cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Curvature-continuous trajectory generation with corridor constraint for autonomous ground vehicles

We present a practical path planning algorithm based on Bezier curves for autonomous vehicles operating under waypoints and corridor constraints. Bezier curves have useful properties for the trajectory generation problem. This paper describes how the algorithm apply these properties to generate the reference trajectory for vehicles to satisfy the path constraints. The algorithm generates the piecewise-Bezier-curves path such that the curves segments are joined smoothly with C2 constraint which leads to continuous curvature along the path. The degree of the curves are minimized to prevent them from being numerically unstable. Additionally, we discuss the constrained optimization problem that optimizes the resulting path for a user-defined cost function.
Optical Multiple Scattering by Particles

When an optical beam is incident on particles that are randomly distributed, and if the fractional volume is small, single scattering theory is adequate to explain the scattering characteristics of the medium. However, when the fractional volume is increased, multiple scattering effects cannot be ignored. We review the fundamental theories of multiple scattering including radiative transfer and diffusion theories. Also included are recent studies on polarization effects, localization, enhanced backscattering, resonant localization, pulse scattering and scattering in dense media
Sutureless End-to-Side Microvascular Anastomosis Using Neodymium-YAG Laser

A technique for sutureless anastamosis of the rat carotid arteries using Neodymium-YAG laser is described. It has certain advantages over the con ventional suture technique and potential application in human extra- intracranial bypass surgery.Techniques for the repair of injuries to small arteries1 and end-to-end microvascular anastamosis 2 have been described previously. A technique for sutureless end-to-side laser anastamosis has been developed now.
Unlocking the time resolved nature of electron microscopy

During the past few years, Zewail (1) and others (2, 3) have reported a remarkable series of advances that unlock the inherent time resolution in EM by introducing a laser-excited photocathode to produce timed pulses of electrons in the microscope in synchronism with a pump laser that interacts with the specimen. These experiments use variable pump-probe delays to measure the temporal evolution of the specimen after the pump excitation. If the electron-probe pulses are short and limited in intensity, then they will each contain essentially one electron, producing a well-defined single-electron wave packet scattering in the specimen. This single-electron picture provides the foundation for interpretation of high-resolution spatial information in lateral x–y directions averaged over the specimen thickness (4). In this experiment, temporal resolution depends on the length of the wave packet in the z direction and its velocity.
Fast and simple approximation schemes for generalized flow

We present fast and simple fully polynomial-time approximation schemes (FPTAS) for generalized versions of maximum flow, multicommodity flow, minimum cost maximum flow, and minimum cost multicommodity flow. We extend and refine fractional packing frameworks introduced in FPTAS’s for traditional multicommodity flow and packing linear programs. Our FPTAS’s dominate the previous best known complexity bounds for all of these problems, some by more than a factor of n2, where n is the number of nodes. This is accomplished in part by introducing an efficient method of solving a sequence of generalized shortest path problems. Our generalized multicommodity FPTAS’s are now as fast as the best non-generalized ones. We believe our improvements make it practical to solve generalized multicommodity flow problems via combinatorial methods.
CKD and Coronary Collateral Supply in Individuals Undergoing Coronary Angiography after Myocardial Infarction

Summary Background and objectives CKD patients have high mortality risk after myocardial infarction (MI). An adequate supply of coronary collaterals to the culprit vessel responsible for MI is associated with reduced risks of death and complications. Whether a diminished supply of collaterals contributes to the high risk in CKD patients is uncertain. Design, setting, participants, & measurements Quantitative coronary angiography was performed in a consecutive series of individuals with (n=58) and without (n=165) CKD (estimated GFR ,60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) who underwent coronary angiography at the time of MI. Collateral supply was analyzed and candidate predictors were assessed in patient-level and individual artery-level models using logistic regression and ordered categorical regression, respectively. Results There were no significant differences in collateral supply among 58 CKD patients and 165 individuals with preserved renal function. Culprit artery collaterals were present in 25.0% of CKD patients compared with 27.2% of individuals with preserved renal function (P=0.76). The odds of having an adequate supply of culprit vessel collaterals were also not significantly different in individuals with and without CKD, respectively. CKD patientswere2.22-foldmorelikelytohavevisiblecollateralstothenonculpritvesselsinunadjustedanalyses.The difference was not significant after correction for percent stenosis and comorbid factors. Conclusions Our results do not support an independent association between CKD and diminished collateral supply to either the culprit or nonculprit vessels in MI. Additional studies are warranted to better define associations between myocardial capillary supply, collateral supply, and the full range of human CKD. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 7: 1079–1086, 2012. doi: 10.2215/CJN.11171111
Decrease in Behavioral Problems and Trauma Symptoms Among At-Risk Adopted Children Following Trauma-Informed Parent Training Intervention

