cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
State estimation for hybrid systems: applications to aircraft tracking

The problem of estimating the discrete and continuous state of a stochastic linear hybrid system, given only the continuous system output data, is studied. Well established techniques for hybrid estimation, known as the multiple model adaptive estimation algorithm, and the interacting multiple model algorithm, are first reviewed. Conditions that must be satisfied to guarantee the con- vergence of these hybrid estimation algorithms are then presented. These conditions also provide a means to predict, as a function of the system parameters, which transitions in a hybrid system are relatively easy to detect. A new variant of hybrid estimation algorithms, called the residual-mean interacting multiple model (RMIMM) algorithm, is then proposed and analysed. The performance of RMIMM is demonstrated through multi-modal aircraft trajectory tracking examples.
Mapping the scale of the narcissism epidemic: Increases in narcissism 2002–2007 within ethnic groups

Abstract [Twenge, J. M., Konrath, S., Foster, J. D., Campbell, W. K., & Bushman, B. J. (2008a). Egos inflating over time: A cross-temporal meta-analysis of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory. Journal of Personality, 76, 875–901.] found that Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) scores increased between 1982 and 2006 among college students nationwide, but [Trzesniewski, K. H., Donnellan, M. B., & Robins, R. W. (2008). Do today’s young people really think they are so extraordinary? An examination of secular changes in narcissism and self-enhancement. Psychological Science, 19, 181–188.] found that NPI scores remained unchanged over that time in samples from the University of California (UC) campuses. The increasing numbers of Asian-Americans at the UCs over time may have masked changes in narcissism, as Asian-Americans score lower on the NPI. When examined within ethnic groups, Trzesniewski et al.’s data show that NPI scores increased significantly between 2002 and 2007 at twice the rate of the yearly change found over 24 years in Twenge et al. (2008a). The overall means also show a significant increase 2002–2007. Thus the available evidence suggests that college students are endorsing progressively more narcissistic personality traits over the generations.
Functional analysis of a genetic defect of copper transport (Menkes disease) in different cell lines

To define the function of the Cu-transporting ATPase in Menkes disease, Menkes and normal fibroblasts were incubated with 67Cu before and after brief exposure to -SH reagents, p-chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB) and dithiothreitol (DTT). Accumulation and retention were compared among these cells, BeWo cells, and rat C6 glioma cells similarly treated. The Michaelis constant for influx of 67Cu into normal and Menkes fibroblasts was practically the same (0.21 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.24 +/- 0.06 microM). The PCMB treatment stimulated 67Cu accumulation in C6 cells, inhibited accumulation in normal and Menkes fibroblasts, and did not affect BeWo cells. DTT stimulated 67Cu uptake in all cells but BeWo cells. DTT treatment after PCMB further enhanced 67Cu accumulation in normal fibroblasts and C6 cells but had no enhancing effect on Menkes fibroblasts or BeWo cells. Menkes fibroblasts and BeWo cells released 67Cu at rates considerably slower than normal fibroblasts (0.06 and 0.09 vs. 0.22%/min, respectively). The PCMB blocked 67Cu release from normal fibroblasts but did not affect Menkes fibroblasts or BeWo cells. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis of total RNA from BeWo cells failed to show a predicted 943-base pair fragment representing a partial transcript of the Menkes factor. The fragment was present in extracts from normal fibroblasts. We conclude that the mechanism underlying Cu homeostasis varies among different cell types. As exemplified by BeWo and Menkes cells, failure to efflux Cu ions may be linked with the failure to express a functional Cu-transporting ATPase, namely, the Menkes protein.
Welfare and Capitalism in Postwar Japan: Institutional Complementarities and Japanese Welfare Capitalism

Japan poses a theoretical puzzle for the varieties of capitalism debate. For Soskice (1990a, 1990b, 1994, 1998), Japan represents a prototype of a coordinated market economy (CME). In his view, long-term mutual commitments among key economic actors characterize CMEs, whereas a more explicit reliance on the market principle characterizes liberal market economies (LMEs). According to Hall and Soskice (2001), CMEs include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. LMEs, in turn, include Anglo-American countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Some scholars consider large welfare states to be a definitional requirement of a CME, whereas others consider small stock markets and concentrated corporate ownership patterns to be additional requirements of a CME. Japan, however, provides a problematic case, because its “orthodox” welfare state is not as generous as welfare states in other CMEs (see Figure 0.1 in Introduction). Japan also looks different from other CMEs in its large stock market and diffused corporate ownership structure (Table 6.1). To summarize briefly, certain types of welfare states and stock markets are considered as institutional requirements to support CMEs, because employers and workers in CMEs engage in human capital investment strategies based upon long-term employment relationships (see Dore 2000; Hall and Gingrich 2004). When compared to LMEs, employers in CMEs – knowing their workers will be around for a long while – are more involved in the skill acquisition process of their workers.
Musculocutaneous nerve palsy following traumatic spinal cord injury

