cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Purkinje-Muscle Reentry as a Mechanism of Polymorphic Ventricular Arrhythmias in a 3-Dimensional Model of the Ventricles

Multiple electrode mapping of the ventricles during complex tachyarrhythmias has revealed focal subendocardial activation whose mechanism remains unexplained. We hypothesized that reentry involving the Purkinje-muscle junctions (PMJs) may be a mechanism for such focal excitations. We have constructed an anatomically appropriate computerized 3-dimensional model of the mammalian ventricles that includes the Purkinje conduction system and 214 PMJs distributed throughout the endocardium. Isochronal maps during normal excitation, as well as during right or left bundle branch block, resembled experimental measurements and compared well with isochronal maps of propagation in the human heart. Activity observed at both sides of a PMJ in the model showed that propagation from Purkinje fibers to muscle was slower than in the opposite direction. Under these realistic and normal conditions, the evolution of reentrant activity involving muscle and the Purkinje network was simulated. The reentry pattern was independent of the initiation site. It evolved with drifting epicardial breakthroughs and transformed on the endocardium from focal activity to figure-of-8 reentry. In addition, the ECG amplitude undulated during the evolution, and decrease in the cycle period, apparent wavelength, and propagation velocity were observed. Finally, the reentry was terminated if the Purkinje system was disconnected from the muscle before it reached a relative steady state. The simulation results suggest the following: (1) Epicardial breakthroughs and endocardial focal activity may originate at the PMJs. (2) The ECG amplitude may decrease as the reentry stabilizes and the excitation wavelength decreases. (3) The Purkinje system may have a double role in the evolution of reentry: first, it is essential to the reentry at the initial stage; second, it may lead to the establishment of intramyocardial reentry, at which time the Purkinje system becomes irrelevant.
Statistical analysis of ionospheric potential patterns for isolated substorms and sawtooth events

Abstract. We present here results which contrast isolated substorms with individual sawtooth events. Sawtooth events are defined as quasi-periodic, large-amplitude oscillations in the energetic particle flux with a periodicity of 2–4 h observed at the geosynchronous orbit. Sawtooth events have several similarities to isolated substorms leading therefore, to different opinions about whether sawtooth events are just an intense periodic form of substorms or if they deserve a category of their own. To help resolve this, we examine the ionospheric potential patterns in the northern polar region for isolated substorms and sawtooth events using the assimilative mapping of ionospheric electrodynamics (AMIE) technique. First we show a statistical analysis of isolated substorm potential patterns. In order to examine the seasonal variation, isolated substorms are identified by mid-latitude positive bay in the north-south geomagnetic perturbation in each season, respectively. Superposed epoch analysis (SEA) is applied to obtain the typical polar potential patterns for each season. By examining the time evolution of the potential patterns and cross polar cap potential (CPCP) for isolated substorms during each season, we find only subtle seasonal variations in the results obtained using the AMIE analysis. This provides a basis for comparison with sawtooth events in the next step. From the averaged potential patterns of 213 isolated substorms and those of 184 individual sawtooth events, we find the sawtooth events show signatures similar to subtorms: the DP 1 potential pattern develops and dominates the polar region after the onset. However, the DP 1 potential cell of sawtooth events encompasses a larger area than that of isolated substorms. Moreover, the CPCP of sawtooth is stronger than that of isolated substorms. It is also shown that the sawtooth events displays greater variability between individual events than isolated substorms. We conclude that in terms of ionospheric electrodynamics, the sawtoothe events have features that are similar to those of isolates substorms, though larger in spatial extent and in magnitude.
Keratinocyte Growth Factor Injected into Female Mouse Neonates Stimulates Uterine and Vaginal Epithelial Growth

Estradiol (E2) stimulates epithelial growth in the female genital tract via estrogen receptors (ER) in the stroma using paracrine mechanisms. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), a member of the fibroblast growth factor family, is produced by mesenchymal cells and is mitogenic for epithelial cells making it a strong candidate as a paracrine mediator. Transcripts for KGF and the KGF receptor were detected in the neonatal mouse uterus and vagina. Treatment of neonatal mice with KGF elicited changes in uterine and vaginal epithelium within five days and induced long term effects in these tissues. Newborn female Balb/c mice were injected daily with 5 μg/g body weight of KGF or saline for five days. KGF-treated mice exhibited a 5- to 6-fold increase in uterine epithelial BrdU-labeling index and a 4- and 5-fold increase in vaginal epithelial BrdU-labeling index vs. respective saline-treated controls. Histological sections of KGF-treated uteri revealed dramatic increases in epithelial surface area due to extensive ...
MRI of hyperpolarized 3He gas in human paranasal sinuses

In this study, MRI of hyperpolarized 3He gas in human paranasal sinuses is presented. Helium images were obtained at 1.5 T, using a surface coil and a 2D, fast gradient-echo sequence with a nominal constant flip angle of 12 degrees. Coronal images of 20-mm thick slices were generated and compared with proton images of the corresponding sections. The images enable visualization of the paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity, suggesting a potential use of this method not only in identifying the anatomical configuration of these pneumatic spaces, but also in assessing sinus ventilation.
The risk of intellectual disability in children born to mothers with preeclampsia or eclampsia with partial mediation by low birth weight.

