cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance of Mobile Ad Hoc Networks with Random and Predetermined Mobility Patterns using OPNET: Preliminary Results

By definition the nodes in mobile ad hoc networks move from one location to another in either a random or predetermined pattern. The performance of a mobile ad hoc network is dependent on the node mobility pattern as well as topology, data traffic patterns, and radio interference. A group of nodes using a particular type of mobility pattern will form a network without any preexisting network infrastructure. In this paper, we present preliminary results of a mobile ad hoc network with random and predetermined mobility pattern based on the reference point group mobility model. Since it is difficult to obtain a real mobility pattern, we first demonstrate the development of a predetermined synthetic mobility pattern using OPNET as a discrete event simulator. Next, using the predetermined synthetic and random mobility patterns, we demonstrate the importance of one of the operating parameters namely position update interval on the capability of the nodes to follow the desired mobility pattern.
Local public goods and the demand for high-income municipalities

Affluent towns often deliver high-quality public services to their residents. I estimate the willingness to pay to live in a high-income suburb, above and beyond the demand of wealthy neighbors, by measuring changes in housing prices across city–suburban borders as the income disparity between the two municipalities changes over time. I find that a $10,000 increase in town-level median income is associated with a seven percent increase in housing values at the border. The estimated demand for high-income municipalities is primarily driven by school quality and lower property tax rates.
Microring Resonators Made in Poled and Unpoled Chromophore-Containing Polymers for Optical Communication and Sensors

Poled and unpoled chromophore-containing polymers offer some unique advantages in device functionality and fabrication. UV light and electron beam (e-beam) can bleach out the color of chromophores and reduce the index of refraction of the polymer. The photobleaching and e-beam bleaching methods form optical waveguides in a single step and do not involve solvents or wet chemicals, and can be applied to polymers that are not compatible with other waveguide fabrication techniques. A variety of microring resonator devices for fiber-optic telecommunication and sensors have been realized with chromophore-containing polymers. A novel broadband fiber-optic electric field sensor is presented as an example. The sensor uses a polymer with chromophores preferentially aligned after electric poling, and the microring resonator is directly coupled to the core of optical fiber. The feasibility of vertical integration of a poled electrooptic polymer waveguide device interfaced with silicon microelectronic circuits is also demonstrated.
Kinetic studies of human tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase, an enzyme in the topoisomerase I DNA repair pathway

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase (TDP) cleaves the phosphodiester bond linking the active site tyrosine residue of topoisomerase I with the 3′ terminus of DNA in topoisomerase I–DNA complexes which accumulate during treatment of cancer with camptothecin. In yeast, TDP mutation confers a 1000-fold hypersensitivity to camptothecin in the presence of an additional mutation of RAD9 gene [Pouliot, J.J., Yao, K.C., Robertson, C.A. & Nash, H.A. (1999) Science 286, 552–555]. Based on the recently solved crystal structure, human TDP belongs to a distinct class within the phospholipase D superfamily in spite of very low sequence homology [Interthal, H., Pouliot, J.J. & Champoux, J.J. (2001) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 98, 12009–12014, and Davies, D.R., Interthal, H., Champoux, J.J. & Hol, W.G.J. (2002) Structure 10, 237–248]. To understand the enzymatic mechanism of this novel enzyme, and to facilitate inhibitor screening of human TDP, we have expressed and purified recombinant human TDP variants carrying deletions of 1–39 or 1–174 amino acids. Furthermore, a continuous colorimetric assay in a 96-well format was also developed using p-nitrophenyl-thymidine-3′-phosphate as substrate. This assay system is able to detect enzymatic activity at enzyme concentrations as low as 15 nm. Purified recombinant human TDPNΔ39 cleaved p-nitrophenyl-thymidine-3′-phosphate with Km and kcat values of 211.14 ± 23.83 µm and 8.82 ± 0.57 per min in the presence of Mn2+.
Theory successfully predicts hiding time: new data for the lizard Sceloporus virgatus and a review

Economic hypotheses predict that prey in refuges after short-term encounters with predators decide how long to hide before emerging (hiding time) based on cost of emerging (predation risk) and cost of not emerging. Here, I report tests of predictions of these hypotheses for several cost of emerging and cost of remaining in refuge factors in the lizard Sceloporus virgatus by approaching lizards to elicit refuge entry, review tests of the predictions to evaluate the success of current models in predicting hiding time, and note parallels between models predicting hiding time and flight initiation distance (distance separating predator from prey when escape begins). Hiding times were longer under greater risk implied by faster, more direct, and repeated approaches and by greater proximity of the predator to the refuge during hiding. Lizards responded to costs of refuge use by emerging sooner when food was visible outside and when the refuge was substantially cooler than the lizard. In addition, lizards were more likely to enter refuges when approached rapidly and when cloudiness precluded effective thermoregulation by basking. Review of findings for lizards and other taxa revealed strong support for the predictions of cost-benefit models that hiding time increases with cost of emerging and decreases with cost of staying in refuge. Examination of parallel predictions by escape theory and refuge use theory emphasizes their fundamental similarity and led to identification of an untested prediction of refuge use theory. Key words: emergence time, escape theory, hiding time, predation risk, refuge use, Squamata, thermal cost. [Behav Ecol]
The electron temperature in nanostructures subjected to a high electric field

