cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural effects in chemistry and biology

Conformationally designed, non-planar porphyrins afford new classes of structurally distinct chromophores with significantly altered optical, redox, magnetic, radical and excited state properties. The synthetic, non-planar porphyrins model and illustrate the consequences of the skeletal deformations and plasticity increasingly observed in crystal structures of protein complexes comprising porphyrinic chromophores and prosthetic groups. Conformational variations thus offer attractively simple mechanisms for modulating the physicochemical properties of porphyrins in vivo and in vitro.
Semantic driven program analysis

The paper presents an approach to extract and to analyze the semantic content (i.e., problem and solution domain semantics) of existing software systems to support program understanding and software various maintenance tasks, such as: recovery of traceability links between documentation and source code, identification of abstract data types in legacy code, and identification of high-level concept clones in software. The semantic information is derived from the comments, documentation, and identifier names associated with the source code using information retrieval methods. The paper advocates for the use of latent semantic indexing as the underlying support for the semantic driven analysis. The presented results are based on the author's doctoral dissertation (Marcus, 2003).
Trip generation: Introduction to the special section

This paper introduces a set of articles about how transportation planners need better tools for estimating trip generation, and to develop better tools we need more data collection, especially methods that capture passenger trips by personal vehicles, transit, walking, and bicycling, as well as freight trips. With such data in hand, researchers would be able to develop models that both produce more accurate estimates of vehicle trips and generate trip estimates for other passenger modes and for freight. Such estimates would help to ensure adequate provision for these modes and not just for cars.
Atomic Layer Deposition of ZnO in Quantum Dot Thin Films

Nanocrystal films are well suited for ALD, since their open structure allows diffusion of gaseous precursors, and thus allows an easy layer-by-layer filling of interstices. Furthermore, pore sizes of the order of a few nanometers suggest that complete infiltration and filling should take place after only a few monolayers, indicating that this method could also be cost-effective. In this work, we apply ALD to films of nanocrystals, using ZnO to infiltrate colloidal CdSe and core/shell quantum-dot films. The dots were prepared according to previously described methods, [3] and films ofdots withthicknessesof 50‐100nmwere prepared by drop-casting. [3] ZnO ALD was performed in two separate instruments, using alternating exposures to diethyl zinc (Strem)anddeionizedwater (partial pressures � 133.3Pa,1‐50s duration, at 1008C). One system comprises a cold-walled quartz chamber with an internal resistive sample heater, optical access, and in situ current measurement with resolution � 10pA. The second system is a hot-walled stainless steel tube with an in situ quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) [5] and optical access for photoluminescence measurements. Both ALD systems yielded similar results. To evaluate the extent of infiltration by the ZnO after ALD, CdSenanocrystalfilms(� 50nmthickness)weredrop-castonto
Which is most pungent: isoflurane, sevoflurane or desflurane?

We compared the pungency and tolerability of three inhaled anaesthetics in a randomized, double-blind study. Eighty-one unpremedicated patients (n=27, each group) inhaled 2 MAC of isoflurane (2.3%), desflurane (12%) or sevoflurane (4%) for 60 s from an anaesthetic breathing circuit via a mask. Two blinded observers recorded coughing, complaints of burning and irritation, and how long the inhalation was tolerated. One sevoflurane patient coughed, but completed the study period, whereas 11 isoflurane patients and 20 desflurane patients coughed, objected verbally or removed the mask forcefully. All sevoflurane, 20 isoflurane and seven desflurane patients completed the study period (average 60, 49 and 33 s, respectively, P isoflurane > sevoflurane (P
Life extending control of large-scale dynamical systems

This tutorial paper provides an introduction to the evolving field of life extending control (LEC) where the objective is to achieve a desired trade-off between structural durability and dynamic performance of complex dynamical systems. The paper also presents a procedure for the synthesis of fuzzy-logic-based LEC systems via feedback of online predictions of damage and damage rate. The proposed control system has a two-tier structure: linear sampled-data controller(s) tracks a reference trajectory vector in the lower tier, while a fuzzy-logic-based damage controller at the upper tier makes a trade-off between system performance and structural damage in critical plant components. The above LEC concept and several different design methodologies were tested by simulation experiments on a reusable rocket engine, and the airframe structures of rotorcraft and tactical aircraft.
Apoptosis of JHMV-specific CTL in the CNS in the absence of CD4+ T cells

The role of CD4+ T cells in altering the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) during infection of the central nervous system (CNS) by the neuroptropic JHMV strain of mouse hepatitis virus was examined. Adoptive transfer of in vitro activated CTL into CD4-depleted and control recipients showed that CTL were not effective in reducing JHMV replication within the CNS. The distribution of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells within the CNS during JHMV infection showed that the CD4+ T cells remained in perivascular and subarachnoid spaces and few entered the parenchyma. By contrast approximately half of the CD8+ T cells entered the parenchyma. In CD4-depleted mice the trafficking of CD8+ T cells was not inhibited; however, the majority of the cells were found to be apoptotic. These data suggested that CD4+ T cells were not required for CTL induction but were required for the maintenance of CTL viability. The limited role of CD4+ T cells in CTL induction was confirmed by comparison of CTL activity from CD4-depleted and control mice.
(Z)-N-tert-Butyl-2-(4-meth­oxy­anilino)-N′-(4-meth­oxy­phen­yl)-2-phenyl­acetimidamide

