cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control of a Powered Ankle–Foot Prosthesis Based on a Neuromuscular Model

Control schemes for powered ankle-foot prostheses rely upon fixed torque-ankle state relationships obtained from measurements of intact humans walking at target speeds and across known terrains. Although effective at their intended gait speed and terrain, these controllers do not allow for adaptation to environmental disturbances such as speed transients and terrain variation. Here we present an adaptive muscle-reflex controller, based on simulation studies, that utilizes an ankle plantar flexor comprising a Hill-type muscle with a positive force feedback reflex. The model's parameters were fitted to match the human ankle's torque-angle profile as obtained from level-ground walking measurements of a weight and height-matched intact subject walking at 1 m/s. Using this single parameter set, clinical trials were conducted with a transtibial amputee walking on level ground, ramp ascent, and ramp descent conditions. During these trials, an adaptation of prosthetic ankle work was observed in response to ground slope variation, in a manner comparable to intact subjects, without the difficulties of explicit terrain sensing. Specifically, the energy provided by the prosthesis was directly correlated to the ground slope angle. This study highlights the importance of neuromuscular controllers for enhancing the adaptiveness of powered prosthetic devices across varied terrain surfaces.
A Household Perspective for Biodiversity Conservation

Abstract Many researchers have implicated human population density in species endangerment, but these correlative studies do not demonstrate causality. We propose that hypotheses implicating human population density in wildlife endangerment at global and national scales owe their public and academic currency as thoroughly to inductive reasoning and repetition as to scientific experimentation. It follows that alternative research hypotheses generated from the same facts should provide equally tenable results. Household density provides such an alternative hypothesis and is growing faster than human population density. We used linear multiple regression models to demonstrate that household density provides a viable alternative statistical hypothesis to human population density for explaining species endangerment (household model, r2 = 0.85; population model, r2 = 0.84). We then suggest adopting a household perspective for biodiversity conservation because 1) social norms and practices render a household app...
A novel battery identification method based on pattern recognition

Development of an intelligent battery diagnostic system is a necessity for future transportation industry. These technologies will have the potential to create profound impact in other industries such as portable electronics. The present article reports on a pattern recognition method that is primarily engineered to detect the chemistry, number of cells, and state of charge in an unknown package of batteries. The proposed technique has the potential to be used for condition monitoring in a known set of batteries thereby, creating a health monitoring apparatus that can be an integral part of a battery management system in an Electric or Hybrid Electric vehicle using any of the prominent lead acid, lithium-ion, and Nicle Metal Hydride batteries. The proposed method is based on distinct signatures that one can identify in a relatively straightforward equivalent circuit of a battery. These signatures are extracted using time domain diagnostics and are used in combination with nonlinear mappings such as exponential regression and artificial neural networks for pattern recognition purposes.
Human Tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis in the United States, 1995-2005

Background. Understanding the epidemiology of human Mycobacterium bovis tuberculosis (TB) in the United States is imperative; this disease can be foodborne or airborne, and current US control strategies are focused on TB due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and airborne transmission. The National TB Genotyping Service’s work has allowed systematic identification of M. tuberculosis–complex isolates and enabled the first US-wide study of M. bovis TB. Methods. Results of spacer oligonucleotide and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units typing were linked to corresponding national surveillance data for TB cases reported for the period 2004–2005 and select cases for the period 1995–2003. We also used National TB Genotyping Service data to evaluate the traditional antituberculous drug resistance–based case definition of M. bovis TB. Results. Isolates from 165 (1.4%) of 11,860 linked cases were identified as M. bovis. Patients who were not born in the United States, Hispanic patients, patients !15 years of age, patients reported to be HIV infected, and patients with extrapulmonary disease each had increased adjusted odds of having M. bovis versus M. tuberculosis TB. Most US-born, Hispanic patients with TB due to M. bovis (29 [90.6%] of 32) had extrapulmonary disease, and their overall median age was 9.5 years. The National TB Genotyping Service’s data indicated that the pyrazinamide-based case definition’s sensitivity was 82.5% (95% confidence interval; 75.3%–87.9%) and that data identified 14 errors in pyrazinamide-susceptibility testing or reporting. Conclusions. The prevalence of extrapulmonary disease in the young, US-born Hispanic population suggests recent transmission of M. bovis, possibly related to foodborne exposure. Because of its significantly different epidemiologic profile, compared with that of M. tuberculosis TB, we recommend routine surveillance of M. bovis TB. Routine surveillance and an improved understanding of M. bovis TB transmission dynamics would help direct the development of additional control measures.
Neurosis and the social structure.

