cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental pKa Values of Buried Residues: Analysis with Continuum Methods and Role of Water Penetration

Abstract Lys-66 and Glu-66, buried in the hydrophobic interior of staphylococcal nuclease by mutagenesis, titrate with pK a values of 5.7 and 8.8, respectively (Dwyer et al., 2000, Biophys. J. 79:1610–1620; Garcia-Moreno E. et al., 1997, Biophys. Chem. 64:211–224). Continuum calculations with static structures reproduced the pK a values when the protein interior was treated with a dielectric constant ( ϵ in ) of 10. This high apparent polarizability can be rationalized in the case of Glu-66 in terms of internal water molecules, visible in crystallographic structures, hydrogen bonded to Glu-66. The water molecules are absent in structures with Lys-66; the high polarizability cannot be reconciled with the hydrophobic environment surrounding Lys-66. Equilibrium thermodynamic experiments showed that the Lys-66 mutant remained folded and native-like after ionization of the buried lysine. The high polarizability must therefore reflect water penetration, minor local structural rearrangement, or both. When in pK a calculations with continuum methods, the internal water molecules were treated explicitly, and allowed to relax in the field of the buried charged group, the pK a values of buried residues were reproduced with ϵ in in the range 4–5. The calculations show that internal waters can modulate pK a values of buried residues effectively, and they support the hypothesis that the buried Lys-66 is in contact with internal waters even though these are not seen crystallographically. When only the one or two innermost water molecules were treated explicitly, ϵ in of 5–7 reproduced the pK a values. These values of ϵ in >4 imply that some conformational reorganization occurs concomitant with the ionization of the buried groups.
Task space behavior learning for humanoid robots using gaussian mixture models

In this paper a system was developed for robot behavior acquisition using kinesthetic demonstrations. It enables a humanoid robot to imitate constrained reaching gestures directed towards a target using a learning algorithm based on Gaussian Mixture Models. The imitation trajectory can be reshaped in order to satisfy the constraints of the task and it can adapt to changes in the initial conditions and to target displacements occurring during movement execution. The potential of this method was evaluated using experiments with the Nao, Aldebaran's humanoid robot.
Weak scale effective supersymmetry

The idea of supersymmetry at the weak scale should be tested without regard to the Planck-scale origin of any specific model. A class of low-energy effective supersymmetric theories is derived from four assumptions: minimal field content, {ital R}-parity conservation, absence of quadratic divergences, and naturalness of near-flavor conservation. Current experiments are testing and constraining this wide class of supersymmetric models, and not just a specific {ital N}=1 supergravity model.
political conflict and social change in an Italian commune1

Political conflicts occurring between villages in a Central Italian commune are analyzed both as singular cases and as a series of connected situations. I argue that the latter perspective provides the basis for an understanding of structural change, which is lacking in the individual case-study approach favored by processual analysis.
A Small-Sample Comparison of Rank Score Tests for Parallelism of Several Regression Lines

Abstract The small-sample behavior of rank score tests due to Adichie and to Sen is compared to the classical parametric F test for parallelism of regression lines. Empirical power functions generated by a series of Monte Carlo simulations reveal that the nonparametric tests are consistently conservative relative to the classical test and suggest that, within the confines of the experimental distributions, the parametric test is the preferred small-sample test for parallelism.
Scattered fields from open-ended waveguide cavities

The computation of the total incident field distribution must include interactions between the different features that exist near the opening of the cavity. A UTD (uniform geometrical theory of diffraction) computer code can be used to compute the incoming field distribution at an aperture located at or near the opening of the cavity. This gives one the ability to place the open-ended cavity near other structures. The backscattered fields from an open-ended waveguide cavity attached to a flat plate were computed and measured at 10 GHz. Good agreement between the computed results and the measured ones is found. >
Particle Velocity and Temperature Histories in a Plasma Plume: A Comparison of Measurements and Predictions

A mathematical formulation is presented to describe the interaction between a plasma and injected particles. In the formulation, a realistic allowance is made for intraparticle conduction, vaporization and non-continuum effects. The theoretical predictions are compared with experimental measurements and quite reasonable agreement has been obtained. A discussion is presented assessing the relative importance of the various factors that govern plasma-particle interactions.
Elevated tropospheric CO2 and O3 may not alter initial wood decomposition rate or wood-decaying fungal community composition of Northern hardwoods