In the crystal of the title compound, C26H31N3O2, pairs of N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link molecules, forming inversion dimers, which enclose an R22(20) ring motif. One N atom does not form hydrogen bonds and lies in a hydro­phobic pocket with closest inter­molecular contacts of 4.196 (2) and 4.262 (2) A.
Advanced life support training for hospital staff

Injury continues to be one of the top 10 causes for death and disability worldwide (Lopez et al., 2006) Incidence of injury is expected to rise over the next 15 years. Injuries are more common in young people and cause premature loss of productivity, high medical care costs, disability and a large socio-economic loss to society (WHO, 2004). Around the world, training in advanced trauma life support (ALTS) is increasing promoted as a way of improving the care given to injured people and reducing death and disability. Research suggests that ATLS increases the knowledge of staff, but it is not known if increased knowledge then results in improved outcomes for patients. Particularly in low-middle income countries, where resources are constrained, the cost–benefits of ATLS needs to be considered in light of the effectiveness, affordability and appropriateness before such processes are recommended. This review was an update from two previous reviews in 2006 and 2008.
The Interpretation of the Histologic Findings in Encephalitis Congenita

Fetal tissues in a state of incomplete embryologic development and adult organs which are in a state of functional hyperplasia frequently offer difficulties in the correct interpretation of the histologic alterations, particularly when associated with true pathologic processes. This is the case when the cerebrum of the premature or newborn term infant is subjected to gross and microscopical examination. Most are prone to examine such a subject for evidence of gross maldevelopment or gross intracranial hemorrhage, and specimens taken for microscopic study are apt to be selected in a haphazard manner. Frequently, therefore, when sections which include the lateral ventricles are studied, one becomes interested in round cell infiltrations, often in perivascular position, berieath the ependyma. When this is associated with perivascular hemorrhages and degenerative changes of variable degree, many pathologists are convinced that the criteria of inflammation have been established, and a diagnosis of encephalitis is made. Such a conclusion seems to be confirmed when the clinical or necropsy data indicates congenital syphilis or postnatal infection. It seems entirely logical to correlate the subependymal cellular features with the established infection. However, such a conclusion has a major factor of error if one does not appreciate the extent, the location and degree of developmental activity in the case under consideration. The American medical literature is remarkably lacking in references to the subject of encephalitis congenita. Most of the
Researchers Apply Lesson Study: A Cycle of Lesson Planning, Implementation, and Revision

Scripted lesson plans and/or professional development alone may not be sufficient to encourage teachers to reflect on the quality of their teaching and improve their teaching. One learning tool that teachers may use to improve their teaching is Lesson Study (LS). LS is a collaborative process involving educators, based on concepts of iteration and revision, to improve instruction. The initial use of an adapted version of LS referred to as a microteaching lesson study (MLS) is described in this article. Our purpose is to illustrate the process of MLS used by a group of researchers when developing lesson plans for teaching students with learning disabilities. We describe MLS, and then (1) share an application of MLS used by a research team in developing a writing intervention, and (2) discuss how the MLS format was mirrored with K-12 teachers during professional development training.
Anisotropic nanolaminated CoNiFe cores integrated into microinductors for high-frequency dc–dc power conversion

This paper presents a rectangular, anisotropic nanolaminated CoNiFe core that possesses a magnetically hard axis in the long geometric axis direction. Previously, we have developed nanolaminated cores comprising tens to hundreds of layers of 300–1000 nm thick metallic alloys (i.e. Ni80Fe20 or Co44Ni37Fe19) based on sequential electrodeposition, demonstrating suppressed eddy-current losses at MHz frequencies. In this work, magnetic anisotropy was induced to the nanolaminated CoNiFe cores by applying an external magnetic field (50–100 mT) during CoNiFe film electrodeposition. The fabricated cores comprised tens to hundreds of layers of 500–1000 nm thick CoNiFe laminations that have the hard-axis magnetic property. Packaged in a 22-turn solenoid test inductor, the anisotropic core showed 10% increased effective permeability and 25% reduced core power losses at MHz operation frequency, compared to an isotropic core of the identical geometry. Operating the anisotropic nanolaminated CoNiFe core in a step-down dc–dc converter (15 V input to 5 V output) demonstrated 81% converter efficiency at a switching frequency of 1.1 MHz and output power of 6.5 W. A solenoid microinductor with microfabricated windings integrated with the anisotropic nanolaminated CoNiFe core was fabricated, demonstrating a constant inductance of 600 nH up to 10 MHz and peak quality factor exceeding 20 at 4 MHz. The performance of the microinductor with the anisotropic nanolaminated CoNiFe core is compared with other previously reported microinductors.
On the Stability of Solutions of Stochastic Evolution Equations

