cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PDV1 and PDV2 Mediate Recruitment of the Dynamin-Related Protein ARC5 to the Plastid Division Site

During plastid division, the dynamin-related protein ACCUMULATION AND REPLICATION OF CHLOROPLASTS5 (ARC5) is recruited from the cytosol to the surface of the outer chloroplast envelope membrane. In Arabidopsis thaliana arc5 mutants, chloroplasts arrest during division site constriction. Analysis of mutants similar to arc5 along with map-based cloning identified PLASTID DIVISION1 (PDV1), an integral outer envelope membrane protein, and its homolog PDV2 as components of the plastid division machinery. Similar to ARC5, PDV1 localized to a discontinuous ring at the division site in wild-type plants. The midplastid PDV1 ring formed in arc5 mutants and the ARC5 ring formed in pdv1 and pdv2 mutants, but not in pdv1 pdv2 . Stromal FtsZ ring assembly occurred in pdv1 , pdv2 , and pdv1 pdv2 , as it does in arc5 . Topological analysis showed that the large N-terminal region of PDV1 upstream of the transmembrane helix bearing a putative coiled-coil domain is exposed to the cytosol. Mutation of the conserved PDV1 C-terminal Gly residue did not block PDV1 insertion into the outer envelope membrane but did abolish its localization to the division site. Our results indicate that plastid division involves the stepwise localization of FtsZ, PDV1, and ARC5 at the division site and that PDV1 and PDV2 together mediate the recruitment of ARC5 to the midplastid constriction at a late stage of division.
Increased Apoptosis in Cystinotic Fibroblasts and Renal Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells Results from Cysteinylation of Protein Kinase Cδ

Cystinosis is a rare genetic disease characterized by defective lysosomal cystine transport and increased lysosomal cystine. How lysosomal cystine causes the lethal nephropathic phenotype is unknown. It was shown recently that cultured fibroblasts and renal proximal tubule epithelial cells whose lysosomes are cystine-loaded display a two-fold or greater increase in apoptosis after both intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli. The mechanism for the increased apoptosis is unknown. Protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) is a proapoptotic protein kinase that has been shown in vitro to be activated via cysteinylation. This report now shows that PKCδ forms disulfide bonds specifically with cystine that is released from lysosomes in cultured fibroblasts and renal proximal tubule epithelial cells during apoptosis. PKCδ in cystinotic fibroblasts and renal proximal tubule epithelial cells have a four- to six-fold greater association with its substrate, lamin B, and a 2.5-fold increase in specific activity after TNF-α exposure. Both RNA inhibition and chemical inhibition of PKCδ resulted in a significant decrease in apoptosis in cystinotic cells but not in normal cells. It is proposed that abnormally increased apoptosis plays a role in evolution of the cystinotic phenotype.
Vocal Cord Dysfunction Mimics Asthma and May Respond to Heliox

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), an under appreciated cause of wheezing, may be mistaken for or coexist with asthma. The vocal cords involuntarily adduct during inspiration, leading to inspiratory or biphasic wheezing. Asthma therapy offers no benefit and may result in injury. Proof of diagnosis requires endoscopy during an episode. Definitive therapy involves voice training by a speech pathologist, but heliox (20% to 40% oxygen in helium) has been used to reduce symptoms, resulting in dramatic improvement in wheezing and less anxiety. A retrospective review of recent experience with heliox treatment for patients with VCD was conducted, using a search of computerized inpatient and outpatient physician dictation reporting at Scott & White Memorial Hospital and Clinic. Five patients age 10 to 15 years were treated with a favorable response in four. There were no complications of therapy. A high index of suspicion can lead to the diagnosis of VCD, avoiding expensive, inappropriate, and harmful therapy. A trial of heliox inhalation for patients with symptomatic VCD may prove beneficial, analogous to the "reliever" role of beta agonists for asthma. Home or school use of heliox may reduce acute care visits, while voice training ("controller" therapy) is instituted.
Precise control of nitric oxide concentration in the inspired gas of continuous flow respiratory devices.

Inhaled NO has become widely used for diagnosis and therapy of pulmonary hypertension. The potential hazards of NO inhalation include the formation of methemoglobin, formation of NO2, and generation of free radicals in the presence of humidity and oxygen. Careful monitoring of NO and NO2 concentration, and titration of the dose according to a patient's clinical response is essential to minimize toxicity. This paper describes a formula and method that permits calculation and precise control of NO concentration in the inspired gas. The accuracy of the delivery system was assessed by a comparison of calculated and measured NO and NO2 concentrations in a continuous flow ventilator circuit. A comparison of electrochemical detector (ECD) versus chemiluminescence detector (CLD) monitoring techniques showed agreement between the instruments within ∼2 ppm, with the ECD averaging a higher reading than the calculated or CLD measured values. We deemed a 2 ppm discrepancy between instruments clinically acceptable, and concluded that the instruments could be used interchangeably for clinical purposes to measure NO, and that the ECD was preferable to CLD for measuring NO2. Details about the equipment are given and techniques are discussed to avoid the risk of inhalation of toxic concentrations of NO and NO2. This method provides the possibility of using inhaled NO with appropriate safety precautions in the range 0–60 ppm in a variety of continuous flow respiratory devices. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1996; 22:182–187. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Multigenerational effects in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) exposed to hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine (TNX).