Objective. Preeclampsia and eclampsia (PE) are potentially modifiable risk factors for maternofetal complications. Owing to a paucity of research connecting PE to the risk of intellectual disability (ID) in the offspring, this study examined this relationship. Furthermore, we explored how low birth weight (LBW) mediates the effect of PE on ID. Methods. Data related to South Carolina Medicaid births from 1996 to 2002 were comprised of linked data from maternal Medicaid records, delivery records, birth certificates, Department of Education (DOE), and the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSNs). After exclusions such as nonidiopathic etiologies of ID, multiple gestations, subsequent siblings in the cohort, pregnancy losses, births under 20 weeks' gestation, and children neither in DOE nor DDSN records, 80,866 maternal–child dyads remained. After adjusting for five covariates of maternal age, race, and education as well as the child's birth year and sex, the effect of PE on ID was examined. Resul...
Protective longitudinal paths linking child competence to behavioral problems among African American siblings

A 4-wave longitudinal design was used to examine protective links from child competence to behavioral problems in first- (M=10.97 years) and second- (M=8.27 years) born rural African American children. At 1-year intervals, teachers assessed child behavioral problems, mothers reported their psychological functioning, and both mothers and children reported parenting practices. Structural equation modeling indicated that child competence was linked with residualized positive changes in mothers' psychological functioning from Wave 1 to Wave 2. Mothers' psychological functioning and child competence at Wave 2 forecast involved-supportive parenting at Wave 3, which was associated negatively with externalizing and internalizing problems at Wave 4. The importance of replicating processes leading to outcomes among children in the same study is discussed.
Targeting a niche market of pet owners: consumer evaluation of a mobile veterinarian's service concept

The veterinary care service industry in the USA is projected to continue its growth during the next decade, primarily due to increasing numbers of pets and rising consumer expenditure for pet medical care. The increasing demand for pet care has spawned a proliferation of traditional and non-traditional veterinary services. There is a need to examine the market potential for new veterinary services. A concept test among 150 target consumers is used here to provide an evaluation of a non-traditional veterinary service—mobile veterinary care for small companion animals. Although using a vet who makes house calls would require a change in consumer behaviour, the findings indicate that the service concept is appealing to a niche market of pet owners who desire more service convenience and are willing to pay for it. Educating more consumers about the service benefits may broaden its appeal. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications Ltd.
A spontaneous mutation in the movement protein gene of brome mosaic virus modulates symptom phenotype in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Brome mosaic virus (BMV) is a positive-strand RNA virus with a multipartite genome that causes symptomless infection in Nicotiana benthamiana. We have isolated and characterized a strain of BMV that produced uniform vein chlorosis in systemically infected N. benthamiana. Analysis of pseudorecombinants constructed by exchanging RNA 1 and 2 and RNA 3 components between wild-type (non-symptom-inducing) and vein chlorosis-inducing strains of BMV indicated that the genetic determinant for the induction of the chlorotic phenotype is located on RNA 3. Sequence analysis of progeny RNA 3 recovered from symptomatic N. benthamiana plants revealed that vein chlorosis is due to the single nucleotide transition 887G-->887A, which changes the codon for Val-266 to Ile-266 in the movement protein gene. The mutation had no detectable effect on the accumulation of virus in either inoculated or systematically infected leaves of N. benthamiana. The vein chlorosis phenotype is the manifestation of the substitution of Ile-266 for Val-266 in the movement protein gene, since additional alterations in this region (a silent mutation, i.e., 887GUU889-->GUC, and an alteration of valine to phenylalanine, i.e., 887GUU889-->887UUU889) resulted in symptomless infections on N. benthamiana. The modulation of the symptom phenotype by the substitution of Ile-266 for Val-266 is specific for N. benthamiana, since neither movement nor the symptom phenotype in barley plants was affected.
Functional Interplay of the Mre11 Nuclease and Ku in the Response to Replication-Associated DNA Damage

The Mre11 complex is a central component of the DNA damage response, with roles in damage sensing, molecular bridging, and end resection. We have previously shown that in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Ku70 (yKu70) deficiency reduces the ionizing radiation sensitivity of mre11Δ mutants. In this study, we show that yKu70 deficiency suppressed the camptothecin (CPT) and methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) sensitivity of nuclease-deficient mre11-3 and sae2Δ mutants in an Exo1-dependent manner. CPT-induced G(2)/M arrest, γ-H2AX persistence, and chromosome breaks were elevated in mre11-3 mutants. These outcomes were reduced by yKu70 deficiency. Given that the genotoxic effects of CPT are manifest during DNA replication, these data suggest that Ku limits Exo1-dependent double-strand break (DSB) resection during DNA replication, inhibiting the initial processing steps required for homology-directed repair. We propose that Mre11 nuclease- and Sae2-dependent DNA end processing, which initiates DSB resection prevents Ku from engaging DSBs, thus promoting Exo1-dependent resection. In agreement with this idea, we show that Ku affinity for binding to short single-stranded overhangs is much lower than for blunt DNA ends. Collectively, the data define a nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ)-independent, S-phase-specific function of the Ku heterodimer.
A belief propagation approach for detecting shilling attacks in collaborative filtering

