cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidence of Herpesvirus Antibody Among Leukemic and Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients

SummaryThis report presents data which show complement fixation or fluorescent antibody titers to the herpes virus group in sera from patients with leukemia, patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and healthy controls. Higher titers against EBV, herpes simplex type 1, and varicella were found in the sera from nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.
Western Sparks: The Constitutionality of Federal Land Management from the Founding to the Civil War

The constitutional basis for federal land ownership has not been seriously questioned in modern times. As early as 1840, the Supreme Court declared that Congress’ constitutional power over public lands was without limitation. The Court affirmed the federal government’s police power over public lands repeatedly, and as recently as 1976.This paper does not dispute that classic property clause doctrine is at odds with the contemporary jurisprudence regarding federal land ownership and management as adjudicated by the courts. Rather, this research focuses on exploring the original understanding of federal land ownership as seen through three parallel tracks: first, political doctrines, including dual federalism, compact theory, and nullification; second, federal land principles and policies, including acquisition and disposition; and third, early Supreme Court decisions. Moreover, this paper seeks to examine whether classic property clause doctrine and other constitutional origins of power regarding federal lands were consistent with historical events and developments that occurred along these tracks from the founding through the Civil War. This paper concludes that political doctrines that supported the classic property doctrine were live at least until the early 20th century. These doctrines were seriously undermined by the Civil War, Reconstruction amendments, and finally by the New Deal. While federalism saw a minor revival in the 1990s by the Supreme Court, these political doctrines are now largely regarded as antebellum relics. Furthermore, federal land acquisition and disposition policies generally supported the classic property theory, at least until Withdrawal and Reservation at the beginning of the 20th century. Finally, Supreme Court decisions provided support for both the classic and police power theories. However, the full-fledged police power theory embraced in Kleppe was not fully articulated until the 20th century.
Corporate Funding of Nutrition Research and Unjustified Conclusions.

nary artery disease remain relevant to the study of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The authors also raise concern for potential overadjustment bias. The authors point out that statistical adjustment in regressionmodels for effects thatmaybeon thecausalpathwaybetween fitness and a cardiovascular outcomemay inappropriately diminish that relationship. The underlying question of our report (and fundamental hypothesis for thiswork) was whether objective point assessments of fitness in young adulthood (not necessarily sustained physical activity) provide long-lasting benefit independent of cardiometabolic risk factors. We had sufficient power to explore multiple adjustments in ourmodels. The adjustments used in thisworkwere similar in scope to those reported in earlier work in CARDIA5 and used in a variety of other epidemiologic investigations.
ANALYSIS ON DIABETES MELLITUS AND PREVALENCE RATE OF IMPAIRED GLUCOSE TOLERANCE AND THE RELATED FACTORS IN WANCHENG DISTRICT OF NANYANG

Cross-sectional and cluster sampling method were used in 645 residents aged from 15 to 74 years old in Wancheng district in Nanyang to investigate the status of diabetes mellitus(DM) and impaired glucose tolerance(IGT) and the correlated factors in Nanyang in 2012.The rude detection rates were 12.56% for DM and 10.39% for IGT.The analyses show that age,smoking,body mass index,physical exercise and blood pressure are the risk factors for development of DM(P0.05);age,smoking,body mass index and blood pressure are the risk factors for development of IGT(P0.05).New detection rate of DM is 51.85,medication rate is 66.67%,blood sugar control rate is 29.73%.The prevalence rates of DM and IGT are considerably high and the medication rate is relatively low in the current state.Some DM patients are missed for there is no oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT) in routine physical examination.Measures should be taken to prevent and reduce sugar metabolism disorders popular.
Pressure ulcers: treatment.

Introduction Unrelieved pressure or friction of the skin, particularly over bony prominences, can lead to pressure ulcers in up to one third of people in hospitals or community care, and one fifth of nursing home residents. Pressure ulcers are more likely in people with reduced mobility and poor skin condition, such as older people or those with vascular disease. Methods and outcomes We conducted a systematic overview, aiming to answer the following clinical question: What are the effects of treatments in people with pressure ulcers? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to January 2014 (Clinical Evidence overviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this overview). Results At this update, searching of electronic databases retrieved 307 studies. After deduplication and removal of conference abstracts, 203 records were screened for inclusion in the overview. Appraisal of titles and abstracts led to the exclusion of 163 studies and the further review of 40 full publications. Of the 40 full articles evaluated, seven systematic reviews and two RCTs were added at this update. We performed a GRADE evaluation for 15 PICO combinations. Conclusions In this systematic overview, we categorised the efficacy for 15 interventions based on information about the effectiveness and safety of air-fluidised supports, alternating-pressure surfaces (including mattresses), debridement, dressings, electrotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen, low-air-loss beds, low-level laser therapy, low-tech constant-low-pressure supports, nutritional supplements, seat cushions, surgery, therapeutic ultrasound, topical negative pressure, and topical phenytoin.
Strain related variations in adenovirally mediated transgene expression from mouse hepatocytes in vivo: comparisons between immunocompetent and immunodeficient inbred strains.

