cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Remote sensing platforms and sensors: A survey

Abstract The objective of this article is to review the state-of-the-art remote sensing technologies, including platforms and sensors, the topics representing the primary research interest in the ISPRS Technical Commission I activities. Due to ever advancing technologies, the remote sensing field is experiencing unprecedented developments recently, fueled by sensor advancements and continuously increasing information infrastructure. The scope and performance potential of sensors in terms of spatial, spectral and temporal sensing abilities have expanded far beyond the traditional boundaries of remote sensing, resulting in significantly better observation capabilities. First, platform developments are reviewed with the main focus on emerging new remote sensing satellite constellations and UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) platforms. Next, sensor georeferencing and supporting navigation infrastructure, an enabling technology for remote sensing, are discussed. Finally, we group sensors based on their spatial, spectral and temporal characteristics, and classify them by their platform deployment competencies. In addition, we identify current trends, including the convergence between the remote sensing and navigation field, and the emergence of cooperative sensing, and the potential of crowdsensing.
Differential expression of VEGF mRNA splice variants in newborn and adult hyperoxic lung injury

Lung development and repair of hyperoxic injury require closely regulated growth and regeneration of alveolar capillaries. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a mitogen for endothelial cells, is expressed by alveolar epithelial cells. Alternative splicing of VEGF mRNA results in isoforms of varying mitogenicity and solubility. We examined changes in the proportions of the VEGF splice variant mRNAs in rabbit lung development and in control, oxygen-injured, and recovering newborn and adult rabbit lungs. The proportion of the 189-amino acid VEGF mRNA, which codes for an isoform that binds to the extracellular matrix, increased fivefold during development (from 8% of total VEGF message at 22 days gestation to 40% in 10-day newborn lungs; P < 0.001). During neonatal oxygen injury, its expression declined from 38 to 8% of VEGF message (P < 0.002) and returned to the control value in recovery. A similar pattern was observed in adults. VEGF protein in lung lavage fluid increased slightly during hyperoxia, declined to barely detectable levels at the 50% lethal dose time point, and increased 10-fold (newborn) or up to 40-fold (adult) in recovering animals. We conclude that alternative splicing may have important roles in the regulation of VEGF activity in developing and injured lungs.
Structural studies of UBXN2A and mortalin interaction and the putative role of silenced UBXN2A in preventing response to chemotherapy

Overexpression of the oncoprotein mortalin in cancer cells and its protein partners enables mortalin to promote multiple oncogenic signaling pathways and effectively antagonize chemotherapy-induced cell death. A UBX-domain-containing protein, UBXN2A, acts as a potential mortalin inhibitor. This current study determines whether UBXN2A effectively binds to and occupies mortalin's binding pocket, resulting in a direct improvement in the tumor's sensitivity to chemotherapy. Molecular modeling of human mortalin's binding pocket and its binding to the SEP domain of UBXN2A followed by yeast two-hybrid and His-tag pull-down assays revealed that three amino acids (PRO442, ILE558, and LYS555) within the substrate-binding domain of mortalin are crucial for UBXN2A binding to mortalin. As revealed by chase experiments in the presence of cycloheximide, overexpression of UBXN2A seems to interfere with the mortalin-CHIP E3 ubiquitin ligase and consequently suppresses the C-terminus of the HSC70-interacting protein (CHIP)-mediated destabilization of p53, resulting in its stabilization in the cytoplasm and upregulation in the nucleus. Overexpression of UBXN2A causes a significant inhibition of cell proliferation and the migration of colon cancer cells. We silenced UBXN2A in the human osteosarcoma U2OS cell line, an enriched mortalin cancer cell, followed by a clinical dosage of the chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The UBXN2A knockout U2OS cells revealed that UBXNA is essential for the cytotoxic effect achieved by 5-FU. UBXN2A overexpression markedly increased the apoptotic response of U2OS cells to the 5-FU. In addition, silencing of UBXN2A protein suppresses apoptosis enhanced by UBXN2A overexpression in U2OS. The knowledge gained from this study provides insights into the mechanistic role of UBXN2A as a potent mortalin inhibitor and as a potential chemotherapy sensitizer for clinical application.
CALCULATION OF THE PHOTON-PRODUCTION SPECTRUM FROM PROTON--NUCLEUS COLLISIONS IN THE ENERGY RANGE 15 TO 150 MeV AND COMPARISON WITH EXPERIMENT.

Calculations of the differential photon-production cross sections from proton-nucleus collisions in the energy range 15 to 150 MeV have been carried out and compared with experimental measurements ...
Estrogen regulation of gene transcription and mRNA stability.