Children who have experienced early adversities are at risk for behavioral problems and trauma symptoms. Using a two-group, pre-post intervention design, the current study evaluated the effectiveness of a parent training utilizing Trust-Based Relational Intervention, a trauma-informed, attachment-based intervention, in reducing behavioral problems and trauma symptoms in at-risk adopted children. Children of parents in the treatment group (n = 48) demonstrated significant decreases in behavioral problems on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and significant decreases in trauma symptoms on the Trauma Symptoms Checklist for Young Children after intervention. Scores for children in a matched-sample control group did not change. Findings suggest that Trust-Based Relational Intervention is effective at addressing many behavioral problems and trauma symptoms in children with histories of adversities.
Obesity, Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Perfusion

Insulin resistance brings together the collection of hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia associated with pathologies such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. As such, it is an important target for the prevention of complications linked with these pathologies. To the extent that insulin resistance involves hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, there are obvious associations between impaired insulin signaling and microvascular dysfunction. In fact, there is evidence that insulin resistance significantly participates in the microvascular damage that occurs with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Since the liver plays a critical role in glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism, and the state of the microcirculation reflects its function, the impact of insulin resistance on hepatic microvascular perfusion deficits is important. However, as of yet, no single body of work has addressed the relationships that exist between insulin resistance and the derangements in hepatic microvascular perfusion. Although there is...
Improved nitrogen treatment by constructed wetlands receiving partially nitrified liquid swine manure

Denitrification is more desirable than ammonia volatilization for nitrogen removal from constructed wetlands treating animal manure but is limited by the availability of nitrate/nitrite. The research objective was to determine if partial nitrification of swine wastewater prior to wetland application affects the nitrogen removal and ammonia volatilization from constructed wetlands. From September 2000 through November 2001, partially nitrified and unaltered swine wastewater from an anaerobic waste lagoon were applied to two parallel sets of constructed wetlands (3.6 � /67 m) in North Carolina, USA. Constructed wetlands were more efficient at removing total nitrogen from partially nitrified (64 and 78%) than from unaltered wastewater (32 and 68%). Both wetlands were effective in removing nitrate/nitrite from partially nitrified wastewater. However, the Schoenoplectus -dominated wetland was more effective than the Typha-Echinochloa dominated wetland in removing total (85 vs. 61%) and ammoniacal nitrogen (91 vs. 52%) from both types of wastewater. Only one of eight tests showed significant evidence of ammonia volatilization (2.1 mg nitrogen m � 2 h � 1 ) when the wastewater was partially nitrified. A correlation (r 2 � /33%) between ammonia-nitrogen volatilization and ammoniacal nitrogen concentration suggested that partial nitrification reduced ammonia volatilization because it lowered ammoniacal nitrogen of the wastewater. # 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Capitol Mobility: Madisonian Representation and the Location and Relocation of Capitals in the United States

The location of a government's capital can profoundly influence the nature and quality of political representation. Yet scholars know very little about what drives the siting of political capitals. In this article, we examine the location and relocation of political capitals in the United States, including the choice of Washington, DC, as the nation's capital and the location and relocation of capitals in the 48 contiguous American states. We argue that the location of capitals in the United States followed a systematic pattern in accord with the theory of representative government developed in the new nation, especially as articulated by Madison. Based on an empirical analysis of historical census and political boundaries data from 1790 to the present, we find that decision makers consistently tended to locate—and especially relocate—the seat of government as near as possible to the population centroid of the relevant political jurisdiction, consistent with the principle of equal representation of citizens. Our analysis contributes to the study of institutional design and change, especially in the area of American political development, as well as to a burgeoning literature on the effects of geographical factors on political outcomes.
Diffractive-MEMS implementation of a Hadamard near-infrared spectrometer

This paper describes the implementation of an optically efficient near-infrared spectrometer using a diffractive-MEMS chip in combination with digital-transform methods. This spectrometer architecture offers potential advantages over conventional detector-array-based designs because the modulation inherent in the use of digital-transform spectroscopy not only permits the normal signal-to-noise improvements associated with modulation of the light source, but it also creates an inherent insensitivity to stray light. Sample applications, illustrated here for the specific case of the Hadamard digital transform, include material inspection and identification and the monitoring of dynamic processes, such as epoxy-resin cure.
Longitudinal RF matching during AGS-RHIC beam transfer

The Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider is a 2.5 mile long superconducting colliding synchrotron currently under construction in the Brookhaven National Laboratory. It is capable of accelerating heavy ions such as gold to energies as high as 100 GeV/u. The collision of such high energy heavy ion beams is expected to demonstrate important statistical quark and gluon plasma phenomena. The RHIC will be injected with the existing Alternate Gradient Synchrotron (AGS) and the RF systems of both the RHIC and the AGS must be matched to accomplish bucket to bucket beam transfer. >
Finite-valued and Special-valued ℓ-groups

In this chapter we shall inquire more carefully into the root system of values of an l-group, with the aim of seeing how much information about the l-group itself is contained in this set. The Conrad-Harvey-Holland embedding theorem (Theorem 3.2) serves as a model for this work; we shall discover that many of the results in this chapter, which apply for all normal-valued l-groups, are actually analogues of the abelian case. In particular, we shall determine more precisely the sense in which Read’s representation theorem 7.1.9 for normal-valued l-groups is the correct analogue of the Conrad-Harvey-Holland theorem.
Further Development of an On-Board Distillation System for Generating a Highly Volatile Cold-Start Fuel

