were the reason for narrowing or blocking the lumen of terminal arterioles, resulting in no flow in the corresponding capillaries.
Second-Generation Antipsychotic Utilization and Metabolic Parameter Monitoring in an Inpatient Pediatric Population: A Retrospective Analysis

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are prescribed for a variety of indications and are strongly associated with adverse metabolic effects. Studies of pediatric outpatients have revealed several deficiencies in monitoring practices for adverse effects associated with SGAs. Our objective was to characterize SGA prescribing and metabolic parameter monitoring (MPM) in an inpatient pediatric population. Patients aged <18 years and discharged on SGA treatment between 1 November 2013 and 30 April 2014 from an inpatient psychiatric institution in Pittsburgh, PA, USA were included. Electronic medical records (EMRs) were reviewed for patient age and weight and for parameters used by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) to define metabolic syndrome: waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and blood pressure. The primary outcome was the percent of patients with completed MPM, defined as all parameters being available within the patient’s EMR in any form, except estimates. Secondary outcomes included percent of patients with existing metabolic syndrome or obesity according to IDF criteria, average total daily dose of individual SGAs, and frequency of individual SGA utilization. Data were analyzed utilizing univariate descriptive statistics. A total of 243 patients met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. For the primary outcome, 13.2% (n = 32) of patients had completed MPM for all parameters. Blood pressure was the most frequently documented parameter (n = 241; 99.2%), whereas waist circumference was the least (n = 67; 28%). Risperidone was the most commonly prescribed SGA (n = 99; 41%; average daily dose 1.92 mg). Compared with outpatient studies, rates of documented MPM for certain parameters (i.e., fasting blood glucose, lipids) is higher for pediatric inpatients treated with SGAs. However, several monitoring deficiencies are still noted.
Deep sequencing of the mitochondrial genome reveals common heteroplasmic sites in NADH dehydrogenase genes

Increasing evidence implicates mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and age-related conditions. But little is known about the molecular basis for this connection. A possible cause may be mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which are often heteroplasmic—the joint presence of different alleles at a single locus in the same individual. However, the involvement of mtDNA heteroplasmy in aging and age-related conditions has not been investigated thoroughly. We deep-sequenced the complete mtDNA genomes of 356 Framingham Heart Study participants (52% women, mean age 43, mean coverage 4570-fold), identified 2880 unique mutations and comprehensively annotated them by MITOMAP and PolyPhen-2. We discovered 11 heteroplasmic “hot” spots [NADH dehydrogenase (ND) subunit 1, 4, 5 and 6 genes, n = 7; cytochrome c oxidase I (COI), n = 2; 16S rRNA, n = 1; D-loop, n = 1] for which the alternative-to-reference allele ratios significantly increased with advancing age (Bonferroni correction p < 0.001). Four of these heteroplasmic mutations in ND and COI genes were predicted to be deleterious nonsynonymous mutations which may have direct impact on ATP production. We confirmed previous findings that healthy individuals carry many low-frequency heteroplasmy mutations with potentially deleterious effects. We hypothesize that the effect of a single deleterious heteroplasmy may be minimal due to a low mutant-to-wildtype allele ratio, whereas the aggregate effects of many deleterious mutations may cause changes in mitochondrial function and contribute to age-related diseases. The identification of age-related mtDNA mutations is an important step to understand the genetic architecture of age-related diseases and may uncover novel therapeutic targets for such diseases.
Food cost is the least of my worries: a qualitative study exploring food and beverage purchasing decisions among parents enrolled in the WIC program

Addressing barriers to the Women, Infants and Children [WIC] food purchasing experience may lead to interventions to help manage WIC food costs; allowing more qualified families to enroll in WIC wi...
Time Resolved Spectroscopy in Narrow Gap MOVPE Grown Ferromagnetic Semiconductors

We report on time resolved experiments that provide insight into the time scales and the nature of the interactions in ferromagnetic InMnAs and InMnSb. Theoretical calculations are performed using an 8 band k·p model including non-parabolicity, band-mixing, and the interaction of magnetic Mn impurities with itinerant electrons and holes.
The Contradiction Between Form and Function in Architecture