Study Design: Case report of isolated musculocutaneous nerve lesion after an acute thoracic spinal cord injury. To our knowledge, this is the only reported case of isolated musculocutaneous nerve palsy associated with an acute spinal cord injury. Objectives: To determine the possible mechanisms of this isolated lesion. Also, to confirm the clinical diagnosis with a properly planned electrodiagnostic study. The differential diagnosis is considered. Summary of Data: A comprehensive literature search was completed. Musculocutaneous lesions can be the result of heavy physical activity, shoulder subluxation, operative shoulder procedures, and intraoperative arm positioning. Isolated sensory lesions may be caused by carrying a heavy purse or phlebotomy. Conclusions: Intraoperative, position, traction injury and premorbid physical activity may be implicated in this patients nerve palsy.
A CASE OF JUVENILE THORACIC AORTIC ANEURYSM ASSOCIATED WITH ATYPICAL COARCTATION

A 17-year-old woman underwent a general exploration because she came from a family of familial pheo-chromocytoma, when a chest CT scan revealed a throracic aortic aneurysm. The patient was admitted to the hospital for operation. A difference of about 30mmHg in systolic blood pressure between the upper and lower extremities was noted, and left subclavian vascular murmur was heard. Aortic fluoroscopy revealed a stricture of the aorta and a cystic mass 45mm in maximum diameter in the distal arch proximal to coarctation. At operation, the left subclavian artery and distal arch of the aorta were replacel with artificial vessels. Histopathologically, there were defects of of elastic fiber laver in the tunica intima and media in the aortic aneurysmic wall; and aortric wall which was seemingly normal involved necrotic change in the tunica media. These find-ings were similar to those of Marfan syndrome. There have been only 22 cases of aortic aneurysm associated with coarctation of the aorta including our case as far as we could review. Of these 22 cases, the aneurysm in the center of the coarctation is rarely noted and such cases acconut for about 18% (four cases). It is suggested that some congenital anomaly in the devel-opment might underlie in these cases.
The Characterisation of Laser and Electron Beam Annealed Silicon by Infrared Spectrophotometry

An exact model of the IR reflectance and transmission spectra of inhomogeneously doped silicon has been developed. By comparing theoretically and experimentally generated spectra in the range 1.2 to 25 µm, information about the doping profile may be deduced. The technique has been applied to laser and electron beam annealed silicon (as well as furnace annealed) and comparisons made with theoretical profiles and SIMS analysis in the latter case. No values consistent with other published data have been found for the optical properties of silicon at high doping levels (>1020 cm−3).
Analysis of pathogen detection in hospital for infectious diseases and evaluation of control measures of multi-drug resistant organisms

Objective: To study pathogens and drug resistance status in a hospital for infectious diseases and evaluate control measures of multi-drug resistant organisms( MDROs) so as to provide a reliable theoretical basis for rational drug use and effective control. Methods: The detected pathogens and MDROs in the microbiological laboratory and the corresponding control measures of MDROs were collected to analyze the composition and distribution of the pathogens and their drug resistance. Then,the control measures of MDROs in two years were compared. Results: The detected pathogens in the hospital were mainly gram-negative escherichia coli,klebsiella pneumoniae,gram-positive staphylococcus,and Saccharomyces,and their drug resistance was in a serious condition. No significant difference in the detection rate of drug resistance between the twp years( x2= 0. 131,P 0. 05). The improvement of the control measures of MDROs was significant( x2= 5. 815,P 0. 05). Conclusions: The drug resistance of the pathogens in the hospital is more serious,and the control measures of MDROs are markedly improved. But within a short time( 2 years)( for comparison),the difference of the detection rates of drug-resistant bacteria is insignificant. Therefore,it is needed to continue strengthening the rational use of antibiotics and further improve the control measures of MDROs.
Wave Propagation in Isotropic Media with Two Orthogonal Fracture Sets

Orthogonal intersecting fracture sets form fracture networks that affect the hydraulic and mechanical integrity of a rock mass. Interpretation of elastic waves propagated through orthogonal fracture networks is complicated by guided modes that propagate along and between fractures, by multiple internal reflections, as well as by scattering from fracture intersections. The existence of some or all of these potentially overlapping modes depends on local stress fields that can preferentially close or open either one or both sets of fractures. In this study, an acoustic wave front imaging system was used to examine the effect of bi-axial loading conditions on acoustic wave propagation in isotropic media containing two orthogonal fracture sets. From the experimental data, orthogonal intersecting fracture sets support guided waves that depend on fracture spacing and fracture-specific stiffnesses. In addition, fracture intersections have stronger effects on propagating wave fronts than merely the superposition of the effects of two independent fractures because of energy partitioning among transmitted/reflected waves, scattered waves and guided modes. Interpretation of the properties of fractures or fracture sets from seismic measurements must consider non-uniform fracture stiffnesses within and among fracture sets, as well as considering the striking effects of fracture intersections on wave propagation.
The American Indian and Alaska Native dentist workforce in the United States

