cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scarce but scary

Spontaneous, replication-induced DNA breaks are likely to be a primary source of chromosomal rearrangements typical of cancer, but it is unknown how often these breaks occur in normal cells. A new study suggests that they are exceedingly rare but probably up to 100-fold more potent in causing genome instability than previously estimated.
MicroRNA Expression Profile in Hyperoxia-Exposed Newborn Mice During the Development of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

BACKGROUND: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease of preterm neonates; the underlying pathogenesis is not fully understood. MicroRNAs (length 21–25 nucleotides) are ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules that have important functions in development, cellular differentiation, apoptosis, proliferation, and migration; very little is known regarding their role in developmental lung diseases. METHODS: We exposed neonatal mice to either room air or 60% oxygen, beginning at birth, and we used microRNA microarray and real-time polymerase chain reaction on lung samples. RESULTS: The hyperoxia-exposed mice developed a lung injury that mimicked human BPD. Fifty-one microRNAs shared similar profiles in the hyperoxia-exposed BPD lungs and the normal lungs, which indicates that those microRNAs might play a protective role during the septation process. In the BPD lungs, compared to the control lungs, 14 microRNAs were up-regulated, and 7 microRNAs were down-regulated, which indicates that these microRNAs might play an important role in the development of BPD. Some of the candidate microRNAs can regulate cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this study is the first to identify microRNAs associated with BPD development, which provides a clue for further investigation of their function in BPD development.
Friends with benefits: Social support and its relevance for farm animal welfare

Abstract Despite growing interest in promoting positive welfare, rather than just alleviating poor welfare, potential measures of good welfare, and means to provide it, have remained elusive. In humans social support improves stress-coping abilities, health, and promotes positive psychological welfare. Therefore, social support may be a key approach to promote positive physical and psychological welfare in farm animals. However, the roles of positive social behaviors and social support have been overlooked in comparison to negative social behaviors such as agonistic interactions. The benefits of social partners on an animal's stress coping abilities and welfare are yet poorly understood. The purpose of this paper is to review the protective or buffering effects of social support against stressful challenges and its potential implications for farm animal welfare. The biology of social support is first presented with its behavior, endocrine, autonomic and immune components. The major factors modulating the social support process are then synthesized. Research and implications for animal welfare in different farm species are discussed. Lastly, this review identifies research areas that especially deserve further attention in our effort to understand and implement social support in farm animal welfare. Social support could constitute one of the foundations for welfare researchers to leap from the absence of negative welfare to the provision of positive welfare and emotional experiences.
A theoretical framework for the Pleistocene ice ages

This paper reviews 150 years of progress towards understanding the succession of Pleistocene ice ages. Emphasis is placed on the process of explaining forced variations in climate which occur in the Milankovitch band (periods from 10000 to 400 000 years), where astronomical forcing functions are clearly identified and where the amplitudes of climatic change are large. An hierarchy of explanatory models is employed, including a statistical model that uses gain and phase terms to parameterize the climatic response to orbital forcing in several narrow frequency bands. This type of model accounts for a substantial fraction of the observed temporal variations of δ 18 O over the past 800 000 years. Experiments using the model suggest that a change in the system response occurred about 400 000 years ago. The problem of explaining climatic variations in other frequency bands is briefly reviewed. In the decadal band (l0–400 years), there is good evidence of volcanic forcing, solar forcing, and tidal forcing, but much of the observed pattern is presumed to reflect free variations. In the millenium band (400 to 10 000 years), significant climatic changes occur at periods ranging from 1000 to 3000 years. Their cause remains a challenging problem. Over the tectonic band (more than 400 000 years), volcanic fluxes, continental elevation, and continental position are the most likely forcing functions of the observed climatic changes.
IRONIES OF LABORATORY WORK DURING GHANA'S SECOND AGE OF OPTIMISM

While Ghana is touted as an African success story, the young employees of a large herbal medicine research center in Ghana make sardonic and cynical remarks about the state of science in contemporary Africa. They decry the improvisation that characterizes doing science on the continent, point out what is lacking from their laboratories, and mock the ways in which their work appears embarrassingly peculiar. They claim that their labs are “not modern” and ironically refer to dissatisfying aspects of their work as “African science,” a second-rate version of science done elsewhere. This is what Achille Mbembe has called negative interpretation, where social life is understood primarily in the ways in which it differs from an assumed Western standard. These jokes reference an earlier period in Ghanaian history, when African science formed part of the project of postcolonial nation building. Scientists of the independence period constructed the scientific and medical infrastructure of Ghana to both provide for the needs of its people and to represent the status of modern Africa to the world. The apparently incongruous relationship between the cynicism of these jokes and the strain of Afro-optimism that has recently surrounded Ghana indicates a sustained shift in the identity politics of African professionals since independence. Their jokes signal their attempts at disentangling their identities from the project of African modernity, and at positioning themselves as scientists working in the context of Ghana.
TL1A and DR3, a TNF family ligand‐receptor pair that promotes lymphocyte costimulation, mucosal hyperplasia, and autoimmune inflammation

