cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Broadband Energy Harvesting from a Bistable Potential Well

This chapter describes recent research on the use of a bistable oscillator, in lieu of the more common choice of using a linear oscillator, for energy harvesting. The chapter progresses from the elementary theory for the potential well escape problem to analyzing several examples of using an oscillator with a bistable potential in electromagnetic and piezoelectric harvester applications. Select results are presented for harmonic and stochastic excitation.
Morphine’s Immunologic and Analgesic Effects

Opioid analgesics are used widely, both as very effective pain relievers and, in the case of heroin, as a recreational drug. At a time when acquired immune deficiency syndrome remains a prominent medical problem, this use of the opioids has led to concern regarding their effects on the normal functioning of the immune system. In fact, studies investigating the immunomodulatory effects of morphine have begun to reveal the pervasive nature of these effects. For example, an acute systemic injection of morphine decreases the proliferation of T cells to mitogen stimulation in both splenic1,2 and blood1-4 lymphocyte populations as well as the proliferation of B cell splenic lymphocytes1,2. Acute morphine treatment also decreases natural killer (NK) cell activity2,6,8,9, macrophage-mediated inhibition of tumor cell proliferation8, phagocytosis8, killing activity of polymorphonuclear cells8, and production of interferon-γ (IFN-γ)1,9, interleukin-21, and antibody10.
Thermally Informed Robotic Topologies: Profile-3D-Printing for the Robotic Construction of Concrete Panels, Thermally Tuned Through High Resolution Surface Geometry

This paper explores the thermal design and robotic construction of high-performance building components. The complex surface geometry of these components actuate specific thermal behavior in passive building systems through implementing the principles of convection in thermal mass. Our seamless design-to-fabrication workflow uses optimization methods that combine measured thermal data and simulation feedback with advanced modeling and emerging robotic manufacturing techniques. Bridging an understanding of thermal performance, geometry, and manufacturing we suggest direct formal relationships between the behavior of airflow to tool-path planning for a robotic arm. This paper will focus on describing an experimental process we term Profile-3D-Printing that demonstrates a novel approach to the construction of concrete panels with complex surface geometries. This hybrid construction method combines material deposition with tooled post-processing to achieve high-resolution surface definition. The process entails automated delivery of material for selective deposition of panel geometry, and tooled shaping of rough and finish layers for the physical production of computationally generated forms.
A MEMS Nonlinear Dynamic Approach for Neural Computing

This paper presents a novel concept for a micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) neural computing unit based on the neuron rate model theory that is the basis of the dynamic field theory; a qualitative neuron approach to model cognition and human behavior, and the continuous time recurrent neural networks (CTRNNs); a class of artificial neural network. The concept utilizes the nonlinear dynamics of MEMS resonators, specifically, bi-stability and hysteresis, to simulate the detection and memory of a single rate model neuron. We introduce bi-stability into a straight microbeam by actuating the microbeam with an AC voltage at a frequency near its electric circuit resonance, which also significantly amplifies the applied voltage and introduces electromechanical coupling. Moreover, the memory and detection processes have been demonstrated using a MEMS arch beam by utilizing snap-through instability. Finally, we demonstrate electrical coupling between multiple artificial MEMS neurons to produce the selection process. Single degree of freedom models and initial preliminary experimental data are presented to qualitatively compare the dynamics of bi-stable MEMS to that of a rate model neuron. [2017-0316]
Pycnogenol® inhibits growth of ovarian cancer cells in vitro.

