cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Well‐defined thermosensitive, water‐soluble polyacrylates and polystyrenics with short pendant oligo(ethylene glycol) groups synthesized by nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization

We report the synthesis and thermosensitive properties of well-defined water-soluble polyacrylates and polystyrenics with short pendant oligo(ethylene glycol) groups. Four monomers, methoxydi(ethylene glycol) acrylate (DEGMA), methoxytri(ethylene glycol) acrylate (TEGMA), α-hydro-ω-(4-vinylbenzyl)tris(oxyethylene) (HTEGSt), and α-hydro-ω-(4-vinylbenzyl)tetrakis(oxyethylene) (HTrEGSt), were prepared and polymerized by nitroxide-mediated radical polymerization with 2,2,5-trimethyl-3-(1-phenylethoxy)-4-phenyl-3-azahexane as an initiator. Kinetics and gel permeation chromatography analysis showed that the polymerizations were controlled processes yielding polymers with controlled molecular weights and narrow polydispersities. All polymers could be dissolved in water, forming transparent solutions, and undergo phase transitions when the temperature was above a critical point. The thermosensitive properties were studied by turbidimetry and variable-temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy. The cloud points of the polymers of DEGMA, TEGMA, HTEGSt, and HTrEGSt were around 38, 58, 13, and 64 °C, respectively. For all four polymers, the cloud point increased with decreasing concentration and increasing molecular weight in the studied molecular weight range of 5000–30,000 g/mol. The removal of the nitroxide group from the polymer chain end resulted in a higher cloud point. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 2454–2467, 2006
Updating Soil Characteristics of ÇUkurova Region(Southern Turkey) Using Geographical Information Systems and Ilsen Software

The soil map of Cukurova University's (Southern Turkey) campus Adana (1802 ha) was prepared by conventional air-photo interpretation in 1974, and is updated by employing geographical information system and remote sensing techniques. Soils of the campus are developed on alluvial deposits (35%), conglomerates (33%), calcrete (25%) and old river terraces (7%). Soils having 90- 120 cm depth cover 26% of the total area whereas shallow soils (10-30cm) occupy 22%. The large area (86%) of region overlay on flat (0–2%) or gently sloping lands (2–6%), whereas strongly sloping lands (12–24%) cover only 14%. Four diagnostic horizons were determined as Bw; Ck; Bw-Ck and Bt-Ck with 4%, 21%, 12% and 16% distribution. Land Capability Classification (LCC) I, II and III cover 87.3% of the total geographical area whereas soils of VI and VII class only 12.7%. Soils are classified into Entisol, Inceptisol, Vertisol and Alfisol orders with 16%, 40%, 26% and 18% distribution.
B Cells Promote Pancreatic Tumorigenesis

Three recent studies, approaching the question from different angles and using different and/or overlapping models, provide compelling evidence for the involvement of tumor-infiltrating B cells in the initiation and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. These studies highlight the need for a better understanding of pancreatic tumor-immune system interactions and the immunologic mechanisms that promote or inhibit tumorigenesis, paving the way for better treatment strategies.
A Parallel-in-Time-and-Space HPC Framework for a Class of Fractional Evolution Equations

We develop a high performance computing (HPC) framework for efficient simulations of a class of fractional-order partial differential equations (FPDE), using high-order in time and space parallel algorithms. HPC systems provide a large number of processing cores with limitations on the amount of memory available per core. Such limitations impose severe constraints for resolving fine spatial structures that require large degrees of freedom (DoF). In this article, using several message passing interface (MPI) communicators, we develop and demonstrate an efficient hybrid framework that combines parallel in time and space tasks that facilitate careful balance between parallel performance within the memory constraint to simulate the FPDE model. We demonstrate the approach for a 3D fractional PDE using several million spatial DoF.
The structure and EPR properties of (CH2OHCH2NH3)2CuCl4

The title compound is a member of the (RNH3)2CuCl4 layer perovskite family, space group C2/c, witha=21.624(5),b=7.511(1),c=7.431(2)A, β=89.56(2)° andV=1206.9(4)A3 withZ=4. In the antiferrodistortive structure, the Cu(II) ion assumes an elongated octahedral coordination (unique Cu−Cl distances=2.274(2), 2.288(2), and 3.010(2)A). The octahedra share corners with four neighbors to form a two-dimensional network. The −NH3 moieties hydrogen bond to the layers, so that the −C2H5OH moieties form sheathes about each metal halide layer. A twofold disorder of the −C2H5OH groups is observed. The EPR spectrum is investigated to help understand the magnetic properties of the systems. Theg-values are consistent with strong intralayer exchange coupling. The EPR linewidths show evidence of spin diffusion effects at liquid nitrogen temperature. However, at room temperature, the spin anisotropies lead to broadening of the EPR lines through a phonon modulation mechanism.
The Geneva Conventions between War and Peace: Sixty Years and Counting