The book illustrates the important role that a contradiction between form and function plays in compositional strategies in architecture. The contradiction between form and function is seen as a device for poetic expression, for the expression of ideas, in architecture. The book contributes to the project of re-establishing architecture as a humanistic discipline. Continuing the themes that have been addressed in The Humanities in Architectural Design and The Cultural Role of Architecture, this book illustrates the important role that a contradiction between form and function plays in compositional strategies in architecture. The contradiction between form and function is seen as a device for poetic expression, for the expression of ideas, in architecture. Here the role of the terms "form" and "function" are analyzed throughout the history of architecture and architectural theory, from Vitruvius to the present, with particular emphasis on twentieth-century functionalism. Historical examples are given from Ancient, Classical, Islamic, Christian, Byzantine, Gothic, Renaissance, Mannerist, and Neoclassical architecture, and from movements in the twentieth century to the present. In addition philosophical issues such as lineamenti, Vorstellung, differance, dream construction, deep structure and surface structure, topology theory, self-generation, and immanence are explored in relation to the compositions and writings of architects throughout history. This book contributes to the project of re-establishing architecture as a humanistic discipline, to re-establish an emphasis on the expression of ideas, and on the ethical role of architecture to engage the intellect of the observer and to represent human identity.
Economics of Songwriters’ Performance Royalty Income: Tenure, Age, and Titles

This chapter examines the dynamic of ‘superstar’ effects of age, length in membership in a PRO, and number of song titles registered on songwriter’s income when publishers are excluded. We found that royalty income distribution is still highly skewed and a key determinant of performance royalty income is due to the number of registered titles. This skewness of a relatively small number of songwriters earning more royalty payments than other members can be explained, in part, by successful members having a larger catalog of songs that are performed more frequently by radio and television stations, and other users of music. The standard skew-t distribution model generalized with location, scale, and a degree of freedom parameter (ν) is used to analyze royalty income.
Medially-stabilized total knee arthroplasty does not alter knee laxity and balance in cadaveric knees.

Instability after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can lead to suboptimal outcomes and revision surgery. Medially-stabilized implants aim to more closely replicate normal knee motion than other implants following TKA, but no study has investigated knee laxity (motion under applied loads) and balance (i.e., difference in varus/valgus motion under load) following medially-stabilized TKA. The primary purposes of this study were to investigate how medially-stabilized implants change knee laxity in non-arthritic, cadaveric knees, and if it produces a balanced knee after TKA. Force-displacement data were collected on 18 non-arthritic cadaveric knees before and after arthroplasty using medially-stabilized implants. Varus-valgus and anterior-posterior laxity and varus-valgus balance were compared between native and medially-stabilized knees at 0°, 20°, 60°, and 90° under three different loading conditions. Varus-valgus and anterior-posterior laxities were not different between native and medially-stabilized knees under most testing conditions (p ≥ 0.068), but differences of approximately 2° less varus-valgus laxity at 20° of flexion and 4 mm more anterior-posterior laxity at 90° were present from native laxities (p < 0.017) Medially-stabilized implant balance had ≤1.5° varus bias at all flexion angles. Future studies should confirm if the consistent laxity afforded by the medially-stabilized implant is associated with better and more predictable postoperative outcomes. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:335-349, 2019.
The Challenges of Conducting Research on Supermax Prisons: Results From a Survey of Scholars Who Conduct Supermax Research:

This article analyzes the challenges that investigators face when conducting scholarly research on supermax prisons. Drawing on existing literature, as well as results of a survey sent to researche...
Wind Farm Integration Intermittency Impact On Power System Transient Stability

