cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen loading leads to increased carbon accretion in both invaded and uninvaded coastal wetlands

Gaining a better understanding of carbon (C) dynamics across the terrestrial and aquatic landscapes has become a major research initiative in ecosystem ecology. Wetlands store a large portion of the global soil C, but are also highly dynamic ecosystems in terms of hydrology and N cycling, and are one of the most invaded habitats worldwide. The interactions between these factors are likely to determine wetland C cycling, and specifically C accretion rates. We investigated these interactions using Mondrian, an individual-based model simulating plant growth and competition and linking these processes to N and C cycling. We simulated the effects of different levels of (1) N loading, (2) hydroperiod, and (3) plant community (natives only vs. invasion scenarios) and their interactions on C accretion outcomes in freshwater coastal wetlands of the Great Lakes region of North America. Results showed that N loading contributed to substantial rates of C accretion by increasing NPP (net primary productivity). By mediating anaerobic conditions and slowing decomposition, hydroperiod also exerted considerable control on C accretion. Invasion success occurred with higher N loading and contributed to higher NPP, while also interacting with hydroperiod via ecosystem-internal N cycling. Invasion success by both Typha × glauca and Phragmites australis showed a strong nonlinear relationship with N loading in which an invasion threshold occurred at moderate N inputs. This threshold was in turn influenced by duration of flooding, which reduced invasion success for P. australis but not for T. × glauca. The greatest simulated C accretion rates occurred in wetlands invaded by P. australis at the highest N loading in constant anaerobic conditions. These model results suggest that while plant invasion may increase C storage in freshwater coastal wetlands, increased plant productivity (both native and invasive) due to increased N loading is the main driver of increased C accretion.
Thyrotropin and Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor Crosstalk Upregulates Sodium-Iodide Symporter Expression in Primary Cultures of Human Thyrocytes.

Background: Major regulation of thyroid gland function is mediated by thyrotropin (TSH) activating the TSH receptor (TSHR) and inducing upregulation of genes involved in thyroid hormone synthesis. Evidence suggests that the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor (IGF-1R) may play a role in regulating TSHR functional effects. This study examined the potential role of TSHR/IGF-1R crosstalk in primary cultures of human thyrocytes. Results: TSH/IGF-1 co-treatment elicited additive effects on thyroglobulin (TG), thyroperoxidase (TPO), and deiodinase type 2 (DIO2) mRNA levels but synergistic effects on sodium–iodide symporter (NIS) mRNA. Similar cooperativity was seen on the level of TG protein secretion (additive) and NIS protein expression (synergistic). The IGF-1R tyrosine kinase inhibitor linsitinib inhibited TSH-stimulated upregulation of NIS but not TG, indicating that NIS regulation is in part IGF-1R dependent and occurs via receptor crosstalk. Cooperativity was not seen at the level of cAMP/prote...
Stage Validity of the Health Action Process Approach in African American Breast Cancer Survivors

The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) has been applied in a number of populations because it proposes to overcome limitations from previous health behavior theories. However, it has yet to be applied to cancer survivors or racial/ethnic minorities. In this study, we examined the construct validity of the HAPA phase and stage algorithms in a sample of African American breast cancer survivors. A total of 259 African American breast cancer survivors (mean age = 54 years) participated in a Web-based survey that assessed sociodemographic and medical characteristics, physical activity, and HAPA constructs. Analysis of covariance was used to compare mean differences between HAPA phase/stage. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.017 due to multiple comparisons. Phase and stage inconsistencies were observed for most constructs. However, adequate distinctions were made for motivational self-efficacy and intentions (i.e., P = I < A) by phase, and both action and coping planning (i.e., P < I < A) by stage. Our data indicate partial support of the HAPA algorithm to classify African American breast cancer survivors according to stage or phase. Modifying the staging algorithm or constructs are needed if stage- or phase-based interventions can be designed for this population.
Mechanics and rates of tidal inlet migration: modeling and application to natural examples

Tidal inlets on barrier coasts can migrate alongshore hundreds of meters per year, often presenting great management and engineering challenges. Here we perform model experiments with migrating tidal inlets in Delft3D-SWAN to investigate the mechanics and rates of inlet migration. Model experiments with obliquely approaching waves suggest that tidal inlet migration occurs due to three mechanisms: (1) littoral sediment deposition along the updrift inlet bank, (2) wave-driven sediment transport preferentially eroding the downdrift bank of the inlet, and (3) flood-tide-driven flow preferentially cutting along the downdrift inlet bank because it is less obstructed by flood-tidal delta deposits. To quantify tidal inlet migration, we propose and apply a simple mass balance framework of sediment fluxes around inlets that includes alongshore sediment bypassing and flood-tidal delta deposition. In model experiments, both updrift littoral sediment and the eroded downdrift inlet bank are sediment sources to the growing updrift barrier and the flood-tidal delta, such that tidal inlets can be net sink of up to 150% of the littoral sediment flux. Our mass balance framework demonstrates how, with flood-tidal deltas acting as a littoral sediment sink, migrating tidal inlets can drive erosion of the downdrift barrier beach. Parameterizing model experiments, we propose a predictive model of tidal inlet migration rates based upon the relative momentum flux of the inlet jet and the alongshore radiation stress; we then compare these predicted migration rates to 22 natural tidal inlets along the U.S. East Coast and find good agreement.
A Theoretical Mechanistic Study of the Asymmetric Desymmetrization of a Cyclic meso-Anhydride by a Bifunctional Quinine Sulfonamide Organocatalyst.

