cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Demonstrating the Feasibility of Al as Anode Current Collector in Li-Ion Batteries via In Situ Neutron Depth Profiling

The viability of using aluminum (Al) foil as the anode current collector in Li-ion batteries was demonstrated using in situ neutron depth profiling (NDP). A 500 nm thin Sn film, physical vapor deposited onto an Al foil, was monitored using NDP during lithiation and subsequent delithiation. Results indicate exclusive lithiation of the Sn electrode throughout the 0.05 to 1.00 V vs Li/Li+ range, leaving the Al foil current collector unlithiated even at the low potentials sufficient to lithiate Al. Additionally, 60–80 nm Sn nanoparticles suspended in a polyvinylidine fluoride (PVDF) matrix were cast onto an Al foil current collector and lithiated under constant current (C/6 rate). Results indicate the preferential lithiation of Sn nanoparticles. At lithiation potentials >0.3 V, Al lithiation is avoided even when the current collector is in direct contact with the electrolyte solution.
Self-Efficacy In Online Learning Environments: A Literature Review

The purpose of this paper was to examine the relationship between self-efficacy and online learning environments. Self-efficacy refers to “beliefs in one’s capabilities to organize and execute the courses of action required to produce given attainments” (Bandura, 1997, p. 3). This paper reviews studies on self-efficacy in online learning environments from 1997 to 2015. Three main categories were discussed: computer self-efficacy, Internet and information-seeking self-efficacy and LMS (Learning Management Systems) self-efficacy. Possible areas of research on self-efficacy in online learning environments were suggested.
Structural Assessment and Damage Identification Algorithms Using Binary Data

One of the challenges in structural health monitoring (SHM) is the power required for sensors to collect and communicate data. Self-powered sensors are able to harvest power by from their environment, i.e., strain and vibration of the host structure. However, the harvested power with current technology is still limited and improving the system’s efficiency requires reducing the power budget. A way to minimize the communication power demand is to transmit the minimum amount of information, namely one bit. The binary signal can be generated at a sensor node according to a local rule based on physical measurements, but interpretation at the global level requires dealing with discrete binary (1 or 0) data, which implies system information with reduced resolution. This study presents an investigation on approaches for the interpretation of such kind of binary data for use in structural assessment and damage identification. Pattern recognition (PR) methods based on image data analysis were adapted for the study. The methods used were classifiers based on deviation of patterns with respect to each other, two-dimensional principal component analysis, and two-dimensional linear discriminant analysis. The PR methods and the performance of the interpretation algorithms were evaluated by using virtual data from finite element simulations on an aluminum plate. The ability for each of the PR methods to identify service demands, load variations and localized material degradation was evaluated. Results indicate that PR methods can be used as damage identification algorithms for binary data sets in novel wireless self-powered sensor networks.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Re: Gleason Misclassification Rate is Independent of Number of Biopsy Cores in Systematic Biopsy

Objective To compare the utility of saturation core biopsy and 12-core biopsy in detecting true Gleason grades, using final pathology in prostatectomy specimens as outcome measures, with a particular interest in Gleason upgrading. Patients and Methods We compared the concordance rates of Gleason grades diagnosed on biopsies and prostatectomy specimens in 375 consecutive patients, including 106 saturation biopsies (18-33 cores, median = 20 cores) and 269 12-core biopsies. Grading bias was addressed by a central rereview of all cases that had discordance in reporting high Gleason grades (Gleason grade ≥ 4) on biopsies and prostatectomy specimens. Results For patients with high Gleason grades on final pathology, saturation and 12-core biopsy schemes had a comparable sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values (72.5% vs 69.5%, 91.9% vs 97.6%, 64.2% vs 58.4%, and 94.3% vs 98.5%, respectively) in detecting high Gleason grades. On multivariate analysis, prebiopsy serum prostate-specific antigen and clinical T stage independently predicted Gleason upgrading; saturation biopsy was not a significant predictor. Approximately one-third of cases where high Gleason grade was not present in the biopsy were attributed to the confinement of high-grade tumors to unusual anatomic locations such as anterior lobes, apex, bladder neck, and parasagittal zones. Conclusion Our study showed that Gleason misclassification rate is independent of the number of biopsy cores in systematic biopsy. One of the reasons for missing high Gleason grade tumors on systematic biopsy was unusual tumor location outside of the biopsy grid, supporting the need for improved detection technique such as magnetic resonance imaging-guided targeted biopsies.
Effect of Cytokine Therapy on Survival for Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between treatment with cytokine therapy and survival, investigate the effect of nephrectomy on survival, and identify long-term survivors among a cohort of 670 patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 670 patients with advanced RCC treated on 24 clinical trials of systemic chemotherapy or cytokine therapy were the subjects of this retrospective analysis. Treatment was categorized as cytokine (containing interferon alfa and/or interleukin-2) in 396 patients (59%) and as chemotherapy (cytotoxic or hormonal therapy) in 274 (41%). Among the 670 patients, those with survival times of greater than 5 years were identified as long-term survivors. RESULTS: Patients treated with cytokine therapy had a longer survival time than did those treated with chemotherapy, regardless of the year of treatment or risk category based on pretreatment features. The median survival times for favorable-, intermediate-, and poor-risk patients were 27, 1...
Single-Particle Two-Photon Absorption Imaging and Enhancement Determination for Organic Nanoparticles