High efficiency gene transfer and gene expression in hepatocytes in vivo can be achieved using recombinant adenoviral vectors. However, the persistence of gene expression in different experimental animal models has been variable. To determine if similar differences could be observed in a single species, persistence of gene expression was studied in inbred strains of mice using a recombinant adenoviral vector that expresses human alpha 1-antitrypsin. Marked variability in the persistence of gene expression ranging from several weeks (C3H/HeJ and Balb/c) to more than 3 months [C57Bl/6, B10.A(2R) and B10.BR] was observed when this vector was transduced in different strains of inbred mice. This variability did not correlate with H-2 type. To evaluate the role of T and B cell immunity in the persistence of gene expression, congenic C3H-scid and Balb/c-scid mice were studied and found to have indefinite gene expression from transduced hepatocytes. These animals unlike their immunocompetent counter-parts were able to undergo secondary transduction of hepatocytes with a different recombinant adenoviral vector. These findings suggest that as yet unidentified genetic loci influence the persistence of adenovirus-mediated hepatic gene expression in vivo, and these effects are mediated at least in part, by the antigen specific immune system.
Thirty-Day Hospital Revisit Rates and Factors Associated With Revisits in Patients Undergoing Septorhinoplasty.

ImportanceEstimates of the 30-day hospital revisit rate following septorhinoplasty and the risk factors associated with revisits are unknown in the current literature. Surgical 30-day readmission r...
Music games in education

The greatest challenge music educators face is to translate young people's innate enjoyment of music into sustained interest and focus in the classroom. Even when students are fortunate enough to have access to music education, many disengage, and many abandon formal musical study entirely (Mota, 2013). Common reasons for children and teens to become discouraged by music classes or lessons include a steep technical barrier to entry requiring many hours of practice to overcome, the fact that classroom music is typically socially or culturally inauthentic and unfamiliar, and the stress and anxiety of performance. There are three major types of music games: drill-and-skill, rhythm games, and music toys. Each has its pros and cons for learning music.
Study on the association between ambient temperature and mortality using spatially resolved exposure data

There are many studies that have posited an association between extreme temperature and increased mortality. However, most studies use temperature at a single station per city as the reference point to analyze deaths. This leads to exposure misclassification and usually the exclusion of exurban, small town, and rural populations. In addition, few studies control for confounding by PM2.5, which is expected to induce upward bias. The high-resolution temperature and PM2.5 data at a resolution of 1km2 were derived from satellite images and other land use sources. To capture the nonlinear association of temperature with mortality we fit a piecewise linear spline function for temperature, with a change in slope at -1°C and 28°C, the temperature threshold at which mortality in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina increases due to cold and heat, respectively. We conducted stratified analyses by age group, sex, race, education, and urban vs nonurban, as well as sensitivity analyses of different temperature threshold and covariate sets. We found a 0.19% (95% CI=-0.98, 1.34%) increase in mortality for each 1°C decrease in temperature below -1°C and a 2.05% (95% CI=0.87, 3.24%) increase in mortality for each 1°C increase in temperature above 28°C, a 79.8% larger effect size for heat compared to the station-based metric. The effect estimates relying on the monitoring stations were 0.09% (95% CI=-0.79, 0.95%) and 1.14% (95% CI=0.08, 1.57%) for the equivalent temperature changes. The estimates were not confounded by PM2.5. Children under 15 years of age had the largest percentage increase per 1°C increase in temperature (8.19%, 95% CI=-0.38 to 17.49%) followed by Blacks (4.35%, 95% CI=2.22 to 6.53%). Higher education was a protective factor for the effect of extreme temperature on mortality. There was a suggestion that people in less urban areas were more susceptible to extreme temperature. The relationship between temperature and mortality was stronger when using exposure data with more spatial variability than using exposure data based on existing monitors alone.
Kafka’s “Strahlende Heiterkeit”: Discursive Humor and Comic Narration in Das Schloß