Abstract Contamination by hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) has been identified at areas of explosive manufacturing, processing, storage, and usage. Anaerobic conversion of RDX to N-nitroso metabolites (hexahydro-1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazine (MNX), hexahydro-1,3-dinitroso-5-nitro-1,3,5-triazine (DNX), and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine (TNX)) has been demonstrated in the environment and in gastrointestinal tracts of mammals in vivo. Thus, potential exists for exposure to these N-nitroso compounds. While exposed to TNX via drinking water ad libitum, deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) were bred in three generations to produce cohorts F1A-D, F2A-B, and F3A. TNX was administered at four exposure levels: control (0 μg L−1), 10 μg L−1, 100 μg L−1, and 1000 μg L−1. Endpoints investigated include: offspring production, offspring survival, offspring weight gain, and offspring organ weights. TNX exposure decreased litter size and increased postpartum mortality of offspring at the highest exposure level.
Taking Shelter: Estimating the Safety Benefits of Tornado Safe Rooms

Over the past several decades, engineers have made significant progress in the design and construction of structures able to withstand tornadic winds and debris. The aftermath of the 3 May 1999 F5 tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, highlighted the modest market penetration of tornado shelters in metropolitan areas. The authors use historical data from Oklahoma to estimate the potential casualties that tornado shelters could prevent and calculate that the cost per fatality avoided in single-family homes is $29 million while the cost per fatality avoided for mobile homes is $2.6 million. The estimates are sensitive to the proportion of strong (F3 or stronger) tornadoes and the choice of an interest rate for present-value calculations. If the F-scale distribution of Oklahoma tornadoes resembled a reported national frequency distribution and fatalities per category storm are held constant, the permanent home cost per fatality avoided triples to $88 million.
Ventilation during prolonged hypercapnia in the rat.

Awake rats, with chronically implanted arterial catheters and abdominal thermistors, were continuously exposed to 5 or 7% CO2 in air in an environmental chamber for up to 3 wk. To obtain measurements, rats were transferred to a body plethysmograph flushed with the same CO2 mixture, and, after stabilization, O2 consumption (Vo2), ventilation (VE), and arterial blood gases (ABG) were determined. After 2-h exposure, VE, tidal volume/inspiratory time (VT/TI), and VO2 were significantly increased. Thereafter, VE and VT/TI fell gradually with time, the largest decrease occurring within the 1st day of exposure. The increase in VO2 was maintained up to 3 days and then declined. ABG revealed extensive metabolic compensation for respiratory acidosis within 3–7 days. delta(VT/TI) correlated well with delta VE and delta [HCO3]a (P less than 0.05). It is likely that the gradual return toward normal pHa reduces ventilatory drive (VT/TI), which in turn lowers VE. Estimated alveolar ventilation did not decrease consistently with time in parallel with VE, suggesting that the early ventilatory overshoot might also be due to an increase in dead space.
Determination of Serum Prealbumin (Transthyretin) by Competitive Enzyme Immunoassay

A competitive enzyme immunoassay (cEIA) to determine the level of serum prealbumin is described. Antiserum to human serum prealbumin conjugated with peroxidase is incubated with solid-phase–bound human serum protein in the presence of sample or standard. The results obtained by the cEIA method (Y) correlate well with those obtained by the radial immunodiffusion method (X); Y = 1.03X + 5.92, r=0.93 for N=40. The coefficent of variations (CVs) of within-run assays (N=20) from three controls (99, 198, and 394 mg/L) are 7.2%, 5.2%, and 3.5%, respectively, and the CVs of between-run assays from the same three controls for 10 days are 8.3%, 5.7%, and 4.3%, respectively. Interference studies by the multiple regression model indicate that 0.2 g/dL (2 g/L) of added hemoglobin, 12 mg/dL (208 μ mol/L) of added bilirubin, and 545 mg/dL (6.2 mmol/L) of added triglycerides do not interfere significantly ( P <.01) with the assay. The assay is rapid (1 hour) and requires only commercially available reagents. Reference ranges of serum prealbumin for infants (aged 0 to 1 year), toddlers (aged 1 to 3 years), and preschool children (aged 3 to 6 years) are 47 to 187 mg/L, 95 to 307 mg/L, and 64 to 280 mg/L, respectively. There is not a significant difference in the serum prealbumin levels between the sexes of the subjects in the age groups studied. However, the reference range for infants is significantly lower ( P <.05) than those for the other two groups.
Mito en materia: Garcilaso de la Vega y el objeto encontrado