Individual conduct, rational or neurotic, is always an outcome of an awareness of one's self within a particular sociohistorical situation. Three varieties of “neurotic” conduct seen today—attempts to engage in coercive tactics, to communicate indirectly, and to rely excessively on the past—may simply be response to limitations within the contemporary social order and the ensuing frustration of human behavioral possibilities.
The diffusion of cerium ions in solid potassium chloride

Abstract The diffusion of cerium ions in KC1 crystals has been studied over the temperature range of 500 to 700°C by diffusing from a radioactively tagged deposit of CeCl 3 and using a sectioning technique. The diffusion showed no apparent dependence on concentration over the range studied. The diffusion coefficient obeyed the equation: D(Ce) = 1.12 × 10 −3 exp( − 23,700 RT ) cm 2 /sec . The experiments showed an erratic and anomalously high activity in samples taken near the surface. It was concluded that these results were mainly due to interaction of the CeCl 3 with the KCl. Optical absorption measurements on diffused samples showed a small shift in the absorption which could have been due to ligand effects or to reduction of the Ce +3 to Ce +2 .
The Structures of Knowledge and the Future of the Social Sciences: Two Postulates, Two Propositions and a Closing Remark

From the beginning of the long sixteenth century, the practices of knowledge production took the form of a complex of processes which produced over time an intellectual and institutional hierarchy within which authoritative knowledge was progressively defined as the other of societal/ moral values. These processes of knowledge formation, in articulation with those sets of processes associated with the economic and political spheres, account for the dominant relational setting disciplining human cognition, and thus the cultural parameters of action. This long-term pattern of the modern world-system we shall call the structures of knowledge.
The Growing Influence of Gender Attitudes on Public Support for Hillary Clinton, 2008–2012

Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential run brought with it an unwelcome reminder of the added obstacles women candidates often encounter. From “Iron my Shirt” banners to debates regarding whether Clinton was overly emotional or an ice princess, we were faced with gender stereotypes that have often plagued women in leadership roles. Her campaign strategy attempted to counteract preconceived notions of female candidates by accentuating Clinton's toughness and strength, even to the point of trying to “outmale” her opponents (e.g., see Lawrence and Rose 2010). The result was a prime example of the double bind in which women who appear strong are then seen as unlikeable (Jamieson 1995). However, Clinton reached new levels of popularity from 2008 to 2012 as secretary of state and a presumed presidential contender in 2016. This leads us to question whether she was able to successfully navigate the double bind—perhaps through additional offsetting information or her ability to competently handle the masculine position of secretary of state—or if public attitudes have evolved to a point where gender no longer matters in the assessment of political candidates.
Intercluster lithic patterning at nobles pond: a case for disembedded procurement among early paleoindian societies

This study examines the relation between raw-material procurement and subsistence behavior among foraging societies. “Embedded procurement” of raw materials may characterize many or most modern foraging societies (Binford 1979). Past societies, however, present economic configurations different than those of any contemporary society. The Early Paleoindian societies of North America present extreme examples in this regard, and were characterized by high mobility, low population density, and high weapon reliability. A lithic-debitage analysis of a portion of the Nobles Pond site (33ST357) supports the argument that the acquisition of lithic raw materials was not embedded in subsistence behavior, but rather, was a specialized activity required by the particular demands of band aggregation in a location far removed from sources of acceptable lithic materials.
Non-enzymatic lysis of fibrin s by bile.

SummaryBile salts and detergents cause “lysis” of fibrin s by a simple solution of fibrin. Fibrin i is not dissolved by bile salts and detergents. Fibrin i should be used in fibrinolytic assays for plasmin or plasmin activators.
Assessment of measurement errors and dynamic calibration methods for three different tipping bucket rain gauges

Abstract Three different models of tipping bucket rain gauges (TBRs), viz. HS-TB3 (Hydrological Services Pty Ltd.), ISCO-674 (Isco, Inc.) and TR-525 (Texas Electronics, Inc.), were calibrated in the lab to quantify measurement errors across a range of rainfall intensities (5 mm·h− 1 to 250 mm·h− 1) and three different volumetric settings. Instantaneous and cumulative values of simulated rainfall were recorded at 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20-min intervals. All three TBR models showed a substantial deviation (α = 0.05) in measurements from actual rainfall depths, with increasing underestimation errors at greater rainfall intensities. Simple linear regression equations were developed for each TBR to correct the TBR readings based on measured intensities (R2 > 0.98). Additionally, two dynamic calibration techniques, viz. quadratic model (R2 > 0.7) and T vs. 1/Q model (R2 = > 0.98), were tested and found to be useful in situations when the volumetric settings of TBRs are unknown. The correction models were successfully applied to correct field-collected rainfall data from respective TBR models. The calibration parameters of correction models were found to be highly sensitive to changes in volumetric calibration of TBRs. Overall, the HS-TB3 model (with a better protected tipping bucket mechanism, and consistent measurement errors across a range of rainfall intensities) was found to be the most reliable and consistent for rainfall measurements, followed by the ISCO-674 (with susceptibility to clogging and relatively smaller measurement errors across a range of rainfall intensities) and the TR-525 (with high susceptibility to clogging and frequent changes in volumetric calibration, and highly intensity-dependent measurement errors). The study demonstrated that corrections based on dynamic and volumetric calibration can only help minimize—but not completely eliminate the measurement errors. The findings from this study will be useful for correcting field data from TBRs; and may have major implications to field- and watershed-scale hydrologic studies.
The Synthesis of Zirconium Bis(Monooctyl Phosphate) and Indexing on its Polycrystalline X-ray Diffraction Pattern

