cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overview of obesity.

The purpose of this article is to provide a succinct overview of obesity. It will be useful to highlight some of the epidemiological issues associated with this disease. Obesity is intertwined between public health issues, increased risk of morbidity and mortality, rising health care costs and expensive treatment options, social stigma, and internal psychological challenges--clearly no easy answers as to how to treat this health dilemma. Even with all of the challenges, bariatric surgery certainly offers a viable option for patients to get their health back, and more important, their lives back.
Summertime and the Research Is Easy [Perspectives on Graduate Life]

Summertime in a research laboratory is a wonderful experience. The ebb and flow of research activity abides by no schedule, least of all an academic calendar, and yet there is a pervasive undertone of contentedness and ease in the summer that replaces the more frenetic forward tilt of the school year. For a student like me, fresh from his or her first year of graduate school, summer is a relief of coursework-free time practically begging to be overwhelmed with experiments and relevant literature. Anything seems possible. In fact, these may be the months during which Nobel prize-winning work is dreamed up and carried out.
Effect of Bridge Truncation of Classical 2,4-Diamino-5-Substituted Furo [2,3-d] Pyrimidine and 2-Amino-4-Oxo-6-Substituted Pyrrolo [2,3-d] Pyrimidine on Antifolate Activity

Folate metabolism has been an attractive chemotherapeutic target due to its crucial role in the biosynthesis of nucleic acid precursors (1). Tetrahydrofolate (FH4), the key component of folate metabolism, serves as a cofactor precursor to carry one-carbon units. FH4 is formed by the NADPH-dependent reduction of 7,8-dihydrofolate (FH2) by the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) (2). DHFR along with thymidylate synthase (TS) forms part of the system responsible for the synthesis of 2’-deoxythymidine-5’-monophosphate (dTMP) from 2’-deoxyuridine-5’-monophosphate (dUMP). TS catalyzes the sole de novo synthesis of dTMP from dUMP and utilizes 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate as the source of the one carbon as well as the reductant (3). Thus, inhibitors of DHFR and TS have found clinical utility as antitumor, antibacterial, and antiprotozoan agents (4). Several classical antifolates like ZD 1694 (Tomudex) and methotrexate (MTX) are clinically used antitumor agents.
The effect of macrocytosis on rat erythrocyte deformability during recovery from phenylhydrazine-induced anemia.

To investigate the role of red blood cell (RBC) geometry in determining the filterability of stress-induced macrocytes, measurements of RBC volume, diameter, and passage time through 3 micron and 5 micron filters were made on RBCs from control rats and from phenylhydrazine-treated rats during a 28-day recovery period following the peak hemolytic response to the anemia induced by phenylhydrazine (PHZ). Mean cell volumes (MCV) were calculated from volume distribution curves; RBC diameters were obtained from peripheral blood smears; surface area (SA) and mean cylindrical diameter (MCD) were calculated using a biconcave erythrocyte model. At the time of the peak macroreticulocyte response to PHZ, MCD and MCV were significantly increased compared to controls (3.07 vs 2.57 microns, and 102.1 vs 59.7 cubic microns, respectively), the ratio SA/MCV was significantly reduced (1.405 vs 1.670), and RBC filterability through both 3 and 5 micron cylindrical pores was significantly reduced. During the 28-day recovery period, MCV, MCD, SA/MCV, and filterability all returned toward the control values, MCD was inversely correlated with filterability through both 3 micron (r = -0.861, p less than .01) and 5 micron (r = -0.767, p less than .01) pores, and MCD fell below 3.6 microns in 97.5% of the animals despite the persistence of large macrocytic subpopulations. These results emphasize the correlation between RBC geometry and filterability, and demonstrate that macrocytes with favorable geometry can persist in the circulation for extended periods without remodeling or reduction in size.
Depression with Mixed Features in Adolescent Psychiatric Patients

Depression with mixed features is poorly understood, especially in pediatric samples. This study compares symptoms and correlates of depressed adolescent inpatients with mixed features to inpatients with bipolar disorder and major depression. 407 adolescents were administered diagnostic interviews and self-reports, and 262 were categorized as Depression with Mixed Features (MXD; n = 38), Consensus Bipolar (CB; n = 79), or Depression Only (DO; n = 145). Demographic and morbidity information were collected via chart reviews. MXD adolescents evidenced elevated mania-related symptoms compared to DO adolescents. MXD adolescents had elevated Unusually Energetic symptoms and increases for six additional category B mania-related symptoms compared to CB adolescents. MXD adolescents met criteria for more comorbid disorders and reported elevated suicidality, anger, and trauma symptoms compared to CB and DO adolescents. Overall, MXD adolescents evidenced elevated symptomatology compared to other groups, suggesting mixed depression may represent a unique constellation of symptoms meriting further investigation.
Cryoglobulinemic Syndromes: Diagnosis and Management