Objectives The purpose of this article is to describe the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) dentist workforce, the general practice patterns of these providers, and their contributions to oral health care for AI/AN and underserved patients. Methods A national sample survey of underrepresented minority dentists was conducted in 2012 and received a 34 percent response rate for self-reported AI/AN dentists. Data were weighted for selection and response bias to be nationally representative. Descriptive and multivariable statistics were computed to provide a workforce profile. Comparisons to Census data and published information on dental students and dentists were used to examine practice patterns. Results The AI/AN dentist workforce (weighted n = 442) is very diverse with 55 reported individual tribal affiliations. Tribal heritage was provided by 95.7 percent of AI/AN dentists (n = 423), and of these, 93.9 percent (n = 400) reported an affiliation with only one tribe. The largest share of AI/AN dentists were born in the United States (98.2 percent, n = 434), married (75.6 percent, n = 333), and had dependent children under age 18 (52.0 percent, n = 222). Only 0.9 percent (n = 4) of AI/AN dentists spoke a traditional AI/AN language in patient care, while 10.6 percent (n = 46) were raised on tribal land or reservation. Initial practice in the Indian Health Service was reported by 15.8 percent of AI/AN dentists while 16.2 percent report currently practicing in a safety-net setting, and 42.0 percent report working in a practice that primarily serves underserved patients. Conclusions AI/AN dentists provide a disproportionate share of care for AI/AN populations, yet the number of AI/AN dentists would need to increase 7.4-fold in order to meet population parity.
What Did You Expect?: The Interaction Between Cigarette and Blunt vs. Non-Blunt Marijuana Use among African American Young Adults.

ABSTRACTBackground: In an effort to inform prevention and treatment interventions, the current study examined the expectancies around the co-use of marijuana and cigarettes among African-American young adults. Methods: An anonymous online survey recruited African-American adults (N = 111) aged 18–29 who reported past-month marijuana and cigarette co-use. Participants completed the 14-item Nicotine and Marijuana Interaction Expectancy (NAMIE) questionnaire, with three scales: (1) marijuana use increases tobacco use and urges, (2) tobacco use increases marijuana use and urges, and (3) smoking to cope with marijuana urges. Participants also answered questions about marijuana and tobacco initiation and use. Analyses were conducted separately for blunt co-users (i.e., blunt and cigarette use) and non-blunt co-users (i.e., non-blunt marijuana and cigarette use). Results: A majority of co-users (66%) used blunts as a form of co-use. Non-blunt co-users had higher expectancy scores on NAMIE scales 2 and 3 than blu...
Breast cancer chemoprevention in primary care: Assessing readiness for change.

1547Background: Despite FDA approval of medications for breast cancer risk reduction and professional organizations’ (ASCO, USPSTF & NCCN) chemoprevention recommendations, chemoprevention use has not increased substantially. Barriers and facilitators to primary care providers’ (PCP) incorporation of breast cancer chemoprevention could inform efforts to increase uptake. Methods: We conducted an online survey of PCPs’ regarding awareness and use of breast cancer chemoprevention, and perceived barriers/solutions. All eligible PCPs at Geisinger Health System (family physicians, internists, residents, physician assistants, nurse practitioners) who practice ≥ one-half day per week in a family practice, internal medicine or OB-GYN outpatient clinic were invited to participate via email (four attempts total). Results: Of 492 invited providers, 195 (40%) participated (mean age 41 years, 61% female, 70% MD/DO, 45% ≥ 10 years in practice). Of the 195 participants, 74 (38%) used the Gail model for breast cancer risk ...
Fast setpoint tracking of an Atomic Force Microscope X−Y stage via optimal trajectory tracking

Acquiring Atomic Force Microscope images using compressed sensing requires the piezo X−Y stage to track a sequence of step commands. To achieve fast tracking of such commands requires a precise system model. We show that once such a model is obtained, standard linear feedback can be used to achieve excellent tracking of step inputs. The system under consideration has a significant amount of time delay, and we develop a computationally efficient state estimator for this scenario. We demonstrate that beyond a certain step size threshold, the control law attempts to violate actuator slew-rate limits, resulting in a severely deteriorated response. We then show how this can be overcome by tracking an optimal trajectory obtained by solving a constrained, finite horizon Linear Quadratic Regulator problem and demonstrate the feasibility of this approach experimentally.
Multifocal electroretinogram delays reveal local retinal dysfunction in early diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE. To identify local retinal abnormalities in diabetic patients with and without retinopathy, by using the multifocal electroretinogram (M-ERG). METHODS. Electroretinograms were recorded at 103 discrete retinal locations in each eye of eight persons with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and eight diabetic persons without retinopathy, using VERIS (EDI, San Mateo, CA). The amplitude and implicit time of each local (first-order) retinal response were derived and compared with normal values obtained from 16 age-matched, nondiabetic subjects. Maps of local response amplitude and implicit time were compared with fundus photographs taken at the time of testing.
On South Asian Diasporas

(2011). On South Asian Diasporas. South Asian Review: Vol. 32, 'On South Asian Diasporas', Guest Edited by B. P. Giri and Priya Kumar, pp. 11-26.
A Survey on Chinese Scholars' Adoption of Mixed Methods.