This essay examines Mary Barnard’s recent study on Garcilaso’s poetry and the so-called ‘material culture’ of the Spanish Golden Age. It does so by reflecting on the state of the discipline and by framing this book within a scholarly trend that in the last few years has provided new ways of looking at the European Renaissance.
Vibrated Granular Assemblies: Fluidization and Convection

Molecular dynamics simulations of noncohesive granular assemblies under vibrations are described. The upper portion of the assembly undergoes a fluidization transition when the vibrational accelerations are sufficiently large compared to gravity. The granular fluid has a viscosity that is independent of the imposed vibrations. When the stress imparted by the vibrations becomes anisotropic, convective flow is observed. Variations in the amount of fluidization and convection with changes in the strength of the vibrations are consistent with recent experiments. Furthermore, there appears to be no characteristic acceleration controlling the onset of either phenomenon. A model consisting of a single grain on a vibrating plate is described that reproduces several aspects of the fluidization transition.
Can Class-Based Substitute for Race-Based Student Assignment Plans? Evidence From Wake County, North Carolina:

This study uses a North Carolina administrative data set to analyze racial segregation and student achievement in Wake County during race-based and income-based school assignment plans. We find a m...
Iranian Revolutions in Comparative Perspective

The Iranian revolution of 1978–79 contained major unique features, but also others that yield to comparative analysis. This essay will venture two types of comparison: (1) internal comparison, on a few significant points, with other Iranian rebellions and revolutionary movements since 1890 and (2) external comparison with other great world revolutions, employing theories of revolution that fit the Iranian case. The 1978–79 revolution differed from other “great” revolutions in the centrality of an “orthodox” religious ideology. It also differs from most pre-1979 Third World revolutions in being urban-centered.
The phasing of the cycle of motor activity in the fiddler crab, Uca pugnax

1. The spontaneous locomotor activity of groups of fiddler crabs which were collected from two different beaches where comparable tidal events differ by four hours was recorded under constant laboratory conditions during two different periods in the summer of 1959. 2. During the first 24 hours in the laboratory, the phases of the cycles of activity of tidal or lunar-day frequency were correlated with tidal phases which obtain in the original habitats of the crabs. 3. Gradually the interval of time between peaks of activity for the two groups of animals shortened, and by the seventh or eighth day of observation, the peaks were essentially synchronous, and correlated with the times of zenith and nadir of the moon. These relationships continued through the remainder of the periods of observation. 4. These results show that although the phases of such cycles can be set in adaptive relationships with actual tidal events in the organism's natural environment, the cycles are correlated primarily with lunar events. 5. It is suggested that further study and comparison of the indicators of lunar rhythmicity, color change and locomotor activity, in this species, may be especially helpful in the working out of the mechanisms by which phases of such cycles are set and regulated.
Comprehensive Body Contouring: Theory and Practice

Dennis Hurwitz. Comprehensive Body Contouring: Theory and Practice . New York, NY: Springer, 2015. ISBN-13: 978-3662469750, ISBN-10: 3662469758. $109.00. ![Graphic][1] Dr Dennis Hurwitz has written a surgical text entitled Comprehensive Body Contouring: Theory and Practice . This is a small, condensed hardback. It is divided into sections encompassing aesthetics, conceptual and surgical principles, surgery for women, surgery for men, and facelifting in the body contouring patient. Unlike many texts on body contouring that are divided into treatment of specific body regions, the author structured his text to be more gender-focused, including comprehensive management of body contouring for men and women from head to toe. Notably, there is a whole section of the book devoted to facelift principles this author endorses for individuals who sustained significant weight loss. Included in this text are mommy makeovers, post-bariatric body contouring procedures, and facelift for post-bariatric patients; essentially, the book is a presentation of current surgical techniques Dr Hurwitz endorses, not just a body contouring text as the title leads the reader to anticipate. On first thumb-through, this book, packed with photos, figures, and text between the covers, communicates the energy and enthusiasm the author feels about this subject. Anyone who is familiar with Dr Hurwitz and his presentations will not be confused by this publication as the book personifies … Corresponding Author: Dr Michele A. Shermak, 1304 Bellona Avenue, Lutherville, MD 21093, USA. E-mail: shermakmd{at}gmail.com [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Application of Ultrasonic Phased Array Technique to Nondestructive Testing of Power Industry

The principle of ultrasonic phased array and the classification of phased array probes are analyzed,and the application of ultrasonic phased array technique to the weld joint and forging inspection for power equipment is described. As compared with conventional ultrasonic testing,the ultrasonic phased array testing technique has the advantages of being fast and efficient,fit for complicated structural parts and capable of real-time imaging,etc.;therefore it is promising in the nondestructive testing field of power industry.
Epidemiological Analysis of Effects of Delivery Mode on Newborn's Apgar Score in One-minute

