cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A high-throughput transient gene expression system for switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) seedlings.

Background Grasses are relatively recalcitrant to genetic transformation in comparison to certain dicotyledons, yet they constitute some of the most important biofuel crops. Genetic transformation of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has previously been reported after cocultivation of explants with Agrobacterium and biolistics of embryogenic calli. Experiments to increase transient gene expression in planta may lead to stable transformation methods with increased efficiency.
Sensor Scheduling for Aggregate Monitoring inWireless Sensor Networks

Most of the applications of wireless sensor networks involve primarily data collection with in-network processing in which continuous aggregate queries are posed and processed. There are two principle concerns with this type of applications. First, due to the use of batteries, limited power resource has been identified as a major challenge in deploying wireless sensor networks. Second, data is usually expected to be gathered as soon as possible to facilitate the monitoring of and the response to the physical phenomena. In this paper, we tackle these challenges through sensor state scheduling. The proposed technique is based on the observation that there are two types of traffic in sensor networks designed for data aggregation, bottom-up and top-down within an abstract tree structure. We show that it is possible to achieve deterministic schedules for data aggregation with very good performance. Specifically, we develop greedy algorithms to schedule transmission and listening operations for each sensor node to achieve collision- free communication. We show that the schedules can maximize the time sensor nodes spent on low-power states which helps achieve great energy efficiency, as well as allow fast data aggregation.
Screening for Lung Cancer With Low-Dose Computed Tomography: A Systematic Review to Update the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation

Early-stage lung cancer is associated with lower mortality than late-stage disease; thus, early detection and treatment may be beneficial. This systematic review updates evidence on the effectivene...
Methane activation on ruthenium: the nature of the surface intermediates

The identification of surface intermediates is an important step in determining the mechanism of a reaction and in developing an in-depth understanding of a catalytic process. In this work the surface species formed during methane decomposition on idealized single-crystal Ru catalysts (using high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy, HREELS) are compared to the surface species identified on real Ru catalysts (using neutron vibrational spectroscopy, NVS). Kinetic studies of methane homologation on single-crystal catalysts and on high surface area supported Ru catalysts have been carried out in parallel with the HREELS and NVS studies to relate rates of reaction with the concentration of particular surface intermediates.
CONCEPTS AND TESTS OF HOMOLOGY IN THE CLADISTIC PARADIGM

— Logical equivalence between the notions of homology and synapomorphy is reviewed and supported. So-called transformational homology embodies two distinct logical components, one related to comparisons among different organisms and the other restricted to comparisons within the same organism. The former is essentially hierarchical in nature, thus being in fact a less obvious form of taxic homology. The latter is logically equivalent to so-called serial homology in a broad sense (including homonomy, mass homology or iterative homology). Of three tests of homology proposed to date (similarity, conjunction and congruence) only congruence serves as a test in the strict sense. Similarity stands at a basic level in homology propositions, being the source of the homology conjecture in the first place. Conjunction is unquestionably an indicator of non-homology, but it is not specific about the pairwise comparison where non-homology is present, and depends on a specific scheme of relationship in order to refute a hypothesis of homology. The congruence test has been previously seen as an application of compatibility analysis. However, congruence is more appropriately seen as an expression of strict parsimony analysis. A general theoretical solution is proposed to determine evolution of characters with ambiguous distributions, based on the notion of maximization of homology propositions. According to that notion, ambiguous character-state distributions should be resolved by an optimization that maximizes reversals relative to parallelisms. Notions of homology in morphology and molecular biology are essentially the same. The present tendency to adopt different terminologies for the two sources of data should be avoided, in order not to obscure the fundamental uniformity of the concept of homology in comparative biology. “A similar hierarchy is found both in ‘structures’ and in ‘functions’. In the last resort, structure (i.e. order of parts) and function (order of processes) may be the very same thing […].” L. von Bertalanlfy “[…] it is the fact that certain criteria enable us to match parts of things consistently which suggests that mechanisms of certain kinds must have been involved in their origin.” N. Jardine and C. Jardine
Therapeutic Uses of Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) in Children

Introduction HISTORY Immunologists have been aware of the existence of protective humoral substances in the serum of patients after an infectious episode for a long time. Serum harvested from large animals after their immunization with specific pathogens was injected into humans for the prophylaxis and treatment of serious infections. The concept of immunoglobulin (also called gamma globulin) therapy originated from these early experiments. Subsequently, Paul Ehrlich produced antitoxin to diphtheria in 1897. To avoid complications such as serum sickness with the use of animal serums, attempts were made to concentrate the antibody-containing fractions of human serum. In 1936, placental immunoglobulin samples were used for prophylaxis of measles. In 1952, Bruton recognized that an 8-year-old child who had serious recurrent infections despite conventional therapy was incapable of making significant quantities of immunoglobulin. This was the first time primary immunodeficiency was diagnosed and treated successfully with intramuscular immunoglobulin. Since then, and until 1981, intramuscular gamma globulin or, alternatively, fresh frozen plasma has been the mainstay of treatment of hypogammaglobulinemia and other primary immune deficiencies. In 1981, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) became available commercially in the United States. The advantages of IVIG over intramuscular gamma globulin are: 1) administration is relatively painless; 2) higher doses can be given, resulting in rapid achievement of therapeutic levels, because volume is not a limitation: 3) its absorption is good: 4) it does not undergo local degradation during infusion; and 5) it does not aggregate and activate complement.
Regional-scale variation in litter production and seasonality in tropical dry forests of southern Mexico