Kafkas Humor darf am besten als wesentlicher Teil des Schreibakts verstanden werden. Sein Lachen wurde gegen das Wort und die Welt seines Vaters gerichtet. Im Schlos-Roman wirkt die Aquivokation des Erzahlers, K.’s unmogliches Benehmen zu untergraben. Das Bild der Clown-Gehilfen eroffnet eine komplementare Perspektive, die die Machtanspruche der patriarchalischen Schlos weit negiert und auf Veranderungsmoglichkeiten hindeutet.
Abstract 5391: Preclinical evaluation of AMG 337, a highly selective small molecule MET inhibitor, in hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Aberrant hepatocyte growth factor / MET signaling has been implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis, suggesting that MET may serve as an attractive therapeutic target in HCC. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo of AMG 337, a potent and highly selective small molecule MET kinase inhibitor, in preclinical models of HCC. Experimental Design: The anti-proliferative activity of AMG 337 was evaluated across a panel of 40 HCC cell lines in a 72-hour viability assay. Daily oral administration of AMG 337 at doses of 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg was used to evaluate the in vivo anti-tumor activity of AMG 337 in two patient-derived mouse xenograft (PDX) models of HCC, LI0612 and LI1078. Effects on MET signaling were assessed by western blot analysis of downstream effector proteins including p-GAB1, p-AKT and p-ERK. MET protein levels and gene copy number for both PDX models and a subset of HCC cell lines were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC; Dako) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH; Dako), respectively. High MET expression was defined as the presence of any tumor cells with membrane staining at 3+ intensity. MET amplification was defined as MET:CEN-7 ratio >2.0 or MET SNP array log2 copy number >2.5. Results: AMG 337 displayed potent anti-proliferative activity in two of 40 HCC cell lines (MHCC97H and HCCLM3) (IC50 0.015 μM and 0.025 μM, respectively); both cell lines were amplified for MET (MET/CEN-7 >2.0) and showed high MET expression (3+ IHC). AMG 337 potently inhibited p-MET in all cell lines with detectable levels of total MET. However, dose-dependent inhibition of p-GAB1, p-AKT and p-ERK was limited to those cell lines that were sensitive to AMG 337 in viability assays. AMG 337 significantly inhibited tumor growth at all doses tested (p Conclusions: These preclinical studies show that the efficacy of AMG 337 in HCC was highly associated with MET amplification. AMG 337 represents a promising, novel clinical therapeutic strategy for targeting HCC with a dependence on the MET pathway. Citation Format: Zhiqiang Du, Sean Caenepeel, Yuqing Shen, Karen Rex, Yanni Zhang, En-Tzu Tang, Ouhong Wang, Wenge Zhong, Hui Zhou, Jacqueline Huang, Eric Huang, Liaoyuan Hu, Angela Coxon, Mingqiang Zhang. Preclinical evaluation of AMG 337, a highly selective small molecule MET inhibitor, in hepatocellular carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 5391. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-5391
Investigating Guiding Attributes in Visual Search for Medication Vials

Medical professionals must select from a vast array of medication vials to dispense the correct medication to a patient. The vials are often small and highly similar, potentially increasing the cha...
Surveillance and response for high-risk populations: what can malaria elimination programmes learn from the experience of HIV?

To eliminate malaria, malaria programmes need to develop new strategies for surveillance and response appropriate for the changing epidemiology that accompanies transmission decline, in which transmission is increasingly driven by population subgroups whose behaviours place them at increased exposure. Conventional tools of malaria surveillance and response are likely not sufficient in many elimination settings for accessing high-risk population subgroups, such as mobile and migrant populations (MMPs), given their greater likelihood of asymptomatic infections, illegal risk behaviours, limited access to public health facilities, and high mobility including extended periods travelling away from home. More adaptive, targeted strategies are needed to monitor transmission and intervention coverage effectively in these groups. Much can be learned from HIV programmes’ experience with “second generation surveillance”, including how to rapidly adapt surveillance and response strategies to changing transmission patterns, biological and behavioural surveys that utilize targeted sampling methods for specific behavioural subgroups, and methods for population size estimation. This paper reviews the strategies employed effectively for HIV programmes and offers considerations and recommendations for adapting them to the malaria elimination context.
Feeding distillers dried grains in replacement of forage in limit-fed dairy heifer rations: Effects on metabolic profile and onset of puberty

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing the inclusion rate of distillers dried grains (DDGS) in replacement of forage in limit-fed diets on the metabolic profile and onset of puberty in dairy heifers. A 16-wk randomized complete block design study was conducted using 48 Holstein heifers (199 ± 2 d of age) with 3 treatments. Treatments were (1) 30% DDGS (30DG), (2) 40% DDGS (40DG), and (3) 50% DDGS (50DG), with the remainder of the diet consisting of grass hay and 1.5% mineral mix. Heifers were housed in groups of 6 and individually limit-fed using Calan gates at 2.65, 2.50, and 2.35% of body weight (BW) on a dry matter (DM) basis for 30DG, 40DG, and 50DG, respectively. Jugular blood samples were collected during wk 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 for metabolite and metabolic hormone analysis. Additional samples were taken during wk 16 for plasma fatty acid analysis. When heifers weighed 200 kg, coccygeal vein blood samples were taken twice per week for progesterone analysis to estimate onset of puberty. Blood samples continued until cycling was confirmed via ultrasound for the presence of a corpus luteum. A quadratic response and a linear tendency in the proportion of total fatty acids as linoleic acid were observed. Linear and quadratic responses for plasma concentrations of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid occurred. Overall results for fatty acid analysis demonstrated that total fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids concentration in the blood were linearly increased, with a quadratic response for polyunsaturated fatty acids with 30DG and 50DG having the greatest concentrations. No interactions of treatment by week were observed for any of the metabolites and metabolic hormones measured. Glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, leptin, and triglycerides were similar across treatments. A linear response of plasma urea nitrogen and a quadratic response tendency for cholesterol concentration were observed. Age and BW at puberty were similar across treatments. Limit-feeding heifers with greater inclusion rates of DDGS maintained energy status without the accumulation of excess adipose tissue as indicated by leptin. Treatments had no detrimental effects on age or BW at puberty.
Properties of the Real Numbers