Objective To analyze the impact of delivery mode on newborn's Apgar score in one-minute after the birth.Methods Totally 691 newborns with different modes of delivery,selected from Maternal and Child Health Care Institute of Jixi County from Jan.2005 to Dec.2006,were included in this study.Their Apgar scores in one-minute after the birth were compared and analyzed with epidemiological methods.Results The caesarean section rate was 63.53% during a two-year period in Jixi County.Newborns' Apgar scores in one-minute after the birth were 9.1526 ± 0.8477,9.0819 ± 0.9431,and 7.4500 ± 2.114 in caesarean section group,uneventful vaginal delivery group,and assistant vaginal delivery group.F-test value was 31.5220;there were statistically significant differences among the three groups(P = 0.0000).The percentages of newborn's Apgar score ≤ 7 were 4.56%,5.95% and 35.00% in the three groups(χ2 = 38.7689,P = 0.0000),there were statistically significant differences among them.Assistant vaginal delivery was the risk factor which affected newborn's Apgar score in one-minute after the birth.Conclusions For improving the survival rate of newborn infant,it is necessary for the obstetricians to pay special attention to maternal monitoring during labor and delivery,discovering the risk indicators for labor dystocia in time,and performing caesarean section in the early stage of labor in clinical practice.
Effects of ursodeoxycholic acid on hepatic inflammation and histological stage in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

Objectives : Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been reported to be of benefit in the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis ; however, the effects of UDCA on the histological features of primary biliary cirrhosis are uncertain. The goal of this study was to determine the histological effects of 2 yr of treatment with UDCA compared to placebo in a prospective randomized trial of primary biliary cirrhosis. We also sought to correlate the changes in inflammation and histological stage with changes in serum bilirubin, Mayo Risk Score, and the percentage of UDCA in bile in these patients. Methods : Sixty-one patients (32 receiving UDCA, 29 receiving placebo) who had initial and 2-yr biopsies were studied. Biopsy specimens were evaluated by a single pathologist under coded identification. The degree of inflammation and histological stage were graded on a scale of 0 to 4. Results : There was no significant difference in the degree of inflammation with UDCA treatment when compared to the placebo group at 2 yr. There was a significant but weak indirect association between degree of enrichment of UDCA and changes in inflammation (r = -0.34, p = .02). There was no detectable change in stage in either the UDCA-treated or placebo group when comparing pre- and posttreatment specimens. There were no associations with changes in serum bilirubin or Mayo Risk Score and degree of inflammation. Conclusions : No significant changes in the degree of inflammation or histological stage were apparent after 2 yr of treatment with UDCA or in the placebo group. A tendency toward improvement in inflammation was noted with greater degrees of biliary UDCA enrichment. Longer term studies will be necessary to determine whether UDCA has a beneficial effect on histological stage.
What are the key factors in setting up a successful carotid stent program

Carotid stenting will drastically alter the management of carotid bifurcation stenosis. Key factors to include when initiating a carotid stent program are discussed. Questions addressed include the following: Who has clinical responsibility for patients with carotid disease? What is the rationale for a carotid stent program? How does one initiate a carotid stent program? How does one deal with endovascular realities? Training, patient selection, quality improvement, and proctoring are also reviewed.
Room-Temperature 1.644 Micron Er:YAG Lasers

Room temperature Er:YAG (0.5, 1, 2 and 4%) lasers at 1 644μ were demonstrated by pumping with an Er glass laser at 1.535 μ. An end pumped arrangement was utilized simulating diode laser pumping. The characteristics ot these low threshold and efficient lasers are described.
Analysis and optimization of the two-channel SPR interferometer sensor design

Modeling calculations were carried out on the surface plasmon resonance interferometry (SPRI) technique the experimental studies of which were previously described. This effort was carried out with the goal to clarify the dependencies of the sensing function on the many parameters and variables that impact the performance of this technique. In particular, the calculations focused on the comparison of the sensing function between SPR with interferometry and SPR-only at fixed angles. MATLAB was used in these calculations because it provided detailed control of the modeling efforts.
Implementation and performance of the electronics and computing system of the Gamma Ray Energy Tracking In-Beam Nuclear Array (GRETINA)

The Gamma Ray Energy Tracking In-Beam Nuclear Array (GRETINA), a germanium detector system capable of measuring energy and position (within better than 2 mm rms) of gamma-ray interaction points and tracking multiple gamma-ray interactions, has been built. GRETINA is composed of seven detector modules, each with four high purity germanium crystals. Four custom designed electronics support the operation of the detectors: Digitizer/Digital Signal Processing (DSP), Trigger/Timing, Breakout Chassis and the Detector Interface Box. The Digitizer/DSP converts the analog information with 14-bit analog to digital converters operating at 100 MS/s, and digitally processes the data to determine the energy and timing information of the gamma interactions within a crystal. The computing system is composed of VME readout CPUs running VxWorks, which communicate with 62 dual-processor farm (each processor with four cores) through a 10 Gb/s Ethernet switch. The CPUs read out the digitizer/DSPs and send the data to the farm. The processors compute the position and track of the interactions of the gamma-ray inside the crystals. The processor farm is capable of processing in real-time the position of 20 000 gamma-ray/s. In this paper we will present the details of the implementation and performance of the electronics and computing system of GRETINA.
Direct Hydraulic Parameter and Function Estimation for Diverse Soil Types Under Infiltration and Evaporation

