cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Late morphological progression of a dissecting basilar artery aneurysm after staged bilateral vertebral artery occlusion: case report.

Abstract Background The authors present a patient who experienced late (5-year follow-up) morphological progression of a dissecting aneurysm of the distal basilar artery after treatment with a combined microsurgical and neuroendovascular Hunterian strategy. In addition to postulating about the possible reasons underlying the evolution of this lesion, the role of stenting is discussed. Case Description The patient was 37 years old when she suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage from spontaneous basilar artery dissection. At the time of the hemorrhage, minimal aneurysmal enlargement was noted angiographically, and she was therefore treated nonoperatively. On reimaging 5 months later, massive enlargement of the aneurysm was noted. The patient was treated with staged bilateral vertebral artery sacrifice using a combination of microsurgical and neuroendovascular techniques. The dominant vertebral artery was clip-ligated distal to the posteroinferior cerebellar artery, whereas the contralateral vertebral artery was coil-occluded cervically 1 week later. Conclusions Despite the patient remaining asymptomatic, follow-up angiography 5 years after the initial hemorrhage revealed further enlargement of the aneurysm as well as a newly discovered inferiorly projecting daughter sac measuring 5 mm in diameter. Clearly, certain aneurysms exist for which indirect approaches involving hemodynamic attenuation fail to prevent progression. With greater refinements in stent technology, such lesions may be more effectively treated.
Fostering early language acquisition and AAC use: exploring reciprocal influences between children and their environments

This paper proposes future directions for research examining the communicative environments of young children who are potential candidates for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and t...
Humoral and Cellular Immunity to Varicella-Zoster Virus: An Overview

Under conditions of naturally acquired primary varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection, the first response of the naive host is mediated by the innate immune system through antiviral cytokines and the activation of NK cells [1]. These responses are likely to be important for the initial control of VZV at mucosal sites of inoculation and to trigger the induction and amplification of adaptive, VZV-specific immunity. NK cells can lyse VZV-infected targets [2], and activated NK cells are a major source of interferon (IFN)–g production, which enhances the clonal expansion of antigen-specific T cells. IFN-a inhibits VZV replication in vitro, and treatment with exogenous type I IFN-a reduced the severity of varicella in immunocompromised children with varicella [3]. In addition, VZV replication in skin is associated with extensive production of IFN-a by adjacent uninfected epidermal cells in the SCIDhu model of VZV pathogenesis; blocking this IFN-a response caused a dramatic increase in VZV spread in skin [4]. Innate mechanisms of immune control have the capacity to maintain the host-virus equilibrium, despite the VZV immune evasion strategies that inhibit both class I and class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) mechanisms for antigen presentation to T cells while the virus is being transferred to skin and in early stages of cutaneous infection [4–6]. These strategies
Diagnostic and prognostic testing to evaluate coronary artery disease in patients with diabetes mellitus

Coronary artery disease (CAD) continues to be the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). In recent years, the strategies for treatment of CAD in DM have undergone much evolution. Currently, all patients with DM, regardless of symptoms or diagnosed CAD, are treated aggressively for CAD risk factor reduction. In this clinical climate, the ability to specifically identify patients with disease that will benefit from more aggressive and invasive therapies remains a challenge. In this article we review the current literature on diagnostic and prognostic utility of conventional non-invasive modalities for assessment of CAD in patients with DM, as well as on novel and emerging methods for CAD risk stratification.
Actions of an Engaged Leader

There are people in America who overemphasize our unity yet fail to appreciate the importance of our diversity, just as there are those who emphasize our diversity yet fail to appreciate the importance of our unity. It is to appreciate the importance of our unity. It is imperative that we honor both. It is our unity and our diversity that matters, and their relationship to each other reflects a philosophical and political truth outside of which we cannot thrive.
Ca2+-activated Cl−channels Focus on “Molecular cloning and transmembrane structure of hCLCA2 from human lung, trachea, and mammary gland”

chloride channels, widely distributed in nature, play roles as diverse as maintaining membrane potential in muscle and movement of Cl− for fluid and electrolyte transport in epithelial tissues. The importance of Cl− channels to human health and disease is clear in myotonia and cystic fibrosis,
Experiment and Finite Element Analysis Research on Surface Roughness in Micro-Grinding H62