The cryoglobulinemic syndromes are a collection of syndromes in which a cryoglobulin, made up of immunoglobulin and complement component precipitates upon cooling. While the majority of the patients with a cryoglobulin are asymptomatic, unique clinical syndromes may occur often resulting in life-threatening complications. The Brouet classification uses the clonality of the cryoglobulin to define the subtype, and the clinical manifestations vary upon the type of cryoglobulinemia Type I versus mixed cryoglobulinemias (Type II or III). While immediate management is dependent upon controlling the cryoglobulin, the management is in large part contingent upon treating the underlying condition that gave rise to the cryoglobulin. Immediate management of the organ-specific complications is necessary if required, but management of the underlying condition, if identified, is crucial to long-term control. In Type I cryoglobulinemia, treatment of the underlying lymphoproliferative disorder remains the focus of the primary management, while with the mixed cryoglobulinemia, the management is dependent upon treating the infectious or non-infectious etiology. For patients with infectious mixed cryoglobulinemia, the combination of antiviral therapy and rituximab appears to result in improved outcomes while those patients with non-infectious, or essential cryoglobulinemia, the combination of corticosteroids and rituximab should be considered.
A Fast Visual Odometry and Mapping System for RGB-D Cameras

The introduction of low cost range sensing devices such as RGB-D cameras allows applications for Robotics to exploit novel and real-time capabilities. One such application is Visual Odometry, a module responsible to use the synchronized color/depth streams captured by this class of sensors to estimate the position and orientation of a robot at the same time that a map representation of the environment is built. Aiming to localize robots in a fast and efficient way, we design a Visual Odometry system for RGB-D sensors that allows real-time (approximately 25 Hz) camera pose estimation despite the fact that no specialized hardware (such as modern GPUs) is employed. Experiments carried out on publicly available benchmark and datasets demonstrate the usefulness of the method, which achieved localization accuracy superior to the state-of-the-art RGB-D SLAM algorithm.
A group-mediated physical activity intervention in older knee osteoarthritis patients: effects on social cognitive outcomes

The objective of the present study was to compare a group-mediated cognitive behavioral (GMCB) physical activity intervention with traditional exercise therapy (TRAD) upon select social cognitive outcomes in sedentary knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) patients. A total of 80 patients (mean age = 63.5 years; 84% women) were recruited using clinic and community-based strategies to a 12-month, single-blind, two-arm, randomized controlled trial. Mobility-related self-efficacy, self-regulatory self-efficacy (SRSE), and satisfaction with physical function (SPF) were assessed at baseline, 3, and 12 months. Results of intent-to-treat 2 (Treatment: GMCB and TRAD) × 2 (Time: 3 and 12 month) analyses of covariance yielded significantly greater increases in SRSE and SPF (P < 0.01) relative to TRAD. Partial correlations revealed that changes in SRSE and SPF were significantly related (P < 0.05) to improvements in physical activity and mobility at 3 and 12-months. The GMCB intervention yielded more favorable effects on important social cognitive outcomes than TRAD; these effects were related to improvements in physical activity and mobility.
Immunizations: An Evolving Paradigm for Oral Health Care Providers

Oral health care professionals are at risk for the transmission of bacterial and viral microorganisms. Providers need to be knowledgeable about the exposure/transmission of life-threatening infections and options for prevention. This article is designed to increase the oral health care provider's awareness of the latest assessment of vaccine-preventable diseases that pose a high risk in the dental health care setting. Specific dosing strategies are suggested for the prevention of infections based on available evidence and epidemiologic changes. This information will provide a clear understanding for prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases that pose a public health consequence.
An Honors College with a Social Mission: Service-Learning from the Perspective of Students and Administrators

By adopting a Mission/Vision Statement that promotes public service and civic virtue, Penn State's newly established Schreyer Honors College (SHC) joins an increasing number of American universities that have embraced “service-learning.” As a case study, the SHC demonstrates that effectively institutionalizing service-learning is complex and requires more than innovative rhetoric and opportunities for students to volunteer. Despite a proactive administration and evidence of a growing interest among students in community service, I argue that the Mission/Vision Statement of the SHC will most likely remain in the realm of rhetoric until service-learning becomes a mandated component of the honors curriculum.
The Nature of the Relationship Between Anxiety and the Error-Related Negativity Across Development

I review the literature on the relationship between anxiety and the error-related negativity (ERN), a neurophysiological marker of performance monitoring, across development. I cover the development of the ERN, its functional significance, and its different relationship with anxiety in young children compared to adolescents and adults. Contemporary research indicates that the ERN becomes larger with age and shows primary sources in cingulate, frontal, and motor cortices. Functional accounts of the ERN and its relationship with anxiety emphasize either cognitive control or affective mechanisms. Converging evidence across development suggests a reduced ERN characterizes anxious young children whereas an enlarged ERN characterizes older children, adolescents, and adults. The mechanisms involved in the developmental change in the relationship between the ERN and anxiety have important implications for better understanding interactions between cognitive control, anxiety, and motivation across the life span. Further research is needed to address extant methodological limitations and make stronger links to related neuroscience findings and theory on the development of anxiety and self-control.
Situating System and Giving Self Its Due: A Story-Based Counseling Model