In order to prove the theorems of real analysis we need to make use of the properties of the real numbers, and hence a rigorous treatment of real analysis requires a rigorous foundation for the real numbers. As discussed in Section 1.1, we offer in this text three ways to enter into the study of the real numbers. The first two ways were given in Chapter 1, namely, Entry 1 in Section 1.2, which begins with an axiomatic treatment of the natural numbers, and Entry 2 in Section 1.4, which begins with an axiomatic treatment of the integers. Starting with either Entry 1 or Entry 2, the culmination of Chapter 1 is the construction of the real numbers, together with the proofs of the core properties of these numbers, stated in Theorem 1.7.6 and Theorem 1.7.9.
CARDIOLOGIST PERSPECTIVES IN TREATMENT OF DYSLIPIDEMIA PATIENTS WITH PROPROTEIN CONVERTASE SUBTILISIN/KEXIN TYPE 9 INHIBITORS AND OTHER LIPID LOWERING THERAPIES

Background: The 2013 ACC/AHA guidelines recommend high intensity statins for all high risk patients to reduce the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) were introduced in 2015 as adjunctive therapy for patients needing additional
Scaling a Reacting Game for Use at a Large Public University

This chapter takes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data elements to explore student expectations prior to participation in the Modernism vs. Traditionalism, Art in Paris, 1888–89 game and also reactions to their experience with the game. Student demographic profiles are discussed per types of students for whom Reacting to the Past (RTTP) works best. In addition, student reactions to the game and its incorporation into their art history experience is discussed. Student perceptions of instruction (SPI) are evaluated as well to gauge the change to Reacting to the Past and the impact on student ratings. The faculty perspective also provides valuable information for others interested in scaling Reacting to the Past to larger classes.
Post-wildfire landscape change and erosional processes from repeat terrestrial lidar in a steep headwater catchment, Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona, USA

Abstract Flooding and erosion after wildfires present increasing hazard as climate warms, semi-arid lands become drier, population increases, and the urban interface encroaches farther into wildlands. We quantify post-wildfire erosion in a steep, initially unchannelized, 7.5 ha headwater catchment following the 2011 Horseshoe 2 Fire in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. Using time-lapse cameras, rain gauges, and repeat surveys by terrestrial laser scanner, we quantify the response of a burned landscape to subsequent precipitation events. Repeat surveys provide detailed pre-and post-rainfall measurements of landscape form associated with a range of weather events. The first post-fire precipitation led to sediment delivery equivalent to 0.017 m of erosion from hillslopes and 0.12 m of erosion from colluvial hollows. Volumetrically, 69% of sediment yield was generated from hillslope erosion and 31% was generated from gully channel establishment in colluvial hollows. Processes on hillslopes included erosion by extensive shallow overland flow, formation of rills and gullies, and generation of sediment-laden flows and possibly debris flows. Subsequent smaller rain events caused ongoing hillslope erosion and local deposition and erosion in gullies. Winter freeze-thaw led to soil expansion, likely related to frost-heaving, causing a net centimeter-scale elevation increase across soil-mantled slopes. By characterizing landscape form, the properties of near-surface materials, and measuring both precipitation and landscape change, we can improve our empirical understanding of landscape response to environmental forcing. This detailed approach to studying landscape response to wildfires may be useful in the improvement of predictive models of flood, debris flow and sedimentation hazards used in post-wildfire response assessments and land management, and may help improve process-based models of landscape evolution.
Patterns and correlates of medical cannabis use for pain among patients prescribed long-term opioid therapy.

Abstract Objective Little is known about co-occurring long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) and medical cannabis use. We compared characteristics of patients prescribed LTOT who endorsed using medical cannabis for pain to patients who did not report cannabis use. Method Participants (n = 371) prescribed LTOT completed self-report measures about pain, substance use, and mental health. Results Eighteen percent of participants endorsed using medical cannabis for pain. No significant differences were detected on pain-related variables, depression, or anxiety between those who endorsed medical cannabis use and those who did not. Medical cannabis users had higher scores of risk for prescription opioid misuse (median = 17.0 vs. 11.5, p p p = 0.01). Multivariable analyses indicated that medical cannabis use was significantly associated with risk of prescription opioid misuse (β = 0.17, p = 0.001), but not hazardous alcohol use (aOR = 1.96, 95% CI = 0.96–4.00, p = 0.06) or nicotine use (aOR = 1.61, 95% CI = 0.90–2.88, p = 0.11). Conclusion There are potential risks associated with co-occurring LTOT and medical cannabis for pain. Study findings highlight the need for further clinical evaluation in this population. Future research is needed to examine the longitudinal impact of medical cannabis use on pain-related and substance use outcomes.
In vivo bone 31 P relaxation times and their implications on mineral quantification.