3140 Ovarian cancer is the sixth most commonly occurring cancer in women. Symptoms are often vague and easily confused with other disorders, resulting in advanced stage detection in more than two-thirds of cases. Which is why it accounts for more deaths than any other cancers of the female reproductive system. Chemoprevention is regarded as an efficient strategy to prevent cancer. The most useful cancer chemopreventive compounds will have minimal long-term toxicity, while significantly reducing cancer incidence, delaying cancer onset or preventing cancer progression. Pycnogenol® (Pyc) is a proprietary mixture of water-soluble bioflavonoids extracted from the bark of French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Aiton). Recently, Pyc has been shown to selectively induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells in vitro. The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of Pyc to inhibit the growth of ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Human cell lines ML5TA (benign cystadenoma), TOV-21G (malignant adenocarcinoma) and PA-1 (malignant teratocarcinoma) were incubated with 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140 or 160 μg/ml Pyc for 24 hours. Cells were then processed for MTT assay or DAPI staining. MTT: MTT solution was added to each well and incubated for 4hr. DMSO was added to dissolve the crystals and the absorbance was read. A decrease in absorbance indicates a loss in cell viability. DAPI: Cells were harvested, incubated with DAPI and viewed microscopically for evidence of apoptosis. Apoptosis is detectable by morphology, chromatin condensation, nuclear DNA fragmentation, DNA strand breakage or apoptotic bodies. DAPI is a DNA-binding fluorescent dye used to visualize DNA fragmentation. Results of MTT assays showed a slight dose-dependent increase in cell viability for the benign ML5TA cells. Pyc decreased cell viability of the malignant TOV-21G and PA-1 cells. The most astonishing was that a dose as low as 20 μg/ml Pyc decreased PA-1 viability. Apoptosis, as detected by DAPI staining, was significantly higher for PA-1 cells than for the others. Nine out of ten treatments were significantly different for the PA-1 treated cells, whereas six out of ten ML5TA treatments and five out of ten TOV-21G treatments were significantly different in comparison to their respective controls. (p
Health Risk Behaviors after Disaster Exposure Among Older Adults.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the extent to which an exposure to disaster is associated with change in health behaviors.MethodsFederal disaster declarations were matched at the county-level to self-reported behaviors for participants in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), 2000-2014. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between disaster and change in physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and cigarette smoking.ResultsThe sample included 20,671 individuals and 59,450 interviews; 1,451 unique disasters were declared in counties in which HRS respondents lived during the study period. Exposure to disaster was significantly associated with weight gain (unadjusted RRR=1.19; 95% CI, 1.11-1.27; adjusted RRR=1.21; 95% CI, 1.13-1.30). Vigorous physical activity was significantly lower among those who had experienced a disaster compared to those who had not (unadjusted OR=0.89; 95% CI, 0.84-0.95; adjusted OR=0.84; 95% CI, 0.79-0.89). No significant difference in cigarette smoking was found.ConclusionsThis study found an increase in weight gain and decrease in physical activity among older adults after disaster exposure. Adverse health behaviors such as these can contribute to functional decline among older adults.BellSA, ChoiH, LangaKM, IwashynaTJ. Health Risk Behaviors after Disaster Exposure Among Older Adults. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2019;34(1):95–97.
A comparison of EMG output of four lower extremity muscles during selected yoga postures.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to use surface electromyography (EMG) analysis to examine the muscle activation of the anterior tibialis (TA), gastrocnemius (GA), rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles during several yoga poses: tree pose (Vrksashana), half moon pose (Ardha Chandrasana) and warrior III (Virabadrasana) when compared to a rest pose (mountain pose). Ten healthy females with more than 3 months of continuous yoga experience who practiced at least 1.5 h per week were recruited. EMG activity was recorded from the aforementioned muscles during mountain pose (“rest”) for 30 s, three times. Subjects then performed the following yoga poses in a randomized sequence while surface EMG activity was recorded: tree pose, half-moon, and warrior III. Each pose was held for 20s to 30 s and performed three times. EMG data were band pass filtered and the root mean square (RMS) was obtained. The peak RMS of each of the resting trials was obtained and averaged to produce an average peak resting RMS value. The study revealed significantly greater EMG activity in TA and GA in all three poses when compared to BF and RF. BF produced greater EMG activity than RF in warrior III. In conclusion, single limb yoga poses require increased use of the ankle musculature when compared to thigh musculature.
The Arylabialis Muscle of the Túngara Frog (Engystomops pustulosus)

The current functional model of the anuran larynx includes four pairs of laryngeal muscles. Their contractions do not account, however, for the behavioral control of call complexity observed in male tungara frogs (Engystomops pustulosus), which optionally add a secondary note with distinct harmonic structure to their advertisement call. Examination of the tungara frog's laryngeal morphology through dissection and resin histology has revealed that the m. dilatator laryngis is divided into two separate bundles (superficial and deep). The superficial bundle closely matches the typical description of the m. dilatator laryngis and is well positioned to open the glottis. The deep bundle is exclusively innervated by the short laryngeal nerve and has an attachment to the fibrous mass, an internal laryngeal structure necessary for complex call production. This attachment indicates a separate role for the deep bundle in controlling the complexity of the call. Based on physical separation, exclusive attachments, distinct fiber orientation, exclusive innervation, and potential action, we recognize the deep bundle of the m. dilatator laryngis as a separate muscle. We also revalidate the name m. arylabialis which had been previously used to describe it. The split of the m. dilatator laryngis into two muscles results in a laryngeal innervation pattern that closely matches that of mammals. This study identified a novel laryngeal muscle in tungara frogs, a potential mechanism for the control of call complexity, and revealed new evidence of homologies between the laryngeal structures of amphibians and mammals. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:1966-1976, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.
How analytic choices can affect the extraction of electromagnetic form factors from elastic electron scattering cross section data