The On-Board Distillation System (OBDS) extracts, from gasoline, a highly volatile crank fuel that enables simultaneous reduction of start-up fuel enrichment and significant ignition timing retard during cold-starting. In a previous paper we reported reductions in catalyst light-off time of >50% and THC emissions reductions >50% over Phase I of the FTP drive cycle. The research presented herein is a further development of the OBDS concept. For this work, OBDS was improved to yield higher-quality start-up fuel. The PCM calibration was changed as well, in order to improve the response to intake manifold pressure transients. The test vehicle was tested over the 3-phase FTP, with exhaust gases speciated to determine NMOG and exhaust toxics emissions. Also, the effectiveness of OBDS at generating a suitable starting fuel from a high driveability index test gasoline was evaluated. The key benefits attributable to the use of the OBDS with the improved calibrations were reductions in NMOG and CO emissions of 81% and 87%, respectively, over the FTP drive cycle. Additionally, catalyst light-off time was reduced by 55%.
Wild animal welfare.

YOUR correspondents Mark Jones and Alistair MacMillan ( VR , February 20, 2016, vol 178, p 195) seem to think that …
Unmet Needs for Supportive Services: A Comparison of Rural and Urban Older Adults

This study examined residence differences in unmet needs for seven commonly used supportive services including respite/adult day care, personal care, homemaker, home-delivered/congregate meals, transportation, home modification, and assistive devices services. Data were extracted from the 1999 National Long-Term Care Survey and included 848 caregivers of an adult who was over 65 years old, was community dwelling, and used one or more supportive services. Over one-third of caregivers reported that supportive services provided did not meet the needs of old adults. The prevalence rate of unmet needs differs across the seven supportive services. Using multivariate logistic regression tests, rural versus urban differences in unmet needs were found for personal care, homemaker, and assistive devices services. Rural older adults were less likely to experience unmet needs for these services than their urban counterparts.
Transgenic Mice with Neuron-Specific Expression of a Hamster Prion Protein Minigene Are Susceptible to Hamster Scrapie Agent

The degenerative brain diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) occur naturally in primates and ruminants, and include scrapie of sheep, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, and several human diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Kuru, and Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome. During the course of TSE diseases brain tissue accumulates a proteinase K-resistant protein, known as PrP-res or PrPSc, which is associated with the pathogenic process [1–3]. PrP-res is post-translationally derived from a normal host proteinase K-sensitive PrP molecule (PrP-sen) [4–6] by an as yet undefined mechanism. PrP may play a critical role in interspecies transmission of TSE diseases. Many species show resistance to disease induction by TSE agents derived from other species. This resistance or “species barrier” is manifested either by total lack of disease induction or by a prolonged incubation period prior to onset of clinical disease. Genetic studies have indicated that the PrP genotype strongly influences the host susceptibility to TSE agents [7–9]. Transgenic mice with a 40 kb transgene expressing high levels of hamster PrP (HPrP)-sen are susceptible to disease when inoculated with the hamster scrapie agent while normal mice are resistant [10,11]. This suggests that transmission of scrapie may be dependent on interactions between the host PrP-sen and the PrP-res derived from the donor of the inoculated agent. Interactions between PrP molecules from different species have been found to inhibit generation of PrP-res in both scrapie-infected cells [12] and in cell-free systems [13,14], and such inhibitory interactions may provide a biochemical explanation for the species barrier.
Sterol synthesis. Chemical synthesis, structure determination and metabolism of 14α-methyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β, 15β-diol and 14α-methyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β, 15α-diol

Abstract 14α-Methyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β, 15β-diol and 14α-methyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β, 15α-diol have been prepared by chemical synthesis. Unequivocal establishment of these structures was based upon x-ray crratallographic analysis of 3 β - p -bromobenzoyloxy-14 α -methyl-5 α -cholest-7-en-15 β -ol and was supported by other spectroscopic data. Spectroscopic data were presented for the following compounds prepared in this study: 3β-benzoyloxy-5α-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one, 3β-benzoyloxy-14α-methyl-5α-cholest-7-en-15-one, 3β-benzoyloxy-14α-methyl-5α-cholest-7-en-15β-ol, 14α-methyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β, 15β 15β-diol, 14α-methyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β,15α-diol, 3β, 15α-bis-benzoyloxy-14α-methyl-5α-cholest-7-ene, 3 β -bromobenzoyloxy-14 α -methyl-5 α -cholest-7- en -15 β -ol and 3 β , 15 β -bis- p -bromobenzoyloxy-14 α -methyl-15 α -cholest-7-ene. Studies of the metabolism of [16- 3 H]-14α-methyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β,15β-diol [16- 3 H]-14α-methyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β,15α-diol in liver homogenates of female rats indicated that only the 3β,15β-diol was convertible to cholesterol.
Using Intel Software Guard Extensions for Efficient Two-Party Secure Function Evaluation

