cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An IEEE 1149.1 based voltmeter/oscilloscope in a chip

The concepts of a proposed IEEE 1149.1 based analog test device have been developed. This device can operate on the 1149.1 serial test bus to monitor and store analog signal data in much the same way as traditional analog test instruments. The primary advantage of this device is that it can be included on miniaturized printed circuit boards and within multi-chip modules to provide an embedded method of accessing and testing analog circuitry. This paper describes the proposed device and illustrates how it can be used in a system to monitor both static and dynamic analog signal types. >
Good and not so good medical ethics

In this paper, I provide a brief sketch of the purposes that medical ethics serves and what makes for good medical ethics. Medical ethics can guide clinical practice and biomedical research, contribute to the education of clinicians, advance thinking in the field, and direct healthcare policy. Although these are distinct activities, they are alike in several critical respects. Good medical ethics is coherent, illuminating, accurate, reasonable, consistent, informed, and measured. After this overview, I provide specific examples to illustrate some of the ways in which medical ethics could go wrong as a caution and a reminder that taking on the role of an ethicist involves serious responsibilities that must be exercised with care.
Biotin synthase contains two distinct iron-sulfur cluster binding sites: chemical and spectroelectrochemical analysis of iron-sulfur cluster interconversions.

Biotin synthase is an iron-sulfur protein that utilizes AdoMet to catalyze the presumed radical- mediated insertion of a sulfur atom between the saturated C6 and C9 carbons of dethiobiotin. Biotin synthase (BioB) is aerobically purified as a dimer that contains (2Fe-2S) 2+ clusters and is inactive in the absence of additional iron and reductants, and anaerobic reduction of BioB with sodium dithionite results in conversion to enzyme containing (4Fe-4S) 2+ and/or (4Fe-4S) + clusters. To establish the predominant cluster forms present in biotin synthase in anaerobic assays, and by inference in Escherichia coli ,w e have accurately determined the extinction coefficient and cluster content of the enzyme under oxidized and reduced conditions and have examined the equilibrium reduction potentials at which cluster reductions and conversions occur as monitored by UV/visible and EPR spectroscopy. In contrast to previous reports, we find that aerobically purified BioB contains ca. 1.2-1.5 (2Fe-2S) 2+ clusters per monomer with 452 ) 8400 M -1 cm -1 per monomer. Upon reduction, the (2Fe-2S) 2+ clusters are converted to (4Fe-4S) clusters with two widely separate reduction potentials of -140 and -430 mV. BioB reconstituted with excess iron and sulfide in 60% ethylene glycol was found to contain two (4Fe-4S) 2+ clusters per monomer with 400 ) 30 000 M -1 cm -1 per monomer and is reduced with lower midpoint potentials of -440 and -505 mV, respectively. Finally, as predicted by the measured redox potentials, enzyme incubated under typical anaerobic assay conditions is repurified containing one (2Fe-2S) 2+ cluster and one (4Fe-4S) 2+ cluster per monomer. These results indicate that the dominant stable cluster state for biotin synthase is a dimer containing two (2Fe-2S) 2+ and two (4Fe-4S) 2+ clusters.
Radiosensitization of solid tumors by Z-VAD, a pan-caspase inhibitor

Despite recent advances in the management of breast and lung cancer, novel treatment strategies are still needed to further improve patient outcome. The targeting of cell death pathways has therefore been proposed to enhance therapeutic ratio in cancer. In this study, we examined the in vitro and in vivo effects of Z-VAD, a broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor, on breast and lung cancer in association with radiation. Using clonogenic assays, we observed that Z-VAD markedly radiosensitized breast and lung cancer cells, with a radiation dose enhancement ratio of 1.31 (P < 0.003). For both models, the enhanced tumor cytotoxicity was associated with induction of autophagy. Furthermore, we found that administration of Z-VAD with radiation in both breast and lung cancer xenograft produced a significant tumor growth delay compared with radiation alone and was well tolerated. Interestingly, Z-VAD also had dramatic antiangiogenic effect when combined with radiation both in vitro and in vivo and thus represents an attractive anticancer therapeutic strategy. In conclusion, this preclinical study supports the therapeutic potential of Z-VAD as a radiosensitizer in breast and lung cancer. This study also suggests caspase inhibition as a promising strategy to enhance the therapeutic ratio of radiation therapy in solid tumors. Therefore, clinical trials are needed to determine the potential of this combination therapy in cancer patients.
Large-aperture, rapid scanning MEMS micromirrors for free-space optical communications

Electrothermally-actuated MEMS mirrors with large apertures of 6 mm and 10 mm are reported. Optical scan above 10°, divergence below 0.53 mrad and resonance frequencies in the order of 100 Hz have been achieved.
The Geographic Distribution of Polar Desert Soils in the Northern Hemisphere