The main purpose of this chapter is to study the stability problem for stochastic partial differential equations (SPDE). The exponential stability in the mean square sense of the mild and strong solutions of linear SPDE was undertaken in a systematic manner by Haussman [3] and was continued by Chow [1]. Our approach is close to [1]. We provide a necessary and sufficient condition, in the linear case, for the exponential stability of the strong solution [14], [13] in the m.s. sense in terms of the existence of Lyapounov functional. Moreover, under a weak additional condition of mean square continuity of the map t → E ‖u ϕ (t) ‖ V 2 at t = 0 for ϕ ∈ V,, we establish the existence of the functional Λ(ϕ) with LΛ(ϕ) = −‖ϕ‖ V 2 . Here {u ϕ (t, t ≥ 0} is the Markov solution of a linear equation and L is the generator of the corresponding semigroup. In many interesting cases (see [9] and [10]), this continuity requirement is satisfied if the initial condition is smooth. It is also noted that the smoothness of the coefficients guarantees this condition by the works of Pardoux [13], and Rozovskii [14]. This is done in Section 2.
Scaleable Production of Hematopoietic Cells Suitable for Transfusion from Human Embryonic Stem Cells in a Stirred Bioreactor System.

Blood cell products, such as red blood cells and platelets suitable for transfusion, are attractive as a first generation human embryonic stem cell (hESC) derived therapy. Development of hESC-derived transfusion therapies will require a better understanding of how to control the differentiation of human ES cells into functional blood cells in sufficient quantities for clinical use. HESCs are known to produce mature hematopoietic cells during differentiation as embryoid bodies (EBs). Previously we have demonstrated development of both hematopoietic progenitor cells and more differentiated cell types of myeloid, lymphoid and erythroid lineages from hESC. A four-fold increase in total cell number was achieved when ESC-derived EBs were differentiated in stirred vessels compared to conventional static cultures. Spinner cultures generated EBs more uniform in size and density. Static- and spinner cultivated EBs produced equivalent percentages of hematopoietic progenitors when assayed by surface antigen expression (CD34 + , CD31 + and CD45 + ) and colony forming potential. Hence, overall a greater yield of hematopoietic cells was generated in spinner cultures. Here we incorporate pH and oxygen control into the stirred vessel system in order to closely regulate environmental conditions at levels conducive to hematopoietic differentiation. Hematopoietic potential is compared under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. Hypoxic conditions were confirmed in the EB tissue mass by 2-nitroimidazole (hypoxyprobe) staining. We observed that the cellular response to hypoxia, monitored by the presence of HIF 1α protein, is transient. Peak levels of HIF 1α were detected within 48 hours of low oxygen culture, falling to baseline levels within 7 days. Under more severe conditions the kinetics of the hypoxic response were accelerated, HIF 1α expression peaking and subsiding earlier in cultures held at 1% dissolved oxygen compared to 5% dissolved oxygen. We show that by manipulating dissolved oxygen concentration we are able to influence the progress of differentiation. This can at least partly be attributed to the upregulation of hypoxia inducible genes, including VEGF-A and EPO , under low oxygen conditions. Expression levels of VEGF-A are dependent on dissolved oxygen concentration, being most highly expressed under 1% dissolved oxygen conditions. The transitory nature of the cellular hypoxic response suggests that short exposure to low oxygen conditions may be sufficient to gain the full beneficial impact of hypoxic signalling on hematopoietic cell generation without decreases in cell proliferation and increase in cell death associated with extended oxygen deprivation. We propose that control of culture parameters such as dissolved oxygen in conjunction with cytokines can specify the cellular microenvironment within EB to yield robust levels of hematopoietic progenitors. This work demonstrates proof-of-principle for hematopoietic cell production from human embryonic stem cells in a scaleable bioreactor system.
Student cyberbullying inside the digital schoolhouse gate: Toward a standard for determining where a “School” is

This essay (1) examines the consequences of cyberbullying, (2) analyzes the patchwork of legal cases that have addressed tensions between cyberbullying and the First Amendment, and (3) offers a standard consistent with the First Amendment for addressing the most egregious forms of cyberbullying.
Effect of chronic metformin treatment in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a mutation in the huntingtin gene. HD progression is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in neural and skeletal muscle ti...
Rank And Response: A Field Experiment On Peer Information And Water Use Behavior

Abstract Perception of peer rank, or how we perform relative to our peers, can be a powerful motivator. While research exists on the effect of social information on decision making, there is less work on how ranked comparisons with our peers influence our behavior. This paper outlines a field experiment conducted with 3896 households in Castro Valley, California, which uses household mailers with various forms of social information and peer rank messaging to motivate water conservation. The experiment tests the effect of a visible peer rank on water use, and how the competitive framing of rank information influences behavioral response. The results show that households with relatively low or high water use in the pre-treatment period responded differently to how rank information was framed. I find that a neutrally-framed peer rank caused a small “boomerang effect” (i.e., an increase in average water use) for low water use households, but this effect was eliminated by competitive framing. At the same time, a competitively-framed peer rank demotivated high water use households, increasing their average water use over the full period of the experiment. This result is supported by evidence that the competitive frame on rank information increased water use for households who ranked “last” in the peer group – a detrimental “last place effect” from competitively-framed rankings.
Nutrient chemotactic agents and the in vitro selective control of bacterial colonization