Scientists often try to incorporate prior knowledge into their regression algorithms, such as a particular analytic behavior or a known value at a kinematic endpoint. Unfortunately, there is often no unique way to make use of this prior knowledge, and thus, different analytic choices can lead to very different regression results from the same set of data. To illustrate this point in the context of the proton electromagnetic form factors, we use the Mainz elastic data with its 1422 cross section points and 31 normalization parameters. Starting with a complex unbound nonlinear regression, we will show how the addition of a single theory-motivated constraint removes an oscillation from the magnetic form factor and shifts the extracted proton charge radius. We then repeat both regressions using the same algorithm, but with a rebinned version of the Mainz dataset. These examples illustrate how analytic choices, such as the function that is being used or even the binning of the data, can dramatically affect the results of a complex regression. These results also demonstrate why it is critical when using regression algorithms to have either a physical model in mind or a firm mathematical basis.
Are Certain Neglect Assessments Better Than Others at Detecting Neglect in Poststroke Patients

Date Presented 04/05/19 Primary Author and Speaker: Gabrielle Burns Additional Authors and Speakers: Emily Grattan
Urinary cadmium and timing of menarche and pubertal development in girls

Abstract Background Cadmium (Cd) is a developmental toxicant that is released into the environment during industrial processes. Previous animal studies suggest that Cd may impact the onset of puberty. Objectives To determine whether Cd exposure, measured as urinary Cd concentration, was associated with ages at menarche and pubertal development. Methods A cohort of 211 girls, ages 10–13 years at baseline, was followed for up to two years. Girls completed an interview and self-assessment of Tanner stages of breast development and pubic hair growth. They were followed monthly until menarche. Urinary Cd concentrations were measured in overnight urine specimens. Multivariable Cox regression was used to evaluate the association between urinary Cd and age at menarche and cumulative logit regression was used to evaluate the associations between urinary Cd and breast development and pubic hair growth. Results The baseline geometric mean creatinine-adjusted Cd concentration was 0.22 μg/g creatinine (geometric standard deviation = 1.6) and decreased with increasing age (p-trend = 0.04). Cd levels were higher among Asian than White girls or girls of other/mixed race/ethnicity (p = 0.04). In multivariable analyses, girls with urinary Cd ≥ 0.4 μg/L were less likely to have attained menarche than girls with urinary Cd Conclusions These findings suggest that a higher Cd body burden may delay some aspects of pubertal development among girls.
Federal Fiduciary Duties and Private Equity: The Search for Workable Standards

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act drastically changed the financial regulatory landscape in the United States. One noteworthy change was a near-elimination of the so-called “private adviser” exemption to the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. The biggest beneficiaries of this exemption were private equity sponsors and hedge fund managers. A result of this change is that most private equity fund advisers and hedge fund managers must now register as investment advisers with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Advisers Act and are subject to a myriad of rules and regulations. The focus of this Note is the application of the fiduciary duties governing advisers required to register under the Investment Advisers Act to private equity sponsors. Problematically, these fiduciary duties do not emanate from the Act itself, but are the result of judicial interpretation. Largely because of this genesis, the substance of advisers’ fiduciary duties remains unclear. Importantly for private equity advisers, the bounds of their fiduciary duties were developed in the context of industries vastly different from modern private equity. This Note argues that the existing “one-size-fits-all” scheme of fiduciary regulation under the Investment Advisers Act is inappropriate for the private equity industry. It examines three recent SEC orders against major industry players for violations of their fiduciary duties under the Investment Advisers Act and notes both their inconsistency and lack of guidance. Instead of this byzantine system of fiduciary regulation, a contractarian model would better serve both private equity sponsors and investors by allowing the parties themselves to define the bounds of the fiduciary relationship. This approach best reflects the bargaining power and financial sophistication of the parties and encourages the continued growth of the private equity industry.
The Pediatric Sinus Staging System: A Computed Tomography-Based Approach to Grading Pediatric Sinus Disease.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent disease with few objective measurements available to predict which patients will require surgical intervention. The Lund-Mackay (LM) score for computed tomography (CT) scans is one objective data point available for the adult population; however, a dedicated scoring system in the pediatric population has not been popularized. We present a Pediatric Sinus Staging System (PSSS) that considers both opacification and the varying developmental stages of each sinus. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective chart review. METHODS We analyzed CT scans of pediatric patients with a diagnosis of CRS. Both LM and PSSS scores were calculated for each scan. Groups were formed based on treatment outcomes and included patients who were treated successfully with medical therapy and/or adenoidectomy (med/adenoid), patients who required functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), and patients who required revision FESS. RESULTS Overall, 76 patient scans were reviewed. PSSS values were significantly less than LM for the control group (P = .001) and significantly higher for patients with cystic fibrosis (P = .027) and with CRS with polyps (P = .001). The ideal cutoff for PSSS to distinguish between med/adenoid and single FESS treatment with a sensitivity 90.6% and specificity of 50.0% was ≥2. CONCLUSIONS The PSSS gives a more descriptive score by accounting for the opacification and pneumatization of each sinus. Our current results show similar values between PSSS and LM scores, which suggests internal validity. In addition, a PSSS score of ≥2 may help physicians better counsel families on the likelihood of requiring FESS. Further investigation is needed to fully validate the PSSS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3b Laryngoscope, 131:E642-E648, 2021.
An automated platform to monitor long-term behavior and healthspan in Caenorhabditis elegans under precise environmental control.

