cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Controlled Burning of Forest Detritus Altering Spectroscopic Characteristics and Chlorine Reactivity of Dissolved Organic Matter: Effects of Temperature and Oxygen Availability

Forest fires occur with increasing frequency and severity in the western United States, potentially altering the chemistry and quantity of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursors exported from forested watersheds. However, little is known concerning effects of the fire triangle (heat, oxygen, and fuel) on DOM alteration. Using detritus from Pinus ponderosa and Abies concolor (dominant species in forests in the western United States), we prepared DOM from unburned and burned detritus under hypoxic (pyrolysis) and oxic conditions (thermal oxidation) at 250 and 400 °C. DOM characteristics and chlorine reactivity were evaluated by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and chlorination-based DBP formation potential tests. Spectroscopic results suggest that burned-detritus extracts had lower molecular weight (reflected by increased E2:E3 and fluorescence index) and divergent aromaticity (reflected by SUVA254) depending on oxygen availability. Temperature and oxygen availabi...
LOCOMOTOR PERFORMANCE AT LOW TEMPERATURE AND THE EVOLUTION OF NOCTURNALITY IN GECKOS.

Nocturnal geckos are active at body temperatures 10-35°C below the thermal optima for maximum rate of aerobic metabolism (V.O2max) of diurnal lizards. Therefore, given ancestral (diurnal) lizard physiology, nocturnality causes a substantial thermal handicap in locomotor performance. In prior studies, we hypothesized that a low minimum cost of locomotion (Cmin ) in geckos was an adaptation that increased locomotor endurance capacity at low, nocturnal temperatures. However, Cmin is only part of an integrated system that, in conjunction with the maximum rate of oxygen consumption, sets the maximum speed that can be sustained aerobically (termed the maximum aerobic speed or MAS). We conducted the first phylogenetic analysis of MAS and V.O2max lizards and found that the greatest changes in MAS, Cmin and V.O2max (at activity temperatures) in the evolutionary history of lizards all coincided with the evolution of nocturnality in geckos. Geckos active at 15-25°C did not become optimized for nocturnal temperatures, or fully offset the thermal effects of nocturnality by evolving maximal rates of oxygen consumption comparable to diurnal lizards active at 35°C. Geckos did evolve MAS twice that of diurnal lizards running at low temperatures by evolving a remarkably low Cmin . Allometric analysis and phylogenetically independent contrasts of V.O2max, Cmin , and MAS indicate a 72% evolutionary decrease in V.O2max, (at activity temperatures) and a 50% evolutionary decrease in Cmin concordant with the evolution of nocturnality in geckos. Experimental measurements show that decreased Cmin in six species of gecko increased MAS by 50-120% compared to diurnal lizards at low temperatures. Thus, geckos sufficiently overcame the near paralyzing effects of nocturnal temperatures, but only offset about 50% of the decrease in MAS resulting from the low maximum rate of oxygen consumption. Although the nocturnal environment remains severely suboptimal, the evolution of a low cost of locomotion in the ancestor of geckos was highly adaptive for nocturnality. We also present a generalized approach to ecophysiological evolution that integrates phylogeny with the causal relationships among environment, physiology, and performance capacity. With respect to a clade, two hypotheses are central to our integrative approach: (1) a change of an environmental variable (e.g., temperature) causes a performance handicap; and (2) evolution of a physiological variable (e.g., minimum cost of locomotion [Cmin ]) increases performance in the derived environment. To test the hypothesis that evolution of a physiological variable is adaptive in nature, we suggest determining if individuals in nature perform at levels exceeding the performance capacity of their hypothetical ancestors and if this additional performance capacity is due to the evolution of the physiological variable in question.
Nonlinear self-calibrated phase contrast correction in pediatric and congenital cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

Background Phase contrast (PC) MR flow measurements are affected by phase offset errors due to local eddy currents. Performing error correction using an MR phantom prolongs each CMR study and can impede scanner workflow. Recently, a novel post-hoc nonlinear self-calibrated PC correction algorithm has been developed that can be applied to PC flow data, with equivalence to phantom correction and improved accuracy over no correction demonstrated among adults with normal cardiac anatomy (Tan ET et al, ISMRM 2014). We aim to evaluate the effect of self-calibrated correction on PC flow measurements in pediatric and congenital CMR imaging and to validate it against phantom-corrected data.
A TAXONOMY OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH : DEVELOPMENT OF THE ADOLESCENT HEALTH PROFILE-TYPES