A new computationally efficient direct method is applied to estimating unsaturated hydraulic properties during steady-state infiltration and evaporation at soil surface. For different soil types with homogeneous and layered heterogeneity, soil hydraulic parameters and unsaturated conductivities are estimated. Unlike the traditional indirect inversion method, the direct method does not require forward simulations to assess the measurement-to-model fit; thus, the knowledge of model boundary conditions (BC) is not required. Instead, the method employs a set of local approximate solutions to impose continuity of pressure head and soil water fluxes throughout the inversion domain, while measurements act to condition these solutions. Given sufficient measurements, it yields a well-posed system of nonlinear equations that can be solved with optimization in a single step and is thus computationally efficient. For both Gardner’s and van Genuchten’s soil water models, unsaturated hydraulic conductivities and pressure heads (including the unknown BC) can be accurately recovered. When increasing measurement errors are imposed, inversion becomes less accurate, but the solution is stable, i.e., estimation errors remain bounded. Moreover, when the unsaturated conductivity model is known, inversion can recover its parameters; if it is unknown, inversion can recover a nonparametric, piecewise continuous function to which soil parameters can be obtained via fitting. Overall, inversion accuracy of the direct method is influenced by (1) measurement density and errors; (2) rate of infiltration or evaporation; (3) variation of the unsaturated conductivity; (4) flow direction; (5) the number of soil layers.
A convenient UHPLC-MS/MS method for routine monitoring of plasma and brain levels of nicotine and cotinine as a tool to validate newly developed preclinical smoking model in mouse.

A sensitive, rapid and selective UHPLC–MS/MS method has been developed and validated for the quantification of Nicotine (NT) and Cotinine (CN) using Continine-d 3 as internal standard (IS) as per FDA guidelines. Sample preparation involved simple protein precipitation of 20 µL mouse plasma or brain homogenate using acetonitrile at 1:8 ratio. Mass Spectrometer was operated in positive polarity under the multiple reaction-monitoring mode using electro spray ionization technique and the transitions of m/z 163.2 → 132.1, 177.2 → 98.0 and 180.2 → 101.2 were used to measure the NT, CN and IS, respectively. The elution of NT, CN and IS are at 1.89, 1.77 and 1.76 min, respectively. This was achieved with a gradient mobile phase consisting of 5 mM ammonium bicarbonate, acetonitrile and methanol (3:1, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min on a Kinetex EVO C18 column. The method was validated with a lower limit of quantitation 3.0 ng/mL in mouse plasma and brain for both the analytes. A linear response function was established for the range of concentrations 3–200 (r > 0.995) for NT and 3–600 ng/mL (r > 0.995) for CN. The intra- and inter-day precision values met the acceptance criteria. NT and CN are stable in the battery of stability studies viz., stock solution, bench-top and auto-sampler. This method was successfully utilized to validate a newly developed preclinical smoking model in mice.
Epidemiologic approach to solving beef herd production or disease problems

Diagnosis of production or disease problems on a herd basis is often more challenging than diagnosis of individual animal disease. In herd diagnostics, the influence of environmental factors and interactions between individuals must be considered in addition to individual animals. While the identification of etiologic factors is the definitive diagnosis needed to correct individual animal health problems, identification of the conditions that allow expression of the etiologic factors is necessary to solve herd problems. The steps and objectives of individual animal and herd diagnostics are compared in Table 1. Control of disease at the herd level is widely believed to be more financially beneficial to livestock producers than treatment of individual ill animals. A knowledge base of veterinary medicine, epidemiologic methods, and modern animal husbandry is essential for successful herd diagnostics.
Paclitaxel Plasma Concentration after the First Infusion Predicts Treatment-Limiting Peripheral Neuropathy.