Abstract We examined the effects of elevated CO2 and/or O3 on the wood-decaying basidiomycete fungal community and wood decomposition rates at the Aspen Free-Air CO2 and O3 Enrichment (Aspen FACE) project. Mass loss rates were determined after one year of log decomposition on the soil surface, and wood-decaying basidiomycetes were isolated from decaying wood and identified via DNA sequencing. Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and birch (Betula papyrifera Marshall) wood differed significantly in wood-decaying basidiomycete fungal communities and decomposition rate. Twelve years of site exposure to elevated CO2 and/or O3 did not have significant effects on wood-decaying fungal communities. Growth under elevated CO2 and/or O3 did not produce wood that differed in decay rate from that grown under ambient atmospheric conditions. Similarly, wood decay rate was not altered significantly when decomposition occurred in elevated CO2 and/or O3 environments. Our results suggest that wood-decaying fungal community composition and decomposition rates of northern hardwoods may not be directly affected by elevated tropospheric CO2 and O3.
Surveillance and analysis on outbreak of influenza-like illness in Longgang District of Shenzhen City from 2012-2013

[Objective]To understand the features of influenza-like illness(ILI) outbreak in Longgang District of Shenzhen City,provide scientific basis for prevention and control of influenza. [Methods]The data of ILI outbreak and influenza surveillance of hospitals in Longgang District from 2012-2013 were analyzed retrospectively.[Results]A total of 49 ILI outbreaks were reported in Longgang District from 2012-2013,which mainly occurred in March,April and December. 53.06% of ILI outbreaks occurred in Longcheng Street,and the vast majority of outbreaks occurred in schools and nurseries,accounting for 97.96%. The main viruses caused ILI outbreaks were in sequence of influenza A,influenza B and influenza A H1N1. In the ILI surveillance hospitals of Longgang District,the conventional pathogen detection showed that the main viruses in sequence of influenza A,influenza B and influenza A H1N1. [Conclusion]In Longgang District,ILI outbreaks mainly occur in winter and spring,and it is necessary to strengthen the influenza surveillance,prevention and control in schools and nurseries.
Creating a Positive Social-Emotional Climate in Your Elementary Physical Education Program.

Creating a positive social-emotional climate must be the backbone of a quality elementary physical education program. The need to belong, have friends, and feel emotionally safe are basic needs everyone has, but meeting these needs in the classroom can be challenging at times. Strategies regarding how to implement a positive social-emotional climate, examples, and reasons for its importance will be provided in this article.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles and Nanorods

This paper presents a low temperature (130 and 160 °C) synthesis route to prepare the spinel phase CoFe2O4 nanoparticles and nanorods. A one-dimensional (1-D) structure of Co-ferrite was successfully synthesized using Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) as a surfactant at temperature 160 °C. Structural, electrical, and magnetic measurements have been performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and the Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). XRD patterns show a pure spinel (fcc) structure, showing a complete phase formation at a low temperature of 160 °C, without any subsequent sintering. Average crystallite sizes have been calculated by Sherrer’s and Williamson-Hall methods. As prepared CoFe2O4 nanorods exhibited a uniform shape of diameter 60–80 nm and 600–900 nm in length. The FTIR spectrum for Co-ferrite nanorods shows two intrinsic lattice absorption bands for tetrahedral and octahedral sublattices. DC electrical resistivity of CoFe2O4 nanorods is high up to ∼108 (Ω-cm), as compared to CoFe2O4 nanoparticles (∼107 Ω-cm) at 373 K. Dielectric parameters were measured using a LCR meter, in the frequency range of 1 kHz to 5 MHz. The real and imaginary part of the dielectric constant (e′ and e″) and dielectric loss tangent (tanδ) reduces for CoFe2O4 nanorods in comparison to nanoparticles, and has a value of 13.6 and 0.0416, respectively. Magnetic properties were characterized by VSM under a field of 10 kOe and showed that the 1-D structure reduces the magnetization of nanocrystalline CoFe2O4 from 65 emu/gm to 54 emu/gm.
Approaching the Essence of Music: Stylistic Heterogeneity in Ferruccio Busoni’s Doktor Faust

ABSTRACTFerruccio Busoni uses style the way many other composers use harmony. This is especially evident in his chef d’oeuvre, Doktor Faust, where stylistic contrasts serve structural purposes. Although recent scholarship has documented similar uses of style in the compositions of several contemporaneous composers, Busoni’s approach has been largely overlooked. This article seeks to fill the gap in scholarship by delineating the distinctive features of Busoni’s stylistic heterogeneity and reconstructing the aesthetic premises upon which it was based, while joining the ongoing scholarly discourse about stylistic heterogeneity in the first decades of the twentieth century.
Appendix A: Some Useful Mathematical Formulas

This appendix contains sections titled: Useful Vector Identities Gradient, Divergence, Curl, and Laplacian in Rectangular, Cylindrical, Spherical, and General Orthogonal Curvilinear Coordinate Systems Useful Integral Identities Integral Transforms
Global citizenship and the importance of education in a globally integrated world

ABSTRACTAs national borders dissipate and technology allows different cultures and nationalities to communicate on a regular basis, more individuals are self-identifying as a global citizen. Using Social Network Analysis and multi-level modelling, this study explores factors associated with global citizen affinity and finds that education plays an important, perhaps the most important, role in individual’s affinity towards this self-identification. Results clearly indicate that more education, not national economic or social integration, is more closely associated with an individual’s positive identity as a global citizen. Additionally, the magnitude of the education effect is greater in more socially integrated societies.
Automatic feature design for classification