Certain nutrient chemotactic agents after 3–18 hours of incubation with viable mammalian cells in culture can cause significant alterations in subsequent attachment ofEscherichia coli to the mammalian (receptor) cells. Results were amongst the most significant with an essentially non-oxidizable amino acid analogue. Differences obtained were dependent upon the number of washings of the receptor cells after incubation with the chemotactic agents and the incubation concentrations. AllE. coli isolates tested readily displayed chemotaxis, yet significant differences in adherence were observed with the minority of 16 chemotactic agents, two receptor cell lines, sixE. coli and oneSalmonella typhi studied. This is most likely due to poor localization of these agents in the outer layers of viable mammalian receptor cells, metabolism of the agents, or both. Some nutrient chemotactic agents may facilitate the selective control of bacterial colonization or infection.
¡Si, Se Puede! Achieving Academic Excellence Online.

AbstractTwenty-first century learners in post-secondary educational environments find themselves involved in online learning. Acquiring graduate degrees, especially for working professionals, has precipitated the need for effective, rigorous, relevant, and timely coursework online. Utilizing the qualitative research method of auto-ethnographic reporting, we explored one individual’s experience acquiring an online doctor of education degree from a research university in the state of Texas. The results indicated three major components: (1) personal: including but not limited to family, work, and cultural responsibilities; (2) coursework: including but not limited to rigor, relevance, requirements, collaboration, and personal contact with instructors; (3) writing of the record of study (ROS): including but not limited to the selection of the dissertation committee, formulation of the research topic, approval of topic, researching, writing, defending, and submitting the ROS. The implications on future program...
Design Comparison of NdFeB and Ferrite Radial Flux Surface Permanent Magnet Coaxial Magnetic Gears

Magnetic gears promise the benefits of mechanical gears with added advantages from contactless power transfer. Although most of the literature focuses on minimizing the size of magnetic gears, their material costs must also be reduced to achieve economic feasibility. This paper compares the active material costs of NdFeB and ferrite radial flux coaxial magnetic gears with surface permanent magnets through a parametric two-dimensional (2-D) and 3-D finite element analysis study. Differences in optimal design trends such as pole counts and magnet thicknesses are illustrated for the two materials. The results demonstrate that, for most historical price rate scenarios, NdFeB gear designs are capable of achieving lower active material costs than ferrite gear designs, and they are always capable of achieving much higher torque densities. Based on the selected design constraints, relative to a nominal ferrite cost of $10/kg, NdFeB must cost more than $90/kg before ferrite is cost competitive. However, ferrite gears can achieve higher efficiencies than NdFeB gears, especially at high speeds, and generally emit less axial leakage flux. Additionally, contour plots are provided to show the impact of material price rate variation on the cost break points.
Advances in neuroscience

Kevin S. LaBar The burgeoning field of neuroscience is at an important nexus of discovery. The pace of innovation is accelerating along with increased curiosity about how the most mysterious organ of the body works. Emerging technologies, such as optogenetics, permit an inquiry into brain function at unprecedented levels of detail and sophistication. Large-scale collaborations and Open Science frameworks make neural data available to more researchers, thereby expanding and democratizing the scientific process. These efforts generate big data sets, spanning multiple methodologies that benefit from machine learning and other analytic tools to elucidate brain-behavior relationships. As exemplified by the U.S. BRAIN Initiative, funding agencies are recognizing how investments in cutting-edge neuroscience transform knowledge in ways that can directly benefit society—from …
Using time-varying quantile regression approaches to model the influence of prenatal and infant exposures on childhood growth

For many applications, it is valuable to assess whether the effects of exposures over time vary by quantiles of the outcome. We have previously shown that quantile methods complement the traditiona...
Molecular-Dynamics Simulation of Grain-Boundary Diffusion Creep

Molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations are used, for the first time, to study grain-boundary diffusion creep of a model polycrystalline silicon microstructure. Our fully dense model microstructures, with a grain size of up to 7.5 nm, were grown by MD simulations of a melt into which small, randomly oriented crystalline seeds were inserted. In order to prevent grain growth and thus to enable steady-state diffusion creep to be observed on a time scale accessible to MD simulations (of typically 10-9s), our input microstructures were tailored to (i) have a uniform grain shape and a uniform grain size of nm dimensions and (ii) contain only high-energy grain boundaries which are known to exhibit rather fast, liquid-like self-diffusion. Our simulations reveal that under relatively high tensile stresses these microstructures, indeed, exhibit steady-state diffusion creep that is homogenous (i.e., involving no grain sliding), with a strain rate that agrees quantitatively with that given by the Coble-creep formula.
Chemical Composition of Fruits and Leaves Eaten by Short-Nosed Fruit Bat, Cynopterus sphinx