Purpose: Paclitaxel exposure, specifically the maximum concentration (Cmax) and amount of time the concentration remains above 0.05 μmol/L (Tc>0.05), has been associated with the occurrence of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. The objective of this study was to validate the relationship between paclitaxel exposure and peripheral neuropathy.Experimental Design: Patients with breast cancer receiving paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 × 12 weekly doses were enrolled in an observational clinical study (NCT02338115). Paclitaxel plasma concentration was measured at the end of and 16-26 hours after the first infusion to estimate Cmax and Tc>0.05 Patient-reported peripheral neuropathy was collected via CIPN20 at each dose, and an 8-item sensory subscale (CIPN8) was used in the primary analysis to test for an association with Tc>0.05 Secondary analyses were conducted using Cmax as an alternative exposure parameter and testing each parameter with a secondary endpoint of the occurrence of peripheral neuropathy-induced treatment disruption.Results: In 60 subjects included in the analysis, the increase in CIPN8 during treatment was associated with baseline CIPN8, cumulative dose, and relative dose intensity (P 0.05 (P = 0.27) nor Cmax (P = 0.99). In analyses of the secondary endpoint, cumulative dose (OR = 1.46; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18-1.80; P = 0.0008) and Tc>0.05 (OR = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.06-3.01; P = 0.029) or Cmax (OR = 2.74; 95% CI, 1.45-5.20; P = 0.002) were associated with peripheral neuropathy-induced treatment disruption.Conclusions: Paclitaxel exposure is predictive of the occurrence of treatment-limiting peripheral neuropathy in patients receiving weekly paclitaxel for breast cancer. Studies are warranted to determine whether exposure-guided dosing enhances treatment effectiveness and/or prevents peripheral neuropathy in these patients. Clin Cancer Res; 24(15); 3602-10. ©2018 AACR.
Renewable Energy: Status and Prospects – Status of Electricity Generation from Renewable Energy

By 2050, the increased use of renewables such as hydropower, wind, solar, and biomass in power generation is projected to contribute between 9% and 16% of the CO2 emission reductions. The share of renewables in the generation mix increases from 18% today, to as high as 34% by 2050. Hydropower is already widely deployed and is, in many areas, the cheapest source of power. There is considerable potential for expansion, particularly for small hydro plants. The costs of onshore and offshore wind have declined sharply in recent years through mass deployment, the use of larger blades, and more sophisticated controls. Costs depend on location. The best onshore sites, which can produce power for about USD 0.04 per kWh, are already competitive with other power sources. Offshore installations are more costly, especially in deep water, but are expected to be commercial after 2030. In situations where wind will have a very high share of generation, it will need to be complemented by sophisticated networks, back-up systems, or storage, to accommodate its intermittency. It is projected that power generation from wind turbines is set to increase rapidly. The combustion of biomass for power generation is a well-proven technology. It is commercially attractive where quality fuel is available and affordable. Co-firing a coal-fired power plant with a small portion of biomass requires no major plant modifications, can be highly economic and can also contribute to CO2 emission reductions. The costs of high-temperature geothermal resources for power generation have dropped substantially since the 1970s. Geothermal’s potential is enormous, but it is a site-specific resource that can only be accessed in certain parts of the world for power generation. Lower-temperature geothermal resources for direct uses like district heating and ground-source heat pumps are more widespread. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is playing a rapidly growing role in niche applications. Costs have dropped with increased deployment and continuing R&D. Concentrating solar power (CSP) also has promising prospects. By 2050, however, solar’s (PV and CSP) share in global power generation is still projected to be below 2%.
Claims of Near-Death Experiences, Gestalt Resistance Processes, and Measures of Optimal Functioning

The present study investigated the relationship between claims of near-death experiences (NDEs) and measures of self-actualization, Gestalt resistance processes, transfluence, mystical experiences, and claims of peak life experiences in a sample of 155 individuals. As hypothesized, I found significant positive correlations between the claims of NDEs and transfluence and mystical experiences. I found no significant correlations between claims of NDEs and the seven Gestalt resistances, suggesting that NDErs are neither more nor less resistant than nonNDErs. I also found no significant relationship between claims of NDEs and self-actualization or claims of peak life experiences.
Reexamining the proton-radius problem using constrained Gaussian processes

Background: The ``proton radius puzzle'' refers to an 8-year-old problem that highlights major inconsistencies in the extraction of the charge radius of the proton from muonic Lamb-shift experiments as compared against experiments using elastic electron scattering. For the latter approach, the determination of the charge radius involves an extrapolation of the experimental form factor to zero momentum transfer.Purpose: To estimate the proton radius, a novel and powerful nonparametric method based on a constrained Gaussian process is introduced. The constrained Gaussian process models the electric form factor as a function of the momentum transfer.Methods: Within a Bayesian paradigm, we develop a model flexible enough to fit the data without any parametric assumptions on the form factor. The Bayesian estimation is guided by imposing only two physical constraints on the form factor: (a) its value at zero momentum transfer (normalization) and (b) its overall shape, assumed to be a monotonically decreasing function of the momentum transfer. Variants of these assumptions are explored to assess their impact.Results: By adopting both constraints and incorporating the whole range of experimental data available we extracted a charge radius of ${r}_{p}=0.845\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.001\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{fm}$, consistent with the muonic experiment. Nevertheless, we show that within our model the extracted radius depends on both the assumed constraints and the range of experimental data used to fit the Gaussian process. For example, if only low-momentum-transfer data are used, relaxing the normalization constraint provides a value compatible with the larger electronic value.Conclusions: We have presented a novel technique to estimate the proton radius from electron-scattering data based on a constrained Gaussian process. We demonstrated that the impact of imposing sensible physical constraints on the form factor is substantial. Also critical is the range of the experimental data used in the extrapolation. We are hopeful that as the technique gets refined, together with the anticipated new results from the PRad experiment, we will get closer to a resolution of the puzzle.
Noninteger Root Transformations for Preprocessing Nanoelectrospray Ionization High-Resolution Mass Spectra for the Classification of Cannabis.