Health and longevity in all organisms are strongly influenced by the environment. To fully understand how environmental factors interact with genetic and stochastic factors to modulate the aging process, it is crucial to precisely control environmental conditions for long-term studies. In the commonly used model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, existing assays for healthspan and lifespan have inherent limitations, making it difficult to perform large-scale longitudinal aging studies under precise environmental control. To address these constraints, we developed the Health and Lifespan Testing Hub (HeALTH), an automated, microfluidic-based system for robust longitudinal behavioral monitoring. Our system provides long-term (i.e. entire lifespan) spatiotemporal environmental control. We demonstrate healthspan and lifespan studies under a variety of genetic and environmental perturbations while observing how individuality plays a role in the aging process. This system is generalizable beyond aging research, particularly for short- or long-term behavioral assays, and could be adapted for other model systems. Kim N. Le, Mei Zhan et al. develop an automated microfluidic-based system, HeALTH, which provides spatiotemporal environmental control and allows for long-term behavioral monitoring. Using Caenorhabditis elegans they demonstrate the robustness of this platform for health and lifespan studies, and highlight its adaptability to other model systems.
Design, characterization, and modeling of a chitosan microneedle patch for transdermal delivery of meloxicam as a pain management strategy for use in cattle.

Abstract This work describes the formulation and evaluation of a chitosan microneedle patch for the transdermal delivery of meloxicam to manage pain in cattle. Microneedle patches composed of chitosan and chitosan/meloxicam were evaluated regarding their chemical composition, uniformity of physical characteristics, capacity to penetrate the skin, and response to thermal and thermo-mechanical changes. Microneedle patches were prepared by varying the percentage of acetic acid used during solution preparation, including 90% (v/v), 50% (v/v), and 10% (v/v). In addition, drug release was assessed by modeling different percentages of penetration into the skin and the number of microneedles on the microneedle patch. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence of microneedles uniformly organized on the patch surface for each percentage of acetic acid used. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that 10% (v/v) of acetic acid in the solution was a suitable condition to preserve the characteristic bands of chitosan (amide I and amide II) and meloxicam (amine N H stretch and C O stretch) as compared to 90% (v/v) and 50% (v/v) of acetic acid used during the solution preparation. The resultant microneedle patches were successful in penetrating the skin in a cow's cadaver ear. Results demonstrated that the average depth penetration measured after complete dehydration of the penetrated skin was approximately 78 ± 1 μm. Chitosan and chitosan/meloxicam microneedle patches with higher acetic acid percentages reflected greater resistance to compressive force as temperature increased. Time-dependent simulation of the transport of diluted species by COMSOL revealed that the transdermal drug delivery increases in function to the increment of the number of microneedles on the surface patch and percentage of penetration per microneedle. One patch released a drug concentration of 3.57 × 10−5 mol/m3 in the skin per week, which represents the 26.2% of what is needed for pain management in cattle, established as 1.43 × 10−4 mol/m3. These results demonstrate that chitosan/meloxicam microneedles patches may be suitable to manage pain in cattle after routine procedures.
Trends in Relative Incidence and Prevalence of Dementia Across Non-Hispanic Black and White Individuals in the United States, 2000-2016.

Importance In the US, dementia risk is higher in non-Hispanic Black individuals than in non-Hispanic White individuals. To evaluate progress toward reducing such disparities, tracking secular trends in racial disparities in dementia prevalence is essential. Objective To examine whether relative racial disparities in dementia prevalence or incidence have changed in the US from 2000 to 2016. Design, Settings, and Participants The Health and Retirement Study (HRS) is a nationally representative study of adults 50 years or older. New participants are recruited every 6 years, and study visits occur biennially. Approximately 17 000 to 22 000 respondents have been surveyed at each wave since 2000, achieving response rates of 81% to 89%. Data for this cohort study were obtained from non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black participants aged 70 years and older from the 2000 to 2016 waves. For analyses of secular trends in racial disparities in dementia prevalence, each HRS wave was considered separately (range of participants meeting eligibility criteria in each wave, 6322-7579). For analyses of secular trends in racial disparities in dementia incidence, 7 subcohorts were created (range of participants meeting eligibility criteria in each subcohort, 5322-5961) following up people without dementia for 4 years from subcohort baseline visits in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012. Data were analyzed from October 2019 to August 2020. Exposures Race based on self-response to closed-ended survey questions. Main Outcomes and Measures Dementia status was determined using 3 algorithms with similar sensitivity and specificity across non-Hispanic White and Black participants. Disparities were characterized using ratio measures. Results In this study, the mean age and percentage of male participants eligible for inclusion in analyses of racial disparities in dementia prevalence increased over time among non-Hispanic White participants (from 78.2 years and 40% in 2000 to 78.7 years and 44% in 2016) but remained steady in non-Hispanic Black participants during the same period (from 78.0 years and 37% in 2000 to 77.9 years and 38% in 2016). Prevalence ratios comparing Black and White participants ranged from approximately 1.5 to 1.9 across algorithms and years, whereas hazard ratios ranged from approximately 1.4 to 1.8. Although results suggest stable or declining dementia risk overall, there was no evidence suggesting change in relative racial disparities in dementia prevalence or incidence during follow-up. Conclusions and Relevance This study did not find evidence to suggest that the ratio of dementia risk across Black and White individuals changed in the US between 2000 and 2016. Additional efforts to identify and mitigate the source of these disparities is warranted.
“Ne’er Were Heroines More Strong, More Brave”: Victorian Factory Women Writers and the Role of the Working-Class Poet