Recommender systems have been widely used in e-commerce websites to suggest items that meet users' preferences. Collaborative filtering, which is the most popular recommendation algorithm, is vulnerable to shilling attacks, where a group of spam users collaborate to manipulate the recommendations. Several attack detection algorithms have been developed to detect spam users and remove them from the system. However, the existing algorithms focus mostly on rating patterns of users. In this paper, we develop a probabilistic inference framework that further exploits the target items for attack detection. In addition, the user features can also be conveniently incorporated in this framework. We utilize the Belief Propagation (BP) algorithm to perform inference efficiently. Experimental results verify that the proposed algorithm significantly improves detection performance as the number of target items increases.
Measurable Spaces and Measurable Functions

In the previous chapter we studied general topological spaces. A topology was defined as a collection of sets (on a carrier) that is closed with respect to the formation of arbitrary unions and finite intersections. In the present chapter, we introduce various classes of sets similar to topological spaces but serving other purposes. One of them prepares the reader to another part of analysis, integration. Beyond the familiar integration we experienced in calculus, we need to measure much more general sets than those used for the Riemann integral. For instance, we consider abstract sets that are encountered in the theory of probability. In addition, we largely extend the existing class of integrable functions.
Galois-fixed points in the Bruhat-tits building of a reductive group

We give a new proof of a useful result of Guy Rousseau on Galois-fixed points in the Bruhat-Tits building of a reductive group.
Conditions for Sustainability Science

As precursors of sustainability science, the three articles that comprise the “Our Hazardous Environment” series had several features that characterize the field.1 One is that each article had cont...
Computer Simulations of Two Dimensional Systems

The study of phase transitions in two dimensional systems has long been a topic of interest in statistical physics in large part because of the exact solutions of several two dimensional Ising models which appeared almost half a century ago. Activity in this area was heightened even further by the realization that adsorbed monolayers represented some of the best pseudo—two dimensional systems in nature and that modern experimental techniques are providing an ever increasing amount of information about a wide variety of physical systems.
Globalization and the Environment: The Limits of the Law

I am deeply honored to have been asked to deliver the keynote address at this Institute for Development Studies Conference. It is indeed a privilege to address such a distinguished group on the topic of “Globalization and the Environment: Opportunities and Challenges for the New Transatlantic Agenda,” and I am grateful to the Institute, the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and the Ecole Nationale d’Administration for this opportunity.
The Effect of Reactive Oxygen Species on Embryo Quality in IVF.

UNLABELLED BACKROUND/AIM: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in critical biological processes in human reproduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of embryo quality following in vitro fertilization (IVF), with ROS levels in the serum and follicular fluid (FF). MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty-five participants underwent ovarian stimulation and IVF; ROS levels were measured in blood samples on the day of oocyte retrieval and in the FF from follicular aspirates using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. These values were associated with the quality of embryos generated. RESULTS Univariable zero-inflated Poisson model revealed that ROS levels at both oocyte retrieval and in FF were not associated with the number of grade I, II, III and IV embryos (p>0.05). Age, body mass index, stimulation protocol and smoking status were not associated with the number of embryos of any grade (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Neither ROS levels in serum nor in FF are associated with the quality of embryos produced following IVF.
Formation of Water Damage Deformation on the Impact of Casing

Oilfield in the process of injection-production, high-pressure water injection has changed the original formation pressure balance, led to the stratum (or reservoir bed) stress change and redistribution. First mathematical model is established of fluid-structure interaction of stratum seepage flow in high-pressure water injection, and then water injection for a particular formation of a deformed. The results show that formation squeeze in a horizontal direction deformation, in the vertical direction of a clear tension and the formation will be happened upward uplift the deformation in high-pressure water injection. The formation of this deformation is precisely the result which placed casing different nature of casing the direct cause of damage.
Effect of Ca on Na-D-glucose cotransport across isolated renal brush-border membranes

Brush-border membrane vesicles were prepared from rat kidney cortex by Mg precipitation. Using quin2 (free acid), intravesicular [Ca2+] was found to be 44 microM and less than 300 nM when vesicles were incubated in 0.2 mM CaCl2 or Ca-free buffer, respectively. In Ca-loaded vesicles, the initial D-glucose uptake, measured in the presence of 150 mM Na+ and 0.1 mM D-glucose inward gradients, was reduced to 30% of the control uptake. This reduction persisted when the extra-vesicular Ca2+ was chelated by ethylene glycol-bis(beta-amino-ethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid but was abolished in the presence of saturating concentrations of D-glucose. Whereas KG0.5 (g) for D-glucose at constant [Na] in the Ca-loaded membranes increased by approximately 50% of the control value (0.5 +/- 0.1 mM), no significant change in Jmax was observed. In contrast, both Jmax and KG0.5 (Na) for glucose, measured as a function of [Na] in the extravesicular fluid, were found to be significantly reduced. Na uptake, determined in the presence of 0.5 mM amiloride, was found to increase by approximately 30% of the value for control membrane. This increase was abolished when vesicles were preincubated with 0.5 mM neomycin or 0.5 mM phlorizin. The results suggest that the effect of Ca2+ on Na entry may be mediated in part by activation of phospholipase C and are consistent with a model of cotransport in which Ca2+ increases the mobility of the binary Na-sugar-translocator complex, thus leading to uncoupling of Na transport from glucose uptake ("slipping") and in part with Ca-induced Na entry by nonmediated leakage.
The Psychotherapy of Giving Medications: Therapeutic Techniques for Interpersonal Interventions