We evaluated organic and macromineral composition of selected fruits and leaves consumed by the short-nosed fruit bat, Cynopterus sphinx in South India. Results of principal components analysis (PCA) comparing soluble carbohydrates, crude protein, and crude fats indicate a higher percentage of protein in leaves and a higher percentage of carbohydrates and lipids in fruits. However, results of a paired t test comparing these organic components indicated no differences between fruits and leaves. Among the fruits analyzed, Musa x paradisiaca had the highest percentage of carbohydrates, and Psidium guajava had the highest percentage of lipids. Leaves of Cassia fistula, Moringa oleifera, coccinia cordifolia, and F. religiosa had the highest percentage of protein. PCA of selected macrominerals (Ca, Na, K, and P) indicate higher levels of Ca in leaves than in fruits. Results of t tests comparing these macrominerals revealed a difference between fruits and leaves for Ca, but not for the other macrominerals. Among the leaves analyzed, Ca was highest in mature leaves of C. fistula and lowest in leaves of F. religiosa. Leaves of M. oleifera and fruits of Achras sapota were highest in sodium. Among fruits analyzed for macrominerals, Ca was highest in F. bengalensis and lowest in Prosopis juliflora, A. sapota, and M. x paradisiaca. Potassium levels were highest in leaves of C. cordifolia and fruit pods of Prosopis juliflora. Phosphorus content was highest in leaves of M. oleifera and fruits of M. x paradisiaca. The relatively high concentrations of protein and calcium in leaves eaten by C. sphinx supports the hypothesis that leaves are important dietary sources for this plant-visiting bat.
Exploration of the Gastrinoma Triangle

Zollinger and Ellison first described gastrin-secreting neoplasms in 1955. These unusual neoplasms are malignant. Diagnosis of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) depends on measurement of an increased fasting serum gastrin concentration (> 100 pg/mL), increased basal acid output (> 10 mEq/L, or > 5 mEq/L in patients with prior acid-reduction surgery), and an abnormal secretin test (increase of > 200 pg/mL in serum gastrin concentration after 2 U/kg of intravenous secretin).
Genomic Characterization and Copy Number Variation of Bacillus anthracis Plasmids pXO1 and pXO2 in a Historical Collection of 412 Strains.

ABSTRACT Bacillus anthracis plasmids pXO1 and pXO2 carry the main virulence factors responsible for anthrax. However, the extent of copy number variation within the species and how the plasmids are related to pXO1/pXO2-like plasmids in other species of the Bacillus cereus sensu lato group remain unclear. To gain new insights into these issues, we sequenced 412 B. anthracis strains representing the total phylogenetic and ecological diversity of the species. Our results revealed that B. anthracis genomes carried, on average, 3.86 and 2.29 copies of pXO1 and pXO2, respectively, and also revealed a positive linear correlation between the copy numbers of pXO1 and pXO2. No correlation between the plasmid copy number and the phylogenetic relatedness of the strains was observed. However, genomes of strains isolated from animal tissues generally maintained a higher plasmid copy number than genomes of strains from environmental sources ( P Bacillus species carrying pXO1/pXO2-like plasmids. IMPORTANCE Bacillus anthracis microorganisms are of historical and epidemiological importance and are among the most homogenous bacterial groups known, even though the B. anthracis genome is rich in mobile elements. Mobile elements can trigger the diversification of lineages; therefore, characterizing the extent of genomic variation in a large collection of strains is critical for a complete understanding of the diversity and evolution of the species. Here, we sequenced a large collection of B. anthracis strains (>400) that were recovered from human, animal, and environmental sources around the world. Our results confirmed the remarkable stability of gene content and synteny of the anthrax plasmids and revealed no signal of plasmid exchange between B. anthracis and pathogenic B. cereus isolates but rather predominantly vertical descent. These findings advance our understanding of the biology and pathogenomic evolution of B. anthracis and its plasmids.
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation and Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy for Patellofemoral Chondral Defects: Improved Pain Relief and Occupational Outcomes Among US Army Servicemembers:

Background:The occupational and functional results of patellofemoral autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) are underreported. This investigation sought to establish clinical outcomes and rates for return to work in a predominantly high-demand military cohort undergoing this procedure.Purpose:To determine the return-to-work, pain relief, and perioperative complication rates in a high-demand athletic cohort undergoing patellofemoral ACI.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:All military servicemembers from 2 military medical centers undergoing ACI for high-grade patellofemoral chondral defects between 2006 and 2014 were identified, and data were abstracted from their medical records and clinical databases. Demographic and surgical variables were obtained for patients with at least 2 years of postoperative follow-up, and perioperative complications, rates of return to work, and survivorship from revision were quantified.Results:Seventy-two patients (72%) had >2-year follow-up and had pat...
Within-Person Dynamics of Older Adults’ Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sit-to-Stand Transitions

This study evaluated how older adults’ daily physical activity covaries with naturally occurring variation in both the duration and patterning of daily sedentary behavior. Older adults (n = 95) wor...
Dynamic Texture Decoding Using a Neuromorphic Multilayer Tactile Sensor