Objectives. The aim of this study was to develop a taxonomy of health profile-types that describe adolescents' patterns of health as self-reported on a health status questionnaire. The intent was to be able to assign individuals to mutually exclusive and exhaustive groups that characterize the important aspects of their health and need for health services. Methods. Cluster analytic empirical methods and clinically based conceptual methods were used to identify patterns of health in samples of adolescents from schools and from clinics that serve adolescents with chronic conditions and acute illnesses. Individuals with similar patterns of scores across multiple domains were assigned to the same profile-type. Results from the empirical and conceptually based methods were integrated to produce a practical system for assigning youths to profile-types. Results. Four domains of health (Satisfaction, Discomfort, Risks and Resilience) were used to group individuals into 13 distinct profile-types. The profile-types were characterized primarily by the number of domains in which health is poor, identifying the unique combinations of problems that characterize different subgroups of adolescents. Conclusions. This method of reporting the information available on health status surveys is potentially a more information way of identifying and classifying the health needs of subgroups in the population than is available from global scores or multiple scale scores. The reliability and validity of this taxonomy of health profile-types for the purposes of planning and evaluating health services must be demonstrated. That is the purpose of the accompanying study.
Echographic Diagnosis of Childbirth-Related Pelvic Floor Injuries

During childbirth, pelvic organs and pelvic floor muscles, fascia, and ligaments may be damaged to some extent. Pelvic floor injuries can be identified immediately after childbirth or, more often, they may cause symptoms (urinary and fecal incontinence, voiding dysfunction, obstructed defecation, and pelvic organs prolapse) many years later. Ultrasonography has emerged as a procedure that is relatively easy to perform, cost-effective, and widely available for imaging of pelvic floor disorders. In this chapter, the role of the different sonographic modalities, including 2D, 3D, and 4D imaging and endovaginal, endoanal, and transperineal techniques, in the assessment of childbirth-related pelvic floor damages is critically evaluated.
On the ISIL attacks in Western Europe and elsewhere

In this guest editorial, the author reflects on the inequitable ways in which ISIL attacks are covered in the media, between the West and the rest.
Data availability in reproductive and developmental toxicology.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the availability of reproductive and developmental toxicology information in the literature and the extent to which such information could produce alarm. METHODS: REPROTOX, a computerized data base, was evaluated as a surrogate for the available literature on reproductive and developmental toxicology. A review of 2528 summaries was performed and information in the summaries evaluated as nonreassuring or reassuring. RESULTS: Information on reproductive or developmental effects was available for about half of the summaries. Availability of information was greatest for pharmaceuticals (75% of summaries contained information) and was lowest for nonpesticide chemicals (36% of summaries contained information). Summaries contained nonreassuring information about two-thirds of the time. Information based on human data was variably available according to type of agent, ranging from a low of 5% of pesticide summaries to 88% of vitamin summaries. CONCLUSIONS: Counseling efforts depend on a literature base in which information is missing half the time and in which animal data may be the only available source of information. Information is available more often for pharmaceuticals than for other classes of agents.
Computations of Vibron Excitations and Raman Spectra of Solid Hydrogens

Numerical calculations for the vibronic states in the mixed ortho-para solid hydrogens are reviewed. They were performed within the supercell method on the basis of the Van Kranendonk theory and the Raman spectra were calculated and compared with experiment. Anderson localization is a feature of the results especially in the Raman scattering region of frequencies and especially when the ortho-para mixture is substantial. A simple approximate Hamiltonian model has been used and is surprisingly useful, leading to a suggestion that at high pressures the high frequency peak of the vibron spectrum of a mixed system is due to anisotropic Raman scattering from the ortho (para) hydrogen (deuterium) molecules, even under the assumption that the orbital angular momenta are disoriented.
Comparison of the Effects of Restraint Stress on the Activities of Tuberoinfundibular and Tuberohypophysial Dopaminergic Neurons

Dopamine (DA) neurons comprising the tuberoinfundibular (TI) and tuberohypophysial (TH) systems originate within the arcuate nucleus of the mediobasal hypothalamus (Lindvall and Bjorklund, 1978). TIDA perikarya are scattered throughout the rostral-caudal extent of the arcuate nucleus and their axons project ventrally to terminate in close proximity to pericapillary spaces of the hypophysial portal system in the median eminence (Bjorklund, et al., 1973). DA released from these neurons is transported in the portal blood to the anterior pituitary gland where it inhibits prolactin secretion (Ben-Jonathan, 1985). By contrast, THDA perikarya are topographically located in the rostral arcuate nucleus and their axons project through the median eminence and the pituitary stalk to innervate the intermediate (IL) and neural lobes (NL) of the pituitary gland (Bjorklund et al., 1973). THDA neurons in the IL terminate near pro-opiomelanocortin-synthesizing melanotrophs. Results of numerous studies have indicated a role for DA in the regulation of β-endorphin and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) secretion from these cells (Tilders, et al., 1985). THDA neurons in the NL terminate in close proximity to axon terminals of vasopressin- and oxytocin-containing neurons, and there is some evidence that DA released from these neurons regulates the secretion of vasopressin from the posterior pituitary (Racke et al., 1982).
Stress on a Plane