Typically, for measurements with a high dynamic range, the range is reduced by using the square root transform. By using noninteger roots coupled with systematic experimental design, improvements to the measurements may be obtained. The effect of using noninteger root transformation was evaluated using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) combined with nanoelectrospray ionization (Nano-ESI) to differentiate 23 samples of Cannabis. The mass spectra were evaluated and classified using different mass resolving powers and noninteger root transformations. Classification was achieved by super partial least-squares discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA), support vector machine (SVM), and SVM classification tree type entropy (SVMTreeH). The 2.5 root transformation gave the best overall performance at different resolving powers for chemical profiling from a multilevel factorial experimental design using 2 factors and more than 4 levels. Response surface modeling using a cubic polynomial model of the bootstrapped sPLS...
Development of Proportional Valve for Respiratory Training System BreathForce

Respiratory Training (RT) is an essential aspect of rehabilitation for patients with compromised respiratory function including individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) above T5. In this population, respiratory and cardiovascular problems are the main cause of morbidity and mortality. With the help of RT, patients are able to regain a percentage of their prior lung and cardiovascular capacity and capabilities. However, current RT devices are based on manually adjusted air pressure threshold or resistance; they do not have a data collection option; and they do not provide biofeedback during training session. BreathForce RT technology eliminates the need for the patient to be in a clinical setting during data recording and provides monitoring of the functional changes over the course of training. BreathForce is a portable RT system with an integrated pressure sensor, system actuated proportional control valve, and touchscreen interface that allows the patient to undergo therapy at their convenience according to the individually developed training protocol. However, the first prototype required manual adjustment of the pressure threshold valves. This study investigated the use of a program actuated ball valve driven by a servo motor. 3D printed gears with a 5:3 ratio, with the larger gear on the ball valve, were mounted onto the ball valve and servo. This configuration proportionally controls the amount of air flowing through the device depending on the patient’s desired level of inspiratory and expiratory loads. Through preliminary data obtained from one test subject, the proportional valve demonstrated the ability to automatically change the resistance which in turn altered the amount of breathing work. Overall, BreathForce is an inexpensive, effective, and innovative alternative to existing RT devices which will allow patients suffering from respiratory-cardiovascular deficits to perform controlled therapy at home.
Automated Management of Deep Learning Experiments

Developing a deep learning model is an iterative, experimental process that produces tens to hundreds of models before arriving at a satisfactory result. While there has been a surge in the number of software tools that aim to facilitate deep learning, the process of managing the models and their artifacts is still surprisingly challenging and time-consuming. Existing model-management solutions are either tailored for commercial platforms or require significant code changes. In this paper, we introduce a lightweight system, named ModelKB, that can automatically extract and manage the model's metadata and provenance information (e.g., the used datasets and hyperparameters). Our overarching goal is to automate the management of deep learning experiments with minimal user intervention. Moreover, ModelKB provides a stepping stone to facilitate model selection and reproducibility.
Measurement of the p − p Elastic-Scattering Spin Parameter C LL at 11.75 GeV/ c for θ c . m . = 48 ° − 90 °

Results are presented of a measurement of the proton-proton elastic-scattering spin parameter ${C}_{\mathrm{LL}}=(L,L;0,0)$ at 11.75 GeV/c and ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}=48\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\ensuremath{-}90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$. The value of ${C}_{\mathrm{LL}}$ is nearly constant and is approximately -0.16 in this angular region. This behavior is consistent with only one of the many models proposed describing the interaction via the hard scattering of two quarks.
Team Aspects of Hobby-Based Entrepreneurship

This research investigates how startup team characteristics correlate with a probability that a hobby-based entrepreneur forms a new profitable firm. We found that hobby-based ventures are more lik...
Chemo-economic analysis of battery aging and capacity fade in lithium-ion battery

Abstract Degradation due to capacity fade is a major cause of concern involved in the design and implementation of lithium-ion battery. In particular, the formation and growth of Solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI) have been considered as one of the primary degradation mechanisms affecting the cycle life of the battery. Over the past decade, several models have been reported towards simulation of SEI growth-induced degradation and prediction of cycle life. In this work, an efficient reduced-order electrochemical model was developed for a lithium cobalt oxide/graphite battery. A reaction–diffusion based SEI model was integrated with the electrochemical model to predict the cyclic capacity loss due to electrolyte deposition on the anode. The algorithm developed for this battery module was designed to reduce the computational time for capacity fade calculation with any (dis)charging protocol. The model was also applied for a lithium ferrous phosphate/graphite cell and in both cases, the fade predictions were within ±1% deviation from the experimental results. A comparison of two charging protocols was undertaken to identify approaches that improve capacity fade characteristics of battery. The electrochemical benefit of a reduced fading rate for aged (or used) lithium battery was investigated. A concept of “aged-battery” was proposed to be used as an advantage for better cycle-life in battery for biomedical devices and recycling of electric vehicle battery for solar panels applications. An economic analysis was performed to justify the benefits from lower fade that was weighed against the additional cost involved in aging the battery.
Outcomes after combined percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty and external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of congenital pulmonic stenosis in four dogs.