Micro-grinding is an important processing method in micro-manufacturing field. The influence factors of surface quality in micro-grinding are discussed in the article. The models of finite element analysis (FEA) in micro-grinding H62 with electroplated CBN micro-grinding tool were established. The influence of different grinding factors on the surface quality of the work-piece was discussed by FEA. Different grains sizes were considered to reveal the influence rules on surface roughness in grinding experiments. The results show that the surface roughness decreases with the decreasing of the feed speed and the increasing of the grinding speed. A better surface quality can be achieved with smaller grains sizes. The minimum surface roughness can reach 481nm in side grinding H62.
Chhadi Lage Chham Chham, Vidya Yeyi Gham Gham (The Harder the Stick Beats, the Faster the Flow of Knowledge) Dalit Women's Struggle for Education

More than a reference to corporal punishment, the chhadi (stick) in this article denotes the psychologically crippling and inerasable experiences of Dalit girls in formal institutions of education. A Dalit girl's journey to the citadel of dnyan (knowledge) to gain an education is strewn with many social and cultural obstacles. I argue that power relationships in the wider society have a strong bearing on both access to education and the quality of the education that Dalit girls receive. Dalit girls are subjected to the discipline, control, regulation and surveillance of not only state services in the education system but also of their parents. Thus, they face double discrimination along lines of both caste and gender.
Clinical Validation of a Transcranial Doppler-Based Noninvasive Intracranial Pressure Meter: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

Background Noninvasive intracranial pressure (ICP) measurement would represent a major advance for patients with neurological problems. The Vittamed ICP meter is an ultrasound-based device reported to have high agreement with lumbar puncture cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure measurement. However, previous studies included mostly patients with normal levels of ICP. The purpose of our study was to perform an independent clinical validation study of a transcranial Doppler-based noninvasive ICP meter in patients anticipated to have a wide range of ICP. Methods In a prospective cross-sectional design, we simultaneously measured ICP with the Vittamed device and the invasive lumbar CSF pressure. The operator of each procedure was blinded to the result of the other method. Data were analyzed using Bland-Altman plots, Pearson correlation coefficients, and receiver operator characteristic curves. Results Twenty-four independent paired measurements of Vittamed and lumbar CSF pressure were obtained; with mean absolute difference between paired measures of 4.5 mmHg (standard deviation 3.1). The 95% limits of agreement were −10.5 to +11.0. The systematic bias (mean of paired differences) was negligible at 0.25 mmHg. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve for ICP >20 mmHg were 0.73, 0.77, and 0.71, respectively. Conclusions The Vittamed ICP meter had fair agreement with lumbar CSF pressure measurement. The wide limits of agreement would preclude using this version of the device as a stand-alone method for ICP determination, but may be useful if combined with other ICP screening methods. Ongoing improvements to the Vittamed hardware and software may lead to improvements in accuracy and clinical utility of this device.
Use of argon plasma coagulation for successful extraction of an impacted trapezoid basket in the pancreatic duct: A case report

s / Pancreatology 13 (2013) e1–e94 e67 interactions, its dominant global functionmay even promote inflammation and early oncogenesis. In light of this data, TGF-b is a potentially useful target early in disease processes of the pancreas, though the timing of these TGF-b targeted therapies must be carefully considered.
The Playback Method of Protocol Analysis Applied to a Rapid Aiming Task

The analysis of subjective verbal protocols can provide valuable information additional to that obtained from traditional objective data sources. The most frequently used type of protocol analysis is of the “think-aloud” report where operators verbalize as they perform a task of interest. However, while this concurrent method has been usefully applied to high-level cognitive tasks that are accomplished over extended time periods, it is generally considered to be less appropriate for short-duration tasks where the emphasis is on speed of performance. This study reports on the application of a new protocol method to a speeded task based on a procedure where the computer “plays back” the experimental trials and shows the subject's response. The verbal response of the subject was recorded during the playback, augmented by prompts from the experimenter. Several aiming tasks requiring rapid movements to a target were examined using this method. The data obtained from the protocol analysis were a valuable adjunc...
Research on Dynamic Water Distribution Control of Secondary Cooling Section in Slab Continuous Casting

In the continuous casting process, the secondary cooling water control is one of the key effects of the slab surface and internal defects. Due to the uncertainties in actual production, the production scheduling plan need to be changed, meanwhile, the dynamic setting of the cooling flow rate plays an important roll in the quality of the slab. Simplify the slab dynamic model, and based on the simplified life circle model, propose the method of real-time dynamic optimization setting of the cooling flow rate. Looking the ideal trajectory which closest to either a solidification unit through the norm operation, and then determine the corresponding integrated heat intensity as the control target, to achieve real-time dynamic control of the temperature field by controlling the distribution of water. Simulation results demonstrate the necessity and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Instrumentation for Real-Time Programs in Parallel Environments