Highly seasonal rainfall creates a pulse of litterfall in the southern Yucatan peninsula region, with cascading effects on the timing of essential nutrient fluxes, microbial dynamics, and vegetation growth. I investigated whether forest age or a regional environmental gradient related to rainfall has a greater effect on patterns of litterfall in this increasingly human-dominated landscape. Litterfall was sampled in 10‐13 stands in each of three locations spanning a rainfall gradient of ca 900‐1400 mm/yr. Litter was collected monthly from November 1998 through January 2000 in mature forests and in secondary forests aged 2‐25 yr. Despite a substantial precipitation gradient, age was the only significant predictor of annual litter mass. Two- to five-yr-old forests produced significantly less litter than 12‐25-yr-old secondary forests (4.6 vs. 6.2 Mg/ha/yr), but the difference between older secondary forests and mature forests (9 percent) was not significant. Litter production increased with rainfall, but not significantly so. The pattern of litterfall was similar across locations and age classes, with a peak during late March or early April. However, litterfall seasonality was most pronounced in the old secondary and mature forests. Litterfall was more evenly distributed throughout the year in forests under 10 yr old. Seasonality of litterfall was also less pronounced at the wettest site, with less disparity between peak litterfall and off-peak months. Seasonality was not related to soil texture. Forest age and rainfall are important drivers of litterfall dynamics; however, both litter mass and degree of seasonality depended more strongly on forest age. Thus, the impact of land-use change on litter nutrient cycling is as great, if not greater, than the constraint imposed by the major natural environmental factor affecting tropical dry forests.
Frontier Design: A Product Usage Context Method

The need exists to develop foundational knowledge, methods, and tools to equip engineers in discovering, documenting, and acting upon contextual information important for successful product design. In response to this need, this paper addresses a gap in current design methodologies which inadequately support accounting for contextual information. Adequately accounting for contextual information is especially challenging when the design context is frontier (unfamiliar) to the designers, as is often the case with high human-need projects. Based on a classification framework, literature search, and empirical study, a contextual needs assessment methodology is presented to assist the designer in discovering and documenting the “how,” “where,” and “who” factors of the product context. Experimental assessments and an application of the approach to an inventive product design provide both quantitative and qualitative measures of the usability, usefulness, and designer acceptance of the proposed contextual needs assessment method. Additionally, anonymous surveys report equal or greater perceived value of the new method for student design projects when compared with the benchmark of wellestablished methodologies such as black box and activity diagrams. These exciting results provide strong justification for the widespread dissemination of the methodology in education as well as in field practice.
Theoretical analysis of the turbulent flow of non‐newtonian slurries in pipes

A theoretical model is derived which permits the analytical calculation of the friction factor-Reynolds number curves for non-Newtonian slurries flowing isothermally in smooth pipes. This model is based upon the Bingham plastic rheological equation of state. A change of mechanism in the transition phenomenon is observed to occur for N/sub He/ = 5 (10/sup 5/), where N/sub He/ is the familiar Hedstrom number. Below this value turbulence is suppressed relative to Newtonian flow, while above this value the transition is delayed but turbulence is enhanced relative to Newtonian flow. A set of theoretical design curves of friction factor versus Reynolds number covering laminar, transitional, and turbulent flows is calculated and presented for a range of N/sub He/ values from 10/sup 3/ to 10/sup 9/.
Taking Account of Children's Emotions: Anger and Forgiveness in 'Renegotiated Families'

Scholars writing in the field of “law and emotion” have explored how emotions influence legal decisionmaking. Legal scholars have recognized that persistent anger and conflict is harmful to divorcing parents and their children and have advocated for reforms, including no-fault divorce, mediation, and parenting education, to reduce parental anger during and after the divorce. Yet, legal scholars have rarely focused on children’s anger towards their parents — an emotion that may endure for decades after the divorce and negatively affects the parent-child relationship and children’s and parents’ well-being. This essay describes the literature suggesting that forgiveness may help individuals cope with anger and proposes that lawmakers and mental health professionals explore forgiveness education programs as a mechanism to facilitate children’s resolution of persistent anger toward their divorced parents.
Maternal fat, but not lean, mass is increased among overweight/obese women with excess gestational weight gain.