In discussing forces in Chapters 2 and 5, we have already found it convenient to describe the intensity of forces acting across planes as the ratio of total force to the area of the plane. This ratio of force to area is the magnitude of the quantity called the stress on a plane. In Figure 5.1 the stress across the bottom surface of the quartzite cube is 12,600 kg/m2. We would get this same ratio of force to area if we consider only an nth part of the base of the cube. In this case the force acting is 12,600 kg/n and the area is 1 m2/n, so the ratio of force to area is still 12,600 kg/m2 no matter how small a segment of the base of the cube we consider. The assumption made here is that the surface forces are distributed uniformly along the plane in question.
Management of Cardiac Tamponade

Cardiac tamponade is a cardiovascular emergency that occurs when fluid accumulates in the intrapericardial space and impairs cardiac filling. Prompt recognition and diagnosis of cardiac tamponade using physical exam and bedside echocardiography is critical. Emergent drainage of the pericardial effusion by percutaneous needle pericardiocentesis is the mainstay of tamponade management. In certain cases, surgical drainage may be required. In this chapter, we review the pathophysiology and management of acute cardiac tamponade.
The Zone of Violent Peace

This chapter argues that, in contrast to widely held beliefs, militarized behaviour has not been eliminated from the Latin American region and is actually incentivized by the way in which diplomats and scholars approach the security issues facing the region. To substantiate these claims, the first section looks at the empirical record of militarized interstate disputes (MIDs) between Latin American states and demonstrates that the region is not especially peaceful. The second section discusses the causal logic of MID occurrence. The third section examines why the contemporary situation in Latin America does not dissuade militarization but continues to encourage it, particularly via a ‘moral hazard’ mechanism.
Abstract 5334: Destabilization of EWS-Fli1 protein by deubiquitinase inhibition in Ewing Sarcoma

Background: Ewing Sarcoma is a malignant tumor in bone or soft tissue, and typically in teenagers and young adults. Genetically, 85% of Ewing’s Sarcoma contains the chromosomal translocation [t(11;22)(q24;q12)], which fuses EWSR1 gene from chromosome 11 and Fli1 gene from chromosome 22 and generates an aberrant chimeric protein EWS-Fli1. EWS-Fli1 is essential for cell growth and development in EWS-Fli1 positive Ewing Sarcoma cells. Therefore, targeting EWS-Fli1 could be a promising therapeutic strategy for Ewing Sarcoma. Methods and Results: Currently, the compounds of targeting EWS-Fli1 mainly interfere its interaction with partner or DNA. However, it could be a more potent way to manipulate its protein stability. Firstly, the proteasome inhibitor MG132 could retard the degradation of EWS-Fli1 protein in EWS502 cells and A673 cells, and increase its ubiquitination, which hints the degradation of EWS-Fli1 is through the ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome pathway (UPP). Then, to identify the protein that interact with EWS-Fli1 and modulate its stability, we selected the candidate deubiquitinase according to literatures and the protein homology. And by co-immunoprecipitation assay, we identified a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) binding to EWS-Fli1. RNAi-mediated knockdown or inhibition of EWS-Fli1-DUB with a small molecule compound caused a marked increase in EWS-Fli1 ubiquitination, decreased levels of EWS-Fli1 in a proteasome-dependent manner, and further inhibited the growth of Ewing Sarcoma cells. Conclusion: The findings indicate that EWS-Fli1 could be ablated by inhibiting its specific deubiquitinase in Ewing Sarcoma, which could be a novel treatment approach for Ewing Sarcoma. Citation Format: Shan Wang, Ralf Kittler. Destabilization of EWS-Fli1 protein by deubiquitinase inhibition in Ewing Sarcoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5334. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5334
A highly sensitive fiber Bragg Grating shape sensor for continuum manipulators with large deflections

Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors are proposed for medical applications, especially for shape sensing of continuum manipulators due to their numerous advantages over other types of sensors. In this paper, we design, fabricate, and evaluate a novel FBG sensor assembly addressing challenges associated with integration with continuum manipulators. Experimental results with the new FBG sensor demonstrated detection of small radii of curvatures (20 mm), high sensitivity (up to 8 nm wavelength shift in each direction of bend), and calibration repeatability (RMS error of 92 picometer) leading to a high signal to noise ratio for the proposed easy-to-fabricate sensor.
The ability of macroalgae to mitigate the negative effects of ocean acidification on four species of North Atlantic bivalve