Recent developments have made two-party secure function evaluation (2P-SFE) vastly more efficient. However, because they make extensive use of cryptographic operations, these protocols remain too slow for practical use by most applications. The introduction of Intel’s Software Guard Extensions (SGX), which provide an environment for the isolated execution of code and handling of data, offers an opportunity to overcome such performance concerns. In this paper, we explore the challenges of using SGX to achieve security guarantees similar to those found in traditional 2P-SFE systems. After demonstrating a number of critical concerns, we develop two protocols for secure computation in the semi-honest model on this platform: one in which both parties are SGX-enabled and a second in which only one party has direct access to this hardware. We then show how these protocols can be made secure in the malicious model. We conclude that implementing 2P-SFE on SGX-enabled devices can render it practical for a wide range of applications.
Bentley’s Standard Novelist: James Fenimore Cooper

Much talk of transatlantic literature focuses on the influence of British writing in America, but Rezek emphasizes that nineteenth-century cultural flows went both directions. To make the point, Rezek recalls the construction of James Fenimore Cooper as an international literary phenomenon through his inclusion in London publisher Richard Bentley’s ‘Standard Novels’ series. Scholarship has not yet grappled with the fact that Cooper, an American, was the most reprinted author in the series (or that, in fact, his aptly named The Pilot was the series’ first release in 1831). Rezek argues that Cooper’s centrality to the Standard Novels necessitates a revision to standard histories of the nineteenth-century novel drawn on national lines.
USAR Nurse Referral and Retention Program

In 1987, the 804th Hospital Center made alleviating the shortfall of registered nurses in the Command a priority. The Command had only 79% of its registered nurse positions filled at the time. Using the recruitment strategies of an employee referral program and a mailing list, the Command reached 100% fill in 2 years and maintained those gains for an additional year. Retention strategies were also implemented which lowered the attrition rate. This paper describes the Army Nurse Referral and Retention Program developed and implemented at the 804th Hospital Center that relieved the shortfall of registered nurses in the United States Army Reserve in New England.
DNA-Encoded Compound Libraries as Open Source: A Powerful Pathway to New Drugs

"… We envisioned an iterative system where a unique DNA tag identifier that encoded the event was appended to each newly formed molecule. These vast collections of molecules are known today as DNA- encoded chemical libraries (DECLs), and allow scientists to do selections on the benchtop that previously required access to large and complex high-throughput screening centers …" Read more in the Guest Editorial by Richard A. Lerner and Sydney Brenner.
Upscaling of Transport Equations for Multiphase and Multicomponent Flows

In this paper we discuss upscaling of immiscible multiphase and miscible multicomponent flow and transport in heterogeneous porous media. The discussion presented in the paper summarizes the results of in Upscaled Modeling in Multiphase Flow Applications by Ginting et al. (2004) and in Upscaling of Multiphase and Multicomponent Flow by Ginting et al. (2006). Perturbation approaches are used to upscale the transport equation that has hyperbolic nature. Our numerical results show that these upscaling techniques give an improvement over the existing upscaled models which ignore the subgrid terms.
Iron(III) chloride-catalyzed synthesis of 3-carboxy-2,5-disubstituted furans from γ-alkynyl aryl- and alkylketones

Abstract A mild, catalytic method for the synthesis of 3-carboxy-2,5-disubstituted furans is reported proceeding via a 5-exo-dig cycloisomerization reaction. The iron(III) chloride-catalyzed transformation of aryl- and alkyl β-ketoesters enables synthetic access to functionalized furan core structures found in many natural products and complex molecules of biological importance. The method described herein, represents a mild and efficient alternative to currently available reaction protocols.
The role of high airway pressure and dynamic strain on ventilator-induced lung injury in a heterogeneous acute lung injury model.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome causes a heterogeneous lung injury with normal and acutely injured lung tissue in the same lung. Improperly adjusted mechanical ventilation can exacerbate ARDS causing a secondary ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). We hypothesized that a peak airway pressure of 40 cmH2O (static strain) alone would not cause additional injury in either the normal or acutely injured lung tissue unless combined with high tidal volume (dynamic strain). Pigs were anesthetized, and heterogeneous acute lung injury (ALI) was created by Tween instillation via a bronchoscope to both diaphragmatic lung lobes. Tissue in all other lobes was normal. Airway pressure release ventilation was used to precisely regulate time and pressure at both inspiration and expiration. Animals were separated into two groups: (1) over-distension + high dynamic strain (OD + HDS, n = 6) and (2) over-distension + low dynamic strain (OD + LDS, n = 6). OD was caused by setting the inspiratory pressure at 40 cmH2O and dynamic strain was modified by changing the expiratory duration, which varied the tidal volume. Animals were ventilated for 6 h recording hemodynamics, lung function, and inflammatory mediators followed by an extensive necropsy. In normal tissue (NT), OD + LDS caused minimal histologic damage and a significant reduction in BALF total protein (p < 0.05) and MMP-9 activity (p < 0.05), as compared with OD + HDS. In acutely injured tissue (ALIT), OD + LDS resulted in reduced histologic injury and pulmonary edema (p < 0.05), as compared with OD + HDS. Both NT and ALIT are resistant to VILI caused by OD alone, but when combined with a HDS, significant tissue injury develops.
Models in the Biological Sciences