This chapter discusses that to study the molecular basis for steroid hormone regulation of gene expression, model systems are employed based on the estrogen control of liver cell differentiation and the induction of the liver messenger RNAs (mRNAs) coding for the Xenopus laevis egg yolk precursor protein, vitellogenin, for the serum retinol binding protein and for the Xenopus estrogen receptor. The experimental system initially employed in studies is the estrogen induction of the vitellogenin mRNAs in liver cells of the amphibian, X. laevis. The chapter reviews that rationale for a detailed study of the regulatory mechanisms used to achieve the induction of vitellogenin mRNA is derived from both in vivo studies and experiments using primary liver explant cultures. In the experiments explained in the chapter, quantitative RNA dot hybridization is used to measure the kinetics of vitellogenin mRNA induction. The data demonstrates that estrogen induces vitellogenin mRNA from undetectable levels to approximately 50,000 molecules per cell, at which time it comprises approximately half of the cell's mRNA.
Transmedia Storytelling in Science Communication: One Subject, Multiple Media, Unlimited Stories

Media make good storytellers, and each is unique. Video illustrates a progression of events, text provides rich context, photography captures a moment in time, and games describe systems, to name a few. In what Jenkins (2003) described as transmedia storytelling, multiple media are used simultaneously in an expansive rather than repetitive way to better tell a single, complex story. The audience is given multiple entry points to the story, and the story is exposed to diverse and dispersed audiences, ultimately engaging a broader public. In this chapter, we examine the effectiveness of transmedia storytelling to communicate scientific concepts, illustrating the approach with a recent project at the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
Expression of the shrimp antimicrobial peptide penaeidin 4-1 confers resistance against brown patch disease in tall fescue

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is an important grass widely used in North Carolina and other transition zone states in the US for turf and as forage. Brown patch caused by subgroup AG1-AI of Rhizoctonia solani is the most severe and frequently occurring fungal disease for tall fescue plants. The objective of this research was to genetically engineer tall fescue to improve its resistance to the pathogen. The gene (Pen4-1) of a novel antimicrobial peptide—Penaeidin 4-1 from a shrimp species was introduced into tall fescue var. ‘Coronado’ through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Among the five transgenic plants containing the Pen4-1 transgene, four of them displayed significantly higher level of resistance against R. solani subgroup AG1-IA, with two being highly resistant (p < 0.001). Up to 75 % reduction of the lesion size was achieved. The results indicate that Pen4-1 confers resistance to various subgroups of R. solani and is a promising candidate for engineered resistance to a wide-spectrum pathogens in tall fescue.
New genera of Cenozoic muricid gastropods, with comments on the mode of formation of the labral tooth

Analysis of previously unstudied shell characters reveals the existence of three new genera of Cenozoic muricid neogastropods. These are the new genera Muregina (type species: Murex lugubris Broderip, 1833; ?early Miocene, Pliocene to Recent, eastern tropical Pacific); Kestocenebra (type species: Murex curvicosta Grateloup, 1840; early to late Miocene, Europe); and Edithais (type species: Concholepas drezi Vokes, 1972; early to late Miocene, circumtropical).A review of muricids with a labral tooth (a ventrally directed projection on the outer lip) shows that this structure forms in several distinct ways. It may form at the end of an external groove (as in Muregina) or cord (as in Kestocenebra), grow continuously or discontinuously, and lie at positions ranging from the upper end of the siphonal canal to just below the middle of the outer lip. The labral tooth evidently evolved independently several times, often quite recently in genera such as Muregina, in which older representatives lack a labral tooth.
Implementing an Historical Vision of the Jury in an Age of Administrative Factfinding and Sentencing Guidelines

Probably the most significant new constitutional doctrine generated by the United States Supreme Court over the last half decade is the Booker/Blakely/Apprendi line of cases under the Sixth Amendment which hold that “Other than the fact of a prior conviction, any fact that increases the penalty for a crime beyond the prescribed statutory maximum must be submitted to a jury, and proved beyond a reasonable doubt.” This holding has resulted in the invalidating of both state and federal sentencing guidelines schemes — under which judges were directed to find specific facts that determined the particular guidelines category into which a defendant’s case would fall.The basic constitutional vision underlying these cases focuses on the centrality of the institution of the jury in our system of government of the people, by the people, and for the people. In this essay, I raise and address three practical questions about the historical vision of the jury and its role in our system of government, and what we can do with it today.
Numerically Simulating the Carbonate Mineralization of Basalt with the Injection of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide in Deep Saline Aquifers