The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of integrating a large wind power generation on the transient stability issues. We interest to a wind farm connected to a multi-machine transmission power system and we use EUROSTAG as simulation software. The main objective behind this work is to study and simulate various kinds of wind power generator scenarios in the aim to reveal the impact of the integrated wind generation on dynamic performance of power system and on the Critical Clearing Time (CCT) of faults. The Western System Coordinating Council (WSCC) 9 bus and the Algerian islanded power system named Pole In-salah, Adrar and Timimoun (PIAT) 57 bus are used in the simulations. Different case studies are considered during the simulations and the obtained results show the intermittence impact of wind power integration on power system transient stability.
Bright Conical Diffraction at the Exceptional Point of PT and Anti-PT-Symmetric Photonic Lattices

We show that bright conical diffraction occurs at the exceptional points of 1D PT and anti-PT-symmetric photonic lattices.
The human tubal lavage proteome reveals biological processes that may govern the pathology of hydrosalpinx

Hydrosalpinx, the blockage of fallopian tubes, can result from pelvic inflammatory disease. Hydrosalpinx is a cause of infertility and negatively impacts in vitro fertilization. To better understand the pathobiology of hydrosalpinx, we compared the proteome of lavages from disease vs. healthy fallopian tubes. Results indicate a disruption of redox homeostasis and activation of the complement system, immune cell infiltration, and phagocytosis; pathways that may drive tubal injury. To our surprise among the most prominent proteins with hydrosalpinx was mesothelin (MSLN), which until now has only been associated with epithelial malignancies. Analogous to mesothelioma and ovarian carcinoma, a significant increase of MSLN was detected in plasma from patients with hydrosalpinx. This finding suggests MSLN may provide clinical diagnosis in lieu of the current approaches that require invasive imaging. Importantly, these findings implicate MSLN in a benign disease, indicating that the activation and role of MSLN is not restricted to cancer.
Deciding to Enter a Monetary Union: The Role of Trade and Financial Linkages

This paper evaluates the role of trade and financial linkages in the decision to enter a monetary union. We estimate a two-country DSGE model for the U.K. economy and the euro area, and use the model to compute the welfare trade-offs from joining the euro. We evaluate two alternative scenarios. In the first one, we consider a reduction of trade costs that occurs after the adoption of a common currency. In the second, we introduce interest rate spread shocks of the same magnitude as the ones observed during the recent debt crisis in Europe. The reduction of trade costs generates a net welfare gain of 0.9 percent of life-time consumption, while the increased interest rate spread volatility generates a net welfare cost of 2.9 percentage points. The welfare calculation suggests two ways to preserve the welfare gains in a monetary union: ensuring fiscal and financial stability that reduces macroeconomic country risk, and increasing wage flexibility such that the economy adjusts to external shocks faster.
Ensemble Based Forecasting and Optimization Framework to Optimize Releases from Water Supply Reservoirs for Flood Control

Water supply reservoir management is based on long-term management policies which depend on customer demands and seasonal hydrologic changes. However, increasing frequency and intensity of precipitation events is necessitating the short-term management of such reservoirs to reduce downstream flooding. Operational management of reservoirs at hourly/daily timescales is challenging due to the uncertainty associated with the inflow forecasts and the volumes in the reservoir. We present an ensemble-based streamflow prediction and optimization framework consisting of a regional scale hydrologic model forced with ensemble precipitation inputs to obtain probabilistic inflows to the reservoir. A multi-objective dynamic programming model was used to obtain optimized release strategies accounting for the inflow uncertainties. The proposed framework was evaluated at a water supply reservoir in the Hackensack River basin in New Jersey during Hurricanes Irene and Sandy. Hurricane Irene resulted in the overtopping of the dam despite releases made in anticipation of the event and resulted in severe downstream flooding. Hurricane Sandy was characterized by low rainfall, however, raised significant concerns of flooding given the nature of the event. The improvement in NSE for the Hurricane Irene inflows from 0.5 to 0.76 and reduction of the spread of PBIAS with decreasing lead times resulted in improvements in the forecast informed releases. This study provides perspectives on the benefits of the proposed forecasting and optimization framework in reducing the decision making burden on the operator by providing the uncertainties associated with the inflows, releases and the water levels in the reservoir.
Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess.