Abstract Valve restenosis after percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) for the treatment of congenital pulmonic stenosis (PS) may occur in up to 17% of canine cases. Outcomes in dogs with PS that are treated with repeat BPV after restenosis have not been described. The present report details the clinical courses of four dogs with congenital PS, previously treated with conventional BPV and atenolol (n = 4) or atenolol alone (n = 1), two with anomalous, circumpulmonary coronary artery anatomy, which underwent BPV followed immediately by external beam radiation therapy (BPV + EBRT) to prevent valve restenosis. External beam radiation therapy involved five daily fractions of 3.6 Gray to the pulmonic valve. Echocardiographic and clinical follow-up information for 2–4 years after BPV + EBRT is presented. Three dogs experienced long-term reduction in transpulmonic pressure gradient. In one dog, which was treated with conservative BPV + EBRT as first-line therapy, return of transpulmonic pressure gradient to pretreatment levels was noted by 7 months after BPV + EBRT. Although clinical benefit remains unproven, the addition of EBRT to conventional BPV may be a treatment option for dogs experiencing restenosis after BPV or those in which restenosis is considered likely. Further study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this approach is needed.
Pilot study evaluating the efficacy of exergaming for the prevention of deep venous thrombosis.

Abstract Objective Current prophylactic protocols fail to prevent deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in a significant minority of patients, and it remains one of the leading causes of preventable death. We therefore quantified the efficacy of novel game-based exercises (exergaming) to augment femoral venous parameters relative to ankle movement and muscle flexion. Methods Healthy volunteers were recruited to perform a series of ankle and foot exercises using a wireless foot sensor (LEGSys; BioSensics LLC, Watertown, Mass) to navigate a computer cursor sequentially on a screen to the center of 200 circular targets. A single ultrasound technician (W.A.M.) measured each patient's mean flow volume, peak flow velocity, mean flow velocity, and cross-sectional area of the right femoral vein at baseline and obtained immediate postexercise (PEX), 5-minute PEX, and 15-minute PEX measurements. Electromyography (EMG) was performed at baseline and during the exercise. Baseline demographics and medical and surgical comorbidities were also recorded. The primary end point was the difference between baseline and immediate PEX mean flow volume estimates. We secondarily explored the association of baseline characteristics and EMG measurements with femoral vein parameters. Results Fifteen healthy subjects (53% male; 28.1 ± 4.6 years) completed the exergaming task within a mean of 4 minutes, 2 ± 21 seconds. Immediately after exercise, the femoral vein mean flow volume, mean velocity, and peak systolic velocity increased by 49%, 53%, and 48%, respectively (P .05). Subgroup analysis revealed that women (P Conclusions Exergaming increases mean flow volume, mean flow velocity, and peak systolic velocity within the femoral vein by approximately 50% above baseline. Exergaming represents a novel and potentially attractive method of DVT prevention by augmenting femoral vein mean volume flow and capitalizing on biofeedback. Less forceful but more uniform contractions were found to be most effective at augmenting venous blood flow. Exergaming will require further validation in larger study bases, among patients at higher risk of DVT.
Treating food selectivity as resistance to change in children with autism spectrum disorder

Change-resistant behavior, such as rigid and selective food consumption, is a core symptom of autism that can have significant negative consequences for the child (Flygare Wallen et al., 2018; Levy et al., 2019). In the current study, we used a matching-law-based intervention (Fisher et al., 2019) to treat the change-resistant feeding behavior of 7 young children with autism. The feeder gave the participant a choice between a change-resistant and an alternative food during free- and asymmetrical-choice conditions. Alternative-food consumption increased for 2 participants during asymmetrical choice when the feeder provided a preferred item for consuming the alternative food and no programmed consequence for consuming the change-resistant food. Alternative-food consumption increased for the other 5 participants after the feeder exposed at least 1 food to single choice in which the feeder guided the participant to put the bite of alternative food in his or her mouth if he or she did not do so within 8 s of presentation. Effects of the single-choice contingencies maintained during reversals and generalized to other alternative foods the feeder did not expose to single choice. These results are important because participants consumed alternative foods even when their change-resistant foods were present, which is similar to typical mealtime contexts in which children have choices among foods.