A new Componnd of Zirconium bis(monooctyl phosphate) was prepared. The powder . crystals with higher crystallinity degree were obtained by HF acid recrystalization. The study of elemental analysis and IR, TGA, DTA shows that the molecular formula of zirconium bis (monooctyl phosphate) can be expressed as Zr(G8H17OPO3)2. The X-ray powder diffraction pattern of Zirconium bis(monooctyl phosphate) was determined and all X-ray diffraction lines were indexed. The indexing results show the crystal belongs to monoclinic system with simple mon-oclinic lattice. The cell parameters of the crystal here are a=1. 699 nm, b=1. 537 nm, c=2. 454 nm, β=123. 56°. Based on this each cell has 8 "molecules".
Computer Analysis of Overland Flow

A method for synthesizing overland flow hydrographs using a high-speed digital computer is presented. The parameters of the flow equations are individually varied and the resulting hydrographs shown. These hydrographs are then used to produce a single dimensionless hydrograph and a general relation for time to equilibrium flow, from which the hydrograph for any combination of parameters encountered in this study may be constructed.
Intrauterine transfusion for Rh disease: a status report.

Despite IgG prophylaxis, occasional cases of Rh isoimmunization occur and will probably continue to do so for at least a decade. Can intrauterine transfusions help? In the author's hands, 76% of all nonhydropic fetuses treated over a 13-year period have survived (85% in recent years), and the mortality risk per transfusion has been 3.6% (2.2% recently). The method behind these results is detailed.
Mentalization in borderline personality disorder: From bench to bedside

The current special issue focuses on the potential of mentalizing as a translational construct for the understanding and treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Mentalizing, which provides the central construct around which mentalization-based therapy (MBT) and theory is organized, refers to the capacity to meaningfully reflect on the mind of others as well as the self. In this introductory article to the special issue, we begin by discussing the need for and nature of translational research. We contend that translational research in mental health and personality disorder, in particular, lags behind that of other medical disorders because of the challenges inherent in meeting translational criteria. We discuss these criteria and we demonstrate the potential of the construct of mentalizing to meet translational criteria in the context of BPD. This article thereby provides the context for the other 3 papers in this special issue which each represent a different point along the translational spectrum. In all, our aim is to provide a foundation for the further evaluation of the usefulness and potential of mentalizing as translational construct in the context of BPD.
International NGOs and the Guatemalan Peace Accords

This paper looks at the impact of the Guatemalan Peace Accords of 1996 on the work of International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs). In particular, the paper focuses on changes in INGO organizational structure, programming priorities, and relationships with the Government of Guatemala and local counterparts between 1993 and 2000. It is shown that the peacetime atmosphere has vastly improved INGO capacity to work in Guatemala, and that continued success depends on INGO adaptation to the new opening, governmental commitment to the Peace Accords, and increased INGO willingness to cooperate on large-scale, integrated projects.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Corrects the Peri-Wound Microvascular Flow

The efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to facilitate wound healing in diabetic lower extremity ulcers is well established. The impact of HBOT, however, on tissue perfusion and flow is not known. The purpose of this pilot study was to ascertain the effects of HBOT on the microvasculature of chronic wounds, as assessed by fluorescent angiography.
Design of an Origami Fold Pattern for Shape-Morphing Using Triangles

This project was intended to serve two purposes, the first was to design an origami fold pattern which would be able to fold in a way that mimics an existing shape-morphing mechanism’s kinematics. The second purpose was to demonstrate a general method for using origami to morph one triangle into another triangle. Our method was to design the footprint (the outer edges) based on comparing the dimensions in the two triangles. Fold lines were then added to the footprint that were necessary to morph the larger dimensions into the smaller ones. Finally, fold lines were added to the interior of the design to satisfy the rules of origami i.e. to permit the morphing motion to happen. The result is an origami fold pattern that can fold to each of the required triangles.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
A Rapid Induction Mechanism for Lin28a in Trophic Responses.