PURPOSE The intersubject variations in bone phosphorus-31 (31 P) T1 and T 2 * , as well as the implications on in vivo 31 P MRI-based bone mineral quantification, were investigated at 3T field strength. METHODS A technique that isolates the bone signal from the composite in vivo 31 P spectrum was first evaluated via simulation and experiments ex vivo and subsequently applied to measure the T1 of bone 31 P collectively with a spectroscopic saturation recovery sequence in a group of healthy subjects aged 26 to 76 years. T 2 * was derived from the bone signal linewidth. The density of bone 31 P was derived for all subjects from 31 P zero TE images acquired in the same scan session using the measured relaxation times. Test-retest experiments were also performed to evaluate repeatability of this in vivo MRI-based bone mineral quantification protocol. RESULTS The T1 obtained in vivo using the proposed spectral separation method combined with saturation recovery sequence is 38.4 ± 1.5 s for the subjects studied. Average 31 P density found was 6.40 ± 0.58 mol/L (corresponding to 1072 ± 98 mg/cm3 mineral density), in good agreement with an earlier study in specimens from donors of similar age range. Neither the relaxation times (P = 0.18 for T1 , P = 0.99 for T 2 * ) nor 31 P density (P = 0.55) were found to correlate with subject age. Average coefficients of variation for the repeat study were 1.5%, 2.6%, and 4.4% for bone 31 P T1 , T 2 * , and density, respectively. CONCLUSION Neither 31 P T1 nor T 2 * varies significantly in healthy adults across a 50-year age range, therefore obviating the need for subject-specific measurements.
Evolving efficient sensor arrangement and obstacle avoidance control logic for a miniature robot

Evolutionary computation techniques are being frequently used in the field of robotics to develop controllers for autonomous robots. In this paper, we evaluate the use of Genetic Programming (GP) to evolve a controller that implements an Obstacle Avoidance (OA) behavior in a miniature robot. The GP system generates the OA logic equation offline on a simulated dynamic 2-D environment that transforms the sensory inputs from a simulated robot to a controller decision. The goodness of the generated logic equation is computed by using a fitness function that maximizes the exploration of the environment and minimizes the number of collisions for a fixed number of decisions allowed before the simulation is stopped. The set of motor control decisions for all possible sensor trigger sequences is applied to a real robot which is then tested on a real environment. Needless to say, the efficiency of this OA robot depends on the information it can receive from its surroundings. This information is dependant on the sensor module design. Thus, we also present a Genetic Algorithm (GA) that evolves a sensor arrangement taking into consideration economical issues as well as the usefulness of the information that can be retrieved. The evolved algorithm shows robust performance even if the robot was placed in completely different dynamically changing environments. The performance of our algorithm is compared with that of a hybrid neural network and also with an online (real time) evolution method.
A Neuropsychologic Profile of Homosexual and Heterosexual Men and Women

To examine the applicability of psychosexual differentiation theory to the development of sexual orientation, heterosexual (HT) women, HT men, lesbians, and gay men (20 per group) completed a lexical-decision/semantic monitoring task (LD/SM) to assess verbal ability, as well as a Water Level Task (WLT) and two Mental Rotation (MR) Tasks designed to assess spatial ability. All tests have been shown to differentiate HT men and women. Results replicated previously reported sex differences between the HT men and women. Further, gay men performed akin to HT women on the verbal task and the MR tasks, but not in the WLT. Lesbians, however, primarily performed in a sex-typical manner. The dissociation in sex-atypicality between lesbians and gay men is discussed in relation to neurobiological factors related to the development of both sex-dimorphic cognitive ability and sexual orientation.
Abrupt Climate Change

Changes in Holocene climate have generally been gradual and the environmental security effects have been manageable. However, the long–term Holocene climate record also indicates that significant change is usually abrupt with major implications for regional and global stability. Economic and ecological impacts of abrupt climate events could exceed the adaptation capacity of most states. Climate models suggest that a potential abrupt event may result in harsher winter conditions, severe drought, and more intense zonal weather patterns. These conditions can induce major food and water shortages, persistent epidemics, and disputed access to energy resources. This scenario has the clear potential to destabilize the geopolitical environment thus leading to violent interstate conflict. This chapter will examine an abrupt climate change scenario from an environmental security perspective and present a regional framework to demonstrate the spatial pattern of potential threats.
Proprioceptive-Inertial Autonomous Locomotion for Articulated Robots

