cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Functional Morphology of the Putative Injecting Apparatus of Speleonectes Tanumekes (Remipedia)

Abstract Ever since the first individuals of the class Remipedia were discovered, it has been suggested that these animals are capable of injecting their prey with a venomous or digestive substance using the fang on their maxillules. In this study, we investigate the functional morphology of the putative injecting apparatus of Speleonectes tanumekes. Serial sectioning of specimens shows a pair of well-developed glands in the anterior part of the trunk. Spatial interpretations of serial sections suggest that extensions of the glandular cells collectively continue as ducts that lead to the distal segments of the maxillules where a complex of apodemal muscles, associated with a bulbous reservoir, serve to facilitate injection. Different components of the supposedly injectable substance appear to be separated throughout the apparatus.
Controlling the Connections of Cells to the Biofilm Matrix

The importance of cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) and its control of biofilm matrix assembly and production has been a focal point of researchers in recent history. In this issue, Cooley et al. (Cooley RB, Smith TJ, Leung W, Tierney V, Borlee BR, O'Toole GA, Sondermann H, J Bacteriol 198:66-77, http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JB.00369-15) demonstrate that two c-di-GMP controlled features of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the periplasmic protease LapG and the surface adhesin CdrA, are linked. CdrA is shown to be a substrate of LapG, with LapG activity controlled by intracellular c-di-GMP levels. This commentary discusses the significance of this finding.
In veterans with PTSD, mindfulness-based group therapy reduced symptom severity

Source Citation Polusny MA, Erbes CR, Thuras P, et al. Mindfulness-based stress reduction for posttraumatic stress disorder among veterans: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2015;314:456-65. 26241597
Clinical Effects of Infusions Into Chimpanzees of Primed Autologous Cultured T-Cells

As a model to study the possible early side effects of cultured T-cells (CTC) as a potential for adoptive cellular immunotherapy of human tumors, chimpanzees received iv infusions of 10(9) autologous, mixed lymphocyte culture-primed CTC. Complete blood counts, urinalyses, chest X-rays, blood chemistries, and serum immunoelectrophoresis were normal, and serologic studies were negative throughout the 3 weeks of observation. Serial transaminase levels were followed in 2 chimps, and mild increases in serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase were seen in both and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase in 1 at 24 hours following each CTC infusion, but the levels returned to normal within 7 days. A liver biopsy specimen was normal. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis of cells incubated with day 28 serum revealed weak labeling of only phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated lymphoblasts and of CTC, suggesting that a weak anti-PHA antibody was generated. These studies indicate that infusions of autologous, in vitro-primed CTC are accompanied by little clinical toxicity in the chimp model but that they may be weakly immunogenic.
“To Triumph before Feminine Taste”: Bourgeois Women's Consumption and Hand Methods of Production in Mid-Nineteenth-Century Paris

In this article Professor Walton examines the influence of bourgeois women on industrial production in nineteenth-century Paris. She argues that women, as arbiters of taste and consumers for the family, sought art and originality in manufactured goods, and that their demands in turn fostered handicraft and less skilled hand methods of manufacturing as the best means of providing such goods. By establishing the connections between women's roles and bourgeois demand, and between bourgeois demand and hand manufacturing, this study offers a new perspective on the persistence of hand production in France.
OCCURRENCE OF 2-HYDROXY FATTY ACIDS IN ANIMAL TISSUES.

The contents of 2-hydroxy fatty acids in rat spleen, kidney, lung, sciatic nerve, and skin, and in bovine plasma, were determined by a copper precipitation method, and the proportions of the various hydroxy acids were determined by gas-liquid chromatography. It was observed that there are two groups of hydroxy acids, short chain (16h:0 as major component) and long chain (24h:0 as major component). The relative proportions of the two groups varied with the tissue. No 2-hydroxy acids could be found in liver and epididymal fat. The 2-hydroxy acids of brain are not liberated by mild alkali and therefore occur only in amide linkage. The amide-bound fatty acids of brain gangliosides and sphingomyelin account for none, or only a very small fraction, of the total brain hydrosy acids.
Effects of Recent Instability on Cultivated Area Along the Euphrates River in Iraq

We used MODIS NDVI data to determine whether there was a significant change in cultivated area along the Euphrates River in Iraq after the Iraq War compared to before and during the war. Results revealed that mean cultivated area was largest during the pre–Iraq War period (2000–2003) with 99,115 Mha, reduced some during the early Iraq War period (2003–2006) to 83,480 Mha, reduced even further during the late Iraq War period (2007–2011) to 53,813 Mha due to drought, and increased slightly during the post–Iraq War period (2012–2015) to 69,161 Mha, although not returning to previous highs of the pre–Iraq War or early Iraq War periods. Statistical analysis with the Kruskal–Wallis test revealed that the small cultivated area during the post–Iraq War period was more closely related to the late Iraq War and drought period than previous periods, indicating that recent instability, such as political turmoil following the departure of U.S. troops, violent militant extremism, lack of economic investment, and environ...
Biomimetic flexible plate actuators are faster and more efficient with a passive attachment