Environmental cues provoke rapid transitions in gene expression to support growth and cellular plasticity through incompletely understood mechanisms. Lin28 RNA-binding proteins have evolutionarily conserved roles in post-transcriptional coordination of pro-growth gene expression, but signaling pathways allowing trophic stimuli to induce Lin28 have remained uncharacterized. We find that Lin28a protein exhibits rapid basal turnover in neurons and that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent phosphorylation of the RNA-silencing factor HIV TAR-RNA-binding protein (TRBP) promotes binding and stabilization of Lin28a, but not Lin28b, with an accompanying reduction in Lin28-regulated miRNAs, downstream of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Binding of Lin28a to TRBP in vitro is also enhanced by phospho-mimic TRBP. Further, phospho-TRBP recapitulates BDNF-induced neuronal dendritic spine growth in a Lin28a-dependent manner. Finally, we demonstrate MAPK-dependent TRBP and Lin28a induction, with physiological function in growth and survival, downstream of diverse growth factors in multiple primary cell types, supporting a broad role for this pathway in trophic responses.
Sex and Gender in Pain

Sex: It is the genetic, hormonal, and anatomic characteristics that determine whether a person is a biological female or male; typically defined by physical assessment of genitalia.
Distribution of forest ecosystems over two centuries in a highly urbanized landscape

Abstract Urban development often results in diminished forest cover and severely fragmented landscapes, but most research on effects of urban development has been focused on densely forested regions and has not distinguished remnant from recently established forest cover. Urban development may have different effects in heterogeneous landscapes with high pre-urban fragmentation. Our study investigated spatial and temporal distribution of remnant forest ecosystems across a large urban landscape to assess effects of landscape structure and development patterns on forest conversion. Forest ecosystem distribution within the greater Chicago region (18,822 km2) was mapped in three time periods using Public Land Survey records (1830′s) and aerial imagery (1939 and 2010). Loss of original forest between sampling periods (conversion) was related to landscape features, land use, and sociodemographic factors. In 2010 ∼17% of pre-urban forest area remained, which represented ∼40% reduction relative to 1939. Conversion did not differ greatly with urbanization, but fragmentation was greater in areas with high population density and rapid population growth. Conversion was lower in areas close to waterways, where there was less impervious surface, and also differed among land uses (highest in agricultural and industrial). Remnant forests had higher canopy cover, basal area, and native species dominance than recently established forests. Urbanization may have lower relative effects on total forest cover in naturally fragmented landscapes, but may result in extreme fragmentation. Remnant forests had characteristics consistent with high functional value, but creating connectivity among ecosystems in highly urbanized areas will require promotion of canopy cover in urban land uses.
Semiconductor-On-Insulator lateral bipolar transistors for high-speed low-power applications

We present the first comprehensive study of symmetric lateral bipolar transistors built on Semiconductor-On-Insulator (S-OI) wafers with CMOS-like process. Record-high I C > 3 mA/μm is demonstrated. Reduced voltage operation can be achieved with small-bandgap semiconductor materials such as SiGe and Ge. Base current analysis and emitter engineering provide understanding of device physics and pathways to performance optimization. Simulation studies suggest ƒ max > 1 THz is achievable, and BV CEO can be greatly increased in a stacked configuration.
Fingertip detection without the use of depth data, color information, or large training data sets

In this paper we present a feasibility study on the detection of a complex shape with good precision/recall, without using depth or color information and with minimal dependence on the machine learning training data set. Specifically, we present an algorithm that supports reliable open palm and fingertip contour line detection that satisfies the aforementioned requirements, using a training set of only 100 images. Conceptually, our work extends the framework by Coughlan et. al. [Efficient Deformable Template Detection and Localization without User Initiation, CVIU 2000], but provides new solutions to problems related to edge detection, finger template description and the design of a dynamic programming process used for determining optimal finger configurations. We discuss guidelines for building a practical working system demonstrating 82.82% precision as measured over 3,154 test frames associated with different backgrounds and environments. Our algorithm is associated with almost perfect recall in our experiments where finger sizes are between 16–80 pixels and the image resolution is VGA. By perfect recall we mean that the open palm is almost always detected.
China’s experiment of emission permits trading

Abstract This paper identifies the main issues and weaknesses of China’s current policy design and practice regarding emission permits trading. China’s experiment establishing an emission trading market has advanced progressively for over 10 years covering more than 24 regions. By analyzing the latest official set of trading guidelines issued by the State Council in 2014 and its supplementary laws and regulations, this paper argues that the emission permits trading policy in China is a hybrid framework consisting of multiple policy instruments, each of which is intended to achieve efficiency. However, underlying conflicts among these instruments impair the overall efficiency of the policy and cause a waste of resources, and other problematic designs in this policy framework reduce the necessity and feasibility of emission trading. This paper further examines the emission trading practices in one typical pilot province and provides evidence and explanations of a non-competitive local trading market. In order to make the best use of the power of the market to reduce emissions in China, this paper argues that those issues in policy design should be addressed in the future.
Graphs,Groups and Matrices