We believe that the duration and mileu of medication visits can be appropriately and effectively used for ongoing psychotherapy in patients who must come for the prescription and follow-up of psychiatric medications. Many physicians make unplanned therapeutic suggestions as a matter of course; in contrast, when interventions are planned, codified, and examined with respect to patient's needs and physician's personal internal responses, their effectiveness and consistency can be enhanced. Specific interventions such as role modeling mental health, identifying transference reactions, and addressing family systems process are easily and effectively made, without being onerous or threatening to patients with severe mental illness. Overall, our clinical experience suggests that planned psychotherapy can be advantageously combined with pharmacologic treatment to enhance patients' overall response.
Reduced locomotor activity of rats mediated by peripheral beta adrenergic receptors

The nonselective beta adrenergic agonist isoproterenol, the beta-2 selective agonist clenbuterol and, to a lesser extent, the beta-1 selective agonists dobutamine and prenalterol reduced locomotor activity of rats in a dose-dependent manner. These effects were antagonized by the beta adrenergic antagonist propranolol, suggesting mediation by beta adrenergic receptors. The hydrophilic beta adrenergic antagonist CGP-12177, which crosses the blood-brain barrier poorly, also blocked the effect of clenbuterol on locomotor activity with a potency similar to propranolol, suggesting that stimulation of peripheral beta adrenergic receptors is sufficient for reducing locomotor activity.
Understanding the Process of Internationalization of Curriculum Studies in China: a Case Study

The movement to internationalize curriculum studies has initiated complicated worldwide conversations incorporating different nations, intellectual histories, and diversified curriculum visions. However, questions remain regarding how internationalization works in different contexts, what the goals are of such work, and in what ways it might influence the formalization of the field. How local intellectuals’ research on this topic serves to constitute and function in the process of internationalization is an area requiring further study. In examining the vanguard work of a curriculum studies center in China, this qualitative research seeks to understand the forces that drive internationalization in China, and how Chinese curriculum scholars function with, through, and around the process of “complicated conversation.” This research demonstrated that political forces, social realities, and education intellectuals are the primary subjects mobilizing and sustaining the internationalization of curriculum studies, traditional Chinese culture and wisdom serve as the foundation for equal dialogue with the international community, and the nature of the internationalization process appears to be unbounded and democratic. 课程国际化进程已促使不同国家间,不同智识传统间展开了“复杂对话”并且成就了不同的课程观。 然而,在不同的环境下,国际化工作如何进行,他们的希冀如何,又会走向何方,这些国际化工作又是怎样影响课程领域的发展还不明朗。本土的智识传统在国际化进程中的作用是什么值得进一步探索。在对中国的一个课程研究前沿中心的调研中,这个质性研究试图理解在中国有什么样的力量推动课程国际化,他们又是怎样在课程国际化历程中围绕“复杂对话”与国际上的智识来展开合作与对话。研究表明,政治力量、社会现实、和教育知识分子促进着中国的课程国际化,中国传统智识被认为是开展国际对话的根本,课程国际化的历程本身体现灵活多元而又民主的。
Clinical comparison of brachytherapy versus hypofractionated external beam radiation versus standard fractionation external beam radiation for non-melanomatous skin cancers.

Purpose Non-melanomatous skin cancer (NMSC) is the single most common cancer in the US. Radiation therapy is an excellent treatment alternative to surgery. High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) are commonly used radiation treatment modalities but little data is published comparing these modalities. We present our institution's experience and outcomes with these therapeutic options.
OCEANFILMS-2: Representing coadsorption of saccharides in marine films and potential impacts on modeled marine aerosol chemistry

Here we show that the addition of chemical interactions between soluble monosaccharides and an insoluble lipid surfactant monolayer improves agreement of modeled sea spray chemistry with observed marine aerosol chemistry. In particular, the alkane:hydroxyl mass ratio in modeled sea spray organic matter is reduced from a median of 2.73 to a range of 0.41–0.69, reducing the discrepancy with previous Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) observations of clean marine aerosol (ratio: 0.24–0.38). The overall organic fraction of submicron sea spray also increases, allowing organic mass fractions in the range 0.5–0.7 for submicron sea spray particles over highly active phytoplankton blooms. Sum frequency generation experiments support the modeling approach by demonstrating that soluble monosaccharides can strongly adsorb to a lipid monolayer likely via Coulomb interactions under appropriate conditions. These laboratory findings motivate further research to determine the relevance of coadsorption mechanisms for real-world, sea spray aerosol production.
Application of Numerical Techniques to the Systematics of Toxorhynchites (Diptera: Culicidae)