Using three-dimensional computer simulations, we probe biomimetic free swimming of an internally actuated flexible plate in the regime near the first natural frequency. The plate is driven by an oscillating internal moment approximating the actuation mechanism of a piezoelectric macro fiber composite (MFC) bimorph. We show in our simulations that the addition of a passive attachment increases both swimming velocity and efficiency. Specifically, if the active and passive sections are of similar size, the overall performance is the best. We determine that this optimum is a result of two competing factors. If the passive section is too large, then the actuated portion is unable to generate substantial deflection to create sufficient thrust. On the other hand, a large actuated section leads to a bending pattern that is inefficient at generating thrust especially at higher frequencies.
Light-Driven Water Splitting with a Molecular Electroassembly-Based Core/Shell Photoanode

An electrochemical procedure for preparing chromophore-catalyst assemblies on oxide electrode surfaces by reductive vinyl coupling is described. On core/shell SnO2/TiO2 nanoparticle oxide films, excitation of the assembly with 1 sun (100 mW cm–2) illumination in 0.1 M H2PO4–/HPO42– at pH 7 with an applied bias of 0.4 V versus SCE leads to water splitting in a DSPEC with a Pt cathode. Over a 5 min photolysis period, the core/shell photoanode produced O2 with a faradaic efficiency of 22%. Instability of the surface bound chromophore in its oxidized state in the phosphate buffer leads to a gradual decrease in photocurrent and to the relatively modest faradaic efficiencies.
Shiitake Mushroom Dermatitis: A Review

Shiitake mushroom dermatitis is a cutaneous reaction caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked shiitake mushrooms. Symptoms include linear erythematous eruptions with papules, papulovesicles or plaques, and severe pruritus. It is likely caused by lentinan, a heat-inactivated beta-glucan polysaccharide. Cases were initially reported in Japan but have now been documented in other Asian countries, North America, South America, and Europe, as this mushroom is now cultivated and consumed worldwide. Shiitake mushroom dermatitis may result from mushroom ingestion or from handling, which can result in an allergic contact dermatitis.
Does bicycle network level of traffic stress (LTS) explain bicycle travel behavior? Mixed results from an Oregon case study

Abstract This paper draws on census data, mode choice, and regional household travel survey data to investigate the relationship between the varying levels of traffic stress (LTS) routes and bicycle travel behavior. Specifically, does bicycle level of traffic stress explain bicycle behavior enough to warrant its use given the limitations? Bicycle level of traffic stress is a new system of bicycle infrastructure classification for cities that cannot afford existing alternatives such as bicycle level of service which is more data-intensive. The LTS criteria lacks many of the input variables found significant in predicting both route choice and mode choice, including several that are required for its more expensive alternatives. The authors select the Salem-Keizer metropolitan area, a case study representative of the kinds of small and medium-sized communities that may prefer to use the LTS to evaluate cycling infrastructure given its lower input costs. The results validate LTS on travel behavior data from the Oregon Household Activity Survey (OHAS), but not mode choice data from the American Community Survey (ACS). These results suggest the LTS criteria may not be useful for cities looking to prioritize infrastructure improvements for specifically increasing commuter cycling. That said, results suggest the system provides a valid measure of a household's propensity to cycle. Further research on a broader cross-section of communities can clarify these mixed results.
Genetic influences on functional connectivity associated with feedback processing and prediction error: Phase coupling of theta-band oscillations in twins

Abstract Detection and evaluation of the mismatch between the intended and actually obtained result of an action (reward prediction error) is an integral component of adaptive self-regulation of behavior. Extensive human and animal research has shown that evaluation of action outcome is supported by a distributed network of brain regions in which the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays a central role, and the integration of distant brain regions into a unified feedback-processing network is enabled by long-range phase synchronization of cortical oscillations in the theta band. Neural correlates of feedback processing are associated with individual differences in normal and abnormal behavior, however, little is known about the role of genetic factors in the cerebral mechanisms of feedback processing. Here we examined genetic influences on functional cortical connectivity related to prediction error in young adult twins (age 18, n = 399) using event-related EEG phase coherence analysis in a monetary gambling task. To identify prediction error-specific connectivity pattern, we compared responses to loss and gain feedback. Monetary loss produced a significant increase of theta-band synchronization between the frontal midline region and widespread areas of the scalp, particularly parietal areas, whereas gain resulted in increased synchrony primarily within the posterior regions. Genetic analyses showed significant heritability of frontoparietal theta phase synchronization (24 to 46%), suggesting that individual differences in large-scale network dynamics are under substantial genetic control. We conclude that theta-band synchronization of brain oscillations related to negative feedback reflects genetically transmitted differences in the neural mechanisms of feedback processing. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence for genetic influences on task-related functional brain connectivity assessed using direct real-time measures of neuronal synchronization.
A quick reference on high anion gap metabolic acidosis