Abstract. Coastal ecosystems can experience acidification via upwelling, eutrophication, riverine discharge, and climate change. While the resulting increases in pCO2 can have deleterious effects on calcifying animals, this change in carbonate chemistry may benefit some marine autotrophs. Here, we report on experiments performed with North Atlantic populations of hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria), eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica), bay scallops (Argopecten irradians), and blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) grown with and without North Atlantic populations of the green macroalgae, Ulva. In six of seven experiments, exposure to elevated pCO2 levels ( ∼1700 µatm ) resulted in depressed shell- and/or tissue-based growth rates of bivalves compared to control conditions, whereas rates were significantly higher in the presence of Ulva in all experiments. In many cases, the co-exposure to elevated pCO2 levels and Ulva had an antagonistic effect on bivalve growth rates whereby the presence of Ulva under elevated pCO2 levels significantly improved their performance compared to the acidification-only treatment. Saturation states for calcium carbonate ( Ω ) were significantly higher in the presence of Ulva under both ambient and elevated CO2 delivery rates, and growth rates of bivalves were significantly correlated with Ω in six of seven experiments. Collectively, the results suggest that photosynthesis and/or nitrate assimilation by Ulva increased alkalinity, fostering a carbonate chemistry regime more suitable for optimal growth of calcifying bivalves. This suggests that large natural and/or aquacultured collections of macroalgae in acidified environments could serve as a refuge for calcifying animals that may otherwise be negatively impacted by elevated pCO2 levels and depressed Ω .
Specimen Collection of Body Fluids

An old axiom states that no laboratory test is any better than the quality of the sample presented for testing. In other words, a sample that is improperly collected, preserved or stored will not yield accurate results and will lead to an erroneous diagnosis based on specimens which may be contaminated by environmental conditions as well as by body cells and secretions. Careful collection and handling using a consistent protocol is required in all cases.
Transients in the Structure and Stress of Entangled Polymers Subjected to Step Changes in Shear Rate

High polymers in concentrated solutions or in the undiluted melt state are known to possess shear-ratdependent viscosity and shear-rate-dependent normal stresses. These observations have been explained in terms of the existence of chain entanglements (1), which can be viewed as strong local interactions originating from topological constraints when chains loop around each other. In addition to these steady-state properties, entangled polymers also exhibit a wide array of complicated time-dependent stress behavior under transient flow conditions. These transient rheological properties have gained much attention in recent years not only because they provide further insight into the network structure and dynamics of viscoelastic fluids, but also because a large number of the flows encountered in the processing of polymers indeed involve transients at start-up and fluctuations during nominally steady operation. Furthermore, a complete characterization of a viscoelastic fluid entails both its transient responses as well as the steady-state behavior. The ability to predict the observed transient behavior thus serves as a critical test to differentiate among the various viscoelastic models developed in the past.
Elements of Induction

Perhaps no problem area within the philosophy of science has proven so resistant to successful explication as that of characterizing the principles and procedures of inductive (or non-demonstrative) inference. The purpose of this paper is to pursue attempts by Hempel, Hintikka, and Levi,1 among others, where inductive procedures are examined by means of the concepts and methods that distinguish decision-theoretical analyses of principles of choice, given a finite set of mutually exclusive and jointly exhaustive courses of conduct.2 The most important difference between these decision-theoretical analyses and those focusing upon the acceptance and rejection of hypotheses per se is that decisions determining behavior depend upon practical utilities, whereas those determining beliefs per se depend upon theoretical (or ‘epistemic’) gains and losses. Consequently, a distinctive characteristic of investigations of the kind contemplated here is that inductive procedures are explored within the framework of a decision-theoretical model employing ‘epistemic’ utilities.
Chapter 50 – Viral Responses – HIV-1

This chapter discusses human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in humans. In HIV-1 infection, in spite of the appearance of virus-specific CD8 + T cells that coincides with a rapid decline of plasma viremia, the virus continues to proliferate and eludes eradication by the immune system. Over the months following seroconversion, a chronic, slowly progressive infection takes hold as a viral setpoint is established. With the exception of individuals who have a delay in disease progression due, for instance, to mutations in one of the viral receptors, most individuals who are infected with HIV-1 will, if left untreated, eventually succumb to AIDS within an average of 10 years after a period of apparent quiescence. The variable rate of disease progression among infected subjects is influenced by virologic and host factors. The host's limited ability to control HIV-1 replication is attributed to the unique propensity of the virus to infect the very cells that are responsible for fighting it, that is, CD4 + T lymphocytes. The use of CD4 + T cell counts and HIV-1 RNA load for predicting HIV-1 disease progression are explained. Measurements of HIV specific CD8 + T cell responses and their value as surrogate markers are also discussed.
The baboon as a primate model to study the physiology and metabolic effects of exercise

Non-human primates are invaluable models for the study of human diseases due to their close genetic, anatomical, and physiological similarities with our own species. They are extensively used in biomedical research aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms of complex chronic diseases, including but not limited to osteoporosis, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis [1].
Retention-release of ciprofloxacin and azithromycin in biosolids and biosolids-amended soils.