Prosthetic limbs would benefit from tactile feedback to provide sensory information when interacting with the environment, such as adjusting grasps using force feedback or palpating texture. In this work, we demonstrate how a multilayer tactile sensor can be used for palpation, and enhance the ability to discriminate between touch interfaces. Inspired by mechanoreceptors in skin, the multilayer sensor consists of multiple textile force sensing elements. The novelty of this work lies in the application of a multilayer sensor, one that produces touch receptor like (neuromorphic) output, to texture classification by using a classifier based on sparse recovery. This approach is shown to be capable of palpation, achieving classification accuracies as high as 97% on a distinct texture set. Using compressed sensing and sparse recovery, the multilayer sensor can decode texture under dynamic conditions, potentially providing amputees the ability to perceive rich haptic information while using their prosthesis.
Use of PCR for diagnosing bacteremia and fungemia in neutropenic cancer patients with fever.

e21030 Background: Infection in neutropenia is a potentially fatal complication of chemotherapy in cancer patients. Approximately one-third neutropenia episodes are associated with fever, however, ...
EVALUATION OF POLYCLONAL B CELL ACTIVATORS (PBA) WITH CHROMOSOMALLY MARKED CELL POPULATIONS

Publisher Summary Proliferative responses to polyclonal B cell activators (PBAs) can be evaluated with avian spleen cells obtained from chimeras in which B2 cells carry the sex chromosome marker of donor B1 cells, whereas T and other hematopoietic cells carry the sex chromosome marker of the host. In such cell suspensions, con A and PHA selectively trigger a host T-cell response and PWM induces an initial and predominant T cell response followed by a delayed B2 cell response, whereas anti-immunoglobulin serum selectively induces the proliferation of B2 cells. Dextran sulfate, however, induces a stronger and selective B2 cell proliferative response, whereas highly purified pneumococcal polysaccharide in cultures containing different cell classes fails to stimulate any cellular proliferation. In cultures containing different cell classes, several PBAs involve not only B2 cells but also other cells in the proliferative phase. The proliferation of T cells in response to some PBAs can occur in the absence of simultaneous proliferating B2 cells.
Production origins and matrix constituents of spiculate pottery in Florida, USA: Defining ubiquitous St Johns ware by LA-ICP-MS and XRD

Abstract Fine-grained “chalky” pottery containing microscopic sponge spicules is commonly recovered from archaeological sites throughout peninsular Florida, but many questions remain about its composition and origins. It is identified by different names, but most are associated with the St. Johns Type series. While it has been commonly assumed to originate in the St. Johns River drainage for which it is named, the prevalence of pottery with these characteristics in other locations has presented the likelihood of independent production in multiple places. In this study, we conducted LA-ICP-MS and XRD analysis of spiculate pottery from three Woodland period (ca. 1000 BCE to 1000 CE) sites, along with comparative clay samples, in order to characterize the raw materials and determine the geographic scope of production. Our results support the theory that this ware was independently produced across peninsular Florida. We further evaluate the hypothesis that this pottery was made with common wetland muck, through consideration of the material properties of muck constituents. This project emphasizes the importance of an ecosystem framework for understanding the long history of spiculate pottery production and its geographic spread within Florida.
U.S. Army Rotorcraft Research at Ames: New Frontier in Dynamics and Aeroelasticity

This paper presents an informal narrative of rotorcraft structural dynamics and aeroelasticity research initiated by the U.S. Army at NASA Ames Research Center in the early 1970s, when rotorcraft r...
Experience with the HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist Device in Patients Older than 60 Years

Background: Advanced age is a relative contraindication for heart transplantation, but no age cutoff has been defined for patients receiving mechanical circulatory support. Methods: Between November 1, 2003 and November 1, 2012, we implanted the HeartMate II (HMII) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in 319 patients. One hundred seven patients (89 men, 18 women) were over 60 years old (mean, 66 ± 4 years; range, 61-78 years) and received the HMII as a bridge to transplantation (n = 45) or as destination therapy (n = 62). We evaluated their experience by performing a retrospective analysis. Results: Seventy-two patients had ischemic cardiomyopathy, and 34 had idiopathic cardiomyopathy. Three patients (2.8%) already had a HeartMate XVE LVAD; 54 (50.5%) were receiving intra-aortic balloon pump support; 52 (48.6%) had undergone a previous cardiac procedure; and 9 (8.4%) had received renal replacement therapy (RRT) (continuous venovenous hemofiltration, hemodialysis, or both) before HMII implantation. The median duration of HMII support was 313 days (range, 1-3339 days). After device implantation, 36 patients (33.6%) had gastrointestinal bleeding, 24 (23%) required RRT, 18 (17.5%) had ventricular arrhythmias, and 24 (22.4%) had LVAD-related infections, and 9 (8.4%) had right ventricular failure requiring mechanical support, and 28 (26.2%) had neurologic complications. The actual survival rate was 69% at 6 months, 63% at 1 year, and 54% at 2 years. Eighty-one patients died; 9 are still receiving HMII support; and 17 are alive after heart transplantation. Conclusions: Older patients can benefit from LVAD therapy, and advanced age should not preclude LVAD implantation.
Developing a Theory-Driven Intervention to Challenge Coach Thinking: A Case Study

Coaching as a profession is a complex role that requires professional, interpersonal, and intrapersonal knowledge . In order for coaches to develop expertise in these areas, continued education can...
Electric Field Control by Nonlinear Field Dependent Conductivity Dielectrics Characterization for High Voltage Power Module Packaging