High anion gap (AG) metabolic acidoses can be identified by a decrease in pH, decrease in HCO3- or base excess, and an increased AG. The AG represents the difference between unmeasured cations and unmeasured anions; it increases secondary to the accumulation of anions other than bicarbonate and chloride. The most common causes of high AG acidosis are renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, and lactic acidosis. Severe increases in concentration of phosphorus can cause hyperphosphatemic acidosis.
Interpreting Contracts via Surveys and Experiments

Interpreting the language of contracts is the most common and least satisfactory task courts perform in contract disputes. This article proposes to take much of this task out of the hands of lawyers and judges, entrusting it instead to the public. The article develops and tests a novel regime — the “survey interpretation method” — in which interpretation disputes are resolved though large surveys of representative respondents, by choosing the meaning that a majority supports. The article demonstrates the rich potential under this method to examine variations of the contractual language that could have made an intended meaning clearer. A similar survey regime has been applied successfully in trademark and unfair competition law to interpret precontractual messages, and the article shows how it could be extended to interpret contractual texts. To demonstrate the technique, the article applies the survey interpretation method to five real cases in which courts struggled to interpret contracts. It then provides normative, pragmatic, and doctrinal supports for the proposed regime.
DeepEM3D: approaching human-level performance on 3D anisotropic EM image segmentation.

Motivation Progress in 3D electron microscopy (EM) imaging has greatly facilitated neuroscience research in high-throughput data acquisition. Correspondingly, high-throughput automated image analysis methods are necessary to work on par with the speed of data being produced. One such example is the need for automated EM image segmentation for neurite reconstruction. However, the efficiency and reliability of current methods are still lagging far behind human performance. Results Here, we propose DeepEM3D, a deep learning method for segmenting 3D anisotropic brain electron microscopy images. In this method, the deep learning model can efficiently build feature representation and incorporate sufficient multi-scale contextual information. We propose employing a combination of novel boundary map generation methods with optimized model ensembles to address the inherent challenges of segmenting anisotropic images. We evaluated our method by participating in the 3D segmentation of neurites in EM images (SNEMI3D) challenge. Our submission is ranked #1 on the current leaderboard as of Oct 15, 2016. More importantly, our result was very close to human-level performance in terms of the challenge evaluation metric: namely, a Rand error of 0.06015 versus the human value of 0.05998. Availability and implementation The code is available at https://github.com/divelab/deepem3d/. Contact sji@eecs.wsu.edu. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Flame spread limits (LOC) of fire resistant fabrics

Abstract Selecting fabrics based on their fire resistance is important for professions with substantial fire risk such as firefighters, race car drivers, and astronauts suits. Generally, fire resistant materials are tested under standard atmospheric conditions. However, their flammability properties can change when the ambient conditions deviate from standard atmospheric conditions. Particularly in high altitude locations, aircraft, and spacecraft, the pressure and oxygen concentrations are different than in a standard atmosphere. Also, the presence of external radiation (i.e. overheating component or nearby fire) can reduced the fire resistance of a material. In this work, an experimental study was conducted to analyze the influence of environmental variables such as oxygen concentration, ambient pressure, and external radiant heat flux on the flame spread limits of two different fire resistant fabrics: Nomex HT90-40 and a blend made of Cotton/Nylon/Nomex. Ambient pressure was varied between 40 and 100 kPa and ambient oxygen concentrations were decreased until the Limiting Oxygen Concentration (LOC), limiting conditions which would permit flame propagation, were found. Experiments were conducted using no external radiant flux or a radiant flux of 5 kW/m 2 to examine the influence of the presence of a nearby heat source. Among the results, it was found that as ambient pressure is reduced the oxygen concentration required for the flame to propagate must be increased. The external radiant heat flux acts as an additional source of heat and allows propagation of the flame at lower oxygen concentrations. An analysis of the propagation limits in terms of the partial pressure of oxygen suggest that the LOC of a material is not only determined by heat transfer mechanisms but also by chemical kinetic mechanisms. The information provided in this work helps characterize increased flammability risk of materials when in environments different from the standard atmospheric conditions at which they are typically tested.
Neuronal Control of Salt Sensitivity: Role of Sensory and Sympathetic Nerves

18 Neonatal degeneration of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves renders a rat responsive to a salt load with an increase in blood pressure and a decrease in natriuretic response (Wang, et al, Hypertension 1998;32:649-653). To test the hypothesis that the sympathetic nervous system contributes to the development of salt sensitive hypertension induced by sensory denervation, newborn Wistar rats were given 50mg/kg capsaicin and/or 80mg/kg guanethidine s.c.. Control rats were treated with vehicle. After the weaning period, male rats were grouped as the following and given high sodium diet (4%) for 2 weeks: capsaicin and guanethidine co-administration (CAP-GUA), capsaicin only (CAP), guanethidine only (GUA), and vehicle control (CON). Norepinephrine concentrations in the atrium were significantly lower in CAP-GUA and GUA than in CON rats (p
Random Graph Models and the Limits of Scalability in Ad Hoc and Sensor Networks