The lack of characterization regimes available for the rapid single-particle assessment of two-photon (TPA) response in nanomaterials remains a critical barrier to nonlinear optical device developm...
Quantitative Production and Processing of Tetranychid Mites for Large-Scale Testing or Predator Production

Lima bean seeding held 7 days after planting at 27±2°C under fluorescent lights, were transferred to a greenhouse and infested with 0.24 g of Tetranychus pacificus McGregor eggs per 100 plants. Fourteen days later, the miles are washed from the leaves in a specially designed washer and collected on a series of graduated fine mesh screens. Recovery of mites during an 8-week period averaged 1.29 g or about 353,860 mites per 100 seedlings. Weekly production from 5000 plants averaged 64.4 g of mites and required about 12 man-hours per week for the entire process (planting, infesting, washing, collecting, weighing). The system was designed to be expanded readily without altering the basic program.
Detection of microdeletion in AZF region of Y chromosome in azoospermia and oligozoospermia infertility patients

Objectives: To discuss the relationship between azoospermatism or oligospermatism and microdeletions in the AZF region of the Y chromosome.Method: Multiplex PCR and capillary electrophoresis were used to detect the microdeletions in the AZF region of the Y chromosome of 167 infertile men with azoospermatism or oligospermatism.The control cases were 50 normal fertile male and 10 normal females.Result: The microdeletions in AZF had been detected within 11 of 167 infertile men,the total proportion of microdeletions in AZF was 6.59 percent(11/167).Among 65 azoospermatism men,4 men had been detected microdeletions in AZF,the proportion was 6.15 percent(4/65);among 50 serious oligospermatism men,7 men had been detected to have microdeletions in AZF,the proportion was 14.00 percent(7/50).The microdeletions in AZF hadn't been detected among all 52 oligospermatism men and 50 normal fertile men.As to the type of microdeletions in AZF and its proportion,10 men had AZFc deletion with the proportion of 90.91 percent(10/11);1 men had AZFb+c deletion,the proportion being 9.09 percent(1/11),and no AZFa deletion was detected among all men.Conclusion: The microdeletions in the AZF region of the Y chromosome is one of the major reasons to cause spermatogenic failure resulting in male infertility.the major affecting population of microdeletions in AZF were azoospermatism and serious oligospermatism patients,and the microdeletions in AZF focuses on AZF.
Monitoring of Food-borne Pathogenic Bacteria in Dazhou City in 2010

Objective To understand the contamination situation of food-borne pathogen in food market of Dazhou in 2010,so as to identify high-risk foods and provide the basis for food-borne diseases prevention and control in Dazhou City.Methods On-sale raw meat,raw poultry,cooked meat,deep frozen cooked rice products,ready to use non-fermentation bean products,fresh frozen aquatic products,uncooked aquatic products,uncooked vegetables,baby formula rice(grain,bean) powder,ice cream,Chinese salad,salad,fresh fruit juice,preserved eggs and raw duck eggs were sampled with stratified multi-stage method,and the following bacteria were detected: Salmonella spp,Listeria monocytogens,Vibrio parahemolyticus,Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli O Enterobacter sakazakii,Campylobacter jejuni and Vibrio vulnificus,according to national standard and relevant methods.Results Among a total of 256 samples in 15 classes,29 strains of food-borne pathogenic bacteria were detected: Vibrio parahemolyticus,9;Listeria monocytogens,8;Staphylococcus aureus,6;Salmonella spp,4;Enterobacter sakazakii 1;Escherichia coli O157:H7,1,with a total positive rate of 11.33%.Higher positive rates were found in fresh frozen aquatic products(42.86%),ice cream(33.33%),uncooked aquatic products(20.00%),cooked meat(19.04%),raw meat and ready to use non-fermentation bean products(13.33%).Conclusion In Dazhou,major kinds of consumed foods were contaminated by food-borne pathogens.Fresh frozen aquatic products,ice cream,uncooked aquatic products and cooked meat were mainly contaminated respectively by Vibrio parahemolyticus,Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogens.
Assessing the Applicability of CLIGEN Non-precipitation Parameters on Loess Tableland

