cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electron transport enzyme activities of human thyroid glands

Abstract Electron transport enzymes (DPNH oxidase, DPNH, and TPNH-cytochrome c reductase (E.C. 1.6.2.1 and E.C. 1.6.2.3), cytochrome c oxidase (E.C. 1.9.3.1), isocitrate dehydrogenase (E.C. 1.1.1.42), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (E.C. 1.1.1.49), and DPNH-dichlorophenolindolphenol reductase) previously observed in calf and rat thyroid tissue are found in human thyroid specimens at similar specific activities. In hyperplastic thyroid specimens derived from patients with Graves' disease, the activity of certain enzymes (per milligram protein and per gram wet weight) is higher than in the normal specimens or in other pathological conditions studied. No consistent pattern of enzyme stimulation or depression was established in thyroid specimens from patients with adenomas, multinodular goiter, or congenital metabolic goiter.
Effects of rapid temperature fluctuations prior to breeding on reproductive efficiency in replacement gilts.

Rapidly cooling pigs after heat stress (HS) results in a pathophysiological condition, and because rapid temperature fluctuations may be associated with reduced reproductive success in sows, it lends itself to the hypothesis that these conditions may be linked. Objectives were to determine the effects of rapid cooling on thermal response and future reproductive success in pigs. Thirty-six replacement gilts (137.8±0.9 kg BW) were estrus synchronized and then 14.1±0.4 d after estrus confirmation, pigs were exposed to thermoneutral conditions (TN; n=12; 19.7±0.9°C) for 6 h, or HS (36.3±0.5°C) for 3 h, followed by 3 h of rapid cooling (HSRC; n=12; immediate TN exposure and water dousing) or gradual cooling (HSGC; n=12; gradual decrease to TN conditions) repeated over 2 d. Vaginal (TV) and gastrointestinal tract temperatures (TGI) were obtained every 15 min, and blood was collected on d 1 and d 2 during the HS and recovery periods at 180 and 60 min, respectively. Pigs were bred 8.3±0.8 d after thermal treatments over 2 d. Reproductive tracts were collected and total fetus number and viability were recorded 28.0±0.8 d after insemination. HS increased TV and TGI (P=0.01; 0.98 °C) in HSRC and HSGC compared to TN pigs. During recovery, TV was reduced from 15 to 105 min (P=0.01; 0.33 °C) in HSRC compared to HSGC pigs, but no overall differences in TGI were detected (P<0.05; 39.67 °C). Rapid cooling increased (P<0.05) TNFα compared to HSGC and TN pigs during recovery-d 1 (55.2%), HS-d 2 (35.1%), and recovery-d 2 (64.9%). Viable fetuses tended to be reduced (P=0.08; 10.5%) and moribund fetuses tended to be increased (P=0.09; 159.3%) in HSRC compared to HSGC and TN pigs. In summary, rapid cooling prior to breeding may contribute to reduced fetal viability and reproductive success in pigs.
EEG and Slit Ventricle Syndrome (SLV)

The EEG changes and the frequency and type of epilepsy in patients with slit ventricles has been analyzed in 113 shunt-treated hydrocephalic children reported from the Department of Pediatrics, University of Oulu, Finland, and the Regional Pediatric Habilitation Center, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Fixed versus sun tracking solar panels: an economic analysis

The performance of photovoltaic panels depends on many factors. One factor involves the light reception angles at the panels in which the intensity of the received solar radiation from the sun at the earth is affected significantly by the diurnal and seasonal movement of the earth. The maximum output of the panels is achieved when the panels are perpendicular to the sun’s rays. This research is an empirical financial assessment of the benefit of using a dual-axis sun tracker versus a fixed-flat position, as well as a comparison of the performance of the two panels under such settings. The experiment was conducted using 190 W panels, a manual dual-axis sun tracker, and a data acquisition system, which collected and stored the experimental data. A significant improvement in output was noticed in the tracked panel. The overall average improvement for the entire data collection time interval was 82 %. The financial assessment was performed based on the energy market rate in Texas and the average price and operative expenses of the dual-axis sun trackers. The breakeven point for the dual-axis sun tracking system was found to be “never,” 13, and 6 years for 1-, 4-, and 9-panel configurations, respectively, in each system.
Analysis of Datasets for Network Traffic Classification

Support vector machines play a major role in network traffic classification. These Machine Learning techniques use labeled datasets for training and cross validation purposes. They require mathematical and statistical properties that truly represent the characteristics of the network traffic in order to perform efficient classification tasks. In this paper we present a feature extraction learning technique and a distance metric learning approach to support the classification of http and https traffic, based on the findings that the relationship between the congestion window size and the packet length can be characterized by overlapping rectangular geometric patterns. We demonstrate that the support vector machines with these learning approaches can give desirable classification results than one without these representation learning approaches.
Reverse Planning a Service Learning Activity for an Undergraduate Public Policy Course