Since the 1980s when mixed methods emerged as “the third research methodology”, it was widely adopted in Western countries. However, inadequate literature revealed how this methodology was accepted by scholars in Asian countries, such as China. Therefore, this paper used a quantitative survey to investigate Chinese scholars’ perceptions and adoption of mixed methods in China. The data of the study were obtained from 247 Chinese scholars in higher education. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the relationship between participants’ perceptions and use of mixed methods. The results revealed that Chinese scholars’ research expertise of using quantitative and qualitative methods as well as their perceived advantage of using mixed methods has significantly influenced their adoption of mixed methods. This paper advanced the literature of the evolution of mixed methods by investigating the expansion and adaptability of mixed methods in an Asian context.
Winter is Coming: Forecasting the Impact of edTPA on Black Teachers and Teachers of Color

This article traces how high-stakes teacher exams have shaped the career entry opportunities for Black teachers and makes recommendations for the emerging era of high-stakes performances exams brought about by the edTPA. We begin our analysis in the 1980s and the testing for competencies movement during which scholars critiqued the rising use of high-stakes standardized licensure exams as gatekeepers into teacher education programs. Although the most severe predictions from this crisis moment did not come to fruition, we ask what it can tell us today about exams like the edTPA and how it may impact Black teachers. We outline three findings from the emerging edTPA scholarship in response to this question: (1) mixed and alarming results from edTPA racial bias reviews, (2) institutional resources and unequal distribution, and (3) how the exam may constrain or permit justice. We make recommendations for teacher education programs and for scholars conducting research at the intersection of edTPA and racial bias.
Intersectionality and Gender Theory

Intersectionality is a black feminist theory of power that recognizes how multiple systems of oppression, including racism, patriarchy, capitalism, interact to disseminate disadvantage to and institutionally stratify different groups. Born out of black women’s theorizations of their experiences of racism, sexism, and economic disadvantage from enslavement to Jim Crow to the post-civil rights era, the theory accounts for how systems of oppression reinforce each other, and how their power must be understood not as individually constituted but rather as co-created in concert with each other. Sociologists of gender adopted and adapted intersectionality widely in the 1990s, using the theoretical lens to account for their own standpoint and positionality in the research process as well as to expand their analyses to include the experiences of people who were disadvantaged across multiple systems of oppression. The popularity and utility of intersectionality as a theory, both within sociology and beyond, has in some ways obscured its emphasis on interlocking systems of structural power and domination. Yet, gender theorists are positively positioned to return power to the center of analyses of inequality and to cover new substantive ground in research on oppression.
“The Air Got to It:” Exploring a Belief About Surgery for Lung Cancer

Background The belief that exposure of lung cancer to air during surgery causes tumor spread is prevalent but poorly understood. Purpose The purpose of the study was to summarize the published literature on the potential historical origins of this belief, study the recurrence rates of surgically treated stage I non-small cell lung cancer, research the mechanisms by which surgery might promote tumor growth and metastasis, and examine the social and cultural implications of this belief. Data Sources Various databases, reference lists, and expert contacts were the sources of data. Findings Although the origin of this belief is obscure, its emergence may have been due to early debates within the medical community about the risks of lung biopsies, the significant surgical morbidity initially associated withthoracic surgery, and the difficulty early on of staging lung cancer patients before surgery. Approximately one-third of patients undergoing curative surgery for stage I lung cancer experience a recurrence of the tumor. Most recurrences are detected inthe first 24 months after resection and likely reflect the presence of undetected, occult metastases at the time of surgery. Mechanisms by which surgery could promote tumor growth and worsen prognosis include direct seeding of tumor at local sites, tumor manipulation, stimulation of subclinical tumor by postsurgical inflammation, and accelerated metastatic tumor growth due toloss of inhibitory factors derived from the primary tumor. These beliefs are more likely to be prevalent, and resistant to change, in minority and disadvantaged groups. Conclusions These findings provide the basis for an approach to patients who fear the spread of their cancer by surgery.
Special Applications in Bioarchaeology: Taking a Closer Look

Techniques for the analysis of bone and teeth that get below the anatomical surface to utilize preserved collagen and apatite have become central to understanding aspects of ancestry, kinship, health, diet, disease, growth, and development for ancient and historic groups. Ethical issues abound in this area because it entails genetic and biomedical research using tissues from human remains, and this comes with all the attendant complexities of informed consent and weighing the costs and benefits. A very brief synopsis of what some of these special applications can provide in terms of additional information about identity, ancestry, and migration is provided.
Leaving School Early: An Examination of Novice Teachers’ Within- and End-of-Year Turnover:

Most prior research measures teacher turnover as an annual event, but teachers actually leave their positions throughout the school year. We use data from North Carolina to measure teacher turnover...
Complex Walking Tasks and Risk for Cognitive Decline in High Functioning Older Adults.