Inspired by the ability of animals to rely on proprioception and vestibular feedback to adapt their gait, we propose a modular framework for autonomous locomotion that relies on force sensing and inertial information. A first controller exploits anti-compliance, a new application of positive force feedback, to quickly react against obstacles upon impact. We hypothesize that, in situations where a robot experiences occasional impacts with the environment, anti-compliance can help negotiate unknown obstacles, similar to biological systems where positive feedback enables fast responses to external stimuli. A novel parallel controller, based on a bi-stable dynamical system, continuously adjusts the robot's direction of locomotion, and reverts it in reaction to major swerves. We present experimental results, demonstrating how our framework allows a snake robot to autonomously locomote through a row of unevenly-spaced obstacles. Finally, we extend our proprioceptive controller to legged locomotion, showing how a hexaprint robot can adapt its motion to climb over obstacles.
Generalized Meta-Analysis for Multiple Regression Models Across Studies with Disparate Covariate Information

Meta-analysis is widely popular for synthesizing information on common parameters of interest across multiple studies because of its logistical convenience and statistical efficiency. We develop a generalized meta-analysis approach to combining information on multivariate regression parameters across multiple studies that have varying levels of covariate information. Using algebraic relationships among regression parameters in different dimensions, we specify a set of moment equations for estimating parameters of a maximal model through information available from sets of parameter estimates for a series of reduced models from the different studies. The specification of the equations requires a reference dataset for estimating the joint distribution of the covariates. We propose to solve these equations using the generalized method of moments approach, with the optimal weighting of the equations taking into account uncertainty associated with estimates of the parameters of the reduced models. We describe extensions of the iterated reweighted least-squares algorithm for fitting generalized linear regression models using the proposed framework. Based on the same moment equations, we also develop a diagnostic test for detecting violations of underlying model assumptions, such as those arising from heterogeneity in the underlying study populations. The proposed methods are illustrated with extensive simulation studies and a real-data example involving the development of a breast cancer risk prediction model using disparate risk factor information from multiple studies.
New insights into the mechanisms of diabetic complications: role of lipids and lipid metabolism

Diabetes adversely affects multiple organs, including the kidney, eye and nerve, leading to diabetic kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy, respectively. In both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, tissue damage is organ specific and is secondary to a combination of multiple metabolic insults. Hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and hypertension combine with the duration and type of diabetes to define the distinct pathophysiology underlying diabetic kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy. Only recently have the commonalities and differences in the metabolic basis of these tissue-specific complications, particularly those involving local and systemic lipids, been systematically examined. This review focuses on recent progress made using preclinical models and human-based approaches towards understanding how bioenergetics and metabolomic profiles contribute to diabetic kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy. This new understanding of the biology of complication-prone tissues highlights the need for organ-specific interventions in the treatment of diabetic complications.
Topical Review: State of the Field of Child Self-Report of Acute Pain.

OBJECTIVE Children experience acute pain with routine and emergent healthcare, and untreated pain can lead to a range of repercussions. Assessment is vital to diagnosing and treating acute pain. Given the internal nature of pain, self-report is predominant. This topical review reflects on the state of the field of pediatric acute pain self-report, and proposes a framework for acute pain assessment via self-report. METHOD We examine self-report of acute pain in preschool-age children through adolescents, and we detail a three-step process to optimize acute pain assessment. RESULTS The first step is to decide between a pain screening or assessment. Several 0-10 self-report scales are available for pain screenings. Assessment requires specification of the goals and domains to target. Core criteria, common features, modulating factors, and consequences of acute pain provide a framework for a comprehensive pain assessment. Whereas there are some measures available to assess aspects of these domains, there are considerable gaps. Last, it is important to integrate the data to guide clinical care of acute pain. CONCLUSIONS Self-report of acute pain is dominated by single-item intensity scales, which are useful for pain screening but inadequate for pain assessment. We propose a three-step approach to acute pain assessment in children. However, there is a need for measure development for a comprehensive evaluation of the core criteria, common features, modulating factors, and consequences of pediatric acute pain. In addition, there is limited guidance in merging data found in multifaceted evaluations of pediatric acute pain.
MapReduce over Lustre: Can RDMA-Based Approach Benefit?

Recently, MapReduce is getting deployed over many High Performance Computing (HPC) clusters. Different studies reveal that by leveraging the benefits of high-performance interconnects like InfiniBand in these clusters, faster MapReduce job execution can be obtained by using additional performance enhancing features. Although RDMA-enhanced MapReduce has been proven to provide faster solutions over Hadoop distributed file system, efficiencies over parallel file systems used in HPC clusters are yet to be discovered. In this paper, we present a complete methodology for evaluating MapReduce over Lustre file system to provide insights about the interactions of different system components in HPC clusters. Our performance evaluation shows that RDMA-enhanced MapReduce can achieve significant benefits in terms of execution time (49% in a 128-node HPC cluster) and resource utilization, compared to the default architecture. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to evaluate RDMA-enhanced MapReduce over Lustre file system on HPC clusters.
Lumumba’s Ghost: A Historiography of Belgian Colonial Culture