DR3 (TNFRSF25) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily expressed primarily on lymphocytes and is a receptor for the TNF family cytokine TL1A (TNFSF15). DR3 costimulates T-cell activation, but it is unique among these receptors in that it signals through an intracytoplasmic death domain and the adapter protein TRADD (TNFR-associated death domain). TL1A costimulates T cells to produce a wide variety of cytokines and can promote expansion of activated and regulatory T cells in vivo. Studies in mice deficient in DR3 or TL1A or in animals treated with antibodies that block the activity of TL1A have revealed a specific role for DR3 in enhancing effector T-cell proliferation at the site of tissue inflammation in autoimmune disease models. DR3 appears to be required in autoimmune disease models dependent on a variety of different T-cell subsets and also invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. Chronic expression of TL1A induces a distinct interleukin-13-dependent pathology in the small intestine marked by goblet cell hyperplasia and other features associated with allergic and anti-parasitic responses. These studies suggest that TL1A may be a viable target for therapies designed to inhibit the T-cell-dependent component of diverse autoimmune diseases.
Quantifying man's influence on coastal waters

The effects that man has on coastal waters are enumerated and what needs to be known to evaluate those effects is considered. Instruments and techniques are described for measuring and sampling the physical, chemical, and biological situation in the sea. Some suggestions are offered for improvement in the existing instrumentation. Also noted are certain limitations in present capabilities including the inability to satisfactorily determine the effects on the environment of fisheries, of oil spills, or of changes in ocean conditions.
Improved patency of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in humans: creation and revision with PTFE stent-grafts.

PURPOSE: To determine whether polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) stent-grafts yield longer patency for creation or revision of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen PTFE-covered Wallstents were placed in 13 patients with TIPS: seven at shunt creation and seven during revision of TIPS with one to five prior thromboses at 1 day to 1 year after initial TIPS formation. In six cases, prior to stent-graft placement persistent biliary-TIPS fistulas were demonstrated despite repeated shunt revisions with additional metallic stents. RESULTS: All but one graft-lined TIPS were widely patent at a mean duration of venographic follow-up of 19 months (median, 17 months; range, 5–32 months). The limiting percentage of stenosis within the grafted shunts was 0%–10%. One patient developed stent-graft thrombosis; the prior biliary-TIPS fistula was seen despite the graft. A second, parallel PTFE-lined transcaval shunt was created in this patient; it was widely patent at 11-month fo...
Nonlinear and adaptive decentralized controllers for fluid flow networks

In a previous paper, we developed centralized nonlinear controllers for fluid flow networks that needed flow measurements from all the branches. In this paper, we solve a decentralized problem where valves and flow rate sensors are collocated in individual branches and do not exchange information. We solve both regulation (constant references) and tracking (time varying reference signals) problems. To eliminate conservativeness in choosing the gains of the controllers, we employ adaptation.
Coordination of Contrariety and Ambiguity in Comparative Compositional Contexts: Balance of Normalized Definitive Status in Multi-indicator Systems

We address oppositional aspects of comparative compositional contexts for some particular purpose. Compositional components of land cover in localities provide our context, with the exemplifying purpose being cooperative conservation. A subset of cover components is considered definitely propitious (pro) for the purpose, with another subset being definitely contraindicative (con), and the rest as ambiguous “other.” Plotting percent pro on the ordinate and percent con on the abscissa gives a “definitive domain display” for visualization. A “Balance Of Normalized Definitive Status” (BONDS) is used for scalar sequencing. Using concepts of “down-set” and “up-set” from theory of partially ordered sets (posets), this is extended to obtain an intrinsically compositional context of pro and con that applies objectively to any suite of (monotonic) indicators. Indicators are eliminated in a systematic manner to resolve ties in the extended version by lexicographic suborder. Computations are specified in terms of R software.
On the Number of Vanishing Terms in an Integral Cubic Recurrence

(1955). On the Number of Vanishing Terms in an Integral Cubic Recurrence. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 62, No. 3, pp. 155-160.
Self-stigma fully mediates the association of anticipated enacted stigma and help-seeking intentions in National Guard service members.

Higher self-stigma and anticipated enacted stigma from unit leaders are linked with lower intentions to seek help from a mental health professional in service members. Research in civilians suggest...
Localization of proelastase in the goose-fish (Lophius piscatorius).