This chapter provides a brief introduction to algebraic graph theory, which is a substantial subject in its own right. We shall deal with only two aspects of this subject: the interplay between graphs and groups, and the use of matrix methods.
Navion: A 2-mW Fully Integrated Real-Time Visual-Inertial Odometry Accelerator for Autonomous Navigation of Nano Drones

This paper presents Navion, an energy-efficient accelerator for visual-inertial odometry (VIO) that enables autonomous navigation of miniaturized robots (e.g., nano drones), and virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality (AR) on portable devices. The chip uses inertial measurements and mono/stereo images to estimate the drone’s trajectory and a 3-D map of the environment. This estimate is obtained by running a state-of-the-art VIO algorithm based on non-linear factor graph optimization, which requires large irregularly structured memories and heterogeneous computation flow. To reduce the energy consumption and footprint, the entire VIO system is fully integrated on-chip to eliminate costly off-chip processing and storage. This paper uses compression and exploits both structured and unstructured sparsity to reduce on-chip memory size by 4.1 $\times $ . Parallelism is used under tight area constraints to increase throughput by 43%. The chip is fabricated in 65-nm CMOS and can process $752\times 480$ stereo images from EuRoC data set in real time at 20 frames per second (fps) consuming only an average power of 2 mW. At its peak performance, Navion can process stereo images at up to 171 fps and inertial measurements at up to 52 kHz, while consuming an average of 24 mW. The chip is configurable to maximize accuracy, throughput, and energy-efficiency tradeoffs and to adapt to different environments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first fully integrated VIO system in an application-specified integrated circuit (ASIC).
The leptin sensitizer celastrol reduces age-associated obesity and modulates behavioral rhythms.

The prevalence of obesity increases with age in humans and in rodents. Age-related obesity is characterized by leptin resistance and associated with heightened risk of metabolic disorders. However, the effect of leptin resistance per se has been difficult to disentangle from other effects of aging. Here we demonstrate that celastrol, a natural phytochemical that was previously shown to act as a leptin sensitizer, induces weight loss in aged animals, but not in young controls. Celastrol reduces food intake and lowers fasting glucose without affecting energy expenditure. Unexpectedly, administration of celastrol just before the dark period disrupted circadian rhythms of sleep and activity. This regimen was also associated with loss of lean mass an outcome that would not be desirable in elderly patients. Adjusting the timing of celastrol administration by 12 hr, to the beginning of the light period, avoided interference with circadian rhythms while retaining the reductions in body weight and adiposity. Thus, targeting leptin signaling is an effective strategy to ameliorate age-associated weight gain, and can profoundly impact circadian rhythms.
The Rhetoric of Same-Sex Relationships

This Essay is about a struggle for recognition, for acceptance, for humane treatment. It is also about language, story, and metaphor and the way these persuasive devices shape our legal rights as gays and lesbians. This Essay explores the use of metaphor in two cases that have affected the rights of gays and lesbians for nearly three decades " Bowers v. Hardwick and Shahar v. Bowers. These cases provide insight into the way language and metaphor framed the issues or predicted the outcomes. It ends with a discussion of Diaz v. Brewer, a case in which I, along with several other plaintiffs, challenged the State of Arizona's decision to strip health care benefits from gay and lesbian employees' domestic partners. I hope to convince you that equal rights are gained not simply through carefully crafted legal arguments, but also through effective use of language. Words and stories can be analyzed literally, but their persuasive effects operate mostly outside the reader's conscious awareness. Therefore, in order to further the legal rights of marginalized groups, we must pay close attention to the language we use and the stories we tell.
Schizotypal personality disorder in individuals with the Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome: Frequent co-occurrence without an increased risk for conversion to threshold psychosis.

Abstract The Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome (APS), proposed as a condition warranting further study in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), is a controversial diagnostic construct originally developed to identify individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis. The relationship of APS and Schizotypal Personality Disorder (SPD) remains unclear with respect to their potential co-occurrence and the effect of SPD on risk for conversion to threshold psychosis. We examined the prevalence and effect on conversion of SPD in a cohort of 218 individuals whose symptoms met APS criteria. Results indicated that SPD was highly prevalent (68%), and that SPD did not influence risk for conversion. Rather, total positive symptom burden measured by the Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk Syndromes (SIPS; OR 1.12, p = 0.02) emerged as the strongest predictor of conversion. These data suggest that when encountering a patient whose presentation meets SPD criteria, the clinician should assess whether APS criteria are also met and, for 1–2 years, carefully monitor positive symptoms for possible conversion to threshold psychosis.
Prenatal vitamin D levels and child wheeze and asthma.