The principal mechanisms for the geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide in deep saline aquifers include geological structural trapping, hydrological entrapment of nonwetting fluids, aqueous phase dissolution and ionization, and geochemical sorption and mineralization. In sedimentary saline aquifers the dominant mechanisms are structural and dissolution trapping, with moderate to weak contributions from hydrological and geochemical trapping; where, hydrological trapping occurs during the imbibition of aqueous solution into pore spaces occupied by gaseous carbon dioxide, and geochemical trapping is controlled by generally slow reaction kinetics. In addition to being globally abundant and vast, deep basaltic lava aquifers offer mineralization kinetics that make geochemical trapping a dominate mechanism for trapping carbon dioxide in these formations. For several decades the United States Department of Energy has been investigating Columbia River basalt in the Pacific Northwest as part of its environmental programs and options for natural gas storage. Recently this nonpotable and extensively characterized basalt aquifer is being reconsidered as a potential reservoir for geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide. The reservoir has an estimated storage capacity of 100 giga tonnes of carbon dioxide and comprises layered basalt flows with sublayering that generally alternates between low permeability massive and high permeability breccia. Chemical analysis of the formation shows 10 wt% Fe, primarily in the +2 valence. The mineralization reaction that makes basalt aquifers attractive for carbon dioxide sequestration is that of calcium, magnesium, and iron silicates reacting with dissolved carbon dioxide, producing carbonate minerals and amorphous quartz. Preliminary estimates of the kinetics of the silicate-to-carbonate reactions have been determined experimentally and this research is continuing to determine effects of temperature, pressure, rock composition and mineral assemblages on the reaction rates. This study numerically investigates the injection, migration and sequestration of supercritical carbon dioxide in deep Columbia River basalt formations using the multifluid subsurface flow and reactive transport simulator STOMP-CO2. Simulations are executed on high resolution multiple stochastic realizations of the layered basalt systems and demonstrate the migration behavior through layered basalt aquifers and the mineralization of dissolved carbon dioxide. Reported results include images of the migration behavior, distribution of carbonate formation, quantities of injected and sequestered carbon dioxide, and percentages of the carbon dioxide sequestered by different mechanisms over time.
A parable of two princes: An effective approach to national development

The paper compares two opposite strategies for national development: (1) initially optimum policies in the absence of a strong feedback system and (2) initially poor policies with a strong feedback system. The strong feedback system is essentially a “real-time” information system designed to support national development. A number of principles or guidelines for implementing such a real-time information system are presented. The entire approach is based upon the viable system model of Stafford Beer.
Effects of aging on rejuvenated vacuum tower bottom rheology through use of black diagrams, and master curves

Abstract Bio-derived rejuvenating agents have the potential to enhance the rheological properties of the vacuum tower bottoms left over from the crude oil refining process. Enhancement of the rheological properties allows the stiff vacuum tower bottoms to be used as an asphalt binder in hot mix asphalt. This study investigates the use of several experimental bio-derived rejuvenating additives and compares them with a commercially available modifier. The experimental additives include a blend of, heat bodied linseed oil (HBO) and partially hydrogenated heat bodied linseed oil (PHBO). The effect of dosage level and aging influence on rheological properties was studied for the experimental materials and the commercially available additives. The findings show that all the rejuvenators used had similar effects in the reduction of vacuum tower bottom stiffness due to short-term and long-term aging. However, the commercial rejuvenator reduced stiffness the most. The results show that the material combination of HBO and PHBO better retain high temperature properties while lowering stiffness at intermediate and low temperatures, thus widening the continuous grade range better than the commercial rejuvenator. To better understand why these effects are taking place in vacuum tower bottoms from both the commercial rejuvenator and the combination of materials HBO and PHBO with aging it is felt that in the future analytical chemistry such as high definition mass spectrometry needs to take place. This will make it possible to understand why these effects are taking place with aging.
Components of Effective Evaluation in Online Learning Environments

...an iterative process for assessing the efficacy and validity of online learning environments (OLEs). Evaluation should take place from the conceptual stage of OLE development through the measurement of learning outcomes of an online course. Accurate and ongoing assessments of learners, teachers, the instructional process, the course content, and the OLE as an entity will include a combination of formative and summative evaluations for each of these components and their effectiveness as a unit. (p. 61) 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.idea-group.com ITB13326 INFORMATION SCIENCE PUBLISHING
A hybrid position feedback controller for bistable structures

A HYBRID POSITION FEEDBACK CONTROLLER FOR BISTABLE STRUCTURES Mehmet R. Simsek Old Dominion University, 2016 Director: Dr. Onur Bilgen Bistability is the property of structures showing the ability to attain two statically stable states. Due to dynamic and static advantages such as no energy demand at stable positions and providing higher deflections compared to a monostable structure, bistability may be appealing in control surface design for aircraft structures and load alleviation for wind turbine blades. The dynamics of bistable structures is nonlinear because of the snap‐through occurring during the cross‐well oscillation between two stable states. A new control strategy called hybrid position feedback control is developed based on the conventional positive position control to exploit linear dynamics of bistable structures around stable equilibrium positions. In this thesis, complementary stability, performance and energy analysis of bistable structures controlled by the hybrid controller are investigated using numerical time domain and frequency methods. The stability regions, energy variance by parameters, and the operational regions providing state transition are determined. As a result of the analyses, two alternative design options are proposed and necessary stability regions are indicated. In addition, experimental analysis is conducted on an unsymmetric cross‐ply bistable composite plate to show the feasibility of the hybrid control strategy. Various analyses such as stability and energy consumption are performed.
Efficient computation of coherent synchrotron radiation in a rectangular chamber