SummaryA proelastase resembling that of the pig and the rat has been found in the pancreas of the Goose-fish. It is localized in the acinar portion of the pancreas, both in the mesenteric bands and in the capsule of the principal islet. However it is absent from the endocrine portion of this organ.
“Stay with your words”: Indigenous youth, local policy, and the work of language fortification

This article focuses on the work of cultural and language maintenance and fortification with Indigenous youth populations. Here, the idea of work represents two strands of thought: first, research that is partnered with Indigenous youth-serving institutions and that prioritizes Indigenous youth perspectives; and second, the work of cultural and linguistic engagement that is often taken for granted as part of the sociocultural fabric of Indigenous communities where youth are active participants. By highlighting a study with Pueblo Indian youth in the southwestern United States, we aim to build on the counter-narrative frameworks of other educational scholars and community-based researchers in order to offer alternative approaches towards understanding how Indigenous youth can and do participate in representing themselves as cultural and language agents of change. Arriving at this realization requires several key steps, including deconstructing dominant assumptions, holding ourselves accountable for interrogating and revisiting our own biases, and ultimately committing to long-term research and support with Indigenous youth. As such, we offer empirical evidence that contradicts universal discourse of Indigenous peoples and youth as victims at risk. Instead, we focus on the ways in which Indigenous youth demonstrate both tentative and bold fortification of key elements in their Indigenous identities and illustrate promise in contribution to multiple levels of policy development to address their communities’ most urgent needs and goals.
Defect Reconstruction with Inferomedial Pedicle Technique

A 41-year-old female presented to the hospital with chest pain and on exam was found to have a 1.5-cm centrally located mass on the right breast. The patient underwent bilateral mammogram, which noted an increased asymmetric density at the medial right breast. The lesion was in the posterior region of the breast at approximately the 3-o’clock position. Biopsy revealed invasive ductal carcinoma, ER/PR positive and HER2/neu negative. The patient was subsequently referred to MD Anderson for further treatment. Repeat imaging demonstrated the presence of a 2.5-cm mass with spiculated margins at the upper inner quadrant of the right breast. The patient elected to undergo breast conservation therapy, and therefore right breast needle-localized segmental mastectomy, intraoperative lymphatic mapping, and right axillary sentinel lymph node dissection were planned. Secondary to the presence of symptomatic macromastia (bra size 36DD), decision was made to proceed with local tissue rearrangement in a breast reduction fashion, with the use of inferomedial pedicle. We also decided to proceed with local tissue rearrangement and breast reduction only on the right side, in order to perform symmetry procedure on the contralateral side, after the completion of adjuvant radiation and analysis of the overall postoperative and radiation result. Final pathology confirmed the presence of pT1c N0 M0 and stage I right breast invasive ductal carcinoma, as well as associated DCIS and negative margins. She received a total of 60-Gy adjuvant radiation and hormonal therapy with tamoxifen. Since her Oncotype DX test revealed her recurrence score to be very low, she did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy.
The relational self and the Confucian familial ethics

ABSTRACTIn this article, I shall briefly examine the basic characteristics of Confucian familial morality, especially of the concept of filial piety, and argue that ancient Confucians tend to be conservative on allowing breach of filial obligations although they may not entirely exclude particular considerations to exceptional situations to a certain degree. I shall then argue that this conservative aspect of the Confucian idea of filial piety accurately captures some distinctive features of familial relationships and may thus shed light on our understanding of the ethical nature of human family life and our philosophical investigation of familial ethics.
Surface Deformation due to Loading of a Layered Elastic Half-space: Constructing the Solution for a General Polygonal Load

We describe an algorithm for rapidly computing the surface displacements induced by a general polygonal load on a layered, isotropic, elastic half-space. The arbitrary surface pressure field is discretized using a large number, n, of equally-sized circular loading elements. The problem is to compute the displacement at a large number, m, of points (or stations) distributed over the surface. The essence of our technique is to reorganize all but a computationally insignificant part of this calculation into an equivalent problem: compute the displacements due to a single circular loading element at a total of m n stations (where m n is the product m × n). We solve this “parallel” problem at high computational speed by utilizing the sparse evaluation and massive interpolation (SEMI) method. Because the product m n that arises in our parallel problem is normally very large, we take maximum possible advantage of the acceleration achieved by the SEMI algorithm.
RF Passive Components Based on Aluminum Nitride Cross-Sectional Lamé-Mode MEMS Resonators