Evolutionary theory may be understood as a set of overlapping model types, the most prominent of which is the natural selection model, introduced by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. Many of the most prominent models today are represented through mathematical population genetics, in which genetical representations of populations evolve over time to produce evolutionary change. I review the variety of evolutionary models – from genic to group to species selection models – and how they are confirmed through evidence today. I discuss both applications to cases where we do not know the genetics, and to animal behavior and evolution.
Tumor location impacts immune response in mouse models of colon cancer.

// Xianda Zhao 1 , Lihua Li 1 , Timothy K. Starr 2 and Subbaya Subramanian 1, 3 1 Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA 3 Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA Correspondence to: Subbaya Subramanian, email: subree@umn.edu Keywords: colorectal cancer, immune profiles, immunotherapy, mouse models of cancer, orthotopic models Received: March 21, 2017 Accepted: May 23, 2017 Published: June 09, 2017 ABSTRACT Existing preclinical models of human colorectal cancer (CRC) that rely on syngeneic subcutaneous grafts are problematic, because of increasing evidence that the immune microenvironment in subcutaneous tissue is significantly different from the gastrointestinal tract. Similarly, existing orthotopic models that use a laparotomy for establishing grafts are also problematic, because the surgical procedure results in extensive inflammation, thereby creating a nonphysiologic tumor microenvironment. To facilitate the bench-to-bedside translation of CRC immunotherapy strategies, we developed a novel orthotopic model in mice that uses endoscopy-guided microinjection of syngeneic cancer cells. When we compared immune system infiltration, we found that tumors in the subcutaneous model had fewer T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, but more immunosuppressive myeloid cells; in contrast, tumors in our orthotopic model had a higher number of tumor-infiltrating T cells, B cells, and NK cells, with fewer immunosuppressive myeloid cells. The number of immune-stimulating cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-gamma, and granzyme B, was also higher in tumors in our model, as compared with the subcutaneous model. Those differences resulted in heightened sensitivity to immune checkpoint blockade therapy in our endoscopy-guided orthotopic CRC model. Our study indicates that tumor location affects immune response in CRC mouse models; choosing the appropriate preclinical model is important when testing immunotherapy in CRC.
Oligohaline Fossils from the Pleistocene Flanner Beach Formation, North Carolina

Oligohaline fossils occur at it two localities; within the middle Pleistocene Flanner Beach Formation: at the type section on the Neuse River and near Hills Point on the Pamlico River. At the type section, Rangia cuneata (Gray) valves form pods and lenses at the base of the formation show signs of prolonged exposure on the seafloor prior to burial, and are mixed with mesohuline to polyhaline mollusks.
Tunable mid-IR emission through four-wave mixing in Xe-filled hollow-core photonic crystal fiber

A tunable mid-IR source based on four-wave mixing in Xe-filled hollow-core photonic crystal fiber is investigated numerically. Tunability from the 1.95μm pump through the mid-IR is demonstrated. In spite of higher loss, modeling suggests that smaller core fiber improves conversion efficiency.
The Relation between Acculturation and Psychological Well-Being among Adolescents of Asian Origin

The current study aimed to test the direct and indirect effects of acculturation on the psychological well-being among the adolescent children of Asian origin. Subgroup analysis was conducted to compare these effects between Asian refugee and non-refugee children. Data were from the follow-up survey of the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study (CILS). The analytic sample included adolescents from Asian refugee families (N = 563) and non-refugee families (N = 779). Adolescent acculturation was assessed by three proxy measures: nativity, time in the United States, and U.S. preference. Family dynamics were measured by adolescents’ perceptions about parent-child conflict and family cohesion. Multi-group structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Findings suggested that the direct effects of acculturation on psychological well-being were dependent upon the proxy measure of acculturation and the immigration type. Mediation analyses showed that higher level of acculturation was generally related to higher parent-child conflict and lower family cohesion, which, in turn, were associated with lower psychological well-being in the refugee subsample, but not the non-refugee subsample. Our findings call for programs that can take advantage of the protective role of family cohesion and reduce the negative impact of parent-child conflict. Special attention needs to be paid to the refugee population from Asia.
Preoperative Autologous Blood Collection in Adult Living Liver Donors: Are We Wasting Donor Blood and Increasing Exposure to Risk?