BACKGROUND Performance on complex walking tasks may provide a screen for future cognitive decline. OBJECTIVE To identify walking tasks that are most strongly associated with subsequent cognitive decline. METHODS Community-dwelling older adults with Modified Mini-Mental State (3MS) >85 at baseline (n = 223; mean age = 78.7, 52.5% women, 25.6% black) completed usual-pace walking and three complex walking tasks (fast-pace, narrow-path, visuospatial dual-task). Slope of 3MS scores for up to 9 subsequent years (average = 5.2) were used to calculate a cognitive maintainer (slope ≥0) or decliner (slope <0) outcome variable. Logistic regression models assessed associations between gait speeds and being a cognitive decliner. A sensitivity analysis in a subsample of individuals (n = 66) confirmed results with adjudicated mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia at 8-9 years post-walking assessment. RESULTS Cognitive decliners were 52.5% of the sample and on average were slower for all walking tasks compared to maintainers. In models adjusted for demographic and health variables, faster fast-pace (OR = 0.87 per 0.1 m/s, 95% CI: 0.78, 0.97) and dual-task (OR = 0.84 per 0.1 m/s, 95% CI: 0.73, 0.96) gait speeds were associated with lower likelihood of being a cognitive decliner. Usual-pace gait speed was not associated (OR = 0.96 per 0.1 m/s, 95% CI: 0.85, 1.08). Results were nearly identical in analyses with adjudicated MCI or dementia as the outcome. CONCLUSION Fast-pace and dual-task walking may provide simple and effective tools for assessing risk for cognitive decline in older individuals with high cognitive function. Such screening tools are important for strategies to prevent or delay onset of clinically meaningful change.
Jewish Conversion Matters in Côte d’Ivoire

ABSTRACTThis article examines the 2017 Jewish conversions in Cote d’Ivoire, and explores some of the Ivorian Jewish-related efforts in their historical context. The article addresses cultural, gender, and various political aspects of the issue arena. It also considers the changing relationship between Israel and the Israeli embassy with these communities. Finally, this work contemplates issues related to North-South Jewish relations and, more generally, the discourse concerning conversion as an option for people who are involved in this phenomenon. The context of the 2017 Ivorian conversions is an excellent example of numerous and crosscutting pressures as well as aspirations that are operative today in relation to the Jewish phenomenon in sub-Saharan Africa.
Physical activity types and motor skills in 3-5-year old children: National Youth Fitness Survey

Abstract Objective This study examined relationships between specific types of physical activity (PA) and motor skill development in preschool-aged children. Design This study was completed using a cross-sectional study design. Methods Data from children 3−5 years old (N = 342, 51% males) who participated in the 2012 National Youth Fitness Survey were analyzed. PA was measured using a questionnaire by parent report and motor skill development determined by Test of Gross Motor Development-2nd Edition (TGMD-2). Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between PA type and overall Gross Motor Quotient (GMQ) controlling for age, sex, race, and parental socioeconomic status. Results Commonly reported activities were running (43%), playing outdoor games (35%), and riding a bike (34%). Based on the standard scores, participants’ motor skill development for Locomotor, Object Control, and overall GMQ were considered average. Participation in the following physical activities were positively associated with GMQ: riding a bike (β (SE) = 5.27 (2.02), p = 0.02), scooter riding (β (SE) = 9.83 (2.59), p = 0.002), swimming (β (SE) = 4.01 (1.17), p = 0.004), and jumping on a trampoline (β (SE) = 7.45 (3.09), p = 0.03). With the exception of riding a bike, the physical activities positively related to GMQ had a reported range of participation between 7–12%. Conclusions Participation in specific physical activities was related to higher GMQ in preschool-aged children. Also, with the exception of riding a bike, the activities that the children participated in the most were not the same as the activities that were positively related to motor skill development.
Opposites Attract: Escherichia coli Heptosyltransferase I Conformational Changes Induced by Interactions between the Substrate and Positively Charged Residues

Gram-negative bacterial viability is greatly reduced by the disruption of heptose sugar addition during the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an important bacterial outer membrane component. Heptosyltransferase I (HepI), a member of the GT-B structural subclass of glycosyltransferases, is therefore an essential enzyme for the biosynthesis of the LPS. The disruption of HepI also increases the susceptibility of bacteria to hydrophobic antibiotics, making HepI a potential target for drug development. In this work, the structural and dynamic properties of the catalytic cycle of HepI are explored. Previously, substrate-induced stabilization of HepI was observed and hypothesized to be assisted by interactions between the substrate and residues located on dynamic loops. Herein, positively charged amino acids were probed to identify binding partners of the negatively charged phosphates and carboxylates of Kdo2-lipid A and its analogues. Mutant enzymes were characterized to explore changes in enzymatic activities and protein stability. Molecular modeling of HepI in the presence and absence of ligands was then performed with the wild type and mutant enzyme to allow determination of the relative change in substrate binding affinity resulting from each mutation. Together, these studies suggest that multiple residues are involved in mediating substrate binding, and a lack of additivity of these effects illustrates the functional redundancy of these binding interactions. The redundancy of residues mediating conformational transitions in HepI illustrates the evolutionary importance of these structural rearrangements for catalysis. This work enhances the understanding of HepI's protein dynamics and mechanism and is a model for improving our understanding of glycosyltransferase enzymes.
Abating carbon emissions by means of utility-scale photovoltaics and storage: the Duke Energy Progress/Carolinas case study