Abstract Ciprofloxacin (CIP) and azithromycin (AZ) are commonly prescribed antibiotics, often found at elevated concentrations in treated sewage sludge (biosolids), and could pose human and ecological risks when land applied. Limited retention-release data preclude assessing potential risks from the target antibiotics in biosolids and biosolids-amended soils. The present work assessed sorption-desorption of CIP and AZ in biosolids and biosolids-amended soils using the “traditional” batch equilibration method. The batch equilibration method also included un-amended soils for comparison. Release potentials of the biosolids-borne antibiotics were assessed via multiple desorption equilibrations in the presence of CaCl2, soils, PbCl2, or competing antibiotic (CIP versus AZ) solutions. Desorption kinetics of CIP from biosolids were also evaluated by the diffusive gradient in thin films technique (DGT), coupled with a diffusion transport-exchange model available in 2D-DIFs. Sorption of both antibiotics followed linear models with partitioning coefficient (Kd) values for CIP ranging between 40 and 334 L kg−1 in soils and 357 L kg−1 in biosolids, and values for AZ ranging between 11 and 202 L kg−1 in soils and 428 L kg−1 in biosolids. Antibiotic desorption from the biosolids was highly hysteretic (hysteresis coefficients
Characteristics and outcomes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with extramedullary disease (EMD).

7039Background: EMD has been reported in 2.5-30% of AML patients (pts). The association with modern cytogenetic and molecular features and their prognostic value have not been fully explored. Metho...
Positivity-Preserving Time Discretizations for Production–Destruction Equations with Applications to Non-equilibrium Flows

In this paper, we construct a family of modified Patankar Runge–Kutta methods, which is conservative and unconditionally positivity-preserving, for production–destruction equations, and derive necessary and sufficient conditions to obtain second-order accuracy. This ordinary differential equation solver is then extended to solve a class of semi-discrete schemes for PDEs. Combining this time integration method with the positivity-preserving finite difference weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) schemes, we successfully obtain a positivity-preserving WENO scheme for non-equilibrium flows. Various numerical tests are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the methods.
One- and two-dimensional electrodynamic steering of electrospun polymer nanofibers

Polymer nanofibers, with their specific set of material properties, are favorable for many applications in biomedical engineering (scaffold, stent, or tissue engineering). This application, however, requires the ability to control the manufacturing process together with organization and orientation of the deposited fiber. Electrospinning device parameters leading to a stable fiber extrusion were already found, together with the influence of the individual working parameters on the fiber properties. It was also found that fiber steering via the external electrostatic field, created by auxiliary electrodes, has very limited steering capabilities. In this article, electrodynamic steering of the electrospun polymer nanofiber is discussed, with focus on the macroscopic fiber deposition pattern and microscopic fiber alignment and straightness. Different electric field distributions are examined, and the corresponding fiber collection patterns are demonstrated on a series of experiments. Finally, a mathematical model of a discretized fiber is created. Matching the simulation and experimental results allows for the determination of unknown fiber properties, like the structural damping coefficient or Stokes drag coefficient.
Unbought and Unbossed: The National Political Congress of Black Women

The purpose of this research paper was to further analyze and deconstruct the National Political Congress of Black Women and its impact within the African-American community. I then decided to delve into issues regarding the African-American community, in particular its impact on African-American women. After researching matters such as voter suppression and voter turnout in the African-American community, I was able to conclude that due to the NPCBW, voter turnout amongst African-American women increased considerably. This resulted in higher voter turnout rates and political participation on behalf of African-American women that was unforeseen before the involvement of the NPCBW. Additionally, treatment received by African-American women during the AIDs epidemic throughout the 1980s and 1990s concerned me. I began to conduct intensive research and was able to find that the National Political Congress of Black Women campaigned for African-American women to receive better treatment in their fight against a nearly fatal disease. Among the many surrounding factors which contributed to this affliction was the dispersion of crack cocaine among African-American neighborhoods. After coming to this realization, the NPCBW took an active stance in combatting the drug epidemic plighting African-American neighborhoods, resulting in the diminishment of HIV infection rates among African-American women. After concluding my research, I was able to surmise that the National Political Congress of Black Women did not only directly affect the lives of African-American Women, but instead left a firm foundation and legacy for African-American women to champion against discriminatory treatment.
Dementia (Alzheimer’s Disease)

“Dementia,” derived from the Latin de (out of) and mens (mind), means literally “out of one’s mind.” In DSM-III-R (American Psychiatric Association, 1987), this term is restricted to denote only a syndrome characterized by acquired cognitive deterioration involving memory and at least one other higher function, or personality changes with significant impairment of social or occupational functioning. Sjogren, Sjogren, and Lindgren (1952) established the modern concept of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), reporting that (a) most cases of AD arise in those in the senile age range, (b) about 10% of patients have a positive family history with an autosomal dominant pattern of transmission, and (c) three stages can be delineated: the confused, demented, and vegetative stages. Sim and Sussman (1962) completed the clinical picture of AD, describing a pattern of amnesia (with, in particular, difficulty in learning new material) preceding aphasia, apraxia, and agnosia—the 4 A’s of AD—and confirming the occurrence of neurologic symptoms, particularly in the late stages of the disease. In another landmark study, Blessed, Tomlinson, and Roth (1968) demonstrated that dementia is not part of normal aging but, rather, is usually associated with one of two specific pathologies: either the changes characteristic of AD first described in 1907 by the German neuropathologist Alois Alzheimer or, more rarely, multiple small infarcts.
Simulation study of CO2 laser-plasma interactions and self-modulated wakefield acceleration