This paper presents a new class of monolithic integrated RF passive components based on the recently developed aluminum nitride (AlN) MEMS cross-sectional Lame-mode resonator (CLMR) technology. First, we experimentally demonstrate a 920-MHz CLMR showing the values of electromechanical coupling coefficient ( $k_{t}^{\mathbf {2}}$ ) and quality factor ( $Q_{\mathrm{ load}}$ ) in excess of 6.2% and 1750, respectively. To the best our knowledge, the resulting figure of merit ( $= Q\cdot k_{t}^{2}$ ), in excess of 108, is the highest ever reported for AlN-based piezoelectric resonators using interdigitated metallic electrodes (IDTs) and operating in the same frequency range. Second, we report the measured performance of an 870-MHz ladder filter, synthesized using three degenerate CLMRs. This device shows the values of fractional bandwidth (BW $_{3\,\text {dB}}$ ) in excess of 3.8% and an insertion loss of ~1.5 dB. Finally, we report the performance of the first piezoelectric transformer (PT) based on the CLMR technology. This device, dubbed “cross-sectional Lame-mode transformer,” exploits the high- $\text{k}_{t}^{\mathbf {2}}$ of the CLMR technology to achieve high values of open-circuit voltage-gains ( $G_{v}$ ) in excess of 39. To the best of our knowledge, such a high $G_{v}$ -value is the highest ever reported for MEMS-based PTs operating in the microwave frequency range.
Transition of Care

Transition medicine is the purposeful, planned movement of adolescents and young adults from child-centered to adult-oriented health care systems. Its goal is to maximize lifelong functioning and potential by providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate health care services that continue uninterrupted as the individual moves from adolescence to adulthood. This active process involves setting a transition policy, tracking and monitoring transition steps, assessing readiness for transition, planning transition by filling gaps in knowledge and readiness, transferring care, and completing transition. There are many resources available to providers to learn this process and complete the necessary steps. Additionally, many web sites offer guidance for youth and families.
Berlin Heart EXCOR use in patients with congenital heart disease.

Background Management of mechanical circulatory support in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) is challenging due to physiologic variations and anatomic limitations to device placement. In this study we examine the use of Berlin Heart EXCOR in CHD patients. Methods CHD patients were identified from the EXCOR Pediatric Study data set (2007 to 2010). Mortality and serious adverse events were compared between CHD and non-CHD cohorts, and predictors of poor outcomes in the CHD cohort were identified. Results CHD was present in 29% ( n = 59, 18 with 1-ventricle physiology) of all EXCOR patients ( N = 204). Successful bridge (transplant or wean) was less likely in CHD patients compared with non-CHD patients (48% vs 80%; p 1 year) were successfully bridged. Pre-implant congenital heart surgery (CHS) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on the same admission occurred in 60% of children ≤1 year of age (83% of neonates, 50% of infants), with 8% survival. Regardless of age, patients who did not have CHS and ECMO had 61% survival. Smaller pump, pre-implant bilirubin >1.2 mg/dl and renal dysfunction were independently associated with mortality. Conclusions End-organ function at implant reliably predicts adverse outcomes and should be considered when making implant decisions. EXCOR use in neonates and infants with CHD should be approached cautiously. If patients have undergone pre-implant CHS and ECMO, EXCOR support may not provide any survival benefit. EXCOR support in non-infants with CHD is challenging but can be consistently successful with appropriate patient selection.
EXAMINATION OF HS-CRP ELEVATION IN PATIENTS WITH HISTORY OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN THE U.S.

Background: The extent to which levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a known marker of increased cardiovascular (CV) risk in patients with history of myocardial infarction (MI), are elevated and are associated with standard CV risk factors is unknown. Methods: Regression splines
Education, bilingualism, and cognitive trajectories: Sacramento Area Latino Aging Study (SALSA).

Objective This study examined the influence of education, country where education occurred, and monolingual-bilingual (English/Spanish) language usage on late life cognitive trajectories in the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging (SALSA), an epidemiological study of health and cognition in Hispanics, mostly of Mexican origin, age 60 and over (N = 1,499). Method SALSA followed a large cohort of older Latinos for up to 7 assessment waves from 1998 to 2007. Global cognition was assessed by using the Modified Mini Mental State Examination, and the Spanish English Verbal Learning Test was used to measure episodic memory. Education, country of origin, and language usage patterns were collected at the baseline assessment and used as predictors of longitudinal trajectories of cognition. Parallel process mixed effects models were used to examine effects of education and language variables on baseline cognition and rate of cognitive decline. Results Mixed effects longitudinal models showed that education had strong effects on baseline global cognition and verbal memory but was not related to decline over up to 9 years of longitudinal follow-up. Differences in education effects between subgroups educated in Mexico and in the United States were minor. Monolingual-bilingual language usage was not related to cognitive decline, and bilinguals did not significantly differ from monolingual English speakers on baseline cognitive scores. Conclusions Hypotheses that higher education and bilingualism protect against late life cognitive decline were not supported and education effects on late-life cognitive trajectories did not substantially differ across U.S.- and Mexico-educated groups. (PsycINFO Database Record
Neurological Complications of Acute and Chronic Otitis Media