This study explores the performance of the Duke Energy Progress/Carolinas (DEC/DEP) electric power system under eighty-five configurations combining different capacities of utility-scale photovoltaics (PV) and energy storage (lithium-ion batteries). The different configurations include PV installations capable of providing 5% to 25% of the systems energy and batteries with varying power capacities and storage of 2, 4, and 6 hours. A cost-based production model comprised of a day-ahead unit commitment and a real-time economic dispatch simulates the optimal operation of all the generation resources necessary to supply hourly demand and reserve requirements during the year 2016. The model represents in detail the generation fleet of the system, including 221 nuclear, natural gas, coal and hydro power generators accounting for an installed capacity of 37.8 GW. Results indicate that minimum carbon abatement costs for the configurations studied are obtained when the power capacity of the batteries is~12.5% of the PV capacity. For levels of PV penetration (measured as expected annual share of energy) above 17%, higher decarbonization targets are better pursued with increased storage capacity than with more PV. For more ambitious targets (e.g. $> 30\%$ ), carbon dioxide emissions reductions require increases in both PV and storage capacity. Like previous studies this analysis confirms the decreasing marginal value of storage especially in systems that already have important shares of low carbon generation, such as DEC/DEP where ~50% of the generation is provided by nuclear plants.
17 – Zinc bioavailability

Publisher Summary Although there are numerous qualitative studies in domestic animals, there are few quantitative bioavailability data for mammalian species. In view of early observations that the zinc in oilseed meals is of low availability, several investigators have performed in vitro zinc binding assays to serve as indicators of zinc bioavailability. Smith and colleagues have developed an in situ vascular perfusion system to study zinc absorption by the rat intestine. The first attempt to evaluate zinc bioavailability was quantitatively used in growing chicks and rats fed purified diets supplemented with graded levels of ZnCO3 as a reference. Although the zinc concentration in most soft tissues varies little with zinc status, plasma and bone zinc are low in animals deprived of zinc. Several of zinc metalloenzymes have been identified in nature, but most of the metalloenzymes bind zinc so tightly that their activities do not change during nutritional deprivation. Zinc balance has been used widely in human studies, but few animal balance trials have been reported. Two major dietary factors that affect zinc bioavailability are (1) chelating agents and (2) metal ion interactions. Fiber has been reported to decrease zinc bioavailability in man, but experiments with rodents have shown little or no effect. Standard sources of zinc used in bioavailability assays have included the sulfate, carbonate, chloride, oxide, and acetate forms of the element, with zinc sulfate having been used most frequently.
Single nucleus analysis of Arabidopsis seeds reveals new cell types and imprinting dynamics

Abstract Seeds are the basis of agriculture, yet their full transcriptional complexity has remained unknown. Here, we employ single-nucleus RNA-sequencing to characterize developing Arabidopsis thaliana seeds, with a focus on endosperm. Endosperm, the site of gene imprinting in plants, mediates the relationship between the maternal parent and embryo. We identify new cell types in the chalazal endosperm region, which interfaces with maternal tissue for nutrient unloading. We further demonstrate that the extent of parental bias of maternally expressed imprinted genes varies with cell cycle phase, and that imprinting of paternally expressed imprinted genes is strongest in chalazal endosperm. These data indicate imprinting in endosperm is heterogeneous and suggest that parental conflict, which is proposed to drive the evolution of imprinting, is fiercest at the boundary between filial and maternal tissues.
Diabetic Retinopathy Online: A Powerful Opportunity for Revision

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the quality, accuracy, content, and readability of online diabetic retinopathy (DR) information.Methods: This study reviewed the most access...
A 4K score/MRI-based nomogram for predicting prostate cancer, clinically significant prostate cancer, and unfavorable prostate cancer.

Background The detection of prostate cancer requires histological confirmation in biopsy core. Currently, number of unnecessary prostate biopsies are being performed in the United States. This is due to the absence of appropriate biopsy decision-making protocol. Aim To develop and validate a 4K score/multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)-based nomogram to predict prostate cancer (PCa), clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa), and unfavorable prostate cancer (uPCa). Methods and results Retrospective, single-center study evaluating a cohort of 574 men with 4K score test >7% or suspicious digital rectal examination (DRE) or Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) scores 3, 4, or 5 on mpMRI that underwent systematic and/or mpMRI/ultrasound fusion-targeted prostate biopsy between 2016 and 2020. External cohort included 622 men. csPCa and uPCa were defined as Gleason score ≥3 + 4 and ≥4 + 3 on biopsy, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to build nomogram for predicting PCa, csPCa, and uPCa. Validation was performed by plotting the area under the curve (AUC) and comparing nomogram-predicted probabilities with actual rates of PCa, csPCa, and uPCa probabilities in the external cohort. 4K score, a PI-RADS ≥4, prostate volume and prior negative biopsy were significant predictors of PCa, csPCa, and uPCa. AUCs were 0.84, 0.88, and 0.86 for the prediction of PCa, csPCa, and uPCa, respectively. The predicted and actual rates of PCa, csPCa, and uPCa showed agreement across all percentage probability ranges in the validation cohort. Using the prediction model at threshold of 30, 30% of overall biopsies, 41% of benign biopsies, and 19% of diagnosed indolent PCa could be avoided, while missing 9% of csPCa. Conclusion This novel nomogram would reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies and decrease detection of clinically insignificant PCa.
Case-Control Study of Individuals with Discrepant Nucleocapsid and Spike Protein SARS-CoV-2 IgG Results.