The drift-diffusion characteristics that limit the drift velocity to thermal velocity, appropriate to the dimensionality of nanostructures, are described. The concept of a hot electron and its temperature in a given context is discussed and simple analytical expressions extracted. These contextual definitions include: energy temperature, mobility temperature, Einstein-relation temperature both under ac and dc conditions, quantum temperature, and two-band intrinsic temperature. The dependence on the electric field is given in each case and the role of electric-field-induced quantum emission is delineated.
Geometric Folding Algorithms: Edge Unfolding of Polyhedra

INTRODUCTION We return to Open Problem 21.1 (p. 300): can every convex polyhedron be cut along its edges and unfolded flat into the plane to a single nonoverlapping simple polygon, a net for the polyhedron? This chapter explores the relatively meager evidence for and against a positive answer to this question, as well as several more developed, tangentially related topics. Applications in Manufacturing Although this problem is pursued primarily for its mathematical intrigue, it is not solely of academic interest: manufacturing parts from sheet metal (cf. Section 1.2.2, p. 13) leads directly to unfolding issues. A 3D part is approximated as a polyhedron, its surface is mapped to a collection of 2D flat patterns, each is cut from a sheet of metal and folded by a bending machine (Kim et al. 1998), and the resulting pieces assembled to form the final part. Clearly it is essential that the unfolding be nonoverlapping and great efficiency is gained if it is a single piece. The author of a Ph.D. thesis in this area laments that “Unfortunately, there is no theorem or efficient algorithm that can tell if a given 3D shape is unfoldable [without overlap] or not” (Wang 1997, p. 81). In general, those in manufacturing are most keenly interested in unfolding nonconvex polyhedra and, given the paucity of theoretical results to guide them, have relied on heuristic methods. One of the more impressive commercial products is TouchCAD by Lundstroom Design, which has been used, for example, to design a one-piece vinyl cover for mobile phones (see Figure 22.1).
Decision-making, emotional distress, and quality of life in patients affected by the recall of their implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Aims We sought to investigate whether patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) were suffering from emotional distress related to the recent United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalls, to better understand their decision process related to device replacement, and to assess any impact of recall on quality of life (QOL). Methods and results Thirty-one patients experiencing device recalls answered questions regarding their knowledge about the recall and their decision whether to replace the device. Fifty patients whose devices were not recalled reported demographic data. In both groups, psychological factors were assessed. No significant differences were found for psychological factors. Most patients reported being informed of their recall by their physician. Most estimated the risk of device failure to be low or very low, but they overestimated the fail rate. Thirty-six per cent of patients reported feeling anxious about the recall. Conclusion No significant differences existed in psychological factors and QOL between patients whose ICDs were recalled compared with those whose devices were not. The majority of patients whose ICDs are the subject of an FDA advisory/recall have a realistic understanding of the risks of device failure. Prompt information, support, and reassurance provided by healthcare professionals may allay patient distress.
The Role of Carbonic Anhydrase in Blood Ion and Acid-Base Regulation

The role of carbonic anhydrase (CA) in ion transport processes of aquatic and terrestrial arthropod species is reviewed. In both insects and crustaceans CA is found in a variety of ion transporting tissues. The bulk of CA activity in crustaceans is concentrated in the posterior gills, which are morphologically and biochemically adapted for ion transport. The enzyme can be specifically localized to gill lamellae which contain large populations of salt transporting chloride cells. Enzyme activity in the posterior gills of species having the ability to regulate blood ion concentrations increases when these organisms are acclimated to environmental salinities in which they ion regulate. In stenohaline, ion conforming species branchial CA activity is uniformly low, being only 5–10% that in regulating species. Studies on the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus , using the specific CA inhibitor acetazolamide have shown that the enzyme is indeed important in blood ion regulation. Blood Na$ and Cl− concentrations are both severely lowered in drug-treated animals acclimated to low salinity, while they remain virtually unaffected in animals acclimated to high salinity, in which the animal is an ion conformer. High salinity acclimated crabs treated with acetazolamide do not survive transfer to low salinity, and mortality is related to a breakdown in the ion regulatory mechanism. Branchial CA most likely functions in the hydration of respiratory CO2 to H$ and HCO3−, which serve as counterions for the active uptake of Na$ and Cl−, respectively. In terrestrial species the role of CA is unclear and merits further investigation.
Stream computing based synchrophasor application for power grids

