cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The X-Ray Crystal Structure of the Keratin 1-Keratin 10 Helix 2B Heterodimer Reveals Molecular Surface Properties and Biochemical Insights into Human Skin Disease.

Keratins 1 (K1) and 10 (K10) are the primary keratins expressed in differentiated epidermis. Mutations in K1/K10 are associated with human skin diseases. We determined the crystal structure of the complex between the distal (2B) helices of K1 and K10 to better understand how human keratin structure correlates with function. The 3.3 A resolution structure confirms many features inferred by previous biochemical analyses, but adds unexpected insights. It demonstrates a parallel, coiled-coil heterodimer with a predominantly hydrophobic intermolecular interface; this heterodimer formed a higher order complex with a second K1-K10-2B heterodimer via a Cys401 K10 disulfide link, although the bond angle is unanticipated. The molecular surface analysis of K1-K10-2B identified several pockets, one adjacent to the disulfide linkage and conserved in K5-K14. The solvent accessible surface area of the K1-K10 structure is 20–25% hydrophobic. The 2B region contains mixed acidic and basic patches proximally (N-terminal), whereas it is largely acidic distally (C-terminal). Mapping of conserved and nonconserved residues between K1-K10 and K5-K14 onto the structure demonstrated the majority of unique residues align along the outer helical ridge. Finally, the structure permitted a fresh analysis of the deleterious effects caused by K1/K10 missense mutations found in patients with phenotypic skin disease.
Identification of 5,6-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles as a new class of antimicrobial agents

Abstract In an effort to develop novel antimicrobial agents against drug-resistant bacterial infections, 5,6-dihydroimidazo[2,1- b ]thiazole compounds were synthesized and tested for their antimicrobial activity. Eight compounds comprised by two sub-scaffolds were identified as hits against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These hits were modified at 6-position by replacing ( S )-6 to ( R )-6 configuration and the ( R )-isomers increased their antimicrobial activities by two-fold. The most active compound showed a MIC 90 value of 3.7 μg/mL against MRSA in a standard microdilution bacterial growth inhibitory assay. This compound protected wax moth worms against MRSA at a dose of 5× MIC using a worm infectious model. This compound also exhibited inhibition of DNA gyrase activity in a DNA gyrase supercoil assay, suggesting the 5,6-dihydroimidazo[2,1- b ]thiazoles may target DNA gyrase for the antimicrobial action.
Ixazomib suppresses human dendritic cell and modulates murine graft-versus-host disease in a schedule-dependent fashion.

There is an abiding need for innovative approaches to the prevention of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Interest in prevention of GvHD by dendritic cell (DC) suppression has re-emerged since the introduction of proteasome inhibitors into clinical practice. Ixazomib is an orally bioavailable proteasome inhibitor with a rapid proteasome dissociation rate. We studied the effects of ixazomib on human DC maturation, viability, and cytokine production in vitro. We also determined the effects of ixazomib in a murine GvHD model. Although ixazomib suppressed naive human DC maturation, it had only a limited effect on cell viability. Ixazomib decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine production of resting DCs. This effect was diminished or reversed when DCs were pre-stimulated. In vivo, ixazomib administered post-transplantation on days +1 and +4 or days −1, +2, and +5 ameliorated GvHD in comparison to the GvHD group. Although a fraction of mice treated according to the prolonged schedule died abruptly after the day +5 treatment, both schedules resulted in improved overall survival. When we examined the effects of ixazomib on splenic cells and serum cytokines, we found that ixazomib exerted complex schedule-dependent immunomodulatory effects. Our study provides a rationale for the potential use of ixazomib in the prevention of GvHD.
Effect of Life Review on Quality of Life For Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes

ABSTRACTAim: To examine the effects of life review on daily activities, social participation, outlook on life, and perceptions of living in a nursing home measured by life satisfaction and quality of life in older adults. Method: The study design was a two-phase quasi-experimental pre-post-tests including development and testing of a life review protocol. Nine residents, age ≥65, participated in a life review group once weekly for 6 weeks. Outcomes were analyzed using the Life Satisfaction Index-Z (LSI-Z) and pre-post surveys. Results: LSI-Z scores improved post-intervention and survey outcomes indicated participation in activities of daily living (ADLs), socialization, outlook on life, and living in a nursing home perceptions improved for all participants. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of a life review protocol to improve ADLs, social participation, and enhancing perceptions of outlook on life and living in a nursing home enhancing QOL and life satisfaction for older adult nursing ...
Abstract B07: The loss function of BP180 (Collagen type XVII) in skin, leads to a mast cell dependent pro-inflammatory microenvironment which promotes melanoma progression