In Chapter 6 we mirror closely the exposition given in the previous chapter on regression, beginning with the approximation of the underlying data generating function itself by bases of features, and going on to finally describing cross-validation in the context of classification. In short we will see that all of the tools from the previous chapter can be applied to the automatic design of features for the problem of classification as well. Automatic feature design for the ideal classification scenario In Fig. 6.1 we illustrate a prototypical dataset on which we perform the general task of two class classification, where the two classes can be effectively separated using a nonlinear boundary. In contrast to those examples given in Section 4.5, where visualization or scientific knowledge guided the fashioning of a feature transformation to capture this nonlinearity, in this chapter we suppose that this cannot be done due to the complexity and/or high dimensionality of the data. At the heart of the two class classification framework is the tacit assumption that the data we receive are in fact noisy samples of some underlying indicator function, a nonlinear generalization of the step function briefly discussed in Section 4.5, like the one shown in the right panel of Fig. 6.1. Akin to regression, our goal with classification is then to approximate this data-generating indicator function as well as we can using the data at our disposal. In this section we will assume the impossible: that we have clean and complete access to every data point in the space of a two class classification environment, whose labels take on values in ﹛-1, 1﹜, and hence access to its associated indicator function y ( x ). Although an indicator function is not continuous, the same bases of continuous features discussed in the previous chapter can be used to represent it (near) perfectly. Approximation of piecewise continuous functions In Section 5.1 we saw how fixed and adjustable neural network bases of features can be used to approximate continuous functions. These bases can also be used to effectively approximate the broader class of piecewise continuous functions, composed of fragments of continuous functions with gaps or jumps between the various pieces.
Classifying Drought in Ethiopia Using Machine Learning

Abstract This study applies machine learning to the rapidly growing societal problem of drought. Severe drought exists in Ethiopia with crop failures affecting about 90 million people. The Ethiopian famine of 1983–85 caused a loss of ∼400,000–1,000,000 lives. The present drought was triggered by low precipitation associated with the current El Nino and long-term warming, enhancing the potential for a catastrophe. In this study, the roles of temperature, precipitation and El Nino are examined to characterize both the current and previous droughts. Variable selection, using genetic algorithms with 10-fold cross-validation, was used to reduce a large number of potential predictors (27) to a manageable set (7). Variables present in ≥ 70% of the folds were retained to classify drought (no drought). Logistic regression and Primal Estimated sub-GrAdient SOlver for SVM (Pegasos) using both hinge and log cost functions, were used to classify drought. Logistic regression (Pegasos) produced correct classifications for 81.14% (83.44%) of the years tested. The variable weights suggest that El Nino plays an important role but, since the region has undergone a steady warming trend of ∼1.6°C since the 1950s, the larger weights associated with positive temperature anomalies are critical for correct classification.
Beyond Identity Politics

The author details the reasons why he has reached the conclusion that LGBT people have seen the limits of identity politics—that sexual object choice alone is not sufficient to connect a community and by extension a movement—and he calls for a new stage in political organizing linking people of progressive political philosophies, bridging the various social identities.
Physiological Mechanisms of Eccentric Contraction and Its Applications: A Role for the Giant Titin Protein.

When active muscles are stretched, our understanding of muscle function is stretched as well. Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of concentric contraction has advanced considerably since the advent of the sliding filament theory, whereas mechanisms for increased force production during eccentric contraction are only now becoming clearer. Eccentric contractions play an important role in everyday human movements, including mobility, stability, and muscle strength. Shortly after the sliding filament theory of muscle contraction was introduced, there was a reluctant recognition that muscle behaved as if it contained an “elastic” filament. Jean Hanson and Hugh Huxley referred to this structure as the “S-filament”, though their concept gained little traction. This additional filament, the giant titin protein, was identified several decades later, and its roles in muscle contraction are still being discovered. Recent research has demonstrated that, like activation of thin filaments by calcium, titin is also activated in muscle sarcomeres by mechanisms only now being elucidated. The mdm mutation in mice appears to prevent activation of titin, and is a promising model system for investigating mechanisms of titin activation. Titin stiffness appears to increase with muscle force production, providing a mechanism that explains two fundamental properties of eccentric contractions: their high force and low energetic cost. The high force and low energy cost of eccentric contractions makes them particularly well suited for athletic training and rehabilitation. Eccentric exercise is commonly prescribed for treatment of a variety of conditions including sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and tendinosis. Use of eccentric exercise in rehabilitation and athletic training has exploded to include treatment for the elderly, as well as muscle and bone density maintenance for astronauts during long-term space travel. For exercise intolerance and many types of sports injuries, experimental evidence suggests that interventions involving eccentric exercise are demonstrably superior to conventional concentric interventions. Future work promises to advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that confer high force and low energy cost to eccentric contraction, as well as signaling mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of eccentric exercise in athletic training and rehabilitation.
CHARACTERIZATION OF HUMAN GLOBIN ψβ2 – A PHANTOM PSEUDOGENE