Fitzpatrick discusses using reverse planning principles in designing field-based experiences in an undergraduate public policy course that addresses how broad social policies affect families. Discussion focuses on high-impact elements embedded in the course such as activities have applications to different settings on/off campus, students experiencing diversity in the course and activity, students spending considerable amounts of time on meaningful task by requiring a certain amount of hours per week to be spent on the activity, students receive frequent performance feedback through written papers and discussions and how each are embedded in the course. Finally, she offers suggestions for future field-based experiences such as using a planning approach, persistent monitoring and consideration of course content to fit field-based learning.
The Science Behind G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) and Their Accurate Visual Representation in Scientific Research

G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are transmembrane (TM) proteins that span the cell membrane seven times, and contain intracellular and extracellular domains, comprised of connecting loops, as well as terminal extension sequences. GPCRs bind ligands within their transmembrane and/or extracellular domains. Ligand binding elicits conformational changes that initiate downstream intracellular signaling events through arrestins and G proteins. GPCRs play central roles in many physiological processes, from sensory to neurological, cardiovascular, endocrine, and reproductive functions. This paper strives to provide an entry point to current GPCR science, and to identify visual approaches to communicate select aspects of GPCR structure and function with clarity and accuracy. The overall GPCR structure, primary sequence and the implications of sequence for membrane topology, ligand binding and helical rearrangements accompanying activation are considered and discussed in the context of visualization strategies, including two-dimensional topological diagrams, three-dimensional representations, and common errors that arise from these representation.
Ras-ling with new therapeutic targets for metastasis

Successful cancer metastasis relies on the ability of cancer cells to survive independently of attachment to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and to overcome ECM-detachment-induced death programs. This can be accomplished through activating mutations in cellular oncogenes that subsequently lead to the inhibition of anoikis and to alterations in productive metabolism. One example of such an oncogene is Ras which is found to be mutated and hyperactivated in a variety of distinct cancers. Despite numerous studies on Ras, the precise molecular mechanisms that facilitate survival during ECM-detachment remain poorly understood. Recently, we discovered that ECM-detached cells harboring oncogenic Ras mutations require signaling through the PI(3)K/SGK1 signaling axis to promote survival. Furthermore, we found that oncogenic Ras can concurrently diminish PHLPP1 phosphatase levels, which results in a decrease in p38 MAPK-mediated activation of anoikis. Thus, our data suggest that cancer cells with activating Ras mutations can survive during ECM-detachment using downstream effector molecules that modulate distinct pathways. Overall, these data suggest that new therapeutic interventions that aim to mitigate SGK1 signaling and activate the p38 MAPK activity may aid in specifically targeting and eliminating metastatic cancer cells.
Competition between Raman and Kerr effects in microresonators

We investigate competing effects of Raman and Kerr gain in diamond microresonators. Strong, narrowband Raman gain inherent in crystalline materials determines a maximum microresonator size allowable to achieve Kerr combs.
Analytical model of gas transport in heterogeneous hydraulically-fractured organic-rich shale media

Abstract Multiple gas transport mechanisms and geological parameters influence total gas production in hydraulically-fractured organic-rich shale reservoirs. The absolute and relative contributions of these processes and parameters vary significantly with the scale of the medium, from pore scale to field scale. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of these geological parameters and transport processes in organic-rich shale production at field scale. We develop a multi-porosity analytical model which honors pressure- and space-dependent geological properties and gas transport processes in a multi-stage, hydraulically-fractured horizontal well of shale reservoir. The model premises distinct pores in kerogen, inorganic clay, induced fracture, and hydraulic fracture. Multiple flow zones are modeled: unstimulated reservoir volume (USRV), stimulated reservoir volume (SRV), and hydraulic fractures (HF). Compared to the earlier analytical models, the new model accounts for more comprehensive transport mechanisms and medium properties: gas diffusion and desorption in kerogen matrix and organopores, slip flow in inorganic matrix pores, transient Darcy flow from matrix to induced fractures, Darcy flow in both induced and hydraulic fractures, tortuosity of induced fractures, and pressure-dependent permeabilities. These enhanced features introduce important complexities to the analytical solution challenges that are discussed and resolved in detail. Extensive lab and field data for Eagle Ford shale are presented in the new model. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to study the flow contribution from organic and inorganic media. The results show that first, the impacts of gas diffusion, TOC, and organoporosity at pore and core scale are largely eclipsed at field scale by slip flow in inorganic matrix and anomalous diffusion within complex induced-fracture network. Second, fracture tortuosity and the Klinkenberg effect are dominant factors during early- and intermediate-time production. Third, gas diffusion in kerogen matrix is negligible compared to gas desorption and diffusion in organopores. Fourth, permeability variations with pore pressure have a significant impact on late-time production from fractured low-permeability reservoirs. The derived analytical solutions in Laplace space serve as simple but robust tools for studying gas transport in fractured organic shale formation. The field application is validated by matching results for an Eagle Ford shale well. Finally, there is a discussion of the present model’s limitations and potential future extensions.
Balanced Flexion and Extension Gaps Are Not Always of Equal Size.