Accelerated aging in next-generation insulation systems for wide bandgap (WBG) power electronic modules is the most significant barrier to realizing high-voltage, high-power-density conversion devices and systems. Accelerated aging in these systems is the result of two factors: 1) voltage pulses faster (with a dv⁄dt up to 100 kV/μs) and more repetitive (with a frequency up to 500 kHz), and 2) electric field stress higher than that found in existing state-of-the-art technologies. Current geometrical techniques for electric field control in power modules cannot address this issue alone. Our goal in this paper is to characterize nonlinear field-dependent conductivity (FDC) materials applied to high electric stress regions that, in combination with geometrical techniques, can well address high electric field stress issue. Studies are carried out in COMSOL Multiphysics. The influence of applied voltage type, AC and DC, is investigated. It is shown that a bridging FDC coating layer can lead to more electric field reduction than non-bridging one.
Keystone: An Open Framework for Architecting TEEs

Trusted execution environments (TEEs) are being used in all the devices from embedded sensors to cloud servers and encompass a range of cost, power constraints, and security threat model choices. On the other hand, each of the current vendor-specific TEEs makes a fixed set of trade-offs with little room for customization. We present Keystone -- the first open-source framework for building customized TEEs. Keystone uses simple abstractions provided by the hardware such as memory isolation and a programmable layer underneath untrusted components (e.g., OS). We build reusable TEE core primitives from these abstractions while allowing platform-specific modifications and application features. We showcase how Keystone-based TEEs run on unmodified RISC-V hardware and demonstrate the strengths of our design in terms of security, TCB size, execution of a range of benchmarks, applications, kernels, and deployment models.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of liver lesions in children

Initial pediatric imaging of the liver heavily relies on ultrasonography (US) because it is free of ionizing radiation, easily portable and readily available. Although conventional US (gray-scale and color Doppler) is often an excellent screening tool, its relative low specificity compared to CT/MRI limits liver lesion characterization. The United States Food and Drug Administration's recent approval of an intravenous US contrast agent for pediatric liver lesion characterization (sulfur hexafluoride lipid-type A microspheres) and its excellent safety profile have spurred increased interest in contrast-enhanced US for definitive diagnosis of pediatric liver lesions. This review focuses on the safety of contrast-enhanced US, role of contrast-enhanced US in the evaluation of focal liver lesions, basic contrast-enhanced US technique for liver imaging, and interpretation principles. The authors review common focal liver lesions, with special attention to the role of contrast-enhanced US in the pediatric oncology population.
Accuracy of arterial [ 18 F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose uptake quantification: A kinetic modeling study

2-deoxy-2- [18F] fluoro-d-glucose (FDG) PET is commonly used for the assessment of vessel wall inflammation. Guidelines for analysis of arterial wall FDG signal recommend the use of the average of maximal standardized uptake value (mean SUVmax) and target-to-blood (mean TBRmax) ratio. However, these methods have not been validated against a gold standard such as tissue activity ex vivo or net uptake rate of FDG (Ki) obtained using kinetic modeling. We sought to evaluate the accuracy of mean SUVmax and mean TBRmax for aortic wall FDG signal quantification in comparison with the net uptake rate of FDG. Dynamic PET data from 13 subjects without prior history of cardiovascular disease who enrolled in a study of vascular inflammation were used for this analysis. Ex vivo measurement of plasma activity was used as the input function and voxel-by-voxel Patlak analysis was performed with t* = 20 minute to obtain the Ki image. The FDG signal in the ascending aortic wall was quantified on PET images following recent guidelines for vascular imaging to determine mean SUVmax and mean TBRmax. The Ki in the ascending aortic wall did not correlate with mean SUVmax (r = 0.10, P = NS), but correlated with mean TBRmax (r = 0.82, P < 0.001) (Figure 1B). Ki and Ki_max strongly correlated (R = 0.96, P < 0.0001) and similar to Ki, Ki_max did not correlate with mean SUVmax (r = 0.17, P = NS), but correlated with mean TBRmax (r = 0.83, P < 0.001). Kinetic modeling supports the use of mean TBRmax as a surrogate for the net uptake rate of FDG in the arterial wall. These results are relevant to any PET imaging agent, regardless of the biological significance of the tracer uptake in the vessel wall.
Kinetics and Products of the Gas-Phase Reaction of OH Radicals with 5-Hydroxy-2-Pentanone at 296± 2 K

The 1,4-hydroxycarbonyl 5-hydroxy-2-pentanone is an important product of the gas-phase reaction of OH radicals with n-pentane in the presence of NO. We have used a relative rate method with 4-methyl-2-pentanone as the reference compound to measure the rate constant for the reaction of OH radicals with 5-hydroxy-2-pentanone at 296 ± 2 K. The carbonyls were sampled by on-fiber derivatization using a Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME) fiber coated with O> -(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine hydrochloride with subsequent thermal desorption of the oxime derivatives and quantification by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. For comparison, the reference compound was also analyzed following sample collection onto a Tenax adsorbent cartridge. Products of the reaction were investigated using coated-fiber SPME sampling with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis as well as by using in situ atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry. A rate constant for the reaction of OH radicals with 5-hydroxy-2-pentanone of (1.6 ± 0.4) × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 was obtained at 296 ± 2 K. Two dicarbonyl products, of molecular weight 86 and 100, were observed and are attributed to CH3C(O)CH2CHO and CH3C(O)CH2CH2CHO, respectively. Reaction schemes leading to these products are presented.
Repeat COVID-19 molecular testing: Correlation with recovery of infectious virus, molecular assay cycle thresholds, and analytical sensitivity