It is generally expected that ad hoc and sensor networks will ultimately grow very large. On the other hand, most existing mathematical models on their fundamental limits point in the opposite direction – they predict that these networks will become essentially unable to usefully operate if they grow extremely large. Various models point out asymptotically either the per node throughput approaches zero or the expected delay grows to infinity or the network almost surely loses connectivity, etc. It is a rather paradoxical situation that, on the one hand, the ad hoc and sensor networking research community believes in scalability, while, on the other hand, their mathematical models apparently invalidate it. We analyze this “scalability paradox” and propose a common generalization of the various random graph models to exhibit a feature that is present in virtually all situations where the scalability breakdown occurs. The expectation of scalability is a natural motivation to explore the asymptotic behavior of ad hoc and sensor networks via appropriate mathematical models. This analysis can help finding out what are the fundamental limits, that is, in principle, what can and what cannot be accomplished if the network grows extremely large. Research interest in the fundamental limits had an upsurge after the publication of the seminal paper of Gupta and Kumar [10] on the capacity of wireless networks. Many results followed on how much traffic can an ad hoc network support in different modes of operation, which values of local parameters can guarantee global connectivity, what can topology control principally achieve, etc., see, e.g., [1,8,9,11,12,15,16,17,20,21,22,24,25,26,27,28,29] and a large number of others.
POSTER: Bridging the Gap Between Deep Learning and Sparse Matrix Format Selection

In this work, we conduct a systematic exploration on the promise and challenges of deep learning for the sparse matrix format selection. We propose a set of novel techniques to solve special challenges to deep learning, including input matrix representations, a late-merging deep neural network structure design, and the use of transfer learning to alleviate cross-architecture portability issues.
Abstract 20539: Difference of Energy Expenditure While Standing versus Sitting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Replacing sitting with standing is one of several recommendations giving to people to decrease sedentary time, but the EE difference of standing vs. sitting has been controversial. We...
Chemogenetic Activation of Prefrontal Cortex Rescues Synaptic and Behavioral Deficits in a Mouse Model of 16p11.2 Deletion Syndrome

Microdeletion of the human 16p11.2 gene locus has been linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability and confers risk for a number of other neurodevelopmental deficits. Transgenic mice carrying 16p11.2 deletion (16p11+/-) display phenotypes reminiscent of those in human patients with 16p11.2 deletion syndrome, but the molecular mechanisms and treatment strategies for these phenotypes remain unknown. In this study, we have found that both male and female 16p11+/- mice exhibit deficient NMDA receptor (NMDAR) function in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a brain region critical for high-level "executive" functions. Elevating the activity of mPFC pyramidal neurons with a CaMKII-driven Gq-DREADD (Gq-coupled designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs) led to the significant increase of NR2B subunit phosphorylation and the restoration of NMDAR function, as well as the amelioration of cognitive and social impairments in 16p11+/- mice. These results suggest that NMDAR hypofunction in PFC may contribute to the pathophysiology of 16p11.2 deletion syndrome and that restoring PFC activity is sufficient to rescue the behavioral deficits.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The 16p11.2 deletion syndrome is strongly associated with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Using a mouse model carrying the 16p11.2 deletion, 16p11+/-, we identified NMDA receptor hypofunction in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Elevating the activity of PFC pyramidal neurons with a chemogenetic tool, Gq-DREADD, led to the restoration of NMDA receptor function and the amelioration of cognitive and social impairments in 16p11+/- mice. These results have revealed a novel route for potential therapeutic intervention of 16p11.2 deletion syndrome.
Paramagnetic defects in hydrothermally grown few-layered MoS 2 nanocrystals

In the recent past, two-dimensional (2D) nanocrystalline (NC) transition metal dichalcogenides such as MoS2 received a great deal of attention due to their extraordinary physical properties. There has been a great interest to study the defects present in MoS2 NCs, which alter the material’s catalytic, electrical, and magnetic properties. This work reports paramagnetic point defects present in the hydrothermally grown 2H-MoS2 NCs. X-band electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy has been used to identify the defects which contain unpaired electron spins in the as-prepared and Ar-annealed MoS2 NCs. At least seven ESR signals were detected originating from four inequivalent paramagnetic defect sites such as adsorbed oxygen species, sulfur vacancies, thio-, and oxo-Mo5+. Upon Ar-annealing, most of these defects did not survive, instead conduction ESR signal was observed. This work signifies the importance of employing ESR spectroscopy and broadens the knowledge in identifying the atomic defects in MoS2 NCs.
Fuel Resistance Asphalt Binder: Mixing Procedure and Fuel Damage Resistance