This method focuses on outlining a safe zone for irrigation and debridement of a psoas abscess through a posterior approach. Initially, an anterior approach to the spine was performed to ensure that the anterior longitudinal ligament and the psoas muscle could be visualized. All the abdominal organs were removed. Subsequently, a posterior approach was performed to remove the paraspinal muscles from L1–L5. The transverse processes, pars interarticularis and lamina of L1–L5 were identified. The exiting nerve root was identified between the transverse processes and followed into the substance of the psoas muscle. Using the anterior and posterior approach, the lumbar plexus was isolated from the substance of the psoas muscle. Before and after various steps of dissection, digital photographs were obtained. These images were uploaded into ImageJ and multiple measurements, including the distance between the lateral superior and inferior tip of each TP to the most lateral region of the plexus, the distance between the lateral superior and inferior tip of the TP to the lateral edge of the psoas, and the width of the lumbar plexus were recorded. The safe zone for entering the substance of the psoas muscle was defined between the lateral edge of the psoas muscle and the lateral edge of the lumbar plexus. The relationship of this interval to the tip of the transverse process at each level was measured and reported.
Neurology Morbidity and Mortality Conferences Across US Academic Medical Centers (2724)

Objective: To understand Neurology Morbidity and Mortality conference (M&M) practices across US academic medical centers. Background: While their role has evolved over time, M&M conferences can be used to drive systems improvements that enhance the safety and quality of care. In neurology, little is known about the nature, purpose, or current practice of M&Ms. We surveyed a sampling of major US academic neurology departments to (1) understand the current role of M&Ms in driving systems improvement and (2) develop a model for best practices. Design/Methods: An 18-question survey designed to characterize M&M conferences in terms of frequency, structure, content, participants, attendance and outcomes was distributed to 56 academic medical centers via a network of department chairs between April–June 2019. Results: Survey responses were received from 44 departments (79%). 41 departments (93%) hold M&Ms at least quarterly. 74% of departments restrict discussions to selected adverse events. 95% of departments invite both faculty and trainees, 48% invite nurses, 62% invite medical students, and 38% invite ancillary staff such as therapists. When compared with other conferences, resident, fellow and faculty attendance is reported as moderate to high by 88% of departments. Over half of the departments identified conference timing, institutional culture regarding quality and safety, and attendance by department leaders as important factors in improving attendance. 57% employ the just culture algorithm and almost two thirds incorporate root cause analysis (64%). The majority (69%) reported that, in the last two years, written guidelines or protocols resulted directly from conferences. M&Ms are used to meet ACGME requirements for residents/fellows in 72% of departments. Only 28% provide risk management CMEs for faculty. Conclusions: While many US neurology departments use M&Ms to drive systems improvements, there remains considerable variability across conferences. There may be opportunities to implement a more standardized agenda to drive improvements in the quality and safety of care. Disclosure: Dr. Ryan has nothing to disclose. Dr. McKee has nothing to disclose. Dr. Londono-Sanchez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Singhal has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Omniox, Medlink, and UptoDate. Dr. Singhal holds stock and/or stock options in Biogen and Zafgen. Dr. Singhal has received research support from Boehriger-Ingelheim.
Clinical Presentation of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Historical Cohort Study.