This essay explores Michael P. Nichols' criticism of certain aspects of the family systems therapeutic model, especially his concern that it takes insufficient account of the self in the family system. Building on Nichols' argument, and noting the paradigm shift occurring among family therapists from systems to story thinking, the essay sets forth a story model of counseling having four primary postulates: (a) possibilities for change are inherent in every story told; (b) characters in stories are always more than their ascribed social roles; (c) systems or dyadic and triadic relationships are a property of stories; and (d) the self is both a constituent of stories and exists independently of them. The importance of autobiographical studies to mediate pastoral theology's theoretical interest in theological anthropology and the story model of pastoral counseling is noted but not explored in depth.
Potential Applications of HDTV in the Federal Government

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses potential applications of HDTV in the federal government. The use of HDTV in conjunction with high-bandwidth links should enable these changes to occur in a cost-effective manner, one which can be implemented quickly and easily once the broadband networks are in place. Another important application of HDTV in health care will be that of patient care, and health education in the home, which is expected to be another method used to reduce costs, and improve patient care. A display device with the resolution of HDTV should permit household residents to receive information, and training on how to care for a family member recouperating at home, and also, when equipped with a video camera, for physicians to have video visits with the ill person; thus saving the physicians time and also travel discomfort for the patient. A computer connected to monitoring devices could be used in conjunction with the HDTV, and video camera to relay critical patient data to a hospital, or physician, wherever he may be.
Religion and women’s rights: Susan Moller Okin, Mary Wollstonecraft, and the multiple feminist liberal traditions

ABSTRACTWe trace Susan Moller Okin’s reception of Mary Wollstonecraft with respect to the relationship between religion and feminist liberalism, by way of manuscripts housed at Somerville College, ...
Effect of Crystallinity on Li Adsorption in Polyethylene Oxide

Despite their numerous benefits, the use of solid-polymer electrolytes, such as polyethylene oxide (PEO), in next-generation Li-ion batteries is constrained by their lower ionic conductivity. To overcome this bottleneck and design materials with higher conductivity, it is important to elucidate the underlying atomistic mechanisms of Li-ion adsorption in such materials. Here, we have performed a comprehensive statistical analysis of the interaction of Li and Li+ at numerous locations in crystalline and amorphous PEO. Our in-depth analysis of the Li–O bonding environment using ab initio calculations reveals that Li/Li+ can bind with more number of oxygen atoms in amorphous PEO compared to crystalline case. The maximum value of coordination number, that is, the number of oxygen atoms bonded with Li/Li+ is 3 for crystalline PEO and 5 for amorphous PEO. This can be attributed to the access to more neighboring oxygen atoms in amorphous PEO. Binding energy calculations reveal that the interaction of Li and Li+ s...
Nonviolent Resistance in the Struggle for Housing in Urban Areas of Brazil: The Direct Action of the Roofless Workers’ Movement

This chapter analyses the civil resistance campaign of the Roofless Workers’ Movement (MTST) for the right to housing in the periphery of large cities of Brazil. It explains how this social movement of workers used direct action, including land occupations and political actions, to achieve its objectives. Irrespective of the political parties in power, the movement mobilized against the state and private companies to denounce the violation of the right to decent housing, from which many Brazilians who live in the suburbs of cities have been deprived, and press for an effective urban reform. Without knowing much about civil resistance, its members adopted many of its principles in their nonviolent struggle for the recognition of the constitutional right to housing.
Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: Epidemiology, Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. In the past decade, significant advances have been made in the science of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Screening has been introduced with the goal of early detection. The National Lung Screening Trial found a lung cancer mortality benefit of 20% and a 6.7% decrease in all-cause mortality with the use of low-dose chest computed tomography in high-risk individuals. The treatment of lung cancer has also evolved with the introduction of several lines of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and NTRK mutations. Similarly, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have dramatically changed the landscape of NSCLC treatment. Furthermore, the results of new trials continue to help us understand the role of these novel agents and which patients are more likely to benefit; ICIs are now part of the first-line NSCLC treatment armamentarium as monotherapy, combined with chemotherapy, or after definite chemoradiotherapy in patients with stage III unresectable NSCLC. Expression of programmed cell death protein-ligand 1 in malignant cells has been studied as a potential biomarker for response to ICIs. However, important drawbacks exist that limit its discriminatory potential. Identification of accurate predictive biomarkers beyond programmed cell death protein-ligand 1 expression remains essential to select the most appropriate candidates for ICI therapy. Many questions remain unanswered regarding the proper sequence and combinations of these new agents; however, the field is moving rapidly, and the overall direction is optimistic.
A Quantitative Physical Model of the Snow Crystal Morphology Diagram