Most of the biopolymers are made from animal waste. Animal waste is treated and converted in a form of glue generally known as Hide Glue or Bone Glue (BG), which is prepared from animal protein. This study focusses of developing fuel resistant asphalt using biopolymers i.e. protein based polymers. A procedure to develop fuel resistant asphalt for commercial use and its performance evaluation was conducted in this study. Mixing procedure of BG was evaluated and refined and multiple fuel resistance tests were performed to evaluate the impact of bone glue modification on resistance to fuel of neat binder. It was determined that BG-binder mixing equipment developed in earlier studies was appropriate. Optimum BG dosage to develop FRA was found to be higher than the BG dosage recommended in earlier studies to develop mechanistically better performing asphalt binder. Fuel solubility resistance test was used to select the optimum BG dosage. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy results proved that water was completely evaporated using the mixing procedure developed for the preparation of FRA. Fuel damage resistance test revealed that BG modification not only improved the intermediate to high temperature characteristics of the neat binder but outperformed the conventional polymer modified asphalt binder in resistance to fuel damage.
Intentional collaboration, predictable complicity, and proactive prevention: U.S. schools’ ethical responsibilities in slowing the school-to-deportation pipeline

In the United States, constitutional and statutory law reinforce the right of all children to receive an education, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status. In a time of heightened an...
Toward Detection of Distribution System Faulted Line Sections in Real Time: A Mixed Integer Linear Programming Approach

With smart fault indicators (SFIs) being widely deployed in distribution networks, availability of SFIs statuses and their current measurement provides an opportunity to locate distribution system faulted line sections in real time. However, the integrity of SFIs data together with complex fault scenarios poses a challenge for fault diagnosis, especially with the presence of distributed generators (DGs). To solve this issue, this paper proposes a new method based on mixed integer linear programming (MILP) for identification of the faulted line sections using incomplete and incorrect SFIs statuses. By minimizing the discrepancy between the expected SFI statuses and the available evidence at the distribution operating center, the proposed approach is able to handle complex fault scenarios with multiple faults and failures or malfunctions of SFIs. When DGs are present, the current measurement of SFIs and their statuses are jointly used. The result is a robust algorithm for detection of faulted line sections of distribution systems with DGs in real time. In addition, a new technique is proposed to convert nonlinear logical constraints into a linear combination of decision variables. The resulting linearity of the developed optimization model ensures its optimality. Simulation results based on a utility feeder demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Pre-Transplant and Peri-d100 Gastrointestinal Dysbiosis Is Associated with the Subsequent Development of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Chronic GVHD affects ∼50% of long-term survivors of allo-HCT, and is the leading cause of mortality in patients who survive to two years. Unlike aGVHD, cGVHD pathology is fibrotic and shares features with the autoimmune conditions Sjogrens syndrome and systemic sclerosis. Gastrointestinal microbiota signatures have been associated with these conditions, and we thus hypothesized that the configuration of microbial communities would also be associated with cGVHD, and may serve as predictive biomarkers or offer mechanistic insights into cGVHD pathogenesis. We identified a cohort of 55 cGVHD patients, confirmed by formal clinical consensus (NIH criteria), transplanted at MSKCC from 2013-2017. The majority received unmodified PBSC (60%) with the remainder receiving CD34-selected (20%), and marrow or cord-blood grafts (20%). 532 stool samples from 55 cGVHD cases were compared with 1462 samples from 165 controls (matched for graft source). Median cGVHD onset was d194. Patient characteristics in the cases and controls were equivalent, including rate of aGVHD prior to day 100 (55% vs 46%; p = 0.27). In addition, we compared the cGVHD cases with an independent cohort of patients with Gr3-4 aGVHD (n = 71 patients, contributing 835 samples), and an additional control group (matched for graft-source, n = 213 patients, 1786 samples) who remained GVHD-free. All stool samples underwent 16S-targeted sequencing on the Illumina platform. In addition, available peri-d100 samples underwent shotgun metagenomic sequencing (cGVHD, n = 9; controls, n = 25). There were no differences in a-diversity as a function of time peri-HCT, nor did we observe clustering of community characteristics in tSNE-space, or differences using the linear discriminant effect size (LEfSE) pipeline when we specifically examined samples collected pre-transplant, peri-engraftment, or peri-d100. In contrast, a set of genera reported to be enriched in intestinal communities of patients with autoimmune diseases were selected for targeted analysis and revealed higher relative abundance in Prevotella prior to HCT in cGVHD cases (case vs source-matched control p Here, we report for the first time, intestinal microbial signatures that are associated with cGVHD and are identifiable pre-HCT and peri-d100. The cGVHD-associated dysbiosis we have identified may have value as both a biomarker for cGVHD risk and mechanistic relevance.
Numerical Solution of Diffusion Problems with Non-Local Free Boundary Conditions

Among the many numerical methods proposed for elliptic and parabolic free boundary problems only front tracking has sufficient flexibility to tackle boundary value problems which do not necessarily have a natural fixed domain equivalent (such as an enthalpy or variational inequality formulation). A particular front tracking method for problems with regular free boundaries is the sequentially one-dimensional approach based on a method of lines discretization of elliptic and time-discretized parabolic equations and the numerical solution of the resulting system of ordinary differential equations with a line iterative sweep method. As has been demonstrated repeatedly, if the free boundary is geometrically simple then this approach can handle problems of considerable mathematical complexity. A recent exposition of this method with model problems from laminar flame theory and non-equilibrium phase transition (the Stefan problem with a Gibbs-Thomson interface condition) may be found in [3]. It is the purpose of this paper to illustrate that the same formalism can be applied to solve a class of free boundary problems where the boundary condition involves a functional of the whole free boundary. As will be seen, algorithmically, the proposed sequentially one-dimensional method takes little note of globally defined free boundary conditions.
DYSCULTURAL ANXIETY REACTION; A CASE STUDY.