Background Despite waning indications in the general population for preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD), it is a procedure that continues to be offered to healthy living liver donor (LLD). In this study, we sought to understand the impact of PABD on the LLD population. Methods We retrospectively reviewed charts of one institution's LLDs over a 2-year period. Per institutional protocol, all accepted LLDs donated 1 unit of autologous blood before living donor hepatectomy. Results Sixty-six LLDs underwent PABD and 59 of these donors underwent living donor hepatectomy. In this cohort, there was a significant 1.2 g/dL drop in hemoglobin (HB) from baseline (before PABD) to the evening before surgery. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) procedure estimated blood loss was 260 mL (±100), mean (SD) resected graft weight was 592 g (±174). No allogeneic blood was transfused. Forty-two percent of LLD received autologous transfusion. Mean (SD) pretransfusion HB of transfused LLDs was 11.7 g/dL (±1.2). All LLDs had negative antibody screens. Sixty-three percent of donated autologous units were discarded. Conclusions Preoperative autologous blood donation in our population is associated with decreased preoperative HB, increased exposure of healthy LLD to unnecessary transfusion-related risks and high rates of discarded blood product. We encourage further investigation and reconsideration of the practice of PABD and autologous transfusion in LLDs.
WORLD SURFACE CURRENTS FROM SHIP'S DRIFT OBSERVATIONS

Over 4 million observations of ship's drift are on file at the U.S. National Oceanographic Data Centre, in Washington, D. C., representing a vast amount of information on ocean surface currents. The observed drift speeds are dependent on the frequency of occurence of the particular current speeds and the frequency of observation. By comparing frequency of observation with the drift speeds observed it is possible to confirm known current patterns and detect singularities in surface currents.
Benzene-d6 and toluene-d8 as guest molecules in micropores of a layered zirconium phosphonate: 2H, 13C{1H}, and 31P{1H} solid-state NMR, deuterium NMR relaxation, and molecular motions

For the first time, pore spaces in the Zr (IV) phosphonate (1) as a representative of layered metal (IV) phosphonate materials have been investigated by studying mobility of guest molecules, benzene-d6 , and toluene-d8 . Guest molecules located in micropores of 1 have been characterized by solid-state 13 C{1 H} and 2 H NMR spectra in static samples with varying temperatures. At moderately low temperatures, the benzene and toluene molecules experience fast isotropic reorientations and show the motionally averaged liquid-like carbon and deuterium line shapes in the NMR spectra. At lower temperatures, two anisotropic motional modes have been found for benzene molecules by analyzing the 2 H NMR line shapes: the well-known in-plane C6 rotation and composite motions. Interpretation of the variable-temperature 2 H T1 relaxation times identifies the composite motions as 120° flips around the C6 axis perpendicular to the molecular plane and the rotations around the molecular para-C-C axis. The data obtained resulted in the idealized (cylinder-shaped) model of micropores in compound 1 with the diameter of 20-30 A. Furthermore, the activation energy of 20.1 kJ/mol determined for the benzene motions classifies the molecule-surface interactions as weak but enough for absorption.
Integrated Product Design and Development in Collaborative Environment

Increased global competition has forced organizations to enhance product variety and shorten time-to-market. Also, vendors’ early participation in the design process is critical for improving product quality and drastically reducing development cycle time. The collaborative approach abridges these needs. This chapter presents an integrated framework for product design and development in distributed and collaborative environment. The proposed methodology emphasizes integration of software tools and resources.
Multimedia Adaptation and Browsing on Small Displays

As a great many of new devices with diverse capabilities are making a population boom, their limited display sizes are becoming the major obstacle that undermines the usefulness of these devices for information access. In this chapter, we introduce our recent research on adapting multimedia content including images, videos and web pages for browsing on small-form-factor devices. A theoretical framework as well as a set of novel methods for presenting and rendering multimedia under limited screen sizes is introduced to improve the user experience. A system framework has also been proposed to provide the content modelling and processing as subscription-based web services on the Internet.
Stabbing Slinkers: Tusk Evolution Among Artiodactyls

Combat weaponry, including elaborate horns and antlers and complex dentition, evolved independently several times among mammals. While it is evident that tusk and tusk-like dentition have emerged primarily among males for intrasexual combat, it is unclear what ecological factors favor the retention or re-evolution of tusks. We investigated patterns of tusk evolution in artiodactyls while exploring specific ecological factors that might favor their use over other cranial weapons (e.g., antlers, horns). We show that among males, small (<15 kg), solitary species tend to retain well-developed canines, and more solitary species live in more closed habitats. These results suggest that tusks are a better weapon option for smaller, slinking artiodactyls in forested environments with low visibility, whereas larger taxa living in more open environment can bear the cost of elaborate headgear and are better served by communicating across distances an honest signal of fighting ability. Small species in dense habitats may also be more likely to be ambushed by predators and have a need to defend themselves; small, slicing daggers may be a better defensive weapon and allow more maneuverability and faster escape than cumbersome headgear in densely vegetated habitats.
STRATIFICATION IN TOPSOIL: A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF BACTERIAL BIODIVERSITY AT TWO SITES IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether the A horizon (topsoil) exhibits stratification across two depths, 1 cm and 4 cm. Two sites in San Antonio, TX, were chosen to address th...
Finite Deformation Effects in Elastic-Plastic Analysis

Abstract The non-linear kinematics of the combination of elastic and plastic deformations at finite strain to produce the resultant total deformation is discussed. It provides the mathematical structure to examine aspects of elastic-plastic analysis more succinctly than is possible with the common currently used approach based on infinitesimal elastic strain.
Heterogeneous lightweight configuration for protection against 7.62 × 39 mm bullet impact:

Configuration of a heterogeneous lightweight material is investigated numerically and experimentally, for protection against 7.62 × 39 mm mild steel core bullet impact. The configuration consists o...
Benzocyclopropenyl Anion: A Stable 8pi-Electron Species.