BP180, also known as type 17 collagen, is a transmembrane glycoprotein located in the hemidesmosome of epidermal basal keratinocytes. BP180 is a critical cell/matrix adhesion molecule in dermal-epidermal junction of the skin. Various clinical reports indicated that the altered expression of hemidesmosomal protein BP180 is associated with melanoma progression. However, it is unclear whether BP180 is directly involved in melanoma progression. To investigate the role of BP180 in melanoma progression, we generated novel mouse strains lacking BP180 functions in whole body (by crossing floxed mice with germline Cre), in the local skin (tamoxifen-inducible Cre), or in basal keratinocytes (K14-driven Cre). These BP180 functional knockout mice showed dermal-epidermal junction separation in the skin, indicating that the cell/cell matrix adhesion mediated by BP180 is impaired. Loss of BP180 function also lead to a proinflammatory microenvironment in skin accompanied with an influx of immune cells including mast cells, neutrophils and T cells. When tested in B16 mouse melanoma model BP180 functional deficient mice (globally, in the local skin, or in basal keratinocytes) showed significantly increased melanoma progression. These results demonstrated that BP180 deficiency limited in local skin microenvironment or basal keratinocyte is sufficient to promote melanoma progression. To determine whether increased neutrophil or mast cells are required for the accelerated melanoma progression in BP180 functional deficient mice, we injected B16 melanoma cells into mice lacking both mast cells and BP180 function. Mast cell deficiency drastically reduced the inflammation, neutrophil influx into skin and melanoma progression caused by loss of BP180 function. These findings provide the first evidence suggesting that BP180, as a hemidesmosomal cell-cell matrix adhesion protein, plays a vital role in host defense against melanoma progression through modulating basal keratinocytes, neutrophil and mast cells in local tumor microenvironment. Citation Format: Bin-Jin Hwang, Bin Peng, Yang Zhang, Jaime Marie Brozowski, Lin Lin, Scott E. Williams, Ning Li, Zhen Liu, Maureen Su, Nancy E. Thomas, Luis A. Diaz, Zhi Liu. The loss function of BP180 (Collagen type XVII) in skin, leads to a mast cell dependent pro-inflammatory microenvironment which promotes melanoma progression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2016 Oct 20-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2017;5(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B07.
Pediatric Acute Flaccid Paralysis: Enterovirus D68-Associated Anterior Myelitis.

Abstract Background Enteroviral infections can cause acute flaccid paralysis secondary to anterior myelitis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is important in the diagnosis of this potentially devastating pediatric disease. Before the 2014 outbreak of Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), the virus was considered a relatively benign disease. Case Report A fully immunized 8-year-old boy was brought to the emergency department complaining of a cough, headache, neck pain, and right arm pain and weakness. Deep tendon reflexes in the weak arm could not be elicited. MRI of the brain and cervical spine revealed anterior myelitis of the cervical spine. The patient was given intravenous antibiotics, acyclovir, and methylprednisolone with no initial improvement. He was then given intravenous immunoglobulin over 3 days with improvement in symptoms. Nasal swab polymerase chain reaction revealed EV-D68. Despite medical management, the child was left with long-term motor disability in the effected extremity. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Acute flaccid paralysis is a potential devastating complication of enteroviral infections. Extremity complaints in the clinical setting of central nervous system infection should raise concern for encephalomyelitis. MRI is extremely helpful in establishing this diagnosis. Prevalence of non-polio enteroviral paralytic events is increasing in the United States. Potential EV-D68 cases should be reported to local health departments. Emergency medicine providers should consider this complication in the child with acute, unexplained significant respiratory illness with new neurologic complaints.
County socioeconomic characteristics and heart transplant outcomes in the United States.

Background Geographic disparities in survival after heart transplantation have received mixed support in prior studies, and specific geographic characteristics that might be responsible for these differences are unclear. We tested for differences in heart transplant outcomes across United States (US) counties after adjustment for individual-level covariates. Our secondary aim was to evaluate whether specific county-level socioeconomic characteristics explained geographic disparities in survival. Methods Data on patients aged ≥18 years undergoing a first-time heart transplant between July 2006 and December 2014 were obtained from the United Network for Organ Sharing. Residents of counties represented by Results Multivariable analysis of 10,879 heart transplant recipients found that, adjusting for individual-level characteristics, there remained statistically significant variation in mortality hazard across US counties ( P = .004). Adjusting for quintiles of community disadvantage, economic inequality, or racial segregation did not significantly improve model fit (likelihood ratio test P = .092, P = .273, and P = .107, respectively) and did not explain residual differences in patient survival across counties. Conclusions Heart transplantation outcomes vary by county, but this difference is not attributable to county-level socioeconomic disadvantage.
Correction: Thermoelectric properties of AMg2X2, AZn2Sb2 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba; X = Sb, Bi), and Ba2ZnX2 (X = Sb, Bi) Zintl compounds

Correction for ‘Thermoelectric properties of AMg2X2, AZn2Sb2 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba; X = Sb, Bi), and Ba2ZnX2 (X = Sb, Bi) Zintl compounds’ by Jifeng Sun et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017, 5, 8499–8509.
Phenotypic and familial associations between childhood maltreatment and cannabis initiation and problems in young adult European-American and African-American women.