The proposition is presented that social and cultural factors are pathogenic agents in the production of some psychiatric disorders and must be so handled in the nomenclature of the disease. In order to do this, one must develop recognition of social psychiatric syndromes. One such syndrome is developed by case illustration here, and it is analyzed from the psychodynamic, cultural and social point of view. In this particular syndrome, “dyscultural anxiety reaction,” the term not only encompasses pathogenic environmental forces, but also points toward possible avenues for therapy.
Rooting Softwood Cuttings of Leyland Cypress Outdoors Under Shade

Abstract Stem cuttings of Leyland cypress [x Cupressocyparis leylandii (A.B. Jacks. & Dallim.) Dallim. & A.B. Jacks], were rooted to determine the effect of A) date of collection, rooting substrate, and mist frequency, B) auxin formulation and concentration, C) rooting substrate, D) substrate fertility, and E) type of cutting and auxin concentration. Results were best for misting intervals of 5 to 7 min during the day, but 10 min was also adequate. Rooting was comparable for softwood cuttings collected in late May or late June. Powder and liquid auxin formulations, which both contained indolebutyric acid (IBA), yielded similar results. Cuttings that were more lignified (light tan color) at the bases benefited the most from higher concentrations [≈ 8000 ppm (0.8%)] of IBA in talc, whereas less mature cuttings (green at the bases) rooted in highest percentages with lower concentrations [≈ 3000 ppm (0.3%)]. Rooting was similar in substrates with a peat:perlite ratio (v/v) of 1:1, 1:2, or 1:4, whereas results...
Unique Transcription Factor Functions Regulate Epigenetic and Transcriptional Dynamics During Cardiac Reprogramming

SUMMARY Direct lineage conversion, whereby a somatic cell assumes a new cellular identity, can be driven by ectopic expression of combinations of lineage-enriched transcription factors. To determine the molecular mechanisms by which expression of Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 (GMT) induces direct reprogramming from a cardiac fibroblast toward an induced cardiomyocyte, we performed a comprehensive transcriptomic and epigenomic interrogation of the reprogramming process. Single cell RNA sequencing indicated that a reprogramming trajectory was acquired within 48 hours of GMT introduction, did not require cell division, and was limited mainly by successful expression of GMT. Evaluation of chromatin accessibility by ATAC-seq supported the expression dynamics and revealed widespread chromatin remodeling at early stages of the reprogramming process. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing of each factor alone or in combinations revealed that GMT bind DNA individually and in combination, and that ectopic expression of either Mef2c or Tbx5 is sufficient in some contexts to increase accessibility. We also find evidence for cooperative facilitation and refinement of each factor’s binding in a combinatorial setting. A random-forest classifier that integrated the observed gene expression dynamics with regions of dynamic chromatin accessibility suggested Tbx5 binding is a primary driver of gene expression changes and revealed additional transcription factor motifs co-segregating with reprogramming factor motifs, suggesting new factors that may be involved in the reprogramming process. These results begin to explain the mechanisms by which transcription factors normally expressed in multiple germ layers can function combinatorially to direct lineage conversion.
Long-term ecological changes influence herbivore diversity and abundance inside a protected area in the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem

Abstract Protected areas in sub-Saharan Africa are fast becoming islands on which to conserve biodiversity as surrounding human populations grow exponentially, rangelands become urbanized, and natural habitats are fragmented. The Masai Mara National Reserve in the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem in Kenya is renowned for having one of the highest densities and diversities of large mammals in the world, but may be experiencing negative effects from anthropogenic disturbances (e.g., illegal livestock grazing) within Reserve boundaries. We monitored changes in the diversity and abundance of resident and migratory herbivores in response to temperature, rainfall, the size of the local pastoralist population, the burgeoning infrastructure for tourism, and the number of livestock grazing inside Reserve boundaries in the eastern portion of the Masai Mara over a 26 year period (1988–2013). Using hierarchical models fit in a Bayesian framework, we found that overall diversity and abundance of resident and migrant herbivores declined between 1988 and 2013 in the Talek region, which lies in the northeastern portion of the Reserve. The habitual grazing of livestock within the Reserve's boundaries, as well as both human population growth and the development of tourism infrastructure beside the Reserve, had strong negative correlations with herbivore diversity and with the size of resident and migrant herbivore populations in the Talek region. We also found that rainfall was negatively correlated with the numbers and diversity of resident herbivores, and that temperature was positively correlated with numbers of resident herbivores. We expect herbivore diversity and abundance to continue to decline if current trends in livestock grazing and tourism development continue in the eastern Masai Mara.
Process noise quantification in Kalman filters with application to electrochemical Lithium-ion battery state estimation