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a study that was conducted to understand the characterization of human globin ψβ2. In this study, 3.5 kbp of human DNA covering the entire ψβ2 region was sequenced. . In analyzing the sequence data, it was found that the human globin ψβ2 region is A+T rich and contains a number of clusters of poly A and poly τ tracts. The longest of these tracts is (T)28. It was suspected that these tracts might account for the hybridization of ψβ2 to the γ cDNA clone as this cDNA clone had been constructed with poly A-T tails. Very weak hybridization of the cloned ψβ2 region to a γ-globin cDNA clone in the absence of poly rA was obtained but none in its presence. The nucleotide sequence data and additional hybridi-zation tests showed that three members of the A1u family of repeated DNA sequences were clustered upstream of the ψβ2 region. Two of these sequences were oriented in the same direction. A1u family repeats may have a role in the regulation of gene transcription or DNA replication.
Radiation Therapy for Intrahepatic and Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Clinical Data

The incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma continues to increase in the USA and worldwide. The majority of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and are not candidates for resection. Historically, these patients carried a very poor prognosis and few liver-directed therapies provided meaningful improvement in outcomes. While the use of radiotherapy was traditionally limited by concerns over radiation-induced liver disease, modern techniques with 3D conformal radiotherapy, stereotaxy, and the use of charged particles have allowed for liver-directed dose-escalated radiotherapy without a compromise in toxicity. These advancements have markedly improved local control and survival in patients with inoperable tumors, and the role of radiation in the management of primary liver tumors, especially intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, has increased accordingly. In this chapter, the indications, techniques, and outcomes of radiotherapy will be discussed in both the adjuvant and inoperable settings.
Performance Analysis of Partitioned Adaptive Estimators

Abstract The performance of partitioned adaptive state estimators for linear, dynamic systems is discussed in this paper. The adaptive, state estimates are formed under the assumption that the unknown system parameter belongs to a finite model set and are thus readily implementable. The performance of the adaptive estimator is analysed for the general case when the true parameter in fact does not belong to the finite model set. The analysis is based on the asymptotic per sample formula for the Kullback information measure. The significance of the theoretical results in system modelling applications is examined.
Lack of Pattern Separation in Sensory Inputs to the Olfactory Bulb during Perceptual Learning

Recent studies revealed changes in odor representations in the olfactory bulb during active olfactory learning (Chu et al., 2016; Yamada et al., 2017). Specifically, mitral cell ensemble responses to very similar odorant mixtures sparsened and became more distinguishable as mice learned to discriminate the odorants over days (Chu et al., 2016). In this study, we explored whether changes in the sensory inputs to the bulb underlie the observed changes in mitral cell responses. Using two-photon calcium imaging to monitor the odor responses of the olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) axon terminals in the glomeruli of the olfactory bulb during a discrimination task, we found that OSN inputs to the bulb are stable during discrimination learning. During one week of training to discriminate between very similar odorant mixtures in a Go/No-go task, OSN responses did not show significant sparsening, and the responses to the trained similar odorants did not diverge throughout training. These results suggest that the adaptive changes of mitral cell responses during perceptual learning are ensured by mechanisms downstream of OSN input, possibly in local circuits within olfactory bulb.
Aortobronchial and aortoenteric fistula.

Abstract Pathologic communication between the thoracic aorta and esophagus or tracheobronchial tree is a rare vascular condition and most commonly develops after open or endovascular aortic repair complicated by infection. Patients with aortoesophageal or tracheobronchial fistula often present with systemic infection and are at risk for major hemorrhage. Medical management is uniformly fatal. Expeditious definitive management requires operative repair by open repair or a combination of endovascular and open procedures. Appropriate antibiotic regimens are important for preventing graft reinfection.
First Complete Genome Sequences of Anopheles A Virus of the Genus Orthobunyavirus.

ABSTRACT Here, we report the first complete genome sequence of Anopheles A virus (ANAV) that was isolated from Colombia in 1940, and we include the first description of the medium and large segments. The ANAV medium and large segments share the highest identity with serogroup member Lukuni virus, which causes human infection.
Secondary agricultural educators' validation of selected agricultural mechanics objectives in Wisconsin

The purpose of this descriptive study was to validate selected agricultural mechanics objectives in Wisconsin. The population consisted of all secondary agricultural education teachers in Wisconsin. The survey instrument was pilot-tested using 47 educators that had experience in agricultural mechanics and/or agricultural education. The instrument was sent electronically to 286 agricultural teachers. Overall, 269 usable responses were received for this study. Wisconsin agriculture teachers validated 99 agricultural mechanics objectives for consideration in secondary agricultural education programs. Additionally, teachers indicated strong support for pre-service and in-service training for the 99 validated objectives. Teachers averaged 14.1 years of experience and their perceptions of agricultural mechanics objectives were favorable. This study will help teachers with the consideration of agricultural mechanics objectives to be used in agricultural education programs in Wisconsin.
Effects of the Affordable Care Act on Private Insurance Coverage and Treatment of Behavioral Health Conditions in Young Adults.