I describe a semi-empirical molecular model of the surface attachment kinetics governing ice crystal growth from water vapor as a function of temperature, supersaturation, and crystal mesostructure. An important new hypothesis in this model is surface-energy-driven molecular diffusion enabled by a leaky Ehrlich-Schwoebel barrier. The proposed surface-diffusion behavior is sensitive to facet width and surface premelting, yielding structure-dependent attachment kinetics with a complex temperature dependence. By incorporating several reasonable assumptions regarding the surface premelting behavior on basal and prism facets, this model can explain the overarching features of the snow crystal morphology diagram, which has been an enduring scientific puzzle for nearly 75 years.
Phosphate functionalization and enzymatic calcium mineralization synergistically enhance oligo[poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate] hydrogel osteoconductivity for bone tissue engineering

A current approach in bone tissue engineering is the implantation of polymeric scaffolds that promote osteoblast attachment and growth as well as biomineralization. One promising polymer is oligo[poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate] (OPF), a polyethylene glycol-based material that is biocompatible, injectable, and biodegradable, but in its native form does not support robust bone cell attachment or growth. To address this issue, this study evaluated the osteoconductivity of bis[02-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate (BP) functionalized OPF hydrogels (OPF-BP) using MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells, both before and after enzymatic mineralization with a calcium solution. The inclusion of negatively charged functional groups allowed for the tailored uptake and release of calcium, while also altering the mechanical properties and surface topography of the hydrogel surface. In cell culture, OPF-BP hydrogels with 20 and 30% (w/w) BP optimized osteoblast attachment, proliferation, and differentiation after a 21-day in vitro period. In addition, the OPF-BP30 treatment, when mineralized with calcium, exhibited a 128% increase in osteocalcin expression when compared with the non-mineralized treatment. These findings suggest that phosphate functionalization and enzymatic calcium mineralization can act synergistically to enhance the osteoconductivity of OPF hydrogels, making this processed material an attractive candidate for bone tissue engineering applications.
Socioeconomic determinants of the surgical treatment of colorectal liver metastases

Abstract Objective We hypothesized that differences in resection rates of colorectal liver metastases exist based on socioeconomic status (SES) inequalities. Methods The NCDB was utilized to study patients of different median household income diagnosed with colon adenocarcinoma from 2010 to 2015. Results A total of 21,258 patients met inclusion criteria, of whom 3,587 (16.9%) underwent metastasectomy. Patients of the highest income quartile were more likely to undergo metastasectomy compared to the lowest quartile (OR 1.20, CI 1.07–1.37, p = 0.003). Overall, patients in the highest income quartile had a median OS of 17.1 months compared with 13.0 months for the lowest quartile (HR 0.85, CI 0.81–0.90, p Conclusion Higher income patients were more likely to undergo metastasectomy compared with lower income patients and were associated with longer OS.
Outcome following repair of 63 sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx in UK Thoroughbreds using either a triangular or linear screw configuration.

BACKGROUND A triangular screw configuration has been suggested as preferable for repair of sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx. OBJECTIVE To assess the outcome of a triangular screw construct for repair of incomplete and complete minimally displaced proximal phalanx fractures under standing sedation in a population of Thoroughbred racehorses, compared with a cohort repaired using a linear screw configuration. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Medical records and radiographs were accessed to garner clinical data. Date of return to racing was determined from www.racingpost.com. Survival data were compared using log-rank test. RESULTS Sixty-two horses with one horse having two separate fractures. Fifty-four fractures were repaired using triangular screw configuration, 10 with a linear screw configuration. 81% (43/53) of horses with triangular repair returned to racing at a median of 289 days (161-482 days), 70% (7/10) horses with linear screws returned to racing at a median of 351 days (230-815 days). MAIN LIMITATIONS A limited number of horses underwent conventional (linear) screw placement. CONCLUSION A triangular screw configuration placed in the standing sedated horse is an effective way to repair incomplete and complete minimally displaced proximal phalanx fractures. The rate of return to racing was excellent with a low rate of complications.
Utopianism and the equity path to sustainability

By adding social equity to its goals of ecological and economic viability, the sustainability project runs the risk of being dismissed as wishful utopian thinking. Like the socialist movements that preceded it, the sustainability movement must grapple with the pitfalls of utopianism and chart a path forward that acknowledges the current social, political, and economic realities that seek to thwart it. To use references from the history of nineteenth and twentieth century socialism, sustainability, like Marxism, will need to distinguish itself from “utopian” thinking by promoting a “scientific” strategy that identifies and engages key historical dynamics and political agents that will promote an ecological transition. This article argues that the most promising strategy for sustainability progress centers, paradoxically, on the most neglected element of the sustainability equation: equity. Recent research indicates that the promotion of greater economic and political democracy is correlated with improved environmental performance. These findings suggest that an indirect approach to sustainability—prioritizing efforts to increase social equity—might be the most pragmatic and direct strategy for building a sustainable future.
Entering a Golden Age of Sustained Superiority: Entrepreneurial Creation or Discovery?