Self-identified women factory poets remained a rare phenomenon within the larger mid-Victorian outpouring of working-class verse, publishing mostly after 1846 and more frequently after 1860. This a...
The Effects of Resonant Acoustic Mixing on the Microstructure of UHPC

As interest grows to produce ultra-high performance cementitious (UHPC) materials that are more durable and economical, the mixing process becomes the essence of producing high quality UHPC. Exploring other mixing technologies could be a way to increase the quality of production. Consequently, with any new mixing technology, adequate research is needed to explore the effects a new mixing technology could have on UHPC. In this research study, we present a novel type of UHPC mixing technology called Resonant Acoustic® Mixing (RAM) Technology. RAM combines the principles of reciprocating movement agitation and acoustic streaming micro-mixing by applying a high frequency acoustic pressure wave to induce mixing. We study the effects of RAM on the microstructure of a designated UHPC mix through back-scattering electron scanning microscopy (BSE-SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). Our results show that RAM mixing produces a dense UHPC matrix with low porosity.
Stock Return, Risk, and Legal Environment Around the World

This paper investigates how the legal environment in a country influences performance and risk of stock across countries at different developmental stages and of various rules of jurisdiction. Using data of 4,916 stocks from 37 countries, our empirical findings confirm that equities in countries with English common-law origin have higher risk premiums than those in civil-law countries, particularly for countries of the French/Spanish code. The indicators representing high efficiency in law system, low corruption, strong legal protection of investors' rights, and reliable political environment are associated with low risk and high performance. The various elements of legal procedural formalism, however, have differing effects on volatility and return.
Long-term, process-based, continuous simulations for a small, nested rangeland watershed near Tombstone, AZ (USA): Extending model validity to include soil redistribution.

Abstract Soil or sediment redistribution prediction along hillslopes and within small watersheds is considered to be a great challenge for the application of watershed erosion models in predicting the impact of soil and water conservation measures as well as for the redistribution of pollution such as radioactive fallout. In this study, long-term soil loss and deposition were estimated for two nested semi-arid watersheds within the Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed in Southeastern Arizona using the process-based Geo-spatial interface of WEPP (GeoWEPP). While soil parameters were previously parametrized and validated through watershed outlet runoff and sediment yields, the channel parameters were adjusted and validated based on reference values of soil redistribution generated from fallout radionuclide 137Cs samples within the watersheds. Two methods were applied for the soil redistribution analysis by comparing observed and simulated soil loss/deposition rates (a) at single pixels and reference values at the specific location of each 137Cs sample site; and (b) for average values of a 5 m radius around each 137Cs sample site to compensate for measurement and model uncertainties. Surprisingly, soil redistribution predictions improved as topographic data resolution increased from 5 m to 3 m and were best at 1 m without changing key model parameters that were originally derived at the watershed scale.
Making the Sentencing Case: Psychological and Neuroscientific Evidence for Expanding the Age of Youthful Offenders

Youthful offenders convicted of serious crimes continue to be sentenced to death and life without parole in the United States based on legal arguments that cast them as incorrigible and permanent d...
Kinetics of the Changes in Oxidation-Reduction States of the Acceptors and Donors of Photosystem II in Pea Thylakiods Measured by Flash Fluorescence