Distributed and parallel computer systems are being incorporated into real-time environments at an increasing rate. Distributed computer systems with interconnecting networks give the potential of high reliability with dynamic adaptation to modifications from the environment or internal faults. Parallel processors are ideal for the task of simulating large production plants where numerous actions and interactions simultaneously are taking place: the various real-life processes can be programmed onto different processors thus allowing a more dynamic model to be created. The multi-processor machines are ideally suited for plant monitoring, inspection or remote surveillance systems, that require virtual reality techniques, 3D graphics or complex signal processing. To guarantee that deadlines within these applications are meet, high performance obtained by the multiplicity of processors is necessary.
“I Fell into Librarianship”: Experiences of Post-Soviet Librarians at the National Academic Library in Astana, Kazakhstan

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the attitudes of librarians in post-Soviet Kazakhstan regarding their roles at the new National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan (NAL). Using ethnographic observation, interviews, and surveys of library staff (n = 24), we find that Kazakhstani librarians either sensed a “calling” to librarianship or “fell into” library careers given life circumstances, and value their library for its contribution to cultural preservation and digital access on a national scale. This pilot project presents NAL to an international community, sharing the voices of Russian- and Kazakh-speaking librarians to highlight the role of libraries in the development of the post-Soviet nation.
Reviews and Resources:The Secret World Inside You: MUSEUM EXHIBIT

Inside “The Secret World Inside You,” one is immediately immersed in the microbial world. The exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History in New York is what every microbiologist loves to see: the magnificent world of microbiology portrayed in a series of engaging exhibits that entertain and educate the public about the microbial sciences.
Demotivating incentives and motivation crowding out in charitable giving

Research has shown that extrinsic incentives can crowd out intrinsic motivation in many contexts. Despite this, many nonprofits offer conditional thank-you gifts, such as mugs or tote bags, in exchange for donations. In collaboration with a nonprofit, this study implements a direct mail field experiment and demonstrates that thank-you gifts reduced donation rates in a fundraising campaign. Attention-based multiattribute choice models suggest that this is because prospective donors shift attention to the salient gift offer, causing them to underweight less salient intrinsic motives. Attention to the gift may also cause individuals to adopt a more cost-benefit mindset, further de-emphasizing intrinsic motives. Consistent with these hypotheses, crowding out was driven by those who donated higher amounts in the previous year (i.e., those who likely had higher intrinsic motivation). In a complementary online experiment, thank-you gifts also reduced donation rates but only when the gift was visually salient. This corroborates the mediating role of attention in crowding out. Taken together, the laboratory and field results demonstrate that this fundraising technique can be demotivating in some contexts and that this may occur through an attention-based mechanism.
Evaluation of exposure to Brevundimonas diminuta and Pseudomonas aeruginosa during showering

Abstract This study experimentally assessed bacterial water-to-air partitioning coefficients resulting from showerhead aerosolization of water contaminated with Brevundimonas diminuta or Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and estimated human exposure through inhalation. Dechlorinated tap water was spiked with two cell densities (10 9 and 10 10 CFU L −1 ) and cycled at three temperatures (10, 25, and 37 or 40 °C) through a full-scale shower system. For reproducibility, spiked water concentrations were intentionally higher than those found in natural environments. Three types of samplers measured size distribution and viable concentrations throughout the system. Results indicate low levels of respirable bioaerosols were generated. The ratio of bacterial contaminant that was effectively aerosolized (bacterial water-to-air partitioning coefficient, PC bwa ) was low – averaging 1.13 × 10 −5 L m −3 for B. diminuta and 8.31 × 10 −6 L m −3 for P. aeruginosa . However, the respirable fraction of aerosolized organisms was high, averaging above 94% (in shower) and above 99% (downstream) for both organisms. This study found no significant difference in bioaerosol load for a forward facing versus reverse facing individual. Further, for the average hot shower (33–43 °C) the total number of respirable bioaerosols is higher, but the observed culturability of those aerosolized cells is lower when compared to lower temperatures. Bacterial water to air partitioning coefficients were calculated to predict microbial air concentration and these empirical parameters may be used for assessing inhalation as a route of exposure to pathogens in contaminated waters.
Engineering the Coupling Between the Berreman Mode and Nanobar Antennas in Epsilon-near-zero Materials

We design, fabricate and characterize the coupling between nanobar antennas and optical modes on epsilon-near-zero thin AlN films. Reflection measurements and simulations indicate that the interaction can be controlled via incident angle and antenna length.
Error quantification in mechanics computational models