JURIST Guest Columnist Kevin Govern of Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, FL (formerly at Ann Arbor, MI) examines the relevance of the four Geneva Conventions signed in August 1949, 60 years ago this month, in the context of un-traditional conflicts that he describes as being "between war and peace."
Increasing the effective use of water in processing tomatoes through alternate furrow irrigation without a yield decrease

Abstract Surface irrigation represents >85% of irrigated agriculture worldwide. Partial root zone drying (PRD) is a technique for improving crop water productivity (WP), and in practice can be applied as alternate furrow irrigation (AFI). A series of research station and on-farm trials were conducted in two consecutive years and three soil types to evaluate processing tomato crop performance under AFI vs every furrow irrigation (EFI). Crop growth and leaf gas exchange, fruit biomass and quality, soil moisture and water applied were evaluated, and changes in irrigation WP (WPi) determined in response to PRD. The AFI was consistent in maintaining fresh yields across cultivars and environmental conditions (i.e., years and soil textures) with at least 25% lower irrigation volumes than commonly applied under EFI. WPi increased by >29% and maintained fruit quality under AFI. Canopy growth was slightly lower, and a tighter plant regulation of stomatal conductance (gs) with only a small decrease in photosynthetic rates (Pn) was observed under AFI. Our results demonstrate that for California processing tomatoes AFI is effective in reducing agricultural water needs. Because of the extent of furrow irrigation worldwide, AFI can contribute to maintain highly productive agricultural land under production with lower water supply.
CRISIS PREPAREDNESS IN SCHOOLS: EVALUATING STAFF PERSPECTIVES AND PROVIDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BEST PRACTICE

The current study investigated the content of school crisis plans and perceptions of crisis preparedness among school staff in six public elementary schools. Surveys were administered to 72 teachers, administrators, and other school staff members measuring their perceptions of crisis preparedness and performance of activities related to crisis response (i.e., trainings, familiarity with crisis plans, etc.). Respondents indicated positive perceptions of preparedness for the occurrence of a crisis at each of their schools; however, they reported lower participation in preparedness activities and provided inconsistent answers on response procedures. Regression analyses found that reading the crisis plan was a significant predictor of feelings of preparedness for fire, death, suicide, and extreme weather events. Researchers additionally found that school crisis plans lacked many of the components recommended by best practice. These findings and implications for educators are discussed.
How to Grow a Cell: Fine-Tuning Secretory Activity to Balance Growth and Cell Wall Integrity

Plant cell growth requires an increase in surface area which is achieved by the de novo synthesis and delivery of new cell membrane and cell wall components from the interior of the cell to the cell surface. This delivery is accomplished by secretory vesicles that dock to and ultimately fuse with
Sub-Nyquist spectrum sensing for wideband cognitive radios: a survey

In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey of the recently proposed sub-Nyquist spectrum sensing methods for wideband cognitive radios. Spectrum sensing is a major component of cognitive radio systems where the licensed frequency bands of interest are scanned and possible spectral opportunities are identified. One of the challenges facing the realisation of wideband spectrum sensing is the high sampling rate requirement which cannot be achieved using the state of the art analogue to digital converters. In response to this challenge, several sub-Nyquist sensing methods were recently proposed that aim at acquiring wideband licensed signals at low sampling rates offering feasible realisation of wideband cognitive radios using off the shelf ADCs. In this paper, relevant scientific literature of the recently proposed sub-Nyquist spectrum sensing methods has been surveyed and classified to four classes of methods. The pros and cons of each of these classes of methods are presented and discussed.
The peril and promise of resource nationalism: A case analysis of Mongolia's mining development

Resource nationalism is often cited as the most serious risk to foreign mining investment in developing countries. Mongolia provides an important case study of studying this phenomenon and its impacts, especially during the global mining boom years from the late 1990s to 2010. This phenomenon has been exposed mainly through the ever increasing role of state ownership in major mineral deposits, mostly by direct equity participation. The rationale behind these nationalist policies is to maximize the economic and political benefits from extractive industries. However, in reality, the Mongolian government lacks financial and human resources as well as practical knowledge to engage directly in mega projects which pose substantial risks, if carried out improperly. The aim of this paper is to examine the underlying nature of the state-centric resource development model in Mongolia. Using an institutionalist approach, the study provides a systematic understanding of the root causes for the growing state involvements in mineral resource development, and its implications for and implementation upon the Mongolian mining sector, including major challenges encountered as a result of the dominant ownership structures shaping the industry.
Rheological characterization of liquid-to-solid transitions in bulk polyelectrolyte complexes

Polyelectrolyte complexation has long been known to result in both liquid and solid complexes. However, the exact nature of the liquid-to-solid transition remains an open question. We have used rheology to explain this phenomenon for the model system of poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid, sodium salt) (PSS) and poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) in the presence of potassium bromide (KBr). The use of a time-salt superposition allows for a detailed analysis of changes in the linear viscoelastic response for both liquid complex coacervates and solid polyelectrolyte complexes as a function of salt concentration, and facilitates unambiguous determination of the mechanism for this phase transition. Decreasing salt concentration, and the commensurate decrease in the water content of PSS/PDADMAC/KBr complexes is shown to lead to the formation of a physical gel due to the development of a network with trapped electrostatic crosslinks that percolates the sample at a critical salt concentration.
Structural Impact of Phosphorylation and Dielectric Constant Variation on Synaptotagmin’s IDR