The aim of this study is to discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and management of the neurologic complications of acute and chronic otitis media. Antibiotic therapy has greatly reduced the frequency of complications of otitis media. However, it is of vital importance to remain aware of the possible development of neurologic complications. There is a trend toward less severe presenting symptoms including otorrhea, headache, nausea, and fever, with altered mental status and focal neurologic deficits presenting later. In order to reduce morbidity, early deployment of a multidisciplinary approach with prompt imaging and laboratory studies is imperative to guide appropriate management. Complications of acute and chronic otitis media may present with neurologic signs and symptoms. It is important to recognize the possible otitic origin of such complications to ensure proper management and to decrease overall morbidity and mortality
Community-deliverable exercise and anxiety in adults with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background/purpose Given conflicting findings, the purpose of this study was to use the meta-analytic approach to examine the effects of exercise (aerobic, strength training or both) on anxiety in adults with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases (AORD). Methods Randomised controlled exercise intervention trials ≥4weeks in adults ≥18 years of age with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia were included. Studies were located by searching eight electronic databases, cross-referencing and expert review. Dual selection and data abstraction of studies were performed. Hedge’s standardised effect size (ES) was calculated for each result and pooled using the recently developed inverse heterogeneity model. Two-tailed z-alpha values ≤0.05 and non-overlapping 95% CI were considered statistically significant. Heterogeneity was estimated using Q and I2 with alpha values ≤0.10 for Q considered statistically significant. Small-study effects were examined using funnel plots and Egger’s regression test. In addition, the number needed to treat (NNT), percentile improvement and meta-regression were conducted. Results Of the 639 citations screened, 14 studies representing 926 initially enrolled participants (539 exercise, 387 control) met the criteria for inclusion. Length of training (mean±SD) averaged 15.8±6.7 weeks, frequency 3.3±1.3 times per week and duration 28.8±14.3 min per session. Overall, statistically significant reductions in anxiety were found (exercise minus control changes ES=−0.40, 95% CI −0.65 to −0.15, tau2=0.14; Q=40.3, P=0.0004; I2=62.8%). The NNT was 6 with a percentile improvement of 15.5% and an estimated 5.3 million inactive US adults with AORD improving their anxiety if they started exercising regularly. Statistically significant small-study effects were observed (P Conclusions Exercise is associated with reductions in anxiety among adults with selected types of AORD. However, a need exists for additional, well-designed, randomised controlled trials on this topic. PROSPERO registration number CRD42016048728.
Chemical Oscillations, Multiple Equilibria, and Reaction Network Structure

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of chemical oscillations, multiple equilibria, and reaction network structure. Reaction networks have both algebraic and graphical character. The algebraic characters of a network derive from the nature of its complexes, while the manner, in which those complexes are linked by reaction arrows, lends a network its character as a directed graph. The properties of the induced differential equations should depend upon an interplay of both aspects of network structure. A reversible network is star-like if all its reaction arrows point away from or toward some central complex. It is possible to construct reversible star-like networks of arbitrarily high deficiency; however, these can induce differential equations with properties like those induced by arbitrarily shaped weakly reversible networks of deficiency zero. A reaction network for a mixture is a set of chemical reactions deemed to reflect reasonably well those chemical events, which lend the mixture its dynamic character.
Sex Education Outreach from a Family Planning Agency.

The high incidence of unwanted teenage pregnancy the need for information about pregnancy and prevention the lack of quality sex education and the need for parent participation provided the catalyst for developing a sexuality outreach program at Planned Parenthood of Nassau County New York. Developed in 1979 the program was implemented in the 1979-1980 school year. During this period over 4000 adolescents and over 850 parents (mostly mothers) viewed the presentations. The program was initiated with 2 part-time staff 10 motivated volunteers and limited funds. The objective was to reach large numbers of adolescents in their usual environments i.e. schools clubs church groups or youth agencies. The program emphasizes values moral reasoning and approaches to problem solving rather than modes of sexual behavior. The 1st session uses the film "Are You Ready for Sex" as a motivational tool to develop an understanding of the process of decision making. The film describes skills for discerning the sources of pressure considering outcomes choosing from alternatives and acting. The transition into the 2nd session is made by pointing out that the same decision making techniques are used in deciding whether to be sexually active and whether or not to become parents. A presentation was developed for parents. Vignettes were used to show several aspects of verbal styles of parent child communication. Training for the volunteers consists of 10 2 hour sessions meeting once a week. The first 2 sessions were devoted to creating a comfortable interactive group. Subsequent sessions dealt with the decision making process contraceptive information and the role of the clinic and its services and policies in the community. The training ends by pairing a trainee with an experienced facilitator for at least 1 session in the community. At each presentation questionnaires were distributed to participants presenters and group leaders. The data provide the basis for ongoing modification and improvement. Requests to repeat the presentation are running at about 90% indicating its success.
DySANA: dynamic speech and noise adaptation for voice activity detection.