Accurate state estimation of Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) can enable improved hybrid and electric vehicles. A Battery Management System (BMS) can use electrochemical models in conjunction with Kalman filter approaches to estimate internal battery states from current and voltage measurements. For Kalman filters, the process noise is assumed to be Gaussian and independent across states, resulting in a diagonal covariance matrix. To the best of our knowledge, these assumptions have never been validated for battery dynamics, nor has any detailed calculation of variance of each model state been presented. This paper proposes a novel method for quantifying process noise in electrochemical battery models that can be generalized to other system applications. The method is derived analytically by mapping a "true" high-fidelity model to a reduced model and comparing differences in concentration states. The electrochemical model used is an enhanced Single Particle Model (eSPM), where parameters were experimentally identified for a Li-NMC cell. An investigation of process noise carried out using the proposed approach shows that the covariance matrix is not diagonal and gaussian only in first approximation (but only for the diagonal terms).
Seasonal masculinities: seasonal labor migration and masculinities in rural western India

AbstractIn this research article, I study seasonal labor migration in rural western India to understand gender negotiations in the course of labor migration. Based on qualitative research conducted...
Ramanujan, quadratic forms, and the sum of three cubes

SummaryThis article shows how, using only basic precalculus tools and a seed such as 33 + 43 + 53 = 63, to generate quadratic-form formulas for the Diophantine equation A3 + B3 + C3 = D3.
Postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy for non-pancreas retroperitoneal tumor resection.

Abstract Introduction Short-term outcomes after distal pancreatectomy (DP) for retroperitoneal (RP) tumors are unknown. We sought to identify rates of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and morbidity after en bloc DP with RP tumor resection. Methods A retrospective review of 43 patients who underwent DP with RP tumor resection (1/2011–12/2017) was performed. Results Seventeen patients had RP sarcoma, 12 renal cell carcinoma, 11 gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and 3 adrenocortical carcinoma. Grade III-IV complications occurred in 7 patients. Grade B POPF occurred in 14 patients, grade C POPF in none, and biochemical leak in 6. Of 22 patients who developed radiographically evident peri-pancreatic fluid collections, 7 required percutaneous drainage. The 90-day readmission rate was 33%. Conclusions DP with RP tumor resection is associated with high rates of clinically relevant POPF compared to historical results for DP for primary pancreatic tumors. Multi-center studies to identify targetable predictors and risk mitigation strategies for POPF in this rare high-risk population are needed.
Emergency trauma providers as equal partners: from "proof of concept" to "outcome parity"

Enmeshment of emergency trauma providers (ETPs) into the United States health-care fabric resulted in the establishment of a formalized surgical critical care fellowship and certification for emergency medicine trainees. The aim of this study was to compare trauma outcomes for surgery-trained providers (STPs) and ETPs at our institution, hypothesizing patient outcome equivalency. We performed an institutional review board-exempt institutional registry review (January 1, 2004 to August 1, 2018), comparing 74 STPs and 6 ETPs. Comparator variables included all-cause mortality, all-cause morbidity, CT imaging studies per provider, time in ED (min), hospital/ICU lengths of stay, ICU admissions, and functional outcomes on discharge. Statistical comparisons included chi-square test for categorical data and analysis of covariance for continuous data (adjustments made for patient age, Injury Severity Score, and trauma mechanism; all P < 0.20). Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05, with an equivalence study design. A total of 33,577 trauma resuscitations were reviewed (32,299 STP-led and 1,278 ETP-led). Except for patient age (STP 50.2 ± 25.9 vs ETP 54.9 ± 25.3 years), Injury Severity Score (8.47 ± 8.14 vs 9.22 ± 8.40), and ICU admissions (16.1% vs 18.8%), we noted no significant intergroup differences. ETPs' performance was equivalent to that of STPs for all primary comparator variables (mortality, morbidity, CT utilization, time in the ED, lengths of stay, and functional outcomes). Incorporation of ETPs into our trauma center resulted in outcome parity between ETPs and STPs, while simultaneously expanding the expertise and experiential diversity within our multidisciplinary team. This study provides support for further incorporation of ETPs as equal partners across the growing network of United States regional trauma centers.
Outcomes of fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair in patients with a solitary functional kidney.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (F-BEVAR) of pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) in patients with a solitary functional kidney (SFK). Methods We analyzed the outcomes of 287 consecutive patients (206 male; mean age, 74 ± 8 years old) enrolled in a prospective nonrandomized study to investigate use of F-BEVAR for treatment of patients with pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms or TAAAs between 2013 and 2018. Outcomes were analyzed in patients with solitary kidney (functional or congenital) and compared with control patients who had two functioning kidneys. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was defined using Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, and End-stage renal disease criteria, and renal function deterioration (RFD) was defined by a decline in estimated glomerular filtration the estimated glomerular filtration rate of more than 30% from baseline. End points included 30-day mortality and major adverse events, AKI, freedom from RFD, and patient survival. Results There where 30 patients (10%) with a SFK and 257 patients with two functioning kidneys. Patients with a SFK were younger and had significantly (P Conclusions Despite the worse baseline renal function, F-BEVAR is safe and effective with nearly identical outcomes in patients with a SFK as compared with patients with two functioning kidneys. Development of postoperative AKI is the most important predictor for RFD.
Usability evaluation of captions for people who are deaf or hard of hearing