Objectives. To assess changes in private insurance coverage and behavioral treatment of people aged 19 to 25 years and 26 to 35 years following the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) dependent care pro...
How do differing stakeholders perceive instances of literacy instruction

In this study, we investigated how early childhood teachers’ perspectives on their enacted literacy instruction aligned with the perspectives of observers of that same instruction. Two master teach...
Molecular Markers of Telomere Dysfunction and Senescence are Common Findings in the Usual Interstitial Pneumonia Pattern of Lung Fibrosis

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an age-associated, progressive form of pulmonary fibrosis characterized pathologically by a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern of fibrosis. The UIP pattern is also found in pulmonary fibrosis attributable to clinical diagnoses other than IPF (Non-IPF UIP) whose clinical course is similarly poor, suggesting common molecular drivers. Methods: To test whether patients with IPF and non-IPF UIP share molecular drivers, lung tissue from 169 IPF patients and 57 non-IPF UIP patients were histopathologically and molecularly compared. Results: Histopathologic changes in IPF and non-IPF UIP patients included temporal heterogeneity, microscopic honeycombing, fibroblast foci and dense collagen fibrosis. Non-IPF UIP lungs were more likely to have lymphocytic infiltration, noncaseating granulomas, airway centered inflammation or small airways disease. Telomeres were shorter in alveolar type II (AECII) cells of both IPF and non-IPF UIP lungs compared to age-similar, unused donor, controls. Telomere shortening was isolated to AECII cells when comparing telomere lengths between AECII and adjacent cells in individual patients. Molecular markers of senescence (p16, p21) were elevated in lysates of IPF and non-IPF UIP lungs. Immunostaining localized expression of these proteins to AECII cells. Conclusions: Molecular markers of telomere dysfunction and senescence are pathologically expressed in both IPF and non-IPF UIP lungs. These findings suggest that common molecular drivers may contribute to the pathogenesis of UIP-associated pulmonary fibrosis, regardless of the underlying clinical context.
Constraint Annealing Method for Solution of Multiconstrained Nuclear Fuel Cycle Optimization Problems

AbstractA method is developed, assessed, and demonstrated for addressing objective functions and constraints within the context of combinatorial optimization problems. The penalty-free method developed, referred to as constraint annealing, eliminates the use of traditional constraint penalty factors by treating the objective functions and constraints as separate and concurrently solved minimization problems within a global optimization search framework. The basis of the constraint annealing algorithm is a highly scalable method based on the method of parallel simulated annealing with mixing of states. Unique to constraint annealing is a novel approach that employs both global solution acceptance and local objective function and constraint statistics in the calculation of adaptive cooling temperatures that are specific to each objective function and constraint. The constraint annealing method is assessed against a traditional penalty-factor approach for a realistic core loading pattern design problem and s...
Chapter 1.2 The structure factor

This chapter summarizes the mathematical development of the structure-factor formalism. It starts with the definition of the structure factor appropriate for X-ray and neutron scattering, and includes the derivation of the appropriate expressions. Beyond the isolated-atom case, the atom-centred spherical harmonic (multipole) model is treated in detail. Expressions for thermal motion in the harmonic approximation and for treatments including anharmonicity are given and their relative merits are discussed. Keywords: structure factors; X-ray scattering; magnetic scattering; spherical harmonic expansion; orbital products; temperature factors; rigid-body motion; cumulant expansion; Gram–Charlier series; one-particle potential model
Organizational learning during policy implementation: lessons from U.S. forest planning

Learning is critical for land management agencies implementing new policies in the face of rapid social and ecological change. We investigated learning in the U.S. Forest Service as it implemented ...
Online yoga in myeloproliferative neoplasm patients: results of a randomized pilot trial to inform future research.

Myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) patients suffer from significant symptoms, inflammation and reduced quality of life. Yoga improves these outcomes in other cancers, but this hasn’t been demonstrated in MPNs. The purpose of this study was to: (1) explore the limited efficacy (does the program show promise of success) of a 12-week online yoga intervention among MPN patients on symptom burden and quality of life and (2) determine feasibility (practicality: to what extent a measure can be carried out) of remotely collecting inflammatory biomarkers. Patients were recruited nationally and randomized to online yoga (60 min/week of yoga) or wait-list control (asked to maintain normal activity). Weekly yoga minutes were collected with Clicky (online web analytics tool) and self-report. Those in online yoga completed a blood draw at baseline and week 12 to assess inflammation (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]). All participants completed questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, sexual function, total symptom burden, global health, and quality of life at baseline, week seven, 12, and 16. Change from baseline at each time point was computed by group and effect sizes were calculated. Pre-post intervention change in inflammation for the yoga group was compared by t-test. Sixty-two MPN patients enrolled and 48 completed the intervention (online yoga = 27; control group = 21). Yoga participation averaged 40.8 min/week via Clicky and 56.1 min/week via self-report. Small/moderate effect sizes were generated from the yoga intervention for sleep disturbance (d = − 0.26 to − 0.61), pain intensity (d = − 0.34 to − 0.51), anxiety (d = − 0.27 to − 0.37), and depression (d = − 0.53 to − 0.78). A total of 92.6 and 70.4% of online yoga participants completed the blood draw at baseline and week 12, respectively, and there was a decrease in TNF-α from baseline to week 12 (− 1.3 ± 1.5 pg/ml). Online yoga demonstrated small effects on sleep, pain, and anxiety as well as a moderate effect on depression. Remote blood draw procedures are feasible and the effect size of the intervention on TNF-α was large. Future fully powered randomized controlled trials are needed to test for efficacy. This trial was retrospectively registered with clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT03503838 ) on 4/19/2018.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Health

Digital medicine and health herald the era of technological advances such as apps, wearable technology and remote monitoring, telemedicine and communication tools, and other diagnostic devices to affect a more optimal quality of care as well as a more timely response to any situation. The overarching theme in digital health and medicine in the use of AI in orchestrating, storing, and interpreting the huge amounts of data derived from the devices to facilitate acute and chronic disease diagnosis and management via AI-enabled acquisition and interpretation of data. This strategy will both increase the ability to proactively intervene when appropriate as well as decrease the burden on both the patient and the caretakers when the decisions are relatively straightforward.
Clinical outcomes of first-line FOLFIRINOX versus gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel in metastatic pancreatic cancer at the Yale Smilow Healthcare System.

769Background: FOLFIRINOX (FFX) and Gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GN) are established first line (1L) therapies for metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC) but real-world data on their comparative ef...
Minimal Relationship between Local Gyrification and General Cognitive Ability in Humans

Previous studies suggest that gyrification is associated with superior cognitive abilities in humans, but the strength of this relationship remains unclear. Here, in two samples of related individuals (total N = 2882), we calculated an index of local gyrification (LGI) at thousands of cortical surface points using structural brain images and an index of general cognitive ability (g) using performance on cognitive tests. Replicating previous studies, we found that phenotypic and genetic LGI-g correlations were positive and statistically significant in many cortical regions. However, all LGI-g correlations in both samples were extremely weak, regardless of whether they were significant or nonsignificant. For example, the median phenotypic LGI-g correlation was 0.05 in one sample and 0.10 in the other. These correlations were even weaker after adjusting for confounding neuroanatomical variables (intracranial volume and local cortical surface area). Furthermore, when all LGIs were considered together, at least 89% of the phenotypic variance of g remained unaccounted for. We conclude that the association between LGI and g is too weak to have profound implications for our understanding of the neurobiology of intelligence. This study highlights potential issues when focusing heavily on statistical significance rather than effect sizes in large-scale observational neuroimaging studies.
Smartphone use in outdoor education: a question of activity progression and place

Smartphone use in outdoor recreation settings is somewhat controversial. Some individuals claim smartphones engage audiences and promote access to resources. Others claim they distract from the set...
ADAPT-2: A Randomized Clinical Trial to Reduce Intraoperative EEG Suppression in Older Surgical Patients Undergoing Major Noncardiac Surgery

Background Recent limited evidence suggests that the use of a processed electroencephalographic (EEG) monitor to guide anesthetic management may influence postoperative cognitive outcomes; however, the mechanism is unclear. Methods This exploratory, single-center, randomized clinical trial included patients who were ≥65 years of age undergoing elective noncardiac surgery. The study aimed to determine whether monitoring the brain using a processed EEG monitor reduced EEG suppression and subsequent postoperative delirium. The interventional group received processed EEG-guided anesthetic management to keep the Patient State Index (PSI) above 35 computed by the SEDline Brain Function Monitor (Masimo, Inc, Irvine, CA), while the standard care group was also monitored, but the EEG data were blinded from the clinicians. The primary outcome was intraoperative EEG suppression. A secondary outcome was incident postoperative delirium during the first 3 days after surgery. Results All outcomes were analyzed using the intention-to-treat paradigm. Two hundred and four patients with a mean age of 72 ± 5 years were studied. Minutes of EEG suppression adjusted by the length of surgery was found to be less for the interventional group than the standard care group (median [interquartile range], 1.4% [5.0%] and 2.5% [10.4%]; Hodges-Lehmann estimated median difference [95% confidence interval {CI}] of -0.8% [-2.1 to -0.000009]). The effect of the intervention on EEG suppression differed for those with and without preoperative cognitive impairment (interaction P = .01), with the estimated incidence rate ratio (95% CI) of 0.39 (0.33-0.44) for those with preoperative cognitive impairment and 0.48 (0.44-0.51) for those without preoperative cognitive impairment. The incidence of delirium was not found to be different between the interventional (17%) and the standard care groups (20%), risk ratio = 0.85 (95% CI, 0.47-1.5). Conclusions The use of processed EEG to maintain the PSI >35 was associated with less time spent in intraoperative EEG suppression. Preoperative cognitive impairment was associated with a greater percent of surgical time spent in EEG suppression. A larger prospective cohort study to include more cognitively vulnerable patients is necessary to show whether an intervention to reduce EEG suppression is efficacious in reducing postoperative delirium.
2 – Theoretical and Actual Cycle Analysis