To better understand the origins of sustained superior firm performance, we consider processes of entrepreneurial creation and discovery. Discovering new opportunities requires speed and flexibilit...
GW190814: Impact of a 2.6 solar mass neutron star on the nucleonic equations of state

Is the secondary component of GW190814 the lightest black hole or the heaviest neutron star ever discovered in a double compact-object system [Abbott et al. Astrophys. J. 896, L44 (2020)]? This is the central question animating this paper. Covariant density functional theory provides a unique framework to investigate both the properties of finite nuclei and neutron stars, while enforcing causality at all densities. By tuning existing energy density functionals we were able to: (i) account for a $2.6\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ neutron star, (ii) satisfy the original constraint on the tidal deformability of a $1.4\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ neutron star, and (iii) reproduce ground-state properties of finite nuclei. Yet, for the class of models explored in this work, we find that the stiffening of the equation of state required to support supermassive neutron stars is inconsistent with either constraints obtained from energetic heavy-ion collisions or from the low deformability of medium-mass stars. Thus, we speculate that the maximum neutron star mass can not be significantly higher than the existing observational limit and that the $2.6\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ compact object is likely to be the lightest black hole ever discovered.
Mycosis Fungoides and Its Relationship to Atopy, Serum Total IgE, and Eosinophil Counts

Abstract Introduction A recent serologic study and reports of increased serum total IgE (IgE-t) and eosinophil counts have suggested that the prevalence of atopy is more common in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) than previously recognized. Patients and Methods Patients with clinicopathologic features that were diagnostic and/or consistent with MF and/or the presence or absence of an atopic disorder (eg, allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczematous dermatitis), which was determined by patient history, eosinophil counts, and serum IgE-t obtained at evaluation, were selected from a patient registry. The MF population was divided into those with atypical and typical clinical presentations. We performed matching of controls using age, sex, and race from the 2005 to 2006 National Health Education Survey. Results A history of allergic rhinitis was recorded for 186 of 728 patients (25.5%) with typical MF and 71 of 229 patients (31%) with atypical MF. However, the prevalence of asthma and eczema was low. The IgE-t and eosinophil counts were higher for patients with typical MF than for controls and for patients with atopic diathesis than for patients without atopy. The IgE-t and eosinophil counts were higher for the patients with advanced-stage MF compared with those for the patients with less-advanced disease for both atopic and nonatopic cohorts. In the Cox model with age and clinical stage as covariates, a history of atopy, increased IgE-t, and blood eosinophilia (> 500 cells/mm3) did not correlate with overall survival. Conclusion The findings from the present study did not reveal a significant association of atopy in patients with MF. However, atopy is a factor in the increased IgE-t and eosinophil counts observed in MF. Another factor is related to the disease stage, including possibly the influence of cytokines secreted by T-helper type 2-polarized neoplastic cells.
Burden of Infective Endocarditis in Homeless Patients in the United States: A National Perspective.

Abstract Background Earlier studies have shown disparate cardiovascular care in homeless patients. Limited data exist on burden of infective endocarditis (IE) in homeless patients and in this study, we aimed to analyze it using a nationally representative United States population sample. Methods Data were extracted from National Inpatient Sample database from January 2000 to December 2017. Patients with endocarditis were sampled using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes of 421.0, 421.1 or 421.9 and International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes of I33.0 or I33.9. Homeless patients were identified using codes of V60 and Z59. Linear regression was used for trend analysis and logistic regression was utilized to identify predictors of mortality. 1:1 propensity score (PS) matching was also done to balance confounders and outcomes were assessed in both unmatched and matched cohorts. Results We found an increase in proportion of homeless patients admitted with endocarditis from 0.2% in year 2000 to 2.4% in year 2017. Mortality was not statistically significant in PS matched homeless and non-homeless cohorts (4.7% vs 6.6%, p = 0.072). There was a trend towards increased mortality in homeless endocarditis patients over our study years with lower utilization of valvular surgeries. Advanced age, alcohol abuse and admission to large hospitals were independently associated with mortality in homeless endocarditis patients. Conclusion Homeless patients have rising trend of IE and IE related mortality and also found to have low utilization of life saving valvular surgeries when compared to general population.
Yield, nitrogen, and water use benefits of diversifying crop rotations with specialty oilseeds