We describe a method of simultaneusly tracking noise and speech levels for signal-to-noise ratio adaptive speech endpoint detection. The method is based on the Kalman filter framework with switching observations and uses a dynamic distribution that 1) limits the rate of change of these levels 2) enforces a range on the values for the two levels and 3) enforces a ratio between the noise and the signal levels. We call this a Lombard dynamic distribution since it encodes the expectation that a speaker will increase his or her vocal intensity in noise. The method also employs a state transition matrix which encodes a prior on the states and provides a continuity constraint. The new method provides 46.1% relative improvement in WER over a baseline GMM based endpointer at 20 dB SNR.
Compliance assessment for the ballast water convention: time for a re-think? A U.K. case study

The damaging introduction of invasive species continues unabated fourteen years after the adoption of the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC). The Convention came into force in September...
Kinetic understanding of nitrogen supply condition on biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate from benzoate by Pseudomonas putida KT2440.

Abstract Nitrogen supply is critical to the synthesis of intracellular PHA in various bacteria. However, the specific role of the nitrogen in synthesizing PHA from benzoate, a lignin model compound use for the study of bacteria catabolism of aromatics, is still not clear. In this study, two culture conditions were maintained for Pseudomonas putida KT2440 to produce PHA using benzoate as a carbon source. Under nitrogen-limited and surplus conditions, the accumulation of PHA was to 37.3% and 0.25% of cell dry weight, respectively. A model fit to the kinetics of biomass growth and PHA accumulation showed good agreement with data. GC–MS and NMR showed that PHA contained six hydroxyl fatty acid monomers under nitrogen-limited conditions, while two monomers were identified under nitrogen surplus conditions. The average molecular weight of PHA increased after the nitrogen source was exhausted. These results provide a promising strategy for optimization of lignin to PHA yields.
Taking to Bed at the End of Life

Objectives To evaluate the time course of "taking to bed" at the end of life and determine whether it differs according to age, sex, and condition leading to death. Design Prospective longitudinal study. Setting Greater New Haven, Connecticut. Participants A total of 651 decedents from a cohort of 754 community-living persons, 70+ years of age. Measurements During the last 2 years of life, the occurrence of bed rest and number of days in bed, two indicators of bed rest burden, were ascertained each month. Bed rest was defined as staying in bed for at least a half day due to an illness, injury, or other problem. Results The occurrence of bed rest increased modestly from 12.4% at 24 months before death to 19.0% at 5 months before death, before increasing exponentially to 51.6% at 1 month before death. The median number of days in bed fluctuated within a narrow range of 3 to 7 from 24 months to 4 months before death, before increasing substantially to a high of 14 at 1 month before death. In the last 2 years of life, the burden of bed rest did not differ by age but was significantly greater in women than men. Among the conditions leading to death, the burden of bed rest was highest among persons dying from organ failure and cancer, lowest for sudden death, and intermediate for frailty, advanced dementia, and other conditions. Conclusion The burden of bed rest at the end of life is greater in women than men, does not differ by age, and is highest among persons dying from organ failure and cancer. The steep increases observed in the last 3 to 5 months of life suggest that taking to bed may be an indicator that death is approaching and should prompt discussions about referral to hospice among older persons with serious illness.
On higher-order averaging of time-periodic systems: reconciliation of two averaging techniques

In this paper we show how higher-order averaging can be used to remedy serious technical issues with the direct application of the averaging theorem. While doing so, we reconcile two higher-order averaging methodologies that were developed independently using different tools and within different communities: (i) perturbation theory using a near-identity transformation and (ii) chronological calculus using Lie algebraic tools. We provide the underpinning concepts behind each averaging approach and provide a mathematical proof for their equivalence up to the fourth order. Moreover, we provide a higher-order averaging study and analysis for two applications: the classical problem of the Kapitza pendulum and the modern application of flapping flight dynamics of micro-air-vehicles and/or insects.
Genetic determinants of responsiveness to mesenchymal stem cell injections in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Background Non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) responds variably to intramyocardial injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We hypothesized that NIDCM genotype may influence responsiveness to MSC therapy and performed genotyping on all patients in the POSEIDON-DCM trial. Methods POSEIDON-DCM patients (n = 34) underwent genetic sequence analysis and deletion/duplication testing. The results were classified as positive for pathological variants (PV+; n = 8), negative for any variants (V−; n = 6), or as variants of uncertain significance (VUS; n = 20). All outcomes of therapy were analysed for each category of genetic results. Findings The 3 groups were indistinguishable at baseline with regard to ejection fraction (EF), demographics, medication use, or functional parameters. V− patients had an increase in EF at 12 months: +13.6% (IQR = +7.8%; +20.5%; p = 0.002), compared with VUS (+6.5%; IQR = +0.9%, +11.1%; p = 0.005) and PV+(−5.9%; IQR = −12.7%, +1.0; p = 0.2; p = 0.01 between groups). Six-minute walk distance improved in V- patients, but not in VUS and PV+. V− patients improved MLHFQ, compared to the other 2 groups, which did not improve over time. EPC CFUs increased by 9.7 ± 1.9 in V− (p = 0.009) compared to VUS and PV+ patients. V− patients had one-year survival (100%) compared with VUS (85%) and PV+ (40%; p = 0.015 log-rank). Similarly, MACE rates were lower in V− (0%) than PV+ (61.9%) or VUS (42.2%; p = 0.021 log-rank). Interpretation Our findings support the concept that the genetic profile of NIDCM patients plays a role in responsiveness to MSC therapy, with V− patients more likely to benefit and the converse for PV+. This observation emphasizes the need for further genetic studies, because of important implications for the management of NIDCM syndromes.
Conversion to a rearfoot strike pattern during running for prevention of recurrent calf strains: A case report