This paper proposes an application of stream computing analytics framework to high speed synchrophasor data for real time monitoring and control of electric grid. High volume streaming synchrophasor data from geographically distributed grid sensors (namely, Phasor Measurement Units) are collected, synchronized, aggregated when required and analyzed using a stream computing platform to estimate the grid stability in real time. This real time stability monitoring scheme will help the grid operators to take preventive or corrective measures ahead of time to mitigate any disturbance before they develop into wide-spread. A protptype of the scheme is demonstrated on a benchmark 3 machines 9 bus system and the IEEE 14 bus test system.
Randomized solutions to partial information dynamic zero-sum games

This paper presents randomized methods to solve partial information dynamic zero-sum games. We extend the recently introduced sampled saddle-point (SSP) algorithm, which provided probabilistic security guarantees in static zero-sum matrix games. A straightforward extension to partial information dynamic games is to apply the SSP algorithm to the matrix obtained by recording the outcomes of playing every policy of one player against every policy of the other player. However, the matrix so obtained has typically a very large size. This paper formalizes a novel extension of the SSP algorithm to partial information dynamic games, which does not require generating the entire matrix. We show that the bounds derived for the SSP algorithm in the static case, provide the same level of probabilistic security for a partial information dynamic game. The effectiveness of the procedure is demonstrated by solving a prototypical example of a board game with partial information, for which no deterministic security levels have been published.
An ABA-responsive DRE-binding protein gene from Setaria italica, SiARDP, the target gene of SiAREB, plays a critical role under drought stress

The DREB (dehydration-responsive element binding)-type transcription factors regulate the expression of stress-inducible genes by binding the DRE/CRT cis-elements in promoter regions. The upstream transcription factors that regulate the transcription of DREB transcription factors have not been clearly defined, although the function of DREB transcription factors in abiotic stress is known. In this study, an abscisic acid (ABA)-responsive DREB-binding protein gene (SiARDP) was cloned from foxtail millet (Setaria italica). The transcript level of SiARDP increased not only after drought, high salt, and low temperature stresses, but also after an ABA treatment in foxtail millet seedlings. Two ABA-responsive elements (ABRE1: ACGTGTC; ABRE2: ACGTGGC) exist in the promoter of SiARDP. Further analyses showed that two ABA-responsive element binding (AREB)-type transcription factors, SiAREB1 and SiAREB2, could physically bind to the ABRE core element in vitro and in vivo. The constitutive expression of SiARDP in Arabidopsis thaliana enhanced drought and salt tolerance during seed germination and seedling development, and overexpression of SiARDP in foxtail millet improved drought tolerance. The expression levels of target genes of SiARDP were upregulated in transgenic Arabidopsis and foxtail millet. These results reveal that SiARDP, one of the target genes of SiAREB, is involved in ABA-dependent signal pathways and plays a critical role in the abiotic stress response in plants.
A parameterized design of Modular Exponentiation on reconfigurable platforms for RSA cryptographic processor

Modular Exponentiation is at the heart of various arithmetic architectures used in most Public Key cryptography algorithms. Modular Exponentiation of large numbers requires excessive processing. An efficient implementation of Modular Exponentiation may help overcome the speed issues of Public Key Cryptography. In this work, the most promising technique of Montgomery modular exponentiation and its optimizations have been deeply explored. We have been able to achieve performance results which are better than earlier published results. Full bit length modular exponentiations with different word sizes and radices are implemented and there results are shown.
Cardiovascular adaptation in athletes.