Abstract Background It has been widely accepted in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) that flexion and extension gaps in the disarticulated knee during surgery should be equalized. We hypothesized that tensioning during assessment of the flexion gap can induce temporary widening of the gap due to posterior tibial translation. We aimed to describe posterior tibial translation at flexion gap (90°) assessments and assess the correlation of tibial translation with laxity (flexion space increase) using constrained and non-constrained inserts. Methods Imageless navigation was used to measure flexion angle, tibial position relative to the femoral axis, and lateral/medial laxity in 30 patients undergoing primary TKA. Trialing was conducted using posteriorly stabilized and cruciate retaining trials of the same size to elucidate the association of posterior tibial translation with changes in joint capsule laxity at 90° knee flexion. Results All patients demonstrated posterior tibial translation during flexion gap assessment relative to their subsequent final implantation [mean ± standard deviation (range), 11.3 ± 4.4 (4-21) mm]. Positive linear correlation [r = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44-0.84, P ≤ .001] was demonstrated between translations [8.7 ± 2.4 (3-13) mm] and laxity changes [2.9° ± 2.0° (−0.7° to 7.4°)] at 90° of flexion. Conclusion Posterior tibial translation can cause artifactual widening of the flexion gap during gap balancing in posteriorly stabilized TKA, which can be of sufficient magnitude to alter femoral component size selection for some patients. Recognition and management of these intra-operative dynamics for optimal kinematics could be feasible with the advent of robotic applications.
Effect of Solidification Morphology on the Macroscopic Behavior of Solidification Systems

One domain equations modelling the heat and mass transfer processes that occur in the solidification of a binary alloy are presented. Using an ammonium chloride solution the effect of the morphology of the solid+liquid mushy zone on macrosegregation is investigated.
Discovery and Mechanistic Elucidation of a Class of Protein Disulfide Isomerase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Glioblastoma

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is overexpressed in glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer, and folds nascent proteins responsible for the progression and spread of the disease. Herein we describe a novel nanomolar PDI inhibitor, pyrimidotriazinedione 35G8, that is toxic in a panel of human glioblastoma cell lines. We performed a medium-throughput 20 000-compound screen of a diverse subset of 1 000 000 compounds to identify cytotoxic small molecules. Cytotoxic compounds were screened for PDI inhibition, and, from the screen, 35G8 emerged as the most cytotoxic inhibitor of PDI. Bromouridine labeling and sequencing (Bru-seq) of nascent RNA revealed that 35G8 induces nuclear factor-like 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant response, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, and autophagy. Specifically, 35G8 upregulated heme oxygenase 1 and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) transcription and protein expression and repressed PDI target genes such as thioredoxin-interacting protein 1 (TXNIP) and early growth response 1 (EGR1). Interestingly, 35G8-induced cell death did not proceed via apoptosis or necrosis, but by a mixture of autophagy and ferroptosis. Cumulatively, our data demonstrate a mechanism for a novel PDI inhibitor as a chemical probe to validate PDI as a target for brain cancer.
Development of Tolerance to Chronic Intermittent Furosemide Therapy in Pediatric Patients.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to describe whether tolerance develops in pediatric patients receiving chronic intermittent furosemide therapy, to characterize when it occurs and whether age-related variations exist. The effects of increasing total daily dose of furosemide and concurrent diuretics and vasopressors were assessed as secondary aims. METHODS Charts from patients receiving intravenous or oral furosemide for at least 3 consecutive days of therapy between June 1, 2013, and December 31, 2013, were reviewed retrospectively. Daily net fluid balance was used as the objective marker for development of tolerance. Net fluid balance (mL/kg/mg) was defined as the difference in a patient's daily intake and urine output (mL), normalized by weight (kg) and total daily dose of furosemide (mg). RESULTS Sixty-one patients, aged 2 days to 20 years (median 3 years), were included in this study. Median daily dose of furosemide was 1.96 mg/kg/day (range, 0–13.7 mg/kg/day). Average net fluid balance for all...
Cysteine Protease-Mediated Autocleavage of Clostridium difficile Toxins Regulates Their Proinflammatory Activity