Background Weight gain in pregnancy is an essential physiologic adaptation that supports growth and development of a fetus and is distributed among lean mass that includes total body water and fat mass gains. Although gestational weight gain provides a source of energy for the mother and fetus, excess gestational weight gain may underlie reported associations between parity and future metabolic disorders and is linked to postpartum weight retention and insulin resistance. Although weight gain often is proposed as a modifiable variable to mitigate adverse maternal and offspring health outcomes, our knowledge of specific maternal body composition changes with weight gain and the potential metabolic consequences is limited. Furthermore, although gestational weight gain alters maternal body composition, the impact of excess weight gain on fat and lean mass is not well-studied. Understanding the accrual of fat and lean body mass may improve our understanding of the role of excessive gestational weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. Objective The purpose of our study was to quantify the relationship between gestational weight gain and maternal fat and lean body mass accrual and to compare fat and lean body mass accrual according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine Guidelines for Gestational Weight Gain in Pregnancy adherence. We hypothesized that exceeding current weight gain guidelines would be associated with greater fat, compared with lean body, mass accrual. Study Design This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial of 49 overweight/obese women; all 49 are included in this secondary analysis. Maternal weight and body composition were collected in early (13 0/6 to 16 6/7 weeks gestation) and late (34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks gestation) pregnancy with the use of air densitometry. Correlations were drawn between gestational weight gain and change in fat and lean body mass. We compared change in fat and lean body mass by adherence to the 2009 Institute of Medicine Guidelines for Gestational Weight Gain in Pregnancy. Nonparametric tests and chi-square analyses were performed; a probability value of Results Early pregnancy body mass index was 30.3 kg/m 2 (interquartile range [IQR], 28.5–35.2 kg/m 2 ); women gained 9.0 kg (IQR, 5.3-13.2 kg). Overweight and obese women were equally likely to gain excess weight (48% vs 35%; P = .6). Weight gain correlated strongly with fat mass change ( r = 0.87; P P r = 0.52; P = .001), but women with excess vs adequate weight gain had similar lean body mass change (8.4 [IQR, 7.2–10.1] vs 7.8 [IQR, 6.0–8.7] kg; P = .1). Conclusion Excess gestational weight gain is associated primarily with maternal fat, but not with lean body mass accrual. Our results may help explain the reason that excess gestational weight gain or fat mass accrual is associated with long-term obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease risk.
A Decision Model for Recommending Which Building Occupants Should Move Where During Fire Emergencies

This paper describes a decision model for managing the movement of building occupants during fire emergencies. Currently available guidance from standard practice, egress modeling, codes and the research literature, is too general to provide much help to persons charged with the responsibility of where groups of occupants should be located given a fire scenario. The occupant movement decision model described in the paper uses three basic yes–no questions to divide building occupants into groups during a fire emergency. For any particular group, the decision model recommends one of two basic actions: (1) people remain where they are already located; or, (2) people relocate to a safer area in or outside the building, including the means by which they should travel to the new recommended location. The model specifies informational inputs that are used to decide which strategies are best used for which occupant groups—both in planning the emergency and for maintaining the situation awareness needed to adapt the plan when situations evolve in unexpected ways. By clearly determining which occupants should use which strategies, the model yields more effectively tailored strategies than those commonly prescribed for building-wide strategies of full and phased building evacuations, partial building evacuations, in-building relocations, and sheltering-in-place.
Symbolic heap abstraction with demand-driven axiomatization of memory invariants

Many relational static analysis techniques for precise reasoning about heap contents perform an explicit case analysis of all possible heaps that can arise. We argue that such precise relational reasoning can be obtained in a more scalable and economical way by enforcing the memory invariant that every concrete memory location stores one unique value directly on the heap abstraction. Our technique combines the strengths of analyses for precise reasoning about heap contents with approaches that prioritize axiomatization of memory invariants, such as the theory of arrays. Furthermore, by avoiding an explicit case analysis, our technique is scalable and powerful enough to analyze real-world programs with intricate use of arrays and pointers; in particular, we verify the absence of buffer overruns, incorrect casts, and null pointer dereferences in OpenSSH (over 26,000 lines of code) after fixing 4 previously undiscovered bugs found by our system. Our experiments also show that the combination of reasoning about heap contents and enforcing existence and uniqueness invariants is crucial for this level of precision.
Congress, IP and the Internet: A Busy Year Ahead – Intellectual Property Rights and Privacy Issues Go Under the Microscope

The legal world of the Internet is not getting any easier. The recent decisions in the A&M Records v. Napster and Amazon v. barnesandnoble.com cases indicate that intellectual property law is still struggling to adapt to this comparatively new content and communication tool. Similarly, privacy on the Internet remains a major concern, and may have played a part in the recent collapse of so many dot.com e-businesses as consumers remain very concerned about providing personal information over the Internet. The global scope of the Internet only adds to these concerns, as content providers must navigate a complex multi-national myriad of intellectual property and privacy laws that, in contrast to the Internet, do not transcend national boundaries. Early indications are that Congress will be looking very closely at these and a number of Internet and intellectual property issues that could impact both producers and consumers of information.
The impact of climate changes on mass events in China