We used time-resolved Forster resonance energy transfer, circular dichroism, and molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the structural dependence of synaptotagmin 1's intrinsically disordered region (IDR) on phosphorylation and dielectric constant. We found that a peptide corresponding to the full-length IDR sequence, a ∼60-residue strong polyampholyte, can sample structurally collapsed states in aqueous solution, consistent with its κ-predicted behavior, where κ is a sequence-dependent parameter that is used to predict IDR compaction. In implicit solvent simulations of this same sequence, lowering the dielectric constant to more closely mimic the environment near a lipid bilayer surface promoted further sampling of collapsed structures. We then examined the structural tendencies of central region residues of the IDR in isolation. We found that the exocytosis-modulating phosphorylation of Thr112 disrupts a local disorder-to-order transition induced by trifluoroethanol/water mixtures that decrease the solution dielectric constant and stabilize helical structure. Implicit solvent simulations on these same central region residues testing the impact of dielectric constant alone converge on a similar result, showing that helical structure is formed with higher probability at a reduced dielectric. In these helical conformers, lysine-aspartic acid salt bridges contribute to stabilization of transient secondary structure. In contrast, phosphorylation results in formation of salt bridges unsuitable for helix formation. Collectively, these results suggest a model in which phosphorylation and compaction of the IDR sequence regulate structural transitions that in turn modulate neuronal exocytosis.
“I should not forget!”: qualitative evidence of social and cultural transnationalism among refugees who are disconnected from home

Adding to the growing body of literature exploring the ways in which forced migrant populations engage in transnationalism, we operationalize transnational cultural reference points within a refuge...
Colpocystourethropexy: the way we do it.

AbstractIn pure stress urinary incontinence the sphincteric mechanism is intact. Restoration of normal position and support to the vesicourethral segment usually re-establish normal sphincteric function. A suprapubic approach is used to gain adequate mobilizaton of the anterior vaginal wall and vesicourethral segment. Full thickness sutures applied in the anterior vaginal wall as far lateral from the urethra as possible are then tied to Cooper’s ligament. Forward and upward lifting of the vesicourethral segment is achieved but the urethra is free in a wide retropubic space. Normal position with limited mobility of the sphincteric segment is attained, yet compression or obstruction of the urethra and surgical trauma to the delicate sphincteric musculature are avoided. Adsorbable sutures are used. Permanent fixation is to be achieved by the postoperative fibrosis made possible after all retropubic fat has been cleared away. This technique has been uniformly successful in virginal cases and in the great majo...
Two-Dimensional Filter Design

This chapter discusses the design of spatial and other 2-D digital filters. It introduces both finite impulse response (FIR) and infinite impulse response (IIR) filter design. In the FIR case, window function design of rectangular support filters is presented. It then briefly presents a 1-D to 2-D transformation method and a method based on successive projections onto convex sets of frequency domain specifications. In the IIR case, this chapter looks at computer-aided design methods that guarantee bounded-input bounded-output (BIBO) stability and also offer approximation for both magnitude and phase. Both conventional spatial-recursive filters as well as a more general class called fully recursive are considered. Furthermore, this chapter discusses subband/wavelet filter designs for use in the subband/wavelet transform.
Influence of dietary urea level on digestive function and growth performance of cattle fed steam-flaked barley-based finishing diets.

Four Holstein steers (282 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment to evaluate the influence of dietary urea level (0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2%, DM basis) in a steam-flaked barley-based finishing diet on digestive function. There were no treatment effects (P > 0.20) on ruminal digestion of OM and ADF. Increasing dietary urea level increased (linear, P 0.20) ruminal microbial protein synthesis or nonammonia N flow to the small intestine. There were no treatment effects (P > 0.20) on total-tract ADF digestion. Total tract digestion of OM (quadratic, P 0.20) ruminal molar proportions of acetate and propionate. One hundred twenty crossbred steers (252 kg; approximately 25% Brahman breeding) were used in an 84-d feeding trial (five pens per treatment) to evaluate treatment effects on growth performance. Daily weight gain increased (linear, P = 0.01) with increasing urea level, tending to be maximal (1.53 kg/d; quadratic, P = 0.13) at the 0.8% level of urea supplementation. Improvements in ADG were due to treatment effects (linear, P 0.20) the NE value of the diet for maintenance and gain. Observed dietary NE values, based on growth performance, were in close agreement with expected based on tabular values for individual feed ingredients, averaging 100.4%. We conclude that with steam-flaked barely-based finishing diets, ruminal and total-tract digestion of OM and ruminal microbial protein synthesis may not be increased by urea supplementation. In contrast, ADG was optimized by dietary inclusion of 0.8% urea. Urea supplementation may not enhance the net energy value of steam-flaked barely-based finishing diets when degradable intake protein is greater than 85% of microbial protein synthesis.
Next Generation of Automotive Radar with Leading-Edge Advances in SiGe Devices and Glass Panel Embedding (GPE)