This paper summarizes the results of cladistic and phenetic comparisons of 32 species belonging to the mosquito genus Toxorhynchites, the subject of an on-going systematic study. Efforts have concentrated on the largest of the three subgenera, Toxorhynchites (Toxorhynchites). Progress to date includes a bibliographic survey and literature review (Steffan, Evenhuis and Manning 1980; Steffan and Evenhuis 1981a) new species descriptions (Steffan and Evenhuis 1981b), identification of species groups (Evenhuis and Steffan, in prep.; Moss et al. 1979) and investigations of phylogenetic relationships among species (Simon et al., in prep.; Simon, in prep.; and results reported here).
Initial effects of quinclorac on the survival and growth of high biomass tree species

Increasingly, short rotation woody crops are being planted for biofuel/biomass production on unused lands or marginal agricultural lands. Many of these plantations occur near agriculture land which is intensively managed including yearly herbicide applications. Herbicide drift from these applications may cause tree stress and decreasing yields impacting potential biomass production. Quinclorac, a rice herbicide, is often cited as a potential source of tree damage and is the focal herbicide of this study. Five planting stocks, including three eastern cottonwood clones, a hybrid poplar clone, and American sycamore, were assessed for herbicide affects and deployed at three sites across south Arkansas. Stocks were exposed to a full rate labeled for rice (3.175 L ha-1), two rates simulating drift (1/100th and 1/10th the full rate), and a no-spray control. Survival of all Populus clones decreased drastically as quinclorac rate increased, while there was little observed effect on American sycamore. Some variability in treatment response among poplars occurred below the full herbicide rate; however, direct spraying a full herbicide rate on poplars resulted in survival rates below 65 percent and negative growth rates due to dieback. Conversely, photosynthetic rates of remaining leaves increased as quinclorac rate increased. Survival and damage scores of American sycamore, regardless of herbicide rate, remained nearly constant.
Corporate Social Responsibility and the United Nations Global Compact Initiative

The purpose of this chapter is to examine international efforts, specifically, the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, as a voluntary initiative aiming for enhancing corporate social responsibility (CSR ) in some selected countries in Asia. The chapter shows that in the Asian countries under discussion, with strong state intervention and a close state–business relationship, CSR initiatives are regarded as a function of global economy and social development. The government plays a key role in developing CSR as a top-down strategy, whereas businesses often use CSR initiatives as a strategic tool to improve their image. However, this highlights challenges, such as legitimacy and accountability , in the sense that both the state and market experience a set of external factors (e.g., globalization , social expectations of expanded business role) boosting interests in CSR, thereby eroding governmental power and scope in related affairs as well as cultural differences and value diversity, which make the monitoring and auditing of CSR initiatives within a company or country challenging. The chapter concludes that a normative issue regarding the monitoring process can arise as businesses are more likely to have a closer relationship with NGOs increasing, in turn, the potential risks of regulatory capture or co-optation.
Integer Solutions of Matrix Linear Unilateral and Bilateral Equations over Quadratic Rings

For matrix linear equations AX + BY = C and AX + YB = C over quadratic rings $$ \mathbb{Z}\left[\sqrt{k}\right] $$ , we establish necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of integer solutions, i.e., solutions X and Y over the ring of integers $$ \mathbb{Z} $$ . We also present the criteria of uniqueness of the integer solutions of these equations and the method for their construction.
Enhancements in mass transfer for carbon capture solvents part II: Micron-sized solid particles

Abstract The mass transfer of CO 2 into amine-based carbon capture solvents was improved with the addition of heterogeneous micron- and nano-sized particle additives. Enhancement in CO 2 removal rate was determined in a stirred reactor with a flat steady gas-liquid interface and in a small packed-bed absorption column. The screening of several particle types in the stirred reactor indicated that carbon particles are best suited to enhance the rate of CO 2 diffusion in 30 wt.% monoethanolamine (MEA), and tests in the small packed-bed absorption column showed improved CO 2 mass transfer in three solvents, MEA, piperazine (PZ), and hexanediamine (HDA), upon addition of nano-sized activated carbon particles. The enhancement of CO 2 capture efficiency and K G increases with increasing solvent kinetics, in order of methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) 2 capture unit, in both MEA and the thermally stable advanced amine blend: 1-amino-2-propanol (A2P)/2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP). The combined system translated to an overall 26% reduction in energy penalty for CO 2 capture on the CAER Bench-scale unit.
Large uncertainty in permafrost carbon stocks due to hillslope soil deposits