ABSTRACTThere is an increasing number of “mass events” in mainland China. My study extends the current studies to the context of China and tries to examine the potential impacts of climate changes on human conflicts in China. The results suggest a strong linkage between the deviation of monthly mean temperature from the historical mean and the number of mass events in a province. If the current trend of warming persists, in the next 6–8 decades, the number of mass events in China will increase by over 8.8%.
Determination of hexavalent chromium reduction using Cr stable isotopes: isotopic fractionation factors for permeable reactive barrier materials

Cr stable isotope measurements can provide improved estimates of the extent of Cr(VI) reduction to less toxic Cr(III). The relationship between observed (53)Cr/(52)Cr ratio shifts and the extent of reduction can be calibrated by determining the isotopic fractionation factor for relevant reactions. Permeable reactive barriers (PRB) made of Fe(0) and in situ redox manipulation (ISRM) zones effectively remediate Cr-contaminated aquifers. Here, we determine the isotopic fractionations for dominant reductants in reactive barriers and reduced sediments obtained from an ISRM zone at the US DOE's Hanford site. In all cases, significant isotopic fractionation was observed; fractionation (expressed as e) was -3.91‰ for Fe(II)-doped goethite, -2.11‰ for FeS, -2.65‰ for green rust, -2.67‰ for FeCO(3), and -3.18‰ for ISRM zone sediments. These results provide a better calibration of the relationship between Cr isotope ratios and the extent of Cr(VI) reduction and aid in interpretation of Cr isotope data from systems with reactive barriers.
Structural and Chemical Characterization of Layered Li1-xNi1-yMnyO2-δ (y = 0.25 and 0.5, and 0 ≤ (1 − x) ≤ 1) Oxides

Lithium has been chemically extracted from the O3-type layered LiNi1-yMnyO2 (y = 0.25 and 0.5) oxides with the oxidizer NO2BF4 in acetonitrile medium, and the products Li1-xNi1-yMnyO2 (0 ≤ (1 − x) ≤ 1) have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, redox titrations, and infrared spectroscopy. Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction data indicates that the Li1-xNi0.5Mn0.5O2-δ system maintains the parent O3-type structure without the formation of any new phases for the entire lithium content 0 ≤ (1 − x) ≤ 1. In contrast, the Li1-xNi0.75Mn0.25O2-δ system begins to form a new O3‘ phase with a smaller c parameter for (1 − x) < 0.29, a two-phase region consisting of O3 and O3‘ phases for 0 < (1 − x) < 0.29, and a single phase O3‘ phase for x = 0. Wet-chemical redox titration analysis indicates that the y = 0.5 system has a greater tendency to lose oxygen from the lattice than the x = 0.25 sample due to a greater overlap of the metal:3d band with top of the O2-:2p band, which is consistent with the observed ...
In vitro osteoinductive effects of hydroxycholesterol on human adipose-derived stem cells are mediated through the hedgehog signaling pathway.

Background:Human adipose-derived stem cells have been identified as a potential source of cells for use in bone tissue engineering because of their ready availability, ease of harvest, and susceptibility to osteogenic induction. The authors have previously demonstrated the ability of an osteogenic m
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the military patient

This study prospectively evaluates the likelihood of a return of military personnel to full duty after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. We report the results of 120 active duty military patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autogenous patella tendon. Mean follow-up was 29 months (range, 24-65 months). Time from injury to reconstruction was > 6 months in 90% of patients. Final Lysholm scores averaged 89 (range, 29-100). We found that 77% of patients returned to full duty, whereas 23% of patients were medically discharged from military service. The patient age, military rank, time from injury to surgery, and KT-1000 measurements did not correlate with either the Lysholm score or return to duty (p = 0.05). Severe chondromalacia (Outerbridge III or IV) did correlate with poor result (p = 0.043), and Lysholm score did correlate with return to duty (p = 0.003). Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction offers a higher likelihood of return to full military duty than nonoperative treatment in a similar study.
Specialized roles of neurofilament proteins in synapses: Relevance to neuropsychiatric disorders

Neurofilaments are uniquely complex among classes of intermediate filaments in being composed of four subunits (NFL, NFM, NFH and alpha-internexin in the CNS) that differ in structure, regulation, and function. Although neurofilaments have been traditionally viewed as axonal structural components, recent evidence has revealed that distinctive assemblies of neurofilament subunits are integral components of synapses, especially at postsynaptic sites. Within the synaptic compartment, the individual subunits differentially modulate neurotransmission and behavior through interactions with specific neurotransmitter receptors. These newly uncovered functions suggest that alterations of neurofilament proteins not only underlie axonopathy in various neurological disorders but also may play vital roles in cognition and neuropsychiatric diseases. Here, we review evidence that synaptic neurofilament proteins are a sizable population in the CNS and we advance the concept that changes in the levels or post-translational modification of individual NF subunits contribute to synaptic and behavioral dysfunction in certain neuropsychiatric conditions.
Achieving high efficiency using SiC MOSFETs and reduced output filter for grid-connected V2G inverter