In this edition of Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine, Drs. Kovacs and Baggish [1] provide an excellent review on cardiovascular adaptations in athletes. While the focus of the article is on competitive athletes, the article is relevant for non-competitive athletes also. High-intensity athletics, competitive or not, potentially causes remodeling of the structural and electrical properties of the cardiovascular system. In the US it is estimated that there are 44 million kids participate in youth sports; and millions more adults exercise, including those at a very intense level. Exercise intensity has the potential to create structural and electrical remodeling of normal hearts, and also may worsen the cardiac phenotype of genetic cardiovascular diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Finally, acute exercise may trigger ventricular arrhythmias [2]. These issues are very relevant to the current debate on screening and fitness in America. Exercise-induced cardiac remodeling is stimulated by the pressure and volume changes induced in the heart by exercise. Isotonic exercises, such as endurance sports (long-distance running, cycling, and skiing) are associated with large increases in the volume of blood passing through the heart, resulting in chamber volume increases in all four chambers. Accompanying the dilation may be an apparent slight drop in left and right ventricular ejection fraction. Prolonged intense isotonic sport may lead to fibrosis [3,4]. Both the fibrosis and the dilationmay be permanent [5]. Short but intense, repetitive bursts of activity (e.g., weight lifting and American football linemen) is defined as isometric. Isometric activity may result in acute left ventricular (LV) pressures rises to even above 400 mmHg. Cardiovascular manifestations of this activity are predominantly left ventricular hypertrophy; sparing the other chambers as the mitral valve prevents the excessive LV
CLAWED LOBSTER (NEPHROPIDAE) DIVERSITY THROUGH TIME

Abstract Clawed lobster diversity through time [Lower Cretaceous (Valanginian)–Recent] is compiled and interpreted herein. Species diversity trends are evaluated using raw numbers of species per geologic time unit (period, age) and also by using a variety of species-numbers normalization factors that address sampling biases. Species numbers are normalized for: 1) duration of time intervals (periods), 2) sedimentary rock exposure area per time intervals (periods), and 3) area under the Vail et al. (1978) sea-level curve (ages). The Vail curve method, new herein, normalizes for marginal/epicontinental sea coverage per age. By any measure; i.e., raw or normalized data, and over any time interval considered, shallow-dwelling (shelf depth) lobsters were significantly more diverse in the Cretaceous than in the Tertiary (e.g., 53 Cretaceous species vs. 16 Tertiary species, raw count; 18 Tertiary species if normalized for duration). Reduction in Tertiary lobster diversity seems due, in part, to mass extinction at...
Computer-based auditory neurophysiology laboratory.

For nearly 2 decades our laboratory has carried on microelectrode studies of the auditory nervous system. A primary objective of these studies is to determine how the properties of an acoustical stimulus are represented or coded in the temporal patterns of all-or-none spike discharges that may be recorded from single neural units (cell bodies or fibers). For many years, following the pioneering observations of Galambos and Davis (3), the only available methods for study of unit discharge patterns involved either laborious manual measurement of oscilloscope tracings or rough estimation of the threshold of unit discharge by listening to the amplified activity. Although qualitative techniques were developed to deal with the massive amounts of data that result from experiments of this kind, it was not until Gerstein and Kiang (4) and their colleagues at MIT introduced the digital computer that it became possible to perform precise statistical analyses of unit discharge patterns as they occur in real time.
General Steady Turning of a Benchmark Bicycle Model

We analyze general steady turns of a benchmark bicycle model in the case of nonzero applied steer torque. In a general steady turn, the lean and steer angles are constant, the velocity of the bicycle must ensure moment balance about the contact line, and some torque must be applied to maintain the constant steer angle. We identify two boundaries in lean–steer plane: first, the region of kinematic feasibility, and second, the region where steady turns are feasible. In the region of feasible steady turns, we present level curves of these steady turning velocities and steer torques. Additionally, we present level curves of mechanical trail in the lean–steer plane.© 2009 ASME
Journalistic Concern about Uncivil Political Talk in Digital News Media: Responsibility, Credibility, and Academic Influence

Many academics, politicians, and journalists have spoken and written about civility in public discourse and what they think should be done about it. This article investigates what journalists perce...
Effects of Eu2 + Co-Doping on VUV Photoluminescence Properties of BaMgAl10O17 : Mn2 + Phosphors for Plasma Display Panels

The effects of Eu 2+ co-doping were examined on vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoluminescence properties of BaMgAl 10 O 17 :Mn 2+ phosphors. The BaMgAl 10 O 17 :Mn 2+ ,Eu 2+ phosphors were synthesized with various Eu concentrations ranging from 0 to 2 atom %. When Eu ions were added, the blue luminescence appeared with the decrease in the green luminescence. With increasing Eu concentration, the decay time (τ 1/10 ) gradually decreased from 11.7 ms (0 atom %) to 3.5 ms (2 atom %). The energy-transfer efficiencies (η Mn→Eu ) were analyzed with the average-decay time (τ av ) acquired by a double-exponential fitting, and the 2 atom % Eu sample showed the energy-transfer efficiency of 19%.
Cognitive-behavioral approaches to chronic pain.