Repeat molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 may result in scenarios including multiple positive results, positive test results after negative tests, and repeated false negative results in symptomatic individuals. Consecutively collected specimens from a retrospective cohort of COVID-19 patients at the Johns Hopkins Hospital were assessed for RNA and infectious virus shedding. Whole genome sequencing confirmed the virus genotype in patients with prolonged viral RNA shedding and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) was used to assess the rate of false negative standard of care PCR results. Recovery of infectious virus was associated with Ct values of 18.8 ± 3.4. Prolonged viral RNA shedding was associated with recovery of infectious virus in specimens collected up to 20 days after the first positive result in patients who were symptomatic at the time of specimen collection. The use of Ct values and clinical symptoms provides a more accurate assessment of the potential for infectious virus shedding.
Spetzler-Martin Grade III Arteriovenous Malformations: A Comparison of Modified and Supplemented Spetzler-Martin Grading Systems.

Background The modified Spetzler-Martin (SM) grading system proposes that grade III arteriovenous malformation (AVM) subtypes are associated with variable microsurgical risks, with small AVMs (III-) having lower risk and medium/eloquent AVMs (III+) having higher risk. Adding patient age and AVM bleeding status and compactness to the SM grade produces a score - the supplemented SM (Supp-SM) grade - to more accurately assess preoperative risk. Objective To compare the predictive power of the modified SM and Supp-SM grades for risk assessment in patients with grade III AVMs. Methods Patients with SM grade III AVMs treated between 2011 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Good outcomes were defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores ≤ 2 or unchanged/improved mRS scores (pre- vs postsurgery). Results Of 102 patients with SM grade III AVMs, 59% had grade III- and 24% had grade III+ AVMs. Supp SM grade 6 and grade 7 AVMs accounted for 44% and 24%, respectively. Overall, 33% of patients worsened but outcomes did not significantly differ by SM III subtype. Neurological outcomes were associated with Supp-SM grade, with proportions of patients with worsening increasing from 0% with Supp-SM grade 4 AVMs to 54% with Supp-SM grade 7 AVMs. Analyses of factors associated with neurological worsening identified age > 60 yr and Supp-SM grade 7 as significant. Conclusion Supp-SM grades were more predictive of microsurgical outcomes than modified SM grades for grade III AVMs, with a hard cutoff for acceptable surgical risk at Supp-SM grade 6. Supp-SM grading is a better decision-making tool than subtyping with the modified SM scale.
Tip on books

Parker, J. Cecil; Edwards, T. Bentley; and Stegeman, William H. Curriculum in America. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Company, 1962. xx + 587 pp. $6.75. Stoddard, George D. The Dual Progress Plan: A New Philosophy and Program in Elementary Education. New York: Harper and Brothers, 1961. x + 225 pp. $4.00. Hansen, Carl F. The Amidon Elementary School: A Successful Demonstration in Basic Education. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice‐Hall, Inc., 1962. xx + 252 pp. $6.95.
Trajectory Planning of Autonomous Trucks for Collision Avoidance With Rollover Prevention

Autonomous trucks are considered as one of the most promising developments for future commercial vehicles. However, the impact of roll dynamics, which is well known as a crucial safety factor for conventional human-driven trucks, is not well studied for the trajectory planning of autonomous trucks. In this study, a trajectory planning strategy of autonomous trucks is proposed for collision avoidance scenarios with rollover prevention. The proposed three-step planning strategy can ensure both vehicle lateral and roll stability and safety, and simultaneously preserve the optimality of the planning solutions in terms of the total traveling time and distance for the whole maneuver. Specifically, the impact of vehicle roll dynamics on the trajectory planning of autonomous trucks is studied. The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed trajectory planning strategy are evaluated via co-simulation between Matlab/Simulink and TruckSim.
Space test of photonic integrated materials and devices

As a lightweight and low power alternative to the fiber-based RF-photonic components, photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are well suited for aerospace applications and, in particular, for free-space communications and remote sensing/imaging. In this work we present the design, fabrication, and space radiation testing of high-speed PICs as a means to elevate their technology readiness level (TRL) for avionics. Our efforts focus on improving the efficiency and bandwidth of thin-film lithium niobate and silicon-based devices as well as studying their envrionmental stability for aerospace applications. These devices will be compared between pre- and post-radiation silicon photonic devices for a space environment of near earth orbit.
Impact of a Student-Led Food Insecurity Intervention on Diverse Community College Students

As many as two-thirds of American community college students may experience food insecurity. Their struggles are linked to health and academic difficulties and relate to several socioeconomic facto...