This paper describes a comprehensive analysis of a three-phase two-level silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET V2G inverter including the LCL filter design. The efficiency is compared between the SiC MOSFET and Si IGBT. Using a SiC device enables the inverter to operate at high switching frequency and this leads to improved efficiency up to 99.05% at 10 kHz and 97.71% at 100 kHz switching frequency. The output LCL filter is also designed based on a specific switching frequency and the filter value is most significantly reduced at the highest switching frequency. The SiC inverter and LCL filter is simulated using LTSpice and MATLAB Simulink.
Engine Benchmarking - Final CRADA Report

Detailed benchmarking of the powertrains of three light-duty vehicles was performed. Results were presented and provided to CRADA partners. The vehicles included a MY2011 Audi A4, a MY2012 Mini Cooper and a MY2014 Nissan Versa.
Single molecule counting and assessment of random molecular tagging errors with transposable giga-scale error-correcting barcodes.

RNA-Seq measures gene expression by counting sequence reads belonging to unique cDNA fragments. Molecular barcodes commonly in the form of random nucleotides were recently introduced to improve gene expression measures by detecting amplification duplicates, but are susceptible to errors generated during PCR and sequencing. This results in false positive counts, leading to inaccurate transcriptome quantification especially at low input and single-cell RNA amounts where the total number of molecules present is minuscule. To address this issue, we demonstrated the systematic identification of molecular species using transposable error-correcting barcodes that are exponentially expanded to tens of billions of unique labels. We experimentally showed random-mer molecular barcodes suffer from substantial and persistent errors that are difficult to resolve. To assess our method’s performance, we applied it to the analysis of known reference RNA standards. By including an inline random-mer molecular barcode, we systematically characterized the presence of sequence errors in random-mer molecular barcodes. We observed that such errors are extensive and become more dominant at low input amounts. We described the first study to use transposable molecular barcodes and its use for studying random-mer molecular barcode errors. Extensive errors found in random-mer molecular barcodes may warrant the use of error correcting barcodes for transcriptome analysis as input amounts decrease.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Bounce After Dose-Escalated External Beam Radiation Therapy Is an Independent Predictor of PSA Recurrence, Metastasis, and Survival in Prostate Adenocarcinoma Patients.

Purpose To evaluate the difference in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence–free, distant metastasis–free, overall, and cancer-specific survival between PSA bounce (PSA-B) and non-bounce patients treated with dose-escalated external beam radiation therapy (DE-EBRT). Methods and Materials During 1990-2010, 1898 prostate adenocarcinoma patients were treated with DE-EBRT to ≥75 Gy with ≥5 years follow-up. Patients receiving neoadjuvant/concurrent androgen-deprivation therapy (n=1035) or with fewer than 4 PSA values obtained 6 months or more after post-EBRT completion (n=87) were excluded. The evaluable 776 patients were treated (median, 81.0 Gy). Prostate-specific antigen bounce was defined as a ≥0.2-ng/mL increase above the interval PSA nadir, followed by a decrease to nadir or below. Prostate-specific antigen relapse was defined as post–radiation therapy PSA nadir + 2 ng/mL. Median follow-up was 9.2 years (interquartile range, 6.9-11.3 years). Results One hundred twenty-three patients (15.9%) experienced PSA-B after DE-EBRT at a median of 24.6 months (interquartile range, 16.1-38.5 months). On multivariate analysis, younger age ( P =.001), lower Gleason score ( P =.0003), and higher radiation therapy dose ( P =.0002) independently predicted PSA-B. Prostate-specific antigen bounce was independently associated with decreased risk for PSA relapse (hazard ratio [HR] 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33-0.85; P =.008), distant metastatic disease (HR 0.34; 95% CI 0.12-0.94; P =.04), and all-cause mortality (HR 0.53; 95% CI 0.29-0.96; P =.04) on multivariate Cox analysis. Because all 50 prostate cancer–specific deaths in patients without PSA-B were in the non-bounce cohort, competing-risks analysis was not applicable. A nonparametric competing-risks test demonstrated that patients with PSA-B had superior cancer-specific survival compared with patients without PSA-B ( P =.004). Conclusions Patients treated with dose-escalated radiation therapy for prostate adenocarcinoma who experience posttreatment PSA-B have improved PSA recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis–free survival, overall survival, and cancer-specific survival outcomes.
Inclusion and Inhomogeneity in an Infinite Space (Eshelby Problems)