The design and process building blocks for an ultra-miniaturized automotive radar module were demonstrated with the most leading-edge SiGe devices operating at 77 GHz and 3D glass panel embedded (GPE) package. The key advances with such a package include: 1) advanced SiGe BiCMOS 77 GHz automotive radar receiver with improved detection range and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), 2) ultra-miniaturized module and low-loss interconnections by GPE packaging, 3) improved board-level reliability enabled by the tailorability of the CTE of the glass panels and compliant interconnections, 4) innovative chip-package co-design and 5) large area panel-scalable glass substrate processes for potentially lower cost. To demonstrate this automotive radar module, low-noise amplifier (LNA) and mixer chips for 77 GHz automotive radar receiver were first designed, and then fabricated using IBM 8HP 130nm technology with the size of 5mm x 5mm and thickness of 250 µm. Glass panels with 300 µm thickness and through glass cavities were fabricated with cavity location and dimensional accuracy below +5 µm, and then then bonded on a 100 µm thick glass panel carrier using adhesive bonding. After glass-to-glass bonding, the designed 77GHz radar chips were placed in the glass cavities using a high-speed placement tool from Kulicke and Soffa. RDL polymers were then laminated and cured on both sides to minimize the warpage of package. A UV laser tool from ESI was then used to drill the microvias to interconnect the chip to the fan-out RDL layer by a standard semi-additive process (SAP). Initial modeling and measured results indicate the potential for an ultra-miniaturized automotive radar module with high-linearity, low noise figure below 10dB and low-loss chip-package interconnection.
Early Clinical and Economic Outcomes of Prophylactic and Acute Pathologic Fracture Treatment

INTRODUCTION:Pathologic fractures often contribute to adverse events in metastatic bone disease, and prophylactic fixation offers to mitigate their effects. This study aims to analyze patient selec...
Smart Consumer Electronic Systems

In 2017, I was invited by IEEE Managing Editor Craig Causer and IEEE Potentials then-Editor-in-Chief (EIC) Sachin Seth to put together a consumerelectronics (CE)-related special issue of IEEE Potentials. I started thinking about a possible theme. During that same time period, I was discussing renaming an IEEE conference, the IEEE International Symposium on Nanoelectronic and Information Systems, for which I am the Steering Committee chair. After much dis cussion, we came up with the idea to rename it the IEEE International Symposium on Smart Electronic Systems.
The effect of county non-attainment status on the product mix of plants in the pulp, paper, and paperboard industries

This paper examines the effect of ground-level ozone county non-attainment status on the product-mix decisions of plants in the pulp, paper, and paperboard industries. Plants located in non-attainm...
Spinal Cord Stimulation: Comparing Traditional Low-frequency Tonic Waveforms to Novel High Frequency and Burst Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain.

Purpose of review The purpose of the present investigation is to summarize supporting evidence for novel sub-perception spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy over traditional paresthesia inducing low-frequency waveforms for the treatment of chronic pain. The focus of this review is to summarize key studies comparing traditional low-frequency tonic waveforms to modern high frequency and burst stimulation for the treatment of patients with chronic intractable low back pain and/or leg pain. Recent findings Several recent studies have demonstrated the benefit of novel SCS therapies over traditional low-frequency SCS for the treatment of patients with chronic low back and/or leg pain. SENZA-RTC showed that paresthesia-free high-frequency SCS was superior to low-frequency stimulation for treatment of chronic low back pain with leg pain. The SUNBURST crossover trial recently found that high-frequency burst stimulation was preferred over low-frequency tonic SCS with patients citing better pain relief and a preference for paresthesia-free SCS. The new ongoing EVOLVE workflow retrospective multicenter study uses technology that can deliver both low-dose and high-dose SCS. Further, the wavewriter technology addresses patient variability with its ability to layer sub-perception waveforms and paresthesia inducing low-frequency stimulation tailored to patient needs via an interactive feedback feature. Neuromodulation for the treatment of chronic pain is rapidly evolving with technology at its forefront. Modern SCS systems use novel waveforms, frequencies, and stimulation modes to deliver paresthesia-free pain relief to patients suffering from chronic low back pain and/or leg pain with better results than traditional tonic low-frequency SCS. As the field advances, new studies are needed comparing new waveform and delivery systems to optimize patient selection and treatment response.
Membrane reactors for hydrogen production from coal

Abstract Advanced membrane reactor technologies provide the opportunities for low-cost, high efficiency, and low-emission hydrogen production from coal. This chapter focuses on the state of the art of hydrogen- and CO2-selective membranes and membrane reactors for hydrogen production from coal with CO2 capture. First, the traditional technologies for converting coal to hydrogen are introduced. Compared with traditional reactors, the advantages and opportunities of membrane reactors are discussed. Subsequently, the recent progress in membrane reactors for the conversion of gasifier syngas and separation of hydrogen or CO2 is illustrated. Finally, possible future development of membrane reactor technologies is outlined.
Acute patient-reported bowel quality of life and rectal bleeding with the combination of prostate external beam radiation, low-dose-rate brachytherapy boost, and SpaceOAR.