Abstract Background Childhood maltreatment is a known risk factor for cannabis initiation and problem use, but the extent to which this association is attributable to shared familial influences is unknown. We estimate the magnitude of associations between childhood maltreatment, timing of cannabis initiation, and cannabis-related problems, in European-American (EA) and African-American (AA) women, and parse the relative influence of additive genetic (A), shared environmental (C), and individual-specific environmental (E) factors on these constructs and their covariation. Methods Data were from diagnostic telephone interviews conducted with 3786 participants (14.6% AA) in a population-based study of female twins. Logistic regression analyses and twin modeling were used to test for associations, and estimate the relative contributions of genetic and environmental influences to childhood maltreatment and cannabis outcomes and their covariation. Results Maltreatment was significantly associated with increased likelihood of cannabis initiation before age 15 among EAs (OR = 6.33) and AAs (OR = 3.93), but with increased likelihood of later initiation among EAs only (OR = 1.68). Maltreatment was associated with cannabis problems among both groups (EA OR = 2.32; AA OR = 2.03). Among EA women, the covariation between maltreatment and cannabis outcomes was primarily attributable to familial environment ( rC = 0.67–0.70); among AAs, only individual-specific environment contributed ( rE = 0.37–0.40). Conclusion Childhood maltreatment is a major contributor to early initiation of cannabis as well as progression to cannabis problems in both AA and EA women. Distinctions by race/ethnicity are not in the relative contribution of genetic factors, but rather in the type of environmental influences that contribute to stages of cannabis involvement.
Big Five Personality Factors and Facets as Predictors of Openness to Diversity.

Openness to diversity is a crucial component of cultural competence needed in the increasingly diversified modern society and a necessary condition for benefitting from diversity contacts and inter...
Antigen Specific Memory T Cells and Their Putative Need for the Generation of Sustained Anti-Tumor Responses

Memory T-cell responses to cancer antigens may be an effective way to sustain long-term tumor-free survival. However, finding an effective vaccination strategy to induce memory T-cell responses toward tumor associated antigens in patients with existing disease has proven to be extremely difficult. Immune stimulation regimens have been combined with tumor vaccination in an attempt to boost the immune response resulting in better vaccine efficacy. In these instances immune stimulation alone has shown some promise as a primary tumor therapy, but has been less effective at eliciting long-term tumor immunity. Likewise, combining systemic adjuvant therapy with tumor antigen vaccination also demonstrated a lack of sustained anti-tumor immunity in cancer patients. In this review, we discuss whether the immune response generated during immune stimulation is appropriate for supporting memory T-cell generation or whether initial tumor regression and generation of sustained anti-tumor immunity have different immunological signaling requirements.
Ciliate Telomere Proteins

Telomeres are the specialized DNA-protein complexes at the termini of linear eukaryote chromosomes. The proteins that bind to the extreme end of the telomeric DNA have been isolated from two species of ciliated protozoa, Euplotes and Oxytricha. The proteins from both organisms recognize the sequence and structure of the telomeric DNA. As the proteins bind telomeric DNA very tightly, they appear to form a protective cap over the end of the chromosome. The DNA-binding specificity of the two proteins has been studied using gel-shift assays and nitrocellulose-filter binding, while their structural organization has been delineated using partial proteolysis and deletion mutagenesis. The two proteins share a conserved DNA-binding domain which is unlike any previously characterized DNA-binding motif.
More on Simplex

In the previous chapter, the basics of the simplex and revised simplex algorithms were developed. Degeneracy and convergence issues were addressed. In this chapter we continue with several enhancements to the basic algorithm and related issues. In Section 6.2 we continue the development of sensitivity analysis which was first discussed in Chapters 2 and 3. We show that an analysis of the simplex tableau provides dual variable values, reduced costs and range analysis for the right hand side and objective function, but the simplex algorithm does not provide results which are as reliable as those obtained using projection and inverse projection. In Section 6.3 we develop the dual simplex algorithm. This is the simplex algorithm applied to the dual problem but using the primal simplex tableau. In our earlier development of the simplex algorithm we assumed that all variables had a lower bound of zero and an upper bound of oo. In Section 6.4 we show how to incorporate variables with arbitrary lower and upper bounds into the simplex algorithm. The simplex algorithm requires an initial feasible basis. In Section 6.5 we show how to find an initial basic feasible solution. In Step 3 of the simplex algorithm it is necessary to select a variable to enter the basis. In Section 6.6 we describe several methods for selecting the entering variable. In Section 6.7 we discuss other numerical issues such as tolerances, the minimum ratio test and scaling. Concluding remarks are given in Section 6.8. Exercises are provided in Section 6.9. One topic not covered in this chapter is preprocessing. By preprocessing we mean analyzing the problem prior to solution in order to discover obvious redundancies, tighter variable bounds, eliminate variables and constraints, etc. This is very important in reducing the solution time for solving linear programs. Our discussion of preprocessing linear programs is postponed until Chapter 15.
Metalloprotease activity of CD13/aminopeptidase N on the surface of human myeloid cells