The cognitive-behavioral approach is the most commonly utilized psychological approach in treating patients with chronic pain. Cognitive-behavioral approaches include hypnosis, relaxation (including guided imagery, progressive muscular relaxation, meditation, and music therapy), biofeedback, coping skills training, cognitive restructuring, supportive and group therapy, and stress-management techniques. The primary component of the cognitive-behavioral approach is relaxation therapy, which is a systematic method of gaining awareness of physiologic processes and attaining both a cognitive and physiologic sense of tranquility A National Institutes of Health Technology panel, conducting an extensive scientific review of the literature, concluded that the evidence is "strong" (its highest rating) for the effectiveness of relaxation in reducing chronic pain. Specific relaxation strategies that have been shown to reduce levels of pain include guided imagery progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation. Despite the generally accepted efficacy of these methods with pain patients, their relative ease of implementation, and their very low side-effect profile, barriers still exist with the integration of psychological therapies into standard medical care.
Influence of Victim and Perpetrators’ Alcohol Use on Social Work Student’s Levels of Rape Myth Acceptance

Rape myths are stereotyped, false cultural values that serve to justify sexual assault against women. This study examined the perceptions of alcohol use on levels of rape myth acceptance among social work students. One hundred and ninety-five bachelor's and master's students were randomly assigned to read a vignette developed by researchers depicting a date rape with the victim, perpetrator, both, or neither consuming alcohol. Results of a descriptive analysis showed that students are willing to accept certain rape-supportive beliefs, but not others. Participant responses to rape myths differed based on the particular vignette the respondent was assigned to read. Further research is needed to examine the particular myths social work students endorse and the situational factors that influence those endorsements. Social work students must be educated about how endorsements of rape myths can affect their interaction with survivors and perpetrators.
Glutamate and Glycine Binding to the NMDA Receptor.

Summary At central nervous system synapses, agonist binding to postsynaptic ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) results in signaling between neurons. N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors are a unique family of iGluRs that activate in response to the concurrent binding of glutamate and glycine. Here, we investigate the process of agonist binding to the GluN2A (glutamate binding) and GluN1 (glycine binding) NMDA receptor subtypes using long-timescale unbiased molecular dynamics simulations. We find that positively charged residues on the surface of the GluN2A ligand-binding domain (LBD) assist glutamate binding via a "guided-diffusion" mechanism, similar in fashion to glutamate binding to the GluA2 LBD of AMPA receptors. Glutamate can also bind in an inverted orientation. Glycine, on the other hand, binds to the GluN1 LBD via an "unguided-diffusion" mechanism, whereby glycine finds its binding site primarily by random thermal fluctuations. Free energy calculations quantify the glutamate- and glycine-binding processes.
Dynamic Models and Parameter Estimation: The Hypoxic Ventilatory Response

Mathematical models of the control of breathing during dynamic changes in various stimuli (e.g., CO2, O2 and exercise) have been extremely useful [2] in understanding how ventilation is adjusted. In the physical sciences models can often be derived from fundamental physical relationships (e.g., the equations of motion for satellite orbits) but in physiology there are few such relationships to guide the model builder. The building of a model can be divided into two stages. First the structure of the model must be determined. The structure consists of the mathematical equations and any parameters that are not estimated from an individual data set (assumed values and known constants). Secondly, experiments and parameter estimation techniques are used to determine the values of certain parameters from individual experiments. The validation of the model using different data sets and experimental conditions can then be done. Frequently this validation process will suggest modifications to the model and the process starts over. This paper will discuss how some of the assumptions that must go into devising a model for the hypoxic ventilatory response determine the characteristics of such a model. Ultimately a mathematical model is useful to summarize and predict the response and how it is changed by pathological, physiological or pharmacological interventions.
Progressive Devascularization: A Novel Surgical Approach for Placenta Previa

Background The gold standard for antenatal diagnosis of placenta previa is the transvaginal ultrasonography. In placenta previa cases, separation of placental and uterine tissues is challenging even for the most experienced surgeons. Life-threatening obstetrical complications from cesarean deliveries with placenta previa include peripartum hemorrhage, coagulopathy, blood transfusion, peripartum hysterectomy, and multiple organ failure. Cases We detailed the 3 cases of placenta previa that underwent bilateral uterine artery ligation; if hemostasis was not achieved, horizontal mattress sutures were placed in the lower uterine segment. All patients were discharged with minimal morbidity. Conclusion For patients with placenta previa and low risk for placenta creta, counseling should include the risk for maternal morbidity and criteria for pursuing peripartum hysterectomy. Our devascularization, a stepwise surgical approach, shows promising outcomes in placenta previa cases. Precis We propose a novel surgical approach, using a progressive devascularization surgical technique, for management of women with placenta previa, undergoing cesarean delivery.
Modifying constraint induced movement therapy for diverse populations