Purpose To investigate the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the clinical presentation of acute, primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Design Single-center, consecutive case series with historical controls. Participants Consecutive patients seeking treatment for primary RRD in a 50-day period during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 9–April 27, 2020) and the corresponding 50-day period during the previous year (March 4–April 22, 2019) in the United States. Methods The cohorts were compared to assess demographic variables and clinical presentations. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors predictive of presenting macular attachment status. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with macula-on RRD at presentation. Secondary outcomes included visual acuity (VA), duration of symptoms before presentation, proportion seeking treatment within 1 day of symptom onset, and presence of primary proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Results Eighty-two patients were included in the 2020 cohort compared with 111 patients in the 2019 primary control cohort. Demographic factors were similar between the groups. Significantly fewer patients demonstrated macula-on RRD in the 2020 cohort (20/82 patients [24.4%]) than in the 2019 cohort (55/111 patients [49.5%]; P = 0.001). Patients in the 2020 cohort showed worse median VA at presentation (1.00 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR; Snellen equivalent, 20/200] in 2020 vs. 0.48 logMAR [Snellen equivalent, 20/60] in 2019; P = 0.008), fewer patients sought treatment within 1 day of symptoms (16/80 patients [19.5%] in 2020 vs. 41/106 patients [36.9%] in 2019; P = 0.005), and a greater proportion demonstrated primary PVR (11/82 patients [13.4%] in 2020 vs. 5/111 patients [4.5%] in 2019; P = 0.03). In multivariate analysis, younger age (P = 0.03) and established patient status (P = 0.02) were independent predictors of macula-on status in the 2020 cohort. Conclusions Patients with primary RRD during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic were less likely to have macula-on disease and more likely to delay seeking treatment and to show worse vision and PVR.
Using next generation sequencing of alpine plants to improve fecal metabarcoding diet analysis for Dall's sheep.

Dall’s sheep (Ovis dalli dalli) are important herbivores in the mountainous ecosystems of northwestern North America, and recent declines in some populations have sparked concern. Our aim was to improve capabilities for fecal metabarcoding diet analysis of Dall’s sheep and other herbivores by contributing new sequence data for arctic and alpine plants. This expanded reference library will provide critical reference sequence data that will facilitate metabarcoding diet analysis of Dall’s sheep and thus improve understanding of plant-animal interactions in a region undergoing rapid climate change. We provide sequences for the chloroplast rbcL gene of 16 arctic-alpine vascular plant species that are known to comprise the diet of Dall’s sheep. These sequences contribute to a growing reference library that can be used in diet studies of arctic herbivores.
Multi-Objective system optimization of a Mars atmospheric ISRU plant for oxygen production

The Mars Oxygen ISRU Experiment (MOXIE) is an instrument traveling to Mars onboard NASA's Perseverance rover. It will demonstrate, for the first time ever, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) on the surface of another celestial body. MOXIE will utilize the carbon dioxide atmosphere of Mars to create oxygen as a demonstration of a planned larger mission. The instrument itself will produce oxygen at roughly 0.5 percent of the scale that would be necessary to support a human mission to Mars. A scaled-up version of MOXIE would be sent to Mars twenty-six months ahead of the first human mission and would aim to produce approximately 3 kg/hr of oxygen while in operation. This production rate would fully fuel the oxidizer portion of a Mars Ascent Vehicle prior to the first crew landing on Mars, which would enable that crew to return to Earth. This is a key capability to reduce mission risk by providing a safe return option on Mars prior to the crew arriving. Additionally, the system could provide oxygen for life support systems and habitation pressure. The intent of this paper is to describe a model that has been created to optimize the design of this scaled ISRU plant. It takes lessons learned from the MOXIE project and combines them with parameters and constraints of a planned human mission to systematically identify optimal design solutions. The extensibility of MOXIE is formulated through a multiobjective optimization problem for early-stage conceptual design. The objective functions minimize the power and mass required to build this ISRU system by changing operating conditions and system architecture while satisfying a set of constraints. The subsystems modeled for this problem include carbon dioxide acquisition and compression (CAC) to compress the Mars atmosphere, solid oxide electrolysis (SOE) to produce oxygen from carbon dioxide, and liquefaction to prepare the oxygen for storage. Additionally, the power, electronics, and heat exchange systems are simulated to capture gas transfer and control mechanisms. The model is built in MATLAB and uses Simulink as a framework. Results from this multiobjective optimization study and an analysis on the scalability of the MOXIE instrument show that an ISRU system that produces 22,717 kg of oxygen over 14 months would have a mass of 7,512 kg and a power requirement of 19,526 W. These results provide NASA and other agencies with an optimized design of a scaled ISRU system and its potential to reduce cost and risk as they prepare for a human mission to Mars.
Catalytic site requirements for N2O decomposition on Cu-, Co-, and Fe-SSZ-13 zeolites