The conjugate base of benzocyclopropene has been generated in the gas phase. Its reactivity and thermodynamic stability were explored. The measured acidity is ΔH°acid(benzocyclopropene) = 386 ± 3 kcal/mol, and the electron affinity of benzocyclopropenyl radical is 0.51 eV < EA < 1.11 eV. Ab initio calculations satisfactorily reproduce the experimental results and provide additional insights. Benzocyclopropene is found to be 34.5 kcal/mol more acidic than the allylic position of cyclopropene and only 4 ± 3 kcal/mol less acidic than toluene. These findings are explained in terms of the structure and electronic properties of benzocyclopropenyl anion.
The Impact of Iron Overload and Ferroptosis on Reproductive Disorders in Humans: Implications for Preeclampsia.

Iron is an essential element for the survival of most organisms, including humans. Demand for iron increases significantly during pregnancy to support growth and development of the fetus. Paradoxically, epidemiologic studies have shown that excessive iron intake and/or high iron status can be detrimental to pregnancy and is associated with reproductive disorders ranging from endometriosis to preeclampsia. Reproductive complications resulting from iron deficiency have been reviewed elsewhere. Here, we focus on reproductive disorders associated with iron overload and the contribution of ferroptosis—programmed cell death mediated by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation within cell membranes—using preeclampsia as a model system. We propose that the clinical expressions of many reproductive disorders and pregnancy complications may be due to an underlying ferroptopathy (elemental iron-associated disease), characterized by a dysregulation in iron homeostasis leading to excessive ferroptosis.
Long-term impact of tylosin on fecal microbiota and fecal bile acids of healthy dogs.

BACKGROUND Tylosin is commonly prescribed to dogs with diarrhea. Orally administered antibiotics may alter the intestinal microbiota, which is responsible for crucial key bile acid (BA) biotransformation reactions. OBJECTIVES To prospectively evaluate the impact of tylosin administration on fecal microbiota and unconjugated bile acids (UBAs) over time. ANIMALS Sixteen healthy adult dogs. METHODS Prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial. Dogs were randomized to receive 20 mg/kg of tylosin or a placebo capsule PO q12h for 7 days while undergoing daily fecal scoring. Fecal samples were collected on days 0, 7, 21, and 63. The microbiota was assessed using quantitative PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Unconjugated BAs were assessed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS Fecal scores were unchanged during placebo and tylosin administration. In the placebo group, no significant changes were observed in fecal microbiota or UBA concentrations. Day 7 samples from tylosin-exposed dogs exhibited decreased bacterial diversity (observed species, Chao1, Shannon, P < .001) characterized by decreases in anaerobes Fusobacteriaceae (linear discriminant analysis [LDA] score, 5.03) and Veillonellaceae (LDA score, 4.85). Primary UBA concentrations were increased at day 21 (median, [range]; 7.42, [0.67-18.77] μg/kg; P = .04) and day 63 (3.49 [0-28.43] μg/kg; P = .02) compared to day 0 (.14 [.03-1.19] μg/kg) in dogs receiving tylosin. At day 63, bacterial taxa were not significantly different compared to day 0, but the extent of microbial recovery was individualized. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Tylosin causes fecal dysbiosis in healthy dogs with corresponding shifts in fecal UBAs. Changes did not uniformly resolve after discontinuation of tylosin.
Covid-19 - The Search for Effective Therapy.

Covid-19 is spreading rapidly through Europe and North America, but we have few specific tools to control the growing epidemic and treat those who are sick. We rely on quarantine, isolation, and in...
Cell type-specific effects of isoflurane on two distinct afferent inputs to cortical layer 1.

ABSTRACT Background While their behavioral effects are well-characterized, the mechanisms by which anaesthetics induce loss of consciousness are largely unknown. Anaesthetics may disrupt integration and propagation of information in corticothalamic networks. Recent studies have shown that isoflurane diminishes synaptic responses of thalamocortical (TC) and corticocortical (CC) afferents in a pathway-specific manner. However, whether the synaptic effects of isoflurane observed in extracellular recordings persist at the cellular level has yet to be explored. Methods Here, we activate TC and CC layer 1 inputs in non-primary mouse neocortex in ex vivo brain slices and explore the degree to which isoflurane modulates synaptic responses in pyramidal cells and in two inhibitory cell populations, somatostatin-positive (SOM+) and parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons. Results We show that the effects of isoflurane on synaptic responses and intrinsic properties of these cells varies among cell type and by cortical layer. Layer 1 inputs to L4 pyramidal cells were suppressed by isoflurane at both TC and CC synapses, while those to L2/3 pyramidal cells and PV+ interneurons were not. TC inputs to SOM+ cells were rarely observed at all, while CC inputs to SOM+ interneurons were robustly suppressed by isoflurane. Conclusions These results suggest a mechanism by which isoflurane disrupts integration and propagation of thalamocortical and intracortical signals.
Beyond Cognitive Screening: Establishing an Interprofessional Perioperative Brain Health Initiative