Formulation and solution of this problem by Eshelby in [Proc R Soc Lond Ser A 252(1271):561–569, 1969 [125]; Proc R Soc A 241:376–392, 1957 [126]; Elastic inclusions and inhomogeneities. Progress in Solid Mechanics, vol 2. North-Holland, Amsterdam, 1961 [127]) constitutes one of the major advances in solid mechanics of the twentieth century. It has also led to revolutionary changes in mechanics of materials, by establishing a framework for quantitative modeling of phase transformations, effective properties of composites, stress concentrations at inhomogeneities, etc. It has been further advanced in a large number of works and constitutes the basic building block of micromechanics of materials.
Molecular dynamics simulation study of cold spray process

Abstract Cold Spray (CS) process is a deposition process in which micron-to-nano sized solid particles are deposited on a substrate using high-velocity impacts. Unlike thermal spray processes, CS process does not melt the particles thus retaining their original physical and chemical properties. These characteristics make CS process ideal for various engineering applications. The bonding mechanism involved in CS process is hugely complicated considering the dynamic nature of the process. Even though CS process offers great promises, the realization of its full potential is limited by lack of understanding of the complex mechanisms involved. The study focuses on understanding the complex nanoscale mechanisms involved in CS process. The study uses Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation technique to understand the material deposition phenomenon during the CS process. For the simulation conditions used, the study finds that the quality of deposition is highest for an impact velocity of 700 m/s, the particle size of 20 A and an impact angle of 90°. The von Mises stress and plastic strain analysis revealed that bonding mechanism in CS process could be attributed to adiabatic softening, adiabatic shear instabilities followed by interfacial jetting of particle materials resulting in a uniform coating. The findings of this study can further the scope and applications of CS process.
Random Partition of an Integer n (RANPAR)

This chapter presents an algorithm for generating random partition of an integer n . The chapter discusses that for a given n ≥ 1, it is wished to select uniformly at random a partition of n , so that each partition has a priori probability l/ p ( n ) of being selected. The chapter describes an algorithm, which avoids any tabulation of a function of two indices, requiring only a linear array. The chapter discusses subroutine specifications for the subprogram RANPAR. In the analysis described in the chapter, the subprogram RANPAR was called 880 times with N = 6. The frequencies with which each of the 11 partitions of 6 were obtained are shown. Thus, 6 = 3 + 2 + 1 occurred 83 times, etc. The value χ 2 was calculated to be 13.475. In 95% of such experiments, the observed value of χ 2 would lie between 3.247 and 20.483 if the partitions did indeed have equal a priori probabilities.
Fragment yields in the microcanonical model of nuclear disassembly

Total relative fragment yields are calculated in the framework of the microcanonical model of nuclear disassembly. Results are compared to available data at intermediate energies (400 and 800 MeV/nucleon) and at beam energies at 32, 92 and 137 MeV/nucleon. The agreement of the calculated results with the experimental cross sections indicates that the microcanonical model of nuclear disassembly provides a satisfactory background calculation for the description of nuclear collisions.
Standards and Rationale

The previous chapters provide an account of electrical forces that can exert measurable influences on biological systems. Although the bioelectric mechanisms treated in this book can be used in a controlled fashion to exert a beneficial effect, the same forces, when presented in an uncontrolled fashion, can sometimes be detrimental. For that reason, various agencies have developed protective standards and guidelines.
De-unionization and Drug Death Rates:

Drug death rates in the United States have risen dramatically in recent years, sparking urgent discussions about causes. Most of these discussions have centered on supply-side issues, such as docto...
Cell-based analysis of the immune and antioxidant response of the nanocarrier β-cyclodextrin conjugated with cellulose nanocrystals

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have great potential in many areas of research, applications and future commercialization prospects. Recently, CNCs have emerged as attractive candidates for biomedical applications such as drug and gene delivery systems. Cyclodextrins (CD) are cyclic oligosaccharides with the unique ability to form inclusion complexes with drug molecules and as such, they have been commonly employed as materials in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. The conjugation of CNCs with β-CD has been previously reported for drug delivery applications but there are no studies on any potential immunological response of the surface modified CNCs with β-CD. The current study examined the potential immune and antioxidant response induced by CNCs grafted with β-cyclodextrin (CNCs-β-CD) in human monocyte cell line (THP-1) and mouse macrophage-like cell line (J774A.1) We analyzed the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), by ELISA and mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) using fluorescence cell imaging as well as examining examined the intracellular levels of proteins involved in the immune and antioxidant response by immunoblotting. Our results indicated neither a dramatic increase in the IL-1β secretion nor in the mitochondria derived ROS. We also observed no changes in the intracellular antioxidant response in THP-1 cells treated with different concentrations of CNCs-β-CD. Overall, CNCs-β-CD is non-immunogenic and does not induce an increased antioxidant response under the conditions tested and hence has the potential to be used as a drug delivery carrier.
A Quantitative Chemical Proteomics Approach for Site‐specific Stoichiometry Analysis of Ubiquitination