Abstract N2O decomposition is investigated on Cu, Co and Fe-exchanged SSZ-13 zeolite catalysts at relatively low metal loadings. The catalysts are synthesized by solution ion exchange, and subjected to X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-programed-reduction by H2 (H2-TPR), temperature-programed-reaction of N2O (N2O-TPR) coupled with in-situ transmission FTIR, and finally steady-state flow reaction tests. At low N2O pressures (
From Boundary to Bridge and Beyond: The Path to Professionalization of Product Roles in Journalism

New roles in news organizations have emerged supporting media products demonstrating a range of digital features. Along with the requirements of these products come a new set of skills and competen...
Operations research in optimal power flow: A guide to recent and emerging methodologies and applications

Abstract The fields of power system engineering and operations research are growing rapidly and becoming increasingly entwined. This survey aims to strengthen the connections between the two communities by introducing specific power systems problems and the theoretical operations research approaches implemented to address them in recent years. It discusses a number of optimal power flow applications including expansion planning, regular operation, markets, network resiliency, and unit commitment.
Iron Complexes of a Proton-Responsive SCS PincerLigand with Sensitive Electronic Structure

SCS pincer ligands have an interesting combination of strong-field and weak-field donors that is also present in the nitrogenase active site. Here, we explore the electronic structures of iron(II) and iron(III) complexes with such a pincer ligand, bearing a monodentate phosphine, thiolate S donor, amide N donor, ammonia, or CO. The ligand scaffold features a protonresponsive thioamide site, and the protonation state of the ligand greatly influences the reduction potential of iron in the phosphine complex. The N–H bond dissociation free energy can be quantitated as 56 ± 2 kcal/mol. EPR spectroscopy and SQUID magnetometry measurements show that the iron(III) complexes with S and N as the fourth donors have an intermediate spin (S = 3/2) ground state with large zero field splitting, and X-ray absorption spectra show high Fe–S covalency. The Mossbauer spectrum changes drastically with the position of a nearby alkali metal cation in the iron(III) amido complex, and DFT calculations explain this phenomenon through a change between having the doubly-occupied orbital as dz2 or dyz, as the former is more influenced by the nearby positive charge.
Activity and diet of bats in conventional versus organic apple orchards in southern Michigan

Organic farming practices have been suggested as a conservation strategy that can provide productive foraging sites for insectivorous bats in agricultural areas. We tested the hypothesis that the number and diversity of insects captured and the resulting activity and diet of bats would differ between organic and conventional apple orchards. During the summer of 2009 and 2010, we captured 131 Big Brown Bats ( Eptesicus fuscus ) and five Eastern Red Bats ( Lasiurus borealis ) by mist netting in four organic and four conventional orchards in Michigan. Acoustic monitoring revealed that most calls (59%) were produced by Big Brown Bats, followed by Hoary Bats ( L. cinereus ), Eastern Red Bats, and unidentified species of Myotis . Most insects (96%) captured in light traps were Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, and Trichoptera; fecal analysis indicated that Coleoptera dominated the diet of Big Brown Bats (79% by volume), followed by Diptera (14%). There were no significant differences between organic and conventional orchards in number of insects captured with light traps, bats captured with mist nets, acoustic recordings of bats, or proportion of Coleoptera and Diptera consumed by the bats. However, the taxonomic composition of captured insects and acoustic recordings was not homogenous among orchards in either group, suggesting that factors other than farming practices were more important in determining which insects and bats were found in the small orchards typical of southern Michigan.
Mass Impacts on Fuel Economies of Conventional vs. Hybrid Electric Vehicles