We previously found that the myeloid cell surface glycoprotein CD13 (gp150) is identical to aminopeptidase N (EC 3.4.11.2), a widely distributed membrane-bound, zinc-dependent metalloprotease with an extracellular enzymatic domain that cleaves N-terminal amino acid residues from oligopeptides (J Clin Invest 83:1299, 1989). As a first step toward defining the function of this molecule on myeloid cells, we assessed cell surface-associated N-terminal peptidase activity by sensitive spectrophotometric measurements of the cleavage of p-nitroanilide amino acid derivatives. Aminopeptidase activity detected on the surface of normal and malignant hematopoietic cells coincided with the level of cell surface CD13 expression as measured by flow cytometry. The enzyme was specifically inhibited by the zinc-binding metalloprotease inhibitors, bestatin, 1,10-phenanthroline, or 2.2'-dipyridyl, but was not affected by several inhibitors of other classes of proteases. Aminopeptidase activity was demonstrated for CD13 molecules specifically immunoprecipitated from the surface of CD13-positive cells and was blocked by the metalloprotease inhibitor 1,10-phenanthroline. Moreover, cell surface aminopeptidase activity was partially inhibited when viable cells were incubated with two of a panel of 11 monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) known to be specific for extracellular epitopes of human CD13. This inhibition was apparent in the absence of detectable downmodulation of CD13 molecules from the cell surface, suggesting that these MoAbs either physically interfere with substrate binding or alter the zinc-coordinating properties of aminopeptidase N molecules. Aminopeptidase N could play an important role in modulating signals generated by peptides at the surface of myeloid cells, either by removing key N-terminal residues from active peptides or by converting inactive peptides to active forms. The inhibitory antibodies used in this study should prove useful in delineating the physiologic roles of CD13/aminopeptidase N on normal and malignant myeloid cells.
Conservation of Energy, Overview

The physical principle of conservation of energy always holds. It reflects the homogeneity of physical laws with respect to time. In the context of thermal systems, this principle is known as the First Law of Thermodynamics. Energy obtained through thermal transformations is subject to a maximal efficiency due to the second law of thermodynamics, which severely constrains the utility of thermal energy as it is transformed to other kinds of energy. Not all sorts of energy have the same ease of use, even though it is always possible to transform one into another. High-quality energy is the most versatile, and thermal energy the least versatile. Energy conservation in ordinary speech refers to preservation of resources, the provision of energy resources more efficiently or at lower cost. Many opportunities still exist for reducing costs by raising efficiencies, by encouraging cooperation so that waste is minimized, and by rethinking traditional designs. The transportation and agricultural systems may have the best prospects for increasing energy efficiency.
Feasibility and safety of targeting the anterior superior iliac spine to perform a bone marrow procedure: a prospective, clinical study.

Aims The bone marrow procedure (BMP) has been performed worldwide for years. Nonetheless, no generally accepted standards or guidelines for the performance of the BMP exist. Recent studies suggested that the lateral angulation technique (LAT), targeting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) after penetration of the posterior superior iliac spine, yields longer biopsy cores and is safer for patients. We assessed the feasibility and safety of targeting the ASIS in the prone and lateral decubitus positions. Methods We first observed the BMP needle tracks on cadavers. Our cadaver study revealed that the LAT is feasible and safe but requires different operator techniques. Next, we studied 25 adult haematology patients undergoing elective BMP via the LAT approach. Patients returned 5 days after the BMP for a haemoglobin assessment, pain questionnaire and low-dose non-contract CT. Results 8% of patients reported persistent pain. No fall in haemoglobin and no pelvic haematomas or neurovascular injuries were detected. 88% of BMPs were successfully accomplished by targeting the ASIS. 12% required a back-up traditional angulation technique (TAT), directing the needle straight in, perpendicular to the coronal plane of the back. All three demonstrated inadvertent, but asymptomatic, penetration of the sacrum. Biopsy lengths were compared with a historical TAT control demonstrating that specimens obtained by LAT are significantly longer. Imaging studies showed that a seven-degree change in needle direction can convert a TAT to a LAT. Conclusion The LAT approach is feasible, safe and more productive than the TAT, and may be the preferred standard for training haematologists. Trial registration number NCT02524613.
Technical nuances of percutaneous sacroiliac joint fixation: A cadaveric study.