Publisher Summary This chapter evaluates the Brayton cycle and its various modifications, and examines their effects on the basic cycle. The Brayton cycle in its ideal form consists of two isobaric processes and two isentropic processes. The two isobaric processes consist of the combustor system of the gas turbine, and the gas side of the Heat Recovery Steam Generating units (HRSGs). The two isentropic processes represent the compression (Compressor) and the expansion (Turbine Expander) processes in the gas turbine. In a simple gas turbine cycle, the turbine exit temperature is almost always higher than the temperature of the air leaving the compressor. Thus, the fuel requirement can be reduced by the use of a regenerator in which the hot turbine exhaust gas preheats the air between the compressor and the combustion chamber. Increasing the effectiveness of a regenerator calls for more heat transfer surface area, which in turn increases the cost, the pressure drop, and the space requirements of the unit. There are two types of heat exchangers: regenerative and recuperative. In regenerative heat exchangers, the heat transfer between two streams is affected by the exposure of a third medium alternately to the two flows. The heat flows successively into and out of the third medium, which undergoes a cyclic temperature. In a recuperative heat exchanger, each element of heat-transferring surface has a constant temperature and, by arranging the gas paths in contraflow, the temperature distribution in the matrix in the direction of flow is the one that gives optimum performance for the given heat transfer conditions.
Chapter 10 – Freshwater Turtles

Like freshwater fishes, but unlike their marine counterparts, freshwater turtles occupy a highly structured environment that undoubtedly affects their population genetics and evolution. What is the impact of this physical structure on the population genetic architecture of turtle species that inhabit rivers and lakes? That query is just one of many issues addressed in comparative phylogeographic appraisals of freshwater turtles, fishes, and terrestrial and maritime vertebrates across the southeastern United States. Long-term sperm storage and utilization by females is another topic that proved to be of special interest in these molecular genetic assessments of freshwater turtle species.
The 3 Sagittal Morphotypes That Define the Normal Cervical Spine: A Systematic Review of the Literature and an Analysis of Asymptomatic Volunteers.

BACKGROUND Cervical alignment is vital for maintaining horizontal gaze and sagittal balance. The aims of this study were to summarize previously published descriptions of normative cervical alignment and to analyze a cohort of asymptomatic volunteers in order to identify natural clusters of normal radiographic parameters. METHODS We performed a systematic review of the literature on radiographic measurements of asymptomatic volunteers through a search of MEDLINE and ScienceDirect databases. We then performed an analysis of demographic and radiographic parameters of volunteers without back or neck complaints. Only subjects with a chin-brow vertical angle (CBVA) within previously published normal limits were retained for analysis. A 2-step cluster analysis was used to find natural groups of cervical alignment. Differences among groups were investigated with a post hoc analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS We included 37 articles in our analysis. There was a broad spectrum of both C2-C7 lordosis-kyphosis and T1 slope across ages and sexes. Of the 119 asymptomatic volunteers who were available for analysis, 84 (with a mean age [and standard deviation] of 49.0 ± 17.1 years) had a CBVA ranging from -4.7° to 17.7°. The cluster analysis identified 3 alignment groups based on cervical lordosis-kyphosis and T1 slope (silhouette measure of cohesion, >0.6). Twenty-seven volunteers (32.1%) were identified as the "kyphotic curve cohort" (KCC) (mean C2-C7 Cobb angle, -8.6° ± 7.3°; mean T1 slope, 17.4° ± 6.6°), 43 volunteers (51.2%) were identified as the "medium lordosis cohort" (MLC) (mean C2-C7 Cobb angle, 8.7° ± 7.2°; mean T1 slope, 26.6° ± 4.0°), and 14 volunteers (16.7%) were identified as the "large lordosis cohort" (LLC) (mean C2-C7 Cobb angle, 21.2° ± 7.2°, mean T1 slope, 39.5° ± 6.4°) (p < 0.001 for both). Moving from KCC to LLC, there was a significant decrease in C0-C2 lordosis (p = 0.016). Examination of the cervical vertebral orientation demonstrated that C4 had a constant orientation relative to the horizontal (p = 0.665). Correlation analysis between C2-C7 and vertebral orientations again demonstrated that C4 orientation was independent of C2-C7 alignment. CONCLUSIONS We have identified 3 morphotypes of the cervical spine based on C2-C7 alignment and T1 slope. These findings demonstrate the broad definition of normal cervical alignment and the range of cervical lordosis-kyphosis that is acceptable.
What You Need to Know About Cannabis: An Evidence-Based Crash Course for Mental Health Trainees.