Cinchona alkaloids and their derivatives are widely used as organocatalysts in asymmetric synthesis. In particular, sulfonamide derivatives of cinchona alkaloids are highly enantioselective desymmetrization catalysts in the ring opening of a variety of cyclic anhydrides. To better understand the mechanism of catalysis, as well as to identify the basis for enantioselectivity by this catalyst, we have performed DFT calculations of this reaction with a cyclic meso anhydride. Herein, we report calculations for two reaction pathways, one concerted and one stepwise, for the production of each enantiomer of the desymmetrized product using the complete sulfonamide catalyst I. Our results are consistent with both the enantioselectivity of this transformation and the catalytic role of the quinuclidine moiety. We find that the stepwise pathway is the relevant pathway in the production of the major enantiomer. Our calculations highlight the role of differential distortion of the anhydride–methanol complex in the tran...
Auditory and Visual Electrophysiology of Deaf Children with Cochlear Implants: Implications for Cross-modal Plasticity.

Deaf children who receive a cochlear implant early in life and engage in intensive oral/aural therapy often make great strides in spoken language acquisition. However, despite clinicians’ best efforts, there is a great deal of variability in language outcomes. One concern is that cortical regions which normally support auditory processing may become reorganized for visual function, leaving fewer available resources for auditory language acquisition. The conditions under which these changes occur are not well understood, but we may begin investigating this phenomenon by looking for interactions between auditory and visual evoked cortical potentials in deaf children. If children with abnormal auditory responses show increased sensitivity to visual stimuli, this may indicate the presence of maladaptive cortical plasticity. We recorded evoked potentials, using both auditory and visual paradigms, from 25 typical hearing children and 26 deaf children (ages 2-8 years) with cochlear implants. An auditory oddball paradigm was used (85% /ba/ syllables vs. 15% frequency modulated tone sweeps) to elicit an auditory P1 component. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were recorded during presentation of an intermittent peripheral radial checkerboard while children watched a silent cartoon, eliciting a P1-N1 response. We observed reduced auditory P1 amplitudes and a lack of latency shift associated with normative aging in our deaf sample. We also observed shorter latencies in N1 VEPs to visual stimulus offset in deaf participants. While these data demonstrate cortical changes associated with auditory deprivation, we did not find evidence for a relationship between cortical auditory evoked potentials and the visual evoked potentials. This is consistent with descriptions of intra-modal plasticity within visual systems of deaf children, but do not provide evidence for cross-modal plasticity. In addition, we note that sign language experience had no effect on deaf children’s early auditory and visual ERP responses.
Tics, Tourette’s Syndrome, and Current Therapies Review—Current Pediatric Report

ᅟ Tourette syndrome and tic disorders are characterized by Tics—both motor and vocal. They are of childhood onset and considered to be neurodevelopmental disorders. Tics are preceded by premonitory urges with subsequent relief. These disorders often result in lower quality of life for patients, especially when presentation is severe.
Recombinant DNA, Basic Procedures

Molecular biologists use recombinant methods to engineer heterologous DNA molecule. These manipulations are done in vitro with enzymes that cut and ligate DNA in new ways. Complementary to recombinant DNA, genetic techniques rearrange DNA in live cells by homologous or site-specific recombination. Recombinant DNA and genetics provide a powerful strategy to elucidate gene function by creating mutations, heterologous gene expression, or constructing chimeric gene products. For instance, cellular protein localization can be observed by fusing a gene to an epitope tag or a fluorescent reporter to allow visualization by fluorescent microscopy. For biochemical studies, recombinant DNA methods are focused on protein overexpression. In other cases, researchers create genomic or complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries to identify interesting genes or to provide cloned material for sequencing. In each of these cases DNA is prepared and cloned into a vector. These steps typically involve DNA restriction, followed by vector ligation and transformation into an Escherichia coli host. Cloned DNA is replicated and amplified in vivo and purified for subsequent in vitro manipulations. How vectors and cloning strategies are chosen depends on experimental goals. This article outlines the details of recombinant DNA.
A Phase I Trial of Recombinant Human Interleukin-6 in Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Thrombocytopenia

To evaluate the hematologic effects of recombinant human interleukin-6 (rhIL-6, Escherichia coli, SDZ ILS 969, IL-6), and determine its toxicity profile, we performed a phase I trial of IL-6 in 22 patients with various myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), platelet counts
Biochemical and Spectroscopic Properties of Heat-Treated Manganese Stabilizing Protein