Abstract Sacroiliac (SI) joint can produce debilitating lower back pain with radiation to groin, buttocks, and lower extremities. SI joint dysfunction poses a clinical challenge to the spine surgeons. Studies entailing surgical arthrodesis utilizing Titanium implants have been reported with reputedly high level of patient satisfaction. Authors have described technical aspects of surgical technique with use of titanium screw implants. The transarticular technique is used to places SI joint screw implants across the articular portion of SI joint. Cadaveric SI joint instrumentation is performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Moreover, Medline literature search is conducted to study surgical outcome, and patient satisfaction. 4 cadavers are prepped prone for the percutaneous approach. Bilaterally 6 screws are placed using transarticular placement technique under fluoroscopic guidance. The posterior technique utilizes alignment guide to place the screws inline on the inlet view, parallel in the outlet view, and parallel to the dorsal aspect of the sacral body in the lateral view. One C-arm is used in the entire technique. The technical aspects of surgical technique have been described in a stepwise fashion for easy reproducibility in the operating room. Each screw track is checked with tactile feel of a blunt K-wire before final deployment. All bilateral screws were checked on a set of fluoroscopic views. A detail clinical examination, diagnostic joint injection, with the radiological imaging must be considered before surgical consideration. SI Joint fusion utilizing 3 transarticular sacral screws is equally effective and safe procedure to treat chronic lower back pain ensuing from SI joint dysfunction.
Next-Wave HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Implementation for Gay and Bisexual Men

Data indicate that diffusion of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programs for HIV prevention is increasing in the United States; however, persistent disparities in PrEP access remain. Earlier waves of PrEP implementation focused on development (2012-2015) and diffusion (2016-2018). To reduce disparities, the next wave of PrEP implementation should focus on integration; that is, the assimilation of PrEP service as an integral part of HIV prevention, sexual health, and primary care. This review analyzes PrEP implementation literature in the context of three "next-wave" challenges: increasing patient demand, enhancing provider investment and competency, and improving health systems capacity. Our review revealed five activities we consider critical to successful next-wave PrEP implementation efforts: (1) redefining PrEP eligibility assessment, (2) de-emphasizing risk perception as a strategy to increase demand, (3) rejecting risk compensation arguments, (4) altering guidelines to make PrEP follow-up less onerous, and (5) focusing directly on strategies to reduce the cost of PrEP medication. This article ends with a case study of a research-practice partnership designed to instantiate new approaches to integrative implementation efforts.
Cortical stroke affects activity and stability of theta/delta states in remote hippocampal regions *

Cognitive impairment is a common outcome of ischemic stroke. Our previous work has shown that an experimental stroke in the cortex reduces activity in remote hippocampal layers in rats. This study seeks to uncover the underlying functional connections between these areas by analyzing changes to oscillatory activity, signal power, and communication. We induced an ischemic stroke in the left somatosensory cortex of rats and used linear micro-electrode arrays to simultaneously record from cortex and hippocampus under urethane anesthesia at two weeks and one month after stroke. We found significant increase in signal power, as well as an increase in the number of brain state changes in response to stroke. Our results suggest that the cortex modulates the activity and stability of hippocampal oscillations, which is disrupted following cortical stroke that can lead to cognitive impairment.
Effects of multi-cropping system on temporal and spatial distribution of carbon and nitrogen footprint of major crops in China

Abstract Life cycle assessments (LCA) of staple food (rice, wheat and corn) production and assessments of the associated greenhouse gas (GHG) and reactive nitrogen (Nr) releases from environmental and ecological perspectives help to develop effective mitigation options. Therefore, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) footprint reductions in agroecosystems have become an increasingly popular topic related to global climate change and agricultural adaptation. The LCA method was used to calculate the product and farm C footprint (CF) and N footprint (NF) of double rice, rice-wheat and wheat-maize production based on governmental statistical datasets and published results. The spatial and temporal patterns of CF and NF were analyzed in China during 2004–2017, and their driving factors were analyzed to identify potential mitigation strategies. The results showed that of the various inputs, fertilizer application and diesel oil consumption contributed the most to both GHG and Nr emissions from farm inputs in the grain crop production process. The CFs for double rice, rice-wheat and wheat-maize were 0.83, 0.74, and 0.37 kg CO2-eq kg−1 year−1 at the yield scale, respectively. In addition, the NFs were 11.6, 13.4, and 15.4 gN-eq kg−1 year−1 at the yield scale for double rice, rice-wheat and wheat-maize, respectively. The largest fraction of CF and NF was the share of CH4 emissions and NH3 volatilization from the field soil, respectively. The annual CFs and NFs of the multiple crop in the southwestern provinces were higher than those in the central and northern provinces. The annual GHG and Nr emissions from the multiple crop maintained a relatively stable state from 2004 to 2017. The proportion of CO2/Nr production was partly reflected a soil C/N ratio, suggesting a higher C abundance for the double rice production, which could be used as a reference parameter for crop structure adjustment in the future. Based on our results and other studies, some effective solutions, especially optimized fertilization, farm machinery operation efficiencies and changes in regional allocation of grain cropping areas, are needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change and eutrophication on the main grain crop production in China.
Effects of melt spinning parameters on polypropylene hollow fiber formation