Abstract Decreased agricultural diversity from extensive use of the corn (Zea mays L.)- soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) rotation and occasional inclusion of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), has threatened cropping system sustainability. Using specialty oilseeds crops to extend the corn-soybean rotation might improve yields and promote sustainability. We tested whether corn, soybean, and wheat yields would be improved in a rotation following oilseed crops versus corn or soybean. In Phase 1, replicated blocks of nine different flowering oilseeds and two traditional grain crops (corn and soybean) were grown. In phase 2, corn, soybean, and wheat were planted in replicated blocks perpendicular to the previous year crops. This 2-year rotation was repeated for three site-years, two in Morris, MN and one in Brookings, SD. Soil water balance was evaluated during Phase 1 of the rotation to determine seasonal water use. Potential N mineralization was measured in the spring prior to planting in a subset of phase 1 treatments (spring canola, cuphea, corn, and soybean). Linear mixed models were used to analyze Phase 2 corn, soybean and wheat yield responses to previous crop. N dynamics and water use responses to phase 1 crops were also analyzed with mixed models. Corn yield was higher with any previous crop other than corn. Soybean and wheat yields did not significantly respond to previous crop. Yield patterns were partially explained by N mineralization potential and previous crop water use. Spring canola treatments provided higher potential net nitrification compared to corn. Canola, camelina, borage, and crambe had lower seasonal water use than both corn and soybean in at least one site-year. This short-term study indicated that corn and soybean yields following specialty oilseed crops had similar yields to a traditional corn-soybean rotation. Further, oilseed crops in rotation provided additional environmental benefits.
RFitness: Enabling Smart Yoga Mat for Fitness Posture Detection with Commodity Passive RFIDs

Yoga is popular in our daily lives for body fitness practice. We can practice yoga on a specific mat for body fitness. It’s important to have the smart yoga mat, which can adjust the surrounding environment based on user’s physical activities on the yoga mat. For example, we can adjust the ambient light, music and temperature based on the yoga practitioner’s pose on the yoga mat.In this paper, we present RFitness, a system that can detect the fitness posture on the yoga mat. To do so, we can attach multiple commodity passive RFID tags on the yoga mat, such that the different fitness postures can affect different RFID tags. Based on the signal strength readings from all the tags, we can estimate the yoga fitness posture using the model-driven deep neural networks. We implement the prototype of RFitness using commodity passive RFID tags and USRP reader. Our extensive experiments show that RFitness can achieve the median accuracy of 0.96.
The Nexus Between Security Sector Governance/Reform and Sustainable Development Goal-16: An Examination of Conceptual Linkages and Policy Recommendations

This Security Sector Reform (SSR) Paper offers a universal and analytical perspective on the linkages between Security Sector Governance (SSG)/SSR (SSG/R) and Sustainable Development Goal-16 (SDG-16), focusing on conflict and post-conflict settings as well as transitional and consolidated democracies. Against the background of development and security literatures traditionally maintaining separate and compartmentalized presence in both academic and policymaking circles, it maintains that the contemporary security- and development-related challenges are inextricably linked, requiring effective measures with an accurate understanding of the nature of these challenges. In that sense, SDG-16 is surely a good step in the right direction. After comparing and contrasting SSG/R and SDG-16, this SSR Paper argues that human security lies at the heart of the nexus between the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations (UN) and SSG/R. To do so, it first provides a brief overview of the scholarly and policymaking literature on the development-security nexus to set the background for the adoption of The Agenda 2030. Next, it reviews the literature on SSG/R and SDGs, and how each concept evolved over time. It then identifies the puzzle this study seeks to address by comparing and contrasting SSG/R with SDG-16. After making a case that human security lies at the heart of the nexus between the UN’s 2030 Agenda and SSG/R, this book analyses the strengths and weaknesses of human security as a bridge between SSG/R and SDG-16 and makes policy recommendations on how SSG/R, bolstered by human security, may help achieve better results on the SDG-16 targets. It specifically emphasizes the importance of transparency, oversight, and accountability on the one hand, and participative approach and local ownership on the other. It concludes by arguing that a simultaneous emphasis on security and development is sorely needed for addressing the issues under the purview of SDG-16.
The Costs of HRIS and Dangers of Migration of HRIS Data

In today’s environment public and non-profit organizations have to be cautious funding enterprise software since budgets are tight and accountability for spending money has been increased in recent years. HRIS enterprise software is an expensive investment for any organization, but for medium to large organization, HRIS is necessary for compliance and operational purposes (Handrick, 2019). There are many costs and risks (e.g. security breach) associated with HRIS software, which organizations should assess before determining if one should be purchased and if so which one to select (CompareHRIS.com, 2021 and Leonard, 2019). With some public and Non-Profit organizations there may not be enough justification to purchase HRIS if the organization is small enough to operate without such a system (Leonard, 2019). There are also costs to the organization for not migrating to a new HRIS software package if the existing system is expensive to maintain and no longer supported by the vendor (Curic, 2017).
LncRNA Miat and Metadhedrin maintain a treatment resistant stem-like niche of medulloblastoma cells