The membrane intrinsic protein Dl (the 32 kDa herbicide-binding Qb protein) is believed to play a central role in the organization of the prosthetic groups of the photosystem II reaction center [1]. Dl is also thought to provide a binding pocket for plastoquinone which allows exchange of quinone and quinol between this pocket and the lipid phase of the membrane [2] (see scheme below). Electrons and protons are sequentially added to quinone by a two-electron gate mechanism at this site to produce quinol which is then released. The photosystem II acceptors in isloated thylakoid suspensions can be fully oxidized by treatment with benzoquinone [3] . The two-electron gate mechanism can then be synchronously stepped with saturating flashes of light to turn over photosystem II [4]. After a saturating flash we have measured the time required before photosystem II can reopen. in parallel we have measured the change in variable chlorophyll a fluorescence yield after one saturating flash. After correcting the fluorescence data for inter-system region migration of excitons [5], we obtain a kinetic which corresponds to the observed kinetic for the reopening of photosystem II centers. Thus, we can establish a relation between the measured variable fluorescence and Qa of functional photosystem II centers.
Overview of guide RNA design tools for CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology

CRISPR-Cas (Clustered, Regularly Interspaced, Short Palindromic Repeats–CRISPR-associated (Cas)) RNA guided endonuclease has emerged as the most effective and widely used genome editing technology, which has become the most exciting and rapidly advancing research field. Efficient genome editing by the CRISPR-Cas9 system has been demonstrated in many species, and several laboratories have established CRISPR-Cas9 as a screening tool for systematic genetic analysis, similar to shRNA screening. At least three companies have been founded to leverage this technology for therapeutic uses. To facilitate the implementation of this technology, many software tools have been developed to identify guide RNAs that effectively target a desired genomic region. Here, I provide an overview of the technology, focusing on guide RNA design principles, available software tools and their strengths and weaknesses.
On auditing elections when precincts have different sizes

We address the problem of auditing an election when precincts may have different sizes. Prior work in this field has emphasized the simpler case when all precincts have the same size. Using auditing methods developed for use with equal-sized precincts can, however, be inefficient or result in loss of statistical confidence when applied to elections with variable-sized precincts. We survey, evaluate, and compare a variety of approaches to the variable-sized precinct auditing problem, including the SAFE method [11] which is based on theory developed for equal-sized precincts. We introduce new methods such as the negative-exponential method "NEGEXP" that select precincts independently for auditing with predetermined probabilities, and the "PPEBWR" method that uses a sequence of rounds to select precincts with replacement according to some predetermined probability distribution that may depend on error bounds for each precinct (hence the name PPEBWR: probability proportional to error bounds, with replacement), where the error bounds may depend on the sizes of the precincts, or on how the votes were cast in each precinct. We give experimental results showing that NEGEXP and PPEBWR can dramatically reduce (by a factor or two or three) the cost of auditing compared to methods such as SAFE that depend on the use of uniform sampling. Sampling so that larger precincts are audited with appropriately larger probability can yield large reductions in expected number of votes counted in an audit. We also present the optimal auditing strategy, which is nicely representable as a linear programming problem but only efficiently computable for small elections (fewer than a dozen precincts). We conclude with some recommendations for practice.
Obsessive‐Compulsive Personality Disorder

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the phenomenology of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), the disorder's controversial relationship with OCD, and the appropriateness of its inclusion in OCDs. The clinical diagnosis of OCPD is a chronic maladaptive pattern of excessive perfectionism, preoccupation with orderliness and detail, and need for control over one's environment that leads to significant distress or impairment, particularly in areas of interpersonal functioning. Individuals with this disorder are often characterized as rigid and overly controlling. They may find it difficult to relax, feel obligated to plan out their activities to the minute, and find unstructured time intolerable. Even though it is one of the most frequently diagnosed personality disorders across community and clinical samples, OCPD has received little empirical attention. There have been many theories regarding the etiology of OCPD, including biological and psychological models, but limited empirical data are available to support them. There are no empirically based treatments for OCPD. Clearly more systematic research are needed to further investigate treatment options for OCPD.
Genetic effects on fine structure and development of pigment granules in mouse hair bulb melanocytes: I. The b and d loci

Summary This study dealt with the effect of mutation at theb andd loci on the fine structure of melanin granules in the hair bulb melanocytes of the house mouse. Mutation at theb locus affects both shape and structure of the granules.BB granules are oval, and the structure of the unmelanized granules consists of one or more rolled membranes.bb granules are round, and their internal framework resembles a tangled ball of strands. The principal effect of thed allele on the melanocyte is an increase in the number of granules present, apparently resulting from prolonged retention of granules by the melanocyte. This accumulation is not attributable to any visible property of granule structure or formation. The distribution of unmelanized granules within the melanocyte suggests that both Golgi vesicles and free ribosomes are involved in granule formation. The largest melanized granules in all four genotypes are larger than the largest unmelanized granules, but it is not clear whether growth occurs only by increase in thickness of the melanin deposit or whether there is an addition of new framework.
Gastric hypercarbia and adverse outcome after cardiac surgery