Stanard traces the fascinating historiography of Belgian ‘colonial culture’. For long, ‘colonial’ history was marginal in Belgium. There were few Congolese immigrants who might have asked harder questions about the past and fewer Belgian historians with first-hand knowledge of the colony. The ‘imperial turn’ in historiography, Adam Hochschild’s King Leopold’s Ghost, a parliamentary inquiry into Patrice Lumumba’s murder, generational change, and anniversaries raised awareness of the colonial experience’s enduring consequences. Research has shown how colonial-era propaganda and former colonials sustained a positive vision of past overseas rule. The colonial era reshaped institutions, left colonialist monuments across the metropole and impacted migration. MacKenzie’s work can guide future research into Belgian post-colonial literature and empire’s effects on the monarchy and the Catholic Church.
No Differences in Active Young Adults' Affective Valence or Enjoyment Between Rowing and Cycling.

Regular participation in continuous exercise modalities including running, walking, cycling, and rowing is an effective way to satisfy public health recommendations for moderate intensity continuou...
Backbonding contributions to small molecule chemisorption in a metal-organic framework with open copper(i) centers.

Metal–organic frameworks are promising materials for applications such as gas capture, separation, and storage, due to their ability to selectively adsorb small molecules. The metal–organic framework CuI-MFU-4l, which contains coordinatively unsaturated copper(I) centers, can engage in backbonding interactions with various small molecule guests, motivating the design of frameworks that engage in backbonding and other electronic interactions for highly efficient and selective adsorption. Here, we examine several gases expected to bind to the open copper(I) sites in CuI-MFU-4l via different electronic interactions, including σ-donation, π-backbonding, and formal electron transfer. We show that in situ Cu L-edge near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy can elucidate π-backbonding by directly probing excitations to unoccupied backbonding orbitals with Cu d-character, even for gases that participate in other dominant interactions, such as ligand-to-metal σ-donation. First-principles calculations based on density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory additionally reveal the backbonding molecular orbitals associated with these spectroscopic transitions. The energies of the transitions correlate with the energy levels of the isolated small molecule adsorbates, and the transition intensities are proportional to the binding energies of the guest molecules within CuI-MFU-4l. By elucidating the molecular and electronic structure origins of backbonding interactions between electron rich metal centers in metal–organic frameworks and small molecule guests, it is possible to develop guidelines for further molecular-level design of solid-state adsorbents for energy-efficient separations of relevance to industry.
Political Regimes and International Trade: The Democratic Difference Revisted

How do domestic political institutions affect the outcomes of international trade negotiations? Specifically, are the aggregate trade barriers agreed upon by a democratic pair lower than those by a pair composed of a democracy and an autocracy? I revisit these important questions by highlighting some problematic aspect of the analysis by Mansfield, Milner, and Rosendorff (2000). Contrary to their central conclusion, I find that whether the aggregate trade barriers are lower for a democratic pair than those for a mixed pair depends on the preferences of the decision makers involved. Thus, although domestic political institutions are important, they alone are insufficient to predict a higher level of cooperation among democracies.
Paired inhibitory stimulation and gait training modulates supplemental motor area connectivity in freezing of gait.

abstract Introduction Freezing of gait (FOG) is a debilitating feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). Evidence suggests patients with FOG have increased cortical control of gait. The supplementary motor area (SMA) may be a key structure due to its connectivity with locomotor and cognitive networks. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) if SMA connectivity is disrupted in patients with FOG and (2) if “inhibitory” repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can decrease maladaptive SMA connectivity. Methods Two experiments were performed. In experiment 1 resting-state (T2* BOLD imaging) was compared between 38 PD freezers and 17 PD controls. In experiment 2, twenty PD patients with FOG were randomized to either 10 sessions of real or sham rTMS to the SMA (1 Hz, 110% motor threshold, 1200 pulses/session) combined with daily gait training. Results (Experiment 1) Freezers had increased connectivity between the left SMA and the vermis of the cerebellum and decreased connectivity between the SMA and the orbitofrontal cortex (pFDR-corr Conclusions The SMA in freezers is hyper-connected to the cerebellum, a key locomotor region which may represent maladaptive compensation. In this preliminary study, 1 Hz rTMS reduced SMA connectivity however, this was not specific to the locomotor regions. Intervention outcomes may be improved with subject specific targeting of SMA.
Interleukin-10 Producing T Lymphocytes Attenuate Dermal Scarring.