Abstract Medulloblastoma is a pediatric brain tumor arising from the cerebellum and brainstem that is curable with surgery and aggressive cytotoxic therapy including craniospinal irradiation and chemotherapy. Preclinical models indicate that a small pool of de-differentiated, stem cell-like medulloblastoma cells are resistant to cytotoxic treatment and contribute to medulloblastoma relapse after aggressive therapy. Here, we identify Miat as a Shh and Myc regulated long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that is required for maintenance of a treatment-resistant medulloblastoma stem-like phenotype. Loss of Miat delays medulloblastoma formation in genetically defined mouse models of Shh medulloblastoma and enforces differentiation of tumorigenic stem-like medulloblastoma cells into a non-tumorigenic cell state. Miat facilitates treatment resistance in part by downregulating p53 signaling and impairing radiation induced cell death in stem-like MB cells, which can be reversed by therapeutic inhibition of Miat with antisense oligonucleotides. The RNA binding protein Metadhedrin (Mtdh), which is associated with resistance to cytotoxic therapy in numerous types of cancer, co-localizes with Miat in stem-like medulloblastoma cells. Further, loss of Mtdh activates p53 signaling and reduces tumorigenicity in stem-like medulloblastoma cells. Taken together, these data reveal a critical role for the lncRNA Miat in sustaining a treatment resistant pool of tumorigenic stem-like medulloblastoma cells.
Laser Induced Fluorescence and Ionization Techniques for Combustion Diagnostics

Light atomic species such as oxygen atoms (O) and hydrogen atoms (H) are fundamentally important in a wide variety of combustion-related phenomena such as flame ignition, propagation, extinction and in chemical flame reactions. Furthermore, they are difficult to detect by conventional laser based optical methods (laser induced fluorescence) in combustion environments because the necessary resonance excitation wavelengths fall far into the vacuum ultraviolet (vuv) and the requisite tunable laser sources are not generally available. However, recent developments in nonlinear spectroscopic techniques such as multiphoton induced emission (MPE) and multiphoton ionization (MPI) have made direct detection of these light atoms possible. We have utilized a number of laser multiphoton excitation schemes for their detection using tunable lasers in the 190 to 400 nm range. Similar diagnostic techniques were attempted for the detection of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) atoms in flames. The effects of laser induced photochemical pertubations on species detection in flames were also investigated. These nonlinear spectroscopic techniques have been demonstrated to be very useful in combustion studies but special care needs to be taken with respect to possible perturbations that may result from the use of short-wavelength lasers.
A numerical procedure for discrete-time nonlinear stochastic observer design

An observer design methodology which is applicable to a general class of nonlinear stochastic system and measurement models is considered. It is shown that, under the conditions given in the paper, a systematic numerical approach to discrete-time nonlinear state estimation is possible with guaranteed exponential rate of convergence. >
Channel estimation for OFDM systems with transmitter diversity for a quasi-static fading channel

A simple channel estimation scheme for OFDM systems with transmitter diversity and a quasi-static fading channel is proposed. It is based on the assumption that the channel is highly correlated at nearby subcarriers. For channel estimation, the pilot sequence is given a different circular time shift at each transmitter antenna, which is equivalent to phase modulation in the frequency domain. Then, nearby subcarriers are used to provide an orthogonal subspace to separate channel frequency responses between transmitter antennas and the receiver antenna. The channel estimator is a simple linear filter whose weight vectors can be precalculated. Using this scheme, the system with transmitter diversity can be implemented with a minimal change in structure from the single antenna implementation. The transmitter diversity gain using the proposed channel estimation scheme is demonstrated in the typical WLAN (wireless LAN) environment. Significant improvement in error performance is achieved using a larger number of transmitter antennas when channel frequency coherence between nearby subcarriers is large.
Elasticity of Mantle Phases at High Pressure and Temperature

We review theoretical approaches and results in the study of the elasticity of mantle materials under extreme conditions. First principles methods for calculating the elastic constants of minerals with complex structures are described and are compared with alternative approaches. These include models at the ab initio, semi-empirical and continuum levels. Special attention is payed to the continuum description as embodied in the extension of finite strain theory to anisotropic strains, and to the description of the variation of the elastic constants with pressure and temperature. First principles results on a number of important mantle phases are reviewed. Comparison of theory and experiment is featured including an account of predictions of first principles calculations that have subsequently been confirmed by experiment. A discussion of the effect of pressure on elastic constants is focused around three issues: 1) acoustic anisotropy, which is shown to change qualitatively (in sign and magnitude) over the mantle pressure regime, 2) elastic instabilities, which occur in silica in the vicinity of the phase transition from stishovite to the CaCl 2 -structure near 47 GPa, and 3) an evaluation of the anisotropic generalization of finite-strain theory, which is shown to converge rapidly for the elastic constants of MgSiO 3 perovskite. The possible effect of high temperature on elastic properties is explored by extending the first principles calculations with a semi-empirical thermal correction based on finite strain theory. In the case of the elastic anisotropy of periclase, temperature is found to have an effect secondary to that of pressure over the mantle regime.
Thermo-acoustic engineering of silicon microresonators via evanescent waves