Background & Aims Clostridium difficile toxin A (TcdA) and C difficile toxin toxin B (TcdB), the major virulence factors of the bacterium, cause intestinal tissue damage and inflammation. Although the 2 toxins are homologous and share a similar domain structure, TcdA is generally more inflammatory whereas TcdB is more cytotoxic. The functional domain of the toxins that govern the proinflammatory activities of the 2 toxins is unknown. Methods Here, we investigated toxin domain functions that regulate the proinflammatory activity of C difficile toxins. By using a mouse ilea loop model, human tissues, and immune cells, we examined the inflammatory responses to a series of chimeric toxins or toxin mutants deficient in specific domain functions. Results Blocking autoprocessing of TcdB by mutagenesis or chemical inhibition, while reducing cytotoxicity of the toxin, significantly enhanced its proinflammatory activities in the animal model. Furthermore, a noncleavable mutant TcdB was significantly more potent than the wild-type toxin in the induction of proinflammatory cytokines in human colonic tissues and immune cells. Conclusions In this study, we identified a novel mechanism of regulating the biological activities of C difficile toxins in that cysteine protease-mediated autoprocessing regulates toxins’ proinflammatory activities. Our findings provide new insight into the pathogenesis of C difficile infection and the design of therapeutics against the disease.
Partially coherent holographic temporal focusing for 3D light sculpting with single neuron resolution

We propose a two-photon optogenetic photostimulation method that combines partially coherent 3D holography and temporal focusing for precise targeting of individual neurons. Experimental results demonstrate simultaneous illumination of 200 targets with high spatial resolution.
Antagonistic Modulation of A K+ Channel Activity by Serotonin and the Peptide FMRFamide in Aplysia Sensory Neurons: Molecular Aspects and Functional Implications

Electrophysiological studies have shown that the up- and down-modulation of the activity of a class of K+ channels, named the S-type K+ channels (S channels) in the sensory neurons of Aplysia plays an important role in the regulation of the synaptic trasmission between sensory and motor cells by two functionally antagonistic neuromodulators. Serotonin closes the S channels by cAMP-dependent protein phosphorylation and causes pre-synaptic facilitation, resulting in an increase of transmitter release from the sensory neuron, whereas the peptide FMRFamide increases S channel activity through lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid and causes pre-synaptic inhibition with decrease of transmitter release from the sensory cell. When both the inhibitory and the facilitatory cascades are activated at the same time, FMRFamide overrides the effect of serotonin on S channel function. Biochemical studies suggest that the peptide can revert or antagonize the increase in protein phosphorylation following serotonin administration by inducing dephosphorylation of a common pool of substrate proteins.
Application of Statistical and Machine Learning Techniques for Laboratory-Scale Pressure Filtration: Modeling and Analysis of Cake Moisture

ABSTRACTThis study deals with the modeling and analysis of the pressure filtration process using statistical and machine learning techniques. The effects of externally controllable process-influencing factors such as pressure, pH, temperature, solids concentration, filtration time, air-blow time, and cake thickness on filtration performance, measured in terms of cake moisture, were modeled. A 9-factor regression model based on an exhaustive search algorithm and a 7-6-1 artificial neural network (ANN) model based on a resilient backpropagation algorithm were developed and gave R2 values of 0.84 and 0.94, respectively. Relative importance of input variables was analyzed using novel methods such as added-variable plots based on the regression model and Olden’s method based on the ANN model. Results from both methods established a negative correlation for pressure, solids concentration, filtration time, temperature, and air-blow time and a positive correlation for cake thickness and pH. Analysis from regressi...
Sub-Ångstrom electric field measurements on a universal detector in a scanning transmission electron microscope

Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) excels in accessing atomic-scale structure and chemistry. Enhancing our ability to directly image the functionalities of local features in materials has become one of the most important topics in the future development of STEM. Recently, differential phase contrast (DPC) imaging has been utilized to map the internal electric and magnetic fields in materials from nanoscale features such as p–n junctions, skyrmions, and even from individual atoms. Here, we use an ultra-low noise SCMOS detector in as the diffraction plane camera to collect four-dimensional (4D) datasets. The high angular resolution, efficient high-SNR acquisition, and modifiability of the camera allow it to function as a universal detector, where STEM imaging configurations, such as DPC, bright field, annular bright field, and annular dark field can all be reconstructed from a single 4D dataset. By examining a distorted perovskite, DyScO3, which possesses projected lattice spacings as small as 0.83 A, we demonstrate DPC spatial resolution almost reaching the information limit of a 100 keV electron beam. In addition, the perovskite has ordered O-coordinations with alternating octahedral tilts, which can be quantitatively measured with single degree accuracy by taking advantage of DPC’s sensitivity to light atoms. The results, acquired on a standard Ronchigram camera as opposed to a specialized DPC detector, open up new opportunities to understand and design functional materials and devices that involve lattice and charge coupling at nano- and atomic-scales.
Bariatric Surgery and Transplantation

The epidemic incidence of obesity among the general population has significant impact on patients with different end-stage organ failure. On the one hand, obesity could be a major contributor for these organ dysfunctions; on the other hand, obesity prevents many patients from receiving organ transplantation. Because of the proven higher rate of complications and inferior short- and long-term results among patients with obesity, many transplant centers consider a patient’s BMI when evaluating candidacy for transplantation. Intentional weight loss as a result of application of bariatric surgery before or after organ transplantation carries significant potential to improve the likelihood many patients can receive lifesaving transplants. Furthermore, this change in patient biology could improve the long-term graft function along with patient survival.
Standardizing Biases: Selection Devices and the Quantification of Race:

Racial inequality persists despite major advances in formal, legal equality. Scholars and policymakers argue that individual biases (both explicit and implicit) combine with subjective organization...
373 Evaluation of next generation-distillers dried grain as a dietary ingredient in dog and cat diets.