Abstract Background Running-related injuries are prevalent musculoskeletal complaints in the United States military. Although, run retraining is an extensively researched method for reducing pain and improving function in runners, its clinical utility remains low. Case description The patient had a seven-year history of recurrent right calf strains. Prior conventional physical therapy failed to resolve symptoms. A biomechanical running analysis revealed a right forefoot strike during running. The patient underwent run retraining that included real-time visual feedback and a faded feedback strategy focused on converting foot strike pattern to rearfoot. Running mechanics were reassessed post-training, and at one and six months post-training. Outcomes Foot strike pattern was successfully converted to rearfoot strike and was maintained up to six months post-training. Reductions in peak ankle dorsiflexion moment and dorsiflexion velocity were noted up to six months post-training. Self-reported function also improved by 20–30% and no calf strains were reported up to six months post-training. Discussion This case report details the clinical reasoning and evidence-informed interventions involved in treatment of a patient with chronic calf strains. The management strategy was intended to reduce eccentric calf demands, which allowed the patient to tolerate increased running frequency without any further episodes of calf strains up to six months post-training.
Two Malignancies With Differential Responses to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Case Report.

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have changed the management of cancer dramatically. However, not all patients respond to ICI and their use places patients at a significant risk of immune-related adverse reactions. A few biomarkers including programmed death-1 receptor/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1), micro-satellite instability (MSI) status, and tumor mutational burden (TMB) have gained popularity as surrogates to predict responsiveness to ICI. Case report Herein, we report a 61-year-old male who was diagnosed with widespread metastatic adenocarcinoma and a discrete renal lesion. Most of the metastatic lesions, except the left kidney mass, responded to a combination immunotherapy. Subsequent left nephrectomy revealed a chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. With this multimodality approach, we were able to achieve a durable near complete remission in a patient with diffuse metastatic disease at diagnosis. Conclusion In this report, we explored possible commercially available and experimental biomarkers in an attempt to explain his exceptional response.
Tortured Logic: Information and Brutality in Interrogations.

BACKGROUND Pragmatic arguments for interrogational torture rest on the twin assumptions that torture generates reliable information and that torture can be controlled and limited. METHODS I assess the claims of torture proponents by providing the intuition behind a game theoretic model of interrogational torture. Tracing out the logic of different combinations of possible interrogators and detainee types results in eight outcomes that can be compared to three claims made by torture proponents: that information will be predictably reliable, that the frequency of torture will be minimized, including no torture of innocents, and that the severity of torture can likewise be limited and controlled. FINDINGS Of the eight outcomes generated by the model, only two result in full information, but an innocent is tortured in both and in one the detainee providing information is tortured after having no more information to give. Moreover, these outcomes are only possible for an extremely restricted and empirically unlikely combination of circumstances. With respect to torture frequency, detainees are tortured in seven of the eight outcomes, including innocent detainees. The incentives facing interrogators also compel them to ratchet up their brutality in an effort to compel information. DISCUSSION The outcomes of a model of interrogational torture based on the proponent ideal violate the three conditions individually necessary to support that ideal: (1) information from torture is unpredictable and unreliable, with no information and false information far more likely than good information; (2) torture will be used more frequently-including against innocents-than control and limits permit; (3) torture will be more brutal than controls and limits allow. CONCLUSION The only thing reliably effective about interrogational torture is its ability to generate slippery slopes of frequency and brutality, violating the basic premises of the pragmatic argument for interrogational torture.
Real-time finger force prediction via parallel convolutional neural networks: a preliminary study