Northern circumpolar permafrost soils contain more than a third of the global Soil Organic Carbon pool (SOC). The sensitivity of this carbon pool to a changing climate is a primary source of uncertainty in simulation-based climate projections. These projections, however, do not account for the accumulation of soil deposits at the base of hillslopes (hill-toes), and the influence of this accumulation on the distribution, sequestration, and decomposition of SOC in landscapes affected by permafrost. Here we combine topographic models with soil-profile data and topographic analysis to evaluate the quantity and uncertainty of SOC mass stored in perennially frozen hill-toe soil deposits. We show that in Alaska this SOC mass introduces an uncertainty that is >200% than state-wide estimates of SOC stocks (77 PgC), and that a similarly large uncertainty may also pertain at a circumpolar scale. Soil sampling and geophysical-imaging efforts that target hill-toe deposits can help constrain this large uncertainty.
Polarization vector signatures for target identification

Polarization measurements can be used to distinguish different objects. In this work, polarimetry has been used as a useful tool to differentiate between two geometries, viz., a cube and a cylinder, demonstrating that polarization “signatures” can be obtained from the reflection of passive lighting. A novel approach to characterizing geometries using vector-vector space has been demonstrated to be effective in differentiating between these two geometries and lends itself well to a statistical analysis that is applicable for computer generated target identification.
Arabic Orthography and Reading Acquisition

Abstract The study of reading acquisition in the Arabic language has been the subject of relatively little scientific research. The present paper reports one part of a comprehensive study of literacy acquisition in Morocco which sought to investigate die nature of the psychohnguistic skills which beginning readers of Arabic must master in becoming proficient readers. Overall, die findings suggest that learning to read in Arabic has much in common with other alphabetic scripts, particularly in terms of the importance of decoding skills for building subsequent reading skills.
Posterior open reduction and internal fixation of C1 fractures: the C-clamp technique

The treatment of isolated atlas (C1) fractures is still controversial. The surgical management usually involves an arthrodesis of the atlanto-axial (C1-C2) joint with or without occipital fixation. We reviewed the senior author’s series of posterior only open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of isolated C1 fractures. Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with isolated C1 fractures, treated in one institution by posterior only ORIF between 2005 and 2017. All fractures of C1 with concomitant C2 or occipital condyle fractures were excluded. The C1 arch was reduced with C1 lateral mass screws, connected with a transverse rod in a C-clamp fashion. We analyzed neck pain on the visual analog scale (VAS) and imaging signs of instability on follow-up. We identified eight patients, six males, and two females with a mean age of 37.9 years (range 20–71 years). All were neurologically intact before surgery, none had a documented transverse ligament disruption, and the mean gap between the fractured pieces was 5.3 mm. Five patients were treated < 72 h of injury, two patients had failed halo vest for 8–10 weeks, and one patient was operated after 6 months because of painful pseudarthrosis despite wearing a hard collar. One patient developed a transient neurological deficit due to vertebral artery dissection that had resolved completely at time of follow-up. The mean follow-up after surgery was 12.6 months (range 1–49 months) and mean preoperative neck pain (VAS 5.1) was significantly decreased (VAS 0.8; p < 0.001). On follow-up radiological evaluation, no instability was noted in any patient. Posterior ORIF of C1 fractures may be an option for patients who fail or do not wish to pursue conservative management. The particular advantage of this technique over C1-C2 arthrodesis is the preserved range of rotational motion. Mono-axial screws seem to provide better reduction capacity.
Complements of the house: Estimating demand-side linkages between residential water and electricity

Abstract Past studies have estimated residential demand for water and electricity in isolation, but these goods are often used as joint inputs in household production activities. As such, separately estimating electricity and water demand may lead to biased demand parameter estimates. If prices are positively correlated and goods are complements, ignoring cross-price effects will exaggerate own-price elasticity estimates, leading to inaccurate revenue and conservation forecasts. Moreover, understanding the water-electricity demand relationship will allow for synergistic conservation strategies. We propose a joint estimation procedure using 3-Stage-Least-Squares-Fixed-Effects (3SLS-FE) to highlight linkages between water and electricity and conclude that water demand, in particular, appears less own-price elastic when cross-prices are included in the demand system. Results from our study region suggest that water and electricity are gross complements (with an average cross-price elasticity of approximately − 0.1 ). A simple simulation is included to highlight how omitting cross-price elasticities may lead to inaccurate forecasting and suboptimal decisions.
Counting Your Chickens With Markov Chains

We use Markov chains to analyze the cooperative children’s game, Count Your Chickens!. Similar to Chutes and Ladders or Monopoly, this game involves movement of a token on a game board in which the...
Tool choice matters: JavaScript quality assurance tools and usage outcomes in GitHub projects