This paper proposes an error quantification methodology for mechanics computational models. The error of a computational model prediction consists of two parts: model form error and numerical error. Numerical error is affected by various sources. This paper focuses on input/output data measurement error, discretization error in FEA, surrogate model error, and uncertainty quantification error. The input/output data measurement error can be characterized based on knowledge about the instruments and the measurement processes. The discretization error in FEA is quantified by the Richardson extrapolation technique. The surrogate model error is quantified using regression analysis results. The overall numerical error is obtained through a nonlinear combination of these error components, some of which can be nested. A sensitivity analysis is performed to asses the contribution of each error component to the variance of the model prediction. Further, uncertainty quantification error arises from sampling techniques used to quantify the above errors, and is also quantified as a second level error in the proposed methodology. Once the overall numerical error is quantified, the model form error is then quantified using observed output data. Numerical examples using structural problems are presented to illustrate the proposed methodology.
IterativeSOMSO: an iterative self-organizing map for spatial outlier detection

In this paper, we propose an iterative self-organizing map approach for spatial outlier detection (IterativeSOMSO) IterativeSOMSO method can address high dimensional problems for spatial attributes and accurately detect spatial outliers with irregular features Detection of spatial outliers facilitates further discovery of spatial distribution and attribute information for data mining problems The experimental results indicate our proposed approach can be effectively implemented for the large spatial dataset based on U.S Census Bureau with approving performance.
Current Status of Family Intervention Science

Family intervention science continues to gain attention from clinicians, researchers, and funding agencies. The intention of this article is to acquaint the reader with the design and treatment of the major studies that have defined the current landscape of this research area. The nine disorders that have received the most programmatic research that consists of randomized clinical trials comparing a family treatment to a no-treatment control or an alternative treatment are covered, including schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, anorexia, bulimia, obesity, conduct disorder, at- tention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and substance abuse.
The Calculus of Finite Differences

This chapter discusses the calculus of finite differences. In mathematics, a calculus is a method of computation or any process of reasoning using symbols. The calculus of finite differences is a calculus that applies to functions that are defined only at certain discrete values of the independent variable. In the majority of discrete control problems, the points of definition of such functions are evenly spaced points of the independent variable time. Thus, a discrete function g ( t ) would be defined only for t = iT , where i is an integer and T the length of the time interval. The discrete-system models involve difference and summation operations in their control decision rules as in the process controller or because of the effects of the physical properties of the process, such as the historically based forecasts in the production inventory control system.
Reconstruction of the Intra-Abdominal Pelvis and the Perineum

Reconstruction following excision of cancers involving the pelvis, perineum, or vagina is complex for many reasons. First, the perineum is the exit site for three separate epithelialized structures—the rectum and gastrointestinal tract, the urethra and urologic tract, and in women, the vagina and gynecologic tract. Second, the deep location of the pelvis is difficult to access, and the perineum and vaginal areas are relatively remote from common flap donor sites. Third, the unyielding nature of the bony pelvis acts to block wound contracture as a means of wound healing. And fourth, the pelvis, perineum, and vagina are associated with multiple sexual, reproductive, and body image issues of variable importance to each patient. This chapter will elucidate some of the reconstructive options unique to the intra-abdominal pelvis, the perineum, the vagina, and the buttocks.
Budget Development and Staffing

A research project, whether large or small, and regardless of funding source, requires a budget. A budget is a realistic prediction of what it will cost to complete a study and is constructed by analyzing each of the steps involved in conducting the study. For most grant applications, a budget justification must accompany the budget and usually includes a narrative description of the roles played by personnel requested in the application and how other projected expenses have been determined. The budgeting process requires the investigator to think through the proposed project carefully and identify each step of the research plan. Not only must the investigator estimate the dollar amount of projected expenses, but he or she must also estimate the timing of when expenditures are likely to occur. The budgeting process is an integral part of a grant application and should not be left for the last minute. The process itself can often identify important steps or omissions in the project.
Chapter 9 – The Magnetism of Magnets

The magnet—because it retains its magnetic properties both in isolation and in the presence of other magnets—is known as permanent, or hard. A magnetic pole produces magnetic flux but no magnetic circulation, and thus may be called a flux source. Its field line drawing rules are like those for electric fields due to electric charges at rest. It is well known that, unlike the hard and soft magnets, most materials have no obvious magnetic properties. However, when put in a (large) non-uniform magnetic field, most materials are either attracted (paramagnets) or repelled (diamagnets). Two steps determine the direction of magnetization. First, to minimize their electrical energy, the orbital of the magnetic electrons orient with respect to the crystal (for example, the plane of the orbital may orient along or perpendicular to one of the crystal axes). Second, to minimize their magnetic energy, the magnetic moments of the magnetic electrons orient with respect to the electron orbital. The net effect is that the magnetic electrons preferentially orient their magnetic moments with respect to the crystal. For high anisotropy, where there is a strong preference for certain orientations, the domain wall thickness is very small for themagnetization to avoid these unfavorable orientations.
Association of State Medicaid Expansion With Rate of Uninsured Hospitalizations for Major Cardiovascular Events, 2009-2014.