Daily weather data are required by many physically based hydrological and crop models to study the potential impacts of climate change,which are often generated by stochastic daily weather generators.CLIGEN is such kind of weather generator that can generate ten daily weather variables to meet this need,and is used to provide climate input data to the WEPP(Water Erosion Prediction Project) model for predicting runoff,soil erosion and crop yield,however,its applicability in China needs to be assessed.T test and F test were used to evaluate the ability of CLIGEN to reproduce the average and variance of the measured data.Skewness,kurtosis,cumulative distribution and rank sum test were employed to check the distribution of the generated weather data.The raw and standard data were used to test the day to day and seasonal correlation.The objectives of this study were to evaluate the ability of CLIGEN to generate non-precipitation parameters including daily maximum,minimum and dew point temperatures,solar radiation and wind velocity based on the measured daily weather data during 1957~2001 of Changwu County on the Loess Plateau.Result showed that CLIGEN reproduced daily maximum,minimum and dewpoint temperature well due to the little differences of average and variance between the measured and the generated data;however,the relative error of generated solar radiation and wind was 3.9% and 118% respectively,and the generated variance was far different from the measured.The skewness and kurtosis of the generated data was no more than the generated,which implied that CLIGEN can not generate climate extreme events well.Rank sum test and cumulative distribution analysis showed that CLIGEN didn't preserve the distribution of the measured data well.The correlation analysis showed that CLIGEN reproduced the seasonality of climate variation well,which is important for agricultural simulation,but it didn't preserve the proper day-to-day serial and cross correlation between daily temperatures and solar radiation,which led to the simulated temperature not change in a gradual and continuous manner.Though there are some weaknesses,CLIGEN would still have great application prospect after calibration with proportional methods according to the site-specific conditions.
Patient and health care provider perceptions of cancer-related fatigue and pain

In 1997, Vogelzang et al. reported that 61 % of patients with cancer indicated fatigue impacted daily life more than pain, and only 37 % of oncologists shared this perception. We provide an update to this study, which can help prioritize symptom assessment and management in the clinic. Study aims were to determine and compare perceptions of patients with cancer and health care providers (HCPs) of the impact of fatigue and pain. A random sample of patients with cancer was recruited in the USA by Harris Poll Online and Schlesinger Associates. Oncology HCPs were recruited by Food and Drug Research, Inc. and Toluna, Inc. From June to November 2012, 550 of 1122 eligible patients (49 %), 400 of 533 eligible oncologists (75 %), and 400 of 617 eligible oncology nurses (65 %) completed a survey. Of patients, 58 % reported that fatigue affected their daily lives more than pain while undergoing treatment with chemotherapy versus 29 % of oncologists and 25 % of oncology nurses that had this perception. Ninety-eight percent of patients reported experiencing fatigue, whereas 72 % of oncologists and 84 % of oncology nurses thought this was the case. Eighty-six percent of patients reported pain while undergoing treatment with chemotherapy, whereas 36 % of oncologists and 51 % of oncology nurses believed this occurred. Nausea and vomiting felt by HCPs were the most concerning symptoms for patients (88 %). This study shows the importance of assessing symptoms by direct patient report during chemotherapy treatment. HCPs continue to underestimate the prevalence and importance of fatigue and pain for patients with cancer, a finding that may alter the management of treatment-related symptoms and may influence the development of patient symptom management plans.
An Exploratory Study on Post-tenure Research Productivity Among Academic Librarians

Abstract The author conducted a survey of librarians at different types of academic institutions who had earned tenure or an equivalent form of permanent appointment. The purpose was to illuminate the forms of research that are valued at different types of institutions, the extent to which tenured or permanently appointed librarians produce research, and in particular, their perceptions and motivations concerning research productivity. Key findings showed high levels of post-tenure productivity among survey participants, and the emergence of grant activity as a valued form of research. Furthermore, respondents provided comparative perceptions of pre- and post-tenure scholarship, and they described a suite of overlapping extrinsic and intrinsic motivators affecting their research production.
“It Just Happened”: Telescoping Anxiety, Defiance, and Emergent Collective Behavior in the Student Walkouts of 2006

In one week in the spring of 2006 more than 100,000 students walked out of schools all across America to protest the threat of H.R. 4437 to immigrants. Drawing on 50 interviews with students, educators, and community activists involved in 11 walkouts across five Texas metropolitan areas, we reconstruct the lived experience of these spontaneous protests. We identify three tightly interrelated aspects of a social and psychological process shaping these protests: the relationship between political threat and telescoping anxiety; the role of defiance and its emotion-switching effect; and the emergent and situational nature of the walkouts. We argue that the collective psychological process of telescoping anxiety punctuated by the situational thrill of defiance is indispensable in explaining these massive, far-flung, and spontaneous protests.
Campaign Perceptions Quantified