Abstract Aims This paper aims to describe a modified constraint induced movement therapy (mCIMT) protocol used within a comprehensive interdisciplinary day rehabilitation program for a multi-needs population, propose a methodology for selecting participants for this protocol, describe the collaboration between professions within this intervention protocol, and provide a case report of outcomes of 5 participants. Methods In this retrospective chart review of participants enrolled in an interdisciplinary outpatient rehabilitation program, 5 participants met inclusion criteria of an average of at least 30 min of mCIMT each day and at least 10 days of casting during admission. Assessment measures and classification scales included the Canadian Occupation Performance Measure, Manual Ability Classification Scale, Gross Motor Function Classification Scale, Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test, Assisting Hand Assessment and Mini-Assisting Hand Assessment. Results Improvement was observed for all participants across all measures. Exploratory analysis revealed significant change from pre-to post-intervention on the COPM in both average performance (p Conclusions This modification of an effective intervention for children with cerebral palsy gives children who have a lower baseline skill set or who have additional mobility, communication, and cognitive needs the opportunity to receive intensive upper extremity training.
Evaluation and optimization of VPSA processes with nanostructured zeolite NaX for post-combustion CO2 capture

Abstract We present a comprehensive experimental and simulation study on a low-cost and efficient CO2 capture technique using nanostructured zeolite NaX in a vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) process. The nanostructured zeolite NaX adsorbent has a high CO2 adsorption capacity, a relatively high adsorption and desorption rate, and a large CO2 selectivity over N2. Therefore, it is suitable for post combustion CO2 capture from dry flue gas. A series of nanostructured zeolite NaX pellets are prepared with different ratios of binder material and at different sintering temperatures. The results from mechanical properties, adsorption isotherms, kinetics and breakthrough experiments demonstrate that nanostructured zeolite material prepared with a low ratio of binder that sintered at 500 °C has the best separation performance for a CO2/N2 mixture. In addition, the results indicate that the nanostructured zeolite NaX samples lead to a better separation performance compared with the commercial microsized zeolite NaX. Process optimization studies employing the above adsorbents were performed to minimize the energy consumption of the process for a specified product purity and recovery rate. The decision variables include the feed pressure, blowdown pressure, evacuation pressure, feed flow rate, and length to diameter ratio of the adsorption bed. The effect of cycle time was investigated independently due to the need for synchronization of the multi-bed configuration. The optimization results indicate that the energy consumption of the process with nanostructured zeolite is about 30% lower while achieving a higher CO2 purity and productivity compared with a process employing a commercial microsized zeolite.
Public views regarding the responsibility of patients, clinicians, and institutions to participate in research in the United States.

BackgroundThe need for more and better evidence to inform clinical decision making among all stakeholders has fueled calls for creating learning healthcare systems. The successful realization of a ...
Teaching NeuroImages: Neurolymphomatosis.

A 64-year-old woman with a history of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma presented with 3 months of progressive pain and weakness. Examination was notable for asymmetric face, arm, and leg weakness with absent reflexes. CSF was normal twice, including cytopathology and flow cytometry. PET showed widespread avidity (figure 1), including the bilateral brachial and lumbosacral plexi. Nerve conduction study/EMG showed reduced motor amplitudes but normal sensory responses, indicating that Wallerian degeneration had not yet progressed distal to the dorsal root ganglia—underscoring the urgency of timely diagnosis and treatment. Sciatic nerve biopsy confirmed neurolymphomatosis (figure 2). She received 2 cycles of rituximab plus ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide chemotherapy with resolution of PET avidity, followed by autologous bone marrow transplant. Neurolymphomatosis is characterized by malignant invasion of nerves, often presenting with severe, asymmetric pain.1 CSF studies have low sensitivity; thus, diagnosis often depends on PET and biopsy.2 Symptoms and imaging abnormalities often resolve with systemic chemotherapy; however, relapse is common—with 1 large case series showing a median survival of 10 months and 24% survival at 36 months.2
Adverse Childhood Experiences in Infancy: a Latent Class Approach Exploring Interrelatedness of Risks

Researchers have documented the ways in which children’s parenting and home environments impact their social, emotional, and cognitive skills. There is scientific consensus that certain adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), particularly in the absence of a nurturing caregiver, decrease the likelihood that children will develop optimally. Many ACEs co-occur, thereby increasing the number of adversities children experience. This study examined the interrelatedness of ACEs for 14-month-old children from the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project (N = 2361). Using latent class analysis, three classes were identified: ACEs-low (N = 1431, 60.6%), ACEs-parent maltreatment (N = 636, 26.9%), and ACEs-household dysfunction (N = 294, 12.5%). Class membership was significantly associated with related parenting constructs. Children in families with greater household dysfunction (ACEs-household dysfunction) had parents with the highest levels of parenting stress and the lowest levels of self-efficacy, but who were knowledgeable of infant development and were observed to be moderately supportive in play with their child. Parents at risk for child maltreatment (ACEs-parent maltreatment) had moderate levels of stress and self-efficacy, but the least knowledge of development and were observed to be the least supportiveness in play. Our study suggests that infants experience constellations of ACEs, which are differentially associated with parenting characteristics and behaviors. Results lend credibility to ACE screening in infancy and could be used to inform intervention efforts and the development of more efficient, sensitive screening methods.
Improving state-level emergency well disinfection strategies in the United States