The strong correlation between vehicle weight and fuel economy for conventional vehicles (CVs) is considered common knowledge, and the relationship of mass reduction to fuel consumption reduction for conventional vehicles (CVs) is often cited without separating effects of powertrain vs. vehicle body (glider), nor on the ground of equivalent vehicle performance level. This paper challenges the assumption that this relationship is easily summarized. Further, for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) the relationship between mass, performance and fuel consumption is not the same as for CVs, and vary with hybrid types. For fully functioning (all wheel regeneration) hybrid vehicles, where battery pack and motor(s) have enough power and energy storage, a very large fraction of kinetic energy is recovered and engine idling is effectively eliminated. This paper assesses two important impacts of shifting from conventional to hybrid vehicles in terms of the mass vs. fuel economy relationship - (1) significant improvements in fuel economy with little or no change in mass, and (2) once a switch to hybrid powertrains has been made, the effectiveness of mass reduction in improving fuel economy will be diminished relative to conventional vehicles. In this paper, we discuss vehicle tractive load breakdowns and impacts of hybridization onmore » vehicle efficiency, discuss capture of kinetic energy by conversion to electrical energy via regenerative braking, assess benefits of shutting off the engine when the vehicle does not require power, and investigate energy losses associated with vehicle mass.« less
Knowledge-based assistants in collaborative engineering

Collaborative engineering requires the exchange and use of design information in a multidisciplinary team with time and space separations among the designers over the course of the design process. A challenge to effective collaboration is the delivery of existing knowledge to the time and place required. Upstream communication is necessary when participants later in the sequence, such as the construction team, possess information needed by those earlier in the sequence, such as the design team. For separate entities sequentially performing design and construction, knowledge-based assistants can provide such essential information as relative costs of construction choices when the construction partner is not yet identified. For a single entity team performing design-build, knowledge-based assistants can provide consistent and thorough implementation of design choices considering cross-disciplinary and construction issues. Steel building design/fabrication/ construction serves as an example to provide specific context for discussion of the use of knowledge-based assistants with emphasis on upstream communication of design information. Cost savings are used to measure the value of such knowledge-based assistants. Knowledge-based assistants encapsulating cross-disciplinary knowledge can also be used to assist in design situations encountered on a semi-regular basis by a design organization but infrequently by an individual designer. Cases and rules in combination can give designers guidance based on pooled organization experience. Such use of knowledge-based assistants is briefly illustrated for 1) steel bridge fabrication error resolution and 2) repair of fatigue damage found for in-service bridges.
The reaction (π+, π+d) on 6Li and 12C

Abstract We have measured the angular and momentum distributions of the scattered pions from the reactions 6 Li (π + , π + d ) 4 He and 12 C (π + , π + d ) 10 B in a coincidence experiment. We compare our results with two models based on the impulse approximation: a “one-step model” in which it is assumed that a pair of nucleons with a close spatial correlation is ejected simultaneously, and a “two-step model” in which it is assumed that the incident pion interacts with a single nucleon which then picks up a second nucleon of appropriate charge to form a deuteron. In the case of 6Li both models give almost identical results and describe the shapes of the measured angular and momentum distributions well. In the case of 12C the two-step model agrees more nearly with the experimental results.
Vitamin B-6 Status of Women with a Constant Intake of Vitamin B-6 Changes with Three Levels of Dietary Protein

To determine the effect of varying levels of dietary protein with a constant intake of vitamin B-6 (B-6) on B-6 status, nine women were fed diets providing daily intakes of 1.25 mg B-6 and 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g protein/kg body weight. After an 8-d adjustment period, the women consumed each level of dietary protein for 14 d in a Latin-square design. Several direct and indirect B-6 status indicators were measured in blood and urine. Significant differences among protein levels were found for urinary 4-pyridoxic acid (4-PA) excretion (P < 0.01), plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) concentration (P < 0.05), and urinary excretion of volatile amines (VA, kynurenine plus acetylkynurenine) after a 2-g L-tryptophan load (P < 0.05). Nitrogen intake was significantly negatively correlated with urinary 4-PA excretion (r = -0.619, P < 0.001) and plasma PLP concentration (r = -0.549, P < 0.01), and positively correlated with erythrocyte alanine aminotransferase percentage stimulation (r = 0.418, P < 0.05) and urinary post-tryptophan load excretion of xanthurenic acid (r = 0.535, P < 0.05), kynurenic acid (r = 0.563, P < 0.05) and VA (r = 0.626, P < 0.01). Compared with men consuming diets with similar B-6 to protein ratios in a previous study, the women excreted a greater percentage of the B-6 intake as 4-PA, had lower plasma PLP concentrations and excreted greater amounts of postload urinary tryptophan metabolites at all three protein levels. If the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin B-6 is to be based on the dietary B-6 to protein ratio, gender differences in response to varying protein intakes should be considered. For the levels of protein intake used in this study and a B-6 intake of 1.25 mg/d, a B-6 to protein ratio of greater than 0.020 mg/g is required for adequate vitamin B-6 status in women.
Matrix integrated magnetics (MIM) for low voltage, interleaved DC-DC converters