Since 2008, every major campaign in the country has had the ability to engage with voters based on an array of individual-level characteristics that are stored in national voter databases. These databases offer a glimpse at how campaigns perceive the dispositions of voters and act on those perceptions. My empirical investigation takes me behind the scenes to the data and perceptions of campaigns in order to examine how the policy environment affects campaign strategy. This chapter introduces the primary sources of data that are the focus of the next four chapters. Among these sources are two of the most prominent and sophisticated data resources on the Democratic side of politics. The first is the national campaign database used by many Democratic and progressive campaigns that is put together by a company called Catalist. The second source is NGP VAN, a company that provides a user interface that allows campaign workers to interact with databases. With my colleague Ryan Enos, I fielded a survey of campaign workers who use NGP VAN, a project done in partnership with Obama for America and twenty-five state Democratic parties. This survey, as well as other data from NGP VAN and data from Catalist, will allow me to see voters in a new light: from the perspective of campaigns themselves. VOTER DATA IN THE INFORMATION AGE Because technology allowed for it, HAVA required it, and political campaigns demanded it, state election authorities made great strides between 2001 and 2008 in developing up-to-date, computerized, statewide voter registration files. Concurrently, private firms and political parties began building an infrastructure to connect this abundance of data to thousands of political campaigns across the country. Since election administrators were increasingly making available to political candidates a complete digital list of registered voters in their jurisdictions, one might wonder: Why did campaigns obtain data from intermediary vendors or political parties rather than retrieving a list directly from the election authority? The reason campaigns use intermediary data suppliers is that registration lists can be augmented substantially to increase their usefulness.
Silicon microring resonator sensor with integrated PC spectrometer for sharp spectral features detection

We demonstrate a novel sensing platform using microring resonator sensors integrated with superprism based photonic crystal spectrometers for sharp spectral features detection. Using this platform a 20 pm sensor resonance wavelength shift was experimentally resolved.
The porn gap: Differences in men's and women's pornography patterns in couple relationships.

ABSTRACTPerhaps the most notable finding of pornography research to date is the sizeable gender gap that exists between men and women when it comes to their personal use and acceptance of pornography. This disparity raises a number of questions about couple formation patterns and the relationship dynamics that arise between men and women related to pornography use. In this study, the authors used both a nationally representative weighted data set of individuals who are in committed heterosexual couple relationships (n = 21,555) and a subset of matched heterosexual couples (n = 2,972 individuals; 1,486 couples) to examine romantic partners' pornography use rates, patterns of viewing pornography alone or together, relationship boundaries related to pornography acceptance, and pornography-related conflict. The authors found that there is indeed a notable “pornography gap” between many partners and that for some opposite-sex couples there is significant conflict related to pornography. These findings highligh...
Sexual Orientation and Sleep in the U.S.: A National Profile.

Introduction Sexual minorities often experience poorer health than non-sexual minorities. However, extant knowledge remains limited regarding the sleep characteristics, a risk factor for chronic diseases and excess mortality, of sexual minorities compared with non-sexual minorities at the population level. Methods This study analyzed the 2013–2014 National Health Interview Survey, Adult Sample ( n =68,960) to examine the reported sleep duration and sleep disturbances (i.e., not feeling rested, difficulty falling asleep, and waking up at night) by sexual orientation (i.e., homosexual [ n =1,149], bisexual [ n =515], and other sexual minorities [ n =144]). Statistical analysis, conducted in 2015, used multinomial logistic and logistic regressions to estimate the associations between sexual orientation and sleep variables. Results Adult sexual minorities had higher risks of sleep disturbances than heterosexual adults. Differences in SES and physical and mental health conditions partly explained the gaps. Sexual minority women had greater odds of waking up at night than sexual minority men did, but sexual minority adults who were also racial minorities showed no differences in odds of sleep disturbances compared to white sexual minority adults. Results found that sexual orientation was not associated with an increased risk of short or long sleep duration. Conclusions This study documented substantial disparities in sleep disturbances between sexual minorities and non-sexual minorities. These gaps cannot simply be explained by social and demographic factors. Interventions that target sexual minorities should pay attention to disparities in sleep and investigate methods to promote sleep health of sexual minorities.
Illuminating physics for students

My parents were professors (history and zoology), and they firmly believed that the purpose of education is to show students "how to think". When I began teaching, I quickly discovered that many of my students could think much better – or at any rate much faster – than I could. What distinguished me from them was that I knew things that they did not, things they had been led to believe they ought to want to learn. I adopted a less-exalted goal: I think the purpose of education is to pass along to the next generation the accumulated knowledge and wisdom of humankind, and my role as a teacher is to make that process as efficient and palatable as possible.
Validation of capillary blood analysis and capillary testing mode on the epoc Point of Care system.

Abstract Background Laboratory test in transport is a critical component of patient care, and capillary blood is a preferred sample type particularly in children. This study evaluated the performance of capillary blood testing on the epoc Point of Care Blood Analysis System (Alere Inc). Methods Ten fresh venous blood samples was tested on the epoc system under the capillary mode. Correlation with GEM 4000 (Instrumentation Laboratory) was examined for Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+, glucose, lactate, hematocrit, hemoglobin, pO2, pCO2, and pH, and correlation with serum tested on Vitros 5600 (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics) was examined for creatinine. Eight paired capillary and venous blood was tested on epoc and ABL800 (Radiometer) for the correlation of Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+, glucose, lactate, hematocrit, hemoglobin, pCO2, and pH. Capillary blood from 23 apparently healthy volunteers was tested on the epoc system to assess the concordance to reference ranges used locally. Results Deming regression correlation coefficients for all the comparisons were above 0.65 except for ionized Ca2+. Accordance of greater than 85% to the local reference ranges were found in all assays with the exception of pO2 and Cl-. Conclusion Data from this study indicates that capillary blood tests on the epoc system provide comparable results to reference method for these assays, Na+, K+, glucose, lactate, hematocrit, hemoglobin, pCO2, and pH. Further validation in critically ill patients is needed to implement the epoc system in patient transport. Impact of the study This study demonstrated that capillary blood tests on the epoc Point of Care Blood Analysis System give comparable results to other chemistry analyzers for major blood gas and critical tests. The results are informative to institutions where pre-hospital and inter-hospital laboratory testing on capillary blood is a critical component of patient point of care testing.
High Dose Parenteral Ascorbate Inhibited Pancreatic Cancer Growth and Metastasis: Mechanisms and a Phase I/IIa study