We study coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) in a perfectly conducting vacuum chamber of rectangular cross section, in a formalism allowing an arbitrary sequence of bends and straight sections. We apply the paraxial method in the frequency domain, with a Fourier development in the vertical coordinate but with no other mode expansions. A line charge source is handled numerically by a new method that rids the equations of singularities through a change of dependent variable. The resulting algorithm is fast compared to earlier methods, works for short bunches with complicated structure, and yields all six field components at any space-time point. As an example we compute the tangential magnetic field at the walls. From that one can make a perturbative treatment of the Poynting flux to estimate the energy deposited in resistive walls. The calculation was motivated by a design issue for LCLS-II, the question of how much wall heating from CSR occurs in the last bend of a bunch compressor and the following straight section. Working with a realistic longitudinal bunch form of r.m.s. length $10.4\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ and a charge of 100 pC we conclude that the radiated power is quite small (28 W at a 1 MHz repetition rate), and all radiated energy is absorbed in the walls within 7 m along the straight section.
Distributed Error Correction Performance Analyses For High-speed Logic Systems

Distributed error correction is embedded in high-speed logic systems to protect against internal s oft errors, random errors not affiliated with any permanent electronic structure failure. Analysis procedures are devel oped which provide design guidance by measuring the chanqe in the probability of error when system complexity is reduced by sharing subsystems. offer insights into clustered designs, a method where error-correcting codes are employed throughout the system so that error-correction is automatic during normal operation. Such designs achieve high operating speeds by avoiding the intervention of s eparate correction systems. Proper models for the injection of soft errors are described and a differential Roolean calculus is used in the a nalysis procedures. A general performance cal cul ati nq a1 qori thm based upon the These procedures
Multimodal Pedagogies for Teacher Education in TESOL

As a growing number of English language learners (ELLs) engage in digital and multimodal literacy practices in their daily lives, teachers are starting to incorporate multimodal approaches into their instruction. However, anecdotal and empirical evidence shows that teachers often feel unprepared for integrating such practices into their curricula (Coyle, Yanez, & Verdu, 2010; Sadik, 2008). This particular concern has led the authors of this essay to examine ways in which multimodal literacy practices can be integrated into teacher education for teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). This Teaching Issues article describes how the first author designed and implemented two multimodal practices for preservice and in-service teacher education programs in the United States. The essay highlights the challenges of incorporating multimodal practices into teacher education (e.g., epistemological issues, instructional challenges, and teachers’ resistance to multimodal practices). The authors offer suggestions for overcoming those challenges and propose future directions for TESOL teacher education and professional development.
Simultaneous and forward masking of vowels and stop consonants: Effects of age, hearing loss, and spectral shaping.

Fluctuating noise, common in everyday environments, has the potential to mask acoustic cues important for speech recognition. This study examined the extent to which acoustic cues for perception of vowels and stop consonants differ in their susceptibility to simultaneous and forward masking. Younger normal-hearing, older normal-hearing, and older hearing-impaired adults identified initial and final consonants or vowels in noise-masked syllables that had been spectrally shaped. The amount of shaping was determined by subjects' audiometric thresholds. A second group of younger adults with normal hearing was tested with spectral shaping determined by the mean audiogram of the hearing-impaired group. Stimulus timing ensured that the final 10, 40, or 100 ms of the syllable occurred after the masker offset. Results demonstrated that participants benefited from short temporal delays between the noise and speech for vowel identification, but required longer delays for stop consonant identification. Older adults with normal and impaired hearing, with sufficient audibility, required longer delays to obtain performance equivalent to that of the younger adults. Overall, these results demonstrate that in forward masking conditions, younger listeners can successfully identify vowels during short temporal intervals (i.e., one unmasked pitch period), with longer durations required for consonants and for older adults.
Initial sites of hepadnavirus integration into host genome in human hepatocytes and in the woodchuck model of hepatitis B-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the closely related woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) are potent carcinogens that trigger development of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The initial sites of hepadnavirus–host genome integration, their diversity and kinetics of formation can be central to virus persistence and the initiation and progression of HCC. To recognize the nature of the very early virus–host interactions, we explored de novo infection of human hepatocyte-like HepaRG cells with authentic HBV and naive woodchucks with WHV. HepaRG were analyzed from several minutes post exposure to HBV onwards, whereas woodchuck liver biopsies at 1 or 3 h and 6 weeks post infection with WHV. Inverse PCR and clonal sequencing of the amplicons were applied to identify virus–host genomic junctions. HBV and WHV DNA and their replication intermediates became detectable in one hour after virus exposure. Concomitantly, HBV DNA integration into various host genes was detected. Notably, junctions of HBV X gene with retrotransposon sequences, such as LINE1 and LINE2, became prominent shortly after infection. In woodchucks, insertion of WHV X and preS sequences into host genome was evident at 1 and 3 h post infection (h.p.i.), confirming that hepadnavirus under natural conditions integrates into hepatocyte DNA soon after invasion. The HBV and WHV X gene enhancer II/core promotor sequence most often formed initial junctions with host DNA. Moreover, multiple virus–virus DNA fusions appeared from 1 h.p.i. onwards in both infected hepatocytes and woodchuck livers. In summary, HBV DNA integrates almost immediately after infection with a variety of host’s sequences, among which tandemly repeating non-coding DNAs are common. This study revealed that HBV can engage mobile genetic elements from the beginning of infection to induce pro-oncogenic perturbations throughout the host genome. Such swift virus insertion was also evident in natural hepadnaviral infection in woodchucks.
A Vector Field Method for Radiating Black Hole Spacetimes