In this paper, we present the application of the matrix integrated magnetics (MIM) core to an interleaved current doubler rectifier (ICDR) controlled according to the symmetric modulation scheme. Detailed modeling and design equations that describe the effect, due to magnetic coupling, of integrating the magnetics of two CDRs on a single core structure on the currents and fluxes are presented. Comparative analyses between an ICDR using a MIM core and two EI-cores and a CDR using a single EI-core for a 48 V-3.3 V/100 W DC-DC converter design example show that the MIM core can be effectively used for the ICDR providing substantial benefits over a dual EI-18 core solution or a single EI-22 core. Preliminary experimental results from a 100 W, 48 V-3.3 V ICDR laboratory prototype demonstrating the validity of the MIM core structure for this application are presented.
Impact of pediatric epilepsy on sleep patterns and behaviors in children and parents

Summary Purpose: Disrupted sleep patterns in children with epilepsy and their parents are commonly described clinically. A number of studies have shown increased frequency of sleep disorders among pediatric epilepsy patients; however, few have characterized the association between epilepsy and parental sleep quality and household sleeping arrangements. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of pediatric epilepsy on child sleep, parental sleep and fatigue, and parent-child sleeping arrangements, including room sharing and cosleeping. Methods: Parents of children 2 to 10 years of age with and without epilepsy completed written questionnaires assessing seizure history, child and parent sleep, and household sleeping arrangements. Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) scores were used to evaluate sleep disturbances for the child. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Iowa Fatigue Scale (IFS) were used to evaluate parental sleep and fatigue, respectively. The Early Childhood Epilepsy Severity Scale (E-Chess) was used to assess epilepsy severity. Key Findings: One hundred five households with a child with epilepsy and 79 controls participated in this study. Households with a child with epilepsy reported increased rates of both parent–child room sharing (p < 0.001) and cosleeping (p = 0.005) compared to controls. Children with epilepsy were found to have greater sleep disturbance by total CSHQ score (p < 0.001) and the following subscores: parasomnias (p < 0.001), night wakings (p < 0.001), sleep duration (p < 0.001), daytime sleepiness (<0.001), sleep onset delay (p = 0.009), and bedtime resistance (p = 0.023). Parents of children with epilepsy had increased sleep dysfunction (p = 0.005) and were more fatigued (p < 0.001). Severity of epilepsy correlated positively with degree of child sleep dysfunction (0.192, p = 0.049), parental sleep dysfunction (0.273, p = 0.005), and parental fatigue (0.324, p = 0.001). Antiepileptic drug polytherapy was predictive of greater childhood sleep disturbances. Nocturnal seizures were associated with parental sleep problems, whereas room sharing and cosleeping behavior were associated with child sleep problems. Within the epilepsy cohort, 69% of parents felt concerned about night seizures and 44% reported feeling rested rarely or never. Finally, 62% of parents described decreased sleep quality and/or quantity with cosleeping. Significance: Pediatric epilepsy can significantly affect sleep patterns for both the affected child and his or her parents. Parents frequently room share or cosleep with their child, adaptations which may have detrimental effects for many households. Clinicians must not only be attentive to the sleep issues occurring in pediatric patients with epilepsy, but also for the household as a whole. These data provide evidence of a profound clinical need for improved epilepsy therapeutics and the development of nocturnal seizure monitoring technologies.