Background: Maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy may influence lung development and risk of childhood wheeze and asthma. We investigated the relationship between prenatal vitamin D and child ...
Tilted Snowplow Ponderomotive Electron Acceleration with Spatio-temporally Shaped Ultrafast Laser Pulses

We propose a novel scheme for using the ponderomotive force of a tilted ultrafast laser pulse to accelerate electrons in free space. The tilt of the intensity envelope results from the angular dispersion of the pulse's spectrum and slows down the interaction of the pulse with free electrons. The slower effective pulse velocity allows time for the electrons to accelerate from rest while remaining on the wave. We present both non-relativistic and relativistic analytic single-particle models in the adiabatic ponderomotive approximation, describing the process for an ideal infinite tilted pulse as well as a finite width beam. The analysis predicts the threshold intensity as a function of the pulse front tilt angle and shows that in the ideal case the output energy of the electrons is four times that of the ponderomotive potential at the capture threshold. Full-field simulations using the 2D OSIRIS 4.0 particle-in-cell code confirm the basic scheme. This tilted pulse acceleration scheme shows promise as a lab-scale method of accelerating electrons to the MeV level with good energy and angular resolution, to be used for ultrafast electron diffraction or injection into a second stage accelerator.
A Multilevel Analysis of Surgical Category and Individual Patient-Level Risk Factors for Postoperative Stroke.

Background and Purpose:Many studies supporting the association between specific surgical procedure categories and postoperative stroke (POS) do not account for differences in patient-level characte...
Evaluation of a Novel Bone Substitute Injection Technique for Potential Treatment of Impact Injury to the Equine Palmar Metacarpal Condyle.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the injection of a bone substitute material (BSM) into an impact lesion in the palmar condyle of the third metacarpal bone. Study Design This was an in vivo controlled study performed on six horses. Materials and Methods Medial metacarpal condyles were exposed via arthrotomy and a compressive lesion created in anaesthetized horses using 80 psi (27.6 MPa) onto the articular surface (n = 12). Paired limbs were randomly selected as a control or for extra-articular injection of BSM towards the subchondral bone near the compressive lesion. Parameters of the surgical techniques and BSM distribution outcomes were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging analysis, histology and histomorphometry. Results Injection of the BSM required significant pressure, as well as the use of a pilot hole. The BSM was visible in all magnetic resonance imagings in treatment limbs. Post-impact treatment limbs had greater average grey scale values than controls (p = 0.041), and greater average grey scale values than pre-impact treatment limbs (p = 0.004). Histology demonstrated haemorrhage and microfractures at the site of compression with no evidence of bone disruption from BSM injection. Conclusion Injection of BSM into the dense subchondral bone of the equine palmar condyle could be targeted to a site of injury, distributed subchondrally and without further injury to bone or cartilage. Clinical Significance This procedure has potential for the treatment of clinical impact injury or osteoarthritis in horses, and long-term studies are warranted.
Higher incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer in African-American women in Louisiana.

e17522 Background: Cervical cancer [CC] incidence in the United States has decreased over the last thirty years in black and white Americans, however it is recognized that black women [BW] have hig...
Classification Under Misspecification: Halfspaces, Generalized Linear Models, and Connections to Evolvability.

In this paper we revisit some classic problems on classification under misspecification. In particular, we study the problem of learning halfspaces under Massart noise with rate $\eta$. In a recent work, Diakonikolas, Goulekakis, and Tzamos resolved a long-standing problem by giving the first efficient algorithm for learning to accuracy $\eta + \epsilon$ for any $\epsilon > 0$. However, their algorithm outputs a complicated hypothesis, which partitions space into $\text{poly}(d,1/\epsilon)$ regions. Here we give a much simpler algorithm and in the process resolve a number of outstanding open questions: (1) We give the first proper learner for Massart halfspaces that achieves $\eta + \epsilon$. We also give improved bounds on the sample complexity achievable by polynomial time algorithms. (2) Based on (1), we develop a blackbox knowledge distillation procedure to convert an arbitrarily complex classifier to an equally good proper classifier. (3) By leveraging a simple but overlooked connection to evolvability, we show any SQ algorithm requires super-polynomially many queries to achieve $\mathsf{OPT} + \epsilon$. Moreover we study generalized linear models where $\mathbb{E}[Y|\mathbf{X}] = \sigma(\langle \mathbf{w}^*, \mathbf{X}\rangle)$ for any odd, monotone, and Lipschitz function $\sigma$. This family includes the previously mentioned halfspace models as a special case, but is much richer and includes other fundamental models like logistic regression. We introduce a challenging new corruption model that generalizes Massart noise, and give a general algorithm for learning in this setting. Our algorithms are based on a small set of core recipes for learning to classify in the presence of misspecification. Finally we study our algorithm for learning halfspaces under Massart noise empirically and find that it exhibits some appealing fairness properties.
Cryo-electron Microscopy and Exploratory Antisense Targeting of the 28-kDa Frameshift Stimulation Element from the SARS-CoV-2 RNA Genome