Importance Cardiovascular disease is the leading primary diagnosis among all hospital discharges, and insurance status is associated with patient outcomes. The association of state-level policy decisions regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion with rates of uninsured hospitalizations for major cardiovascular events and in-hospital mortality has not been investigated to date. Objective To investigate whether the rates of uninsured hospitalizations for major cardiovascular events and in-hospital mortality varied by state-level policy on ACA Medicaid expansion. Design, Setting, and Participants For this cohort study, difference-in-differences analysis of data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases of 30 US states on 524 848 non-Medicare hospitalizations in 2014 and a mean of 516 811 non-Medicare hospitalizations per year from 2009 to 2013 was performed for major cardiovascular events (defined as a composite of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure) from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2014. Analyses were completed September 1, 2017. Exposure State Medicaid expansion as of January 1, 2014. Main Outcomes and Measures Comparison of mean payer mix proportions (uninsured, Medicaid, and privately insured) and in-hospital mortality between expansion and nonexpansion states for the years preceding the ACA Medicaid expansion (2009-2013) and the year after the ACA Medicaid expansion (2014). Results Of the 801 819 hospitalizations in the 17 expansion states in 2014, 428 503 (53.4%) patients were men, 514 036 (64.1%) were white, and 365 797 (45.6%) were aged 65 to 84 years. Of 719 459 hospitalizations in the 13 nonexpansion states in 2014, 383 311 (53.3%) patients were men, 492 136 (68.4%) were white, and 335 781 (46.7%) were aged 65 to 84 years. There were 281 184 non-Medicare hospitalizations for major cardiovascular events in the 17 expansion states and 243 664 non-Medicare hospitalizations in the 13 nonexpansion states in 2014. In multivariable regression analyses, the expansion states had a significant 5.8–percentage point decrease in the proportion of uninsured hospitalizations after Medicaid expansion relative to the nonexpansion states (adjusted difference-in-differences estimate, −0.058; 95% CI, −0.075 to −0.042;P Conclusions and Relevance States that expanded Medicaid during the ACA implementation had a significantly greater reduction in the proportion of uninsured hospitalizations for major cardiovascular events compared with the nonexpansion states. This study suggests that expansion status was not associated with in-hospital mortality rates in the first year after ACA implementation.
To the Moon and Beyond

Are there nontrivial integer solutions to the equation xn + yn = zn for any integer n ≥ 2? How about for n > 2? Wait a minute! Is this a chapter about Fermat’s Last Theorem or about Graph Coloring? From one point of view, theorems such as The Four Color Theorem and Fermat’s Last Theorem are no more important than countless other problems in chromatic graph theory or in diophantine equations, respectively, and yet both problems are pervasive in science and culture.
Surface engineered excipients: III. Facilitating direct compaction tableting of binary blends containing fine cohesive poorly-compactable APIs

Abstract Direct compaction tableting, a desired manufacturing option, is infeasible for blends containing fine cohesive poorly-compactable APIs at higher drug loadings. In this study, the feasibility of using fine, dry coated excipients is investigated instead of dry coating of the APIs, as was done previously. Avicel PH-105 (20.1 µm) dry coated with 1 wt% hydrophilic silica A200 as an engineered excipient was blended with fine (11.3 µm) or semi-fine (30.2 µm) Acetaminophen, or Ibuprofen 50 (55.4 µm) in binary blends at low, medium and high drug loadings (10%, 30%, 60%). The blend uniformity, bulk density, flowability, as well as tablet properties such as friability, weight variation and strength demonstrate overall better performance compared to blends with Avicel PH-105, Prosolv 50 or Prosolv 90 as the excipient. These results along with processability maps of bulk density vs. FFC and tablet tensile strength vs. FFC indicate dry coated Avicel PH-105 could enable direct compaction for IBU50 and cAPAP at all drug loadings, and up to 30% drug loading for mAPAP. In contrast, Prosolv 90 failed for IBU50 at 60% drug loading, and for mAPAP at all drug loadings. Prosolv 50 could only enable direct compaction for IBU50 at all drug loadings. These unexpected outcomes suggest that for direct compaction of very fine, cohesive APIs at higher drug loadings, surface modified fine excipients perform better. A surprising outcome is the improvement in tablet strength for blends with dry coated Avicel PH-105 compared to uncoated Avicel PH-105 at higher drug loading, especially considering parts I and II showed that silica dry coating decreases the placebo tablet tensile strength.
Editorial Commentary: Medicine Is About Shared Decision Making and Discussion of Risk-Benefit Ratios-Body Mass Index Cutoffs Are Unjust.