The objective of this research was to explore the effects of processing conditions on hollow fiber spinning, specifically to look at how differences in solidification impact hollow and solid fiber ...
Lignin extraction and upgrading using deep eutectic solvents

Abstract Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are a class of green solvents exhibiting low vapor pressure, high thermal stability, low toxicity, and biodegradability. These features make them attractive solvents for lignocellulosic biomass processing, especially for lignin valorization. DESs not only solubilize lignin from lignocellulose biomass, but also confer extracted lignin with properties favorable to its further upgrading. This review summarizes recent advances in biomass fractionation using DESs for lignin extraction. It also covers lignin upgrading in DESs in terms of depolymerization and functionalization. The challenges of tailoring lignin properties by DESs for different valorization routes are also discussed.
Chapter 21 – Geothermal Power Plants in Turkey

Turkey lies in a highly active tectonic region, the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic belt. There are almost 200 geothermal prospects, but nearly all of them are suitable only for low-temperature applications. The one area that has high-temperature resources is associated with the Buyuk Menderes Graben in western Anatolia.
"I Love This Story!" Examining Parent-Child Interactions during Storybook Reading.

The home environment is an important contributor to children’s literacy experiences. One activity that is frequently investigated is parent-child storybook reading. The present study examined book-...
‘Bloom where you’re planted’: explaining public opposition to (e)migration

Why is migration unpopular? A vast literature argues that voters oppose immigration because of threatened interests and prejudice. This paper is among the first studies of opposition to emigration ...
Outcomes after resumption of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy after high-grade immune-mediated hepatitis

Background In the current study, the authors assessed the risks and outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) rechallenge in patients with resolved grade 3 to 4 ICI hepatitis because current guidelines recommend permanent ICI discontinuation in these patients. Methods The authors performed a retrospective cohort study from 2010 through 2019 of patients with melanoma who were treated with ≥1 ICIs and who recovered from grade 3 to 4 ICI hepatitis. The primary outcome was hepatitis recurrence and the secondary outcome was the development of any immune-related adverse event (irAE) requiring the discontinuation of ICI rechallenge. Best overall response and time to all-cause death were compared between the patients who did and those who did not undergo ICI rechallenge. Grading was performed using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 5.0). Results Of the 102 patients with melanoma who developed high-grade ICI hepatitis, 31 underwent ICI rechallenge. Although 15 of 31 patients (48%) developed an irAE of any grade, only 6 patients (19%) required ICI discontinuation due to irAE severity (4 of 29 patients [14%] rechallenged with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 and 2 of 2 patients [100%] rechallenged with ipilimumab). Recurrent hepatitis accounted for 4 of these 6 cases. Rechallenged patients who did not require ICI discontinuation were found to be significantly less likely to receive ipilimumab rather than anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 monotherapy (0% vs 33%; relative risk (RR), 0.1 [95% CI, 0.1-0.3; P = .032]) and significantly less likely to be rechallenged with their original ICI (8% vs 50%; RR, 0.2 [95% CI, 0.1-0.7; P = .038]). There was no difference noted with regard to best overall response or time to death between rechallenged and non-rechallenged patients. Conclusions ICI therapy can be resumed in patients with melanoma who have recovered from grade 3 to 4 ICI hepatitis with a modest risk of serious irAEs. It remains unclear whether ICI retreatment improves clinical outcomes.
An emerging view of the diversity, ecology and function of Archaea in alkaline hydrothermal environments

The described diversity within the domain Archaea has recently expanded due to advances in sequencing technologies, but many habitats that likely harbor novel lineages of archaea remain understudied. Knowledge of archaea within natural and engineered hydrothermal systems, such as hot springs and engineered subsurface habitats, has been steadily increasing, but the majority of the work has focused on archaea living in acidic or circumneutral environments. The environmental pressures exerted by the combination of high temperatures and high pH likely select for divergent communities and distinct metabolic pathways from those observed in acidic or circumneutral systems. In this review, we examine what is currently known about the archaea found in thermoalkaline environments, focusing on the detection of novel lineages and knowledge of the ecology, metabolic pathways and functions of these populations and communities. We also discuss the potential of emerging multi-omics approaches, including proteomics and metabolomics, to enhance our understanding of archaea within extreme thermoalkaline systems.
Higher temporal accuracy for LES-C turbulence models