3D numerical simulations of the interaction of a powerful CO2 laser with hydrogen jets demonstrating the role of ionization in the characteristics of induced wakes are presented. Simulations using SPACE, a parallel relativistic particle-in-cell code, are performed in support of the plasma wakefield accelerator experiments being conducted at the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) Accelerator Test Facility (ATF). A novelty of the SPACE code is its set of efficient atomic physics algorithms that compute ionization and recombination rates on the grid and transfer them to particles. The influence of ionization on the spectrum of the pump laser has been studied for a range of gas densities. Simulations reproduce both Stokes and antiStokes shifts in the spectrum of the pump laser, similar to those observed in experiments in the spectrum of the probe. Good agreement has been achieved with the experiments on the effect of variation in gas density on Stokes/antiStokes intensity. In addition, self-injection and trapping of electrons into the self-modulated wakes have been observed and analyzed. The experimentally validated code SPACE will be used for predictive simulations to guide future experiments at BNL ATF.
The Right to Bodily Sovereignty and Its Importance to Mental and Physical Well-Being

Within the field of human research, respect for bodily liberty and integrity (summarily, bodily sovereignty) has arguably driven the creation and enforcement of relevant rules and regulations. These concepts are reflected in documents such as the Belmont Report, which emphasizes respect for autonomy and specific protections for individuals with compromised autonomous decision-making capacities. However, little to no attention is given to respect for the bodily sovereignty of nonhuman animals in research or other areas of society, despite its importance in determining health and well-being.
Piecewise constant response of underdamped oscillators through suppression of overshoots and undershoots in aerospace, civil, and mechanical systems

When a single-degree-of-freedom underdamped system is subjected to a step function force in order that it eventually acquires a constant displacement, its response shows undershoots and overshoots. Since a step function force is difficult, if not impossible, to apply to many aerospace, civil, and mechanical engineering systems because of their inertias, this paper looks at simple forces that can be generated from a practical standpoint and are not instantaneously applied, that cause an underdamped oscillator to acquire a constant displacement without any overshoots and/or undershoots. These forces are ramped up (or down) over a short duration of time and held constant thereafter. A preliminary approach to the development of such force–time histories is presented by using a force given by a polynomial in time. Open-loop optimal control is next considered, and then closed-loop optimal control. The optimal control problem does not fall within the standard rubric of terminal control and a new approach for doing this is developed. These ideas are then woven into the development of a methodology that allows an undamped/underdamped single degree of freedom system to track a desired piecewise constant displacement time-history using forces that do not need to be instantaneously applied and that generate rippleless responses with no overshoots/undershoots. The methodology is also applicable to classically damped multi-degree-of-freedom systems with underdamped modes of vibration.
Innocent until proven guilty: Privacy-preserving search over a central CODIS criminal database from the field

The presumption of innocence (i.e., the principle that one is considered innocent until proven guilty) is a cornerstone of the criminal justice system in many countries, including the United States. DNA analysis is an important tool for criminal investigations. In the U.S. alone, it has already aided in over half a million investigations using the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and associated DNA databases. CODIS includes DNA profiles of crime scene forensic samples, convicted offenders, missing persons and more. The CODIS framework is currently used by over 50 other countries including much of Europe, Canada, China and more. During investigations, DNA samples can be collected from multiple individuals who may have had access to, or were found near a crime scene, in the hope of finding a single criminal match. Controversially, CODIS samples are sometimes retained from adults and juveniles despite not yielding any database match. Here we introduce a cryptographic algorithm that finds any and all matches of a person9s DNA profile against a CODIS database without revealing anything about the person9s profile to the database provider. With our protocol, matches are immediately identified as before; however, individuals who do not match anything in the database retain their full privacy. Our novel algorithm runs in 40 seconds on a CODIS database of 1,000,000 entries, enabling its use to privately screen potentially-innocent suspects even in the field.
Colon Cancer Surgical Therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is now the fourth most common cause of cancer deaths, with 600,000 deaths reported worldwide annually—representing about 8% of all cancer deaths. It is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women. Surgical resection is the only curative modality for localized colon cancer. Surgery is indicated for selected patients with potentially resectable metastatic disease to the liver and/or lungs and with limited carcinomatosis. In this chapter we will discuss the options for management of localized, locally advanced, and metastatic colon cancer.
Effect of Dispersion Medium Composition and Ionomer Concentration on the Microstructure and Rheology of Fe-N-C Platinum Group Metal-free Catalyst Inks for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells.

We present an investigation of the microstructure and rheological behavior of catalyst inks consisting of Fe–N–C platinum group metal-free catalysts and a perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer in a disper...
C-Reactive Protein Levels Predict Outcomes in Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients: An INTERMACS Analysis.