While pet foods have been shifting towards grain-free foods, the majority still utilize cereals and their protein rich co-products. Corn gluten meal (CGM), soybean meal (SBM) and distillers dried grains (DDG) have been used in pet foods for decades. A new higher protein DDG (next generation-distillers dried grains; NG-DDG) has become available and merits evaluation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of NG-DDG in pet diets on digestibility and stool consistency in dogs, and palatability in dogs and cats. Twelve beagle dogs were fed diets with a similar ingredient base in which NG-DDG replaced SBM or CGM. Diets were formulated to be isonutritional, contain equal amounts of protein, and were supplemented with chromic oxide to estimate apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD). The DM digestibility for the dogs fed the CGM diet was higher (P 0.05) between dietary treatment for ATTD of crude fat, crude fiber, or energy (average 90.73, 10.03, or 73.17%, respectively). Dogs fed the diet containing NG-DDG had larger (P < 0.05) fecal mass than those fed SBM and CGM and had a similar fecal score to those fed SBM, but higher (P < 0.05) than those fed diets with CGM. In palatability assessment dogs had a preference (P < 0.05) for diets containing CGM over SBM and NG-DDG, but cats showed a preference for diets containing NG-DDG (P < 0.05) over those produced with CGM. These results indicate that NG-DDG is comparable to CGM and SBM in dog and cat diets.
The Role of Community College Attendance in Shaping Baccalaureate Recipients' Access to Graduate and Professional Education.

Using data from the Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal Study and propensity score matching techniques, this study examined the impact of having attended a community college on baccalaureate reci...
Social Network Measures and Analysis

In this chapter, we present basic terminologies and concepts of graph theory in addition to a few social network measures that will be used throughout the book. Then we explain more advanced metrics and concepts that would leverage the basic network measures such as estimating blogs and bloggers’ influence scores and focal structures analysis (FSA). These concepts were used in many real-world cases to find coordinating sets of individuals (coordinating groups) in a given graph. All the concepts and measures are described and illustrated with examples. This chapter would provide the readers with basic understanding of graph-theoretic concepts and social network measures that will help understand the concepts of social cyber forensics in the later chapters.
Association of interpregnancy change in body mass index and spina bifida.

Background Epidemiologic studies have consistently identified an association between spina bifida and maternal body mass index (BMI). Whether this reflects a causal relationship is unknown. If this association does reflect a causal relationship, the risk of spina bifida should change with changes in maternal BMI. We evaluated the association between spina bifida and maternal change in BMI, assessed using interpregnancy change in BMI (IPC-BMI). Methods We used data from the Texas Birth Defects Registry and statewide vital records for 248 spina bifida cases and 2,562 controls (2006-2012) to conduct a case-control study. We used logistic regression to estimate the association between IPC-BMI and spina bifida, with adjustment for potential confounders. Results When assessed as a continuous variable, IPC-BMI was associated with spina bifida, with a 5% increase in the odds of spina bifida per unit (approximately 6 pounds) increase in BMI (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.09). When assessed as a categorical variable, with weight stable women as the referent, the odds of spina bifida were lower in women with any BMI decrease (aOR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.50, 1.08) and higher in women with an increase of ≥1 BMI units (aOR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.85, 1.62). Conclusions Our findings provide suggestive, although not conclusive, evidence that maternal prepregnancy change in BMI, assessed using IPC-BMI, is associated with spina bifida in the later pregnancy. Additional studies aimed at confirming this association and further strengthening the evidence for a causal relationship between spina bifida and maternal BMI are needed.
Simulating a full-length psychiatric interview with a complex patient: an OSCE for medical students.

Brief encounters with standardized psychiatric patients have been reported. In contrast, a videotaped objective structured clinical examination designed to simulate a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation was used to evaluate all students assigned to three successive psychiatry clerkship rotations (N=52). Performance assessment was based on standardized patients’ completion of a 36-item content checklist and a patient perception scale, and on students’ completion of a written examination component. Checked independently, all three assessments correlated with the students’ score on the NBME psychiatry examination, their ward grade, and their essay examination grade. Students’ ratings were favorable for time allotted, usefulness, and believability.
Study of Electrochemical Behavior of Commercial AA5052 during Anodizing in Phosphoric Acid Solution in Relation to Mg Species Content in Films