Introduction Although increasing numbers of states are legalizing cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes, health care providers and students report low comfort levels and limited knowl...
Putting the “Me” in endorsement: Understanding and conceptualizing dimensions of self-endorsement using intelligent personal assistants:

Self-endorsement—depicting the “self” as an endorser of a brand—represents a potentially powerful advertising strategy made possible by new media. This experiment tests the hypothesis that receivin...
Volatile microbial semiochemicals and insect perception at flowers.

Many plant-associated microbial communities produce volatile signals that influence insect responses, yet the impact of floral microorganisms has received less attention than other plant microbiomes. Floral microorganisms alter plant and floral odors by adding their own emissions or modifying plant volatiles. These contextual and microbe species-specific changes in floral signaling are detectable by insects and can modify their behavior. Opportunities for future work in floral systems include identifying specific microbial semiochemicals that underlie insect behavioral responses and examining if insect species vary in their responses to microbial volatiles. Examining if documented patterns are consistent across diverse plant–microbe–insect interactions and in realistic plant-based studies will improve our understanding of how microbes mediate pollination interactions in complex system.
Autologous corneal graft for the treatment of deep corneal defects in dogs: 15 cases (2014-2017).

Objectives To describe the use of corneal autografts for repair of deep corneal defects in dogs. Materials and methods Retrospective analysis of clinical records of dogs that received autologous corneal grafts. Results Fifteen dogs (16 eyes) of different breed, age and gender were included. Brachycephalic breeds were overrepresented (10/15 dogs). Defects were unilateral in 14 dogs and bilateral in one dog, extended to at least 80% of the stromal thickness in all eyes, with descemetoceles in four eyes and corneal perforations in five eyes. Most ulcers (13/16 eyes) were located centrally. Corneal autografts were harvested from healthy peripheral cornea of the ipsilateral eye. The thickness of the autograft was limited to a set depth of 0.3 mm. The autograft was sutured into a previously debrided ulcer bed with a continuous or simple interrupted suture pattern using absorbable or non-absorbable suture material. Additional interventions included a partial temporary tarsorrhaphy and bandage contact lenses. Postoperatively patients received topical antibiotics and systemic anti-inflammatory drugs, and 12/15 dogs also received systemic antibiotics. Mean follow-up time was 54 days (2 to 462). In all eyes the donor site healed uneventfully with mild, persistent corneal fibrosis. Postoperative complications included autograft keratomalacia, graft dehiscence and corneal pigmentation. No patient required additional surgery. Good structural and functional outcome was accomplished in 14 of 16 eyes. Clinical significance Autologous corneal grafts provide tectonic support and result in good corneal transparency in selected cases of dogs with deep to perforated corneal ulcerations.
iKanEat: protocol for a randomized controlled trial of megestrol as a component of a pediatric tube weaning protocol.

Although tube feeding routinely saves the lives of children who do not eat by mouth, chronic tube feeding can be a burden to patients, caregivers, and families. Very few randomized trials exist regarding the best methods for weaning children from their feeding tubes. The current paper describes a randomized controlled trial of an empirically supported outpatient treatment protocol for moving children from tube to oral eating called iKanEat. Specifically, we describe the methods of randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial which includes a 4-week course of megestrol, the only medication used in the iKanEat protocol, to determine whether the addition of megestrol results in improved child outcomes. The primary and secondary aims are to assess the safety and efficacy of megestrol as part of the iKanEat protocol. The third aim is to provide critical information about the impact of the transition from tube to oral feeding on parent stress and parent and child quality of life. This trial will provide data regarding whether megestrol is a safe and effective component of the iKanEat tube weaning protocol, as well as important data on how the tube weaning process impacts parent stress and parent and child quality of life. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT#03815019 . Registered on January 17, 2019
New Economy Philanthropy in the High Technology Communities of Bangalore and Hyderabad, India: Partnership with the State and the Ambiguous Search for Social Innovation

In India as in the United States, the philanthropy that is emerging from urban-based "new economy" entrepreneurs is beginning to demonstrate significant differences from the philanthropic giving of an earlier generation of entrepreneurs. In India a new generation of high-technology corporate leaders, their families and their companies are seeking – not always with immediate success – to explore new paths in social innovation through philanthropy just as they have pioneered new forms of corporate development.