Three water soluble proteins with molecular masses of 17, 23 and 33 kDa, located on the lumenal side of photosystem 2 (PSII), are responsible for the stability and the optimum function of the inorganic cofactors of the oxygen evolving complex (OEC) (1). More specifically, 17 and 23 kDa proteins are responsible for retention of Ca2+ and Cl− whereas a 33 kDa protein, called Manganese Stabilizing Protein (MSP), is responsible for the integrity and optimum function of the manganese cluster of OEC (1,2). Protein digestion and cross linking studies have identified the E loops of the intrinsic, chlorophyll-a binding proteins CP47 and CP43 as binding sites of MSP (3–5). Cyt b559 and a small intrinsic protein (<10 kDa) have also been proposed to provide ligands for the protein (5,6). Biochemical studies have shown that there are two copies of MSP per PSII reaction center (7,8). Protein digestion and site-directed mutagenesis have identified the N- terminus and the C- terminus of MSP as responsible for binding to CP47 and for maintaining structural features in solution necessary for functional binding, respectively (9, Betts et al, unpublished results). Here we report the biochemical and spectroscopic properties of native and recombinant MSP incubated at either room temperature or at 90°C. We show that heated MSP retains a remarkable ability to rebind to PSII and reactivate O2 evolution after long incubation at high temperatures. The secondary and tertiary structures of both species were examined by far-UV circular dichroism (CD), near-UV CD and size-exclusion chromatography. Cooling of heat-treated MSP results in refolding to a nearly native conformation. Structural and functional thermostability, along with other properties of MSP, suggest that it belongs to a family of “natively unfolded” proteins that participate in protein-protein interactions (10).
A Nonlethal Anesthesia Protocol for Accessing the Mantle Cavity of Olympia Oysters in the Laboratory or Field

ABSTRACT An effective method of anesthesia for Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida) would allow for nonlethal sampling of tissues for genetic analysis, biopsy for diseases, assessing reproductive status, and collection of brooding larvae. The use of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) as an anesthetization method for Olympia oysters was assessed in laboratory trials and field use. Three replicate groups of 10 oysters were exposed to MgSO4 at three concentrations (0, 75, 85, and 100 g/L) in the laboratory to investigate the optimal concentration for anesthetization. Laboratory trials determined that 45 min of treatment with 100 g/L MgSO4 was the most effective. In the field, more than 14,000 oysters were exposed to MgSO4 as an anesthetic to assess reproductive status and validate the procedure. In field trials, the anesthetization method of 45 min air exposure followed by 45 min submersion in 100 g/L MgSO4 was found to have a success rate >80%. No influence of sampling date, location, or reproductive status on anesthetiz...
Rights-based management for recreational for-hire fisheries: Evidence from a policy trial

Abstract Most for-hire recreational fisheries are managed using season, bag and size limits. Yet these approaches do little to control fishing effort or mortality and may dissipate value to anglers and vessel owners. Rights-based management approaches could theoretically address these shortcomings but are untested in the for-hire recreational context. We address this knowledge gap by examining the outcome of a two-year policy “experiment” in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico − a system plagued by shrinking seasons and tighter bag limits. Participating for-hire vessels in the Gulf Headboat Collaborative received individual allocations of red snapper ( Lutjanus campechanus ) and gag grouper ( Mycteroperca microlepis ) that they were free to fish outside of the usual seasons in exchange for enhanced accountability. We find that participants smoothed their offerings of red snapper and gag trips across the year, increasing anglers’ access to these species. Regulatory discards of the allocated species declined as well. Vessel revenues and net revenues increased respectably despite a relatively unchanged number of trips after the policy change. Revenue increases were driven by increased anglers per trip in offseason periods and by shifting customers to longer, higher value trips through the promise of catching desirable species outside of the restrictive federal season. Surveys of vessel owners confirm the overall success of the policy trial and corroborate the quantitative analysis of the mechanisms underlying its economic benefits. We conclude with a discussion of the usefulness and limitations of this policy trial for predicting the long-run outcomes of permanent rights-based management policies for the for-hire sector.
ALBERT LUTHULI'S PRIVATE STRUGGLE: HOW AN ICON OF PEACE CAME TO ACCEPT SABOTAGE IN SOUTH AFRICA

In December 1961, Albert Luthuli, leader of the African National Congress (ANC), arrived in Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Journalists in Norway noted how apartheid crackdowns failed to poison the new laureate's ‘courteous’ commitment to nonviolence. The press never reported Luthuli's acceptance that saboteurs in an armed wing, Umkhonto weSizwe (MK or Spear of the Nation), would now fight for freedom. Analyzing recently available evidence, this article challenges a prevailing claim that Luthuli always promoted peace regardless of state authorities who nearly beat him to death and massacred protesting women, children, and men. We uncover his evolving views of justifiable violence, which guided secret ANC decisions to pursue ‘some kind of violence’ months before his Nobel celebration. These views not only expand knowledge of ‘struggle history’, but also alter understandings of Luthuli's aim to emancipate South Africa from a system of white supremacy that he likened to ‘slavery’.
A high-speed, low-offset and low-power differential comparator for analog to digital converters