Drug discovery campaigns against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are beginning to target the viral RNA genome 1, 2 . The frameshift stimulation element (FSE) of the SARS-CoV-2 genome is required for balanced expression of essential viral proteins and is highly conserved, making it a potential candidate for antiviral targeting by small molecules and oligonucleotides 3-6 . To aid global efforts focusing on SARS-CoV-2 frameshifting, we report exploratory results from frameshifting and cellular replication experiments with locked nucleic acid (LNA) antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), which support the FSE as a therapeutic target but highlight difficulties in achieving strong inactivation. To understand current limitations, we applied cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and the Ribosolve 7 pipeline to determine a three-dimensional structure of the SARS-CoV-2 FSE, validated through an RNA nanostructure tagging method. This is the smallest macromolecule (88 nt; 28 kDa) resolved by single-particle cryo-EM at subnanometer resolution to date. The tertiary structure model, defined to an estimated accuracy of 5.9 A, presents a topologically complex fold in which the 5' end threads through a ring formed inside a three-stem pseudoknot. Our results suggest an updated model for SARS-CoV-2 frameshifting as well as binding sites that may be targeted by next generation ASOs and small molecules.
A novel role for the C-terminal domain of the influenza A virus host shutoff endoribonuclease PA-X in mediating rapid turnover of the PA-X protein

ABSTRACT The influenza A endoribonuclease PA-X regulates virulence and transmission of the virus by reducing host gene expression and thus regulating immune responses to influenza A virus. Despite this key function in viral biology, the levels of PA-X protein remain markedly low during infection, and previous results suggest that these low levels are not solely the result of regulation of the level of translation and RNA stability. How PA-X is regulated post-translationally remains unknown. We now report that the PA-X protein is rapidly turned over. This instability is conserved across multiple viral strains, although the half-life of PA-X from different strains varies, ranging from 30 minutes to a few hours. Moreover, sequences in the variable PA-X C-terminal domain regulate PA-X half-life. Interestingly, we find that the PA-X from the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strain has a longer half-life compared to the other variants we tested. This PA-X isoform has been reported to have a higher host shutoff activity, suggesting a role for protein turnover in regulating PA-X activity. Collectively, this study reveals a novel regulatory mechanism of PA-X protein levels that may impact host shutoff activity during influenza A virus infection. IMPORTANCE The PA-X protein from influenza A virus reduces host immune responses to infection through suppressing host gene expression, including genes encoding the antiviral response. Thus, it plays a central role in influenza A virus biology. Despite its key function, PA-X was only discovered in 2012 and much remains to be learned including how PA-X activity is regulated to promote optimal levels of viral infection. In this study we reveal that PA-X protein levels are very low because of rapid turnover. We show that instability is a conserved property among PA-X variants from different strains of influenza A virus, but that the half-lives of PA-X variants differ. Moreover, the longer half-life of PA-X from the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strain correlates with its reported higher activity. Therefore, PA-X stability may be a way to regulate its activity and may contribute to the differential virulence of influenza A virus strains.
MOFs, COFs, and ZIFs Plus H 2 and CH 4 Storage

In the early 2000s, there was a great deal of interest in finding materials that could store H2 at high density and small volume for use in H2 fuel cells, particularly for transportation. The concern was that pressured H2 gas would be too dangerous. DOE set standards but no experimental system came close. It seems like the industry has decided that pressured H2 is OK. In 2004 we designed a series of systems that met DOE standards for H2 and CH4 storage, but generally did not find experimentalists to test our designs. Then in 2006 I learned about the MOF’s being developed by my friend Omar Yaghi at UCLA that I thought would be ideal for storing H2 and CH4. We did a series of papers, sometimes in collaboration with Omar, showing designs of MOFs and later COFs that would satisfy DOE requirements.
I Am a Black Adoptee of White Parents: What George Floyd Taught Me About Race and Adoption

This analysis highlights the history of policies in the U.S. child welfare system that have led to racial disproportionalities within the child welfare system for Black children and families, and how adoption centered organizations frame issues surrounding racial disproportionalities today. The death of George Floyd in 2020, a catalyst for heightened discussions around race and adoption within adoption centered organizations, is analyzed as it relates to the role adoption centered organizations play in reducing racial disparities within the child welfare system. The analysis finds that despite heightened emphasis on the importance of race in 2020, adoption centered organizations downplayed their own role in addressing, and contributing to racial disproportionately in the child welfare system. In addressing current challenges, the analysis concludes that reducing racial disproportionalities in the system must come from advocating for legislation that incentivize family reunification and open adoptions, along with upending existing policies and practices that have been shown to negatively affect Black families.
Modern Germ-Free Study Designs and Emerging Static Housing Technology in a Growing “Human Microbiome” Research Market