We develop a commuting vector field method for a general class of radiating spacetimes. The metrics we consider are modeled on those constructed from global nonlinear stability problems in general relativity, and our method provides sharp peeling estimates for solutions to both linear and (null form) nonlinear scalar fields.
The Four Cs of People’s Work-Fit

This chapter presents the four elements of individual success in the workplace with the focus on selecting employees who have a good alignment of the four dimensions (a) calling, (b) competence, (c) confidence, and (d) character.
Synthesis and Material Properties of Bi2Se3 Nanostructures Deposited by SILAR

Bi2Se3 was synthesized by a room-temperature deposition technique and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method with the aim to understand the formation, crystallinity, optical properties, and energy band structure of this material. The Bi2Se3 morphology was found to change from nanoparticles to that of a nanocluster network by increasing the SILAR deposition cycles. The crystalline structure of as-prepared Bi2Se3 determined from the grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction (GI-XRD) pattern was found to have a mixed of metastable orthorhombic and rhombohedral phases which was further confirmed from our analysis of the Raman spectra. The optical bandgap of Bi2Se3 varied from 1.58 to 1.05 eV for 15–90 cycles of deposition, in contrast to the semimetallic 0.3 eV bandgap exhibited by the pure rhombohedral phase. A schematic band diagram of Bi2Se3 prepared by 45 SILAR cycles was constructed for the mixed-phase Bi2Se3. The flat-band potential was determined to be at 0.46 V vs. RHE from Mott–Schot...
Examining cultural and gender similarities and differences in college students’ value of communication skills in romantic relationships

This study assessed and compared the communication skills that native Chinese and native American college students value in the context of romantic relationships. A total of 319 Chinese and 262 Ame...
Abstract 14641: Sleep Disturbance is Associated With Lower Quality of Life and Greater Depressive Symptoms in Adults With Congenital Heart Defects

Introduction: Poor sleep quality is common in cardiac populations and known to increase adverse physical and psychological outcomes, but little is known about sleep quality or its association with outcomes in adults with congenital heart defects (ACHD). Hypothesis: Greater sleep disturbance will be associated with greater depressive symptoms and lower quality of life (QOL) in persons with ACHD. Methods: A secondary analysis of an observational, self-care study in patients with moderate or severe ACHD (n=125) was conducted. Patients were recruited from a single ACHD center and demographic (age, gender, race, education, employment status, marital status) and clinical data (defect severity, NYHA Class, BMI, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), sleep disturbance (PROMIS-Sleep) and overall QOL (VAS scale) were collected by chart review and self-report. Analyses included bivariate correlations and logistic and linear regression. Results: Patients were mean age 35 years (range 20-68), 56% female, 82% Caucasian, 53% severe ACHD, 26% NYHA Class III/IV, 3% OSA. Sixty-eight (54%) patients reported sleep disturbance (PROMIS t score >50), including low sleep quality, difficulties falling asleep, general sleep problems, and poor sleep refreshment. Persons with sleep disturbance were more likely to be functional NYHA Class III/IV vs I/II (p Conclusions: Sleep disturbance was independently associated with greater depressive symptoms and lower QOL in persons with ACHD. Improving sleep quality may represent an important target for improving psychological and QOL outcomes in ACHD.
Determining the effect of menu element size on usability of mobile applications

As smartphones gain more and more prominence in the life of the public and are increasingly used for daily tasks, the usability of mobile applications accessed through smartphones becomes a growing concern. This two-part study looks at the usability of such applications, focusing on how the size of menu elements affects the usability of mobile applications. In the first study, users were asked to complete an online questionnaire regarding their preferences in relation to smartphone use and mobile applications. In the second study, a non-parametric t-test was used to identify how the size of menu elements affects the usability of mobile applications. Users were asked to complete a specific task navigating two different prototype mobile applications by clicking specific menu options and answering questionnaires to document their experiences. The results of this study found increased element size does increase user preference and overall usability.
System-Level MIDI Performance Testing

We describe a new approach for testing MIDI performance characteristics, which is both inexpensive and highly accurate. Following a description of the test method, actual results for a number of MIDI interface technologies are presented. These results show that jitter and latency performance of newer (USB-based) interfaces is actually two to three times worse than older MIDI interface technologies. Other potential applications of this technique are briefly discussed. Finally, we consider implications for the future, since the recent PC2001 Guidelines and WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) logo requirements will forbid the use of the older MIDI interface technologies in new personal computer designs.
Dual Use and Hospital Admissions among Veterans Enrolled in the VA's Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team.