OBJECTIVE Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is now recognized as the most common postoperative complication in older surgical patients. Current multidisciplinary guidelines recommend simple cognitive screening of older adults before surgery. Patients identified at risk should have input from an interprofessional team with expertise caring for older surgical patients. Data suggest these recommendations are infrequently met. We set out to test feasibility of routine cognitive screening in a busy preoperative assessment clinic and establish a perioperative pathway with multidisciplinary support for patients identified at risk. METHODS We undertook a prospective quality improvement study. A cohort of 1,803 older surgical patients scheduled for preoperative evaluation was screened with the Mini-Cog© test. As the project developed, we began confirmatory neurocognitive testing by occupational therapists for those patients flagged at risk. Patients confirmed at risk were referred for further evaluation by a geriatrician and geriatric pharmacist. Alerts were developed to flag patients at risk through their in-patient journey, and a multidisciplinary team developed a comprehensive care pathway. RESULTS We demonstrated that implementing routine cognitive screening can be done in a busy clinic, regardless of prior experience. The prevalence of preoperative cognitive impairment was 21% in our older patients undergoing inpatient surgery, rising to 36% in those older than 85 years. When the Mini-Cog results were not known to providers, they were unable to identify cognitive impairment in half of the patients, supporting the use of a validated screening test. We established an interprofessional team and pooled relevant recommendations into an age-friendly perioperative care pathway for patients at increased cognitive risk. CONCLUSION Cognitive screening must be done to reliably identify older surgical patients at risk of PND. Demonstrating the prevalence of cognitive impairment in older surgical patients can provide impetus to develop a multidisciplinary team and care pathway with the aim of reducing the incidence of PNDs. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2359-2364, 2020.
Patient reported outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiation with weekly versus bolus cisplatin.

Background Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) data comparing bolus (B-CP) with weekly (W-CP) cisplatin concurrent with radiation are lacking. Methods We performed a retrospective study comparing PRO among 99 patients with head and neck radiation, 26% who received concurrent B-CP and 73% treated with W-CP. Results W-CP patients had a higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (P = .004). There were no differences in median cisplatin dose, PROs, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) dependence or hospitalization between arms. Patients with a greater decline in their self-reported dysphagia score were more often PEG dependent at the end of radiation therapy (P = .03). There was also a trend toward PEG dependence with a higher maximum dysphagia score and greater change in aspiration score (P = .06). The maximum decline in white cell count and absolute neutrophil count were greater in the W-CP group (P = .04, P = .01). Conclusion Both B-CP and W-CP are well tolerated. PROs do not suggest a benefit to W-CP.
The Accidental Pathologist: A Curiosity-Driven Journey from Plant Evolution to Innate Immunity.

I have had the singular opportunity to perform research and to participate in medical education. Not unexpectedly, people have asked me which of the two was more important to me. My answer has alwa...
The Crucifixion in the Qur’an: Answering Muslim’s Claims Regarding the Death of Jesus Christ:

Was Jesus crucified on the cross? Did Jesus die by crucifixion? This topic generates so much emotion and conflict in Christian-Islamic dialogue as many theories have developed to prove one side of ...
Nonreciprocity and disorder resilience through phonon-photon interactions in microcavities

We describe how photon-phonon interactions can be used to achieve large optical non-reciprocity and ideal optical isolation with integrated photonics. Our experiments rely on breaking time-reversal symmetry within dielectrics (e.g. silica, aluminum nitride, lithium niobate) using the Brillouin scattering nonlinearity. We show how the breaking of time-reversal symmetry can also be used to suppress disorder-induced backscattering in optical resonators.
Electrochemical approaches for selective recovery of critical elements in hydrometallurgical processes of complex feedstocks.

Summary Critical minerals are essential for the ever-increasing urban and industrial activities in modern society. The shift to cost-efficient and ecofriendly urban mining can be an avenue to replace the traditional linear flow of virgin-mined materials. Electrochemical separation technologies provide a sustainable approach to metal recovery, through possible integration with renewable energy, the minimization of external chemical input, as well as reducing secondary pollution. In this review, recent advances in electrochemically mediated technologies for metal recovery are discussed, with a focus on rare earth elements and other key critical materials for the modern circular economy. Given the extreme heterogeneity of hydrometallurgically-derived media of complex feedstocks, we focus on the nature of molecular selectivity in various electrochemically assisted recovery techniques. Finally, we provide a perspective on the challenges and opportunities for process intensification in critical materials recycling, especially through combining electrochemical and hydrometallurgical separation steps.