Analysis and design of a high-speed comparator with improved input referred offset is presented in this paper. The proposed comparator is designed in TSMC low power CMOS technology under 1.2 V power supply. The new presented comparator has a low power consumption and utilizes dual offset cancellation technique. The minimum convertible input voltage is calculated to be 52 μV and the propagation delay at this worst case is equal to 219 ps. The power consumption at 1 GHz clock frequency is 755 μW. Monte Carlo simulation with 500 points iteration shows that the standard deviation of the input referred offset is about 723 μV.
The concept of cambium

The cambium is a diverse and extensive meristem, even within a single plant. Thus, cambium is not easily defined. It is best comprehended as a concept, a generalised idea of what cambium should be. As a concept, the cambium must be treated either by developmental states or in some specific way in which it is manifested. It is noted that procambium is initiated in the embryo and perpetuated in the apical shoot. The residual meristem is discussed as a transitional tissue in which the forefront of the advancing procambial strands develop. The literature on the developmental states comprising the procambium→cambium continuum are comprehensively reviewed and discussed. Metacambium is proposed as an intermediate state between procambium and cambium. Recent attempts to define the cambial state both in terms of the meristem and its derivatives are discussed.
School lunch waste among middle school students: nutrients consumed and costs

Background The National School Lunch Program has been guided by modest nutrient standards, and the palatability of meals, which drives consumption, receives inadequate attention. School food waste can have important nutritional and cost implications for policymakers, students, and their families. Purpose Nutrient losses and economic costs associated with school meal waste were examined. The study also assessed if school foods served were valid proxies for foods consumed by students. Methods Plate waste measurements were collected from middle school students in Boston attending two Chef Initiative schools (n=1609) and two control schools (n=1440) during a 2-year pilot study (2007–2009) in which a professional chef trained cafeteria staff to make healthier school meals. The costs associated with food waste were calculated and the percentage of foods consumed was compared with a gold standard of 85% consumption. Analyses were conducted in 2010–2011. Results Overall, students consumed less than the required/recommended levels of nutrients. An estimated $432,349 of food (26.1% of the total food budget) was discarded by middle school students annually at lunch in these Boston middle schools. For most meal components, substantially less than 85% was consumed. Conclusions There is substantial food waste among middle school students in Boston. Overall, students' nutrient consumption levels were below school meal standards, and foods served were not valid proxies for foods consumed. The costs associated with discarded foods are high; if translated nationally for school lunches, roughly $1,238,846,400 annually is wasted. Students might benefit if additional focus were given to the quality and palatability of school meals.
Designing Purposeful Student Interactions to Advance Synchronous Learning Experiences

This article brings together the results of a self-study conducted by two instructors of the same course for mathematics teacher leaders in a synchronous online learning environment using the videoconferencing tool Blackboard Collaborate. The combined self-study focused on the authors' instructional decision-making and on their use of scaffolded discourse to create a collaborative learning environment for teacher leaders in mathematics education. Findings indicate that two specific interactions were emphasized to highlight student engagement within the course: student-student interactions and student-content interactions. Results challenge the perception of participation as engagement and suggest the value of creating purposefully planned learning opportunities to engage students in online synchronous learning.
Separation using high-speed counter-current chromatography and identification of 1,3-bis(4-phenylazophenyl)triazene, an impurity in the color additive D&C Red No. 17 (Sudan III)

The present work describes the application of high-speed counter-current chromatography to the preparative separation of a previously unreported impurity in the color additive D&C Red No. 17 (R17, Colour Index No. 26100, Sudan III). Due to the hydrophobic nature of the impurity, a hydrophobic two-phase solvent system (hexane-ethanol-water, 5:4:1) was used for its separation. The separated impurity was chemically characterized by spectroscopic methods as a disazo triazene, 1,3-bis(4-phenylazophenyl)triazene (PAPT). This impurity was synthesized and used as a reference material to quantify it in 15 batches of the color additive produced by various domestic and foreign manufacturers and certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Analysis of test portions by high-performance liquid chromatography showed a range of PAPT levels, from "not detected" (<0.006%) to 0.70%, across batches. The variability suggests that contamination by PAPT can be decreased or eliminated through manufacturing modifications. A chemical pathway for PAPT formation and an associated adjustment to minimize it during the process of manufacturing R17 are proposed.
Multi-Photon Excitation Based Nonlinear Optical Effects and Applications

Abstract This review comprises three major parts. The first part presents the quantitative description of multiple (2, 3, 4 to m)-photon absorption (MPA) processes, which is based on the framework of quantum electrodynamics. The second part provides an overview of MPA-active materials and MPA-based nonlinear optical effects and their applications. The third part briefly describes the progress in the area of multi-photon excited nonlinear photoelectric effects.
What’s in a Pronoun?: The Ungovernability and Misgendering of Trans Native Kids in Juvenile Justice in Washington State

ABSTRACTRecognition of transgender identities and best practices in care for trans youth in juvenile justice settings have been gaining increased visibility. However, in interviews with juvenile ju...
Locally advanced hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancer: Influence of HPV status.