OBJECTIVE To examine the association between reliance on VA outpatient care and hospital admissions among Medicare-eligible Veterans enrolled in the Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team (H-PACT). DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Registry of H-PACT enrollees linked to VA and Medicare utilization data for 2013. STUDY DESIGN After assigning Veterans to two groups according to whether they received >90 percent of outpatient care in VA (higher reliance) or <90 percent of outpatient care in VA (lower reliance), generalized linear models with inverse probability of treatment weights were used to estimate the association of reliance with Medicare and VA-financed hospital admissions. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Compared with higher reliance Veterans, lower reliance Veterans had an equivalent number of annual VA hospitalizations (0.63 vs. 0.50; p = .14) but substantially greater Medicare hospitalizations (0.85 vs. 0.08; p < .001). Among Veterans in the highest tertile of outpatient visits, we observed statistically similar rates of VA hospital use but over 10-fold greater rates of Medicare-financed hospitalizations (1.31 for lower reliance vs. 0.15 for high reliance; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Among Veterans receiving integrated care in VA's H-PACT, dual use of Medicare and VA outpatient care is strongly associated with acute hospitalizations financed by Medicare. Linking VA and non-VA data may identify a subset of homeless Veterans with fragmented outpatient care who are at increased risk of poor outcomes.
Investigating the Kinetics of Montmorillonite Clay-Catalyzed Conversion of Anthracene to 9,10-Anthraquinone in the Context of Prebiotic Chemistry

Carbonaceous meteorites contributed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to the organic inventory of the primordial Earth where they may have reacted on catalytic clay mineral surfaces to produce quinones capable of functioning as redox species in emergent biomolecular systems. To address the feasibility of this hypothesis, we assessed the kinetics of anthracene (1) conversion to 9,10-anthraquinone (2) in the presence of montmorillonite clay (MONT) over the temperature range 25 to 250 °C. Apparent rates of conversion were concentration independent and displayed a sigmoidal relationship with temperature, and conversion efficiencies ranged from 0.027 to 0.066%. Conversion was not detectable in the absence of MONT or a sufficiently high oxidation potential (in this case, molecular oxygen (O2)). These results suggest a scenario in which meteoritic 1 and MONT interactions could yield biologically important quinones in prebiotic planetary environments.
Autoimmune Regulator is required in female mice for optimal embryonic development and implantation

Autoimmune Regulator (AIRE) regulates central immune tolerance by inducing expression of tissue-restricted antigens in thymic medullary epithelial cells, thereby ensuring elimination of autoreactive T cells. Aire mutations in humans and targeted Aire deletion in mice result in multiorgan autoimmune disease, known in humans as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS-1). APS-1 is characterized by the presence of adrenal insufficiency, chronic mucosal candidiasis, and/or hypoparathyroidism. Additionally, females often present with gonadal insufficiency and infertility. Aire-deficiency (KO) in mice results in oophoritis and age-dependent depletion of follicular reserves. Here, we found that while the majority of young 6-week-old Aire-KO females had normal follicular reserves, mating behavior, and ovulation rates, 50% of females experienced embryonic loss between gestation day (GD) 5.5 and 7.5 that could not be attributed to insufficient progesterone production or decidualization. The quality of GD0.5 embryos recovered from Aire KO mice was reduced, and when cultured in vitro, embryos displayed limited developmental capacity in comparison to those recovered from wild-type (WT) mice. Further, embryos flushed from Aire KO dams at GD3.5 were developmentally delayed in comparison to WT controls and had reduced trophoblastic outgrowth in vitro. We conclude that AIRE does not play a direct role in uterine decidualization. Rather, reduced fertility of Aire-deficient females is likely due to multiple factors, including oophoritis, delayed preimplantation development, and compromised implantation. These effects may be explained by autoimmune targeting of the ovary, embryo, or both. Alternatively, altered embryonic development could be due to a direct role for AIRE in early embryogenesis.
Outcomes Associated With Adapting a Research-Supported Treatment for Children With Behavior Disorders.

Purpose:The aims of this study are to describe an adaptation process of a research-supported treatment (RST) for children with oppositional defiant disorder and to examine provider attitudes toward...
Synthesis of the Madangamine Alkaloid Core by a C-C Bond Activation Cascade.