Abstract A new family of turbulence models, Large Eddy Simulation with Correction (LES-C) has been proposed in Labovsky (2020), that reduces the modeling error of LES models by using a predictor–corrector type method, known as defect correction. Here we propose to combine this approach with another predictor–corrector technique, known as deferred correction, to reduce the time discretization error of the LES-C models. The method uses the already existing LES-C structure, adding several terms to the right hand side of the correction step. This allows for the increase in accuracy at virtually no extra computational cost. We perform full numerical analysis and provide several computational tests that demonstrate the effectiveness of the new method.
Berlin Heart Explantation Systematic Approach Protocol in a Single Center Experience

Introduction Berlin Heart EXCOR ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation in children is widely used as a bridge-to-heart transplantation. VAD support as a bridge-to-recovery is rare. There is scarcity of literature describing systematic evaluation of cardiac recovery employed in VAD explanation in children. Case Report A 13 month-old boy presented to the emergency department with acute congestive heart failure secondary to myocarditis. Echocardiogram demonstrated severely depressed left ventricular (LV) function with severe mitral regurgitation. He developed ventricular tachycardia with hemodynamic compromise necessitating institution of veno-arterial extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO). He was decannulated 11 days later after a successful trial off, but due to no further improvement in cardiac status, he underwent Berlin Heart EXCOR LVAD placement as a bridge-to-transplant. After 3 months of VAD support, we noted evidence of myocardial recovery and discussed the possibility of VAD explant. A weaning protocol was developed that consisted of two phases. The first phase consisted of a trial off with echocardiographic monitoring of biventricular function, atrioventricular valve regurgitation and LV diastolic dimension. The second phase was performed one week later in the cardiac catheterization suite, while monitoring hemodynamic measurements at baseline and with manual pumping followed by dobutamine challenge at the end of trial off. Clinical data was satisfactory and patient met established goals to undergo explant. Berlin explantation was succesfully performed the following day. His recovery was unremarkable and was discharged 2 weeks after explant. Patient was seen for follow-up at 1, 2 and 3 months post-discharge and he is doing well. Summary We established guidelines for trialing off VAD support to maximize the identification of potential candidates for VAD explantation. This protocol includes three main stages: screening, trial-off with echocardiography and trial-off in the catheterization suite. This case demonstrates that myocardial recovery can take longer than previously recognized in children with myocarditis and it highlights that strong consideration should be given to patients with a stable VAD course to remain inactive on the heart transplant waitlist to allow time for myocardial recovery and successful explantation.
Effects of Thiol Substitution on the Kinetics and Efficiency of Thiol-Michael Reactions and Polymerizations

The kinetic effects of the substitution and functionality of the thiol in thiol-Michael reactions were investigated using model monofunctional thiols and multifunctional thiols used in various cros...
Strategies for the design and operation of resilient extraterrestrial habitats

An Earth-independent permanent extraterrestrial habitat system must function as intended under continuous disruptive conditions, and with significantly limited Earth support and extended uncrewed periods. Designing for the demands that extreme environments such as wild temperature fluctuations, galactic cosmic rays, destructive dust, meteoroid impacts (direct or indirect), vibrations, and solar particle events, will place on long-term deep space habitats represents one of the greatest challenges in this endeavor. This context necessitates that we establish the know-how and technologies to build habitat systems that are resilient. Resilience is not simply robustness or redundancy: it is a system property that accounts for both anticipated and unanticipated disruptions via the design choices and maintenance processes, and adapts to them in operation. We currently lack the frameworks and technologies needed to achieve a high level of resilience in a habitat system. The Resilient ExtraTerrestrial Habitats Institute (RETHi) has the mission of leveraging existing novel technologies to provide situational awareness and autonomy to enable the design of habitats that are able to adapt, absorb and rapidly recover from expected and unexpected disruptions. We are establishing both fully virtual and coupled physical-virtual simulation capabilities that will enable us to explore a wide range of potential deep space SmartHab configurations and operating modes.
Benefits of Viewing Nature: A Review of Landscape Health Research

Nowadays, several studies demonstrate that viewing nature has positive effects on human health and well-being. This essay discusses about the essential methods of viewing natural environment and their impacts on human well-being by clarifying four important theoretical models: reducing stress, lowering heart rate, improving outcome of surgery, and increasing attention. In addition, some important research results in this field are taken as examples to introduce research methods. By collecting and organizing existing studies and theories about the relationship between viewing nature and human well-being, the methods of viewing nature can be divided into two parts: viewing nature through specific media (e.g., through a window, a book, a painting or a videotape) and being with the presence of nature. This study aims to clarify the research significance of viewing nature and find deficiency in this field to maximize the role of landscapes in human health and well-being.
Disparities in Healthcare Providers’ Recommendation of HPV Vaccination for U.S. Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Infrequent provider recommendations continue to be a key barrier to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, including among adolescents at higher risk for future HPV cancers. To inform future interventions, we sought to characterize disparities in health care providers' HPV vaccine recommendation for U.S. adolescents. We systematically reviewed studies published in 2012-2019 that assessed provider HPV vaccine recommendations for adolescents aged 9-17. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we identified 52 eligible studies and used a standardized abstraction form to assess recommendation prevalence by adolescent demographic characteristics. Studies consistently found that fewer parents of boys than girls reported receiving HPV vaccine recommendations (14 studies, range of difference: -11 to -35 percentage points). Studies also found fewer recommendations for adolescents who were younger (2 studies, -3% to -12% points), non-White (3 studies, -5% to -7% points, females only), lower income (3 studies, -1% to -8% points), or uninsured (1 study, -21% points, males only). Studies identified geographic disparities in southern and rural areas. In conclusion, findings from this systematic review identify disparities in HPV vaccine recommendation that may contribute to suboptimal vaccine uptake. Efforts to improve providers' HPV vaccine communication should focus on increasing recommendation consistency, especially for lower-income, non-White, and rural adolescents.
Daylight coloring for monochrome infrared imagery