Abstract Purpose This study evaluates acute patient-reported bowel quality of life (QOL) and rectal bleeding in prostate cancer patients treated with combination external beam radiation (EBRT), low-dose-rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT), and SpaceOAR. Materials and Methods A retrospective review of prostate cancer patients treated with EBRT (45 Gy), cesium-131 LDR-BT (85 Gy), and SpaceOAR was conducted. Patient-reported acute (≤3 months after LDR-BT) bowel QOL and rectal bleeding was analyzed from Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) questionnaires. Five-point changes in mean bowel QOL scores were considered clinically significant. Clinically significant rectal bleeding was bleeding occurring more than “rarely” (“about half the time,” “usually,” or “always”), and clinically significant bleeding bother was considering bleeding a “small, moderate, or big problem.” Outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. Results 69 patients were identified. Bowel summary, function, and bother scores clinically and significantly decreased 2 weeks after LDR-BT (79.9 ± 15.6, 80.5 ± 15.4, and 79.4 ± 18.1, respectively) compared with pre-EBRT scores (92.3 ± 9.1, 93.3 ± 9.0, and 92.6 ± 11.9, respectively) and pre-LDR-BT scores (91.1 ± 11.0, 91.6 ± 9.8, and 90.6 ± 13.3, respectively), but returned to clinical and statistical baseline pre-EBRT values at 3 months (88.7 ± 12.4, 88.8 ± 11.1, and 88.7 ± 14.5, respectively). The 3-month cumulative incidence of clinically significant rectal bleeding and bleeding bother was 4.35% and 2.90%, respectively. Conclusions With combination EBRT, LDR-BT, and SpaceOAR, bowel QOL returned to the baseline 3 months after LDR-BT. Clinically significant rectal bleeding was
Conditional survival of patients with nonmetastatic bone osteosarcoma.

e23511Background: Conditional survival provides a dynamic prediction of prognosis for patients surviving a defined period of time after diagnosis. This study aimed to determine the conditional surv...
¿Qué tecnología escojo para mi clase? Percepción de estudiantes de medicina sobre clickers y Kahoot

espanolntroduccion. Las nuevas generaciones de estudiantes y las distintas problematicas de las asignaturas instan a modificar las actividades formativas hacia nuevas formas utilizando tecnologias de la informacion y la comunicacion. Objetivo. Identificar la opinion de los alumnos de primer y segundo ano de la carrera de medicina, Universidad de Valpa-raiso, respecto del uso de un sistema inalambrico de respuesta (clicker) y Kahoot en el aula. Sujetos y metodos. Estudio cualitativo, fenomenologico. Para la produccion de informacion se realizaron 2 grupos focales con un total de 18 participantes, los cuales se transcribieron segun el principio de verbatim. El analisis utilizado fue de contenido. Se efectuo triangulacion de la informacion con tecnica de investigadores. Resultados. El uso de clickers y Kahoot se ha valorado positivamente. Se produjo informacion acerca de las ventajas e in-convenientes de cada una de las tecnologias. Ambas logran focalizar la atencion de los estudiantes y aumentan su sensa-cion de disfrute, aprendizaje y calidad de vida al ser estrategias de gamificacion. Conclusion. Ambas estrategias tienen la potencialidad de modificar favorablemente los ambientes del aula, con ventajas y limitaciones que deben ser conocidas por los docentes. Es relevante insertarlas dentro de estrategias educativas cohe-rentes para potenciar los procesos de ensenanza-aprendizaje. Englishntroduction. The new generations of students and different issues related to class subjects have driven us to modify our educational activities towards new strategies using information and communications technology (ICT) in the classroom. Aim. To identify the undergraduate students’ opinion in first and second year of medicine at the Universidad de Valparaiso, Chile, regarding the use of clickers and Kahoot in the classroom. Subjects and methods.Qualitative and phenomenological research. In order to gather information two focus groups were organised with a total of 18 participants, the answers from the interview were transcribed using the verbatim principle. The study used a content analysis and triangulation method. Results.The use of ICT in the classroom has been considered positive. The research found information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the use of clickers and Kahoot. Both types of technology were able to keep the students’ attention, increasing the sense of enjoyment of the lesson, learning and quality of life as they are using games as a teaching strategy. Conclusion.Both strategies have the potential to modify the classroom environment in a positive manner, with advantages and limitations that should be known by educators. It is relevant to insert them into coherent educational strategies to improve the learning-teaching processes.
Engineered Gene Drives and their Value in the Control of Vector-Borne Diseases, Weeds, Pests, and Invasive Species