The effect of anodizing temperature (10–50°C) at each particular stage of the anodizing process of the commercial AA5052 in 0.4 M H3PO4 at 30 V is studied in relation to the concentration of Mg species in the oxide layer. An advantageous behavior of the alloy is observed in comparison with pure aluminum, especially at 30°C. However, an impediment of anodizing is observed, leading to a reduction of the benefits of AA5052, which is correlated with a reduction in the Mg/(Mg + Al) atomic ratio for the oxide layer compared to the bulk alloy estimated by SEM/EDS analysis. These phenomena become more intense as the anodizing time and temperature rise. For example, a thrice higher oxide layer thickness at stage III in comparison with pure aluminum becomes twice higher at stage IV at 30°C. The duration of stage III is affected, but not that of stages I and II, which are completed in a short time and in which only a slight retardation of the increase in the density of the consumed electric charge was observed. The porosity increases with time but at the end of stage III reduces slightly, at T above 30°C, in spite of the general aspect that it remains stable or increases slightly with temperature.
Sparse-TPU: adapting systolic arrays for sparse matrices

While systolic arrays are widely used for dense-matrix operations, they are seldom used for sparse-matrix operations. In this paper, we show how a systolic array of Multiply-and-Accumulate (MAC) units, similar to Google's Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), can be adapted to efficiently handle sparse matrices. TPU-like accelerators are built upon a 2D array of MAC units and have demonstrated high throughput and efficiency for dense matrix multiplication, which is a key kernel in machine learning algorithms and is the target of the TPU. In this work, we employ a co-designed approach of first developing a packing technique to condense a sparse matrix and then propose a systolic array based system, Sparse-TPU, abbreviated to STPU, to accommodate the matrix computations for the packed denser matrix counterparts. To demonstrate the efficacy of our co-designed approach, we evaluate sparse matrix-vector multiplication on a broad set of synthetic and real-world sparse matrices. Experimental results show that STPU delivers 16.08X higher performance while consuming 4.39X and 19.79X lower energy for integer (int8) and floating point (float32) implementations, respectively, over a TPU baseline. Meanwhile, STPU has 12.93% area overhead and an average of 4.14% increase in dynamic energy over the TPU baseline for the float32 implementation.
What are the best combinations of fuel-vehicle technologies to mitigate climate change and air pollution effects across the United States?

Author(s): Tong, F; Azevedo, IML | Abstract: The transportation sector is the largest contributor to CO2 emissions and a major source of criteria air pollutants in the United States. The impact of climate change and that of air pollution differ in space and time, but spatially-explicit, systematic evaluations of the effectiveness of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies in mitigating both climate change and air pollution are lacking. In this work, we estimate the life cycle monetized damages due to greenhouse gas emissions and criteria air pollutant emissions for different types of passenger-moving vehicles in the United States. We find substantial spatial variability in the monetized damages for all fuel-vehicle technologies studied. None of the fuel-vehicle technologies leads simultaneously to the lowest climate change damages and the lowest air pollution damages across all U.S. counties. Instead, the fuel-vehicle technology that best mitigates climate change in one region is different from that for the best air quality (i.e. the trade-off between decarbonization and air pollution mitigation). For example, for the state of Pennsylvania, battery-electric cars lead to the lowest population-weighted-average climate change damages (a climate change damage of 0.87 cent/mile and an air pollution damage of 1.71 cent/mile). In contrast, gasoline hybrid-electric cars lead to the lowest population-weighted-average air pollution damages (a climate change damage of 0.92 cent/mile and an air pollution damage of 0.77 cent/mile). Vehicle electrification has great potential to reduce climate change damages but may increase air pollution damages substantially in regions with high shares of coal-fired power plants compared to conventional vehicles. However, clean electricity grid could help battery electric vehicles to achieve low damages in both climate change and air pollution.
Assessment and Diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Individuals with Intellectual Disability

ADHD is a common comorbid condition for individuals with ID, with prevalence rates three times higher compared to the general population. While symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity among individuals with ID have previously been assumed to be inherently related to their cognitive deficits, a growing body of research has supported the validity of a co-occurring ADHD diagnosis. Assessment for ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults with ID should incorporate information from multiple sources, such as direct observation, clinical interviews, and rating scales. Particular attention should be paid through the assessment process to whether symptoms are inconsistent with an individual’s level of developmental functioning. A co-occurring diagnosis of ADHD can provide valuable guidance in treatment planning.
The impact of in-person and video-recorded animal experiences on zoo visitors' cognition, affect, empathic concern, and conservation intent.