The soil of Arctic areas is generally said to be Tundra. Recent research indicates that the zonal diagram depicting a Podzol-Tundra-firn sequence northward from the fringes of the northern forest does not realistically reflect physical conditions in the northern extremities of ice-free land. These extremities are primarily mantled with Polar Desert soils. The Polar Desert soils are at times only sparsely colonized by vascular plants. They are typical of regions of low temperature, rather dry soil conditions, mildly acid to alkaline in reaction with salt efflorescences. In the western hemisphere, all land north of Viscount Melville and Lancaster sounds falls into the geographical area of Polar Desert soils, and so do the ice-free portions of Greenland north of 78° to 80° N. The Franklin district of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago is rather a transition zone between Tundra soil and Polar Desert soil. In the eastern hemisphere, portions of Svalbard lie within the Polar Desert soil area. On the other hand, Novaya Zemlya, Savernaya Zemlya, Novo Sibirskie, Wrangel Islands, and portions of the Northern Tamal and Taimyr peninsulas constitute more of a transition zone between Tundra and true Polar Desert. The extension of this transition zone has been outlined by Gerasimov in 1956. Geologists such as Cailleux, Taylor, Troll, and Washburn have contributed substantially to the study of Arctic soils through their work on physical and chemical weathering, ground patterns, and perennially frozen ground. A substantial effort should be made by scientists o t unify soil nomenclature in the Arctic or at least to establish equivalent terminology. Fundamental studies on Arctic soil are long overdue with cartography not one of the least important.
Public sector downsizing : an introduction

Authorities throughout the developing world are turning to downsizing in an effort to reduce budget deficits and address the inefficiencies engendered by state-led development strategies. Because large-scale involuntary dismissals are often politically difficult, a voluntary approach to reductions in public sector employment is increasingly popular among developing-country governments, multilateral organizations, and donor countries. This article (and, more generally, the research project on public sector retrenchment) attempts to sketch a protocol for public sector downsizing that takes into account the costs and benefits for the workers and the economy. After reviewing the international experience with downsizing, the article addresses five questions: how to identify the redundant workers, how to predict their losses from separation, how to design compensation and assistance packages, how to assess the financial and economic returns to downsizing, and how to deal with downsizing in one-company towns. Based on the answers to these questions, a decision tree is proposed.
Elevated temperature cycling stability and electrochemical impedance of LiMn2O4 cathodes with nanoporous ZrO2 and TiO2 coatings

Abstract In this study, nanoporous zirconia (ZrO2) and titania (TiO2) coatings are shown to stabilize the cycling performance of lithium-ion batteries with LiMn2O4 spinel cathodes. The effect of firing temperature on the coating pore size is discussed and the resulting performance of the coated cathodes is evaluated. Stabilization mechanisms, such as neutralization of acidic electrolytes by ZrO2 and TiO2 coatings, are examined. It is proposed that the establishment of a complex nanoporous network for lithium-ion transport results in a more uniform current distribution at the particle surface, thereby suppressing capacity fade that may be associated with surface instabilities of the spinel electrode.
Integrating reconstructed scatterometer and advanced very high resolution radiometer data for tropical forest inventory

A scientific effort is currently underway to assess tropical forest degradation and its potential impact on Earth's climate. Because of the large continental regions involved, Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) imagery and its derivative vegetation index products with resolutions between 1 and 12 km are typically used to inventory the Earth's equatorial vegetation. Archival AVHRR imagery is also used to obtain a temporal baseline of historical forest extent. Recently however, 50-km Seasat-A Scatterometer (SASS) Ku-band imagery (acquired in 1978) has been reconstructed to ≈ 4-km resolution, making it a supplement to AVHRR imagery for historical vegetation assessment. In order to test the utility of reconstructed Ku-band scatterometer imagery for this purpose, seasonal AVHRR vegetation-index and SASS images of identical resolutions were constructed. Using the imagery, discrimination experiments involving 18 vegetation categories were conducted for a central South America study area. The results of these experiments indicate that AVHRR vegetation-index images are slightly superior to reconstructed SASS images for differentiating between equatorial vegetation classes when used alone. However, combining the scatterometer imagery with the vegetation-index images provides discrimination superior to any other combination of the data sets. Using the two data sets together, 90.3% of the test data could be correctly classified into broad classes of equatorial forest, degraded woodland/forest, woodland/savanna, and caatinga .
Children's friendship experiences and psychological adjustment: theory and research.

Children's friendship experiences are a unizue aspect of peer relations with important implications for psychological adjustment.
Visually Servoed 3-D Alignment of Multiple Objects with Subnanometer Precision

This paper presents a visual measurement technique and the associated visual servo control method that enable 3-D alignment of multiple objects with subnanometer precision. Such high precision is achieved through eliminating the bias error caused by spatial sampling in the in-plane motion estimation, using a highly sensitive measurement technique based on interference for the out-of-plane motion, and continuously compensating for time varying uncertainties induced by mechanical forces and thermal drifts. The developed measurement technique is integrated with a motion stage to experimentally demonstrate visually servoed 3-D alignment, in which two microcantilevers are aligned in the 3-D space with alignment errors below 1 nm (rms) in all axes. Nanostepping of 0.5 nm magnitude along the out-of-plane z-axis is also performed between the two microcantilevers to illustrate the super precision of the visually served 3-D alignment.
Determination of structure-property relationships for 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane films using x-ray reflectivity

Films of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane films (APTES) deposited from nonpolar solvents show unusual hardness and tribological properties. The morphological origin of this behavior is determined using x-ray reflectivity. The deposited APTES films are smooth, evolving from a sparse structure when less than two-molecule-thick (<1 g/cm3) to a dense structure (1.26 g/cm3) when thicker. Previously reported improvements in wear resistance and hardness are due to the unusually dense nature of the APTES film. The density of multilayered APTES film has implications for its use as an interface-coupling agent because the film density limits the reactivity of embedded amine groups. A high-temperature cure (120 °C) does not affect film density but does significantly improve hydrolytic stability. Given their high density, predictable reactivity, stability and resistance to wear, multilayered APTES films are well suited for interfacial modification designed to improve mechanical properties, provided the films are properly cured.
Heterophile antibodies segregate in families and are associated with protection from type 1 diabetes

Markedly elevated levels of serum IL-4 were reported previously in 50% of a small group of type 1 diabetes nonprogessors. To determine the patterns of expression for this phenotype, a larger cohort of 58 families containing type 1 diabetic patients was examined. Analysis of the two-site ELISA assay used to measure serum IL-4 revealed evidence for heterophile antibodies, i.e., nonanalyte substances in serum capable of binding antibodies mutivalently and providing erroneous analyte (e.g., IL-4) quantification. Interestingly, relatives without type 1 diabetes were significantly more likely to have this phenotype than were patients with the disease (P = 0.003). In addition, the trait appears to have clustered within certain families and was associated with the protective MHC allele DQB1*0602 (P = 0.008). These results suggest that heterophile antibodies represent an in vivo trait associated with self-tolerance and nonprogression to diabetes.
How the Arts Help Children to Create Healthy Social Scripts: Exploring the Perceptions of Elementary Teachers

Although there is widespread recognition that arts experiences enhance children’s socialemotional development, the mechanisms through which this process takes place are little understood. This article provides insight into the role of the arts in development, through a review of recent research on child development and interviews with inner-city elementary teachers who have participated in an artist-in-residence program. The author presents evidence thatartsexperiences—anddramaactivitiesinparticular—helpchildrentodevelopanenhanced understanding of the responses, emotional expressions, and actions of other people, as well as a comprehension of what to expect from others and what social scripts should be used in different situations.
Obesity and its association with comorbidities and hospital charges among patients hospitalized for dental conditions.

Aim The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of obesity on hospitalization charges and comorbid burden following hospitalization due to dental conditions. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 2004–2010 was used. All hospitalizations due to dental conditions were selected. The prevalence of obesity was estimated among these hospitalizations. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the impact of obesity on outcomes. Results A total of 11 965 hospitalizations were attributed to dental conditions; 5.6% were related to obesity. The proportion of those who were obese increased over the study period (ranging from 3.7% in 2004 to 7.3% in 2010). The mean age of those who were obese was 45 years (compared to 38.7 years for those who were not obese). Close to 41% of those who were obese were males (compared to 51% who were not obese). Whites comprised 62.4% of those who were obese (compared to 59.2% of those who were not obese). Those who were obese had a higher comorbid burden compared to those who were not obese (83.5% of those who were obese had at least one comorbid condition, whereas 56.4% of those who were not obese had at least one comorbid condition). Those who were obese had higher hospitalization charges ($US2225 more, P = 0.0001). Conclusions Obesity is associated with high comorbid burden and hospital charges among patients hospitalized due to dental conditions.
Working through the question of the phallus to the other side commentary on Bracha Lichtenberg‐Ettinger's paper

The work of Bracha Lichtenberg‐Ettinger implicates psychoanalysis as a political, clinical, and aesthetic project and draws theoretically from each of these domains. As part of her challenge to psychoanalysis, Lichtenberg‐Ettinger questions the Lacanian and Freudian preoccupation with the phallus. She queries the degree to which the psychical amplification of the phallus remains blindly tied to the penis and a masculine incarnation. She supplements this phallogocentric positioning with the concept of a matrixial subjectivity grounded in the intrauterine coexistence of mother and child. The womb and its possibilities indicate another relationship between the I and the non‐I based on forms of relating that do not revolve around the dichotomy of exclusion and merger. As part of her critique of phallogocentrism, the author repudiates the absoluteness of a phallic presence versus castrated absence and the binaries in conceptualization to which this configuration leads. The following commentary is deeply in sym...
Three routes forward for biofuels: Incremental, leapfrog, and transitional

Abstract This paper examines three technology routes for lowering the carbon intensity of biofuels: (1) a leapfrog route that focuses on major technological breakthroughs in lignocellulosic pathways at new, stand-alone biorefineries; (2) an incremental route in which improvements are made to existing U.S. corn ethanol and soybean biodiesel biorefineries; and (3) a transitional route in which biotechnology firms gain experience growing, handling, or chemically converting lignocellulosic biomass in a lower-risk fashion than leapfrog biorefineries by leveraging existing capital stock. We find the incremental route is likely to involve the largest production volumes and greenhouse gas benefits until at least the mid-2020s, but transitional and leapfrog biofuels together have far greater long-term potential. We estimate that the Renewable Fuel Standard, California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard, and federal tax credits provided an incentive of roughly $1.5–2.5 per gallon of leapfrog biofuel between 2012 and 2015, but that regulatory elements in these policies mostly incentivize lower-risk incremental investments. Adjustments in policy may be necessary to bring a greater focus on transitional technologies that provide targeted learning and cost reduction opportunities for leapfrog biofuels.
Tris(thio­cyanato-κN)tris­(triphenyl­phosphine oxide-κO)terbium(III)

The title compound, [Tb(NCS)3(C18H15OP)3], contains a six-coordinate TbII cation surrounded by three O-bound triphenyl­phosphine oxide ligands and three N-bound thio­cyanate ligands, each in a fac arrangement. There are two crystallographically unique TbIII atoms in the asymmetric unit. One TbIII atom resides on a threefold rotation axis, while the other has no imposed crystallographic symmetry. The thio­cyanate ligands are bound through N atoms, illustrating the hard–hard bonding principles of metal complex chemistry.
Optical Properties of Electrospun Nanofiber Substrates

Light impinging upon electrospun nanofiber substrates encounters a complex media where a multitude of factors controls the transmittance and reflectance of light through the structure. The chemical composition of the nanofiber plays a significant role in that it determines the index of refraction of individual fibers. However, the surrounding media (e.g., air, encapsulating polymer, etc.) also plays an equally important role. In addition, physical effects such as fiber diameter, fiber morphology, fiber packing density (i.e., structure void volume), and substrate thickness play a large role in determining the light management properties of nanofibers. Our research has demonstrated that the transmittance and reflectance of undoped nanofibers can be adjusted through proper manipulation of these factors. For example, similar electrospinning formulations can produce either highly transmitting or highly reflecting light structures depending upon fabrication parameters that impact the final properties of the nanofiber substrates. In addition, a degree of wavelength dependent reflectance and transmittance can be imparted simply by adjusting the physical properties of the nanofibers to promote preferential light scattering below selected frequencies. This paper provides an overview of various factors impacting the light management properties of nanofiber substrates and the importance of controlling these factors to meet end-use applications.
How Do Response Problems Affect Survey Measurement of Trends in Drug Use

It is inevitable that questions be raised about the quality of self-reports of drug use. While it is presumed that self-report surveys fail to accurately measure levels of use, it is often assumed that they do reveal trends. This paper evaluates this proposition by examining the implications of response problems in the existing drug use surveys for assessment of trends in adolescent drug use. I find that assessment depends critically on the maintained assumptions. After all, the data cannot reveal whether a nonrespondent used drugs or whether a respondent revealed the truth. The data alone cannot reveal the fraction of drug users. Thus, as with all response problems, a fundamental tradeoff exits between credibility and strength of conclusions.
Design of the Multi-soil Pit Support

Taking a pit support of high buiding for example, t hi s paper illuminates the virtues of the design of anchor pole, calculation points and attentions in the deep pit of multi-layer soil, it has certain applied val ue in the design and construction of project.
Effect of Aspirin on Development of ARDS in At-Risk Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department: The LIPS-A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance Management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains largely supportive. Whether early intervention can prevent development of ARDS remains unclear. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of early aspirin administration for the prevention of ARDS. Design, Setting, and Participants A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial conducted at 16 US academic hospitals. Between January 2, 2012, and November 17, 2014, 7673 patients at risk for ARDS (Lung Injury Prediction Score ≥4) in the emergency department were screened and 400 were randomized. Ten patients were excluded, leaving 390 in the final modified intention-to-treat analysis cohort. Interventions Administration of aspirin, 325-mg loading dose followed by 81 mg/d (n = 195) or placebo (n = 195) within 24 hours of emergency department presentation and continued to hospital day 7, discharge, or death. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the development of ARDS by study day 7. Secondary measures included ventilator-free days, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, 28-day and 1-year survival, and change in serum biomarkers associated with ARDS. A final α level of .0737 (α = .10 overall) was required for statistical significance of the primary outcome. Results Among 390 analyzed patients (median age, 57 years; 187 [48%] women), the median (IQR) hospital length of stay was 6 3-10) days. Administration of aspirin, compared with placebo, did not significantly reduce the incidence of ARDS at 7 days (10.3% vs 8.7%, respectively; odds ratio, 1.24 [92.6% CI, 0.67 to 2.31], P = .53). No significant differences were seen in secondary outcomes: ventilator-free to day 28, mean (SD), 24.9 (7.4) days vs 25.2 (7.0) days (mean [90% CI] difference, −0.26 [−1.46 to 0.94] days; P = .72); ICU length of stay, mean (SD), 5.2 (7.0) days vs 5.4 (7.0) days (mean [90% CI] difference, −0.16 [−1.75 to 1.43] days; P = .87); hospital length of stay, mean (SD), 8.8 (10.3) days vs 9.0 (9.9) days (mean [90% CI] difference, −0.27 [−1.96 to 1.42] days; P = .79); or 28-day survival, 90% vs 90% (hazard ratio [90% CI], 1.03 [0.60 to 1.79]; P = .92) or 1-year survival, 73% vs 75% (hazard ratio [90% CI], 1.06 [0.75 to 1.50]; P = .79). Bleeding-related adverse events were infrequent in both groups (aspirin vs placebo, 5.6% vs 2.6%; odds ratio [90% CI], 2.27 [0.92 to 5.61]; P = .13). Conclusions and Relevance Among at-risk patients presenting to the ED, the use of aspirin compared with placebo did not reduce the risk of ARDS at 7 days. The findings of this phase 2b trial do not support continuation to a larger phase 3 trial. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01504867
The Related Problems of Freelancer and the Intervention Path and Target Selection of Social Work

Freelancer is an important part of the new social stratum. As the products of the development of socialism market economy after reform and opening, they present a rapid growth situation. They play an important role in the economic society but at the same time they face great pressure from various aspects. According to those features of this social group that large mobility, low level of systematism and borderline tendency in social life, the social work should contrapuntally adjust intervention path, especially make right work target selection, and help freelancers solve practical problems of their life and work. This way can promote social harmonious development.
Perinatal mortality: the role of hospital of birth.

OBJECTIVE Patterns of perinatal mortality in a state with no organized system or guidelines for regionalized perinatal health care were examined. STUDY DESIGN Vital statistics on live births, fetal deaths, and neonatal deaths in Arkansas for 1985 through 1989 were analyzed by birth hospital level of obstetric care, birth weight, and county of residence. Birth weight-specific fetal and neonatal mortality rates (NNMR) were compared by level of obstetric care at the birth facility; multivariate logistic regression models estimated the odds of NNMR by level of obstetric hospital, adjusted for other risk factors. RESULTS Infants of < 2000 gm birth weight tend to have lower NNMR when born at level III hospitals than when born at level II facilities. The proportion of very low birth weight (< 1500 gm) and moderately low birth weight (1500 to 2499 gm) infants delivered at level III hospitals in Arkansas is lower than that in other states with formal systems of perinatal regionalization. CONCLUSIONS Although Arkansas's NNMR compares favorably with the national average, further reductions would be likely were a formal system of perinatal regionalization implemented in this state.
Stepping closer to treating Alzheimer’s disease patients with BACE1 inhibitor drugs

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common age-dependent neurodegenerative disease which impairs cognitive function and gradually causes patients to be unable to lead normal daily lives. While the etiology of AD remains an enigma, excessive accumulation of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) is widely believed to induce pathological changes and cause dementia in brains of AD patients. BACE1 was discovered to initiate the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) at the β-secretase site. Only after this cleavage does γ-secretase further cleave the BACE1-cleaved C-terminal APP fragment to release Aβ. Hence, blocking BACE1 proteolytic activity will suppress Aβ generation. Due to the linkage of Aβ to the potential cause of AD, extensive discovery and development efforts have been directed towards potent BACE1 inhibitors for AD therapy. With the recent breakthrough in developing brain-penetrable BACE1 inhibitors, targeting amyloid deposition-mediated pathology for AD therapy has now become more practical. This review will summarize various strategies that have successfully led to the discovery of BACE1 drugs, such as MK8931, AZD-3293, JNJ-54861911, E2609 and CNP520. These drugs are currently in clinical trials and their updated states will be discussed. With the promise of reducing Aβ generation and deposition with no alarming safety concerns, the amyloid cascade hypothesis in AD therapy may finally become validated.
Click and mortar: Organizations on the web

Abstract The webpages of organizations are both a form of representation and a type of narrative. They entertain, persuade, express a point of view, and provide a means to organize collective action and economic exchange. Increasingly, webpages are the primary point of access between an organization and its environment. An organization's online presence offers a major new source of rich information about organizations. In this paper, we develop three perspectives on websites from an organizational point of view: as identity projects, tools, and relational maps. We draw on data from the online and offline presences of “brick and mortar” nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area to both illustrate how a digital transformation shaped these organizations and identify a host of new methods that can be used to study organizations using webpages. Finally, we reflect on both the strengths of these new sources of data as well as possible limitations and conclude with theoretical implications for organizational scholars.
Flue gas desulfurization gypsum: Its effectiveness as an alternative bedding material for broiler production

Abstract Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum may be a viable low-cost alternative bedding material for broiler production. In order to evaluate FGD gypsum’s viability, a study was conducted to determine its influence on live performance (body weight, feed consumption, feed efficiency, and footpad dermatitis), litter characteristics (caking, moisture percentage, and surface temperature) and ammonia volatilization in 3 successive flocks. FGD gypsum was compared with pine shaving (PS), pine bark (PB), PS + FGD gypsum (second material was top dressed over first), PB + FGD gypsum, PS + PB, FGD gypsum + PS, and FGD gypsum + PB. Bedding had no significant influence on feed consumption (FC), feed efficiency (FE), and mortality (M). Body weight and adjusted feed efficiency (AFE) were significantly lower with FGD gypsum compared to that of PS for flock 1, with no differences being observed among the other bedding materials. No differences were noted in live performance for flocks 2 or 3. Incidences of footpad lesions were lower with FGD gypsum than the other bedding materials, but only for flock 1. Bedding treatment had no influence on litter surface temperature. Gravimetric moisture content of gypsum treatments was lower than that of non-gypsum treatments; however, visually, the FGD gypsum was more compacted and had a surface crust. Reductions in ammonia volatilization also were observed during the initial flock with FGD gypsum; however, its effectiveness had diminished by flock 2 and 3.
Causal relationship between obesity-related traits and TLR4-driven responses at the maternal–fetal interface

Obesity triggers complex inflammatory networks within the innate immune system. During pregnancy, the placenta amplifies the low-grade inflammation through activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling pathways. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of obesity on placental TLR4 expression and inflammatory signals. The secondary aim was to analyse the placental cell type responsible for TLR4 activation. Thirty-nine women recruited at term-scheduled Caesarean section were grouped according to their pre-gravid BMI ( 30 kg/m2). Placenta, venous maternal and cord blood were obtained at delivery for analysis. Data were analysed with linear regression and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient analysis. TLR4, IL6 and IL8 expression was increased three- to ninefold (p 0.1). TLR4 was located in both trophoblast and macrovascular endothelial cells lining fetal vasculature. Lipopolysaccharide-induced TLR4 activation was more robust in trophoblasts than in endothelial vascular cells (100-fold vs tenfold; p < 0.001). Trophoblastic TLR4 is strongly implicated in the propagation of placental inflammation. Placental inflammation is related to maternal metabolic conditions such as pre-gravid BMI, whilst gestational weight gain or gestational age are not. These results implicate the pre-gravid condition as a significant contributor to metabolic inflammation in late pregnancy.
The effects of cigarette smoking behavior and psychosis history on general and social cognition in bipolar disorder.

Objectives Several studies have documented the prevalence and effects of cigarette smoking on cognition in psychotic disorders; fewer have focused on bipolar disorder (BD). Cognitive and social dysfunction are common in BD, and the severity of these deficits may be related both to illness features (e.g., current symptoms, psychosis history) and health-related behaviors (e.g., smoking, alcohol use). The current study assessed the influence of cigarette smoking on general and social cognition in a BD cohort, accounting for illness features with a focus on psychosis history. Methods We assessed smoking status in 105 euthymic patients with BD, who completed a comprehensive battery including social (facial affect recognition, emotional problem-solving, and theory of mind) and general (the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery and executive functioning) cognitive measures. We compared smokers vs nonsmokers on cognitive performance and tested for the effects of psychosis history, premorbid intellectual functioning, substance use, and current affective symptoms. Results Within the nonpsychotic subgroup with BD (n=45), smokers generally outperformed nonsmokers; by contrast, for subjects with BD with a history of psychosis (n=41), nonsmokers outperformed smokers. This pattern was noted more globally using a general composite cognitive score and on social/affective measures assessing patients’ ability to identify emotions of facial stimuli and solve emotional problems. Conclusions Cigarette smoking differentially affects performance on both general and social cognition in patients with BD as a function of psychosis history. These results suggest that there may be at least partially divergent underlying neurobiological causes for cognitive dysfunction in patients with BD with and without psychosis.
MPL mutations and palpable splenomegaly are independent risk factors for fibrotic progression in essential thrombocythemia.

MPL mutations and palpable splenomegaly are independent risk factors for fibrotic progression in essential thrombocythemia
Finite-temperature calculations of the Compton profile of Be, Li, and Si

High resolution inelastic x-ray scattering experiments are widely used to study the electronic and chemical properties of materials under a range of conditions, from ambient temperature to the warm dense matter regime. We use the real-space multiple scattering (RSMS) Green's function formalism coupled with density functional theory molecular dynamics (DFT-MD) to study thermal effects on the Compton profile (CP) of disordered systems. The RSMS method is advantageous for calculations of highly disordered, aperiodic systems because it places no restriction on symmetry. As a test, we apply our approach to thermally disordered Be, Li, and Si in both liquid and solid phases. We find good agreement with experimental and other theoretical results, showing that the real-space multiple scattering approach coupled with DFT-MD is an efficient and reliable method for calculating the CP of disordered systems at finite temperatures.
COMMENTARY ON ACKLEY (2016): UPDATES ON THE ESCI AS THE BEHAVIORAL LEVEL OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

In his review of the literature on models and measures of emotional intelligence (EI), Ackley (2016) did not include enhancements to the Emotional Competency Inventory (ECI) since 2006, when it was revised and renamed the Emotional and Social Competency Inventory (ESCI). In 2006, the test was substa
Metropolitan area network architecture for optical flow switching

In this work, we provide design concepts of efficient physical and lightpath topology architectures for a LAN/MAN all-optical network that support Optical Flow Switching. We found good architectures are coupled intimately with media access control protocol designs and must be optimized jointly. Two architectures that represent extreme cases were examined: Quasi-Static Architecture and Dynamic Per Flow Routing Architecture. The performance and costs are compared to provide an economical architecture design.
Varieties and universal classes

Varieties, that is to say, equationally axiomatizable classes, of relation algebras, have been a principal focus of research in relation algebras for some time. In this chapter, we discuss some of the main results that have been obtained. Here is a brief summary.
A series fed planar microstrip patch array antenna with 1D beam steering for 5G spectrum massive MIMO applications

A 1 dimensional (D) beam steering planar microstrip patch array antenna with through element technology at 28 GHz is designed. The frequency spectrum chosen is one of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released 5G bands − 27.5 GHz to 28.35 GHz. The proposed antenna shows good isolation between the antenna ports of the array, flexible radiation patterns and beam steering capabilities. Thus, it can be employed for the multiuser massive multiple input multiple output (MU-MIMO) applications by exploiting the features of digital beamforming technique.
The elasticity of verb meaning revisited

This paper investigates the source of systematic argument realization differences among two classes of manner verbs, hitting and wiping verbs. Its starting point is the hypothesis that argument realization patterns can largely be attributed to grammatical constraints on argument expression interacting with grammatically privileged properties of a verb's root. These properties include the root's ontological category and, as argued here, whether it encodes contact at a point or a region.
Phosphate homeostasis disorders

Our understanding of the regulation of phosphate balance has benefited tremendously from the molecular identification and characterization of genetic defects leading to a number of rare inherited or acquired disorders affecting phosphate homeostasis. The identification of the key phosphate-regulating hormone, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), as well as other molecules that control its production, such as the glycosyltransferase GALNT3, the endopeptidase PHEX, and the matrix protein DMP1, and molecules that function as downstream effectors of FGF23 such as the longevity factor Klotho and the phosphate transporters NPT2a and NPT2c, has permitted us to understand the complex interplay that exists between the kidneys, bone, parathyroid, and gut. Such insights from genetic disorders have allowed not only the design of potent targeted treatment of FGF23-dependent hypophosphatemic conditions, but also provide clinically relevant observations related to the dysregulation of mineral ion homeostasis in health and disease.
What is new in paediatric uveitis

Purpose of review The aim of this study was to summarize the demographics and causes of paediatric uveitis and to discuss the latest treatment options for noninfectious paediatric uveitis. Recent findings In the last few years, reports out of Europe, Asia and the Americas have shown that the causes of paediatric uveitis can vary greatly geographically. With ongoing research into therapeutics, particularly the development of biologic agents, the treatment of noninfectious entities has evolved over time. Summary Epidemiology data show that most paediatric uveitis cases worldwide are chronic and have noninfectious causes. Fortunately, we have more treatment options than ever to combat these sight-threatening diseases.
A Biocontainment Procedure for Intravital Microscopy of High-Risk Pathogens

Intravital multiphoton microscopy offers valuable spatio-temporal insight into studies of pathogen-host interactions. Although well established for studies with low-risk biohazard studies, the comp...
Molecular pathogenesis of acquired aplastic anemia

The application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has enhanced our understanding of the genetic landscape in acquired aplastic anemia (AA). Parallel progress has been in addressing aspects underlying immune dysregulation in disease pathogenesis. Novel insights into the molecular and biologic mechanisms have led to a shift in the paradigm of AA, from a solely autoimmune pathogenic concept toward its recognition as a multifaceted pathophysiology characterized by cytogenetic abnormalities, recurrent somatic mutations, telomere attrition, and immune dysregulation. The detection of recurrent driver mutations disrupting myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/acute myeloid leukemia (AML)-associated genes has suggested a pathophysiologic link between clonal hematopoiesis in AA and the later development of these clonal disorders. Further, certain AA-related somatic genetic alterations may have clinical implications on treatment response, disease progression, and survival following immunosuppressive therapy. Going forward, wider validation of these genetic abnormalities will allow for their incorporation into a more informative risk stratification system that does not rely solely on clinical factors.
Potential Influences of Gut Microbiota on the Formation of Intracranial Aneurysm

Gut microbiota modulates metabolic and immunoregulatory axes and contributes to the pathophysiology of diseases with inflammatory components, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and ischemic stroke. Inflammation is emerging as a critical player in the pathophysiology of an intracranial aneurysm. Therefore, we hypothesized that the gut microbiota affects aneurysm formation by modulating inflammation. We induced intracranial aneurysms in mice by combining systemic hypertension and a single injection of elastase into the cerebrospinal fluid. Depletion of the gut microbiota was achieved via an oral antibiotic cocktail of vancomycin, metronidazole, ampicillin, and neomycin. Antibiotics were given 3 weeks before aneurysm induction and either continued until the end of the experiment or stopped 1 day before aneurysm induction. We also assessed the effects of the gut microbiota depletion on macrophage infiltration and mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines. Gut microbiota depletion by antibiotics reduced the incidence when antibiotics were started 3 weeks before aneurysm induction and continued until the end of the experiment (83% versus 6%, P<0.001). Even when antibiotics were stopped 1 day before aneurysm induction, the gut microbiota depletion significantly reduced the incidence of aneurysms (86% versus 28%, P<0.05). Both macrophage infiltration and mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines were reduced with gut microbiota depletion. These findings suggest that the gut microbiota contributes to the pathophysiology of aneurysms by modulating inflammation. Human studies are needed to determine the exact contribution of the gut microbiota to the pathophysiology of aneurysm formation and disease course in humans.
Open anterior skull base surgery in the pediatric population: anatomy, approaches, and considerations

The objectives of this paper are to synthesize the existing literature on open approaches to the anterior skull base in children. First, we review the developmental anatomy of the anterior skull base. Next, we describe the most commonly used open approaches to the anterior skull base and other adjunctive procedures. Lastly, we review the reconstructive options and comment important pediatric-specific considerations. Our review reports the variety of open approaches to access the anterior skull base in children. Detailed preoperative planning, taking age-related considerations into account, is necessary in order to plan to type and extent of access and reconstruction.
Prolonged sinus pause following ingestion of a button battery

Abstract Para-esophageal inflammation secondary to button battery ingestion may rarely irritate the vagus nerve causing prolonged sinus pauses. We report such a case in a two-year-old who presented with prolonged sinus pauses noted on telemetry following button battery ingestion. A comprehensive evaluation deemed hyper-stimulation of the parasympathetic input to the sinus node as the possible etiology. This was determined to be most likely due to irritation and excessive stimulation of the vagus nerve secondary to para-esophageal inflammation. Because of the underlying mechanism of the sinus pauses, treatment with anti-cholinergic/anti-inflammatory agents was pursued with significant improvement in the clinical presentation. The case highlights the need to delineate the mechanism of sinus pauses in patients, as it may be reversible. Treatment directed at the underlying etiology is indicated to prevent inappropriate consideration/placement of a permanent pacemaker and avoid its associated co-morbidities, especially in the pediatric population.
Spiritual and psychological distress in older and the oldest-old living with advanced cancer patients (O-OOAdCa) in a comprehensive cancer center.

e23041Background: Older adults living with cancer may experience multiple physical, emotional and spiritual symptoms. Limited literature describing the frequency of psychological and spiritual dist...
Assessing clinical heterogeneity in sepsis through treatment patterns and machine learning.

Objective To use unsupervised topic modeling to evaluate heterogeneity in sepsis treatment patterns contained within granular data of electronic health records. Materials and methods A multicenter, retrospective cohort study of 29 253 hospitalized adult sepsis patients between 2010 and 2013 in Northern California. We applied an unsupervised machine learning method, Latent Dirichlet Allocation, to the orders, medications, and procedures recorded in the electronic health record within the first 24 hours of each patient's hospitalization to uncover empiric treatment topics across the cohort and to develop computable clinical signatures for each patient based on proportions of these topics. We evaluated how these topics correlated with common sepsis treatment and outcome metrics including inpatient mortality, time to first antibiotic, and fluids given within 24 hours. Results Mean age was 70 ± 17 years with hospital mortality of 9.6%. We empirically identified 42 clinically recognizable treatment topics (eg, pneumonia, cellulitis, wound care, shock). Only 43.1% of hospitalizations had a single dominant topic, and a small minority (7.3%) had a single topic comprising at least 80% of their overall clinical signature. Across the entire sepsis cohort, clinical signatures were highly variable. Discussion Heterogeneity in sepsis is a major barrier to improving targeted treatments, yet existing approaches to characterizing clinical heterogeneity are narrowly defined. A machine learning approach captured substantial patient- and population-level heterogeneity in treatment during early sepsis hospitalization. Conclusion Using topic modeling based on treatment patterns may enable more precise clinical characterization in sepsis and better understanding of variability in sepsis presentation and outcomes.