CRP is an established inflammatory biomarker with prognostic value in patients with chronic heart failure, yet its role in continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients is largely unknown. 5,183 patients from the INTERMACS registry who underwent durable LVAD between 2008 and 2017 and had preimplant CRP levels were included. The sample was stratified into two groups based on preimplant CRP levels: CRP of 0-10 mg/L (low) and >10 mg/L (high). Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were used to assess outcomes at 2 years after LVAD implantation, with log-rank testing used to compare groups. Cox proportional hazard models were used for multivariable adjustment. Patients with high preimplant CRP were younger, more likely to be INTERMACS class I, and had a higher need for temporary mechanical circulatory support before LVAD implant compared to those with lower CRP levels (all P 10 mg/L) was associated with greater risk of mortality, RV failure, and stroke postimplant (P < 0.001). In addition, elevated postimplant CRP level at 3 months was associated with increased mortality and stroke on LVAD support (P < 0.001). CRP is a predictor of death and complications on LVAD support. Future studies are necessary to explore the mechanisms underlying this finding and the potential role of antiinflammatory therapies in this population.
Axonal regeneration and sprouting as a potential therapeutic target for nervous system disorders

Nervous system disorders are prevalent health issues that will only continue to increase in frequency as the population ages. Dying-back axonopathy is a hallmark of many neurologic diseases and leads to axonal disconnection from their targets, which in turn leads to functional impairment. During the course of many of neurologic diseases, axons can regenerate or sprout in an attempt to reconnect with the target and restore synapse function. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), distal motor axons retract from neuromuscular junctions early in the disease-course before significant motor neuron death. There is evidence of compensatory motor axon sprouting and reinnervation of neuromuscular junctions in ALS that is usually quickly overtaken by the disease course. Potential drugs that enhance compensatory sprouting and encourage reinnervation may slow symptom progression and retain muscle function for a longer period of time in ALS and in other diseases that exhibit dying-back axonopathy. There remain many outstanding questions as to the impact of distinct disease-causing mutations on axonal outgrowth and regeneration, especially in regards to motor neurons derived from patient induced pluripotent stem cells. Compartmentalized microfluidic chambers are powerful tools for studying the distal axons of human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived motor neurons, and have recently been used to demonstrate striking regeneration defects in human motor neurons harboring ALS disease-causing mutations. Modeling the human neuromuscular circuit with human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived motor neurons will be critical for developing drugs that enhance axonal regeneration, sprouting, and reinnervation of neuromuscular junctions. In this review we will discuss compensatory axonal sprouting as a potential therapeutic target for ALS, and the use of compartmentalized microfluidic devices to find drugs that enhance regeneration and axonal sprouting of motor axons.
A High-Isolation 26.5–36.2-GHz T/R Duplexer Module on 0.18-μm BiCMOS for 5G Systems

A high-isolation fully integrated 26.5–36.2-GHz frequency-division duplex (FDD) transmit–receive (T/R) duplexer (DUX) front-end module, containing DUX, power amplifier (PA), and low-noise amplifier (LNA), for fifth-generation (5G) wireless systems is demonstrated on a single 0.18- $\mu \text{m}$ BiCMOS Si chip. The isolation between the PA output and LNA input is generally better than 40 dB from 15 to 60 GHz. The DUX module has a 20.8-dB gain with a 13.5-dB minimum noise figure at 28 GHz for the entire receive path. It provides about 12-dB gain with better than an 11-dBm maximum output power across 23.5–36.2 GHz for the transmit path. Leakage of the transmit signal through Si substrate is considered and suppressed using PA with deep-n-well structure and p-type/n-type grounding guard rings. The entire module only occupies an active area of 2.1 mm2.
Informational Interviews/Interviewing for a Position

This chapter reviews the process of interviewing, which often occurs in three stages—over the phone, in person at ASTRO, and, in the final phase, an on-campus site visit. We describe the process of preparing for interviews by investigating the research background and interests of the faculty and the department. We explore the interview itself, outlining ways of connecting with future prospective employers on a human level. In addition, we explain that applicants may be expected to deliver a “job talk,” which is a succinct review of previous research work and an opportunity for demonstrating academic potential. We suggest following up interview encounters with personalized thank-you notes. Finally, we describe exceptions to the above in the era of COVID, specifically the advent of video communication.
Is There a Catholic School Effect on Kindergarteners’ Absenteeism?

Over the past decade, identifying how schools might reduce student absenteeism has moved to the forefront of education policy. Yet little research has examined whether school type itself is importa...
South Sudan’s High Level Revitalization Forum: Identifying Conditions for Success

Regional leaders have endorsed the creation of a new peace initiative in South Sudan: the High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF). The HLRF is intended to revive the stalled 2015 peace agreement. Important design questions for the format and content of the HLRF remain undecided. Which armed and civilian actors are eligible to participate is unclear, and the HLRF risks being an exclusionary initiative, which will undermine the prospects for a durable, comprehensive peace. Key features of the 2015 peace agreement are no longer political or practical realities. The agenda for the HLRF should be designed accordingly. Obsolete provisions should be amended, while maintaining the essential set of reform and transitional justice commit- ments specified in the 2015 agreement.
Enterocutaneous Fistula and Abscess Diagnosed with Point-of-care Ultrasound.