Pancreatic cancer is among the most lethal cancers with poorly tolerated treatments. There is increasing interest in using high-dose intravenous ascorbate (IVC) in treating this disease partially because of its low toxicity. IVC bypasses bioavailability barriers of oral ingestion, provides pharmacological concentrations in tissues, and exhibits selective cytotoxic effects in cancer cells through peroxide formation. Here, we further revealed its anti-pancreatic cancer mechanisms and conducted a phase I/IIa study to investigate pharmacokinetic interaction between IVC and gemcitabine. Pharmacological ascorbate induced cell death in pancreatic cancer cells with diverse mutational backgrounds. Pharmacological ascorbate depleted cellular NAD+ preferentially in cancer cells versus normal cells, leading to depletion of ATP and robustly increased α-tubulin acetylation in cancer cells. While ATP depletion led to cell death, over-acetylated tubulin led to inhibition of motility and mitosis. Collagen was increased, and cancer cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was inhibited, accompanied with inhibition in metastasis. IVC was safe in patients and showed the possibility to prolong patient survival. There was no interference to gemcitabine pharmacokinetics by IVC administration. Taken together, these data revealed a multi-targeting mechanism of pharmacological ascorbate’s anti-cancer action, with minimal toxicity, and provided guidance to design larger definitive trials testing efficacy of IVC in treating advanced pancreatic cancer.
New-Generation Fetal Dose Estimates for Radiopharmaceuticals.

Radiopharmaceutical dose estimates to the embryo/fetus are presented for a number of radiopharmaceuticals. New generation (RADAR/ICRP 89) reference phantoms are used for the dose estimates. Differences in masses of relevant fetal and maternal organs are provided. Dose estimates are provided for early pregnancy, and at 3, 6, and 9 months’ gestation. These estimates provide a significant update on the 1997 dose estimates that are widely used for this application.
vh 1 1 / 2 bands in 113 Pd and 115 Pd

Two cascades of \ensuremath{\gamma} rays were discovered in ${}^{113}\mathrm{Pd}$ and ${}^{115}\mathrm{Pd}$ in prompt \ensuremath{\gamma}-ray spectroscopy with Gammasphere following heavy-ion induced fission in the reaction ${}^{18}{\mathrm{O}+}^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ at 91 MeV. Comparison with recently observed band structures in ${}^{109}\mathrm{Pd}$ and ${}^{111}\mathrm{Pd}$ as well as blocking arguments lead to an interpretation of these bands as $\ensuremath{\nu}{h}_{11/2}$ bands. This discovery, together with cranked Woods-Saxon and total Routhian surface calculations, indicates that increased rotational frequency stabilizes a prolate but still \ensuremath{\gamma}-soft shape in the neutron-rich, even-even Pd isotopes up to ${}^{116}\mathrm{Pd},$ which exhibit very \ensuremath{\gamma}-soft nuclear potentials in their respective ground states.
The Roles of SUMO in Metabolic Regulation

Protein modification with the small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) can affect protein function, enzyme activity, protein-protein interactions, protein stability, protein targeting and cellular localization. SUMO influences the function and regulation of metabolic enzymes within pathways, and in some cases targets entire metabolic pathways by affecting the activity of transcription factors or by facilitating the translocation of entire metabolic pathways to subcellular compartments. SUMO modification is also a key component of nutrient- and metabolic-sensing mechanisms that regulate cellular metabolism. In addition to its established roles in maintaining metabolic homeostasis, there is increasing evidence that SUMO is a key factor in facilitating cellular stress responses through the regulation and/or adaptation of the most fundamental metabolic processes, including energy and nucleotide metabolism. This review focuses on the role of SUMO in cellular metabolism and metabolic disease.
Relationships between symptoms expressed by Norway spruce and foliar and soil elemental status