Germ-free (GF) animals and the housing systems necessary to maintain animals as GF during breeding, or as “gnotobiotic” (GN) during specifically designed experiments, have been based on a traditional electrically pressurized ventilation system that influx HEPA-filtered air into the housing units that have existed since at least the 1940s. Since their proposition, these systems remain in principle unmodified, and thus they abound as gold-standard GF housing system in research institutions. Initially used as metallic “pressurized bubbles” to house a set of cages where animals were maintained and handled through rubber portable gloves, these systems were made more significant in size, during the 1960s, to allow the entrance of humans into GF spaces (e.g., “trailers”) to conduct experiments and perform animal husbandry. After a period of decline, great learning, and the near disappearance of the word GF from the literature, the importance of GF research (GFR) resurged during the late 1990s with the realization that the human microbiome drives health or promotes disease, often as a secondary factor dependent on dietary habits, genetics, geography, and behavior. An increased number of studies and the resurgence of GF research were facilitated by the HEPA pressurization of individually ventilated cages, which are maintained on rack systems as traditionally occurs with specific-free pathogen (SFP) animals in research facilities. This chapter serves as a source of key referent publications in GF and emphasizes fundamental concepts of biology that are relevant to GF animals and modern study designs. Lastly, this chapter introduces a novel simplified concept of ventilation based on nonelectrical non-pressurized passive filtration, enabling the expansion of GF studies to a broader range of laboratory settings.
Honokiol-Loaded Methoxy Poly (Ethylene Glycol) Polycaprolactone Micelles for the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a multifactorial age-related retinal hypoxic disorder resulting in irreversible loss of vision, is the foremost cause of blindness in the United States. Curr...
Cutaneous sensitivity induced by immunization with irradiated Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. I. Induction, elicitation, and adoptive transfer analysis of cell-mediated cutaneous sensitivity.

Abstract Exposure of C57BL/6 mice to highly irradiated (50 kR) cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni leads to the development of partial resistance against subsequent challenge with unattenuated cercariae. We have analyzed the cellular immune responses that occur during the afferent and efferent phases of this protective sensitization. Mice were immunized by exposure to irradiated S. mansoni cercariae. After challenge with irradiated cercariae, delayed-type (18–72 hr) cutaneous sensitivity reaction sites were rich in mononuclear cells and eosinophils. This reactivity was established by 4 days after sensitization, reached its maximum between 7 and 14 days after sensitization, and was maintained for over 20 weeks. These challenge reactions could be abrogated by treatment with either 200 mg/kg cyclophosphamide or 5 mg of hydrocortisone. Syngeneic adoptive transfer of cutaneous sensitivity was accomplished with lymphoid cells from the draining lymph nodes or spleens of mice sensitized 7–14 days previously. Negative selection studies of nylonwool non-adherent cells from sensitized donors demonstrated that the cells responsible for transferring this eosinophil-rich, delayed-type cutaneous sensitivity to S. mansoni irradiated cercariae were Thy-1+, Lyt 1+, Lyt 2−, surface Ig- lymphocytes.
Elevated tissue levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in vulvar vestibulitis

Objective To compare levels of two inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β ) and tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α ), in selected regions of the vulva, vestibule, and vagina in women with vulvar vestibulitis and in asymptomatic controls. Methods Selective samplings of surgical specimens from 12 women undergoing perineoplasty for vulvar vestibulitis and ten pain-free subjects undergoing posterior vaginal repair were prepared into tissue homogenates and analyzed for concentrations of IL-1 β and TNF- α . Interleukin-1 β and TNF- α concentrations were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results were reported after adjustment for total tissue protein concentration. Results Median tissue levels of IL-l gb and TNF- α were elevated 2.3-fold and 1.8-fold, respectively, in women with vulvar vestibulitis relative to pain-free women. Median IL-1 β tissue levels were increased significantly from 1.3 pg/mg to 3.0 pg/mg total protein in women with vulvar vestibulitis compared to pain-free women. Median TNF- α tissue levels were increased from 83 pg/mg to 148 pg/mg total protein in women with vulvar vestibulitis compared to pain-free women. Analysis by selected anatomic site of women with vulvar vestibulitis revealed a significant 2.2-fold higher median level of TNF α at the vulvar site compared to the vestibule. Conclusion Concentrations of IL-1 β and TNF- α were elevated in women with vulvar vestibulitis relative to those in asymptomatic controls. This elevation in inflammatory cytokines with vulvar vestibulitis varied according to anatomic site and was, paradoxically, lowest in the area of highest hyperalgesia, the vulvar vestibule. Inflammatory cytokine elevation may contribute to the pathophysiology of mucocutaneous hyperalgesia.