The effectiveness of infrared imagery in poor visibility situations is well established and the range of applications is expanding as we enter a new era of inexpensive thermal imagers for mobile phones. However there is a problem in that the counterintuitive reflectance characteristics of various common scene elements can cause slowed reaction times and impaired situational awareness−consequences that can be especially detrimental in emergency situations. While multiband infrared sensors can be used, they are inherently more costly. Here we propose a technique for adding a daylight color appearance to single band infrared images, using the normally overlooked property of local image texture. The simple method described here is illustrated with colorized images from the visible red and long wave infrared bands. Our colorizing process not only imparts a natural daylight appearance to infrared images but also enhances the contrast and visibility of otherwise obscure detail. We anticipate that this colorizing method will lead to a better user experience, faster reaction times and improved situational awareness for a growing community of infrared camera users. A natural extension of our process could expand upon its texture discerning feature by adding specialized filters for discriminating specific targets.
The Utilization of Solar Energy for Hydrogen Production by Cell Free System of Photosynthetic Organisms

The production of hydrogen by a cell free system of photosynthetic organisms is discussed. This represents a potential source of energy that does not exploit traditional energy resources but utilizes available solar radiation. Screening of tropical and subtropical marine photosynthetic bacteria and algae which exhibit a high activity for the photoproduction of hydrogen is also proposed.
HORNET: A Packet-Switched WDM Metropolitan Area Network

HORNET is a metro network designed to better face the challenges offered by next generation metropolitan area networks. HORNET uses a packet-over-WDM transport on a bi-directional ring network. Fast-tunable packet transmitters and wavelength routing enable it to scale cost-effectively to ultra-high capacities. A control-channel-based MAC protocol enables the nodes to share the bandwidth of the network while preventing collisions. The MAC protocol is designed to transport variable-sized IP packets and guaranteed bit-rate circuits while maintaining fairness in the network. Survivability protocols protect circuit and best effort traffic against a fiber cut or node failure. A burst mode receiver, in conjunction with the tunable transmitter and constant gain optical amplifiers make up the essential sub-systems inside a node. This article summarizes the accomplishments of the HORNET project, including the design, analysis, and demonstration of the architecture, protocols, sub-systems and testbed. As this work shows, the HORNET architecture is an excellent candidate for next-generation high-capacity metro networks.
Air constituent plasmas produced by a radiofrequency plasma source

Summary form only given, as follows. A radiofrequency plasma source is used to study the creation and sustainment of a high density plasma of air constituents (N/sub 2/, Ar, and O/sub 2/). Various antenna configurations, including helical antennas, are used in conjunction with a capacitive matchbox system and a broad-band (2-200 MHz), high power (1 kW) amplifier to couple power to the plasma. A calibrated Bird meter at the matchbox allows for real-time monitoring and measurements of forward and reflected power. The role of antenna configuration, applied magnetic field (100-1400 G), operating frequency, and gas concentrations on the power coupled to the high density (10/sup 11/-10/sup 13/ cm/sup -3/) plasma have previously been examined at lower gas pressures (10-100 mTorr), and these results are extended to higher pressure regimes. Antenna configurations, including multiple turn coils and variations on helical antennas, are tested to maximize power coupling to the plasma at pressures in the Torr range. Initial experiments at pressures of 1 Torr indicate a mixture of argon and nitrogen produces a plasma which exhibits synergistic power coupling features different than the cases of pure N/sub 2/ or pure Ar plasmas at the same pressure and input power. This phenomenon is explored to determine if a seed gas is beneficial to the breakdown of air constituents. Plasma density is measured by interferometer methods, and the wave B-field is measured by a B-dot probe. Network analyzer measurements are made on the power coupling system to determine antenna impedance values. The experimental results are compared with simulation results from ANTENA2 and MAXEB codes. A photomultiplier tube and spectrometer is used to examine plasma lifetime and emission spectra, providing insight into the chemical and physical processes in air constituent plasmas.