Stoichiometric analysis of post-translational modifications is an emerging strategy for absolute quantification of the fractional abundance of the modification. Herein, a quantitative chemical proteomic workflow for stoichiometric analysis of ubiquitination is reported, named isotopically balanced quantification of ubiquitination (IBAQ-Ub). The strategy utilizes a new amine-reactive chemical tag (AcGG-NHS) that is structurally homologous to the GG remnant of ubiquitin on modified lysine after trypsin cleavage and therefore enables the generation of structurally identical peptides from ubiquitinated and unmodified lysine residues following trypsin digestion and secondary stable isotopic labeling. The strategy is highly robust, sensitive, and accurate with a wide dynamic range using either protein standards or complex cell lysates. Thus, this work provides an efficient chemical proteomics tool for quantitative stoichiometric analysis of ubiquitination signaling pathways.
Regional variation in use and outcomes of combined carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass.

Abstract Objective In treating concomitant carotid and coronary disease, some recommend staged carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and coronary artery bypass grafting, whereas others favor the combined approach (CCAB). Pressure to reduce surgical variation and to improve quality is real, yet little is known about how geographic practice differences affect outcomes. Using the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI), this study evaluated regional variation in use and outcomes of CCAB. Methods All CCAB procedures in the VQI from 2003 to 2017 were reviewed and stratified into four regions, as defined by the United States Census Bureau. Primary outcomes included perioperative stroke, death, myocardial infarction (MI), and these as composite (SDM). A χ2 analysis was performed. Results There were 1495 CCAB procedures identified, representing 1.8% of the VQI CEAs. Regions included the following: Midwest (MW), 32%; Northeast (NE), 39%; South (S), 25%; and West (W), 4%. Most were male (70%) and white (92%). There was significant regional variation in proportional volume of CCABs to all CEAs (0.7% [W] to 2.5% [MW]; P Conclusions Significant variation exists across VQI centers in the use of CCAB. Despite differences in volume and practices, regional perioperative outcomes are similar. UNI is the most commonly used indication and has lower stroke rates relative to SYMP and BIL. CCAB is performed well across the United States, but most patients fall outside of Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines.
Evaluation of the bactericidal potential of 2780-nm ER,CR:YSGG and 940-nm diode lasers in the root canal system

Successful endodontic therapy relies on chemomechanical debridement. Laser-assisted irrigation techniques are available for debridement. However, there are limited studies demonstrating the effectiveness of dual lasers for root canal disinfection. Hence, the aim of the present study is to determine if laser activation irrigation using the Er,Cr:YSGG and 940-nm diode laser is as effective as positive pressure needle irrigation using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). Fifty-two caries-free premolars were divided into six groups: G1, sterile water via positive pressure irrigation; G2, EDTA and NaOCl via positive pressure irrigation; G3, sterile water and the Er,Cr:YSGG cleaning and disinfection step; G4, sterile water and the Er,Cr:YSGG cleaning and disinfection step followed by disinfection with the 940-nm diode; G5, sterile water and the Er,Cr:YSGG cleaning step followed by a disinfection step with the Er,Cr:YSGG and diode laser together; and G6, negative controls. S1 samples were validated in both negative and positive control groups via culturing. All teeth, except the negative controls, were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. S2 sampling after treatments was completed and tested for bacterial presence via culturing and SEM and CLSM analysis. The data demonstrated that the traditional irrigation group (G2) and the dual laser group (G5) showed the greatest percentage decrease in bacterial counts from the S1 to the S2 group. The data demonstrates that the combination of the Er,Cr:YSGG and 940-nm diode laser wavelengths is safe and more effective than either laser alone and is comparable to needle irrigation with sodium hypochlorite and EDTA.
Cryosphere response resolves conflicting evidence for the timing of peak Holocene warmth on Baffin Island, Arctic Canada

Abstract Holocene paleotemperature reconstructions across the western Arctic suggest strong spatial variations in air temperature despite zonally uniform Northern Hemisphere insolation forcing. Although most paleotemperature reconstructions across the Eastern Canadian Arctic place the Holocene thermal maximum >3 kyr after peak summer insolation, other records indicate maximum summer warmth was coincident with peak summer insolation. To address this discrepancy, we use radiocarbon inventories in plants and rocks recently exposed by receding ice caps to reconstruct early Holocene changes in glacier dimensions, a reliable proxy for summer air temperature. Fourteen radiocarbon ages from newly exposed plants in growth position collected at the margins of eight retreating ice caps on Baffin Island indicate ice caps expanded 9.3 ± 0.3 ka, and remained over these sites until recent summer warming, indicating peak early Holocene summer warmth occurred prior to ∼9.3 ka. We test this conclusion using in situ cosmogenic 14C (in situ 14C) inventories in rocks at four sites with dated plants. In situ 14C production simulations using realistic Holocene ice-cover histories constrained by plant 14C ages show that measured in situ 14C concentrations are consistent with centuries to millennia of pre-9.3 ka exposure, followed by continuous ice burial. The combination of plant and in situ 14C data provide firm evidence that the Eastern Canadian Arctic experienced peak Holocene summer warmth prior to ∼9.3 ka, consistent with peak summer insolation, followed by continuously colder summers until modern warming.
Independent association of obstructive sleep apnea with Barrett's esophagus