Genetic engineering has created potential for moving medical and agricultural research and application frontiers forward in unprecedented ways. Despite its accepted use as a powerful tool in medical research, genetic modification and genome editing technologies remain controversial in large-scale ecological intervention and open-field agriculture. Gene drive is a technology based on genome editing that enables a trait to be pushed through a given population at a greater than expected rate. While gene drives show enormous promise as a way to address a number of challenges, such as the reduction of populations of disease-spreading pests and invasive species, they also incite great social unease because of unknown risks. The following chapter describes the mechanics of gene drives and how they could be utilized to control vector-borne diseases, weeds, and crop pests and even protect populations of endangered species. Limitations and risks associated with gene drive technologies, such as containment strategies and potential resistance, are discussed. Finally, the social impacts of gene drives with respect to international governance and public acceptance are considered.
Transport across meso-junctions of highly doped Si with different superconductors

Abstract We studied the transport properties of meso-junctions of semiconducting (Sm) highly doped Si with different superconductors (Sc) through point contact Andreev reflection (PCAR) spectroscopy. Spectra of low transparency point contacts between Si and In showed an enhancement in the superconducting energy gap of In. This was due to the effect of an additional gap arising from the Schottky barrier at the Sm–Sc interface. For higher transparency Si–Nb and Si–Pb point contacts, no gap enhancement was observed though there were weak sub gap features. These were due to proximity induced interface superconductivity known to occur for Sm–Sc junctions of high transparency.
Mesenchymal stromal cell delivery of oncolytic immunotherapy improves CAR-T cell antitumor activity.

The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) is a formidable barrier to the success of adoptive cell therapies for solid tumors. Oncolytic immunotherapy with engineered adenoviruses (OAd) may disrupt the TME by infecting tumor cells, as well as surrounding stroma, to improve the functionality of tumor-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, yet efficient delivery of OAds to solid tumors has been challenging. Here we describe how mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can be used to systemically deliver a binary vector containing an OAd together with a helper-dependent Ad (HDAd; combinatorial Ad vector [CAd]) that expresses interleukin-12 (IL-12) and checkpoint PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) blocker. CAd-infected MSCs deliver and produce functional virus to infect and lyse lung tumor cells while stimulating CAR-T cell anti-tumor activity by release of IL-12 and PD-L1 blocker. The combination of this approach with administration of HER.2-specific CAR-T cells eliminates 3D tumor spheroids in vitro and suppresses tumor growth in two orthotopic lung cancer models in vivo. Treatment with CAd MSCs increases the overall numbers of human T cells in vivo compared to CAR-T cell only treatment and enhances their polyfunctional cytokine secretion. These studies combine the predictable targeting of CAR-T cells with the advantages of cancer cell lysis and TME disruption by systemic MSC delivery of oncolytic virotherapy: incorporation of immunostimulation by cytokine and checkpoint inhibitor production through the HDAd further enhances anti-tumor activity.
Evaluating the Intra-Rater and Inter-Rater Reliability of Fixed Tension Scale Instrumentation for Determining Isometric Neck Strength.

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(3): 563-577, 2021. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of a fixed tension scale instrumentation, comparing the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability between seating and standing measurement techniques. Instrumentation developed from this study will be utilized to assess isometric neck strength in future studies comparing neck strengthening protocols. METHODS: Isometric neck strength for eight movements (cervical/capital flexion, cervical/capital extension, left/right lateral flexion, left/right cervical rotation) as well as anthropometric measurements were evaluated for thirty-one participants through the use of a novel neck strength assessment protocol. RESULTS: The fixed tension scale instrumentation and methods used in this study demonstrated good to excellent intra-rater reliability (ICC range from 0.78 to 0.97) as well as moderate to excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC range from 0.73 to 0.91) for both measurement techniques. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study will provide foundational knowledge for the reliable assessment of neck strength. Additionally, the findings will provide a cost-effective, portable, and reliable instrument for measuring isometric neck strength. CONCLUSIONS: Seated and standing measurement techniques demonstrated similar intra and inter-rater reliability. Inter-rater reliability tended to be lower with motions (capital flexion and extension) that required the participants to face directly towards or away from the instrumentation. This could be due to participant positioning or unfamiliarity with those specific movements. The assessment protocol utilized in this study demonstrated comparable inter-rater reliability to another cost-effective method for evaluating isometric neck strength.
Predicting probable eating disorder case-status in men using the Clinical Impairment Assessment: Evidence for a gender-specific threshold.

The Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA) is a widely used self-report measure of the psychosocial impairment associated with eating-disorder symptoms. Past studies recommended a global CIA score of 16 to identify clinically significant impairment associated with a probable eating disorder (ED). However, to date, research on the properties of the CIA has been conducted in majority-women samples. Preliminary research on gender differences in CIA scores suggested men with EDs report less impairment on the CIA relative to women with EDs. Thus, the purpose of this study was to test if a different impairment threshold is needed to identify cases of men with EDs. We hypothesized that a lower CIA threshold, relative to that identified in majority-women samples, would most accurately identify men with EDs. Participants (N = 162) were men from our university-based and general community-based ED participant registry who completed the CIA and Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale. Both precision-recall and receiver operating characteristic curves assessed what CIA global score threshold most accurately identified men with EDs. Both analytic approaches indicated that a CIA global score of 13 best predicted ED case-status in men. Consistent with past research, men with a clinically significant ED appear to report lower impairment on the CIA. Results have implications for screening and assessing for substantial ED-related impairment in men. Additionally, past research using the CIA to identify men with EDs may have under-identified men with clinically significant symptoms.
Das systemtheoretische Denken