A temperature-compensated silicon micromechanical resonator with a quadratic temperature characteristic is realized by acoustic engineering. Energy-trapped resonance modes are synthesized by acoustic coupling of propagating and evanescent extensional waves in waveguides with rectangular cross section. Highly different temperature sensitivity of propagating and evanescent waves is used to engineer the linear temperature coefficient of frequency. The resulted quadratic temperature characteristic has a well-defined turn-over temperature that can be tailored by relative energy distribution between propagating and evanescent acoustic fields. A 76 MHz prototype is implemented in single crystal silicon. Two high quality factor and closely spaced resonance modes, created from efficient energy trapping of extensional waves, are excited through thin aluminum nitride film. Having different evanescent wave constituents and energy distribution across the device, these modes show different turn over points of 67 °C and 87 °C for their quadratic temperature characteristic.
Smart inverter settings for improving distribution feeder performance

Photovoltaic (PV) generation is increasingly prevalent throughout power distribution systems. The increased presence of this variable resource can cause adverse impacts to the system due to cloud-induced power output fluctuations. These adverse impacts can be mitigated by allowing PV inverters to absorb and provide reactive power in response to voltage swings. Additionally, properly chosen reactive power response settings can improve distribution feeder metrics such as system losses, number of regulator tap changes, customer consumption, and voltage variability. This paper will assess the impact of smart inverter settings on the performance of a distribution feeder in the United States, identify relationships between suitable settings and feeder variables that may be applicable to other feeders, and show the potential benefit of integrated control.
Some Effects of Visible Light on Escherichia coli

Abstract Light above 400 nm had selective effects on Escherichia coli ML-308: several processes or enzymes were strongly inhibited, whereas others were relatively unaffected. There was a correlation between the inhibition of respiration and the inhibition of active uptake of glycine. However, phenylalanine uptake did not show such a correlation. The decrease in adenosine 5′-triphosphate level during the first few minutes of illumination resembled the inactivation kinetics of phenylalanine uptake. The results suggest that phenylalanine uptake may not depend greatly on oxidative energy and may depend on the adenosine 5′-triphosphate level. The results for glycine suggest either that its active uptake and respiration involve a common photosensitive component or alternately, that only the respiratory chain contains the photosensitive component, and that glycine uptake is coupled almost exclusively to respiration. The critical photochemical lesion does not involve d-lactate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, or l-α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase since their inactivation rate is markedly lower than that for respiration.
Regulation of Pituitary Vasopressin Receptors during Chronic Stress: Relationship to Corticotroph Responsiveness

The relationship between vasopressin (VP) receptor levels in the anterior pituitary and VP-stimulated ACTH release in vitro was studied in rats subjected to various chronic stress paradigms. The stress models used were water deprivation for 60 h and administration of 2% NaCI in the drinking water (both of which are associated with decreased pituitary ACTH responsiveness), and repeated i.p.hypertonic saline injections or repeated daily immobilization for 14 days (associated with increased ACTH responsiveness to novel stimuli). VP receptors were measured by binding of [3H]arginine-VP to anterior pituitary membrane-rich fractions, and ACTH responses to VP in collagenase dispersed anterior pituitary cells. In control rats, binding of [3H]AVP was saturable and high affinity, with a Kd of 0.45 ± 0.05 nM and a Bmax of 138.8 ± 8.1 fmol/mg. In pituitary membranes from stressed rats, binding affinity was unchanged, but Bmax changed according to the type of stress. While VP binding was markedly reduced after water deprivation and 2% saline (25% and 49%, respectively), it was significantly increased after repeated i.p. hypertonic saline injections and repeated immobilization (126% and 154% of controls, respectively). The changes in VP binding were associated to parallel changes in maximum VP-stimulated ACTH production in vitro, with a 34% decrease in water deprived rats and a 25% increase in hypertonic saline injected rats. The potentiating effect of VP on corticotropin releasing hormone-stimulated ACTH was also reduced in cells from water-restricted rats, and increased in cells from rats given repeated injections of hypertonic saline. The data show a direct relationship between changes in corticotroph responsiveness and changes in pituitary VP receptors during chronic stress, suggesting that pituitary VP receptor regulation is involved in the adaptation of the HPA axis during chronic stress.
Film-substrate interface stresses and their role in the tribological performance of surface coatings

The displacement formulation method for plane problems of elasticity is used here to calculate the film-substrate interface stresses in coated solids. Although the method is useful for all cases, the case of hard coating on a compliant substrate is analysed in detail for line and distributed surface loadings. Interface stress problems likely in tribological applications when hard coatings are used with light alloys are identified and discussed. It is shown that nearly all problems can be solved with a judicious selection of coating material, film thickness and control of coating conditions.