BACKGROUND: Laboratory-based methods for SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection vary widely in performance. However, there are limited prospectively-collected data on assay performance, and minimal clinical information to guide interpretation of discrepant results. METHODS: Over a two-week period, 1080 consecutive plasma samples submitted for clinical SARS-CoV-2 IgG testing were tested in parallel for anti-nucleocapsid IgG (anti-N, Abbott) and anti-spike IgG (anti-S1, EUROIMMUN). Chart review was conducted for samples testing positive or borderline on either assay, and for an age/sex-matched cohort of samples negative by both assays. CDC surveillance case definitions were used to determine clinical sensitivity/specificity and conduct receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. RESULTS: There were 52 samples positive by both methods, 2 positive for anti-N only, 34 positive for anti-S1 only, and 27 borderline for anti-S1. Of the 34 individuals positive for anti-S1 alone, 8 (24%) had confirmed COVID-19. No anti-S1 borderline cases were positive for anti-N or had confirmed/probable COVID-19. The anti-N assay was less sensitive (84.2% [95% CI 72.1-92.5%] versus 94.7% [95% CI 85.4-98.9%]) but more specific (99.2% [95% CI 95.5-100%] versus 86.9% [95% CI 79.6-92.3%]) than anti-S1. Abbott anti-N sensitivity could be improved to 96.5% with minimal effect on specificity if the index threshold was lowered from 1.4 to 0.6. CONCLUSION: Real-world concordance between different serologic assays may be lower than previously described in retrospective studies. These findings have implications for the interpretation of SARS-CoV-2 IgG results, especially with the advent of spike antigen-targeted vaccination, as a subset of patients with true infection are anti-N negative and anti-S1 positive.
Epidemiologic Characteristics of COVID-19 in Guizhou Province, China.

INTRODUCTION: At the end of 2019, the COVID-19 broke out, and spread to Guizhou province in January of 2020. METHODOLOGY: To acquire the epidemiologic characteristics of COVID-19 in Guizhou province, we collected data from 169 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 related cases. We described the demographic characteristics of the cases and estimated the incubation period, serial interval and the effective reproduction number. We also presented two representative case studies in Guizhou province: Case Study 1 was an example of the asymptomatic carrier; while Case Study 2 was an example of a large and complex infection chain that involved four different regions, spanning three provinces and eight families. RESULTS: Two peaks in the incidence distribution associated with COVID-19 in Guizhou province were related to the 6.04 days (95% CI: 5.00 - 7.10) of incubation period and 6.14±2.21 days of serial interval. We also discussed the effectiveness of the control measures based on the instantaneous effective reproduction number that was a constantly declining curve. CONCLUSIONS: As of February 2, 2020, the estimated effective reproduction number was below 1, and no new cases were reported since February 26. These showed that Guizhou Province had achieved significant progress in preventing the spread of the epidemic. The medical isolation of close contacts was consequential. Meanwhile, the asymptomatic carriers and the super-spreaders must be isolated in time, who would cause a widespread infection.
Constitutional Law - Towards a New Constitutional Order

The adoption by Parliament of an interim constitution on 22 December 1993—by a vote of 237 to 45—brought into ‘legal existence’ the constitutional agreement reached after months of negotiations at the World Trade Centre outside Johannesburg. Although this chapter will focus on the ‘Interim Constitution’, attention will also be paid to the transitional constitutional order which came into effect in the last months of 1993 and which provided a pre-constitutional framework to prepare for the country’s first non-racial democratic elections.
Peculiar anharmonicity of Ruddlesden Popper metal halides: Temperature-dependent phonon dephasing

The anharmonicity of the Ruddlesden Popper metal-halide lattice, and its consequences on their electronic and optical properties, is paramount in their basic semiconductor physics. It is thus critical to identify specific anharmonic optical phonons that govern their photophysics . Here, we address the nature of phonon-phono scattering probabilities of the resonantly excited optical phonons that dress the electronic transitions in these materials by means of variable-temperature resonant impulsive stimulated Raman measurements. Based on the temperature dependence of the coherent phonon lifetimes, we isolate the dominant anharmonic phonon and quantify its phonon-phonon interaction strength. Intriguingly, we also observe that the anharmonicity is distinct for different phonons, with a few select modes exhibiting temperature-independent coherence lifetimes, indicating their predominantly harmonic nature. However, the population and dephasing dynamics of excitons are dominated by the anharmonic phonon.
Teaching the Transformative Fourteenth Amendment