Author(s): McCuskee, Sarah; Anderson, Kenton L. | Abstract: Case Presentation: A 64-year-old female with history of umbilical hernia repair with mesh 18 years prior, cystocele, and diabetes mellitus presented with 10 days of abdominal and flank pain.n The patient was tachycardic, normotensive, afebrile, and had an erythematous, tender, protuberant abdominal wall mass. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) revealed an irregular, heterogeneous extraperitoneal fluid collection with intraperitoneal communication; these findings were consistent with an abscess and infected mesh with evidence for intraperitoneal extension.n The diagnosis of enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) with infected mesh and abdominal wall abscess was confirmed with computed tomography and the patient was admitted for antibiotics and source control.Discussion: A rare complication of hernia repair with mesh, ECF typically occurs later than more common complications including cellulitis, hernia recurrence, and bowel obstruction. In the emergency department, POCUS is commonly used to evaluate for abscess; in other settings, comprehensive ultrasound is used to evaluate for complications after hernia repair with mesh. However, to date there is no literature reporting POCUS diagnosis of ECF or mesh infection. This case suggests that distant surgery should not preclude consideration of mesh infection and ECF, and that POCUS may be useful in evaluating for these complications.
Impact of step length asymmetry on walking energetics in women with hip Osteoarthritis: A pilot study.

Abstract A step length difference between the involved and uninvolved limbs in participants with hip osteoarthritis (OA) has been reported. The implications of step length asymmetry on other aspects of walking mechanics are as yet unknown. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the consequences of step length asymmetry on motion of the center of mass (COM) and energy cost of walking. We hypothesized that (i) increased step length asymmetry is associated with decreased mechanical energy exchange; (ii) decreased mechanical energy exchange is associated with increased O2 cost; (iii) increased step length asymmetry is associated with increased oxygen O2 cost during walking in women with hip OA. We evaluated 24 women with unilateral hip OA using motion analysis as participants walked on a treadmill at self-selected speeds. Kinematic data were collected to compute step length asymmetry and mechanical energy exchange through the motion of COM. We also used a portable metabolic system to measure the energy cost of walking simultaneously. We used Pearson correlations and linear regression to test our hypotheses. We found that more asymmetric step lengths were associated with lower mechanical energy exchange (R2 = 0.231, p = 0.017). More mechanical energy exchange was associated with lower O2 cost during gait (R2 = 0.284, p = 0.009). Mechanical energy exchange predicted 54.5% of the variance in O2 cost after adjusting for self-selected walking speed. Findings suggest that modifying step length asymmetry could enhance metabolic gait efficiency indirectly by improving mechanical energy exchange in participants with hip OA.
INFORMATION TRANSFER CHARACTERISTICS OF MOVING LIGHT SIGNALS

Eight different configurations and color combinations of rotating-beam emergency vehicle lights were evaluated in terms of information conveyed about rate and direction of travel when viewed at night. The lights were viewed moving toward or away from stationary observers at rates of 0, 5, and 10 m/s at overall ranges of 300 to 450 m. Differences were found between individual lights in terms of illusions of motion, signal-to-noise ratios, and overall error scores. All-red lights conveyed more information than combinations of red and blue lenses in the same light. Twin lights were superior to single beacons, and twin models with a sequential mirror-generated flash pattern were superior to plain ones. Several of the lights created an illusion of receding motion when actually at rest. This was most severe for a side-to-side alternate flash pattern using red signals. Lights considered to be highly conspicuous were not necessarily those with the best information transfer characteristics. The cues relevant to this perceptual task appeared to be provided by changes in light intensity with distance, rather than changes in angular displacement.
Solution of Laplace’s Equation with Several Ada Tasks

In this section we present the solution of a numerical problem using several Ada tasks. The solution is designed for a multiprocessor computer system such as C.mmp [89] or Cm* [81] in which the processors have access to a shared memory.
Food System Literacy: Empowering Citizens and Consumers Beyond Farm-to-Fork Pathways

AbstractThis article examines the informational exchanges between consumers, food activists and small-scale food producers and vendors through the lenses of justice and literacy. Employing participant observations and interviews at food-related events in South Florida, the article offers two contributions to the growing research on food systems: (1) small-scale food producers, farmworkers, vendors and activists are working an additional shift as citizen educators; and (2) farmworker justice and climate change remain neglected and disconnected from food-related concerns. This article argues that consumers, producers and vendors share an interest and a passion for good-tasting, healthy food that starts a conversation. Yet together they minimize or avoid the politicized nature of climate change and the moral problem of farmworker exploitation. Furthermore, the scientifically complex subject of genetic engineering emerged as a concern and point of activism during the course of this research. Together, climate...