Surveys conducted from 1987 to 1990 of Norway spruce [Picea abies(L.) Karst.] within 12 plantations across 4 northeastern states revealed symptoms of crown discoloration and defoliation on a site-specific basis. Foliar N. K. and Ca concentrations of most of the sampled trees were above deficiency ranges, while foliar Mg concentrations of most of the symptomatic trees were below the deficiency range within the plantations. Soil pH, exchangeable Mg, K, Ca, and their corresponding percent saturations in soils were lower, while soil Al concentrations were higher for most of the symptomatic trees in comparison to the healthy trees. Foliar concentrations of Mg, Ca, K, P, Al, Mn, Pb, and Zn were positively correlated with concentrations of corresponding soil elements. Knowledge of nutrient deficiency ranges may help diagnose foliar symptoms, but their exclusive use may overly simplify relationships between foliar symptoms and foliar elements. Principal component regression analysis of the data provided assessment of interactions and balances among foliar elements, and among soil elements and their possible influences on crown symptoms. Crown symptoms were not only associated with concentrations of individual elements of foliage and soils, but also associated with interactions and balances between these elements. The influences of individual soil elements on discoloration and defoliation may depend upon other elements in soils. Soil Al may induce crown discoloration and defoliation by interfering with Mg, Ca, and K uptake in acidic soils.
How the Field Has Moved On

Within the context of behavior therapy in general, there is a relatively long tradition of assessing and treating a wide variety of disorders and problems presented by children and adolescents. The usual historical antecedents cited include the work of John B. Watson, Rosalie Rayner, and Mary Cover Jones on the acquisition and removal of fears in very young children (Jones, 1924a, 1924b; Watson, 1924; Watson & Rayner, 1920) and that of Mowrer and Mowrer (1938) in deconditioning nighttime enuresis in children. However, the more careful reviews of the field (Hersen & Van Hasselt, 1987; Kazdin, 1978) acknowledge the importance of Lightner Witmer’s pioneering efforts in the Psychological Clinic at the University of Pennsylvania, established in 1896, where children were treated using principles derived from theories of learning and perception.
Quantifying Discretization Errors in Electrophoretically-Guided Micro Additive Manufacturing

This paper presents process models for a new micro additive manufacturing process termed Electrophoretically-guided Micro Additive Manufacturing (EPμAM). In EPμAM, a planar microelectrode array generates the electric potential distributions which cause colloidal particles to agglomerate and deposit in desired regions. The discrete microelectrode array nature and the used pulse width modulation (PWM) technique for microelectrode actuation create unavoidable process errors—space and time discretization errors—that distort particle trajectories. To combat this, we developed finite element method (FEM) models to study trajectory deviations due to these errors. Mean square displacement (MSD) analysis of the computed particle trajectories is used to compare these deviations for several electrode geometries. The two top-performing electrode geometries evaluated by MSD were additionally investigated through separate case studies via geometry variation and MSD recomputation. Furthermore, separate time-discretization error simulations are also studied where electrode actuating waveforms were simulated. The mechanical impulse of the electromechanical force, generated from these waveforms is used as the basis for comparison. The obtained results show a moderate MSDs variability and significant differences in the computed mechanical impulses for the actuating waveforms. The observed limitations of the developed process model and of the error comparison technique are briefly discussed and future steps are recommended.
Complete response to pembrolizumab in a patient with metastatic colon cancer with microsatellite instability and a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome

Currently, clinical trials with programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors exclude patients with preexisting autoimmune disorders such as Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). Therefore, the scientific literature has limited information about the efficacy and safety of PD-1 inhibitors in cancer patients with autoimmune disorders. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can exacerbate preexisting autoimmune disorders and can induce severe immune-related adverse events. Here, we report the case of a 73-year-old female patient with history of GBS and mismatch repair deficient metastatic colorectal cancer who achieved a durable complete response to pembrolizumab. The patient was maintained on intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) during her treatment without any neurological exacerbations. This case highlights the feasibility of PD-1 inhibitors in select patients with neurological autoimmune disorders and calls for more systematic evaluation of checkpoint inhibitors in patients with cancer and GBS, especially with the known link between this disorder and malignancy.
Use Compton Backscatter Imaging for Detection of IEDs

Compton Backscatter Imaging (CBI) has proven effective, but slow in land mine detection when used in a pencil beam configuration. Additionally, recent research has shown CBI in a fan beam configuration can be effective in Pressure Plate Improvised Explosive Device (IED) interrogation, given the higher acquisition speeds. However, one of the simplistic questions presented with recent research is whether the original experimental design accounted for the realistic possibility of nonbinary, non-ideal conditions.When a pressure plate IED is detected in a combat environment, the pressure plate may come in multiple configurations in terms of wire diameter, angular orientation, or construction. Previous research has demonstrated that when scanned perpendicularly or parallel to the fan beam, a device can be detected within 35 s. These orientations allow for the most exposure of the device by each detector pixel, thus providing the greatest opportunity to overcome integration time within the detector. However, not every pressure plate will be detected or interrogated at an ideal angle with the greatest exposure.This research has demonstrated that despite the angular orientation of the pressure plate target relative to the source fan beam and detector, a linear detector array can detect the presence of a pressure plate device under 3 cm of sand.
Taking the pressure off