BACKGROUND AND AIM Current guidelines suggest screening at-risk groups of patients for Barrett's esophagus (BE), a precursor to esophageal cancer. Although BE and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have common risk factors, including elevated body mass index and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the relationship between these two conditions has not been well established. METHODS Retrospectively, all patients who had undergone a polysomnography and esophagogastroduodenoscopy at West Virginia University Hospital from 2013 to 2018 were identified and divided into groups on the basis of the presence or absence of OSA. Clinical course and procedure reports were reviewed to identify relevant variables. RESULTS One thousand ninety-one patients met inclusion criteria; 60.9% were female, and mean age of participants was 53.5 years. Univariate analysis revealed that male gender, age, diagnosis of OSA, severity of OSA, and a clinical diagnosis of GERD were associated with BE (P values < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression incorporating age, sex, clinical diagnosis of GERD, smoking history, body mass index, Helicobacter pylori status, and presence of hiatal hernia was utilized. Patients with OSA had an increased risk of BE than had those without OSA (P < 0.001, odds ratio 3.26 [1.72-6.85]). The risk increased with increasing severity of OSA, categorized in apnea-hypopnea index increments of 10. CONCLUSION Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with BE, a relationship that is independent of other known risk factors. Additionally, this risk increases with increasing severity of OSA. Future efforts should determine if patients with severe OSA need to be screened for BE due to its potential for causing esophageal cancer.
Sulfonate-based networks between eukaryotic phytoplankton and heterotrophic bacteria in the surface ocean.

In the surface ocean, phytoplankton transform inorganic substrates into organic matter that fuels the activity of heterotrophic microorganisms, creating intricate metabolic networks that determine the extent of carbon recycling and storage in the ocean. Yet, the diversity of organic molecules and interacting organisms has hindered detection of specific relationships that mediate this large flux of energy and matter. Here, we show that a tightly coupled microbial network based on organic sulfur compounds (sulfonates) exists among key lineages of eukaryotic phytoplankton producers and heterotrophic bacterial consumers in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. We find that cultured eukaryotic phytoplankton taxa produce sulfonates, often at millimolar internal concentrations. These same phytoplankton-derived sulfonates support growth requirements of an open-ocean isolate of the SAR11 clade, the most abundant group of marine heterotrophic bacteria. Expression of putative sulfonate biosynthesis genes and sulfonate abundances in natural plankton communities over the diel cycle link sulfonate production to light availability. Contemporaneous expression of sulfonate catabolism genes in heterotrophic bacteria highlights active cycling of sulfonates in situ. Our study provides evidence that sulfonates serve as an ecologically important currency for nutrient and energy exchange between microbial autotrophs and heterotrophs, highlighting the importance of organic sulfur compounds in regulating ecosystem function. Eukaryotic phytoplankton-derived sulfonates support the growth of the heterotrophic bacterial SAR11 clade and this is linked to light availability, indicating that sulfonates support microbial networks in the open ocean.
All Leviathan’s Children: Race, Punishment and the (Re-)Making of the City

In “Deadly symbiosis” Wacquant presents “hyperincarceration” as the “fourth peculiar institution” in the lineage of U.S. racial domination. His thesis allows us to capture the formal mechanisms that “define, confine and control” unskilled black labour. This essay takes up hyperincarceration’s informal side. Extending, while challenging Wacquant’s political sociology, I offer the “supervised society” to capture the scope and consequence of hyperincarceration in the everyday lives of poor black Americans. In doing so, the essay reveals how a principle mechanism of legal exclusion—the criminal record—draws in actors outside of the criminal legal system and works to encourage, shape and produce new social forms, including new forms of urban sociality and a refashioned and rearticulated state.
The Relationships Among Perceived Organization Support, Resilience, Perceived Mattering, Emotional Exhaustion, and Job Satisfaction in Adapted Physical Educators.

Although much has been learned about the workplace experiences of physical education teachers, less is known about the unique experiences of adapted physical educators (APEs). Grounded in role socialization theory, the purpose of this study was to understand the relationships among perceived organizational support, resilience, perceived mattering, emotional exhaustion, and job satisfaction in APEs. The participants included 237 APEs from the United States, who completed an online survey. The primary data analyses included confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The final structural model was a good fit for the data, χ2(199) = 327.25, p < .001, χ2/df = 1.64; root-mean-square error of approximation = .052 (90% confidence interval [.042, .062], p = .354); standardized root-mean-square residual = .050; nonnormed fit index = .959; comparative-fit index = .964. The results of this study highlight the importance of developing a workplace environment in which APEs feel supported in developing perceptions of matter, reducing emotional exhaustion, and improving job satisfaction.