Abstract Background Larynx preservation with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is used frequently in the treatment of locally advanced hypopharyngeal/laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Multiple large retrospective analyses have shown that CRT is associated with worse overall survival (OS) compared to total laryngectomy (TL) in patients with T4a disease. Burgeoning evidence suggests HPV status may play a prognostic role in patients with LSCC. We aimed to determine if HPV status influences OS among patients with T4a LSCC, and, if so, if it may be useful in selecting patients for CRT. Methods Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we identified 810 patients with T4a N0-3 M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx or hypopharynx with known HPV status who received either definitive CRT (to 66–81.6 Gy with any chemotherapy) or definitive TL (with the addition of 60–70 Gy of adjuvant RT). We evaluated differences in OS using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards analyses. Results On multivariate analysis, HPV-negative status (HR = 1.42, p = 0.02) and receipt of CRT (HR = 1.34, p = 0.01) were associated with worse OS when compared to HPV-positive patients and patients receiving TL, respectively. Among patients receiving CRT, 5-year OS was lower among HPV-negative patients (33.4%) when compared to HPV-positive patients (50.6%). Conclusions These data suggest that HPV status may be a prognostic factor in patients with T4a LSCC. Further, it supports further investigation into the usefulness of HPV status as a selection factor for larynx preservation with CRT in these patients.
Formation of Supersaturated Single-phase bcc Solid Solutions in Fe-Zn Binary System by Mechanical Alloying

Mechanical alloying (MA) was used in the investigation of the Fe-Zn binary system, which, in the equilibrium state, exhibits negligible mutual solid solubility at room temperature. The formation of single-phase bcc solid solutions with a nanometer-scaled microstructure was achieved by MA in Fe 100-x Zn x (x < 65) powder mixtures. The nearest neighbor distances of these Fe-Zn solid solutions obey the linear relationship given by the Vegard's law for ideal solutions, suggesting that the solid solutions formed by MA are homogeneous. The average lattice volume expansion also linearly increases to about 13.4% at 65%Zn. At elevated temperatures the nanostructured solid solutions undergo phase transformations yielding intermetallic compounds. The mechanisms for the phase formation in the Fe-Zn system are discussed.
Genetic variation and covariation for ewe reproduction, lamb growth, and lamb scrotal circumference in a fall-lambing sheep flock

Genetic parameters for female reproduction, lamb growth, and lamb scrotal circumference in a composite population of 50% Dorset, 25% Rambouillet and 25% Finnsheep breeding selected for ability to lamb in fall were estimated by REML using various animal models. Traits considered were spring fertility, litter size, weight at weaning (WWT), 90 d (WT90), and 120 d (WT120), and scrotal circumference at weaning (WSC), 90 d (SC90), and 120 d (SC120). Fertility was defined as 1 or 0 for ewes that lambed or failed to lamb, respectively, in fall and averaged .59 for adults (3 yr and older), .45 for second-lambing ewes, .18 for 19-mo-old ewes, and .11 for 12-mo-old ewes. Heritability estimates for fertility varied among models from .07 to .11. Heritability of fall litter size was .10. For body weights, estimates of additive direct, additive maternal, permanent environmental maternal, and litter effects as proportions of phenotypic variance were .04, .10, .05, and .11, respectively, for WWT, .09, .05, .14, and .01 for WT90, and .18, .0, .13, and .06 for WT120. Heritability estimates for WSC, SC90, and SC120 were .15, .25, and .02, respectively. Estimates of genetic correlations among body weights ranged from .77 to unity. Estimates of genetic correlations of fertility with fall litter size, WT90, and SC90 were .56, -.31, and .29, respectively. Genetic correlations of fall litter size with WT90 and SC90 were .33 and .36, respectively. Estimated genetic correlations revealed no major genetic antagonisms with ability to lamb in fall.
Performance Analysis of Silicon Carbide Composite Clad Uranium Carbide Fuel for a Long-Life Gas-Cooled Fast Reactor Under Normal Operation—Part II: Modeling and Simulation

Fuel performance analysis was conducted for silicon carbide (SiC) composite clad uranium carbide (UC) fuel of a 500-MW(thermal) gas-cooled fast reactor, specifically the energy multiplier module (E...
Chapter 18 – Stochastic Processes

In analyzing neural data, we often have to deal with quantities that fluctuate randomly in time. For example, an intracellular recording of the membrane potential of a neuron in vivo or a sequence of extracellular action potentials. Variables that fluctuate randomly in time are called stochastic processes or random functions. In this chapter, we define two types of stochastic processes that are used, respectively, to describe continuous variables, such as random potential fluctuations, and events, like random sequences of action potentials. We have already encountered the simplest such process in previous chapters in the form of the homogeneous Poisson and gamma renewal processes. Next, we introduce some of the tools used to study the properties of stochastic processes. In particular, we will see that the Fourier transform allows us to characterize the frequency content of stochastic processes through spectral analysis.
Automated high throughput selection and expansion of clonal cell populations to improve cartilage cell therapy products