Continuous and accurate decoding of intended motions is critical for human-machine interactions. Here, we developed a novel approach for real-time continuous prediction of forces in individual fingers using parallel convolutional neural networks (CNNs). We extracted populational motor unit discharge frequency using CNNs in a parallel structure without spike sorting. The CNN parameters were trained based on two features from high-density electromyogram (HD-EMG), namely temporal energy heatmaps and frequency spectrum maps. The populational motor unit discharge frequency was then used to continuously predict finger forces based on a linear regression model. The force prediction performance was compared with a motor unit decomposition method and the conventional EMG amplitude-based method. Our results showed that the correlation coefficient between the predicted and the recorded forces of the CNN approach was on average 0.91, compared with the offline decomposition method of 0.89, the online decomposition method of 0.82, and the EMG amplitude method of 0.81. Additionally, the CNN based approach showed generalizable performance, with CNN trained on one finger applicable to a different finger. The outcomes suggest that our CNN based algorithm can offer an accurate and efficient force decoding method for human-machine interactions.
The influence of issue framing on support for solar energy in the United States

Scholars argue that reframing the relevance of energy policy in ways that connect to a broader coalition of Americans can create the level of public engagement needed for government action. Therefo...
Healthy Eating Index and Nutrition Biomarkers among Army Soldiers and Civilian Control Group Indicate an Intervention Is Necessary to Raise Omega-3 Index and Vitamin D and Improve Diet Quality.

Diet quality and nutrition status are important for optimal health and military performance. Few studies have simultaneously evaluated diet quality and biochemical markers of nutritional status of military service members. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) can be used to assess dietary quality and adherence to federal nutrition guidelines. The aim of this study was to assess soldiers’ diet quality and nutritional status and compare results to a civilian control group. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 531 soldiers. A food frequency questionnaire was used to calculate HEI scores. A blood sample was collected for analysis of select nutrition biochemical markers. Non-parametric analyses were conducted to compare the diet quality and nutritional status of soldiers and controls. Differences in non-normally distributed variables were determined by using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Soldiers had an HEI score of 59.9 out of 100, marginally higher than the control group (55.4). Biochemical markers of interest were within normal reference values for soldiers, except for the omega-3 index and vitamin D. Conclusions: This study identified dietary components that need improvement and deficits in biochemical markers among soldiers. Improving diet quality and nutritional status should lead to better health, performance, and readiness of the force.
Prosecuting Conduit Campaign Contributions - Hard Times for Soft Money

In recent years, there have been several high-profile prosecutions for violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act, involving contributions nominally by one individual but funded or reimbursed by another individual deemed to be the true contributor. Prosecutions of these “conduit contribution” cases have been surprising in at least three significant respects. First, the prosecutions have been based on violations of FECA’s reporting requirements and may not have involved any violations of the substantive prohibitions or limitations of contributions. Second, the defendants were the donors rather than campaign officials who actually filed reports with FECA. Third, the cases were prosecuted as felonies under general criminal statutes rather than FECA’s misdemeanor penalties for making contributions under a false name. The article analyzes the prosecutions and advances three independent arguments for the elimination or limitation of felony prosecutions for conduit campaign contributions. First, Supreme Court mens rea jurisprudence suggests that felony prosecutions regarding this specific behavior should, at a minimum, require a showing that the defendant was aware of the prohibition she is charged with violating. There are strong reasons for not relying on prosecutorial discretion in determining whether to prosecute a particular violation as a felony or as a misdemeanor. Second, the passage of the specific misdemeanor provisions in FECA strongly suggests that Congress preempted the application of general criminal statutes for false statements, mail fraud, or conspiracy to defraud. The preemption argument has been rejected by the courts based on incomplete analysis. This argument also introduces the concept of “greater included offense.” Third, criminal felony (and possibly misdemeanor) prosecutions of campaign contributions under a false name constitute a serious infringement of First Amendment rights of political speech and association. The Supreme Court’s decision in Buckley v. Valeo does not justify infringing on First Amendment rights in the specific context of conduit contributions. These concerns justify rethinking our approach to prosecutions related in federal election campaign law. Proponents of campaign regulation may be concerned about weakening enforcement, but enforcement is unlikely to be hampered substantially.
Gait Recognition from Drone Videos

Gait recognition is important in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions. It is challenging to detect human pose and recognize the gait from a drone video in distance due to low-resolution in human-figures, dynamic pose transition, and figure-to-figure and figure-to-background interaction. Conventional pose estimation methods often fail to register proper gaits from drone footages. In this study, In this study, we explore the Adaptive Pose Estimation (APE) method that incorporates drone flight data and camera pose estimation to improve the pose estimation in drone videos. We also explore the novel methods to estimate the drone camera pose with Google Earth 3D model and to reduce the “phantom poses” with “amputation filter.” Our results show that the pose estimation accuracy increases 36% and the recognition rate for six gaits reaches 91.7% on average.