Currently there are mixed results regarding the ability for media or more specifically video to increase a person's interest in conservation. However, there is a growing amount of evidence that in-person experiences at a zoo or aquarium can increase a person's interest in conservation. The goal of the current study was to examine the difference between an in-person experience viewing a polar bear training session and watching a video of the same experience on cognition, emotion, empathic concern, and conservation intent. A total of 124 Brookfield Zoo members were randomly assigned to one of three conditions. Condition 1 was an in-person 10 min (Live Animal) experience viewing a training session with a polar bear. Condition 2 participants (Video Animal) watched a video of the same experience from Condition 1 and Condition 3 (Control) listened to the audio from Condition 1 but only viewed an image of one of our animal care specialists. Results suggest that the live condition is associated with higher probability of answering questions correctly, having a positive emotional experience, having greater empathic concern for wild bears, and wanting to get involved in conservation when compared to the control. These impacts were not observed for the video condition suggesting that for this study, watching a video of a training session was not an effective tool for getting people involved in conservation. Future research is needed to better understand this important topic, but we now have further evidence of the importance of in-person zoo experiences.
The role of boundary objects in Trump’s speech: the results of coloniality and the processes of othering towards Latin American people in US politics

Trump’s use of the words Hispanic, Latino and Mexican during his campaign carried enough meaning to be used in racist contexts. However, those words are also used in a bureaucratic sense. The diver...
On the Problem of Reconstructing a Mixture of rna Structures

A growing number of RNA sequences are now known to exist in some distribution with two or more different stable structures. Recent algorithms attempt to reconstruct such mixtures using the list of nucleotides in a sequence in conjunction with auxiliary experimental footprinting data. In this paper, we demonstrate some challenges which remain in addressing this problem; in particular we consider the difficulty of reconstructing a mixture of two RNA structures across a spectrum of different relative abundances. Although progress has been made in identifying the stable structures present, it remains nontrivial to predict the relative abundance of each within the experimentally sampled mixture. Because the ratio of structures present can change depending on experimental conditions, it is the footprinting data-and not the sequence-which must encode information on changes in the relative abundance. Here, we use simulated experimental data to demonstrate that there exist RNA sequences and relative abundance combinations which cannot be recovered by current methods. We then prove that this is not a single exception, but rather part of the rule. In particular, we show, using a Nussinov-Jacobson model, that recovering the relative abundances is difficult for a large proportion of RNA structure pairs. Lastly, we use information theory to establish a framework for quantifying how useful auxiliary data is in predicting the relative abundance of a structure. Together, these results demonstrate that aspects of the problem of reconstructing a mixture of RNA structures from experimental data remain open.
Assessing the Need for Adjusted Organ-at-Risk Planning Goals for Patients Undergoing Adjuvant Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer with Proton Radiation.

Abstract Purpose Locally advanced breast cancer requires surgical management via lumpectomy or mastectomy with or without systemic therapy followed by chest wall or breast (CW) and comprehensive nodal irradiation (CNI). Radiation (RT) dose constraints for the heart and ipsilateral lung have been developed based on photon RT. Proton therapy (PBT) can deliver significantly lower doses of RT to these organs-at-risk (OARs) and may warrant adjustments to OAR planning goals. Methods and Materials The RT plans of consecutive patients undergoing adjuvant CW-CNI RT with PBT within a single center were reviewed. A inital treatment volume, comprised of CW/intact breast + CNI (CTV_init) structure, including the CW and CNI but excluding any boost plans was analyzed. Frequency distributions were generated based on doses received by the heart, lungs, and esophagus for validated dosimetric parameters. Frequency distributions were generated and then stratified by laterality and compared using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The 75th, 85th, and 95th percentiles for each dosimetric parameter were calculated, overall and by laterality. The 75th percentile (Q3), was used as a suggested primary goal, and the 95th percentile was used as a suggested secondary goal. Results One hundred and seventy-two plans were analyzed. Forty-nine plans were right-sided, 107 were left-sided, and 16 were bilateral. The overall Q3 of the mean and V25 of the heart were 1.5 Gy and 1.7%, respectively. The mean and V25 to the heart differed significantly by laterality. Pulmonary values were similar to current recommendations. For all lateralites, the median volume of the esophagus receiving 70% prescription dose was ≤1 cm3. Conclusions We present the first dosimetric study providing complete OAR dose-volume histograms data for patients undergoing adjuvant pencil-beam scanning-PBT for locally advanced breast cancer, with detailed information on central tendencies, ranges and distributions of data. We have provided suggested planning goals and metrics for the lungs, heart, and esophagus; the latter 2 differing significantly from current Quantitative Analysis of Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic (QUANTEC) constraints and classical photon goals.
Secure and low computation authentication protocol for Wireless Body Area Network with ECC and 2D hash chain

Wireless Body Area Network(WBAN) has developed as a technique for healthcare systems. In WBAN, patients can be remotely and constantly monitored by tiny wearable and portable sensors. The sensors collect patients' vital activity and movement data. Afterwards the data is sent via short-range wireless communication techniques to a data reader device which is called as a server. Since it is using shared wireless network, it may have chances to be attacked by unexpected adversaries. Therefore, security issues of WBAN are rapidly growing in the field of healthcare. Moreover, we need to care about the sensors' battery consumption and computation power because of resource-constrained WBAN. The sensors should be small and compact since they are located in, on, and around the patient's body for a long time. As a result, it is difficult to give a large battery capacity and strong computational power to the sensors. Thus, this paper proposes an authentication protocol which provides high level security and requires significantly low computation power on sensors for WBAN by using Elliptic Curves Cryptography(ECC) and two-dimensional hash chain techniques. The authentication procedure is very simple especially on the sensor side and 2D hash chain's key pool generation is also simple and efficient. Therefore, our protocol can be easily implemented in the power and resource constrained sensor nodes in WBAN.
Adoption of no-test and telehealth medication abortion care among independent abortion providers in response to COVID-19.