Background & Aim Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapies can be greatly advanced by taking control over the source materials, particularly by selection of tissue-specific connective tissue progenitors (CTPs) with preferred biological performance. This project aims to test the hypothesis that: 1) attributes of a colony founding CTP and the CTP-derived colony can be used to predict biological performance of their culture expanded progeny, and 2) CTP or colony selection based on preferred attributes will improve the reproducibility and quality of in vitro differentiation performance in comparison to traditional unselected multi-clonal expansion strategies. Methods, Results & Conclusion Human articular cartilage (Grade1-2) cells obtained from seven knee arthroplasty patients were cultured in 2-D. Large field of view phase contrast images were acquired daily for 10 days enabling identification of colonies derived from a single CTP. Based on morphology and proliferation in primary culture, 99 colonies were picked using the Cell X™ robot. Of these, the 42 fastest growing clones were expanded to 21 doublings (Db) (2 × 106 cells) for trilineage differentiation assay using Oil Red O, Von Kossa and Alcian Blue staining and RNA sequencing pre and post-differentiation (Fig.1). The mean circularity and diameter of CTP was 0.41 (range:0.05-0.93) and 40.6µm (range:15.9-111) respectively. Colony attributes varied widely with a mean cell density, area per cell and effective proliferation rate (EPR) of 308cells/mm2 (range:92-908), 332.8µm2 (range:240.8-536.6), and 0.79Db/day (range:0.59-1.02) respectively. The clones exhibited wide variation in biological performance: mean EPR at passage 1 (17Db), passage 2 (19Db) and passage 3 (21Db) was 0.19 (range:0.07-0.31), 0.35 (range:0.17-0.77) and 0.28 (range:0.1-0.67) respectively; mean expression of differentiation markers for adipogenesis, osteogenesis and chondrogenesis was 217.4µm2/cell (range:4-1063), 1551.6µm2/cell (range:1-24698) and 1022.4µm2/cell (range:189-3608) respectively. Fig.2 shows the correlation between the attributes of CTPs, colonies, and subsequent biological performance. These results indicate that more circular CTPs had lower P0 EPR, higher P1 EPR and great adipogenesis. Denser colonies had higher P0 EPR, lower P1 EPR, and greater chondrogenesis. An improved understanding of the diverse origins and attributes colony founding CTPs in adult cartilage may enable more precise and rigorous cell fabrication strategies.
Navigation Error Sensitivity of Autonomous Carrier Landing Systems in GPS-denied Environments

This paper presents a system-level analysis of the navigation errors in an autonomous UAV carrier-landing scenario with a focus on fixed-wing aircraft. The research identifies relationships between relative state estimation errors and navigation system parameters. The method for achieving this objective is to construct a Monte Carlo simulation of the UAV landing on the aircraft carrier. An indirect Extended Kalman Filter is used in the simulation to estimate the position, velocity, and attitude of both the UAV and aircraft carrier. Results of the simulation focus on the relative position, velocity and attitude covariances at three seconds prior to touch down. The sensitivity of these covariances to measurement availability and frequency is illustrated as a function of IMU grade and camera errors. The results identified in this research enables designers to select system components which minimize cost while maintaining mission-specific navigation error requirements.
COVID-19-Related Internet Search Patterns Among People in the United States: Exploratory Analysis.

Background: The internet is a well-known source of information that patients use to better inform their opinions and to guide their conversations with physicians during clinic visits. The novelty of the recent COVID-19 outbreak has led patients to turn more frequently to the internet to gather more information and to alleviate their concerns about the virus. Objective: The aims of the study were to (1) determine the most commonly searched phrases related to COVID-19 in the United States and (2) identify the sources of information for these web searches. Methods: Search terms related to COVID-19 were entered into Google. Questions and websites from Google web search were extracted to a database using customized software. Each question was categorized into one of 6 topics: clinical signs and symptoms, treatment, transmission, cleaning methods, activity modification, and policy. Additionally, the websites were categorized according to source: World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), non-CDC government, academic, news, and other media. Results: In total, 200 questions and websites were extracted. The most common question topic was transmission (n=63, 31.5%), followed by clinical signs and symptoms (n=54, 27.0%) and activity modification (n=31, 15.5%). Notably, the clinical signs and symptoms category captured questions about myths associated with the disease, such as whether consuming alcohol stops the coronavirus. The most common websites provided were maintained by the CDC, the WHO, and academic medical organizations. Collectively, these three sources accounted for 84.0% (n=168) of the websites in our sample. Conclusions: In the United States, the most commonly searched topics related to COVID-19 were transmission, clinical signs and symptoms, and activity modification. Reassuringly, a sizable majority of internet sources provided were from major health organizations or from academic medical institutions.
A Novel Microsurgical Suturing Pilot Course for Ophthalmology Residents Based on Kern's Model for Curriculum Development