Quality assurance automation is essential in modern software development. In practice, this automation is supported by a multitude of tools that fit different needs and require developers to make decisions about which tool to choose in a given context. Data and analytics of the pros and cons can inform these decisions. Yet, in most cases, there is a dearth of empirical evidence on the effectiveness of existing practices and tool choices. We propose a general methodology to model the time- dependent effect of automation tool choice on four outcomes of interest: prevalence of issues, code churn, number of pull requests, and number of contributors, all with a multitude of controls. On a large data set of npm JavaScript projects, we extract the adoption events for popular tools in three task classes: linters, dependency managers, and coverage reporters. Using mixed methods approaches, we study the reasons for the adoptions and compare the adoption effects within each class, and sequential tool adoptions across classes. We find that some tools within each group are associated with more beneficial outcomes than others, providing an empirical perspective for the benefits of each. We also find that the order in which some tools are implemented is associated with varying outcomes.
Towards a comprehensive etiopathogenetic and pathophysiological theory of multiple sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by dysfunction of the immune system that affects the central nervous system (CNS). It is characterized by demyelination, chronic inflammation, neuronal and oligodendrocyte loss and reactive astrogliosis. It can result in physical disability and acute neurological and cognitive problems. Despite the gains in knowledge of immunology, cell biology, and genetics in the last five decades, the ultimate etiology or specific elements that trigger MS remain unknown. The objective of this review is to propose a theoretical basis for MS etiopathogenesis.Methods: Search was done by accessing PubMed/Medline, EBSCO, and PsycINFO databases. The search string used was "(multiple sclerosis* OR EAE) AND (pathophysiology* OR etiopathogenesis)". The electronic databases were searched for titles or abstracts containing these terms in all published articles between January 1, 1960, and June 30, 2019. The search was filtered down to 362 articles which were included in this review.Results: A framework to better understand the etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology of MS can be derived from four essential factors; mitochondria dysfunction (MtD) & oxidative stress (OS), vitamin D (VD), sex hormones and thyroid hormones. These factors play a direct role in MS etiopathogenesis and have a modulatory effect on many other factors involved in the disease.Conclusions: For better MS prevention and treatment outcomes, efforts should be geared towards treating thyroid problems, sex hormone alterations, VD deficiency, sleep problems and melatonin alterations. MS patients should be encouraged to engage in activities that boost total antioxidant capacity (TAC) including diet and regular exercise and discouraged from activities that promote OS including smoking and alcohol consumption.
Development of Classification Models for Assessment of Endotracheal Intubation Training by a Cyber-Physical System

Abstract Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is one of the most staple skills in prehospital medicine that is performed to prevent suffocation of an unconscious person. To evaluate ETI skills of medical practitioners, an effective and reliable assessment system is required; however, the current assessment method relies on subjective evaluation by supervisors during training sessions that may be inaccurate and biased. To provide objective and immediate feedback to trainees, this paper proposes a cyber physical system (CPS)-based ETI assessment system. The CPS is composed of wearable gloves with embedded sensors to capture hand motion data and software to discriminate between two groups: experienced and novice. To this end, we collected hand motion data from the two groups and extracted 18 features. Furthermore, we identified reduced sets of 8 and 10 based on their statistical significance. To discriminate the two groups, artificial neural network-based classification models were developed with the three feature sets. Experimental results show that the classifiers with 18, 8, and 10 features achieved an accuracy of 90.94%, 87.87% and 89.60%, respectively. This work corroborates that wearable gloves with embedded motion sensors can be effective in assisting self-training of ETI on a CPS.
Transcription factors in ferroptotic cell death.

Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death, is characterized by an excessive degree of iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Although it was originally identified only in cells expressing a mutant RAS oncogene, ferroptosis has also been found in normal cells following treatment by small molecules (e.g., erastin and RSL3) or drugs (e.g., sulfasalazine, sorafenib, and artesunate), which target antioxidant enzyme systems, especially the amino acid antiporter system xc− and the glutathione peroxidase GPX4. Dysfunctional ferroptosis is implicated in various physiological and pathological processes (e.g., metabolism, differentiation, and immunity). Targeting the ferroptotic network appears to a new treatment option for diseases or pathological conditions (e.g., cancer, neurodegeneration, and ischemia reperfusion injury). While the molecular machinery of ferroptosis remains largely unknown, several transcription factors (e.g., TP53, NFE2L2/NRF2, ATF3, ATF4, YAP1, TAZ, TFAP2C, SP1, HIF1A, EPAS1/HIF2A, BACH1, TFEB, JUN, HIC1, and HNF4A) play multiple roles in shaping ferroptosis sensitivity through either transcription-dependent or transcription-independent mechanisms. In this review, we summarize recent progress in understanding the transcriptional regulation underlying ferroptotic cell death, and discuss how it has provided new insights into cancer therapy.
Chemoproteomic Identification of Serine Hydrolase RBBP9 as a Valacyclovir-Activating Enzyme.