Many Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) individuals across the world benefit from various captioning services for accessing information existing in the form of speech. Today, the Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology has the potential to replace the existing human-provided services for captioning due to their lowered cost of operation and ever-increasing accuracy. However, as with most automatic systems, ASR technology is still not fully perfect --- which leads to issues in terms of its trust and acceptance when focusing on building a human-free service of communication for these users. Thus, there is a need for evaluating the usability these systems with the users before deploying them into the real-world. Yet, most researchers lack access to sufficient DHH users for extrinsic, empirical studies of these automatic captioning systems. This articles presents our work on the development of automatic caption quality evaluation metric which we design and validate through studies and real-world observations with DHH users.
Characteristics of Hospitalized Pediatric Coronavirus Disease 2019 Cases in Chicago, Illinois, March-April 2020.

BACKGROUND: To date, no report on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pediatric patients in a large urban center with data on underlying comorbidities and coinfection for hospitalized cases has been published. METHODS: This was a case series of Chicago COVID-19 patients aged 0-17 years reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) from March 5 to April 8, 2020. Enhanced case investigation was performed. χâ2 and Wilcoxon 2-sample tests were used to compare characteristics among hospitalized and nonhospitalized cases. RESULTS: During March 5-April 8, 2020, 6369 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported to CDPH; 64 (1.0%) were among children aged 0-17 years. Ten patients (16%) were hospitalized, and 7 (70%) required intensive care (median length of hospitalization, 4 days [range, 1-14 days]). Reported fever and dyspnea were significantly higher in hospitalized patients than in nonhospitalized patients (9/10 vs 28/54, Pâ =â .04 and 7/10 vs 10/54, Pâ =â .002, respectively). Hospitalized patients were significantly younger than nonhospitalized patients (median, 3.5 years vs 12 years; Pâ =â .03) and all either had an underlying comorbidity or coinfection. Among the 34 unique households with multiple laboratory-confirmed infections, the median number of laboratory-confirmed infections was 2 (range, 2-5), and 31 (91%) households had at least 1 COVID-19-infected adult. For 15 households with available data to assess transmission, 11 (73%) were adult-to-child, 2 (13%) child-to-child, and 2 (13%) child-to-adult. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced case investigation of hospitalized patients revealed that underlying comorbidities and coinfection might have contributed to severe disease. Given frequency of household transmission, healthcare providers should consider alternative dispositional planning for affected families of children living with comorbidities.
Female Athlete Triad Coalition Cumulative Risk Assessment Tool: Proposed alternative scoring strategies

We (i) identified alternative scoring strategies for the Female Athlete Triad Coalition cumulative risk assessment (CRA) tool to be utilized when particular risk factors (bone mineral density (BMD), oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea) cannot be determined; (ii) objectively defined dietary restriction for use in the CRA tool; and (iii) explored proxy measures of energy deficiency. This cross-sectional investigation of exercising women (n = 166) utilized an existing database derived from multiple studies designed to assess health, exercise, and menstrual function. Data from the screening/baseline period of each study included: anthropometrics, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, disordered eating questionnaires, descriptive data, and proxy measures of energy deficiency (total triiodothyronine (TT3) and ratio of measured-to-predicted resting metabolic rate (mRMR/pRMR)). Substituting delayed menarche for BMD was the best-fit replacement resulting in 15 (9%) participants being categorized in different clearance categories. When menstrual status cannot be assessed, such as during hormonal contraceptive use, low energy availability (EA) determined using self-report and disordered eating questionnaires was the best substitution, resulting in 34 (20%) participants being categorized in different clearance categories. Based on original clearance categorizations, the provisional group had lower TT3 (78.3 ± 2.2 ng/dL; 92.7 ± 2.7 ng/dL) and Harris-Benedict mRMR/pRMR (0.85 ± 0.01; 0.90 ± 0.01) than the full group. Until an updated risk assessment tool is developed, delayed menarche can substitute for low BMD and low EA for oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea. Novelty This investigation addresses previous limitations of the Triad CRA tool. Disordered eating questionnaires can be used to objectively identify dietary restriction for the low EA risk factor. When a risk factor cannot be assessed, delayed menarche can substitute for low BMD and low EA for oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea.
Playing with Permadeath

Roguelike permadeath, a game system in which failure is made consequential, is growing increasingly popular within games. This research investigates the impact of permadeath on player perceptions of the surrounding game experiences. In games with complimentary roguelike features, permadeath may improve player satisfaction.