Background Sutureless ophthalmic procedures are becoming more commonplace, reducing opportunities for ophthalmology residents to learn microsurgical suturing techniques. There is no standard curriculum in place to address this gap in clinical training among ophthalmology residency programs. Objective The aim of this study was to design, implement, and evaluate a preliminary microsurgical suturing curriculum for ophthalmology residents using Kern's six-step approach for curriculum development as a guideline, and the principles of distributed practice and guided, self-directed practice. Methods We designed a faculty-led teaching session on fundamental microsurgical suturing techniques for all 15 ophthalmology residents from Yale University over one academic year. Suturing skills were evaluated, followed by a guided teaching session, 30 days of self-directed practice time, and a re-evaluation of skills. The residents were evaluated through a written knowledge assessment and practical skills assessment. The residents also evaluated their skill level before and after the teaching session and practice period through written Likert-scale surveys. Data were evaluated in Excel using descriptive statistics and the paired t-test. Results After the session, postgraduate year 2 (PGY-2) residents felt more confident in recognition and use of surgical instruments (p Conclusions Implementation of a faculty-led microsurgical suturing training session, followed by 1-month of practice time, significantly improved residents' knowledge and practical application of various microsurgical suturing techniques that are necessary for performing common ophthalmic procedures.
Practical risk assessment tool for the frequently transported chemicals at the Gulf of Mexico ports

Seaports have to process and maintain numerous dangerous chemicals every day because of the increase in the maritime transportation of these chemicals. Since the location of seaports is close to the cities, they pose a serious threat to the public as well as their immediate environment. However, public and environmental risks of dangerous chemicals are different. To rank risk scores of chemicals for public health, three types of effects have been evaluated. They are acute, chronic and sub-chronic effects. On the other hand, to rank risk scores of chemicals for environment, hazard scores for bioaccumulation, aquatic toxicity, and chronic aquatic toxicity have been calculated. More than 600 of frequently transported chemicals were prioritised for the 14 ports at the Gulf of Mexico (GM). Ports were selected based on their annual cargo volume in 2016. The top 11 substances were presented according to their public and environment risk scores. In addition, a Java-platform software tool with user-defined properties (congestion, visibility, and annual tonnage of chemicals) was developed to display the public and environmental health risk scores in case of a chemical spills. It is believed that such a tool can help port authorities and workers better understand, prevent, and take immediate actions on chemical accident.
Assessing anthropometric and laboratory outcomes of a paediatric telehealth weight management program.

IntroductionTelehealth can expand quality care to patients unable to access specialty health services. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in body mass index (BMI) and laboratory value...
Reduction in movement-evoked pain and fatigue during initial Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation treatment predicts responders in women with fibromyalgia

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a safe, economical non-pharmacological adjunctive intervention. Using data from the Fibromyalgia Activity Study with TENS (FAST) we performed a responder analysis to identify predictors of reduced pain and fatigue after 1-month of daily TENS use in women with FM. Women with FM were randomly assigned to active-TENS (2-125Hz; highest-tolerable intensity), placebo-TENS, or no-TENS for 1-month. After the randomized phase, placebo-TENS and no-TENS groups received active-TENS for 1-month. Responders to TENS were defined as those achieving a 30% reduction in movement-evoked pain and/or 20% reduction in movement-evoked fatigue., The predictor model was developed using data from the randomized phase of the active-TENS group (n=103) and validated using data from the placebo-TENS and no-TENS groups after active-TENS for 1 month (n=155). Participant characteristics, and changes in pain, fatigue, and function were assessed as potential predictors using a logistic regression model. Number needed to treat (NNT), and number needed to harm (NNH) calculations were made comparing the active-TENS group to the placebo-TENS and no-TENS groups using an intention-to-treat analysis. Predictors of clinical improvement in pain at 1-month follow-up were initial decrease in pain during the first TENS use and widespread pain index (AUC=0.80; 95%CI: 0.73,0.87). Predictors of clinical improvement in fatigue at 1-month follow-up were marital status, sleep impairment and initial decrease in fatigue during the first TENS use (AUC=0.67; 95%CI: 0.58,0.75). NNT for pain and fatigue ranged between 3.3-5.3. NNH ranged from 20-100 for minor TENS-related adverse events. The current study shows that 1 in 3 women with FM will experience a clinically significant reduction in pain, while 1 in 5 will experience a clinically significant reduction in fatigue with minimal harms. How a person responds to the first TENS treatment predicts response to daily use over of a 1-month period. Trial Number: NCT01888640, Funded by NIH UM1 AR06338, NIH UM1 AR063381-S1, T32 NS045549-12, and K99AR071517.
Anti-Müllerian hormone level as a predictor of sperm retrieval with microdissection testicular sperm extraction in nonobstructive azoospermia.