: It has been postulated that splanchnic ischemia, as manifested by gastric hypercarbia, helps to trigger excessive systemic inflammation, which has been linked to the development of adverse postoperative outcome. This study examined whether gastric PCO2 values are associated with adverse outcome in cardiac surgical patients. Prospective cohort study in a tertiary-care hospital. 43 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Simultaneous measurements of gastric PCO2 (using automated air tonometry) and arterial PCO2 were obtained at the beginning and end of surgery. The difference (gap) between regional PCO2 and arterial PCO2 (corrected for temperature) was calculated. Adverse outcome was defined as in-hospital death or prolonged (>10 days) postoperative hospitalization. Fourteen patients fulfilled the predefined definition for adverse outcome. Postoperative ICU stay and postoperative hospital length of stay were significantly longer in these patients. At the end of surgery gastric minus arterial PCO2 gap was significantly larger in patients with adverse outcome. Global hemodynamic and perfusion related variables were not associated with adverse outcome (cardiac index, mean arterial pressure, mixed venous oxygen saturation, arterial lactate, arterial base excess). Gastric minus arterial PCO2 gap after surgery is larger in patients with adverse postoperative outcome, which supports the theory that gastrointestinal reduced perfusion is relevant to the pathogenesis of postoperative morbidity
El espacio onírico y la Querella de las Mujeres en el Espill de Jaume Roig

Este trabajo plantea ampliar los horizontes de la Querella de las Mujeres en los siglos XV y XVI al considerar la dialectica entre los modelos de masculinidad y feminidad en el Espill de Jaume Roig. Estos modelos se caracterizan por la victimizacion fisica de los hombres por parte de las mujeres, mujeres intrinsecamente viles y consideradas como una amenaza a la salud y al poder de los hombres. El refuerzo mutuo de la feminidad y la masculinidad culmina en el espacio onirico del libro tercero, donde el discurso espiritual del Rey Salomon complementa la arenga profana de Roig. Estas dos autoridades se esmeran en adiestrar a los hombres al advertirles de la maldad de las mujeres y ensenarles las consecuencias de tal perversidad en el cuerpo masculino. Con ello, el texto promueve un modelo de masculinidad que hace de la ansiedad un rasgo fundamental de la identidad masculina de esta epoca.
Liquid Propulsion: Systems Engineering, Design Trades, and Testing

Liquid rocket engine design, manufacturing, and testing require implementation of a robust systems engineering process to be successful. In addition to propulsion, there are multiple disciplines involved, including thermal, structures, structural dynamics, electrical engineering, and fluid dynamics. There are also significant interface challenges when integrating the engine system with the launch vehicle. The overall process requires a balance of often competing requirements, including cost, schedule, performance, and reliability. Application of the systems engineering process to liquid rocket engine system design and test evaluation is described in this chapter. Considerations for several system design requirements are covered, including human rating and reliability. After an engine is designed and manufactured, extensive testing and evaluation are required to confirm analytical model predictions and assumptions. Engine testing processes are described to provide an overview of test objectives and requirements. Development testing is used to characterize engine operation and to identify failure modes before qualification begins. Qualification test requirements and flight test demonstration goals will also be reviewed. Finally, systems engineering tools, which are available to prevent and resolve failures, are summarized with specific application to liquid rocket propulsion systems described. Keywords: liquid propulsion; liquid engine; test; trades; systems engineering; failure analysis; requirements
Expression of the syncytial (syn) phenotype in HSV-1, strain KOS: genetic and phenotypic studies of mutants in two syn loci.

Two syncytial (syn) mutants of HSV-1, strain KOS (78R and 804) have been examined with regard to plaque morphology, ability to interact by complementation, position on the physical map of the viral genome, and synthesis of viral proteins and glycoproteins. In contrast to mutant 804 which produced syn plaques at 34° and 39° in human embryonic lung (HEL), Vero, and rabbit kidney (RK) cells, mutant 78R produced syn+ plaques in all three cell types at 34° and syn plaques in HEL and Vero cells at 39°; 78R produced syn+ plaques in RK cells at both temperatures. Vero cells coinfected with 78R and 804 and plated at 39° produced syn+ plaques. The syn+ phenotype produced in mixed infection was shown to result from both complementation and, to a lesser extent, recombination, demonstrating that the two mutants are defective in different loci. Marker transfer experiments using infectious KOS DNA and DNA fragments of 78R and 804 showed that the mutations in 78R and 804 are located between physical map coordinates 0.724–0.747 and 0.040–0.064, respectively. Neither mutant maps in sequences which specify viral glycoproteins. One- and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of d-[14C]glucosamine-labeled glycoproteins synthesized by 78R demonstrated that all viral glycoproteins were synthesized at both 34° and 39° despite previous reports describing a correlation between the absence of viral glycoproteins gB and gC and the syn phenotype. The reduction in the gB dimer evident in 804-infected cells, however, suggests a role for this form of gB in syncytia formation.
Principal Components of Multifrequency Microwave Land Surface Emissivities. Part I: Estimation under Clear and Precipitating Conditions