The diazatricyclic core of the madangamine alkaloids was synthesized from a densely functionalized cyclohexane derivative. An alkene and two cyanoformamide groups are used to form two new rings and...
PAUL TRAP AND THE PROBLEM OF QUANTUM STABILITY

This work is devoted to the investigation of the possibility of controlling of ion motion inside the Paul trap. It has been shown that by proper selection of the parameters controlling the electric fields, stable localization of ions inside the Paul trap is possible. Quantum consideration of this problem is reduced to the investigation of the Mathieu–Schrodinger equation. It has been shown that quantum consideration is appreciably different from the classical one that leads to stronger limitations of the values of the parameters of stable motion. Connection between the problem under study and the possibility of experimental observation of quantum chaos has been shown.
“There’s Nothing Quite Like a Real Book”: Stop-Motion Bookishness

In an extended reading of the stop-motion animation films such as “The Joy of Books” (2012) by Sean and Lisa Ohlenkamp, Jessica Pressman examines contemporary culture’s obsessive preoccupation with the material book as a form of melancholic fetishism object. Building on her widely recognized concept of “bookishness”, Pressman argues that in times of the book’s supposed obsolescence, popular culture fetishizes the printed book in ways that inspire new ways of seeing, using, and appreciating books, with and through digital technologies.
Working Across Scales

Many of the challenges environmental professionals face require that they understand what is happening at their study location, as well as how that is influenced by conditions across a broader landscape. Similarly, they must consider how conditions differed before and how they will continue to change in the future. This disconnect between what can currently be measured and the broader inference we need to make requires that environmental professionals know how to make inference across scales. In this chapter, we explore the types of scale-related issues often faced by environmental professionals and present frameworks to navigate the complexities confronted when working across scales of both time and space.
On the shape of the d¯−u¯ asymmetry

Abstract Using data from a recent reanalysis of neutron structure functions extracted from inclusive proton and deuteron deep-inelastic scattering (DIS), we re-examine the constraints on the shape of the d ¯ − u ¯ asymmetry in the proton at large parton momentum fractions x. A global analysis of the proton–neutron structure function difference from BCDMS, NMC, SLAC and Jefferson Lab DIS measurements, and of Fermilab Drell-Yan lepton-pair production cross sections, suggests that existing data can be well described with d ¯ > u ¯ for all values of x currently accessible. We compare the shape of the fitted d ¯ − u ¯ distributions with expectations from nonperturbative models based on chiral symmetry breaking, which can be tested by upcoming Drell-Yan data from the SeaQuest experiment at larger values of x.
Estimation of radiation-induced, organ-specific, secondary solid-tumor occurrence rates with total body irradiation and total marrow irradiation treatments.

Abstract Purpose We aimed to predict and compare radiation-induced, organ-specific, secondary solid-tumor occurrence risks from conventional total body irradiation (TBI) and total marrow irradiation (TMI) for patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplant. Methods and Materials We retrospectively selected 20 patients who received TMI treatments before hematopoietic cell transplant. Ten patients (5 men; 5 women) received 12 Gy to the skeletal bones, lymph nodes, and spleen, and the other 10 patients (5 men; 5 women) received an escalated dose of 20 Gy to the same targets and 12 Gy to the brain and liver. A conventional TBI treatment plan was generated for each patient with a prescription dose of 12 Gy, using anterior-posterior and posterior-anterior photon beams with lung shielding and a chest wall boost with electron beams. Secondary cancer risks were estimated using linear-exponential and plateau models for major organs. Results At the 12 Gy dose level, using the linear-exponential model, the total radiation-induced secondary solid-tumor risks for major organs were 159.3 ± 8.7 for men and 221.5 ± 14.4 for women per 10,000 people per year with the TMI plans, which is a reduction of 38.8% and 32.9%, respectively, compared with those with the TBI plans. At the 20 Gy dose level, the risks were 220.3 ± 8.3 for men and 298.5 ± 9.3 for women with the TMI plans, which is a reduction of 14.6% and 9.2%, respectively, compared with those with the 12 Gy TBI plans. Significant risk reductions were also found with the TMI plans using the plateau risk model. Conclusions At both the 12 Gy and 20 Gy prescription dose levels, a conditioning regimen using TMI could significantly lower overall radiation-induced secondary solid-tumor risks for major organs compared with a conditioning regimen with standard 12 Gy TBI. Clinical data from long-term follow-up studies are needed to verify the model predictions.
Screening for Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults.

L.C. is a 70-year-old Asian American woman who retired from teaching middle school five years ago. She lives independently and has a daughter and grandchildren who live within 30 miles of her. She presents for a follow-up visit to renew her hypertension medications. Her blood pressure is well controlled by an angiotensin receptor blocker, and she takes no other medications.
Urinary Arsenic and Cadmium Associations with Findings from Cranial MRI in American Indians: Data from the Strong Heart Study.