Abstract After flooding events, well users are encouraged to disinfect their private wells. However, well disinfection strategies are not consistently applied or proven effective. This study examines the science-based evidence that disinfection procedures reduce microbial loading in well water; reviews inclusion of disinfection principles in state-level emergency protocols; and explores research gaps potentially hindering disinfection efficacy. Emergency well disinfection protocols from 34 states were reviewed based on instructions for creating chlorine solutions; circulating chlorine solutions throughout the distribution system; achieving effective CT disinfection (chlorine dose*contact time); and post-disinfection guidance. Many protocols were missing key information about fundamentals of disinfection. Only two protocols instructed well users to verify chlorine residuals and three protocols instructed users to measure water pH. Most protocols recommended that high chlorine doses be introduced into the well, circulated throughout the system, and stagnated for several hours. A CT value estimated to inactivate at least 99.9% (3-log removal) of Cryptosporidium (255 mg-hr/L) was predicted to be achieved by 72.7% of protocols, and estimated CT values ranged from 35 to 16,327 mg-hr/L. Two research gaps identified were determining whether chlorine doses should differ based on well water chemistries and evaluating the appropriate chlorine dose that should be recommended for inactivating pathogens. This effort underscores a need for consistent, evidence-based messaging in emergency well disinfection protocols.
A systematic review: The effects of yoga on pregnancy.

Abstract Objective A systematic review was conducted to update and provide a comprehensive overview on the psychological effects of antenatal yoga on pregnancy compared to standard prenatal care. Study design Four databases were searched using keywords “yoga”, “pregnancy”, “perinatal care”, “prenatal care”, “postnatal care”, “postpartum period”, “peripartum period”, “patient outcome assessment”, “outcome assessment”, “pregnancy outcome”, “treatment outcome”. Trials were considered if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2011 to 2018 and evaluated an antenatal yoga intervention. All studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane criteria. Trial characteristics and outcomes were extracted and synthesized descriptively where possible. Due to heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not possible. Results Of the 175 non-duplicated studies, 16 met criteria for full-text review. Five RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. The findings of the RCTs suggest antenatal yoga may be safe and may effectively decrease stress levels, anxiety scores, depression scores, and pain response as well as increasing maternal immunity and emotional-wellbeing. Conclusion Yoga appears to be safe and may improve psychological and pregnancy outcomes. However, due to the limited number of studies, more high-quality, large RCTs are needed to draw conclusions about improvement in other pregnancy outcomes.
Determination of the fraction unbound docetaxel using micro-equilibrium dialysis

402 Docetaxel (Taxotere) has been shown to bind extensively in vitro to serum proteins, including α1-acid glycoprotein (AAG), albumin, and lipoproteins. High AAG levels have been associated with both a decrease in the unbound drug fraction in vitro and a decrease in total docetaxel clearance in vivo. It has also been recently reported that the vascular binding of docetaxel is influenced by its formulation vehicle polysorbate 80 in a concentration-dependent manner (Loos et al., Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 74: 364-371, 2003). In an effort to better understand the role of polysorbate 80 and serum proteins in docetaxel pharmacology, we have developed and validated a novel, rapid and reproducible assay based on micro-equilibrium dialysis for measuring the fraction unbound (fu) docetaxel in patient plasma samples. Equilibrium dialysis was performed on a rotator at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 using 96-wells micro-dialysis plates. The dialysis compartments in each well were separated by a regenerated cellulose membrane with a 5 kDa cut-off. Experiments were carried out with 250-μl aliquots of plasma containing a tracer amount of [3H] docetaxel with high-specific activity against an equal volume of 0.01 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Drug concentrations in both compartments were measured by liquid scintillation counting for 1 minute. Equilibrium for docetaxel transport across the membrane was established within 4 hours. Because the volume shift during dialysis was negligible (
Mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Effects of stay-at-home policies, social distancing behavior, and social resources.