Wir haben soeben zur Kenntnis genommen, dass Globales Denken und lokales Handeln eine Denkweise erfordert, die sich an den Gesetzmassigkeiten der Natur orientiert. Die Systemtheorie kommt dieser Forderung in hohem Masse entgegen und wird im vorliegenden Kapitel ohne besondere Bezugnahme zur Informatik erlautert. Die dargelegten Prinzipien werden uns aber — einem roten Faden gleich — bei allen weiteren Uberlegungen permanent begegnen.
Integrative Analysis Identifies Transcription Factor–DNA Methylation Relationships and Introduces New Avenues for Translating Cancer Epigenetics into the Clinic

DNA methylation is essential in the regulation of gene expression and its misregulation has been implicated in a vast array of cancer types. The causal relationships between DNA methylation, transcription factor binding, chromatin structure, and gene expression are not well elucidated. Regardless, recent research has shown DNA methylation to be a key component in these regulatory modules, suggesting that dissecting the mechanisms underlying the formation of DNA methylation patterns can provide insight into cancer regulomes. In addition, DNA methylation information can potentially serve as novel biomarkers that indicate cancer type, predict patient prognosis, or be used to identify drug targets. Because transcription factors are key players in transcriptional regulation, there is reason to suspect they influence or are affected by genome-wide alterations in DNA methylation. This, coupled with the recent accumulation of large-scale genomic data, has allowed for high-resolution in silico dissection of transcription factor–DNA methylation relationships. In this chapter, we present an integrative analysis of ENCODE (Encyclopedia of DNA Elements) ChIP-seq and DNase I hypersensitivity data, coupled with TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) breast cancer DNA methylation and gene expression data to study the interconnection between TFs with DNA methylation. Our results suggest that identifying DNA methylation patterning within transcription factor binding sites reveals information regarding transcription factor binding activity in breast cancer patients. From this, we discuss the translational potential of these novel findings and the power and flexibility of in silico analysis.
Die Automobilindustrie und Markentreue

Jeder achte der derzeit 6,31 Milliarden auf unserem Planeten lebenden Menschen fahrt ein Automobil. Im Jahr 2010 wird der Fahrzeugbestand auf ca. 930 Millionen angewachsen sein, ca. 73 Millionen neue PKWs und Nutzfahrzeuge suchen dann einen Kaufer. Jeden Tag fahren Hunderte von Millionen Menschen mit „ihrem“ Auto und kommen mit „ihrer“ Marke in Beruhrung, jeden Tag entscheiden sich 155.000 Personen ein Neufahrzeug im Wert von durchschnittlich € 15.000,— (PKW) zu kaufen. Mehr als Hundert Automobilmarken ob Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota, Peugeot, Pontiac oder BMW, Maruti, Proton, SSanyong oder Yes!, Porsche, Ferrari, Lotus, Lamborghini, Bugatti oder Corvette, American Lafarge, MAN, Scania, Hino, Renault oder Peterbuilt stehen zur Verfugung. Und jeden Tag stehen alle Automobilhersteller vor der gleichen Herausforderung: Sind die Kunden mit meiner Marke zufrieden? Bleibt mir mein Kunde treu (... und kauft sein nachstes Auto bei mir)?
Accurate transport properties for H–CO and H–CO2

Transport properties for collisions of hydrogen atoms with CO and CO2 have been computed by means of quantum scattering calculations. The carbon oxides are important species in hydrocarbon combustion. The following potential energy surfaces (PES’s) for the interaction of the molecule fixed in its equilibrium geometry were employed: for H–CO, the PES was taken from the work of Song et al. [J. Phys. Chem. A 117, 7571 (2013)], while the PES for H–CO2 was computed in this study by a restricted coupled cluster method that included single, double, and (perturbatively) triple excitations. The computed transport properties were found to be significantly different from those computed by the conventional approach that employs isotropic Lennard-Jones (12-6) potentials. The effect of using the presently computed accurate transport properties in 1-dimensional combustion simulations of methane-air flames was investigated.
Wavelength-switching single-longitudinal-mode fiber ring laser based on cascaded composite Sagnac loop filters

Composite fiber Sagnac loop filters are cascaded to demonstrate a high finesse transmission spectrum for an electro-optical wavelength-switching fiber ring laser. Stable single longitudinal mode operation is also achieved by employing Sagnac loop saturable absorber filter.
Progressive image transmission by segmentation coding

A coding algorithm is presented for progressive transmission of gray-tone images. The approach is motivated by the desire to retain edge information at low bit rates. A segmentation is first performed using the watershed algorithm to yield an oversegmented mosaic image that is successively decimated. The region contours are chain encoded and transmitted in reverse order, while the lowpass information is coded using DPCM. >
Mechanism of modulation of rat liver fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase by nucleoside triphosphates.