Objective Demonstrate the impact of IL-10 producing T lymphocytes on mediating dermal scarring. Summary background data We demonstrated that CD4+ cells are essential to improving postinjury wound healing and preventing fibrosis. CD4+ subsets secrete differential cytokine and growth factor profiles, though their role in fibrosis is not known. IL-10, a key anti-inflammatory cytokine shown to promote regenerative wound healing, is secreted by some CD4+ subsets. We, therefore, hypothesize that IL-10 producing CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets selectively attenuate dermal wound fibrosis. Methods IL-10-/- and wild-type murine splenocytes were enriched for CD4+ lymphocytes and adoptively transferred into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice that received full-thickness wounds which were analyzed at days 7 and 28 for inflammation and collagen content. We then sorted CD4+CD44int/lowFoxP3-CD62L+ T cells (Tnaive) or CD4+CD44HiFoxP3- type 1 regulatory (Tr1) T cell subsets from 10BiT murine splenocytes, activated them, and transferred them into wounds. In vitro, dermal fibroblasts were cocultured with Tnaive or Tr1 and the effect on extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation was analyzed. Results The anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of CD4+ cells on SCID wounds were lost with cells from IL-10-/- mice. Adoptive transfer of Tr1 into SCID mice resulted in accelerated wound closure at d7 with reduced fibrosis at d28, with Tr1 favoring hyaluronan production by fibroblasts, an ECM molecule implicated in IL-10-induced regenerative healing. Conclusions IL-10 producing T-lymphocytes, specifically Tr1, regulate inflammatory cell cytokine expression to promote HA-rich ECM deposition and attenuate fibrosis. Promoting IL-10 producing lymphocytes in wounds may be a therapeutic target to promote regenerative wound healing.
Comment on “A magnetic velocity Verlet method” [Am. J. Phys. 88, 1075 (2020)]

The implicit midpoint method described by Chambliss and Franklin [Am. J. Phys. 88, 1075 (2020)] is known not to exactly conserve energy for a spatially varying magnetic field, nor does it conserve angular momentum in a constant magnetic field. It is, therefore, not competitive with the widely used Boris solver in plasma physics, which conserves both.
Spatiotemporal wicking dynamics: The effects of pillar height, density, and anisotropic geometries

Asymmetric microstructures are of particular interest to many technical fields. Such structures can produce anisotropic flow-fields, which, for example, can be used to control heat and mass transport processes. Anisotropic wicking structures can now be systematically engineered with unique micro-pillar geometries and spatial pillar-placement distributions. Such asymmetric wicking structure designs are of particular interest to the thermal management community due to need to cool heterogeneous materials with specific heat load configurations. In this study, asymmetric half-conical micropillars have been fabricated utilizing two-photon polymerization. Macroscopic characterization of anisotropic flow-field velocities is performed via high-speed videography. High-speed thin-film interferometry and microscopic side-angle videography are also used to characterize the microscale evolution of meniscus curvature during inter-pillar wicking. The wicking velocity is observed to be directly proportional to both the meniscus curvature and the cross-sectional area of the micro-pillars (normal to the flow). An anisotropic hemiwicking model is also described with comparisons to experimental data. The hemiwicking model predicts the macroscopic wicking behavior (within 20% or less) for the relatively broad range of pillar geometries and pillar spacing configurations. These anisotropic flow-field predictions can help engineers design the next-generation of micro-structured heat sinks, fluid-based sensors and chemical harvesting systems.
Mathematical Method for Blending Aggregates

A method is developed for aggregate mix design for use in stabilized base or asphalt concrete design where it is necessary to blend several available aggregate materials to obtain the desired optimum gradation. This method differs from the trial-and-error procedure commonly used. It represents as direct a mathematical solution as can be found for this problem.
Induction of poplar leaf nitrate reductase: a test of extrachloroplastic control of isoprene emission rate.

: Several recent studies have suggested that control of isoprene emission rate is in part exerted by supply of extrachloroplastic phosphoenolpyruvate to the chloroplast. To test this hypothesis, we altered PEP supply by differential induction of cytosolic nitrate reductase (NR) and PEP carboxylase (PEPC) in plants of Populus deltoides grown with NO3− or NH4+ as the sole nitrogen source. Growth with 8 mM NH4+ produced a high leaf nitrogen concentration, compared with 8 mM NO3−, as well as slightly elevated rates of photosynthesis and significantly enhanced rates of isoprene emission and content of dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP, a precursor to isoprene biosynthesis), chlorophyll (a+b) and carotenoids. Growth with 8 mM NO3− resulted in parallel reductions in both leaf isoprene emission rate and DMAPP. The differential effects of growth with NH4+ or NO3− were not observed when plants were grown with 4 mM nitrogen. The effects of reduced DMAPP availability were specific to isoprene emission and were not propagated to higher isoprenoids, as the correlations between nitrogen content and either leaf chlorophyll (a+b) or total carotenoids were unaffected by nitrogen source. Biochemical analysis revealed significantly higher levels of NR and PEPC activity in leaves of 8 mM NO3−-grown plants, consistent with their fundamental roles in nitrate assimilation. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that foliar assimilation of NO3− reduces isoprene emission rate by competing for carbon skeletons (mediated by PEPC) within the cytosol and possibly reductant within the chloroplast. Cytosolic competition for PEP is a major regulator of chloroplast DMAPP supply, and we offer a new “safety valve” hypothesis to explain why plants emit isoprene.