Social distancing is the most visible public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but its implications for mental health are unknown. In a nationwide online sample of 435 U.S. adults, conducted in March 2020 as the pandemic accelerated and states implemented stay-at-home orders, we examined whether stay-at-home orders and individuals' personal distancing behavior were associated with symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), intrusive thoughts, insomnia, and acute stress. Stay-at-home order status and personal distancing were independently associated with higher symptoms, beyond protective effects of available social resources (social support and social network size). A subsample of 118 participants who had completed symptom measures earlier in the outbreak (February 2020) showed increases in depression and GAD between February and March, and personal distancing behavior was associated with these increases. Findings suggest that there are negative mental health correlates of social distancing, which should be addressed in research, policy, and clinical approaches to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patient Centeredness in Hepatitis C Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment Delivery to People Who Inject Drugs: A Scoping Review

Patient-centered care (PCC) is crucial for value-based care. We aimed to assess PCC dimensions addressed in hepatitis C virus direct-acting antiviral treatment delivery to people who inject drugs. We conducted a scoping review to identify the studies that described hepatitis C virus treatment delivery to people who inject drugs in the direct-acting antiviral treatment era. We analyzed the included studies against eight PCC dimensions: (1) access to care; (2) coordination and integration of care; (3) continuity and translation; (4) physical comfort; (5) information, education, and communication; (6) emotional support; (7) involvement of family and friends; and (8) respect for individual patient preferences, perceived needs, and values. Additionally, we assessed the use of patient-centered terminology and the recognition of PCC importance and its relevance to treatment outcomes. None of the identified 36 studies addressed all PCC dimensions (highest seven, lowest two). Our findings revealed that PCC dimensions are prioritized differently and addressed using different approaches and strategies. Studies that used PCC terminology referred to personalized activities, which does not imply comprehensive PCC. About one-third of the studies acknowledged the importance of patient centeredness and two-thirds recognized its relevance to treatment outcomes. Our findings suggest more engagement of people who inject drugs and comprehensive involvement of their families and friends in hepatitis C virus treatment journey, decisions, and outcomes. The recognition of PCC importance and its relevance to treatment outcomes in the analyzed studies emphasizes the need for more patient-centered hepatitis C virus treatment for people who inject drugs.
Daily Quality-of-life Impact of Scars: An Interview-based Foundational Study of Patient-reported Themes.

Background Scars negatively impact mental health. Prior patient interview studies on cutaneous scars have elicited opinions pertaining to psychosocial effects, appearance, and symptoms. There remains a need for patient-reported opinions in broader contexts, including career and sexual well-being, to better understand patients' experiences with their cutaneous scars. Methods In this qualitative study, patients with cutaneous scars participated in semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were analyzed using a constant comparative approach using the data software QDAMiner, to generate a thematic framework encompassing patients' experience with cutaneous scars. Results In total, 37 patients aged 25-79 years (mean 45, SD 17.9) were interviewed. Patients presented with keloid (2/37, 5%), hypertrophic (5/37, 14%), atrophic (4/37, 11%), and linear surgical (18/37, 49%) scars. Opinions fell under 8 overarching themes. Patients spoke commonly about psychological and social well-being (references to the frequency of thinking about a scar and talking about scars with others were mentioned 56 times by 26 patients and 103 times by 29 patients, respectively, for example). Discussions of sexual well-being and career were elicited but rarer (references to feeling uncomfortable when naked and negative impacts on professional networking were mentioned 17 times by 7 patients and 5 times by 3 patients, respectively, for example). Conclusions The relationship between determinants of patients' opinions of their scars and their impact on quality-of-life is complex. These results expand upon the existing knowledge of the effects scars have on quality-of-life and can contribute to the development and validation of future scar outcome measures.
Are Cannabis and Electronic Cigarettes Risks for Early Sinus Lift Failures

To achieve restorative success for esthetic cases a process is needed that can be reproduced repeatedly. As with any process there are critical steps that must be followed to ensure accurate and precise results. This article outlines a verification process of provisional restorations in order to obtain appropriate esthetics, phonetics, and function. Additionally, the article discusses how newly created contours can be transferred intraorally to the laboratory benchtop and then to the final restorations. Through the process of verification, the clinician can establish restorative predictability to enhance the restorative success of any esthetic case.
Results for the electrostatic potential of a uniformly charged hemispherical surface

Abstract We study the form of the electrostatic potential created by a hemispherical surface with uniform surface charge density. We specifically consider a “northern” hemispherical surface and try to obtain analytical expressions for the electrostatic potential at an arbitrary point in space. Some compact analytical results are obtained for special cases and an interesting mathematical integral formula is derived as a by-product of the approach. The results suggest that a general expression for the electrostatic potential at an arbitrary point in space, if possible, would be very hard to obtain in compact analytical form.