Ammonia holds promise as a clean energy carrier, but its synthesis requires high pressures and large production scales that are ill-matched to renewable, decentralized energy production. Now, researchers use metal imides to mediate ammonia production in a chemical looping process that operates under mild conditions.
Designed Mutations Alter the Binding Pathways of an Intrinsically Disordered Protein

Many cellular functions, including signaling and regulation, are carried out by intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) binding to their targets. Experimental and computational studies have now significantly advanced our understanding of these binding processes. In particular, IDPs that become structured upon binding typically follow a dock-and-coalesce mechanism, whereby the docking of one IDP segment initiates the process, followed by on-target coalescence of remaining IDP segments. Multiple dock-and-coalesce pathways may exist, but one may dominate, by relying on electrostatic attraction and molecular flexibility for fast docking and fast coalescing, respectively. Here we critically test this mechanistic understanding by designing mutations that alter the dominant pathway. This achievement marks an important step toward precisely manipulating IDP functions.
Frequency distribution of modified Cormack-Lehane views-A retrospective audit of tracheal intubation in children with normal airways.

BACKGROUND Paediatric patients with an unanticipated poor grade of laryngoscopic view during tracheal intubation represent a challenging situation potentially associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of modified Cormack-Lehane (MCL) views and to elucidate variables for poor views in a large collective of children without anticipated airway difficulties. METHODS The departmental anaesthesia patient database was searched for patients who had undergone general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation between January 2007 and March 2017. Inclusion criteria were age from birth to 17.99 years, general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation using direct laryngoscopy, no history, symptoms or signs of a difficult airway and the best obtained MCL view documented in the database. Patient- and anaesthesia-related variables associated with a poor view (MCL IIb, III and IV) were elucidated using a logistic regression model. RESULTS In all, 22 965 patients were included; of these, 17 593 were observed only once. The prevalence of the first observed MCL views I, IIa, IIb, III and IV was 90.6%, 8.5%, 0.86%, 0.05% and 0%, respectively. The logistic regression model indicates that age and gender are the most important variables associated with MCL views IIb and III in the model. The probability for MCL views IIb/III decreases across the first 5-7 years before increasing again. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of a poor grade of laryngoscopic view was found to be very low in children with a normal airway. They mainly occurred in infants and adolescent patients and were more common in male patients.
Sequence and Functional Variation in the HIV-1 Rev Regulatory Axis.

Background To complete its replication cycle, HIV-1 requires the nucleocytoplasmic export of intron-containing viral mRNAs. This process is ordinarily restricted by the cell, but HIV overcomes the block by means of a viral protein, Rev, and an RNA secondary structure found in all unspliced and incompletely spliced viral mRNAs called the Rev Response Element (RRE). In vivo activity of the Rev-RRE axis requires Rev binding to the RRE, oligomerization of Rev to form a competent ribonucleoprotein complex, and recruitment of cellular factors including Crm1 and RanGTP in order to export the targeted transcript. Sequence variability is observed among primary isolates in both Rev and the RRE, and the activity of both can be modulated through relatively small sequence changes. Primary isolates show differences in Rev-RRE activity and a few studies have found a correlation between lower Rev-RRE activity and slower progression of clinical disease. Lower Rev-RRE activity has also been associated with the evasion of cytotoxic T lymphocyte mediated killing. Conclusion The HIV-1 Rev-RRE regulatory axis is an understudied mechanism by which viral adaptation to diverse immune milieus may take place. There is evidence that this adaptation plays a role in HIV pathogenesis, particularly in immune evasion and latency, but further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
An Attestation Architecture for Blockchain Networks.

If blockchain networks are to become the building blocks of the infrastructure for the future digital economy, then several challenges related to the resiliency and survivability of blockchain networks need to be addressed. The survivability of a blockchain network is influenced by the diversity of its nodes. Trustworthy device-level attestations permits nodes in a blockchain network to provide truthful evidence regarding their current configuration, operational state, keying material and other system attributes. In the current work we review the recent developments towards a standard attestation architecture and evidence conveyance protocols. We explore the applicability and benefits of a standard attestation architecture to blockchain networks. Finally, we discuss a number of open challenges related to node attestations that has arisen due to changing model of blockchain network deployments, such as the use virtualization and containerization technologies for nodes in cloud infrastructures.
Increased excitation-inhibition balance due to a loss of GABAergic synapses in the serine racemase knockout model of NMDA receptor hypofunction