AbstractThe upcoming Global Precipitation Measurement mission will provide considerably more overland observations over complex terrain, high-elevation river basins, and cold surfaces, necessitating an improved assessment of the microwave land surface emissivity. Current passive microwave overland rainfall algorithms developed for the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) rely upon hydrometeor scattering-induced signatures at high-frequency (85 GHz) brightness temperatures (TBs) and are empirical in nature. A multiyear global database of microwave surface emissivities encompassing a wide range of surface conditions was retrieved from Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (EOS; AMSR-E) radiometric clear scenes using companion A-Train [CloudSat, Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO), and Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)] data. To account for the correlated emissivity structure, the procedure first derives the TRMM Microwave Imager–li...
Techniques and characterization of pulsed electromigration at the wafer-level

Abstract Special testing techniques were developed to circumvent problems associated with high temperature wafer-level probing and pulsed stressing of Al-Si metallizations. Recent results, using these techniques, identify new measurement interferences for highly accelerated electromigration stress tests. Measurements of the median-time-to-failure, t50, for d.c. and pulsed current stress as a function of pulse repetition frequency reveal that highly accelerated stress tests may overestimate metallization reliability.
Random dimer filling of lattices: Three-dimensional application to free radical recombination kinetics

The recombination of nearest neighbors in a condensed matrix of free radicals was modeled by Jackson and Montroll as irreversible, sequential, random dimer filling of nearest-neighbor sites on an infinite, three-dimensional lattice. Here we analyze the master equations for random dimer filling recast as an infinite hierarchy of rate equations for subconfiguration probabilities using techniques involving truncation, formal density expansions (coupled with resummation), and spectral theory. A detailed analysis for the cubic lattice case produces, e.g., estimates for the fraction of isolated empty sites (i.e., free radicals) at saturation. We also consider the effect of a stochastically specified distribution of nonadsorptive sites (i.e., inert dilutents).
Design Methodology of Solar Neighborhoods

Abstract This paper presents a study of the effect of key design parameters on energy performance of two-storey single family dwellings and small scale neighborhoods, in a mid-latitude northern climate. Design parameters include the geometric shapes of dwelling units and their assemblage in a neighborhood. The effects of the design parameters are presented in a matrix that relates design parameters to performance criteria. An example for an evaluation system of the performance of design alternatives is proposed, based on design parameter effects and weights assigned to different performance criteria. Performance criteria considered are heating and cooling energy consumptions, solar energy generation, and shift of peak of electricity generation. The evaluation system is a decision-aiding tool, which enables selection of design parameter values leading to optimal performance for the assumed performance criteria. A design methodology is proposed for the design of solar optimized housing units and neighborhoods, based on the matrix of results and the evaluation system.
Radiobiological effects of high-let particles: DNA strand breaks

Abstract Fundamental studies in radiation biology with high-LET charged particles involve a systematic study of the physical, chemical, molecular and cellular processes. Water molecules and DNA present inside a cell constitute the important targets for energy deposition which eventually lead to either cell death or mutation or transformation. High-LET charged particles are very efficient in causing these types of damages. One of the primary lesions for causing injury to a cell is the production of DNA strand breaks. A good understanding of these breaks is essential before ultimate biological effects of heavy particles can be predicted. Based on known molecular mechanisms of the formation of strand breaks, a theoretical model is presented along with a comparison between the predictions of the model and experimental data. The studies have shown that LET is not a convenient physical parameter to relate the extent of strand breaks and one needs to know the microscopic distribution of energy (track structure). A discussion has also been presented to provide a background on various radiobiological characteristics of high-LET charged particles from the point of view of their uniqueness in damaging cancer cells.
Nephrocalcin isoforms coat crystal surfaces and differentially affect calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal morphology, growth, and aggregation

Calcium oxalate crystals were grown in the presence of each of the four isoforms of nephrocalcin (NC), a urinary protein proposed to inhibit kidney stone growth. Crystal size, morphology, and surface topography were assessed using optical microscopy, Coulter counter measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). All crystals grown in the presence of NC isoforms were calcium oxalate monohydrates (COMs). Crystals formed in the presence of NC-A were smaller than control crystals, which were grown without NC, according to optical and SEM results, suggesting that NC-A restricts crystal growth. In contrast, samples grown with NC-C and NC-D exhibit more large crystals and several crystal aggregates, suggesting that NC-C and -D promote crystal growth and aggregation. Crystals grown with NC-B are not significantly larger or smaller than controls. AFM images of the crystals reveal significantly different surface textures on the control crystals relative to those grown with NC isoforms, indicating that NC acts by coating nascent calcium oxalate crystals. These are the first reported AFM images that show topography of NC-coated crystals. These findings suggest that NC isoforms have distinct interactions with different COM crystal faces, which may be responsible for their different effects on crystal growth and morphology.