Limited factors effectively predict sperm retrieval with microdissection testicular sperm extraction in men with nonobstructive azoospermia. We therefore sought to evaluate the role of serum anti-Mullerian hormone as a predictive biomarker for successful sperm retrieval. We included patients with pre-operative anti-Mullerian hormone levels and stratified them based on prior history of prior sperm retrieval procedure. We compared hormone levels between those who did and did not have a successful sperm retrieval and used receiver operating curves to determine an optimal cut-off value. A total of 46 men were included, of whom 18 (39.1%) had no prior sperm retrieval and 11 (61.1%) had sperm successfully retrieved. Pre-operative serum anti-Mullerian hormone levels were predictive of sperm retrieval in patients with no prior attempts at retrieval (p = .03). Receiver operating curve for those without prior retrieval was 0.6753. The optimal anti-Mullerian hormone cut-off for those without prior sperm retrieval was 0.133 ng/ml with a sensitivity of 0.91 and specificity of 0.29. Therefore, serum anti-Mullerian hormone levels have modest predictive value for sperm retrieval in this cohort. The combination of clinical history, examination and laboratory investigations should continue to be used to guide surgeons in counselling patients regarding the chance of sperm retrieval.
The Use of Real-World Data to Assess the Impact of Safety-Related Regulatory Interventions

The regulation of medicines seeks to ensure the efficacy, safety, and quality of prescription and non-prescription medicines. Given that the conditions under which a medicine's benefits outweigh its risks are complex, it is essential that communications about the safe and effective use of medicines be clear and actionable. Assessing the impact of interventions to improve the safe and effective use of medicines is a developing area, and one in which real-world data are playing an increasingly important role. Although real-world data are commonly used to assess the impact of regulatory interventions, there are several areas where their use could be improved. Specific areas for improvement include assessing regulatory interventions across a wider range of medicines, rather than concentrating on a relatively few therapeutic areas; assessing more clinically relevant outcomes rather than relying on measures such as changes in the number of prescriptions, which may not always correlate with the desired impact; assessing the potential unintended or negative consequences of regulatory interventions; applying methods to address potential confounders; assessing long-term, rather than just short-term, impacts of an intervention; increasing the use of comparator groups, when feasible; and evaluating the impact of regulatory interventions from multiple dimensions, rather than from a single dimension. Expanded use of real-world data could inform some of these efforts, although data sources beyond administrative claims data will likely be necessary to achieve all these goals.
Daily QA of linear accelerators using only EPID and OBI.

Purpose: As treatment delivery becomes more complex, there is a pressing need for robust quality assurance (QA) tools to improve efficiency and comprehensiveness while simultaneously maintaining high accuracy and sensitivity. This work aims to present the hardware and software tools developed for comprehensive QA of linear accelerator (LINAC) using only electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) and kV flat panel detectors. Methods: A daily QA phantom, which includes two orthogonally positioned phantoms for QA of MV-beams and kV onboard imaging (OBI) is suspended from the gantry accessory holder to test both geometric and dosimetric components of a LINAC and an OBI. The MV component consists of a 0.5 cm water-equivalent plastic sheet incorporating 11 circular steel plugs for transmission measurements through multiple thicknesses and one resolution plug for MV-image quality testing. The kV-phantom consists of a Leeds phantom (TOR-18 FG phantom supplied by Varian) for testing low and high contrast resolutions. In the developed process, the existing LINAC tools were used to automate daily acquisition of MV and kV images and software tools were developed for simultaneous analysis of these images. A method was developed to derive and evaluate traditional QA parameters from these images [output, flatness, symmetry, uniformity, TPR20/10, and positional accuracy of the jaws and multileaf collimators (MLCs)]. The EPID-based daily QA tools were validated by performing measurements on a detuned 6 MV beam to test its effectiveness in detecting errors in output, symmetry, energy, and MLC positions. The developed QA process was clinically commissioned, implemented, and evaluated on a Varian TrueBeam LINAC (Varian Medical System, Palo Alto, CA) over a period of three months. Results: Machine output constancy measured with an EPID (as compared against a calibrated ion-chamber) is shown to be within ±0.5%. Beam symmetry and flatness deviations measured using an EPID and a 2D ion-chamber array agree within ±0.5% and ±1.2% for crossline and inline profiles, respectively. MLC position errors of 0.5 mm can be detected using a picket fence test. The field size and phantom positioning accuracy can be determined within 0.5 mm. The entire daily QA process takes ∼15 min to perform tests for 5 photon beams, MLC tests, and imaging checks. Conclusions: The exclusive use of EPID-based QA tools, including a QA phantom and simultaneous analysis software tools, has been demonstrated as a viable, efficient, and comprehensive process for daily evaluation of LINAC performance.
Essential Issues in Codesign

In the last ten years, VLSI design technology, and the CAD industry in particular, have been very successful, enjoying an exceptional growth that has been paralleled only by the advances in IC fabrication. Since the design problems at the lower levels of abstraction became humanly intractable earlier than those at higher abstraction levels, researchers and the industry alike were forced to devote their attention first to lower-level problems such as physical and logic design. As these problems became more manageable, CAD tools for logic simulation and synthesis were developed successfully and introduced into the design process. As design complexities have grown and time-to-market requirements have shrunk drastically, both industry and academia have begun to focus on system levels of design since they reduce the number of objects that a designer needs to consider by an order of magnitude and thus allow the design and manufacturing of complex application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) quickly.
Internet Solutions for Isolation: Educational Resources & Professional Development Opportunities for Educators of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students.

Internet technologies and resources hold the potential to substantially reduce the interpersonal and informational isolation that is so often experienced in Deaf Education. In this article a model ...