Prodrug discovery and development in the pharmaceutical industry have been hampered by a lack of knowledge of prodrug activation pathways. Such knowledge would minimize the risks of prodrug failure by enabling proper selection of preclinical animal models, prediction of pharmacogenomic variability, and identification of drug-drug interactions. Technologies for annotation of activating enzymes have not kept pace with the growing need. Activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) has matured considerably in recent decades, leading to widespread use in the pharmaceutical industry. Here, we report the extension of competitive ABPP (cABPP) to prodrug-activating enzyme identification in stable isotope-labeled cell lysates using a modified fluorophosphonate probe. Focusing on the antiviral ester prodrug valacyclovir (VACV), we identified serine hydrolase RBBP9 as an activating enzyme in Caco-2 cells via shotgun proteomics, validating the activity via the selective inhibitor emetine (EME). Kinetic characterization of RBBP9 revealed a catalytic efficiency (kcat·KM-1 = 104 mM-1·s-1) comparable to that of BPHL, the only known VACV-activating enzyme prior to this work. EME incubation in wild-type and Bphl-knockout jejunum and liver lysates demonstrated the near-exclusivity of VACV activation by RBBP9 in the intestine. Additionally, these studies showed that RBBP9 and BPHL are the two major and coequal VACV-activating enzymes in the liver. Single-pass intestinal perfusions of VACV ± EME in mice showed EME coperfusion significantly inhibited the intestinal activation of VACV, implying the in vivo relevance of RBBP9-mediated VACV activation. We envision that others might use the cABPP approach in the future for global, rapid, and efficient discovery of prodrug-activating enzymes.
Initial experience with the Perceval S sutureless aortic valve.

Introduction Surgical treatment of the aortic valve represents the gold standard, and thus aortic valve replacement (AVR) is one of the most commonly performed cardiac operations. Aim To evaluate the early outcome of aortic valve replacement with the Perceval S sutureless aortic bioprosthesis. Material and methods This was a retrospective analysis of 24 patients (mean age: 71 ±5 years), who underwent aortic valve replacement with a Perceval S valve. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was performed in 9 patients. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, at hospital discharge, and once during follow-up. Results A total of 15 of 24 patients underwent isolated sutureless aortic valve replacement (mean aortic cross-clamp time: 60 ±14 minutes; mean bypass time: 90 ±23 minutes). Coronary bypass grafting was performed in 9 patients (mean aortic cross-clamp time: 78 ±23 minutes; mean bypass time: 111 ±31 minutes). Hospital mortality was nil. Mean and peak transvalvular pressure gradients were 10 ±2 mm Hg and 21 ±3 mm Hg at follow-up, respectively. Moderate or severe aortic regurgitation did not develop in any patients during the follow-up period. No valve thrombosis, thromboembolic events, or structural valve deterioration were observed. Conclusions In our experience with sutureless aortic valve replacement, the surgical procedure is shown to be safe. The early haemodynamic performance seems favourable. By shortening the aortic cross-clamp and bypass times we can notice advantages, especially in high-risk patients. Minimally invasive access seems to be facilitated. Larger studies are needed to confirm our data and determine the long-term durability of the Perceval S sutureless bioprosthesis.
Are Emojis Emotional? A Study to Understand the Association between Emojis and Emotions.

Given the growing ubiquity of emojis in language, there is a need for methods and resources that shed light on their meaning and communicative role. One conspicuous aspect of emojis is their use to convey affect in ways that may otherwise be non-trivial to achieve. In this paper, we seek to explore the connection between emojis and emotions by means of a new dataset consisting of human-solicited association ratings. We additionally conduct experiments to assess to what extent such associations can be inferred from existing data, such that similar associations can be predicted for a larger set of emojis. Our experiments show that this succeeds when high-quality word-level information is available.
Shining the Spotlight on Those outside Florida’s Reform Limelight: The Impact of Developmental Education Reform for Nonexempt Students

Since the 2000s, states have experimented with reforms to improve success among underprepared students traditionally assigned to developmental education (DE). Florida’s reform under Senate Bill 172...
Elevated infant cortisol is necessary but not sufficient for transmission of environmental risk to infant social development: Cross-species evidence of mother-infant physiological social transmission

Environmental adversity increases child susceptibility to disrupted developmental outcomes, but the mechanisms by which adversity can shape development remain unclear. A translational cross-species approach was used to examine stress-mediated pathways by which poverty-related adversity can influence infant social development. Findings from a longitudinal sample of low-income mother-infant dyads indicated that infant cortisol (CORT) on its own did not mediate relations between early-life scarcity-adversity exposure and later infant behavior in a mother-child interaction task. However, maternal CORT through infant CORT served as a mediating pathway, even when controlling for parenting behavior. Findings using a rodent "scarcity-adversity" model indicated that pharmacologically blocking pup corticosterone (CORT, rodent equivalent to cortisol) in the presence of a stressed mother causally prevented social transmission of scarcity-adversity effects on pup social behavior. Furthermore, pharmacologically increasing pup CORT without the mother present was not sufficient to disrupt pup social behavior. Integration of our cross-species results suggests that elevated infant CORT may be necessary, but without elevated caregiver CORT, may not be sufficient in mediating the effects of environmental adversity on development. These findings underscore the importance of considering infant stress physiology in relation to the broader social context, including caregiver stress physiology, in research and interventional efforts.
Indoxyl sulfate impairs angiogenesis via chronic aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a substantial increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There is growing evidence that uremic metabolites, which accumulate in the blood with CKD, ha...
Delegating Innovation Projects with Deadline: Committed vs. Flexible Stopping

In many contexts such as product design and development, advertising, and scouting for technical solutions, clients seek the expertise of external providers to generate innovative solutions for the...