Abstract As physicians, we have the responsibility of evaluating patient problems and making decisions about their plan of care. In today's world, the paternalistic approach to patient care has been appropriately replaced by shared decision making. Therefore, patients who are undergoing evaluation for elective shoulder arthroscopy procedures should be counseled about the risks and benefits of surgery relative to their clinical presentation both physiologically and orthopaedically. No one medical factor in isolation should be used to decide on the appropriateness of surgery, including an absolute body mass index cutoff. Among the main drivers of these cutoff algorithms are alternative payment models and episodes of care, which are here to stay. Although some aspects of these models are beneficial, we cannot let some of these simplistic algorithms replace our decision-making skills as physicians.
On Apples and Anarchy

In the summer of 1843, eleven reformers in Massachusetts embarked upon a doomed utopian experiment called “Fruitlands.” Their object was to create a perfect society, devoid of the negative influences of capitalism, trade, and government. They planned on doing so through rigorous adherence to strict communal regulations, among which was strict veganism. This article argues that the Fruitlands experiment—though a failure—is instructive because it provides a detailed example of one particular articulation of the tie between veganism and anarchism. Unlike more modern reformers, the Fruitlanders stressed hierarchy (rather than equality) between humans and animals. Rejecting the animal world was crucial for them as they attempted to become perfect beings, eligible for utopia. Fruitlands thus showcases the way that the vegan-anarchic tie has been profoundly different in each of its incarnations, and therefore an illustrative lens into the political and social world of the nineteenth century.
State-specific reactions of atomic transition-metal ions with molecular hydrogen, hydrogen deuteride, and molecular deuterium: effects of d orbitals on chemistry

Guided ion beam mass spectrometry has been used to examine the kinetic energy dependence of reactions of atomic ions of the entire first-row transition-metal series with molecular hydrogen. By varying the conditions under which the ions are formed, results for specific electronic states can be obtained. The periodic trends in the chemistry and derived thermodynamic information are summarized. The results can be understood by considering the spin and orbital occupation of the atomic ions.
Integrating context into artificial intelligence: Research from the robotics collaborative technology alliance

Applying context to a situation, task, or system state provides meaning and advances understanding that can affect future decisions or actions. Although people are naturally good at perceiving contextual understanding and inferring missing pieces of information using various alternative sources, this process is difficult for AI systems or robots, especially in high-uncertainty and unstructured operations. Integration of context-driven AI is important for future robotic capabilities to support the development of situation awareness, calibrate appropriate trust, and improve team performance in collaborative human-robot teams. This article highlights advances in context-driven AI for human-robot teaming by the Army Research Laboratory’s Robotics Collaborative Technology Alliance. Avenues of research discussed include how context enables robots to fill in the gaps to make effective decisions more quickly, supports more robust behaviors, and augments robot communications to suit the needs of the team under a variety of environments and team organizations and across missions.
Effects of Dry-Aging on Color and Oxidation Stabilities of Beef Loins

ObjectivesDry-aging is a traditional process to store whole carcasses or unpackaged primals/sub-primals under a controlled environment. Due to its known positive impacts on palatability attributes, dry-aging has been typically practiced in local meat processors or small meat purveyors for upscale butcher shops and/or gourmet restaurants. While there is an increasing demand from local consumers to purchase dry-aged beef from a retail market, there is little information on how dry-aging affects color and oxidation stabilities of beef muscles. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dry-aging on color and oxidation stabilities of beef loins. To measure the objectives, the conventional dry-aging (DA) of sub-primal loins was compared with two other aging methods– vacuum packaged wet-aging (WA) and dry-aging in a high water permeable bag (DAW).Materials and MethodsPaired beef loins (M. longissimus lumborum) from 9 beef carcasses were obtained at 7 d postmortem, cut into two sections, and assigned to three different aging methods (DA, WA, or DAW) for 28 d at 2°C and 78% relative humidity. After aging, initial trimming of dried surface was made. Then, one steak (2.54 cm thick) was cut from each aged section, overwrapped with PVC film, and displayed for 7 d under a simulated display condition. Instrumental and visual color evaluations were performed during 7 d of display. The 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and heme/non-heme iron contents were measured for 0 and 7 d of samples. The experimental design was a balanced incomplete block design with three aging methods allocated to the loin sections from 9 beef carcasses in a saturated arrangement (n = 12; 9 carcasses × 2 loins × 2 sections = 36 sections for 3 treatments). All data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC), and least squares means for all traits were separated (F test, P 0.05), although a slightly higher visual discoloration was observed in DA steaks compared to WA at d 7 (P 0.05).ConclusionThe results from this current study found that dry-aging in a high water permeable bag resulted in the most rapid discoloration and accelerated lipid oxidation during retail display. Steaks from the conventionally dry-aged beef loins seem to have similar color and lipid oxidation stabilities compared to the wet-aged beef counterpart at least up to 5 d of retail display. This observation indicates that steaks from dry-aged beef loins can be likely merchandised in the retail consumer level, once the proper initial trimmings are made. Further studies determining pro-oxidant factors of DAW causing more lipid oxidation and discoloration compared to DA and WA should be warranted.
Spatial Associations Between Land Use and Infectious Disease: Zika Virus in Colombia.

Land use boundaries represent human-physical interfaces where risk of vector-borne disease transmission is elevated. Land development practices, coupled with rural and urban land fragmentation, increases the likelihood that immunologically naive humans will encounter infectious vectors at land use interfaces. This research consolidated land use classes from the GLC-SHARE dataset; calculated landscape metrics in linear (edge) density, proportion abundance, and patch density; and derived the incidence rate ratios of the Zika virus occurrence in Colombia, South America during 2016. Negative binomial regression was used to evaluate vector-borne disease occurrence counts in relation to Population Density, Average Elevation, Per Capita Gross Domestic Product, and each of three landscape metrics. Each kilometer of border length per square kilometer of area increase in the linear density of the Cropland and Grassland classes is associated with an increase in Zika virus risk. These spatial associations inform a risk reduction approach to rural and urban morphology and land development that emphasizes simple and compact land use geometry that decreases habitat availability for mosquito vectors of Zika virus.
On Shared Decision-making and Informed Consent.

In the idealized concept of shared decision-making, the physician and patient comprise a collaborative clinical decision-making dyad.1 The physician contributes medical knowledge, training, experience, and judgment, whereas the patient contributes personal values and health care goals through which to evaluate how each treatment option could fulfill those goals. As partners, the patient and physician collaboratively achieve a mutually agreeable medical decision through an ongoing communication process that creates informed consent.2
Clinical analysis in children with allergic asthma of dermatophagoides farinae drops containing clothing

Objective To investigate the curative effective of specific immunotherapy drugs dermatophagoides farinae drops on children with allergic asthma.Methods One hundred and sixty-two children with allergic asthma were divided into two groups randomly.The 84 patients in treatment group were treated with buccaled desensitizing drug.The 78 patients in control group were treated with inhalation drug simply.The curative effective and influence on lung function were evaluated.Results After 36 weeks of treatment,the treatment group was obviously better than the control group in lung function and attack frequency.Conclusions The curative effective of dermatophagoides farinae drops on children with allergic asthma is remarkable. Key words: Bronchial asthma; Specific immunotherapy; Dermatophagoides farinae drops
Virtual clinical trial for quantifying the effects of beam collimation and pitch on image quality in computed tomography.

Purpose: To utilize a virtual clinical trial (VCT) construct to investigate the effects of beam collimation and pitch on image quality (IQ) in computed tomography (CT) under different respiratory and cardiac motion rates. Approach: A computational human model [extended cardiac-torso (XCAT) phantom] with added lung lesions was used to simulate seven different rates of cardiac and respiratory motions. A validated CT simulator (DukeSim) was used in this study. A supplemental validation was done to ensure the accuracy of DukeSim across different pitches and beam collimations. Each XCAT phantom was imaged using the CT simulator at multiple pitches (0.5 to 1.5) and beam collimations (19.2 to 57.6 mm) at a constant dose level. The images were compared against the ground truth using three task-generic IQ metrics in the lungs. Additionally, the bias and variability in radiomics (morphological) feature measurements were quantified for task-specific lung lesion quantification across the studied imaging conditions. Results: All task-generic metrics degraded by 1.6% to 13.3% with increasing pitch. When imaged with motion, increasing pitch reduced motion artifacts. The IQ slightly degraded (1.3%) with changes in the studied beam collimations. Patient motion exhibited negative effects (within 7%) on the IQ. Among all features across all imaging conditions studies, compactness2 and elongation showed the largest (−26.5 % , 7.8%) and smallest (−0.8 % , 2.7%) relative bias and variability. The radiomics results were robust across the motion profiles studied. Conclusions: While high pitch and large beam collimations can negatively affect the quality of CT images, they are desirable for fast imaging. Further, our results showed no major adverse effects in morphology quantification of lung lesions with the increase in pitch or beam collimation. VCTs, such as the one demonstrated in this study, represent a viable methodology for experiments in CT.
Studies of Beam Intensity Effects in Fermilab Booster Synchrotron. Part I: Introduction, Tune and Chromaticity Scans of Beam Losses

Detrimental beam dynamics effects limit performance of high intensity rapid cycling synchrotrons (RCS) such as the 8 GeV Fermilab Booster. Here we report the results of comprehensive studies of various beam intensity dependent effects in the Booster. Part I covers the dependencies of the Booster beam intensity losses on the total number of protons per pulse and on key operational parameters such as the machine tunes and chromaticities. In Part II we cross-check two methods of the beam emittance measurements (the multi-wires proportional chambers and the ionization profile monitors), analyze the intensity dependent emittance growth effects and discuss the ultimate performance of the machine now and after foreseen and proposed upgrades.
Glycine additive facilitates site-specific glycosylation profiling of biopharmaceuticals by ion-pairing hydrophilic interaction chromatography mass spectrometry.

Many biotherapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and Fc-domain fusion proteins contain heterogeneous glycan contents at one or multiple glycosylation site(s). Site-specific glycan profile characterization is critical for monitoring the quality of these molecules during different stages of drug development. Hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) as an orthogonal separation method to reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) can achieve better glycopeptide identification due to the effective separation between individual glycoforms as well as the separation of glycopeptides from high-abundance non-glycosylated peptides, which can be further improved by modifying the mobile phases with ion-pairing agents (IP-HILIC). However, an online IP-HILIC coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) detection may suffer from the suppression of mass spectrometry signal during electrospray ionization due to the trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), commonly used as an ion-pairing agent. Here, we reported an optimized experimental condition for IP-HILIC-MS where glycine is added in the TFA-containing mobile phases to enhance the MS detection sensitivity for glycopeptides up to ~ 50-fold by eliminating the ion-suppression effect of an ion-pairing agent while still retaining excellent separation capacity. We demonstrated that with enhanced detection sensitivity, IP-HILIC-MS can confidently identify an increased number of site-specific N-linked glycans for IgG1, and IgG4 mAbs as well as an Fc-domain fusion protein (containing five N-glycosylation sites) through MS/MS-based search in the data-dependent acquisition mode, meanwhile, achieve comparable quantitative results compared with the traditional methods. We also demonstrated that IP-HILIC-MS can be used to identify low-level O-glycosylation and non-consensus N-glycosylation on mAbs without any enrichment prior to LC-MS analysis.
Sequential false data injection cyberattacks in water distribution systems targeting storage tanks; a bi-level optimization model

Abstract While digital interconnectivity of smart cities has significantly enhanced the quality of life of residents, it has introduced cybersecurity challenges that may interrupt the operation of critical infrastructures. Water distribution systems are among the most critical infrastructures in smart cities that need to be secured against potential cyberattacks. False data injection cyberattacks in water distribution systems can be designed to bypass bad data detection algorithms, generating false measurements that ultimately lead to cascading failures. Developing models for these cyberattacks and analyzing them will elucidate hidden layers and tactics used to design the attacks, helping water systems’ authorities to improve and upgrade state-estimation processes and detection algorithms accordingly. In this paper, a bi-level nonlinear optimization cyberattack model is proposed that will result in sequential tank’s overflow or fully withdrawn in less than three hours. The attack model is developed based upon injecting false data into the hourly measurements of the pump(s) feeding the tank, as well as the total demand of the network. By modifying a few estimation parameters in the neighborhood of the targeted tank, these false data injections are deliberately designed to bypass the existing water system’s state-estimation and bad data detection methods.
Electromagnetism supercharged!: learning physics with digital simulation games

Learning scientists are increasingly turning to computer and video games as tools for learning. Simulation might not only motivate learners, but provide accessible ways for students to develop intuitive understandings of abstract physics phenomena. This study examines what learning occurs when an electromagnetism simulation game is used in a school for underserved students. Students in the experimental group performed better than students in the control group (guided discovery-based science) on measures for understanding. Game mechanics enabled students to confront weaknesses in understandings, and physics representations became tools for understanding problems. Implications for the design of educational digital media are discussed. Yet, it was also these very same game mechanics posed significant challenges in terms of student engagement, motivation, and learning of physics concepts.
The Hadronic Equation of State and Supernovae

The mechanism for type II supernovae is still not fully understood. A direct explosion, driven by the shock wave created after core collapse, is still a strong likelihood. The conditions favourable to this simplest and most natural mechanism are discussed and recent calculations presented which highlight our uncertainties in the conditions just before collapse. Details of the pre-collapse density and entropy profiles, and not just the “iron” core mass, matter very much.