If the constitutional law casebooks are a reliable guide, most teach the Fourteenth Amendment, like other parts of the Constitution, by presenting separately the various doctrinal topics it has raised.[1] The principal clauses of the Amendment, or really those in the second sentence of Section 1[2]—the Equal Protection, Due Process, and Privileges or Immunities Clauses—are generally extracted from its text and classes are structured around the leading cases decided under each and the resulting doctrine. Cases under the Equal Protection or Due Process Clause may be further separated. Based on the class of claimants, for instance, the cases involving racial and gender equality and affirmative action may be presented as distinct topics. Further subdivision may group the cases involving education, employment, and voting, for instance. Sometimes equal protection and due process both appear, either because claimants raised, or opinions addressed, each constitutional hook or because an equal protection claim against the federal government was necessarily brought under the Fifth Amendment’s Due Process Clause. Incorporation receives some, although much briefer, treatment, casebook page allocation suggests.[3] Some such conceptual approach is common and sensible. It is important for students to learn something about the history, doctrine, and analytical approaches regarding the various distinct clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment, to read the important cases and understand the arguments the Court found convincing and those it rejected. And it is impossible to begin to understand the Fourteenth Amendment without studying its principal clauses.
Autophagy Induction and Accumulation of Phosphorylated Tau in the Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex of Adult C57BL/6 Mice Subjected to Adolescent Fluoxetine Treatment.

Background Fluoxetine (FLX) represents the antidepressant of choice for the management of pediatric mood-related illnesses. Accumulating preclinical evidence suggests that ontogenic FLX exposure leads to deregulated affect-related phenotypes in adulthood. Mood-related symptomatology constitutes a risk-factor for various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), making it possible for juvenile FLX history to exacerbate the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Objective Because AD is characterized by the pathological accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau, which can result from impaired function of protein degradation pathways, such as autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), we evaluated the long-term effects of adolescent FLX exposure on these pathways, using mice as a model system. Methods We subjected C57BL/6 adolescent male mice to FLX (20 mg/kg/day) from postnatal day (PD) 35 to PD49. Twenty-one days after the last FLX injection (i.e., adulthood; PD70), mice were euthanized and, using immunoblotting analysis, we evaluated protein markers of autophagy (Beclin-1, LC3-II, p62) and the UPS (K48-pUb), as well as AD-associated forms of phosphorylated tau, within the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Results Juvenile FLX pre-exposure mediated long-term changes in the expression of protein markers (increased LC3-II and decreased p62) that is consistent with autophagy activation, particularly in the prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, FLX history induced persistent accumulation of AD-associated variants of tau in both the hippocampus and prefrontal cortexConclusion: Adolescent FLX treatment may have enduring effects in the neuronal protein degradation machinery, which could adversely influence clearance of abnormal proteins, potentially predisposing individuals to developing AD in later life.
TU-AB-BRA-05: Repeatability of [F-18]-NaF PET Imaging Biomarkers for Bone Lesions: A Multicenter Study

Purpose: Quantifying the repeatability of imaging biomarkers is critical for assessing therapeutic response. While therapeutic efficacy has been traditionally quantified by SUV metrics, imaging texture features have shown potential for use as quantitative biomarkers. In this study we evaluated the repeatability of quantitative 18F-NaF PET-derived SUV metrics and texture features in bone lesions from patients in a multicenter study. Methods: Twenty-nine metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer patients received whole-body test-retest NaF PET/CT scans from one of three harmonized imaging centers. Bone lesions of volume greater than 1.5 cm3 were identified and automatically segmented using a SUV>15 threshold. From each lesion, 55 NaF PET-derived texture features (including first-order, co-occurrence, grey-level run-length, neighbor gray-level, and neighbor gray-tone difference matrix) were extracted. The test-retest repeatability of each SUV metric and texture feature was assessed with Bland-Altman analysis. Results: A total of 315 bone lesions were evaluated. Of the traditional SUV metrics, the repeatability coefficient (RC) was 12.6 SUV for SUVmax, 2.5 SUV for SUVmean, and 4.3 cm3 for volume. Their respective intralesion coefficients of variation (COVs) were 12%, 17%, and 6%. Of the texture features, COV was lowest for entropy (0.03%) and highest for kurtosis (105%). Lesion intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was lowest for maximum correlation coefficient (ICC=0.848), and highest for entropy (ICC=0.985). Across imaging centers, repeatability of texture features and SUV varied. For example, across imaging centers, COV for SUVmax ranged between 11–23%. Conclusion: Many NaF PET-derived SUV metrics and texture features for bone lesions demonstrated high repeatability, such as SUVmax, entropy, and volume. Several imaging texture features demonstrated poor repeatability, such as SUVtotal and SUVstd. These results can be used to establish response criteria for NaF PET-based treatment response assessment. Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF)