cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of nonlinear methods for estimating catchment-scale soil moisture patterns based on topographic attributes

Physical processes that impact soil moisture are typically expressed as nonlinear functions, but most previous research on the estimation of soil moisture has relied on linear techniques. In the present work, two machine learning techniques, a spatial artificial neural network (SANN) and a mixture model (MM), that can infer nonlinear relationships are compared to multiple linear regression (MLR) for estimating soil moisture patterns using topographic attributes as predictor variables. The methods are applied to time-domain reflectometry (TDR) soil moisture data collected at three catchments with varying characteristics (Tarrawarra, Satellite Station and Cache la Poudre) under different wetness conditions. The methods' performances with respect to the number of predictor attributes, the quantity of training data and the attributes employed are compared using the Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency (NSCE) as the performance measure. The performances of the methods are dependent on the site studied, the average soil moisture and the quantity of training data provided. Although the methods often perform similarly, the best performing method overall is the SANN, which incorporates additional predictor variables more effectively than the other methods.
Applications of surface analysis in the environmental sciences: dehalogenation of chlorocarbons with zero-valent iron and iron-containing mineral surfaces

Halogenated organic compounds are common pollutants in groundwater. Consequently, there is widespread interest in understanding the reactions of these compounds in the environment and developing remediation strategies. One area of ongoing research involves the reductive dechlorination of organohalides with zero-valent metals or metal sulfide minerals. These processes have been studied almost exclusively from the perspective of the aqueous phase. In this paper we illustrate the utility of surface analysis techniques, including electron spectroscopies, vibrational spectroscopies, and atomic force microscopy in elucidating the roles played by the surface. A dual analysis approach to the study of reductive dechlorination, combining traditional solution phase analysis with surface analytical techniques, also is demonstrated using a liquid cell coupled to an ultrahigh vacuum surface analysis chamber.
Land and Law in Marijuana Country: Clean Capital, Dirty Money, and the Drug War’s Rentier Nexus

Despite its ongoing federal illegality, marijuana production has become a licit, or socially accepted, feature of northern California's real estate market. As such, marijuana is a key component of land values and the laundering of "illegal" wealth into legitimate circulation. By following land transaction practices, relations, and instruments, this article shows how formally equal property transactions become substantively unequal in light of the "il/legal" dynamics of marijuana land use. As marijuana becomes licit, prohibitionist policies have enabled the capture of ground rent by landed interests from the marijuana industry at a time when the price of marijuana is declining (in part due to its increasing licitness). The resulting "drug war rentier nexus," a state-land-finance complex, is becoming a key, if obscured, component within marijuana's contemporary political economy.
Review of Research: Neuroscience and the Impact of Brain Plasticity on Braille Reading.

In this systematic review of research, the author analyzes studies of neural cortical activation, brain plasticity, and braille reading. The conclusions regarding the brain's plasticity and ability to reorganize are encouraging for individuals with degenerative eye conditions or late-onset blindness because they indicate that the brain can make new connections that have implications for braille reading, tactile perception, and instruction.
On the Nonlinear Dynamics of Tether Suspensions for MEMS

Many MEM devices feature tether suspensions and it is known that the tethers induce a stiffening behavior In this paper, we develop a model for a tether and, from it, establish several useful expressions for the nonlinear restoring forces and torques it provides. For a specific gyroscope, the expressions we find are compared to experimental results.
Regulation of Intestinal Cholesterol Absorption

The identification of defective structures in the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters ABCG5 and ABCG8 in patients with sitosterolemia suggests that these two proteins are an apical sterol export pump promoting active efflux of cholesterol and plant sterols from enterocytes back into the intestinal lumen for excretion. The newly identified Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) protein is also expressed at the apical membrane of enterocytes and plays a crucial role in the ezetimibe-sensitive cholesterol absorption pathway. These findings indicate that cholesterol absorption is a multistep process that is regulated by multiple genes at the enterocyte level and that the efficiency of cholesterol absorption may be determined by the net effect between influx and efflux of intraluminal cholesterol molecules crossing the brush border membrane of the enterocyte. Combination therapy using cholesterol absorption (NPC1L1) inhibitor (ezetimibe) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) provides a powerful novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of hypercholesterolemia.
Linking phenolic oxidation in the midgut lumen with oxidative stress in the midgut tissues of a tree-feeding caterpillar Malacosoma disstria (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae)

Tannins are believed to function as plant defenses against caterpillars, in part, as a result of their oxidation in the midgut lumen. One putative mode of action that has not been examined in leaf-feeding larvae is oxidative stress in midgut tissues that results from tannin oxidation in the midgut lumen. The test species used in this study, Malacosoma disstria Hubner (Lasiocampidae), is known to have higher levels of phenolic oxidation in its midgut contents when it consumes the oxidatively active leaves of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall) than when it consumes the leaves of red oak (Quercus rubra L.). This study tested the hypothesis that increased phenolic oxidation in the midgut lumen of M. disstria is associated with increased oxidative stress in its midgut tissues. Three markers (oxidized ascorbate:total ascorbate, oxidized glutathione:total glutathione, and oxidized proteins) were measured in larvae fed either sugar maple or red oak leaves. In addition, we examined whether superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity might be a useful inducible marker of oxidative stress in M. disstria midgut tissues. Three of the markers indicated that significantly higher levels of oxidative stress were produced in the midgut tissues of M. disstria that fed on sugar maple than on red oak. However, SOD activity did not differ between sugar maple- and red oak-feeding larvae. This study is the first to show a link between phenolic oxidation in the midgut contents of caterpillars and oxidative stress in their midgut tissues.
1,2‐Benziodoxol‐3(1H)‐one Derivative

1-Tosyloxy-1,2-benziodoxol-3(1H)-one [159950-96-6] C14H11IO5S (MW 418.2) InChI = 1S/C14H11IO5S/c1-10-6-8-11(9-7-10)21(17,18)20-15-13-5-3-2-4-12(13)14(16)19-15/h2-9H,1H3 InChIKey = UARYLZXFSPDNRZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-tert-Butylperoxy-1,2-benziodoxol-3(1H)-one [142260-70-6] C11H13IO4 (MW 336.12) InChI = 1S/C11H13IO4/c1-11(2,3)15-16-12-9-7-5-4-6-8(9)10(13)14-12/h4-7H,1-3H3 InChIKey = NATGCBBISNEFGA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-Azido-1,2-benziodoxol-3(1H)-one [160732-56-9] C7H4IN3O2 (MW 289.03) InChI = 1S/C7H4IN3O2/c9-11-10-8-6-4-2-1-3-5(6)7(12)13-8/h1-4H InChIKey = XRUIUFFBFTVHKT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-Cyano-1,2-benziodoxol-3(1H)-one [172876-96-9] C8H4INO2 (MW 272.96) InChI = 1S/C8H4INO2/c10-5-9-7-4-2-1-3-6(7)8(11)12-9/h1-4H InChIKey = AOTJNSUBRSAHHW-UHFFFAOYSA-N (oxidative iodination,2 oxidation of ethers to esters,3, 4 oxidation at benzylic carbon,3, 5 oxidation of sulfides,5 oxidation of amines and amides,6, 7 oxidation of phenols,8 tetrahydrofuranylation of alcohols,9 azidation of N,N-dimethylanilines,10 azidation of alkanes,10, 11 cyanation of N,N-dimethylanilines12) Alternate Name: tosyloxybenziodoxole, tert-butylperoxybenziodoxole, azidobenziodoxole, cyanobenziodoxole. Physical Data: tosyloxybenziodoxole: mp 178–180 °C (dec); tert-butylperoxybenziodoxole: mp 128–129 °C (dec); azidobenziodoxole: mp 138–140 °C (dec); cyanobenziodoxole: mp 173–175 °C (dec). Solubility: all derivatives soluble in DMSO; tert-butylperoxybenziodoxole soluble in CH2Cl2; all derivatives insoluble in ether and nonpolar organic solvents. Form Supplied in: white microcrystalline solids; typical impurities: 2-iodobenzoic acid and 2-iodosobenzoic acid. Analysis of Reagent Purity: iodometric titration, elemental analysis, 1H NMR. Preparative Methods: tosyloxybenziodoxole: from 1-hydroxy-1,2-benziodoxol-3(1H)-one and p-toluenesulfonic acid in acetic anhydride;13 tert-butylperoxybenziodoxole: by treatment of 1-hydroxy-1,2-benziodoxol-3(1H)-one with tert-butyl hydroperoxide in the presence of boron trifluoride etherate at 0–25 °C;3 cyanobenziodoxole: by the reaction of 1-hydroxy-1,2-benziodoxol-3(1H)-one with cyanotrimethylsilane in MeCN,12 or by the reaction of 1-acetoxy-1,2-benziodoxol-3(1H)-one with cyanotrimethylsilane in CH2Cl2;14 azidobenziodoxole: from 1-hydroxy-1,2-benziodoxol-3(1H)-one and azidotrimethylsilane in MeCN,10 or by the reaction of 1-acetoxy-1,2-benziodoxol-3(1H)-one with azidotrimethylsilane in CH2Cl2.14 Purification: tert-butylperoxybenziodoxole can be purified by recrystallization from hexane-CH2Cl2. Handling, Storage, and Precaution: all benziodoxole derivatives can be stored indefinitely in the dark; refrigeration should be used for long-term storage; azidobenziodoxole decomposes with explosion upon heating to 138–140 °C and should be handled with care.
Virulence gene detection and molecular typing of Shigella sonnei

Objective To know the virulence genes distribution and PFGE molecular typing of S. sonnei strains in Xiaoshan. Methods Virulence genes detection of 130 S. sonnei isolates were performed using PCR; and all strains were carried out molecular typing and cluster analysis by PFGE. Results The carrying rates of virulence genes,set1A,set1B,sen,ipaH and ial among 130 S. sonnei strains were 0%,0%,76. 2%,100% and 75. 4% respectively. A total of 80 PFGE patterns were identified among 130 isolates with a similarity coefficient from 72. 4% to 97. 9%. Most strains belonged to A,B and C groups. Conclusion Virulence genes associated with strong pathogenicity account for a high proportion of S. sonnei isolates. S. sonnei has complicated source in Xiaoshan,and most belong to A,B and C group,needing more attention.
Copyright Infringement in the Market for Digital Images

Abstract Digital technologies for sharing creative goods create new opportunities for copyright infringement and challenge established enforcement methods. We establish several important facts abou...
Moxalactam in Treatment of Recurrent Escherichia Coli Meningitis and Ventriculitis in an Infant with Agammaglobulinemia

Cet article decrit le cas d'un enfant de cinq mois atteint d'agam-maglobunemie et de neutropenic traite au moxolactam pour un troisieme et quatrieme episode de meningite a E. coli. Le moxolactam est un nouvel antibiotique a large spectre d'usage parenteral. Il differe des cephalosporines par la presence d'un atome d'oxygene au lieu du soufre dans la structure chimique du noyau, l'acide amino-7 cephalosporanique. Il traverse dans les liquides cerebrospinal et ventriculaire adequatement meme en l'absence de bonne reponse inflammatoire tel qu'observe chez cet enfant. Le moxolactam s'est montre efficace dans le traitement des deux episodes de meningite a E. coli chez un enfant agamma-globunemique.Catherine Bertho-Gebara
Effects of substituting deproteinized whey and(or) crystalline lactose for dried whey on weanling pig performance.

We conducted two trials to determine the effects of replacing the lactose provided by spray-dried, edible-grade whey with edible-grade deproteinized whey or crystalline lactose on pig performance. In Exp. 1, 180 weanling pigs (initially 4.1 kg and 22 +/- 4 d of age) were allotted randomly to dietary treatments containing 18% lactose supplied by 1) 25% dried whey, 2) 12.5% dried whey and 9% crystalline lactose, 3) 18% crystalline lactose, 4) 12.5% dried whey and 10.9% deproteinized whey, or 5) 21.7% deproteinized whey. Casein was used to replace the lysine provided by dried whey in diets containing lactose and deproteinized whey. From d 0 to 14 after weaning, no differences (P > .10) were observed in ADG or ADFI. Pigs fed diets containing 18% crystalline lactose or 21% deproteinized whey had a higher (P . 10) were observed in performance. However, pigs initially fed the positive control diet subsequently (d 14 to 28) consumed more feed than pigs fed the negative control diet. These results indicate that edible-grade deproteinized whey and crystalline lactose can replace the lactose provided by high-quality dried whey without affecting pig performance.
User-centered design of multi-gene sequencing panel reports for clinicians

Display Omitted Proposed processes for delivering multi-gene sequencing panel (GS) reports to clinicians.Conducted focus groups with stakeholders from two distinct precision medicine programs.User-centered design methods to gather input on prototype software design.Determined design principles for the delivery of GS reports to clinicians.Design principles may be included in software that delivers GS reports to clinicians. The objective of this study was to develop a high-fidelity prototype for delivering multi-gene sequencing panel (GS) reports to clinicians that simulates the user experience of a final application. The delivery and use of GS reports can occur within complex and high-paced healthcare environments. We employ a user-centered software design approach in a focus group setting in order to facilitate gathering rich contextual information from a diverse group of stakeholders potentially impacted by the delivery of GS reports relevant to two precision medicine programs at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Responses from focus group sessions were transcribed, coded and analyzed by two team members. Notification mechanisms and information resources preferred by participants from our first phase of focus groups were incorporated into scenarios and the design of a software prototype for delivering GS reports. The goal of our second phase of focus group, to gain input on the prototype software design, was accomplished through conducting task walkthroughs with GS reporting scenarios. Preferences for notification, content and consultation from genetics specialists appeared to depend upon familiarity with scenarios for ordering and delivering GS reports. Despite familiarity with some aspects of the scenarios we proposed, many of our participants agreed that they would likely seek consultation from a genetics specialist after viewing the test reports. In addition, participants offered design and content recommendations. Findings illustrated a need to support customized notification approaches, user-specific information, and access to genetics specialists with GS reports. These design principles can be incorporated into software applications that deliver GS reports. Our user-centered approach to conduct this assessment and the specific input we received from clinicians may also be relevant to others working on similar projects.
Impact of Na-SO4 dominated ionic strength on trace metal removal products in vertical flow bioreactors.

Abstract Vertical flow bioreactors (VFBR) are often used as a component of passive treatment systems (PTS) to treat mine drainage. One of the primary purposes of VFBR is to remove trace metals from mine drainage and retain them in the organic substrate. Elevated ionic strength may impact the performance of VFBR and affect their ability to remove trace metals. A paired-comparison study was performed to determine how products of trace metal removal may change when ionic strength is elevated due to increased concentrations of common contributors to TDS, specifically sodium and sulfate. A sequential extraction procedure (SEP) and acid-volatile sulfide/simultaneously extracted metals analyses (AVS/SEM) were used to determine dominant Cd, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn removal products in bench-scale VFBR. Elevated ionic strength resulted in more Pb being retained in the substrates as an insoluble sulfide and less Mn being removed via adsorption to the substrates. An increase in ionic strength had a greater impact on adsorption when sulfate reduction was inhibited, with percentages of Mn and Zn removed via this mechanism decreasing by at least half. This finding could be particularly significant at the start of VFBR operation when adsorption is expected to be the primary removal mechanism.
Stressing out the Social Network

In this issue of Neuron, Hultman et al. (2016) find that stress-induced abnormal social behavior reflects aberrant prefrontal regulation of downstream limbic networks. This illustrates how linking aberrant network dynamics to neuropsychiatric disorders may lead to new circuit-based therapeutic interventions.
Self-Assembled Cage Structures and Ethylene Polymerization Behavior of Palladium Alkyl Complexes That Contain Phosphine-Bis(arenesulfonate) Ligands

The phosphine-bis-arenesulfonate ligands PR2(2-SO3Li-5-R1-Ph)(2-SO3–-5-R1-Ph) (Li[OPO–]; Li[1a–e], a: R1 = Me, R2 = Ph, b: R1 = iPr, R2 = Ph, c: R1 = Cy, R2 = Ph, d: R1 = tBu, R2 = Ph, e: R1 = R2 = tBu, f: R1 = R2 = Cy) coordinate as κ2-P,O chelators in (Li-OPO)PdMeL complexes (4a–c,f: L = 4-(5-nonyl)pyridine = py′; 5b–d: L = py; 2e: L = py′). 4a–c,f and 5b–d self-assemble into tetrameric structures in which four (Li-OPO)PdMeL units are arranged around a cubic Li4S4O12 cage formed from the four non-Pd-bound ArSO3Li units and one oxygen from each of the Pd-bound ArSO3– units. The {(Li-OPO)PdMeL}4 assemblies are in equilibrium with monomeric (Li-OPO)PdMeL species in CD2Cl2 and CDCl2CDCl2 solution. Crystallization of 2e from a toluene/pentane mixture at −40 °C yields a trimeric C1-symmetric assembly (6e) in which three (Li-1e)PdMe(py′) units are held together by a Li3S3O9 core. Crystallization of 2e from toluene/pentane at room temperature results in partial loss of py′ and formation of a Pd6 assembly, {(Li-...
Hands-on Physics Education of Residents in Diagnostic Radiology.

Rationale and Objectives The American Board of Radiology Core Examination integrates assessment of physics knowledge into its overall testing of clinical radiology, with an emphasis on understanding image quality and artifacts, radiation dose, and patient safety for each modality or subspecialty organ system. Accordingly, achieving a holistic approach to physics education of radiology residents is a huge challenge. The traditional teaching of radiological physics—simply through didactic lectures—was not designed for such a holistic approach. Admittedly, time constraints and clinical demands can make incorporation of physics teaching into clinical practice problematic. We created and implemented a week-long, intensive physics rotation for fledgling radiology residents and evaluated its effectiveness. Materials and Methods The dedicated physics rotation is held for 1 week during the first month of radiology residency. It comprises three components: introductory lectures, hands-on practical clinical physics operations, and observation of clinical image production. A brief introduction of the physics pertinent to each modality is given at the beginning of each session. Hands-on experimental demonstrations are emphasized, receiving the greatest allotment of time. The residents perform experiments such as measuring radiation dose, studying the relationship between patient dose and clinical practice (eg, fluoroscopy technique), investigating the influence of acquisition parameters (kV, mAs) on radiographs, and evaluating image quality using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and gamma camera/single-photon emission computed tomography/positron emission tomography phantoms. Quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of the rotation is based on an examination that tests the residents' grasp of basic medical physics concepts along with written course evaluations provided by each resident. Results The pre- and post-rotation tests show that after the physics rotation, the average correct score of 25 questions improved from 13.6 ± 2.4 to 19 ± 1.2. The survey shows that the physics rotation during the first week of residency is favored by all residents and that 1 week's duration is appropriate. All residents are of the opinion that the intensive workshop would benefit them in upcoming clinical rotations. Residents acknowledge becoming more comfortable regarding the use of radiation and providing counsel regarding radiation during pregnancy. Conclusions An immersive, short-duration, clinically oriented physics rotation is well received by new or less experienced radiology trainees, correlates basic physics concepts with their relevance to clinical imaging, and more closely parallels expectations of the American Board of Radiology Core Examination.
Damage control laparotomy trial: design, rationale and implementation of a randomized controlled trial.

Background Damage control laparotomy (DCL) is an abbreviated operation intended to prevent the development of hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy in seriously injured patients. The indications for DCL have since been broadened with no high-quality data to guide treatment. For patients with an indication for DCL, we aim to determine the effect of definitive laparotomy on patient morbidity. Method This is a pragmatic, parallel-group, randomized controlled pilot trial. Emergent laparotomy is defined as admission directly to the operating room from the emergency department within 90 min of arrival. DCL indications excluded from the study include packing of the liver or retroperitoneum, abdominal compartment syndrome prophylaxis, to expedite interventional radiology for hemorrhage control, and the need for ongoing transfusions and/or continuous vasopressor support. When a surgeon determines a DCL is indicated, the patient will be screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients with any indication for DCL that is not excluded are eligible for randomization. Patients will be randomized intraoperatively to DCL (control) or definitive fascial closure of the laparotomy (intervention). The primary outcome will be major abdominal complication or death within 30 days. Major abdominal complication is a composite outcome including fascial dehiscence, organ/space surgical site infection, enteric suture line failure, and unplanned reopening of the abdomen. Outcomes will be compared using both frequentist and Bayesian statistics. Discussion In patients with an indication for DCL, this trial will determine the effect of definitive laparotomy on major abdominal complications and death and will inform clinicians on the risks and benefits of this procedure. Regardless of the study outcome, the results will improve the quality of care provided to injured patients. Trial registration number NCT02706041.
Charge optimized many body (COMB) potentials for Pt and Au

Interatomic potentials for Pt and Au are developed within the third generation charge optimized many-body (COMB3) formalism. The potentials are capable of reproducing phase order, lattice constants, and elastic constants of Pt and Au systems as experimentally measured or calculated by density functional theory. We also fit defect formation energies, surface energies and stacking fault energies for Pt and Au metals. The resulting potentials are used to map a 2D contour of the gamma surface and simulate the tensile test of 16-grain polycrystalline Pt and Au structures at 300 K. The stress-strain behaviour is investigated and the primary slip systems {1 1 1}〈1 [Formula: see text] 0〉 are identified. In addition, we perform high temperature (1800 K for Au and 2300 K for Pt) molecular dynamics simulations of 30 nm Pt and Au truncated octahedron nanoparticles and examine morphological changes of each particle. We further calculate the activation energy barrier for surface diffusion during simulations of several nanoseconds and report energies of [Formula: see text] eV for Pt and [Formula: see text] eV for Au. This initial parameterization and application of the Pt and Au potentials demonstrates a starting point for the extension of these potentials to multicomponent systems within the COMB3 framework.
The Anatomy of the Medial Patellofemoral Complex

The term "medial patellofemoral complex" (MPFC) was proposed to describe the static medial stabilizer of the patella, typically referred to as the medial patellofemoral ligament. In light of our increasing understanding of the attachment of its fibers to the quadriceps tendon in addition to the patella, the term MPFC is used in this article. The purpose of this article is to describe and discuss the anatomy of the MPFC.
Encapsulation of Single Nanoparticle in Fast-Evaporating Micro-droplets Prevents Particle Agglomeration in Nanocomposites

This work describes the use of fast-evaporating micro-droplets to finely disperse nanoparticles (NPs) in a polymer matrix for the fabrication of nanocomposites. Agglomeration of particles is a key obstacle for broad applications of nanocomposites. The classical approach to ensure the dispersibility of NPs is to modify the surface chemistry of NPs with ligands. The surface properties of NPs are inevitably altered, however. To overcome the trade-off between dispersibility and surface-functionality of NPs, we develop a new approach by dispersing NPs in a volatile solvent, followed by mixing with uncured polymer precursors to form micro-droplet emulsions. Most of these micro-droplets contain no more than one NP per drop, and they evaporate rapidly to prevent the agglomeration of NPs during the polymer curing process. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate the design and fabrication of TiO2 NP@PDMS nanocomposites for solar fuel generation reactions with high photocatalytic efficiency and recyclability arising f...
Cost-effective synthesis and solution processing of porous polymer networks through methanesulfonic acid-mediated aldol triple condensation

A highly efficient aldol triple condensation method was developed for scalable synthesis of conjugated porous polymer networks. This bottom-up strategy features inexpensive starting materials and reagents as well as simple reaction procedures, which are ideal for mass production of functional organic porous materials. The resultant porous material demonstrated quick and selective adsorption of organic small molecules in aqueous solution. In addition, the pristine composition of the reaction mixture enabled solution processing of these cross-linked porous materials through a “soaking–heating–washing” procedure to form composite membranes that are essential for practical applications.
Financial Stumbles, Consumer Bankruptcy, and the Sociological Imagination

For many undergraduates, applying the sociological imagination to financial failure can be exceptionally difficult. Like most Americans, they adhere to the “bootstrap” analogy of financial security and success. To overcome this narrow and non-sociological perspective, I introduce students to several financial stumbles that are common and that result primarily from structural factors and shifts. Ultimately, they learn about consumer bankruptcy as a culminating event of several of these smaller stumbles. I also rely on students’ stories of their family’s financial collapse—these normalize the failure and because they are so personal, encourage other students to think about how easily something similar could happen to them.
Analyzing big ocean science data with NEXUS

NEXUS is a software project developed by the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory which aims to enable scientific analysis of large datasets collected by various NASA missions. Historically, data analysis required an analyst to move the data to the system computing the analysis. As the volume of data available increases, the storage, CPU, and memory requirements for this type of traditional analysis increases to a point that makes it impractical. The NEXUS approach is to remove this data movement, transform the data into a format convenient for analysis, and provide analytic functions that can be massively parallelized.
Parent pain catastrophizing predicts child depressive symptoms in youth with sickle cell disease

Background Youth with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for recurrent pain and depressive symptoms, both of which contribute to poorer health outcomes. Furthermore, youth and family coping with child pain, including pain catastrophizing, is known to be associated with poorer psychosocial adjustment and greater functional disability among youth with SCD. In particular, child catastrophizing about pain and parent catastrophizing about their child's pain have been linked to increased pain and depressive symptoms in youth with chronic pain conditions. Despite this, the impact of child and parent pain catastrophizing on depressive symptoms remains unexplored in pediatric SCD. Procedure The current study evaluated the predictive value of child and parent pain catastrophizing on child depressive symptoms in a sample of 100 youth with SCD. Differences in child and parent pain catastrophizing across youth with and without clinically elevated depressive symptoms were also examined. Results Pain frequency and parent and child pain catastrophizing accounted for 35.9% of variance in child depressive symptoms, with only pain frequency and parent pain catastrophizing emerging as unique predictors of clinically elevated depressive symptoms. Additionally, parents of youth with clinically elevated depressive symptoms showed increased helplessness relative to parents of youth with minimal to mild depressive symptoms. Conclusions Findings support the value of depression screening and interventions to promote parent self-efficacy in managing childhood SCD pain.
Hurdles Associated with the Translational Use of Genetically Modified Cells.

Recent advancements in the use of genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and the emergent use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy has highlighted issues associated with the use of genetically engineered cellular products. This review explores some of the challenges linked with translating the use of genetically modified cells. The use of genetically modified HSCs for ADA-SCID now has European approval and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of CAR T cells for relapsed/refractory B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Current good manufacturing processes have now been developed for the collection, expansion, storage, modification, and administration of genetically modified cells. Genetically engineered cells can be used for several therapeutic purposes. However, significant challenges remain in making these cellular therapeutics readily available. A better understanding of this technology along with improvements in the manufacturing process is allowing the translation process to become more standardized.
Complications of Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis in the Pediatric Population

Acute complicated sinusitis can occur in children and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. While medical management is critical, it is important to provide multi-disciplinary care to involve surgical specialists. Since intracranial and extracranial complications can result from acute sinusitis, active communication among all these specialists is paramount to achieve the best patient outcomes. Children with these conditions are best managed at centers where appropriate pediatric medical and surgical subspecialty care is available.
Ischemic Stroke and Carotid Endarterectomy

Ischemic stroke accounts for approximately 80% of all strokes, and most of the remainder are hemorrhagic subtypes. Most ischemic strokes are due to intracranial vessel occlusion, the majority resulting from embolism from the heart or extracranial vessels. Advances in medical treatment of ischemic stroke have included administration of thrombolytic substances, which have proven to be effective in improving outcome after ischemic stroke. Atheromatous disease of the cervical carotid artery is the most important source of embolic disease from extracranial cerebral vasculature. Prospective randomized trials of surgery versus medical therapy have established the role of carotid endarterectomy for stroke prevention in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with high-grade carotid stenosis. Endovasular therapy, including angioplasty and stenting, is being investigated as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy for stroke prevention in these patients.
The Concept of Constitutionalization and the Multi-Corporate Enterprise in the 21st Century

This paper considers the conception of constitutionalization as a structure for theorizing a space within which constitutionalized entities may interact in accordance with the ideological principles of legitimizing constitutionalism. Constitutions have been the means through which states have expressed their organization and ruling ideologies. Constitutionalism provides the normative ideology for expressing the core rules and values that determine the legitimacy of variations in constitutional embodiment. Once associated with the construction of political “persons” the normative structures in constitutionalism have opened the possibility of using its frameworks for the embodiment of any organized group that wants to govern itself. It provides the structure for incarnating an institutional entity that is "ensouled" in the sense that it is separate and autonomous from its creators, though operated through them. In globalization all self governing groups interact beyond the territorial borders of states. That interaction requires a common platform for intermeshing among quite different classes of constitutional entities. Constitutionalization is the way one understands the science of that search for a common communicative platform among self governing groups related by their interactions. But it also suggests an obligation to constitutionalize along its terms — there is an aspect of ministry in constitutionalism that is manifested through its works — what it offers constitutional actors and their constituent members that is deemed “good” as a guide to behavior. Thus the paper considers the concept of constitutionalism as incarnation (constitutional formation), "ensoulment" (constitutionalism and values) and community and ministry (constitutionalization). It is the form of constitutions that now serve as the basis for institutional formation. It is the normative structures of constitutionalism that provides the “soul” of those institutional forms, that serve as the basis of their autonomy from their creators and operators and that guide them between right and wrong. And it is constitutionalization that serves as the foundation for a common language of interaction among an increasingly diverse set of constitutional creatures. The paper thus ends with a brief view toward application — what does all this theory mean for the way states and enterprises ought to act, that is ought to perform their constitutional roles in the world in which they occupy substantial positions of power over individuals, who now appear dwarfed by these institutional giants.
Predicting hypertensive heart disease via non-invasive methodology : relationship between ambulatory blood pressure and cardiac indices derived by echocardiography and radionuclide ventriculography

The sensitivity of echocardiographically derived left ventricular mass in predicting morbidity in essential hypertension has led to widespread use of this measurement in cross-sectional studies to assess the pathophysiology of hypertensive heart disease. Over the past decade, a variety of studies in hypertensives have evaluated the blood pressure determinants of both the structural and the functional aspects of left ventricular hypertrophy. Recent data presented here demonstrate that average daily blood pressure derived from non-invasive ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is superior to casual blood pressure in predicting an increased left ventricular mass index and left atrial dimension, and altered left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. Further data analysis in previously untreated mildly hypertensive subjects (diastolic blood pressure less than 140/90 mmHg) showed that the average daily pressure load (defined as the percentage of blood pressure values greater than 140/90 mmHg while awake and greater than 120/80 mmHg during sleep) delineates groups at high and low risk of developing hypertensive heart disease.
Engineering Test Facility Vacuum Pumping Duct Shield Analysis

A nucleonic analysis of the Engineering Test Facility vacuum pumping (VP) duct shield has been performed using a coupled Monte Carlo/discrete ordinates method. This method used Monte Carlo to determine internal and external boundary surface sources for subsequent use in discrete ordinates calculations of the neutron and gamma-ray transport through the shield. Confidence in both the coupled method and the results obtained through its use was provided through comparisons with three-dimensional Monte Carlo results. Calculations in the toroidal plasma chamber and the neutral beam injector duct, which were required prior to the VP duct shield calculations, are also described.
Development of Transition Edge Sensor Detectors Optimized for Single-Photon Spectroscopy in the Optical and Near-Infrared

The search for biosignatures in the atmospheres of exoplanets will be a key focus of future space telescopes that operate in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared bands. Detection of biosignatures requires an instrument with moderate spectral resolving power ($R \sim 100$) and a large bandwidth ($\sim 400$ nm -- $\sim 1.8$ $\mu$m). Additionally, biosignature detection is a photon-starved science; instruments designed for these measurements would ideally combine high optical efficiency with quantum-limited photon detectors (i.e., detectors that exhibit zero dark current). In this work, we report on our efforts to develop energy resolving transition edge sensor (TES)-based detectors designed for biosignature detection. TESs operated as microcalorimeters are compelling detectors for this application. Unlike semiconductor detectors, TESs eliminate the need for dispersive optics and are truly single photon detectors -- fundamental TES noise yields uncertainty in the energies of detected photons, not in the number of detected photons. We introduce TESs designed for this application and discuss the path toward realizing a TES-based dispersionless spectrometer optimized for biosignature detection.
The TTPs of Privacy and Security of the IoT

In the inaugural column, the editor explores the privacy risks of the Internet of Things (IoT). This edition turns to the tactics, techniques, and practices (TTPs) that enable the management of security and privacy risks for IoT. Security professionals are likely familiar with this term of art in the context of cyber threat intelligence and incident response, only here has it been adapted it to help practitioners frame cyber security and privacy risk response for the IoT.
Estimating standing biomass of exotic macrophytes using sUAS

With the advent of sUAS, research scientists and plant managers are capable of obtaining unique, fast, and low-cost quantitative data, which delivers many repeatable survey options. Benefits of autonomous sUAS platforms include minimal training, reduced human safety concerns, and creation of graphic outputs which may be readily viewed by any stakeholder who was not actively involved in the survey or management activity. Research conducted in the Wellington Region, New Zealand was used to evaluate consumer-grade sUAS technologies to map and estimate standing biomass of Manchurian Wild Rice (MWR), an exotic semi-aquatic grass which promotes flooding, and displacement of native flora and fauna. The goal of this research was to improve the speed and resolution of current survey strategies used to assess MWR among a lowland pasture site using unmanned systems and photogrammetry techniques. Image collection and data processing was conducted in a manner to provide a theoretic biomass estimation of remaining MWR following seasonal growth and herbicide applications. Post-processing methods and theories discussed attempt to identify and quantify MWR biomass using supervised imaging analysis, plant height modeling, and biomass collected in situ. The use of unmanned systems to map, monitor, and manage MWR is encouraged for future applications.
Mediation of an Efficacious HIV Risk Reduction Intervention for South African Men

“Men, Together Making a Difference!” is an HIV/STD risk-reduction intervention that significantly increased self-reported consistent condom use during vaginal intercourse compared with a health-promotion attention-control intervention among men (N = 1181) in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The present analyses were designed to identify mediators of the intervention’s efficacy. The potential mediators were Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) constructs that the intervention targeted, including several aspects of condom-use self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and knowledge. Mediation was assessed using a product-of-coefficients approach where an α path (the intervention’s effect on the potential mediator) and a β path (the potential mediator’s effect on the outcome of interest, adjusting for intervention) were estimated independently in a generalized estimating equations framework. Condom-use negotiation self-efficacy, technical-skill self-efficacy, and impulse-control self-efficacy were significant mediators. Although not mediators, descriptive norm and expected friends’ approval of condom use predicted subsequent self-reported condom use, whereas the expected approval of sexual partner did not. The present results suggest that HIV/STD risk-reduction interventions that draw upon SCT and that address self-efficacy to negotiate condom use, to apply condoms correctly, and to exercise sufficient control when sexually aroused to use condoms may contribute to efforts to reduce sexual risk behavior among South African men. Future research must examine whether approaches that build normative support for condom use among men’s friends are also efficacious.
Clinicopathological features and prognosis of rare carcinomas of the breast: A comparative analysis from the NCDB.

e19256Background: A comparative analysis of the clinicopathological features, immunohistochemistry, and overall (OS) for rare ( < 10%) of all breast cancers (BCs) has not been widely explored. Meth...
Psoriasis and COVID-19: a multifactorial consideration.

Dear Editor,As dermatologists consider the best way to treat and counsel patients with psoriasis during the COVID-19 pandemic, we must consider all the ways in which psoriasis and its treatment may...
Screening Positive for Military Sexual Harassment or Assault Is Associated With Higher Compulsive Sexual Behavior in Men Military Service Members/Veterans.

INTRODUCTION Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) is understudied in military service members/veterans despite elevated risk for psychological disorders that are associated with CSB, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and alcohol misuse. Civilian research shows that sexual trauma is associated with higher CSB. Among military service members/veterans, sexual trauma that occurred before military service is identified as a risk factor for CSB, but the impact of screening positive for sexual trauma that occurred during military service (military sexual harassment[MSH]/military sexual assault[MSA]) on CSB is unknown. Moreover, screening positive for MSH/A confers a higher risk for distress relative to sexual trauma that occurred before or after military service, suggesting that MSH/A may be a robust predictor of CSB. The current study examined whether screening positive for MSH/A was associated with higher CSB after accounting for mental health and demographic characteristics. The current study specifically focused on men service members/veterans given that men show higher engagement and distress associated with CSB relative to women. MATERIALS AND METHOD Male service member/veterans (n = 508) completed self-report measures of CSB, MSH/A, PTSD and depression severity, hazardous drinking, and age. CSB was regressed on MSH/A, PTSD and depression severity, hazardous drinking, and age to determine if MSH/A was uniquely associated with CSB after accounting for other risk factors. RESULTS A total of 9.25% to 12.01% of the sample reported scores suggestive of high levels of CSB. The regression of CSB on MSH/A screen status, PTSD, depression, alcohol use, and age explained 22.3% of the variance. Screening positive for MSH/A, higher PTSD symptoms, and higher depression symptoms were associated with higher CSB, but age or alcohol use were not. CONCLUSION Screening positive for MSH/A appears to be a unique risk factor for higher CSB above and beyond the effects of depression and PTSD. Since screening for CSB is not part of routine mental health care, clinicians may consider a positive screen for MSH/A as a possible indicator that CSB may be of clinical concern. Previous research on MSH/A and individual and sexual health outcomes suggest that distinguishing between MSH/A severities (harassment only vs. assault) is critical as the most dysfunction is observed with sexual trauma that involves assault. Owing to low endorsement of MSA, this study did not examine differences between MSA and MSH. Future research in this area would be strengthened by exploring MSH/A severities as a correlate of CSB.
A stress-induced tyrosine-tRNA depletion response mediates codon-based translational repression and growth suppression.

Eukaryotic transfer RNAs can become selectively fragmented upon various stresses, generating tRNA-derived small RNA fragments. Such fragmentation has been reported to impact a small fraction of the tRNA pool and thus presumed to not directly impact translation. We report that oxidative stress can rapidly generate tyrosine-tRNAGUA fragments in human cells-causing significant depletion of the precursor tRNA. Tyrosine-tRNAGUA depletion impaired translation of growth and metabolic genes enriched in cognate tyrosine codons. Depletion of tyrosine tRNAGUA or its translationally regulated targets USP3 and SCD repressed proliferation-revealing a dedicated tRNA-regulated growth-suppressive pathway for oxidative stress response. Tyrosine fragments are generated in a DIS3L2 exoribonuclease-dependent manner and inhibit hnRNPA1-mediated transcript destabilization. Moreover, tyrosine fragmentation is conserved in C. elegans. Thus, tRNA fragmentation can coordinately generate trans-acting small RNAs and functionally deplete a tRNA. Our findings reveal the existence of an underlying adaptive codon-based regulatory response inherent to the genetic code.
Does information sharing matter? Cross-country evidence on foreign bank presence

Abstract This article empirically examines the effects of foreign bank presence on firms’ access to credit, conditional on the level of information sharing in an economy. Using firm-level survey data for 66 emerging and developing countries, we rely on a probit model to identify this impact. Our results show that an increase in foreign bank presence is associated with higher financing constraints for firms and is associated with unfavorable interest rates and higher collateral requirements. However, we find that information sharing partially offsets the negative effect of foreign bank presence on business access to credit. The magnitude of this offsetting effect varies with the type of information sharing; whether through a privately-owned credit bureau or public credit registry.