Abstract Objective Access to abortion care in the United States (US) is restricted by numerous logistical and financial barriers, which have been further intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to understand the ways in which COVID-19 prompted changes in clinical practices in abortion care among independent abortion clinics. Study design We surveyed independent US abortion clinics and documented changes in practice regarding the provision of abortion since March 1, 2020. Results Among about 153 independent clinics invited, 100 clinics contributed relevant data and were included in the analytic sample. A total of 87% reported changes in protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reported changes included moving to telehealth (phone or video) for follow-up (71%), starting or increasing telehealth for patient consultations and screening (41%), reducing Rh testing (43%) and other tests (42%), and omitting the preabortion ultrasound (15%). A total of 20% reported allowing quick pickup of medication abortion pills, and 4% began mailing medications directly to patients after a telehealth consultation. Clinical practice changes were reported throughout all regions of the US, but facilities in the Northeast (73%) were more likely to report starting or increasing telehealth than facilities in the South (23%, p Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated use of telehealth among independent abortion clinics, but many clinics, particularly those in the South, have been unable to make these changes. Other practices such as reducing preabortion ultrasounds were less common in all regions despite clinical guidelines and evidence supporting such changes in practice and positive benefits for public health and patient-centered care. Implications The COVID-19 pandemic has created a window of opportunity to remove barriers to abortion, including expanding telehealth and reducing preabortion tests. Clinics can strive for a culture shift towards simplifying the provision of medication abortion and routinely avoiding preabortion tests and in-person visits. Such changes in practice could have positive benefits for public health and patient-centered care.
The Spin Diffusion Coefficient of 3He in 3He-4He Solutions

Nearly all of the previous work on the diffusion of 3He in superfluid 3He-4He solutions has been done on solutions whose molar 3He concentration χ was 5% or less. Husa et al.1 reported measurements for χ = 12% for T < 1.2°K, and Horvitz and Rorschach2 reported some indirect estimates for χ = 14%. This paper reports measurements of the diffusion coefficient by the spin-echo method for solutions with χ = 5%, 9%, 14%, and 24% for 0.9 < T < 2.5°K.†
What do Transcription Factors Interact With

Although we have made significant progress, we still possess a limited understanding of how genomic and epigenomic information directs gene expression programs through sequence-specific transcription factors (TFs). Extensive research has settled on three general classes of TF targets in metazoans: promoter accessibility via chromatin regulation (e.g., SAGA), assembly of the general transcription factors on promoter DNA (e.g., TFIID), and recruitment of RNA polymerase (Pol) II (e.g., Mediator) to establish a transcription pre-initiation complex (PIC). Here we discuss TFs and their targets. We also place this in the context of our current work with Saccharomyces (yeast), where we find that promoters typically lack an architecture that supports TF function. Moreover, yeast promoters that support TF binding also display interactions with cofactors like SAGA and Mediator, but not TFIID. It is unknown to what extent all genes in metazoans require TFs and their cofactors.
The Effects of "Dry Swab" Incubation on SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Testing.

BACKGROUND Widespread testing of SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in shortages of collection devices and transport media. We evaluated the stability of flocked swabs inoculated with SARS-CoV-2-containing specimen incubated dry (i.e., without transport medium) at room temperature. METHODS A pool of SARS-CoV-2 positive specimen was used to inoculate flocked swabs. Five swabs were placed immediately into universal transport media (UTM) following inoculation, and tested immediately (day 0). Fifteen of the swabs were placed into sterile 15-mL conical tubes and incubated at room temperature for 1, 2, or 7 days. Following incubation, swabs were hydrated in separate vials of UTM and tested. This protocol was repeated for viral transport media (VTM) and saline. As a comparison, a series of swabs was prepared and tested in parallel, but stored in the corresponding liquid transport media (UTM, VTM, or saline) and incubated at room temperature. Testing was performed at 1, 2, and 7 days postinoculation in duplicate. All molecular testing was performed using the Roche cobas SARS-CoV-2 assay. RESULTS All dry swabs tested on days 1, 2, and 7 provided results that were within 2 cycle thresholds (CTs) of the average CT values for swabs hydrated in the same media and tested on day 0. There was no statistical difference in CT values between swabs incubated in liquid media versus dry swabs incubated at room temperature prior to hydration in liquid media. CONCLUSIONS The utilization of "dry swabs" may simplify specimen collection, negate the need for liquid transport media, and mitigate safety risks while preserving the accuracy of testing.