Abstract The mechanism of modulation of fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase of rat liver 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase by nucleoside triphosphates was studied by employing the Escherichia coli-expressed bisphosphatase domain and a COOH-terminal 30-amino acid truncated form. These forms had Km values for substrate and Ki values for products which were similar to those of the bisphosphatase of the intact bifunctional enzyme, but turnover numbers were 5-fold higher. All forms also exhibited substrate inhibition that was relieved by GTP and ATP. The nucleoside triphosphates bound to the active site, since they were competitive inhibitors at subsaturating substrate concentrations. Guanosine was also a competitive inhibitor at subsaturating substrate concentrations but did not activate at saturating substrate. ATP and GTP had Kd values of 467 and 110 microM, respectively, and 1 mol of nucleoside triphosphate/mol bound per mol of bisphosphatase. The Ki values for guanosine of two mutants, Lys356-->Ala and Arg360-->Ala, were unchanged from that of the wild-type enzyme. However, the Ki for GTP for Arg360-->Ala was 17-fold higher than that of the wild-type enzyme, whereas that for Lys356-->Ala was unchanged. It was concluded that 1) nucleoside triphosphate modulation of the bisphosphatase of the bifunctional enzyme involves a direct interaction with the active site of the bisphosphatase domain; and 2) the activation is caused by the phosphate moieties of GTP and ATP competing with the 2-phospho group of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate for the phosphoenzyme intermediate, thus relieving substrate inhibition.
Semimodular Lattices and Semibuildings

In a ranked lattice, we consider two maximal chains, or “flags” to be i-adjacent if they are equal except possibly on rank i. Thus, a finite rank lattice is a chamber system. If the lattice is semimodular, as noted in [9], there is a “Jordan-Holder permutation” between any two flags. This permutation has the properties of an S_n-distance function on the chamber system of flags. Using these notions, we define a W-semibuilding as a chamber system with certain additional properties similar to properties Tits used to characterize buildings. We show that finite rank semimodular lattices form an S_n-semibuilding, and develop a flag-based axiomatization of semimodular lattices. We refine these properties to axiomatize geometric, modular and distributive lattices as well, and to reprove Tits‘ result that S_n-buildings correspond to relatively complemented modular lattices (see [16], Section 6.1.5).
Nested parabolic reflective optics for laser plasmas

Applications for laboratory soft-x-ray/VuV sources would benefit from the ability to collect a large energy bandwidth of radiation emanating from the very small source and redirect it into a well collimated beam without losing most of the incident radiation. Such optics would be beneficial to x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray lithography, diffractometry, and other applciations. We have been working to apply technology originally developed for astronomical x-ray telescopes to production of low cost replicated collimation optics for such x-ray/VuV instruments. Most of the steps in the production of these optics have previously accomplished with the larger astronomical optics but we want to reduce the size of these optics by at least an order of magnitude which introduces problems. In addition, very few copies of an x-ray telescope are made while we want to make hundreds of copies of our optics. This paper briefly discusses the design and fabrication of these small collimation optics and is a report on work in progress.
Changing health care quality paradigms: The rise of clinical guidelines and quality measures in American medicine

Clinical guidelines and quality measures are important new paradigms for conceptualizing and managing quality in the United States. Researchers have proposed that professional elites-including members of academic medicine-were an important cause of the shift to guidelines and measures. This paper draws on content analysis of abstracts focused on quality in major American medical journals between 1975 and 2009 to empirically assess whether and how paradigms for managing quality changed in academic medicine. The content analysis shows that guidelines- and measures-based approaches to quality increased in prominence. Individual expertise-based approaches to quality, however, remain important. Concurrent with changing paradigms in academic medicine, there was a reorientation of policy toward increased use of guidelines and measures the late 1980s and early 1990s in the United States. This policy reorientation was informed by earlier work by medical researchers proposing new approaches to quality. The policy reorientation was followed by an increase in the prominence of guidelines and measures in medical research.
Utilization of Automatic Weather Station Data for Forecasting High Wind Speeds at Pegasus Runway, Antarctica

Abstract Reduced visibility due to blowing snow can severely hinder aircraft operations in the Antarctic. Wind speeds in excess of approximately 7–13 m s−1 can result in blowing snow. The ability to forecast high wind speed events can improve the safety and efficiency of aircraft activities. The placement of automatic weather stations to the south (upstream) of the Pegasus Runway, and other airfields near McMurdo Station, Antarctica, can provide the forecaster the information needed to make short-term (3–6 h) forecasts of high wind speeds, defined in this study to be greater than 15 m s−1. Automatic weather station (AWS) data were investigated for the period of 1 January 1991 through 31 December 1996, and 109 events were found that had high wind speeds at the Pegasus North AWS site. Data from other selected AWS sites were examined for precursors to these high wind speed events. A temperature increase was generally observed at most sites before such an event commenced. Increases in the temperature differen...