There is substantial evidence that both NMDA receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction and dysfunction of GABAergic neurotransmission contribute to schizophrenia, though the relationship between these pathophysiological processes remains largely unknown. While models using cell-type-specific genetic deletion of NMDARs have been informative, they display overly pronounced phenotypes extending beyond those of schizophrenia. Here, we used the serine racemase knockout (SRKO) mice, a model of reduced NMDAR activity rather than complete receptor elimination, to examine the link between NMDAR hypofunction and decreased GABAergic inhibition. The SRKO mice, in which there is a >90% reduction in the NMDAR co-agonist D-serine, exhibit many of the neurochemical and behavioral abnormalities observed in schizophrenia. We found a significant reduction in inhibitory synapses onto CA1 pyramidal neurons in the SRKO mice. This reduction increases the excitation/inhibition balance resulting in enhanced synaptically-driven neuronal excitability and elevated broad-spectrum oscillatory activity in ex vivo hippocampal slices. Consistently, significant reductions in inhibitory synapse density in CA1 were observed by immunohistochemistry. We further show, using a single-neuron genetic deletion approach, that the loss of GABAergic synapses onto pyramidal neurons observed in the SRKO mice is driven in a cell-autonomous manner following the deletion of SR in individual CA1 pyramidal cells. These results support a model whereby NMDAR hypofunction in pyramidal cells disrupts GABAergic synapse development leading to disrupted feedback inhibition and impaired neuronal synchrony.
Modeling Airborne Pathogen Transport and Transmission Risks of SARS-CoV-2.

An integrated modeling approach has been developed to better understand the relative impacts of different expiratory and environmental factors on airborne pathogen transport and transmission, motivated by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling was used to simulate spatial-temporal aerosol concentrations and quantified risks of exposure as a function of separation distance, exposure duration, environmental conditions (e.g., airflow/ventilation), and face coverings. The CFD results were combined with infectivity models to determine probability of infection, which is a function of the spatial-temporal aerosol concentrations, viral load, infectivity rate, viral viability, lung-deposition probability, and inhalation rate. Uncertainty distributions were determined for these parameters from the literature. Probabilistic analyses were performed to determine cumulative distributions of infection probabilities and to determine the most important parameters impacting transmission. This modeling approach has relevance to both pathogen and pollutant dispersion from expelled aerosol plumes.
Near-field communication for battery-free in vivo sensors

Traditional wireless sensors with bulky batteries require battery replacement or wireless charging which are not suitable for in vivo applications. Also, the leakage of battery chemicals is highly risky. Battery-free sensors are relatively small and easy to maintain. In this paper, the magnetic induction-based Near-Field Communication (NFC) is employed to charge and communicate with intra-body sensors. Cell phones with NFC modules can be leveraged as readers to interact with in vivo sensors. In this way, the system does not require additional external wireless devices. The collected health-related data can be processed by cell phones directly. The in vivo sensors are powered up by using magnetic induction-based wireless energy transfer and health-related data are transmitted by sensors using backscatter communications. This paper introduces the system architecture and associated wireless simulations and empirical results. The inhomogeneous human body is considered using a layered-media model. Electromagnetic simulations are performed in COMSOL Multiphysics to study the communication range with signals from 100 kHz to 100 MHz in various environments. The results provide guidelines on the design of in-vivo battery-free sensors in terms of power consumption, coil size, and implanted depth.
Mitochondrial NADP(H) generation is essential for proline biosynthesis

The coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+) and its reduced form (NADPH) regulate reductive metabolism in a subcellularly compartmentalized manner. Mitochondrial NADP(H) production depends on the phosphorylation of NAD(H) by NAD kinase 2 (NADK2). Deletion of NADK2 in human cell lines did not alter mitochondrial folate pathway activity, tricarboxylic acid cycle activity, or mitochondrial oxidative stress, but rather led to impaired cell proliferation in minimal medium. This growth defect was rescued by proline supplementation. NADK2-mediated mitochondrial NADP(H) generation was required for the reduction of glutamate and hence proline biosynthesis. Furthermore, mitochondrial NADP(H) availability determined the production of collagen proteins by cells of mesenchymal lineage. Thus, a primary function of the mitochondrial NADP(H) pool is to support proline biosynthesis for use in cytosolic protein synthesis.
Arm Morbidity After Local Therapy for Young Breast Cancer Patients.

The impact of patient demographics and local therapy choice on arm morbidity in young breast cancer patients is understudied despite its importance given the long survivorship period. This study assessed patient-reported arm morbidity in the Young Women’s Breast Cancer Study (YWS), a prospective cohort study. From 2006 to 2016, 1302 women with breast cancer diagnosed at the age of 40 years or younger enrolled in the YWS. The participants regularly complete surveys. The response rates are higher than 86%. Using the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial Checklist, this study examined the prevalence of patient-reported postoperative arm swelling and decreased range of motion (ROM) 1 year after diagnosis, stratified by local therapy strategy, in patients who had surgery for stages 1 to 3 disease. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for arm morbidity. Among 888 eligible participants (median age, 37 years), 14% reported arm swelling and 34% reported decreased ROM at 1 year. Arm swelling was reported by 23.6% of the patients who had axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and 24.6% of the patients who received ALND and post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). In the multivariable analysis, the patients who reported being financially uncomfortable or who had ALND were at higher risk of arm swelling at 1 year. Being overweight, receiving ALND after sentinel lymph node biopsy, and receiving PMRT were associated with decreased ROM at 1 year. High rates of self-reported arm morbidity in young breast cancer survivors were reported, particularly in patients receiving ALND and PMRT. Attention to the risks and benefits of differing local therapy strategies for ALND and PMRT patients is warranted.