Background: Arsenic and cadmium are known cardiovascular toxicants that pose disproportionate risk to rural communities where environmental exposures are high. American Indians have high vascular r...
Gender disparities in clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes in metastatic spine disease

Abstract Background The incidence of metastatic spine disease (MSD) is increasing among cancer patients. Given the poor outcomes and high rates of morbidity associated with MSD, it is important to determine demographic factors that could impact interventions and outcomes for this patient population. The objectives of this study were to compare in-hospital mortality and complication rates, clinical presentation, and interventions between female and male patients diagnosed with MSD. Methods Patient data were collected from the United States National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from the years 2012−2014. Descriptive statistics were used to compare data from 51,800 cases; subsequently, multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the effect of gender on outcomes. Results Males had significantly higher rates of in-hospital mortality (OR 1.30; 95 % CI 1.09–1.56, p = 0.004) and were more likely to have received surgical intervention than females (OR 1.34; 95 % CI 1.16–1.55, p Conclusion Given the significant differences in mortality, disease course, treatment, and in-hospital complications between female and male patients diagnosed with MSD, additional prospective studies are necessary to understand how to meaningfully incorporate these differences into clinical care and prognostication going forward.
Drinking Motives and Drinking Consequences across Days: Differences and Similarities between Moderate, Binge, and High-Intensity Drinking.

Background The current study examined the extent to which within-person variation in drinking motives differentiates moderate, binge, and high-intensity drinking; and independent associations of motives and drinking intensity with alcohol use consequences in a sample of young adult drinkers from across the United States. Methods Participants were past 30-day drinkers in the U.S. nationally representative Monitoring the Future 12th grade sample in 2018, who also reported alcohol use during a 14-day data collection burst 1 year later (N = 484 people, mean age 19.3 [SD 0.40], 43% female; N = 1042 drinking days) as part of the Young Adult Daily Life Study in 2019. Weighted multilevel modeling estimated within- and between-person associations of drinking motives, drinking intensity (i.e., moderate [women 1-3, men 1-4 drinks], binge [women 4-7, men 5-9 drinks], and high-intensity drinking [women 8+, men 10+ drinks]), and number of positive and negative alcohol consequences. Results On days participants reported greater enhancement and social motives, they were more likely to engage in high-intensity (vs. binge) drinking and binge (vs. moderate) drinking and experience more positive alcohol consequences. On days participants reported greater enhancement and coping motives, they experienced more negative alcohol consequences. Binge (vs. moderate) drinking on a given day was associated with more positive and negative alcohol consequences; high-intensity (vs. binge) drinking on a given day was associated with more negative alcohol consequences that day. Moderation analyses indicated that social motives were associated with high-intensity (vs. binge) drinking only among college students. Conclusions Stronger drinking motives on a given day were associated with drinking intensity (enhancement and social motives) and negative consequences (enhancement and coping). High-intensity (vs. binge or moderate) drinking was associated with more negative consequences but not more positive consequences. These results underscore that high-intensity drinking and consequences vary across days and time-varying, occasion-specific risks such as current motivational context are appropriate targets for intervention.
Medical Ethics, Moral Courage, and the Embrace of Fallibility.

Experts have an obligation to make difficult decisions rather than offloading these decisions onto others who may be less well-equipped to make them. This commentary considers this obligation through the lens of drafting critical care rationing protocols to address COVID-19-induced scarcity. The author recalls her own experience as a member of multiple groups charged with the generation of protocols for how hospitals and states should ration critical care resources like ventilators and intensive care unit beds, in the event that there would not be enough to go around as the COVID-19 pandemic intensified. She identifies several obvious lessons learned through this process, including the need to combat the pervasive effects of racism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination; to enhance the diversity, equity, and inclusion built into the process of drafting rationing protocols; and to embrace transparency, including acknowledging failings and fallibility. She also comes to a more complicated conclusion: Individuals in a position of authority, such as medical ethicists, have a moral obligation to embrace assertion, even when such assertions may well turn out to be wrong. She notes that when the decision-making process is grounded in legitimacy, medical ethics must have the moral courage to embrace fallibility.
Longitudinal estimates of sediment-water diffusive flux of PCB congeners in the Houston Ship Channel

Abstract Sediment-water diffusive exchange fluxes were estimated for PCB congeners between 2002 and 2012 for the Houston Ship Channel in Texas. These estimations were determined for four different sampling periods representing a unique effort to quantify fluxes, their magnitudes and variability, over a longer time period than similar studies. Total PCB fluxes, on the order of 0.10–250 μg/m 2 -yr, were most dependent on bulk sediment and total water concentrations and the partitioning models used. Diffusive flux directions were highly variable on a single-PCB analyte basis though they were generally sediment-to-water or indeterminate. Sediment concentrations from after Hurricane Ike (September 2008) were highly elevated (median increase 360%) from immediately before the event leading to much higher diffusive flux estimates. Lastly, sediment-water diffusive flux was 2–3 orders of magnitude less than net deposition and associated desorption fluxes leading to the possibility that burial would eventually lower the sediment impact to the estuary. This is, however, uncertain because depositing sediment still had elevated PCB concentrations.